Christmas in Snow Valley (Snow Valley Romance Anthologies, #1) by Cindy Roland Anderson

Christmas in Snow Valley (Snow Valley Romance Anthologies, #1) Reviews

• 
  Kathy

  This was such a fun Christmas anthology! Each story takes place in the small town of Snow Valley, MT. The town really goes all out to celebrate Christmas and it was fun to see each book focus on different events that go on around the town. Each story can stand on it's own, but it was fun to see the appearances of some of the characters show up in the different books. A great way to get you in the mood for Christmas.
  
  An Unexpected Kiss by Cindy Roland Anderson
  This is the first book I've read in this series so far and it was great! If this doesn't get you in the mood for Christmas, I don't know what will. The romance was sweet, they had great chemistry and some swoony kisses! I loved the setting of Snow Valley, MT and can't wait to read the other books in the series.
  
  Feels Like Love by Jeanette Lewis
  This was a cute story about second chances. April returns to her hometown of Snow Valley with a new fiancé in tow. Scott comes from the city and has a hard time accepting farm life. April is forced to face her ex and try and find closure. I liked the story and thought it was a nice heartwarming story. A fun addition to the series. This was my first book by Ms. Lewis, I look forward to reading more from her.
  
  Full Court Devotion by Cami Checketts
  I thought Tyrese and Kazlyn had a fun relationship, I enjoyed their banter. They had fun chemistry and while their relationship moved a little fast, it was a lot fun. Cute story!
  
  The Christmas Eve Kiss by Taylor Hart
  This is a sweet story of second chances for Molly and Kevin. When Kevin tells his HS sweetheart that he wants to take some time to figure things out she packs up and moves away. She returns years later and is forced to face her past with Kevin and an old family secret. I love lost-love stories and thought this one was well done. I love the Christmas elements and that the author talks about the true meaning of Christmas. A heartwarming romance!
  
  Risking it all for Love by Kimberley Montpetit
  Jessica's life is turned upside down when her best friend is killed in a car accident. Wanting to run away from the pain and guilt she moves to New Orleans. She returns home to spend Christmas with her family and is forced to face her grief, with the help of a handsome stranger. I thought this was kind of a sad story, Jessica has spent three years greaving and not knowing how to come to terms with what happened. It's really a story about Jessica finding her self and learning to forgive herself and to live again.
  
  Blue Christmas by Lucy McConnell
  I enjoyed this one quite a bit! I liked Paisley and Clay, they had great chemistry. My favorite parts were when they were together. I thought they had a sweet romance. It was fun spending a little more time in Snow Valley. A great end to the collection.
  
  
  Content: Clean
  
  Source: Received ARC for honest review.
• 
  Katie (Hiding in the Pages)

  I absolutely loved this book! I've discovered that I enjoy books that build on each other. Each of these stories takes place in Snow Valley, Montana and deals with different characters. I loved seeing a brief glimpse of characters from one of the other books. Pastor John is a constant character in each of the stories and he's such a great man. I love the way all these characters are connected to him.
  
  Snow Valley is a place that goes all out for the month of December. Instead of having their carnival in the summer like most places, they hold it in December. From the Polar Express train ride, to the gingerbread house contest, to the carnival, and more, and all culminating at the Christmas Ball on Christmas night, the residents and visitors encounter romance and memories. I loved reading about lost loves and new loves; those who left this fun town and came back and those who have always stayed. There are so many unique circumstances that were so much fun to read about. I really did enjoy each and every one--it's so hard to choose a favorite!
  
  This is a book I will enjoy re-reading each year. The only problem with it is: I really want to go to Snow Valley and there's no such place!
  
  Content: clean kissing.
  
  *I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
• 
  Taylor Hart

  Such a fun Clean Contemporary Romance read! I love the idea of second chances---and this book is full of those! Love it!
• 
  Melanie

  I loved all of these stories! I could imagine each one of them as a Hallmark movie. There's new love, old love rekindled, people new to Snow Valley, people returning and people who can't seem to get far enough away! I love how hearts were changed and opened to allow new people in. I also love that they had one character who was in each story--Pastor John. He was more visible in some stories than in others and thought they did a great job of keeping him consistent.
  
  My absolute favorite story was the first one, An Unexpected Kiss. It had lots of humor and was a great way to start this collection. Each story had a different feel and I couldn't wait to get started on the next one to see what would happen next. Snow Valley would be a great place to visit in reality but I'll settle for visiting it over and over in this wonderful collection!
  
  I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
  
  
  Mel's Shelves
• 
  Charity Bradford

  Hallmark Movie Style Romance--In a Good Way! I think the best way to review this collection of stories is by adding my comments after each synopsis. I'll give each individual story a rating and then a rating for the collection as a whole.
  My 1-5 scale and what it means:1: I couldn’t even finish it / just plain bad2: I hope I didn’t pay for this / disappointing3: I didn’t hate it, but it was still missing something / forgettable but inoffensive3.5: On the line between good and ok / like, not love4: Solid mind candy / worth reading4.5: So very close to perfection! / must read5: I could not put it down and I’m still thinking about it! / a true treasure
   
  An Unexpected Kiss by Cindy Roland Anderson
  Lucy Phillips doesn’t want to spend her Christmas vacation dodging her ex-boyfriend, so when he turns up at the airport to give her a ride home, Lucy panics and asks a complete stranger to kiss her. Although the kiss is incredible, Lucy never expects to see the guy again. Is it bad luck or destiny when Lucy comes down with a sore throat and the new doctor in Snow Valley is none other than the guy she kissed at the airport?
   
  This was probably my favorite story out of all of them. In fact, I've already read it twice. There's just something great about surprise kisses. I laughed like crazy when Lucy is at the doctor (hiding her eyes) and says, "Some stupid guy kissed me at the airport." Then she finds Cole standing there and backtracks. "You're not the stupid guy. At least I don't think you're stupid."
   
  An Unexpected Kiss would make the perfect Hallmark movie. The perfect amount of sweetness mixed with great chemistry. I give it a 4.5
   
  Feels Like Love by Jeanette Lewis
  Christmas in Snow Valley is the perfect way for April Winston to introduce her city slicker fiancé, Scott Mecham, to life on a farm. If only Wade Hadley, hometown boy and high school sweetheart, will cooperate! But Wade has no intention of letting April go without a fight. This Christmas, Wade is determined to overcome their painful past and show April that she already has what she’s been seeking all along.
   
  Long lost love? Yep, this one is a classic love lost (or run away from) only to find that it was what she needed all along. Wade is so clearly a better choice from the first moment we meet him and Scott. He just has to make April see it. Of course, a week after reading I sort of get this couple mixed up with Molly and Kevin down below. I give it a 4.
   
  Full Court Devotionby Cami Checketts
  Kazlyn is too busy with her schooling and future plans to enjoy life, let alone fall in love with a man who has heartbreak written all over him. Tyrese Hamilton, a college basketball star and major heartthrob, is intrigued when Kazlyn doesn't pursue him or even seem interested. Ty's career is in jeopardy, and he needs a miracle and Kazlyn to save him.
   
  This was another favorite. I loved Tyrese and Kazlyn from the first moment. Both are confident and sassy characters. Tyrese never gives up hope he can get closer to Kazlyn and she's there when he needs her the most. Sweet and pulled at the emotions. I give it a 4.5.
  The Christmas Eve Kiss by Taylor Hart
  When Molly O’Hare gets a prediction that she will kiss her true love on Christmas Eve, she thinks it’s utterly ridiculous. But when she gets teamed up with Kevin Snow, aka her ex-boyfriend, to decorate a Christmas tree, things start to change. Too bad getting over the past is hard and seeing him kiss another girl is even harder. Now Molly is left with a choice—run away from home and heartbreak or let Christmas work out a miracle all of its own.
   
  Another sweet story, that a week later I can't remember much about. I do remember Kevin's sister is sick, but get the story of Wade and April mixed up with Molly and Kevin. I give it a 4.
  Update: After a second read I can say I probably relate to Molly more than any of the other girls. Maybe that's why I choose to forget? Instead of dealing with things that hurt her she ran away. Totally what I would do! She returns home because her dad has a heart attack, but that's only the first fear she has to face. Still give it a 4.
  Risking it all for Love by Award-Winning author, Kimberley Montpetit
  Succumbing to family pressure, Jessica Mason reluctantly comes home for Christmas. Ever since her high school boyfriend's death from a car accident three years earlier, Jessica and religion have not been compatible. So, when she visits Michael’s grave, she's surprised to meet the handsome James Douglas, Pastor John’s nephew, who’s studying for the ministry. James can not only dish back Jessica’s finely-tuned sarcasm but understands grief all too well, turning Jessica’s world upside down. Is she ready to take another risk on love?
   
  Jessica just breaks your heart. Three years is a long time to hold on to guilt. And James Douglas makes the church look better and better for Jessica. I give this one a 4.
  Blue Christmas by Lucy McConnell:
  As head of Snow Valley hospital's fundraising effort, Paisley Hackett barely has time to organize the craft show, cookie decorating party, and the annual Christmas Ball. What she doesn't have time for is falling in love with Clay Jett, the incredibly handsome bass player who sweeps into town. She's been burned by a tourist romance before and, with everything going on, Paisley will have to work overtime to protect her heart from Clay and his swoon-worthy ballads.
   
  My other favorite. What's not to love? A scared emo kid grows up into a handsome well adjusted man who just happens to turn Paisley to pudding. She fights it so hard and that's what makes this one so much fun. Another 4.5.
   
  I know these are very short reviews, not very in depth, but it's been a while since I read them. All of the stories were good clean romances and my three favorites had some sizzle. As the stories went on, I enjoyed catching the little clues where the couples "passed" each other by. These authors did a wonderful job keeping the town of Snow Valley consistent. Each one took a character (all had been friends growing up) and told an independent story that also touched with the others. Very well done in my opinion.
  There were several typos and spots where it looked like a sentence had been moved or changed and a random word was left behind. Some stories had more than others, but for the most part it was an enjoyable read.
   
  I give the collection as a whole a solid 4.
• 
  Alisa

  Snow Valley, Montana was named after the prominent Snow family. And they go all out to celebrate Christmas there! This is a collection of 6 short stories that take place in Snow Valley...
  
  An Unexpected Kiss by Cindy Roland Anderson - 5 stars
  Lucy Phillips' mother is determined to marry Lucy off to her high school boyfriend, Lance. It's been seven years since they broke up, but Lance still thinks he's a senior in high school and he wants Lucy to be part of that fantasy. Her mother has arranged for Lance to pick up Lucy from the airport when she comes home to visit for Christmas. In a moment of insanity, Lucy panics and asks a handsome stranger in the airport to kiss her. She was hoping to send a message to Lance, but instead she set things in motion that could turn her carefully planned world upside down! Cole Taggart has an ex-fiancee who has made him extremely cautious where women are concerned. He is buying his uncle's medical practice and moving to Snow Valley, Montana. When a beautiful stranger asks him to kiss her in the airport, he finds himself unable to forget that kiss...
  
  Feels Like Love by Jeanette Lewis - 5 stars
  April comes home to Snow Valley with her fiance, Scott - an upscale Denver city boy. Scott doesn't really fit in at the farm and he's definitely surprised to discover that April has an "ex" in Snow Valley. An "ex" who spends a lot of time with her family and seems to still like April a lot. I loved April's relationship with her family, especially her brother with cerebral palsy. I loved how both Wade and April realized that they had both made mistakes in the past, and they both needed to forgive and to be forgiven.
  
  Full Court Devotion by Cami Checketts - 4 stars
  This was a cute Christmas story about a star basketball player, Tyrese, who falls in love with a girl who literally bumps into him on campus, Kazlyn. All the girls on campus are chasing him, but he falls for the girl who won't even tell him her name at first - much less her number.
  
  The Christmas Eve Kiss by Taylor Hart - 4 stars
  Molly's career is on track until she receives a call from her mother letting her know her father has had a heart attack. She returns home to Snow Valley for a few days and has to confront the 2 reasons she left in the first place: her boyfriend, Kevin, who told her he needed more space, and the letter she found in the attic that changed everything she thought she knew about herself and her parents. With Pastor John's help she is able to forgive and receives a few Christmas miracles.
  
  Risking it All For Love by Kimberley Montpetit - 5 stars
  James and Jessica have both lost someone close to them. Jessica lost her best friend Michael 3 years ago - he was the only guy she had ever dated and she feels so guilty about the way he died. Because of that she has put her heart and soul into her dancing... and she has done it far from home and has avoided coming home for 3 years. Coming home brings back so many memories of him, and so many guilty feelings she would rather avoid. Jessica was not prepared to meet James in the cemetery, and she definitely was not prepared for the way he makes her feel. The fact that he's studying to be a pastor should be the third strike against him, but she can't seem to resist his kindness.
  
  Blue Christmas by Lucy McConnell - 5 stars
  Paisley is a planner who loves to plan events, and she does a great job at it. Clay is a talented musician and a dreamer. And Amber is Paisley's awesome sister-in-law who has great clothes, and even better advice. I loved her idea of the "yes" day for Paisley - it was fun watching Paisley leave her comfort zone. It was also fun watching her learn to trust again and realize that she didn't have to be like Clay to be happy with him.
  
  Content: All stories were very clean
  Source: Amazon.com
• 
  Jessie

  This is going down on my list of favorite Christmas books that I can reread each year. I thought all of the stories were great, but I particularly enjoyed Cindy Roland Anderson's and Cami Checkett's. I loved how the stories linked up with town events and characters in common. I loved the traditional Christmas setting, and the sweet contemporary romances.
• 
  Sandra "Jeanz"

  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!
  
• 
  Tressa (Wishful Endings)

  This was a very fun and sweet holiday collection! I definitely liked some of the stories more than the others, but overall it was a great and enjoyable read. There were some inspirational moments and I really loved how Pastor John was such a part of the town and the characters' lives in some way. The town was really cute and I loved all the Christmas traditions. I also loved that the small town feel definitely came across in each story. Here's what I thought about each one:
  
  An Unexpected Kiss by Cindy Roland Anderson
  This was probably me favorite from this collection. I loved the spontaneous first kiss between the heroine and hero and I really liked the MC's personality. I also really liked Cole. He was charming, fun, but serious when he needed to be. I loved when he would become amused with Lucy and when he would also be direct. The story also worked for me. I didn't feel it was rushed, but that these two were pushed together enough to develop a decent friendship and romance.
  
  Feels Like Love by Jeanette Lewis
  I really enjoyed this story. I really liked Wade. He was just a great guy all around. He and April definitely did have some issues though. I didn't like that April was a little untrue to her fiance, but I also knew almost immediately that Scott wasn't right for the farm girl. I liked that the story showed how someone could love two men for different reasons. Another cute story.
  
  Full Court Devotion by Cami Checketts
  This one was fun! I loved Ty and all the flirting and banter between him and Kazlyn. I also thought they both were great characters. There was some heartbreak in this one. I was reading along thinking that it was a perfect set up for something specific to happen, but that the author wouldn't do it. I should have thought more about who was writing this one and all the suspense novels she's written. So of course she went for it! Thank goodness it turned out happily.
  
  The Christmas Eve Kiss by Taylor Hart
  I pretty much loved this story until almost the end. There was a part where we finally find out what the MC, Molly, found out that made her leave home and never come back. I thought it was going to be something really, really serious. It was in its own way, but there was way too much drama and I felt like Molly reacted more like a teenager than a college-graduate and about-to-manage-her-own-retail-store kind of woman. Plus she had years upon years of something being proved to her and yet she just threw all that out? Okay, so there were other things I did really like, such as the shared memories with Wade and the very fabulous ending. :)
  
  Risking it all for Love by Kimberley Montpetit
  I loved James the first time he appears in the story. It reminded me a little of Darcy in the newest theatrical version of Pride and Prejudice walking across the landscape in the early dawn to meet Lizzy. The whole duster and dark hair, some of it swept across his brow... Yeah. You get the picture. I also loved James' teasing and dialogue with Jessica. I could see Jessica's side and how difficult and painful losing her best friend was and how she really struggled with moving on. I loved how James brought her out of that dark place and made her realize that maybe there was someone worth changing for. The change was a little quick, but this is a novella. There was definitely also some drama from Jessica. This story had these great quotes from the church's billboard out front, such as: "Church Parking Only: Violators will be Baptized." or "Prayer: Wireless Connection to God with no Roaming Fees." to name a few. I really enjoyed this one!
  
  Blue Christmas by Lucy McConnell
  This one vied for the favorite spot next to the first story, An Unexpected Kiss. I basically loved the whole thing. I loved Clay, Paisley with her fears and work ethic, Paisley's family, and how Clay and Paisley's relationship developed. There were some really sweet moments. I loved how Clay reminded Paisley that she was worth so much more than she thought she was. Yep. This one still makes me smile.
  
  I'd definitely recommend this collection to romance readers who are looking for a little Christmas cheer in some short and sweet stories. The stories were overall fun and cute and made me smile and sigh with their happily-ever-after endings.
  
  Content: There were a few mild swear words and some very mild innuendo, but otherwise clean.
  Source: From the tour host, which did not affect my review in any way.
• 
  Silvana

  Christmas atmosphere with snow indeed, romance, cherish and many great main characters will find in this anthology. Everything is perfect folded in such a great atmosphere of Christmas, when everybody rushes at their homes to see their family and be with them for holidays, also everybody rushes to buy presents and decorations and decorate their homes. It’s magical!
  In Snow Valley, a small town in Montana everything is great and magical before and for Christmas. This anthology contains six novellas with stories which are occurring in this lovely town before and for Christmas time.
  Reading this anthology I have one wish for Christmas: to go someday in Snow Valley for Christmas!
  An Unexpected Kiss by Cindy Roland Anderson
  To live and work in California is great thing, but is really awesome you could go in some snowy place for Christmas. Lucy lives and work in California. Every Christmas she goes in Snow Valley to spend a holiday with her family. She loves everything related with Christmas, except her mother when she pushing her to get married and to give her grandchildren. It’s not a big deal, but her mother is really persistent and she does really strange things, as made dates for Lucy with Lucy’s ex. That is a problem and could make Lucy to do crazy things…
  I enjoy in every single word in this book and I’m looking forward to read something else from this author. I like calm and cheer tone and descriptions of Christmas atmosphere.
  Feels Like Love by Jeanette Lewis
  
  April goes in Snow Valley, where she was born and rise with her fiancé Scott. April’s family lives on a farm. It’s not a problem for April, but Scott is a city boy and he feels uncomfortable besides goats and cows, but that is not really big deal if Wade, April’s ex boyfriend not hangs around the farm. Wade intentions are to bring April’s memories of what they had together in the past.
  In this novella I like most beginning and story till some drama had to happen. I thing that short book couldn’t had many turns. Everything other is great done.
  Full Court Devotion by Cami Checketts
  Kazlyn is student, her intentions are to finish her education and made career. Kazlyn runs into Tyrese, sport star who is always surrounded by groupies. When Tyrese saw her he was mesmerized by her beauty and he start follow her everywhere. He constantly tells her that she is so beautiful, but Kazlyn not falls for that and she knows that he is trouble. Things will change when Tyrese will go in Snow Valley before Christmas.
  I like this story especially when Tyrese tries to conquer Kazlyn’s heart. It’s sweet and worm romance.
  
  The Christmas Eve Kiss by Taylor Hart
  Molly has career and she is devoted to forget the home town, Snow Valley, especially her ex boyfriend Kevin. It seems that fate has some different plan for her and she must go back there. She should face two things Kevin and some secret that she found.
  It’s interesting and intriguing book. I enjoy till I read this novella about lost, forgiveness and finding love again.
  Risking it all for Love by Kimberley Montpetit
  Jessica is back in Snow Valley after three years. She was grieving for her boyfriend who was died in car accident and definitely she is angry to God. Visiting her boyfriend’s grave she will meet some awesome guy, Pastor John’s nephew, student for the ministry.
  Great book. Even there is a lost; I like so much how the author tells this story in some kind of light way with many humors. I enjoy very much reading about Jessica and James.
  
  Blue Christmas by Lucy McConnell (Christina Dymock)
  Paisley Hackett barely has time to organize the craft show, cookie decorating party, and the annual Christmas Ball. What she doesn’t have time for is falling in love with Clay Jett, the incredibly handsome bass player who sweeps into town. She’s been burned by a tourist romance before and, with everything going on, Paisley will have to work overtime to protect her heart from Clay and his swoon-worthy ballads.
  How sweet and good story, it’s perfect for this season, right before Christmas. I like that this novella is about someone who lives all life in Snow Valley, it’s about Paisley. Like it so much!
  
• 
  Gina Hott

  An Unexpected Kiss
  Lucy can’t believe she resorted to kissing a stranger just to avoid an ex. How desperate is that? But she’s not looking to move back to snow valley now is she interested in any man – but especially not the one her mother thinks she should be with.
  Review: Loved it. Very sweet but I thought it was a bit rushed.
  
  Author: Cindy Roland Anderson
  Grade: A
  Ages: 15+
  
  Feels Like Love
  April is so ready to get married and this first time she’s bringing someone home to her family is especially important. Scott’s everything she’s ever wanted in a husband. Everything that Wade isn’t. But Wade shouldn’t matter, right?
  Review: So sweet. I really didn’t like Scott. I really felt like I could read April’s heart and Scott, well, he couldn’t appreciate a farm girl.
  
  Author: Jeanette Lewis
  Grade: B
  Ages: 15+
  
  Full Court Devotion
  Kazlyn has put everything into her studies. The only thing that cares about is keeping her scholarship so she can join her master’s program.
  Tyrese is working his way though school on a basketball scholarship with no time for the girls that just want a piece of his popularity. He wanted a real girl and Kazzy just might be her.
  Review: Loved it! Very sweet. Not overly Christmassy Very YA.
  
  Author: Cami Checketts
  Grade: A
  Ages: 15+
  
  The Christmas Eve Kiss
  Molly left snow valley a few years ago and vowed never to return. Anyone that found she want truly wanted by her family or boyfriend. She’s still not ready to be here, but her father is in the hospital and she is nothing if not dutiful. If only she could move past the hurt and forgive.
  Review: Sweet, wonderful and So sad! Really a sweet and wonderful story that should be a new hallmark Christmas movie!
  
  Author: Taylor Hart
  Grade: A
  Ages: 15+
  
  Risking it all for Love
  Jessica is running. Running from her past. Running from her family. Running from God. Can the man who looks so much like the one she lost heal the pain and help her to accept what she’s been given?
  Review: Adorable!
  
  Author: Kimberley Montpetit
  Grade: A+
  Ages: 15+
  
  Blue Christmas
  They come. They Christmas. They leave.
  Paisley refuses to give her heart to someone just visiting Snow Valley for it’s amazing Christmas celebration even if it is someone who’s been in her heart forever.
  Review: Loved it!
  
  Author: Lucy McConnell
  Grade: A+
  Ages: 15+
  
  
  Hott Review of the complete Christmas in Snow Valley set:
  My favorite part of this set is that all of the stories are so connected. They have an underlying theme, are all very sweet, and they have connected characters and events. I think this may well be my favorite Christmas anthology to date!
  
  Source: I Am A Reader Book Blasts & Blog Tours
  Overall Grade: A
  Steam: Nada
• 
  Shauna

  What a FUN Set! Here is my review of each book~
  
  An Unexpected Kiss by Cindy Roland Anderson
  This book is the PERFECT one to start off the series! You are introduced to the town's festivities and some of the people. CUTE, CUTE story line! Love and kissing are wrapped up with the Christmas spirit of giving...which makes for a VERY FUN story!
  
  Feels Like Love by Jeanette Lewis
  This WONDERFUL series continues with April coming home to Snow Valley. Coming home to childhood memories is special and magical for most people. But April is torn. The memories and magic are there, but her fiancé isn't feeling it and she keeps getting caught up in what used to be instead of what is. ADORABLE STORY! I laughed out loud in a few spots! Such a FUN book to put you in the Christmas mood!
  
  Full Court Devotion by Cami Checketts
  I LOVE Cami Checkett's writing and this book is truly DELIGHTFUL! Coming home to Snow Valley doesn't go exactly as Kazlyn was imagining, but a special friend shows up and being with family is GREAT. Tyrese's story has twists and turns you will never see coming and sometimes he just has to believe that the LORD DOES HAVE A PLAN.
  
  The Christmas Eve Kiss by Taylor Hart
  This book includes some fun "dream interpretations," the heartbreak of love gone wrong, Christmas TRADITIONS, and the feelings of romance in the making. You will see what a FUN character Pastor John is in this CHARMING book!
  
  Risking it all for Love by Kimberley Montpetit
  I did not finish this book due to some language I choose not to read.
  
  Blue Christmas by Lucy McConnell
  A sweet ending to this AMAZING series! Paisley has found a friend from the past...but will he stay past Christmas and can her heart take if if he doesn't? There is so much FUN in reading about the different activities Snow Valley has to offer. CUTE twist to the ending! LOVED this one!
  
• 
  Emmy

  If you are looking for a fun light-hearted read to get you in the Christmas Spirit, then this box set is a great choice. These short stories written by several different authors are all independent stories that take place around the same small town. I loved as I read the stories that even though they were each stand alone, there were little characters or elements that overlapped. It makes you stop and think about how much is going on around you when you are busy living your own life.
  
  Each of these stories are a very quick read. They are all clean, faith based romance stories that revolve around a small town that has total Christmas spirit. Even though I read these in the fall, they made me excited for Christmas and even remember some childhood memories and childhood joy of Christmas.
  
  I definitely liked some of the stories better than others, but I really did enjoy every single story. Even though they were written by several different authors, it still felt very cohesive and a great fit.
  
  This is what I call a clean book, free of language, graphic imagery or sex. Definitely recommend this for anyone looking for a light fun read to get you into the Christmas spirt.
• 
  Aimee (Getting Your Read On)

  Oh, I love, love, loved this collection of novellas! I have read several anthologies in the last month and I think this was my favorite of them all.
  
  There are a couple authors that I already know and love writing in this collection and a couple I will be checking out further. I love how each book revolved around the same small town at Christmas but each book had it's own flavor. I was transported to Snow Valley and I loved every minute of it. What a fun, romantic getaway! With the holiday season fast approaching, this is the perfect collection to pull out when you need a minute to yourself. Bask in the romance and happily ever after's.
  
  The only note of content caution is some mild swearing in Risking It All for Love.
• 
  Mindy

  I read Blue Christmas by Lucy McConnell. Paisley has been burned before and when Clay comes to the tree lighting, she is immediately smitten, and tries to talk herself out of liking him. Clay left suddenly when they were younger and no one had heard from him since. Paisley didn't want to have her heart broken again from someone who wasn't staying in Snow Valley.
  
  I was instantly brought into this fun story by Lucy. Paisley was so funny! Her inner voice had me smiling and, at times, laughing out loud. Lucy had some fun and playful dialog between characters. The author does a great job of adding humor along with the romantic tension between Paisley and Clay. Very enjoyable novella with great characters and the perfect amount of romantic tension and fun.
• 
  Teya Teya

  This was a great set. I enjoyed most of it one had an extra that I didn't feel was even really needed and the last one blue christmas seemed like a young inexperienced writer. She had two names for one person. It may have been an auto correct but it happened several times. I knew it was the same person so I would skip it but it was still annoying. It needed edited as well. All in all this set for .99 was a great bargain fun, fast and mostly clean. The word sex was in it talking about the past and something else I can't remember.
• 
  CaliGirlRae

  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...
• 
  Carol

  What a great collection of Christmas stories!
• 
  Kristen

  Overall great series, there were a couple of novellas in there that I didn't enjoy as much as the others, but a fun read across the board.
  
  Moral Note: See individual book reviews for content.
• 
  Susan

  Can't get any better than love for Christmas!
• 
  Heidi

  Perfect read for a snowy December day!
• 
  Vikki Vaught

  A lovely Christmas tale with engaging characters and a heartfelt plot. Glad I found this one on Kindle Unlimited. Happy reading!
• 
  Julia Lance

  After reading this set of Christmas Novellas I want to spend every Christmas in the tiny town of Snow Valley, Montana. I would love to be in a place filled with so much Christmas Spirit. I LOVED THIS BOOK. Each novella had something different to offer and I couldn’t put the book down!This whole Christmas set is AWESOME. It is the kind of book you sit under a big soft blanket with and read with some cocoa during a snow storm. It is a clean romance with feel good stories that will leave you feeling wonderful and in the Christmas spirit! This is defiantly a book you need to own trust me, I own 2 copies already!!!!
  
  An Unexpected Kiss by Cindy Roland Anderson
  
  Sometimes I wish that I had the courage or the boldness that Lucy has. To be able to walk up to a stranger and ask for a kiss to avoid someone you aren’t happy about seeing it one thing but then have to face him again later is another. I love this story and how Lucy makes a new friend is this mystery guy from the airport and wants to show him the true meaning of Christmas. Their story is so sweet and their friendship blossoms.
  
  Feels Like Love by Jeanette Lewis
  
  April is a farm girl at heart and even though she moved away from farm life for a while she will always be a farm girl. So when she brings her city slicker fiancé home for Christmas they were both bound to get some surprises they didn’t count on. Everyone has a past love from their hometown. Most people don’t plan to rekindle what where there before so when April finds herself stuck between loving 2 different men there is bound to be drama! I loved reading along as she tried to figure out which path her heart would take.
  
  Full Court Devotion by Cami Checketts
  
  Kazlyn is too busy with school to worry about boys but when she runs into (literally) the star on the basketball team Tyrese Hamilton she doesn’t know what to think. He is even more shocked when she won’t even give him the time of day. Tyrese decides that she is a challenge he would like to take on so he kind of follows her around and wait for her outside her classes. As they start to form a friendship they both realize their might just be something else there. What at first seems like an unlikely match turns out to be a very heartwarming story where they are able to save each other! And to top it off there is basketball and romance! Two of my favorite things!
  
  The Christmas Eve Kiss by Taylor Hart
  
  Molly O'Hare can’t seem to find love and then when her roommate predicts that she will get kiss on Christmas Eve she thinks she is crazy. When she returns home for unexpectantly and comes face to face with Kevin Snow, suddenly things change. She doesn’t know if she wants to face her past and the things she has been running from and trying to forget or to embrace them and see if the love she dreamed of as a girl can come back as real as ever. I know what it is like to run from things you fear to face again something they aren’t even as you remembered. I am glad that this story worked out so well for Molly!
  
  Risking it all for Love by Award-Winning author, Kimberley Montpetit
  
  Going thru a heart break and loss of someone you love like Jessica did is unimaginable, especially so young. It would be hard to pull out of such a tragedy let alone have to face the town again and the people. Sometimes just the memories are hard enough to bare. This story had a lot of tough times as Jessica tries to work thru her issues but the story is so sweet as she tries to find happiness again. Even though she wasn’t there for friendship, romance or religion she ends up finding all 3 and even though it was a tough path she is able to both thru for the better and I loved that!
  
  Blue Christmas by Lucy McConnell:
  
  Paisley seems to have it all together and she is in charge of some many of the holiday festivities that she doesn’t have time to fall in love. Then she meets up with an old friend from the past. Clay comes to town and she remembers him a lot differently than they way he is now. The only problem is he doesn’t live in town and she has been burned by people visiting before. She doesn’t want to start another relationship with someone who is going to leave but the more she is around Clay and sees how different and yet familiar this life is she can’t help but fall in love.
• 
  Bookish Indulgenges with b00k r3vi3ws

  
  http://www.b00kr3vi3ws.in/2014/11/Chr...
  
  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.
  
• 
  JaneReads

  This is a collection of 6 novellas.
  
  1. The Unexpected Kiss - loved it. I laughed all the way through. With lines like "Hi I'm Lucy, please kiss me now" or "Some stupid guy kissed me" or "All I want for Christmas is Cole", how could I not laugh. Okay maybe those lines don't seem funny by the themselves, but trust me in the proper context they become funny. I would read this story again.
  
  2. Feels Like Love - This was just okay. Even though April and Scott didn't feel like the right fit for each other, I didn't like the way April treated Scott, she should have been more honest with him. I did like Wade, he seemed genuine, down to earth and a much better fit for April.
  
  3. Full Court Devotion - I liked both Tyrese and Kazlyn. It was sweet how Tyrese pursued Kazlyn, even though she wouldn't tell him her name. Later on it was Kazlyn who was there for him when his life seemed to be falling apart. I liked the way their relationship grew.
  
  4. The Christmas Eve Kiss - Molly left Snow Valley running from the life that seemed to have fallen apart all at once (her boyfriend told her he needed time and she discovered a secret her parents had kept from her). She reluctantly returns home when her dad ends up in the hospital, but can't escape back to her home fast enough. She ends up having to confront the feelings she has towards her ex-boyfriend and parents. With the help of Pastor John she is able to deal with the hurts and the fear. It was a sweet story of forgiveness.
  
  5. Risking It All For Love - Didn't like this one, there seemed to be stuff missing. Jessica is dealing with the guilt of her best friend, Michael, dying 3 years ago, her family and friends try to tell her that she is not responsible for his death, that she needs to forgive herself. A guy she doesn't know, James, shows interest in her, telling her the same thing as her family, because somehow he knows the whole thing with Michael and what she is feeling. They only talk a handful of times and yet all of a sudden she has forgiven herself and is ready to move on with to a relationship, willing to change her life for him.
  
  6. Blue Christmas - I enjoyed this one. Clay and Paisley were acquaintances in high school. He left town and she stayed. Now 8 years later, Clay returns and he has changed so much. The emptiness he had before has now been replaced with happiness. Paisley finds herself attracted to him now, but fights it so much as she is scared he is going to break her heart. Finally she gives in to her heart and is surprised to learn what she feared the most (him leaving) wasn't what he planned at all. I enjoyed Paisley, she was spunky and liked to have anything planned out and when she couldn't have that, she had inner battles with herself.
  
  Overall I enjoyed these books. Liked the setting of Snow Valley and how the town went all out for Christmas. My favourite two books were the first one and the last one.
• 
  KyBunnies

  Originally posted at
  Bunny's Review
  
  
  All of these stories were great but two of them stood out more for me than the others. Full Court Devotion by Cami Checketts and An Unexpected Kiss by Cindy Roland Anderson these two stories touched my heart.
  
  Full Court Devotion found a way into my heart because the characters were from two difference races. To this reader it showed that love was more important than staying in your comfortable little box.
  
  An Unexpected Love was sweet from beginning to end. Meet someone in an airplane then see your ex-boyfriend. Turn around and ask a stranger to kiss you so the ex will hopefully get the message that there is no relationship.
  
  Feels Like Love had me laughing over the city slicker. In my ‘neck of the woods’ we would take someone similar to Scott and have so much fun. This story had me laughing.
  
  The Christmas Kiss showed a lot of emotion. I wondered why Molly allowed a hurtful wound to fester so long before blowing up about the hurt. If she was so hurt why even fly home when a parent was sick. Why even stay in-touch with her parents. We as humans are suppose to forgive and forget. Forgiving is the easy part forgetting is the hardest part for any of us.
  
  Risking It All is one of those stories that will help readers who need to forgive themselves over something. Forgiving ourselves is similar to forgetting a past hurt. So many people think it is God that has not forgiven them for some past wrong but in reality it is ourselves that we have not forgiven. We forget that mistakes are just that. A mistake that we may or may not realize at the time was wrong but proceeded anyway.
  
  Blue Christmas was a sweet romance. It shows that we are so busy managing our lives that we forget to slow down and smell the roses. We think everything needs to be planned or chaos will happen. We need to remember that sometimes letting everything go is the best.
  
  I recommend this to any who love nice clean romances.
  
  The bunnies and I give this book carrots.
  
  I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. All views are my own and do not reflect those of the author, my clients or tour companies I work with. This is not a paid review. To form your own opinion please support the author and acquire your own legal copy of the book.