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Shelter Springs #3
Snow Kissed
'Tis the season for a little white lie...
Christmas has always been single mom Holly Goodwin Moore's favorite time of year. The twinkly lights on the tree, the cookies in the oven, the snow on the ground. But she's just not feeling it this year. The wedding in her ex's family is almost here, her daughter, Lydia, is bursting at the seams to be a flower girl...and Holly couldn't be dreading it more. She told a little white lie about having a new boyfriend as her plus-one, hoping to save face. She needs a date for the wedding...and she needs it now.
Ryan Caldwell wants to be free this holiday season. So even he isn't sure how he landed in Shelter Springs, looking after his niece, Audrey, with his estranged father down the road. But when he meets Holly, she makes him want to belong for the very first time. So they make a deal: he'll be her date if she'll help him give Audrey a true Christmas to remember while her mom is away.
Christmas has always been single mom Holly Goodwin Moore's favorite time of year. The twinkly lights on the tree, the cookies in the oven, the snow on the ground. But she's just not feeling it this year. The wedding in her ex's family is almost here, her daughter, Lydia, is bursting at the seams to be a flower girl...and Holly couldn't be dreading it more. She told a little white lie about having a new boyfriend as her plus-one, hoping to save face. She needs a date for the wedding...and she needs it now.
Ryan Caldwell wants to be free this holiday season. So even he isn't sure how he landed in Shelter Springs, looking after his niece, Audrey, with his estranged father down the road. But when he meets Holly, she makes him want to belong for the very first time. So they make a deal: he'll be her date if she'll help him give Audrey a true Christmas to remember while her mom is away.
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 7, 2025
440 people are currently reading
16334 people want to read
About the author
RaeAnne Thayne
311 books3,831 followersI'm not one of those people who knew from birth she was destined to become a writer. I always loved to read and throughout my childhood I could usually be found with a book in my hands. To the disgust of my friends, I even enjoyed creative writing assignments that made them all groan. But I had other dreams besides writing. I wanted to be an actress or a teacher or a lawyer.
Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.
After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.
Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.
I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.
I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.
Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.
I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com
Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.
After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.
Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.
I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.
I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.
Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.
I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 464 reviews
September 15, 2025
So enjoyable!! Perfect mix of romance, character development, and small town charm! RaeAnne did good for us this Christmas season! 👌🏻
Audio narration wasn’t my fav. Stick with physical/kindle!
Audio narration wasn’t my fav. Stick with physical/kindle!
November 10, 2025
"Tis the season for a little white lie..."
Christmas won't be the same for Holly Moore this year. Holly is a single mom with a daughter with special needs who is the light of her life. She agrees to let Lydia be flower girl for her ex-sister-in-law's wedding. Everyone feels she needs a date to the wedding so she isn't humiliated when her remarried ex-husband comes to town.
Her best friend Kris has to go to rehab so her brother Ryan Caldwell comes to town to care for her daughter Audrey who takes care of Lydia a lot after school at Holly's flower shop. Ryan turns everyone's head - especially the ladies. Add a meddling twin sister Hannah and Ryan agrees to be Holly's date to the wedding.
Highly recommend for those who love fake dating, character development, stories about family, forgiveness, healing, and second chances with the magic of Christmas mixed in.
Many thanks to NetGalley, HTP Books - Canary Street Press, UpLit Reads, and RaeAnne Thayne for the gifted copy and advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.
Christmas won't be the same for Holly Moore this year. Holly is a single mom with a daughter with special needs who is the light of her life. She agrees to let Lydia be flower girl for her ex-sister-in-law's wedding. Everyone feels she needs a date to the wedding so she isn't humiliated when her remarried ex-husband comes to town.
Her best friend Kris has to go to rehab so her brother Ryan Caldwell comes to town to care for her daughter Audrey who takes care of Lydia a lot after school at Holly's flower shop. Ryan turns everyone's head - especially the ladies. Add a meddling twin sister Hannah and Ryan agrees to be Holly's date to the wedding.
Highly recommend for those who love fake dating, character development, stories about family, forgiveness, healing, and second chances with the magic of Christmas mixed in.
Many thanks to NetGalley, HTP Books - Canary Street Press, UpLit Reads, and RaeAnne Thayne for the gifted copy and advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 6, 2025
4.5 stars. In “Snow Kissed” a temporary arrangement gets complicated after real feelings of the heart bloom into more. The chemistry between this couple was everything - loved their story! What a charming little gem! ❥ Do recommend.🎧 Pub. 10/7/25
Thanks to Harlequin Audio for the ALC. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to Harlequin Audio for the ALC. All opinions are my own.
November 29, 2025
3.75 Stars
Snow Kissed is a cute, cozy Christmas romance with one of my favorite tropes: fake dating that we all know is going to lead to real feelings. There were so many parts of this story that I genuinely adored, especially the way everyone treated Lydia, a 5-year-old with Down syndrome. The support, encouragement, and love surrounding her were so heartwarming, and that representation truly meant everything.
I know this book wasn’t meant to have any spice, but I always enjoy a little sprinkling of it, and I definitely would’ve loved just a tiny bit more heat between the characters.
The story itself has a lot going on and the plot moves quickly. While it kept me entertained, it was also pretty predictable, which held it back a bit for me. Still, if you’re looking for a sweet, small-town holiday romance with fake dating and plenty of cozy Christmas vibes, this one is a perfect pick.
Snow Kissed is a cute, cozy Christmas romance with one of my favorite tropes: fake dating that we all know is going to lead to real feelings. There were so many parts of this story that I genuinely adored, especially the way everyone treated Lydia, a 5-year-old with Down syndrome. The support, encouragement, and love surrounding her were so heartwarming, and that representation truly meant everything.
I know this book wasn’t meant to have any spice, but I always enjoy a little sprinkling of it, and I definitely would’ve loved just a tiny bit more heat between the characters.
The story itself has a lot going on and the plot moves quickly. While it kept me entertained, it was also pretty predictable, which held it back a bit for me. Still, if you’re looking for a sweet, small-town holiday romance with fake dating and plenty of cozy Christmas vibes, this one is a perfect pick.
September 23, 2025
One of my favorite kinds of stories this time of year are the holiday stories whether they are spooky and scary Halloween stories or the sappy Hallmarkesque type of holiday stories. This one definitely falls into the latter camp and was a delightful story.
The book summary introduces single mom, Holly, and her neurodivergent daughter, Lydia, who are a tight little family unit since ex-hubby, Troy, abandoned them two years earlier because of the stress of raising a Downs child. Troy then quickly married his mistress and has a whole new life with her and their two neurotypical kids and rarely sees ever sees or talks to Lydia, who, by the way, seems like a sweet and rather observant child.
There is also Ryan, a San Diego based naval helicopter pilot, who was injured in a helicopter accident and was assigned to a desk while he healed and recuperated. This makes it a little easier for Ryan to take some time off to time off to look after his teenage niece, Audrey, while his sister, Kim, checks into rehab for her drug and alcohol addiction. As fate would have it, Audrey is Lydia’s babysitter while Holly works, so of course, this is how Holly and Ryan meet and when the attraction instantly develops.
Like most Hallmarkesque holiday stories, the MC’s are thrown together in a boatload of ways and scenarios and the rest is history. There were the requisite adorable moments between Ryan and Holly and Lydia. There was also a pretty scary scene straight from a parent’s worst nightmare that really suspenseful. All in all, a nice little holiday story.
The character development for Holly, Ryan, along with one or two other characters was well done. The pacing and storyline were steady and entertaining and on par for this type of genre. The same can be said for the writing too. I’m looking at an overall rating of 3.9 that I will be rounding up to a 4star review. I want to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing and Harlequin Audio for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #HarlequinTradePublishing #HarlequinAudio #SnowKissed
The book summary introduces single mom, Holly, and her neurodivergent daughter, Lydia, who are a tight little family unit since ex-hubby, Troy, abandoned them two years earlier because of the stress of raising a Downs child. Troy then quickly married his mistress and has a whole new life with her and their two neurotypical kids and rarely sees ever sees or talks to Lydia, who, by the way, seems like a sweet and rather observant child.
There is also Ryan, a San Diego based naval helicopter pilot, who was injured in a helicopter accident and was assigned to a desk while he healed and recuperated. This makes it a little easier for Ryan to take some time off to time off to look after his teenage niece, Audrey, while his sister, Kim, checks into rehab for her drug and alcohol addiction. As fate would have it, Audrey is Lydia’s babysitter while Holly works, so of course, this is how Holly and Ryan meet and when the attraction instantly develops.
Like most Hallmarkesque holiday stories, the MC’s are thrown together in a boatload of ways and scenarios and the rest is history. There were the requisite adorable moments between Ryan and Holly and Lydia. There was also a pretty scary scene straight from a parent’s worst nightmare that really suspenseful. All in all, a nice little holiday story.
The character development for Holly, Ryan, along with one or two other characters was well done. The pacing and storyline were steady and entertaining and on par for this type of genre. The same can be said for the writing too. I’m looking at an overall rating of 3.9 that I will be rounding up to a 4star review. I want to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing and Harlequin Audio for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #HarlequinTradePublishing #HarlequinAudio #SnowKissed
October 7, 2025
This was an enjoyable Christmas read. I loved the snowy setting in Idaho and all the holiday vibes. What I love about books like this, is that even though it covers some serious topics, the author makes the overall emotions feel cheerful and happy. Just like a Hallmark movie. The slow burn romance building throughout the story kept me hopeful and rooting for Holly and Ryan. I loved seeing how they both opened their hearts and found a love they were not expecting. Definitely another heartfelt, cozy, and emotional read by RaeAnne Thayne. Perfect holiday book!
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
December 9, 2025
My Review:
I will be making this pretty short as I read this one on Thanksgiving and I totally spaced in writing my review for this one. This was a cute one. I normally wouldn't pick up a book with this cover unless its an author I love or its for the holiday season. So for this one we have a unique set up where our hero who is a bit of a grump for Christmas is returning to hometown. And then we have our heroine who is a single mom and lives and breathes for Christmas time. They have a darling meet cute at a floral shop and it goes even more deeper into the story where we see the hero having to face up to his demons and discover the magic of Christmas.
While this wasn't my favorite from this author, I really ended up enjoying it quite a bit. It was such a great book to read on Thanksgiving in audio for a long drive. I found it charming and so atmospheric and definitely got me in a good mood for Christmas time.
If you are looking for a heartfelt Christmas read....I highly recommend grabbing this one up here.
I will be making this pretty short as I read this one on Thanksgiving and I totally spaced in writing my review for this one. This was a cute one. I normally wouldn't pick up a book with this cover unless its an author I love or its for the holiday season. So for this one we have a unique set up where our hero who is a bit of a grump for Christmas is returning to hometown. And then we have our heroine who is a single mom and lives and breathes for Christmas time. They have a darling meet cute at a floral shop and it goes even more deeper into the story where we see the hero having to face up to his demons and discover the magic of Christmas.
While this wasn't my favorite from this author, I really ended up enjoying it quite a bit. It was such a great book to read on Thanksgiving in audio for a long drive. I found it charming and so atmospheric and definitely got me in a good mood for Christmas time.
If you are looking for a heartfelt Christmas read....I highly recommend grabbing this one up here.
November 4, 2025
Snow Kissed by RaeAnne Thayne is the kind of heartwarming holiday romance that feels like a cozy blanket and cup of cocoa in book form. Set in the charming small town of Shelter Springs, it follows Holly, a single mom to adorable Lydia, who has special needs—as she ropes Ryan, the new guy in town, into being her fake date for her ex sister in law’s wedding. Between the snow, the sweetness, and the genuine emotion of Holly’s story, this closed door romance delivers all the wholesome cheer and heartfelt moments I love in a Christmas read.
September 29, 2025
I absolutely devoured this book! I’ve been a fan of RaeAnne’s books for years, so the moment I saw she had a new release, I knew I had to get my hands on it. It did not disappoint.
When Holly’s daughter is chosen to be the flower girl at her ex-husband’s sister’s wedding, Holly suddenly finds herself in need of a plus one. Her twin sister, Hannah, steps in with a solution.... ask Ryan, who's in town for the holidays, to be her fake date. Ryan is only visiting to help take care of his niece while his sister recovers and could use help with Christmas prep. They strike a deal. He’ll be her date, and she’ll help him make the holidays magical for his niece.
What wasn’t part of the plan? The real feelings that start to develop between them. Suddenly, their temporary arrangement starts to feel a lot less temporary and a whole lot more complicated. But maybe it’s a risk worth taking?
I loved this story. Holly and Ryan had amazing chemistry, and even though they kept trying to remind themselves it was all pretend, the connection between them was undeniable!
*This is a closed-door romance with some steamy kisses, a bit of innuendo, and occasional language.
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
When Holly’s daughter is chosen to be the flower girl at her ex-husband’s sister’s wedding, Holly suddenly finds herself in need of a plus one. Her twin sister, Hannah, steps in with a solution.... ask Ryan, who's in town for the holidays, to be her fake date. Ryan is only visiting to help take care of his niece while his sister recovers and could use help with Christmas prep. They strike a deal. He’ll be her date, and she’ll help him make the holidays magical for his niece.
What wasn’t part of the plan? The real feelings that start to develop between them. Suddenly, their temporary arrangement starts to feel a lot less temporary and a whole lot more complicated. But maybe it’s a risk worth taking?
I loved this story. Holly and Ryan had amazing chemistry, and even though they kept trying to remind themselves it was all pretend, the connection between them was undeniable!
*This is a closed-door romance with some steamy kisses, a bit of innuendo, and occasional language.
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
October 14, 2025
***4.5/5 Stars***
Snow Kissed was a heartwarming, small town, fake dating, holiday romance. With all the Christmas cheer and snow falling, this story whisked me away. The characters found their way so easily into my heart and this book left me smiling and so happy. If you adore Hallmark Christmas stories, definitely put this one on your tbr.
From that first chapter I was already laughing! I adored Holly! She owned her own florist shop and her daughter Lydia captured my heart right away. When Ryan stepped into the store, I was a goner. He was a Naval helicopter pilot that was based in San Diego, and came to Idaho to help out his niece while his sister was in rehab. And the moment they made a bargain, I couldn’t wait to watch the fun begin! The tension between them was intoxicating and I loved watching it turn into more.
Ryan was so cocky and made me laugh. But he definitely had a lot of wounds from the past that weren’t healed. Especially when it came to his father and losing his mother. So watching him take care of his niece, warmed my heart. And seeing how much he cared for Holly’s daughter Lydia, oh my gosh, I melted. There was a moment on page 150 where I realized I was head over heels in love with him…he was thoughtful, protective, caring and kind. But even if we weren’t supposed to get attached to him because he was leaving, it was impossible not to. Ryan was a book boyfriend you will want to steal from the pages!
With small town charm, flawed and relatable characters, and a beautiful epilogue that will make readers so happy, Snow Kissed was the perfect Christmastime read! Also, there was also a suspenseful moment that left my heart in my throat. Thayne has a knack for pulling you in and making you feel all of the emotions, I even shed a few tears while reading. So with decorating a christmas tree, watching the joy of Christmas through a child’s eye, kisses in the snow, Santa Claus, slow dancing, and more, this book was so easy to enjoy! This was my first book by Thayne and I can’t wait to read more!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Blog * Instagram * Facebook * Bloglovin * Feedly
Snow Kissed was a heartwarming, small town, fake dating, holiday romance. With all the Christmas cheer and snow falling, this story whisked me away. The characters found their way so easily into my heart and this book left me smiling and so happy. If you adore Hallmark Christmas stories, definitely put this one on your tbr.
He smiled down at her and in that moment, she couldn’t imagine anywhere else she would rather be.
From that first chapter I was already laughing! I adored Holly! She owned her own florist shop and her daughter Lydia captured my heart right away. When Ryan stepped into the store, I was a goner. He was a Naval helicopter pilot that was based in San Diego, and came to Idaho to help out his niece while his sister was in rehab. And the moment they made a bargain, I couldn’t wait to watch the fun begin! The tension between them was intoxicating and I loved watching it turn into more.
For the first time in what felt like forever, she felt safe. She met his gaze and the world outside this moment seemed to melt away.
Ryan was so cocky and made me laugh. But he definitely had a lot of wounds from the past that weren’t healed. Especially when it came to his father and losing his mother. So watching him take care of his niece, warmed my heart. And seeing how much he cared for Holly’s daughter Lydia, oh my gosh, I melted. There was a moment on page 150 where I realized I was head over heels in love with him…he was thoughtful, protective, caring and kind. But even if we weren’t supposed to get attached to him because he was leaving, it was impossible not to. Ryan was a book boyfriend you will want to steal from the pages!
She gazed up at him and something passed between them in that moment, a subtle awareness. She caught her breath, her lips parted slightly. He didn’t stop to think it through. He probably couldn’t have formed a coherent thought anyway. He only knew he wanted to kiss her. That he had to kiss her.
With small town charm, flawed and relatable characters, and a beautiful epilogue that will make readers so happy, Snow Kissed was the perfect Christmastime read! Also, there was also a suspenseful moment that left my heart in my throat. Thayne has a knack for pulling you in and making you feel all of the emotions, I even shed a few tears while reading. So with decorating a christmas tree, watching the joy of Christmas through a child’s eye, kisses in the snow, Santa Claus, slow dancing, and more, this book was so easy to enjoy! This was my first book by Thayne and I can’t wait to read more!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Blog * Instagram * Facebook * Bloglovin * Feedly
September 14, 2025
This book, set at Christmas time, offers a gritty, Hallmark-esque story that delves into serious topics and complex family dynamics, including Holly's and Ryan's families. The plot involves Holly needing a date to her ex's wedding and Ryan agreeing to be her plus-one in exchange for help planning Christmas for his niece. The snowy Idaho setting and the special needs daughter are particularly noteworthy. The narrator's performance is also enjoyable. The story tackles difficult topics, including miscarriages, divorce, addiction, prison and loss. It’s a 3.5 star read for me. I rounded to 4.
#raeannethayne #harpercollins #snowedkissed
#raeannethayne #harpercollins #snowedkissed
October 12, 2025
Snow Kissed was a sweet, feel-good story! Part women’s fiction, part romance with characters facing real life challenges. I loved how positive Holly was and how she chose to try and look for the best in both people and a situation. She could’ve been bitter and vindictive towards her ex but chose the high road. That’s not to say that she didn’t have moments where she wanted to be, though.
You'll want to mark this one for holiday season! Snow Kissed had Hallmark holiday romance vibes with a picturesque winter wonderland! All the magic of the season came through with the smell of pine, hot chocolate, twinkle lights, family and friends. Themes of grief and forgiveness and focusing on what’s important. A pure delight!
I alternately read and listened to an audio copy and can recommend either version. Vanessa Johansson has a pleasing voice, and I thought she did well with both male and female characters, young and old bringing them to life with appropriate emotions. She seamlessly switched between characters, making it easy to distinguish between them.
I voluntarily read/listened to an advanced readers copy courtesy of the publishers. These are my thoughts and opinions.
You'll want to mark this one for holiday season! Snow Kissed had Hallmark holiday romance vibes with a picturesque winter wonderland! All the magic of the season came through with the smell of pine, hot chocolate, twinkle lights, family and friends. Themes of grief and forgiveness and focusing on what’s important. A pure delight!
I alternately read and listened to an audio copy and can recommend either version. Vanessa Johansson has a pleasing voice, and I thought she did well with both male and female characters, young and old bringing them to life with appropriate emotions. She seamlessly switched between characters, making it easy to distinguish between them.
I voluntarily read/listened to an advanced readers copy courtesy of the publishers. These are my thoughts and opinions.
October 14, 2025
Fake dating and holiday cheer with some serious topics mixed in!
This definitely delivered on being packed with Christmas! There was a great lead up to the decorating and the holiday itself. The story was wholesome and sweet, and the pacing was great. I do feel like this is meant for a more mature audience possibly? I really wish Holly would have stood up and put her foot down, I felt like that whole storyline wasn’t resolved and then the book ended. I’m not sure why she made the decisions she did. It was a cute story though!
Vanessa Johansson did a great job with the narration for this story.
Thank you so much Netgalley, RaeAnne Thayne, and Harlequin Audio for providing this free ALC. This published on October 7th. This is my honest review!
This definitely delivered on being packed with Christmas! There was a great lead up to the decorating and the holiday itself. The story was wholesome and sweet, and the pacing was great. I do feel like this is meant for a more mature audience possibly? I really wish Holly would have stood up and put her foot down, I felt like that whole storyline wasn’t resolved and then the book ended. I’m not sure why she made the decisions she did. It was a cute story though!
Vanessa Johansson did a great job with the narration for this story.
Thank you so much Netgalley, RaeAnne Thayne, and Harlequin Audio for providing this free ALC. This published on October 7th. This is my honest review!
failed-attempts
December 18, 2025Picked this up at the library from a new books display, started it 12/12, and it immediately felt like a Hallmark movie. I stopped reading on 12/13 even though I was already about 100 pages in because I didn't care enough about any of the characters to continue.
December 16, 2025
This gave me the worst slump I’ve ever been in.
Too simple, sweet, little complicated, and even too many likable characters. It was the worst 😂
Too simple, sweet, little complicated, and even too many likable characters. It was the worst 😂
July 31, 2025
Thank you to HTP Books/Canary Street Press for providing me with a gifted ebook copy of Snow Kissed through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Snow Kissed brings all of the heart-warming, Hallmark vibes, to the Christmas holiday. Thayne creates the perfect romance, with circumstances that set-up a fake relationship, that quickly evolves into much more than the FMC and MMC expected. I enjoyed the dual POVs, because I always love seeing the romance from both sides of the characters that are involved in the relationship.
I started off a bit hesitant with the first chapter, because a lot of characters were initially introduced, but once I settled into the story, I felt they worked well in the small town setting. I thought Thayne added a great balance to the romantic relationship, with the main characters struggling through some tough family relationships and situations. The FMC is very likable, and I loved how Thayne showed her integrity and compassion, while also showing her self doubts and caution with a new relationship.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
* Grumpy/Sunshine
* Dual POVs
* Small Town
* Military MMC
* Single Mom
* Special Needs Representation
* Fake Relationship
* Family Reconciliation
𝐈𝐬 𝐈𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐲?
🥶 (No)
If you're looking for a cozy read, that brings all of the heartwarming vibes to your holiday TBR, then I would definitely recommend Snow Kissed.
Snow Kissed brings all of the heart-warming, Hallmark vibes, to the Christmas holiday. Thayne creates the perfect romance, with circumstances that set-up a fake relationship, that quickly evolves into much more than the FMC and MMC expected. I enjoyed the dual POVs, because I always love seeing the romance from both sides of the characters that are involved in the relationship.
I started off a bit hesitant with the first chapter, because a lot of characters were initially introduced, but once I settled into the story, I felt they worked well in the small town setting. I thought Thayne added a great balance to the romantic relationship, with the main characters struggling through some tough family relationships and situations. The FMC is very likable, and I loved how Thayne showed her integrity and compassion, while also showing her self doubts and caution with a new relationship.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
* Grumpy/Sunshine
* Dual POVs
* Small Town
* Military MMC
* Single Mom
* Special Needs Representation
* Fake Relationship
* Family Reconciliation
𝐈𝐬 𝐈𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐲?
🥶 (No)
If you're looking for a cozy read, that brings all of the heartwarming vibes to your holiday TBR, then I would definitely recommend Snow Kissed.
September 6, 2025
Single mom Holly Goodwin is struggling this holiday season, preparing for the wedding of her ex-in-laws, in which her daughter Lydia is the flower girl. Ryan Caldwell is spending the holiday season in Shelter Springs caring for his niece, and soon Ryan and Holly strike up a deal—she’ll help him give his niece the perfect Christmas if he attends the wedding as her plus-one.
I love how this book revisits Shelter Springs, the setting of two of RaeAnne Thayne’s other books, and I enjoyed the familiar locations and characters that make an appearance in this story. Shelter Springs is the epitome of the perfect Christmas town, so this book delivers those warm, Hallmark-esque vibes with plenty of snow, holiday activities, and Christmas cheer. Beyond the heart-warming holiday tale, this book also tackles some more serious topics, and shows different (and sometimes difficult) family dynamics through both Holly’s and Ryan’s families. This is a must-read for the holiday season, so get ready to curl up by your Christmas tree with a warm beverage and this book in hand!
Thank you to NetGalley and Canary Street Press for my gifted digital copy!
I love how this book revisits Shelter Springs, the setting of two of RaeAnne Thayne’s other books, and I enjoyed the familiar locations and characters that make an appearance in this story. Shelter Springs is the epitome of the perfect Christmas town, so this book delivers those warm, Hallmark-esque vibes with plenty of snow, holiday activities, and Christmas cheer. Beyond the heart-warming holiday tale, this book also tackles some more serious topics, and shows different (and sometimes difficult) family dynamics through both Holly’s and Ryan’s families. This is a must-read for the holiday season, so get ready to curl up by your Christmas tree with a warm beverage and this book in hand!
Thank you to NetGalley and Canary Street Press for my gifted digital copy!
October 1, 2025
Very sweet. Very nice. Very 'Leave it to Beaver' or 'Hallmark-like' kind of family/holiday romance!
Holly is a divorced Mom with a very sweet, special needs, 5 year old princess 🩷named Lydia. The Dad skipped out on them pretty much after the diagnosis... (Boo on him!) And, according to the story, Lydia lights up any room she walks in to!!! So, there's that...
Troy is her dead-beat, re-married (of course to his personal assistant who is much younger), with a re-do wife and child. He has not given Lydia the time of day in several years... BUT, now that his new wife had a baby.... SHE is trying to make her husband a better Dad to his 1st child...
On top of all of this, Troy's family LOVES Holly and Lydia!! So they still include them in everything! So, now his sister is getting married, and Lydia is the flower girl... and Holly needs a date to dazzle everyone...
So, her twin sister decides to intervene when a new hottie appears in town, and is none other than the Uncle of the girl who sits for Lydia when Holly needs someone... and, he's here to help out his OWN sister who is going through rehab.... SO... He's a GOOD guy!!
I LOVE that RaeAnne Thayne writes books like this! They are wholesome, sweet, and show that there CAN still be some good human beings in the world out there... even if they only live in books and in my mind. 😊
That being said, yes... you can predict some of what comes along.
Yes... it is very vanilla.
Yes... it is very sweet.
And yes, it still brought out a whole lot of emotions from this hardened reader! (So there's that!) 🥹
4 solid, bright, shiny, Christmas-y ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars for me!
#SnowKissed by @RaeAnneThayne and narrated beautifully by @VanessaJohansson.
*** THIS HAS NOT YET BEEN RELEASED... PLEASE LOOK FOR IT ON 10/7/25. ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #HarlequinAudio for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
Holly is a divorced Mom with a very sweet, special needs, 5 year old princess 🩷named Lydia. The Dad skipped out on them pretty much after the diagnosis... (Boo on him!) And, according to the story, Lydia lights up any room she walks in to!!! So, there's that...
Troy is her dead-beat, re-married (of course to his personal assistant who is much younger), with a re-do wife and child. He has not given Lydia the time of day in several years... BUT, now that his new wife had a baby.... SHE is trying to make her husband a better Dad to his 1st child...
On top of all of this, Troy's family LOVES Holly and Lydia!! So they still include them in everything! So, now his sister is getting married, and Lydia is the flower girl... and Holly needs a date to dazzle everyone...
So, her twin sister decides to intervene when a new hottie appears in town, and is none other than the Uncle of the girl who sits for Lydia when Holly needs someone... and, he's here to help out his OWN sister who is going through rehab.... SO... He's a GOOD guy!!
I LOVE that RaeAnne Thayne writes books like this! They are wholesome, sweet, and show that there CAN still be some good human beings in the world out there... even if they only live in books and in my mind. 😊
That being said, yes... you can predict some of what comes along.
Yes... it is very vanilla.
Yes... it is very sweet.
And yes, it still brought out a whole lot of emotions from this hardened reader! (So there's that!) 🥹
4 solid, bright, shiny, Christmas-y ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars for me!
#SnowKissed by @RaeAnneThayne and narrated beautifully by @VanessaJohansson.
*** THIS HAS NOT YET BEEN RELEASED... PLEASE LOOK FOR IT ON 10/7/25. ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #HarlequinAudio for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
December 9, 2025
Splitting my time between the ebook and audiobook was pure joy. The narration was so engaging that I often went back to listen to chapters I’d already finished.
Snow Kissed by RaeAnneThayne is a heartwarming holiday romance that blends small-town charm, family bonds, and second chances into a story that feels both tender and uplifting.
In Shelter Springs, Idaho, florist Holly Goodwin Moore juggles her shop, a new home, and raising her spirited five-year-old daughter, Lydia, who has Down syndrome. With Lydia set to be flower girl at her father’s wedding, Holly invents a boyfriend to save face only to collide with Ryan Caldwell, a man unexpectedly spending Christmas in town while caring for his niece.
What makes this novel shine is Thayne’s ability to capture the warmth of community and the resilience of family love. Holly’s struggles feel authentic, from the stress of single parenthood to the vulnerability of opening her heart again. Lydia is portrayed with joy and positivity, adding depth and tenderness to the narrative. Ryan’s journey of reconciling with his estranged father and finding belonging mirrors Holly’s own search for stability, making their connection believable and emotionally resonant.
Overall, Snow Kissed is a sweet, hopeful read perfect for the holiday season, especially for readers who enjoy stories about love, family, and the magic of second chances.
🎧Vanessa Johansson’s voice captures Holly’s warmth and vulnerability, while giving Ryan a steady, grounded presence, making their emotional journey feel authentic. Most notably, she brings Lydia’s joy and innocence to life with tenderness, ensuring the audiobook resonates with the same cozy, hopeful spirit as the written novel.
Snow Kissed by RaeAnneThayne is a heartwarming holiday romance that blends small-town charm, family bonds, and second chances into a story that feels both tender and uplifting.
In Shelter Springs, Idaho, florist Holly Goodwin Moore juggles her shop, a new home, and raising her spirited five-year-old daughter, Lydia, who has Down syndrome. With Lydia set to be flower girl at her father’s wedding, Holly invents a boyfriend to save face only to collide with Ryan Caldwell, a man unexpectedly spending Christmas in town while caring for his niece.
What makes this novel shine is Thayne’s ability to capture the warmth of community and the resilience of family love. Holly’s struggles feel authentic, from the stress of single parenthood to the vulnerability of opening her heart again. Lydia is portrayed with joy and positivity, adding depth and tenderness to the narrative. Ryan’s journey of reconciling with his estranged father and finding belonging mirrors Holly’s own search for stability, making their connection believable and emotionally resonant.
Overall, Snow Kissed is a sweet, hopeful read perfect for the holiday season, especially for readers who enjoy stories about love, family, and the magic of second chances.
🎧Vanessa Johansson’s voice captures Holly’s warmth and vulnerability, while giving Ryan a steady, grounded presence, making their emotional journey feel authentic. Most notably, she brings Lydia’s joy and innocence to life with tenderness, ensuring the audiobook resonates with the same cozy, hopeful spirit as the written novel.
October 28, 2025
What an amazing story! Filled with family, love and second chances. A fast paced story wondering what would happen next. I hated for it to end.
December 4, 2025
Cute 🥰 Christmas read, single mom small town romance
October 27, 2025
I really enjoy RaeAnne's holiday love stories, she always writes such diverse characters that are dealing with some form of disability. In this story, Holly is a single mom to her daughter Lydia who has Down Syndrome and she finds herself falling to town newcomer, Ryan, an Army helicopter pilot recovering from a leg injury, who is only staying to watch his niece, Aubrey (Lydia's babysitter), while her mom is in rehab.
Somehow Holly ends up bringing Ryan as her plus one to her ex sister-in-law's wedding, where she has to pretend to positive for the sake of her daughter (the flower girl) while her ex, an absentee father, pretends to be a great dad. The more time Holly and Ryan spend together, the more they realize there might be something real worth fighting for.
Heartwarming and hopeful, this was a fun, feel-good festive story that was good on audio. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review! This was part of the Shelter Springs series and has cameos from past characters but can be read as a standalone too.
CW: drug addiction, caregiver parent, helicopter crash and leg injury
Somehow Holly ends up bringing Ryan as her plus one to her ex sister-in-law's wedding, where she has to pretend to positive for the sake of her daughter (the flower girl) while her ex, an absentee father, pretends to be a great dad. The more time Holly and Ryan spend together, the more they realize there might be something real worth fighting for.
Heartwarming and hopeful, this was a fun, feel-good festive story that was good on audio. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review! This was part of the Shelter Springs series and has cameos from past characters but can be read as a standalone too.
CW: drug addiction, caregiver parent, helicopter crash and leg injury
October 7, 2025
Super fun and my first Christmas book of the season! Thank you to UpLit Reads and NetGalley for the gifted copy and audiobook!
A few sensitive matters, including addiction, family trauma, adultery. I thought RaeAnne handled it really well, with great sensitivity and care.
A few sensitive matters, including addiction, family trauma, adultery. I thought RaeAnne handled it really well, with great sensitivity and care.
December 9, 2025
Hallmark romances aren’t for me but it was still fun to read! In a way, I’m glad I did because it confirmed that this genre is not for me haha so yay for book club once again!
December 9, 2025
I love a good holiday romance filled with the magic of Christmas, and Snow Kissed delivered. Holly and her daughter, Lydia, are characters you’ll want to see find their happily ever after. Holly is a sweet person who has kept close ties with her in-laws and family despite her ex’s cheating, marriage and new child. So naturally when his sister and mother ask her to handle the flowers for a December wedding, she says yes. Now they’ve asked Lydia to be a flower girl, so Holly will need to attend the wedding. Worse, her ex and his new family will be there. The tale that unfolds was delightful even as it touched on some deep topics, from addiction to forgiveness.
This is Holly’s busiest time of the year, especially when one of her employees takes time off to enter a rehab program and asks Holly to watch her thirteen-year-old daughter, Audrey, until her brother arrives. I liked Holly right away and the awkward first meet with Ryan Caldwel, Audrey’s uncle.
Ryan is a helicopter pilot in the military. He and his father are civil towards each other, but the rift since his mother’s death has never healed. He is stuck behind a desk because of a recent injury to his leg, but takes time off when his sister calls. I immediately liked Ryan from the way he interacted with both Lydia and Audrey. Ryan isn’t looking for a relationship, let alone a ready-made family, but fate has other ideas.
Thanks to some meddling from Holly’s twin, Ryan and Holly agree to a fake dating arrangement for the upcoming wedding. I loved watching their chemistry and seeing this romance unfold.
Snow Kissed delivered sweet holiday moments and passionate kisses. I loved Shelter Springs, the Christmas market and the characters we discover within the pages. Not only did Thayne give us a holiday romance, but she wrapped it in many reasons for the season, from forgiveness, to hope and second chances and most of all the power of love. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
This is Holly’s busiest time of the year, especially when one of her employees takes time off to enter a rehab program and asks Holly to watch her thirteen-year-old daughter, Audrey, until her brother arrives. I liked Holly right away and the awkward first meet with Ryan Caldwel, Audrey’s uncle.
Ryan is a helicopter pilot in the military. He and his father are civil towards each other, but the rift since his mother’s death has never healed. He is stuck behind a desk because of a recent injury to his leg, but takes time off when his sister calls. I immediately liked Ryan from the way he interacted with both Lydia and Audrey. Ryan isn’t looking for a relationship, let alone a ready-made family, but fate has other ideas.
Thanks to some meddling from Holly’s twin, Ryan and Holly agree to a fake dating arrangement for the upcoming wedding. I loved watching their chemistry and seeing this romance unfold.
Snow Kissed delivered sweet holiday moments and passionate kisses. I loved Shelter Springs, the Christmas market and the characters we discover within the pages. Not only did Thayne give us a holiday romance, but she wrapped it in many reasons for the season, from forgiveness, to hope and second chances and most of all the power of love. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
December 8, 2025
Okay I really loved the first 25% of this book. I found the single mom to a child with Down’s syndrome to be such a sweet storyline and also always love an emotionally guarded main male character due to daddy issues 😂 However, I just found that the plot fell flat! It started to get boring and predictable and I felt like the dialogue just got so cheesy. Also, ngl, I was totally expecting some spice from this book and was shocked there was none—I really think it could’ve benefited from it 🔥 Overall, easy romance that definitely gives Christmas vibes but certainly nothing world-changing.
December 21, 2025
Such a cute read🎄😊
September 18, 2025
3 stars
This was a cute holiday story. I enjoyed how the characters connected early on but didn’t rush anything. They started off building a. sort of friendship and went from there. I loved how Ryan connected with Holly’s daughter Lydia. His patience with her won me over.
This was a good place for me to start with RaeAnne Thayne’s work. I may have to explore more by her.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a cute holiday story. I enjoyed how the characters connected early on but didn’t rush anything. They started off building a. sort of friendship and went from there. I loved how Ryan connected with Holly’s daughter Lydia. His patience with her won me over.
This was a good place for me to start with RaeAnne Thayne’s work. I may have to explore more by her.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 17, 2025
4 stars
I really enjoyed this book! I thought the characters were complex and complimented each other very well. The chemistry between the main characters was written so well. I also very much enjoyed the side characters in this book. This book was like reading a Hallmark movie. Perfect holiday vibes!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the arc copy of Snow Kissed!
I really enjoyed this book! I thought the characters were complex and complimented each other very well. The chemistry between the main characters was written so well. I also very much enjoyed the side characters in this book. This book was like reading a Hallmark movie. Perfect holiday vibes!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the arc copy of Snow Kissed!
December 8, 2025
2.75- cute enough, but felt like a hallmark movie that I wrote (not a compliment)
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