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Catching Snowflakes: Local Hero / A Will and a Way
A Will and A Way
Pandora McVie's life is tied up in knots. In order to respect her uncle Jolley's last wishes, she's stuck spending Christmas isolated in the Catskills with Michael Donahue, the cobeneficiary of her uncle's will. Jolley was a matchmaker to the end--and apparently for some time beyond. The infuriating Michael is hard to live with...but what's harder still is not falling in love with her nemesis.
Local Hero
After moving into a new Manhattan apartment and struggling to raise her son on her own, Hester Wallace doesn't have time for the holidays, let alone a romance. So when her neighbor Mitch Dempsey offers to watch her son, Radley, in the afternoons, she cautiously accepts. Yet the more time she spends with Mitch, the more difficult it becomes to deny the attraction. She's starting to rely on Mitch...and worse, she's letting him into her heart.
Pandora McVie's life is tied up in knots. In order to respect her uncle Jolley's last wishes, she's stuck spending Christmas isolated in the Catskills with Michael Donahue, the cobeneficiary of her uncle's will. Jolley was a matchmaker to the end--and apparently for some time beyond. The infuriating Michael is hard to live with...but what's harder still is not falling in love with her nemesis.
Local Hero
After moving into a new Manhattan apartment and struggling to raise her son on her own, Hester Wallace doesn't have time for the holidays, let alone a romance. So when her neighbor Mitch Dempsey offers to watch her son, Radley, in the afternoons, she cautiously accepts. Yet the more time she spends with Mitch, the more difficult it becomes to deny the attraction. She's starting to rely on Mitch...and worse, she's letting him into her heart.
512 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
36 people are currently reading
866 people want to read
About the author
Nora Roberts
1,342 books58.8k followersNora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
December 14, 2020
Catching snowflakes contains two stories by Nora Roberts- local hero, and, a will and a way.
Local hero follows the story of Hester and Mitch. Hester is a single mother who has just moved into the same apartment block. Mitch tries to pursue Hester who is reluctant to get involved romantically because of her past.
I loved Local Hero, it is a storyline that I think will stay with me for a long time. It felt so simple but so enticing. I didn’t want to put it down, and I found myself thinking of the characters when I was trying to do other daily activities. I loved the characters and plot, and the ending pulled at my heartstrings. This really got me in the festive mood!
A will and a way follows Michael and Pandora, who are forced to live together for 6 months after the death of Pandora’s uncle. His will stipulates that to get their inheritance they must put up with each other, in the hope they will fall in love.
For me, this was the weaker of the two books. At times I found myself loosing focus and having to re-read the sentence. I liked the storyline, and it was an enjoyable book. It was just missing the ‘wow’ factor for me. That being said, it felt more Christmassy than Local Hero, which I did enjoy a lot!
I would definitely recommend this books to anyone that loves lighthearted romance (although A will and a way involves some thriller bits too). I love curling up to lighthearted Christmas romances in December, and this really fit the bill for me!
Local hero follows the story of Hester and Mitch. Hester is a single mother who has just moved into the same apartment block. Mitch tries to pursue Hester who is reluctant to get involved romantically because of her past.
I loved Local Hero, it is a storyline that I think will stay with me for a long time. It felt so simple but so enticing. I didn’t want to put it down, and I found myself thinking of the characters when I was trying to do other daily activities. I loved the characters and plot, and the ending pulled at my heartstrings. This really got me in the festive mood!
A will and a way follows Michael and Pandora, who are forced to live together for 6 months after the death of Pandora’s uncle. His will stipulates that to get their inheritance they must put up with each other, in the hope they will fall in love.
For me, this was the weaker of the two books. At times I found myself loosing focus and having to re-read the sentence. I liked the storyline, and it was an enjoyable book. It was just missing the ‘wow’ factor for me. That being said, it felt more Christmassy than Local Hero, which I did enjoy a lot!
I would definitely recommend this books to anyone that loves lighthearted romance (although A will and a way involves some thriller bits too). I love curling up to lighthearted Christmas romances in December, and this really fit the bill for me!
December 10, 2021
Heerlijk boek! In 'Winterhemel' gaat het over Pandora en Michael, verre neef en nicht, die na de dood van hun (oud)oom Jolley zes maanden samen in zijn landhuis moeten verblijven, en als hun dat lukt, erven ze zijn imperium, en valt de rest van de familie uit de boot. Dit is echter gemakkelijker gezegd dan gedaan, want Michael en Pandora kibbelen de hele tijd, en rust is ver te zoeken als ze samen zijn. Toch gaan ze de uitdaging aan, uit liefde voor oom Jolley, en ook omdat ze allebei van het huis (Jolley's Folley) houden, en niet willen dat het verkocht wordt om zo verdeeld te worden onder de familie.
Zelfs al komen ze langzaam nader tot elkaar, ze komen de winter niet door zonder verontrustende gebeurtenissen, het lijkt wel alsof er iemand is die absoluut niet wil dat ze in hun opdracht slagen. Romantisch en spannend!
Het tweede verhaal, 'Een droom voor drie', vertelt de belevenissen van Hester Wallace en haar zoontje Radley, en hun bovenbuurman Mitch Dempsey.
Mitch is een striptekenaar, en zijn hevigste fan is Radley. Die is dan ook bijzonder in zijn nopjes als hij ontdekt dat Mitch in hetzelfde appartementsgebouw woont, en het maakt de recente verhuizing voor de jongen wat makkelijker. Mitch is gecharmeerd door de knul, maar meer nog door diens moeder....
Heerlijk romantisch verhaal dat bijna in één ruk heb uitgelezen.
Zelfs al komen ze langzaam nader tot elkaar, ze komen de winter niet door zonder verontrustende gebeurtenissen, het lijkt wel alsof er iemand is die absoluut niet wil dat ze in hun opdracht slagen. Romantisch en spannend!
Het tweede verhaal, 'Een droom voor drie', vertelt de belevenissen van Hester Wallace en haar zoontje Radley, en hun bovenbuurman Mitch Dempsey.
Mitch is een striptekenaar, en zijn hevigste fan is Radley. Die is dan ook bijzonder in zijn nopjes als hij ontdekt dat Mitch in hetzelfde appartementsgebouw woont, en het maakt de recente verhuizing voor de jongen wat makkelijker. Mitch is gecharmeerd door de knul, maar meer nog door diens moeder....
Heerlijk romantisch verhaal dat bijna in één ruk heb uitgelezen.
November 17, 2017
This book contains two favorite stories about finding romance over the holidays!!!!!! Really enjoyed reading these stories. These are two inspirational stories and I hated to stop reading each one I just wanted the stories to never end!!!!! A truly great read!!!!!
January 12, 2020
2 weeks to read the first book of 2020(even though I started it in December)?
Not the best sign, or start to my reading year.
The first story in this 2 story collection dragged on quite a bit for me. It centers around 2 cousins, (I think by marriage only, at least I certainly hope so) and the quirky request of their late uncle, that they live in his home together, for 6 months. If they do so, they inherit a few hundred million dollars. At the start of the story, we're introduced to a ragtag of other minor character family members, who instead of getting the millions. get only small pecularities that the uncle leaves to them based on their personalities. The beginning is very cluttered, and boring.
Michael and Pandora's relationship is gaurded at first, and then as things start happening, (odd events by family members is all I'll say without spoiling it) they trust each other and grow close.
Honestly, I'm not sure if it's the fact that they kept referring to each other as cousins, or what it was, but I found myself very put off by the idea of Michael and Pandora's relationship all together. Their chemistry felt fake, forced, and I wasn['t rooting for them at all. It took me the entire 2 weeks to drag through this story alone. I considered DNF'ing at one point, but didn't want to give up on the first book of the new year.
The first story reminds me of a clumsy, jumbled game of Clue, and just ends too easily for me.
Fortunately, I enjoyed Local Hero much better. This one centers on Hester, and her son Radley. Hester''s a single parent, who works in a bank to provide for her son. As they're moving into their apartment, their pizza gets misdelivered to a neighbor 2 floors down, Mitch. Who happens to be the creator of a comic series that Radley loves.
I enjoyed this story so much more, and powered through it in a couple of hours.
The dynamic between Mitch and Radley felt genuine, and sweet. The chemistry between Hester and Mitch builds at an even pace. The suddenness of Mitch's feelings of love is a bit much in terms of he and Hester, but I understand the necessity to move the story along.
I wasn't a huge fan of the name combinations in either story though. Hester's fits her personality well, but it's an odd contrast to Radley, and Mitch just felt boring.
Pandora is an interesting name, but Michael is just plain in contrast with it.
I'm disappointed that this took me so long to finish, but very glad to have enjoyed the 2nd story so much more.
Not the best sign, or start to my reading year.
The first story in this 2 story collection dragged on quite a bit for me. It centers around 2 cousins, (I think by marriage only, at least I certainly hope so) and the quirky request of their late uncle, that they live in his home together, for 6 months. If they do so, they inherit a few hundred million dollars. At the start of the story, we're introduced to a ragtag of other minor character family members, who instead of getting the millions. get only small pecularities that the uncle leaves to them based on their personalities. The beginning is very cluttered, and boring.
Michael and Pandora's relationship is gaurded at first, and then as things start happening, (odd events by family members is all I'll say without spoiling it) they trust each other and grow close.
Honestly, I'm not sure if it's the fact that they kept referring to each other as cousins, or what it was, but I found myself very put off by the idea of Michael and Pandora's relationship all together. Their chemistry felt fake, forced, and I wasn['t rooting for them at all. It took me the entire 2 weeks to drag through this story alone. I considered DNF'ing at one point, but didn't want to give up on the first book of the new year.
The first story reminds me of a clumsy, jumbled game of Clue, and just ends too easily for me.
Fortunately, I enjoyed Local Hero much better. This one centers on Hester, and her son Radley. Hester''s a single parent, who works in a bank to provide for her son. As they're moving into their apartment, their pizza gets misdelivered to a neighbor 2 floors down, Mitch. Who happens to be the creator of a comic series that Radley loves.
I enjoyed this story so much more, and powered through it in a couple of hours.
The dynamic between Mitch and Radley felt genuine, and sweet. The chemistry between Hester and Mitch builds at an even pace. The suddenness of Mitch's feelings of love is a bit much in terms of he and Hester, but I understand the necessity to move the story along.
I wasn't a huge fan of the name combinations in either story though. Hester's fits her personality well, but it's an odd contrast to Radley, and Mitch just felt boring.
Pandora is an interesting name, but Michael is just plain in contrast with it.
I'm disappointed that this took me so long to finish, but very glad to have enjoyed the 2nd story so much more.
March 9, 2014
2 books for the price of one. I liked both but especially 'A Will and a Way' that turned out to be more of a murder mystery and thriller than a romance. 2 cousins who have always hated each other find themselves thrown together in order to inherit their uncle's fortune. They don't really want the money, but their scorned relatives do. I skimmed over the erotic parts to get to the action - but that's just me. No spoilers, but you'll have to read to find out what these two really want.
March 16, 2021
I thought both stories lacked originality and I couldn't warm to any of the characters - both males were pushy and thoughtless, both females too righteous and stubborn. The first story line moved way too fast. The second introduced an interesting development - that the crimes were all taken from the male protagonist's show - but this wasn't developed further and then dropped. Plus they kept referring to each other as cousins which I found uncomfortable and unnecessary as they weren't blood relatives. If I met someone of the same relation, I would just call them by their given name. None of the characters seemed to have lives outside of the story line, didn't talk about family members, or any friends, or pasts. They all seemed lonely, except that wasn't the point of the story or mentioned at all. Nothing intrigued me and made me want to read on, hence the length of time taken for me to finish reading.
Overall, would not recommend.
Overall, would not recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2019
When I saw the cover of this book I really thought I was going to enjoy it and then I read the info on the back and it sounded like a good read, sadly Nora Robert’s book Has left me dissatisfied.
Local hero I think was the worst of the two, there was no emotion from any of the characters and it just felt a very slow boring read. I then went on to read the next part of the story I will and away and it was better, but still I feel that it needed the characters to be more emotive.
I do like Michael and Pandora, I think these two characters are the one thing that kept me reading these books. I like the mystery part of the second book but it still needed a bit more suspense add into it for me to be really impressed.
Local hero I think was the worst of the two, there was no emotion from any of the characters and it just felt a very slow boring read. I then went on to read the next part of the story I will and away and it was better, but still I feel that it needed the characters to be more emotive.
I do like Michael and Pandora, I think these two characters are the one thing that kept me reading these books. I like the mystery part of the second book but it still needed a bit more suspense add into it for me to be really impressed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2018
2 books in one !
February 3, 2018
Two books in one. Fun and easy read
October 3, 2013
This is a re-release of two earlier works by Nora Roberts (from 1986). Two full length novels in one book. They are both indicative of why she has become such a well-known and popular author.
Roberts has the gift of gab and knows how to tug the heartstrings like a violin maestro.
Local Hero
This story just made me want to cuddle up in front of a log fire with hot chocolate and some scrumptious cookies to go with the feel-good vibe.
I like the fact the characters have bagage and aren't picture perfect individuals who sail through life with the greatest of ease. Divorce, broken homes and broken families do exist and it does take a long time for the hurt to heal. The wounds a person and their children carry with them often harden them towards any new individuals that come into their life. This story is about breaking down those walls.
I was slightly surprised at the ease with which Hester let her son attach himself to a complete stranger and yet reared with reluctance at the thought of doing so herself with the exact same person. Then again the story was written in the 80s in a time when not every stranger was considered a danger.
A Will and a Way
What is better than a little old russian matchmaker? A well meaning quirky dead uncle matchmaker of course. Who better than to scheme and devise a way to ensure the two people he loved the most end up as a couple. Just a few problems with the execution though. First of all they don't really like each other and secondly the gazillions of cash they just inherited has painted a big fat bullseye on their backs.
Overall I would recommend this book to readers who are looking for something that may bring a smile to their face and a spurt of warmth to their heart.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of the publisher.
Roberts has the gift of gab and knows how to tug the heartstrings like a violin maestro.
Local Hero
This story just made me want to cuddle up in front of a log fire with hot chocolate and some scrumptious cookies to go with the feel-good vibe.
I like the fact the characters have bagage and aren't picture perfect individuals who sail through life with the greatest of ease. Divorce, broken homes and broken families do exist and it does take a long time for the hurt to heal. The wounds a person and their children carry with them often harden them towards any new individuals that come into their life. This story is about breaking down those walls.
I was slightly surprised at the ease with which Hester let her son attach himself to a complete stranger and yet reared with reluctance at the thought of doing so herself with the exact same person. Then again the story was written in the 80s in a time when not every stranger was considered a danger.
A Will and a Way
What is better than a little old russian matchmaker? A well meaning quirky dead uncle matchmaker of course. Who better than to scheme and devise a way to ensure the two people he loved the most end up as a couple. Just a few problems with the execution though. First of all they don't really like each other and secondly the gazillions of cash they just inherited has painted a big fat bullseye on their backs.
Overall I would recommend this book to readers who are looking for something that may bring a smile to their face and a spurt of warmth to their heart.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of the publisher.
December 17, 2018
Both stories were 4 stars for me.
A will and a way
I don't always get the love stories that centre around two people who hate each other until they fall in love. I liked how they were brought together in this though. Forced to work together to try and find out who was trying to screw with them. It ended up being quite sweet at the end.
Local Hero
I definitely loved Mitch. He had such character. I'll admit, I like the stories where the man has to prove himself to the woman, but Hester needed just a little more personality. A good part of the story was how she lost herself to be the best single mom she could, so it was forgivable, she was just a bit grey when Mitch and Radley were so colourful.
A will and a way
I don't always get the love stories that centre around two people who hate each other until they fall in love. I liked how they were brought together in this though. Forced to work together to try and find out who was trying to screw with them. It ended up being quite sweet at the end.
Local Hero
I definitely loved Mitch. He had such character. I'll admit, I like the stories where the man has to prove himself to the woman, but Hester needed just a little more personality. A good part of the story was how she lost herself to be the best single mom she could, so it was forgivable, she was just a bit grey when Mitch and Radley were so colourful.
May 19, 2025
Great book but I kept wanting the cousins piece explained. Cousins??!! Eek 😬
October 18, 2019
Book 1- Hester and her son Radley move to a new apartment, Neighbour Mitch takes an instant liking to them both he ofers to mind Radley while shes at work.
Hester has a brick wall of emotions where men are concerned, Radleys dad left when he was small and hasnt even been in touch, so she just wants it to be her and Radley to keep them both safe and away from any heartache.
Slowly Mitch starts breaking down her brick wall, and she falls in love with him, but theres still something holding her back.
Book 2- Pandora and Michaels uncle Jolly has passed away, at the will reading the rest of the family get next to nothing, but Pandora and Michael will get everything if they manage to live together for 6 months, with no more than 2 nights away from Jollys Folly. 1 problem, they hate each other,
As they start their 6 months together things start happening that put them both in danger.
Someone in the family is out to get them to leave so they will get the money instead, but which family member would be so cruel? this just brings them closer together while they try to find out who the culprit is.
A quick re-read for me, i love all Noras christmas books, some funny some serious always enjoyable.
Hester has a brick wall of emotions where men are concerned, Radleys dad left when he was small and hasnt even been in touch, so she just wants it to be her and Radley to keep them both safe and away from any heartache.
Slowly Mitch starts breaking down her brick wall, and she falls in love with him, but theres still something holding her back.
Book 2- Pandora and Michaels uncle Jolly has passed away, at the will reading the rest of the family get next to nothing, but Pandora and Michael will get everything if they manage to live together for 6 months, with no more than 2 nights away from Jollys Folly. 1 problem, they hate each other,
As they start their 6 months together things start happening that put them both in danger.
Someone in the family is out to get them to leave so they will get the money instead, but which family member would be so cruel? this just brings them closer together while they try to find out who the culprit is.
A quick re-read for me, i love all Noras christmas books, some funny some serious always enjoyable.
January 17, 2018
Two stories in one book.
A Will And A Way is about an uncle who is playing matchmaker in his will by forcing his niece and a nephew by marriage to live together for 6 months before they can claim their inheritance. These two grew up constantly pushing each others buttons and now they have to try to live together while someone is trying to push them out of the house.
Local Hero is about a mother and son who move into an apartment and her neighbor is trying to push her into a relationship. She only cares about her son and keeps men out of her life. The neighbor helps with her son and the more time she spends with him the harder he is to resist.
A Will And A Way is about an uncle who is playing matchmaker in his will by forcing his niece and a nephew by marriage to live together for 6 months before they can claim their inheritance. These two grew up constantly pushing each others buttons and now they have to try to live together while someone is trying to push them out of the house.
Local Hero is about a mother and son who move into an apartment and her neighbor is trying to push her into a relationship. She only cares about her son and keeps men out of her life. The neighbor helps with her son and the more time she spends with him the harder he is to resist.
January 28, 2018
I would have given this book a 3.5. A Will and a Way was unique with the mix of mystery and romance. I also enjoyed the unique careers of the protagonists; however, as a reader it was hard to look past the fact the lovers were cousins. The second story, Local Hero, was much more captivating of a story. With the little boy’s innocence and his mother’s will to protect her son, this story grabbed at reader’s hearts, rooting for Mitch and Hester’s relationship.
December 29, 2017
Sorry , this author is not for me. I had tried reading one of her books years ago and had hoped that the writing had changed. Become more original, with better character development and narration,.... but it’s the same dribble. I was mildly entertained in the story the first was too tiresome and I later found out it was a reboot from the 80s. Moving on .
January 21, 2018
Two great novels to pull at your heart strings. It’s always good to see the characters pull through things that are holding them back and persevere. It’s great to know they actually get a “perfect” ending sometimes. I hate to see a good story end. Nora Roberts is a great author and I look forward to many more of her books!
January 1, 2018
Two books in one. Reprints. They were okay. That is probably the kiss of death for a book. I was expecting a new, larger work. I had not read them as singles. Thet were just something to read and no thought required.
December 26, 2017
Both of the books within this one were captivating and a nice holiday read. Felt kinda unfinished when I was done I wanted to keep reading them. Wish they were a bit longer but overall I loved them both.
December 3, 2018
Two great stories in one book. A Will and A Way, great story as usual. Local Hero, another great story by a great Author. Love reading books done by Nora Roberts. This was not an Audiobook. This was a hard cover book but it didn't come up on the list that way.
December 18, 2018
Sadly, I just didn’t care for this story, also known as A Will and a Way. It was cheesy, silly, and predictable, and the main character was chauvinistic and entitled. It seems clear that this was from Nora Roberts earlier days of writing and just didn’t cut it for me.
December 28, 2018
I rounded up on the rating. It's really a 3 1/2, but even when she was writing series romances, Nora Roberts was always ahead of the curve. These books require cliches and she works well within them to come up with strong heroines and heroes.
December 2, 2017
Really enjoyed the two stories in this Christmas book. Heart warming tales for the season.
December 20, 2017
I loved this book!! Both stories we're great,Had strong Characters in each!!
January 2, 2018
Exactly what you’d expect.....romance, intrigue, and a happy ending.
January 30, 2018
3.5 Two very nice stories that have been reprinted. Not my favorite Nora Roberts but nice, light reads.
February 20, 2018
Loved both stories!
February 26, 2018
Two Nora Robert stories in one? What's not to like?
But I did like the second story better than the first :)
But I did like the second story better than the first :)
January 2, 2019
Two books in one and great fluff for when you are doing colonoscopy prep and recovery and everything is les mis. But why is the second one called Local Hero?????
March 18, 2018
Very good book that I enjoyed very much.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews