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caligirlrae's review
4.0
As my tv is set to the Hallmark Winter movie marathons, my candy cane cocoa and pumpkin spice creamed coffee is on hot, this is a great collection to add to the mood. I recommend this book to any clean winter romance fan in the mood for those warm comfortable nights with some great stories and wonderful authors. I'm adding each author in this collection on my list to check out more of their other works. If only I had a fireplace...
b00kr3vi3ws's review
4.0
http://www.b00kr3vi3ws.in/2014/11/ChristmasInSnowValley.html
Welcome to Snow Valley… a small town with a tight knit community that shows the world how to celebrate Christmas in style. From Polar Express to Christmas day ball to the unconventional winter carnival – Snow Valley is the place to be during Christmas.
In An Unexpected Kiss by Cindy Roland Anderson, Lucy takes a risk by kissing a complete stranger only to get her ex-boyfriend to back off. But as fate would have it, their path crossed each other again and Cole isn’t the one to give easily. I loved the fact that Lucy and Cole, along with other members of the town, help make a family’s Christmas special even though they do not know them well enough.
Feels Like Love by Jeanette Lewis tells us the Story of April, who brings her city boyfriend to her small town home. While there’s existing friction between the two, things start to fall apart when April’s ranch life is not something her fiancé can handle. Then there’s Wade… who has always loved April and has no intention of letting her slip through once again. I liked this story but wished that the author would have showed us more differences between Scott and April. It felt like he just up and left to make things convenient for Wade.
In Full Court Devotion by Cami Checketts, we meet Kazlyn and Tyrese as they meet on campus. From sassy retorts to confident proposals, this couple lights up the story with their unconventional names and a heart touching journey. I absolutely loved Tyrese for the way he handled Kazlyn’s brothers.
The Christmas Eve Kiss by Taylor Hart is the story of Molly, a girl who has great ambitions and feels that Snow Valley is not enough for them. When an unfortunate incident forces her to come back to town during Christmas, she faces the chance of heartbreak, all over again. But Christmas may work its miracle on Molly and Kevin and there may be hope for them yet.
Risking it all for Love by Kimberley Montpetit is probably my favourite story in the lot. Jessica never really got over the death of her high school boyfriend – the reason she left Snow Valley in the first place. When she is back, she visits Michael’s grave and is in for a surprise when she meets James, the pastor in training. I loved the way the author has woven in Jessica’s guilt over Michael’s death and the way she unravels the real reason behind her guilt.
In Blue Christmas by Lucy McConnell, Paisley not only has huge responsibilities of organizing the different events for Christmas, she also has to fight off her attraction towards Clay Jett. Clay Jett is just as determined to worm his way into Paisley’s heart. With her expertise in planning, Paisley helps Clay to set up his new recording studio. The chemistry and history between the two is just too strong to ignore for long.
I have never read a box set of Novellas that complement each other so well. Each story overlaps the other at some point and it was fun to pin the moments that reflect in two different novellas. I also absolutely loved the character of Pastor John who appears in almost all the stories. He plays an important role in the lives of the people of Snow Valley. I also loved the way the people of Snow Valley has been portrayed – a large family of sorts instead of a just a town full of people.
Overall this box set is filled with feel good moments and amazing romance. These are a set of clean romances that will leave you wanting for more.
Welcome to Snow Valley… a small town with a tight knit community that shows the world how to celebrate Christmas in style. From Polar Express to Christmas day ball to the unconventional winter carnival – Snow Valley is the place to be during Christmas.
In An Unexpected Kiss by Cindy Roland Anderson, Lucy takes a risk by kissing a complete stranger only to get her ex-boyfriend to back off. But as fate would have it, their path crossed each other again and Cole isn’t the one to give easily. I loved the fact that Lucy and Cole, along with other members of the town, help make a family’s Christmas special even though they do not know them well enough.
Feels Like Love by Jeanette Lewis tells us the Story of April, who brings her city boyfriend to her small town home. While there’s existing friction between the two, things start to fall apart when April’s ranch life is not something her fiancé can handle. Then there’s Wade… who has always loved April and has no intention of letting her slip through once again. I liked this story but wished that the author would have showed us more differences between Scott and April. It felt like he just up and left to make things convenient for Wade.
In Full Court Devotion by Cami Checketts, we meet Kazlyn and Tyrese as they meet on campus. From sassy retorts to confident proposals, this couple lights up the story with their unconventional names and a heart touching journey. I absolutely loved Tyrese for the way he handled Kazlyn’s brothers.
The Christmas Eve Kiss by Taylor Hart is the story of Molly, a girl who has great ambitions and feels that Snow Valley is not enough for them. When an unfortunate incident forces her to come back to town during Christmas, she faces the chance of heartbreak, all over again. But Christmas may work its miracle on Molly and Kevin and there may be hope for them yet.
Risking it all for Love by Kimberley Montpetit is probably my favourite story in the lot. Jessica never really got over the death of her high school boyfriend – the reason she left Snow Valley in the first place. When she is back, she visits Michael’s grave and is in for a surprise when she meets James, the pastor in training. I loved the way the author has woven in Jessica’s guilt over Michael’s death and the way she unravels the real reason behind her guilt.
In Blue Christmas by Lucy McConnell, Paisley not only has huge responsibilities of organizing the different events for Christmas, she also has to fight off her attraction towards Clay Jett. Clay Jett is just as determined to worm his way into Paisley’s heart. With her expertise in planning, Paisley helps Clay to set up his new recording studio. The chemistry and history between the two is just too strong to ignore for long.
I have never read a box set of Novellas that complement each other so well. Each story overlaps the other at some point and it was fun to pin the moments that reflect in two different novellas. I also absolutely loved the character of Pastor John who appears in almost all the stories. He plays an important role in the lives of the people of Snow Valley. I also loved the way the people of Snow Valley has been portrayed – a large family of sorts instead of a just a town full of people.
Overall this box set is filled with feel good moments and amazing romance. These are a set of clean romances that will leave you wanting for more.
ghumpherys's review
5.0
I loved this collection of short stories all revolving around a little town in Montana that celebrates Christmas in a big way! It was fun to see the continuity between the stories and the little glimpses of characters from the collection. I loved how the pastor played a significant part in each story. Sweet & clean -- happy to share this one with my daughters!
jeanz's review
5.0
Brilliant collection of Christmas themed novella's.
THOUGHTS ON THE ANTHOLOGY AS A WHOLE
I always promise myself every year to read more festive themed book, so when I was asked to Promote this anthology on my blog it was a perfect one to read and review too. I think the last book I read and totally loved with a "Christmassey" theme was Dash And Lily's Book Of Dare's, which I loved. I'm totally looking forward to this anthology as some of the authors are also totally new to me. I think anthologies are a great inexpensive way to try new authors. What am I expecting form this anthology? I'm not sure how to describe, that feeling when something is so perfect and gives you "the warm and fuzzy feeling" when you are reading it.
I like the cover image as to be honest it does actually suit all of the stories within. I really loved the fact that the stories were all set in the same place called Snow Valley. The characters in the stories are both new people to Snow Valley, residents returning to Snow Valley or former residents visiting their Snow Valley families at Christmas.
I also really liked that although the stories were by different authors, that some of the characters also featured in stories by other authors. This anthology is more than a collection of random stories. The stories are all set in the same place Snow Valley so it's more of a serial, than one off stories.
Did I enjoy the Anthology as a whole? I really loved this anthology.
Would I recommend the Anthology? I already have, my mum is now reading it!
Would I like to read more about the characters and Snow Valley as featured in this anthology? I'd love to read more about Snow Valley and it's residents. Maybe another celebration, like Easter, or birthdays, or maybe even weddings. I do want more about the characters too. I'm missing them already!
Would I like to read more by the authors featured? The stories within the book are all a decent novella length, so are a great taster of the individual authors writing styles.
Would I read more Anthologies? Definitely I love a good anthology. Though normally in anthologies you can end up with one or two stories within that you don't like. That really did not happen with this anthology.
Would I want to read more Christmassey themed stories? This anthology has certainly given me a Christmassey taster, so I'd like to read some more Christmas themed books, probably novella or short length so I can fit more in.
AN UNEXPECTED KISS BY CINDY ROLAND ANDERSON
I should start by saying if I had to pick my favourite novella from this anthology it would be this one. I loved the pace of the writing and style of it too. It is a brilliant romantic tale. You immediately empathise with the main female character Lucy. I thought the way all of the people in her immediate family had names beginning with "L". There's also the situation of her mother trying to re-pair her up with a guy she used to date in high school called Lance. It's quite hilarious the lengths that Lucy goes to, to avoid Lance.
Without giving any spoilers I can't really say much more, though I must add that I loved the character of Cole. I also enjoyed reading about other characters back grounds and lives that were around Lucy.
Snow Valley sounds a fantastic place, and the best ever place to spend Christmas too.
Did I enjoy this novella?Adored it and the characters within it.
Would I recommend the novella? I highly recommend this novella and this author!
Did the novella make me want to read more by this author? Yes, as soon as I get the chance I am going to be looking up more titles by Cindy.
FEELS LIKE LOVE BY JEANETTE LEWIS
When I initially began reading this novella I wasn't as keen on it's characters. I really did take an instant dislike to one of the main male characters called Scott. Though my opinion on Scott didn't improve as I read more and learnt more about the female main character of April and another male character called Wade. April begins this tale in a relationship that she thinks is great until she sees her fiance in the setting of her home town. Once immersed in the novella I ended up really enjoying it a lot. I did like the book much more when the plot came out in full flow. Again I cannot give much more information without giving away spoilers.
Did I enjoy this novella? Yes, though it took a while to get into, I ended up really enjoying it and wanting more about the main characters.
Would I recommend the novella? Yes it is a really good read.
Did the novella make me want to read more by this author? I will be checking out her other titles.
FULL COURT DEVOTION BY CAMI CHECKETTS
The main character of this novella is Kazlyn and has actually been previously mentioned in passing in one of the above two novella's, so you kind of think you know a little bit about her already. Tyrese is a well known college basket ball star, who all the girls seem to be after. So you would immediately jump to the conclusions that he is a bit of a "player". This novella doesn't begin at Snow Valley, initially we are at a college. Then there's a few "co-incidences" and the two main characters are thrown together, then an accident causes a "wobble" in their potential relationship. Will they get together and stay together?
I did enjoy this tale but didn't feel as invested in the characters as I ended up being with the other novella's.
Did I enjoy this novella? Yes I enjoyed it just perhaps not quite as much as some of the others. It felt a little rushed when Tyrese is quite literally at a breaking point within the tale, relationship, and his career.
Would I recommend the novella? Yes. I did feel like I wanted more when this one finished.
Did the novella make me want to read more by this author? I think I have a couple of books by this author on my WTR.
THE CHRISTMAS EVE KISS BY TAYLOR HART
The female main character in this novella is called Molly and she is quite literally a workaholic and is very determined to progress to running her own jewellery shop. Molly doesn't like Christmas at all, though her room-mate does. This same friend of Molly's predicts that Molly will be kissed by her true love on Christmas Eve. Another great character featured in a few of these novella's is the Pastor. Pastor John has his own ways of taking individuals into helping him and the community. He is a much loved Pastor John who seems to enjoy playing cupid. I love how he "blackmails" some of the characters into doing what he wants them too. It's all done good natured though so its not really "blackmail", you'll see when you read the novellas! Once again I really enjoyed this novella, you are really pulled into the tales and become invested in the characters quickly. Did I enjoy this novella? I really did love this one too.
Would I recommend the novella? Definitely!
Did the novella make me want to read more by this author? It did yes.
RISKING IT ALL FOR LOVE BY KIMBERLEY MONTPETIT
The main female character is called Jessica. Jessica is a rather sad, depressed woman who is still carrying the guilt around with her for a long past relationship with her childhood sweetheart Michael. Jessica and Michael had always been inseparable as children and as they grew up. Their relationship was friends before becoming boyfriend/girlfriend. To be honest the relationship was fizzling a little. They had been out and been drinking and were on their way home when the car accident happened. Michael was killed and Jessica has been mourning ever since. In fact it's at his graveside that she first meets the pastors nephew, James Douglas. At first Jessica perceives James Douglas as a nuisance and someone to be avoided. In fact she is very sarcastic with him, trying to push him away, but James just returns the sarcasm and keeps bumping into Jessica.
Did I enjoy this novella? I was really hooked in with this one and you feel Jessica's angst for the way Michael died. Jessica feels guilty that she survived.
Would I recommend the novella? Yes, it pulls at the heart strings a bit though, so have the tissues ready.
Did the novella make me want to read more by this author? It really did yes.
BLUE CHRISTMAS BY LUCY CONNELL
The main female in this novella is Paisley, she has been mentioned in one or two of the earlier novella's. Paisley's character is very busy fundraising, and organising charity events, and doesn't have time for "fun" never mind a "relationship". Paisley likes everything ordered and it's place. So when Clay Jett, friend and bandmate of Paisley's brother, returns to Snow Valley, and ends up helping out at the cookie decorating party. The cookie party turns to chaos, when Clay Jett gets involved with some rowdy teen boys and turns it into a food fight. Paisley doesn't forgive easily so Clay has a lot of work to do to put himself back in Paisley's good books. Paisley resists Clay's romantic advances as she was hurt by a visitor to Snow Valley, who cast her aside when he left the Valley, so she is wary that Clay may do the same. Clay needs help with a business plan and the "queen of planning" is Paisley, so he asks for her help. I really enjoyed this novella too, it was a final look at Snow Valley and it's residents. I had been looking forward to reading Paisley's story. It was a a brilliant novella to end on.
Did I enjoy this novella? Very much.
Would I recommend the novella? I really would.
Did the novella make me want to read more by this author? I have read a cookery book by the author of this novella under a different name. So I kind of had already. I will definitely be on the lookout for more non fiction by this author.
FINAL NOTES
So though I loved some of the novella's more than others but I did like all the novella's. My favourite of all the novella's has to be the first novella, An Unexpected Kiss by Cindy Roland Anderson, and I'd love to read more about the characters in this novella, maybe a Wedding?
I recommend this anthology of novella's to encourage you to feel cosy and Christmassey! My initial intention when reading this anthology was to just read one or two of the novella's but when I began reading the novella's I wanted to know more and read more about Snow Valley. It was quite addictive!
THOUGHTS ON THE ANTHOLOGY AS A WHOLE
I always promise myself every year to read more festive themed book, so when I was asked to Promote this anthology on my blog it was a perfect one to read and review too. I think the last book I read and totally loved with a "Christmassey" theme was Dash And Lily's Book Of Dare's, which I loved. I'm totally looking forward to this anthology as some of the authors are also totally new to me. I think anthologies are a great inexpensive way to try new authors. What am I expecting form this anthology? I'm not sure how to describe, that feeling when something is so perfect and gives you "the warm and fuzzy feeling" when you are reading it.
I like the cover image as to be honest it does actually suit all of the stories within. I really loved the fact that the stories were all set in the same place called Snow Valley. The characters in the stories are both new people to Snow Valley, residents returning to Snow Valley or former residents visiting their Snow Valley families at Christmas.
I also really liked that although the stories were by different authors, that some of the characters also featured in stories by other authors. This anthology is more than a collection of random stories. The stories are all set in the same place Snow Valley so it's more of a serial, than one off stories.
Did I enjoy the Anthology as a whole? I really loved this anthology.
Would I recommend the Anthology? I already have, my mum is now reading it!
Would I like to read more about the characters and Snow Valley as featured in this anthology? I'd love to read more about Snow Valley and it's residents. Maybe another celebration, like Easter, or birthdays, or maybe even weddings. I do want more about the characters too. I'm missing them already!
Would I like to read more by the authors featured? The stories within the book are all a decent novella length, so are a great taster of the individual authors writing styles.
Would I read more Anthologies? Definitely I love a good anthology. Though normally in anthologies you can end up with one or two stories within that you don't like. That really did not happen with this anthology.
Would I want to read more Christmassey themed stories? This anthology has certainly given me a Christmassey taster, so I'd like to read some more Christmas themed books, probably novella or short length so I can fit more in.
AN UNEXPECTED KISS BY CINDY ROLAND ANDERSON
I should start by saying if I had to pick my favourite novella from this anthology it would be this one. I loved the pace of the writing and style of it too. It is a brilliant romantic tale. You immediately empathise with the main female character Lucy. I thought the way all of the people in her immediate family had names beginning with "L". There's also the situation of her mother trying to re-pair her up with a guy she used to date in high school called Lance. It's quite hilarious the lengths that Lucy goes to, to avoid Lance.
Without giving any spoilers I can't really say much more, though I must add that I loved the character of Cole. I also enjoyed reading about other characters back grounds and lives that were around Lucy.
Snow Valley sounds a fantastic place, and the best ever place to spend Christmas too.
Did I enjoy this novella?Adored it and the characters within it.
Would I recommend the novella? I highly recommend this novella and this author!
Did the novella make me want to read more by this author? Yes, as soon as I get the chance I am going to be looking up more titles by Cindy.
FEELS LIKE LOVE BY JEANETTE LEWIS
When I initially began reading this novella I wasn't as keen on it's characters. I really did take an instant dislike to one of the main male characters called Scott. Though my opinion on Scott didn't improve as I read more and learnt more about the female main character of April and another male character called Wade. April begins this tale in a relationship that she thinks is great until she sees her fiance in the setting of her home town. Once immersed in the novella I ended up really enjoying it a lot. I did like the book much more when the plot came out in full flow. Again I cannot give much more information without giving away spoilers.
Did I enjoy this novella? Yes, though it took a while to get into, I ended up really enjoying it and wanting more about the main characters.
Would I recommend the novella? Yes it is a really good read.
Did the novella make me want to read more by this author? I will be checking out her other titles.
FULL COURT DEVOTION BY CAMI CHECKETTS
The main character of this novella is Kazlyn and has actually been previously mentioned in passing in one of the above two novella's, so you kind of think you know a little bit about her already. Tyrese is a well known college basket ball star, who all the girls seem to be after. So you would immediately jump to the conclusions that he is a bit of a "player". This novella doesn't begin at Snow Valley, initially we are at a college. Then there's a few "co-incidences" and the two main characters are thrown together, then an accident causes a "wobble" in their potential relationship. Will they get together and stay together?
I did enjoy this tale but didn't feel as invested in the characters as I ended up being with the other novella's.
Did I enjoy this novella? Yes I enjoyed it just perhaps not quite as much as some of the others. It felt a little rushed when Tyrese is quite literally at a breaking point within the tale, relationship, and his career.
Would I recommend the novella? Yes. I did feel like I wanted more when this one finished.
Did the novella make me want to read more by this author? I think I have a couple of books by this author on my WTR.
THE CHRISTMAS EVE KISS BY TAYLOR HART
The female main character in this novella is called Molly and she is quite literally a workaholic and is very determined to progress to running her own jewellery shop. Molly doesn't like Christmas at all, though her room-mate does. This same friend of Molly's predicts that Molly will be kissed by her true love on Christmas Eve. Another great character featured in a few of these novella's is the Pastor. Pastor John has his own ways of taking individuals into helping him and the community. He is a much loved Pastor John who seems to enjoy playing cupid. I love how he "blackmails" some of the characters into doing what he wants them too. It's all done good natured though so its not really "blackmail", you'll see when you read the novellas! Once again I really enjoyed this novella, you are really pulled into the tales and become invested in the characters quickly. Did I enjoy this novella? I really did love this one too.
Would I recommend the novella? Definitely!
Did the novella make me want to read more by this author? It did yes.
RISKING IT ALL FOR LOVE BY KIMBERLEY MONTPETIT
The main female character is called Jessica. Jessica is a rather sad, depressed woman who is still carrying the guilt around with her for a long past relationship with her childhood sweetheart Michael. Jessica and Michael had always been inseparable as children and as they grew up. Their relationship was friends before becoming boyfriend/girlfriend. To be honest the relationship was fizzling a little. They had been out and been drinking and were on their way home when the car accident happened. Michael was killed and Jessica has been mourning ever since. In fact it's at his graveside that she first meets the pastors nephew, James Douglas. At first Jessica perceives James Douglas as a nuisance and someone to be avoided. In fact she is very sarcastic with him, trying to push him away, but James just returns the sarcasm and keeps bumping into Jessica.
Did I enjoy this novella? I was really hooked in with this one and you feel Jessica's angst for the way Michael died. Jessica feels guilty that she survived.
Would I recommend the novella? Yes, it pulls at the heart strings a bit though, so have the tissues ready.
Did the novella make me want to read more by this author? It really did yes.
BLUE CHRISTMAS BY LUCY CONNELL
The main female in this novella is Paisley, she has been mentioned in one or two of the earlier novella's. Paisley's character is very busy fundraising, and organising charity events, and doesn't have time for "fun" never mind a "relationship". Paisley likes everything ordered and it's place. So when Clay Jett, friend and bandmate of Paisley's brother, returns to Snow Valley, and ends up helping out at the cookie decorating party. The cookie party turns to chaos, when Clay Jett gets involved with some rowdy teen boys and turns it into a food fight. Paisley doesn't forgive easily so Clay has a lot of work to do to put himself back in Paisley's good books. Paisley resists Clay's romantic advances as she was hurt by a visitor to Snow Valley, who cast her aside when he left the Valley, so she is wary that Clay may do the same. Clay needs help with a business plan and the "queen of planning" is Paisley, so he asks for her help. I really enjoyed this novella too, it was a final look at Snow Valley and it's residents. I had been looking forward to reading Paisley's story. It was a a brilliant novella to end on.
Did I enjoy this novella? Very much.
Would I recommend the novella? I really would.
Did the novella make me want to read more by this author? I have read a cookery book by the author of this novella under a different name. So I kind of had already. I will definitely be on the lookout for more non fiction by this author.
FINAL NOTES
So though I loved some of the novella's more than others but I did like all the novella's. My favourite of all the novella's has to be the first novella, An Unexpected Kiss by Cindy Roland Anderson, and I'd love to read more about the characters in this novella, maybe a Wedding?
I recommend this anthology of novella's to encourage you to feel cosy and Christmassey! My initial intention when reading this anthology was to just read one or two of the novella's but when I began reading the novella's I wanted to know more and read more about Snow Valley. It was quite addictive!
rachearl's review
3.0
The first stories were pretty good but the last few were super cheesy and not very well written.
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