Tiffany Aching put one foot wrong, made one little mistake . . .

And now the spirit of winter is in love with her. He gives her roses and icebergs, says it with avalanches and showers her with snowflakes - which is tough when you''re 13, but also just a little bit . . . cool.

And just because the Wintersmith wants to marry you is no excuse for neglecting your chores. So Tiffany must look after Miss Treason, who''s 113 and has far too many eyes, learn the secret of Boffo, catch Horace the cheese, stop the gods from seeing her in the bath -

''Crivens!''

Oh, yes, and be helped by the Nac Mac Feegles - whether she wants it or not.

But if Tiffany doesn''t work it all out, there will never be another springtime . . .