Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Summer Harbor #1

Falling Like Snowflakes

Rate this book
Eden Martelli is too busy fleeing the clutches of danger to realize she’s running straight into the arms of a new love.

Speeding north through rural Maine, Eden Martelli wonders how her life came to this—on the run with her mute five-year-old son dozing fitfully in the passenger seat. When a breakdown leaves them stranded in Summer Harbor, Eden has no choice but to stay put through Christmas . . . even though they have no place to lay their heads.

Beau Callahan is a habitual problem solver—for other people anyway. He left the sheriff’s department to take over his family’s Christmas tree farm, but he’s still haunted by the loss of his parents and struggling to handle his first Christmas alone.

When Eden shows up looking for work just as Beau’s feisty aunt gets out of the hospital, Beau thinks he’s finally caught a break. Eden is competent and dedicated—if a little guarded—and a knockout to boot. But, as he soon finds out, she also comes with a boatload of secrets.

Eden has been through too much to trust her heart to another man, but Beau is impossible to resist, and the feeling seems to be mutual. As Christmas Eve approaches, Eden’s past catches up to her.

Beau will go to the ends of the earth to keep her safe. But who’s going to protect his heart from a woman who can’t seem to trust again?

352 pages, Paperback

First published September 8, 2015

173 people are currently reading
4010 people want to read

About the author

Denise Hunter

86 books4,668 followers
Denise Hunter is the award-winning author of more than 40 novels, three of which have been adapted into Hallmark movies.

Denise writes heartwarming, small-town romances, peopled with layered characters who have real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.

In 1996, Denise began her first novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books contain a strong romantic element, and her husband says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

Denise and her husband live in Indiana, where they raised three sons, and are currently enjoying an empty nest.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,797 (44%)
4 stars
1,490 (36%)
3 stars
642 (15%)
2 stars
101 (2%)
1 star
48 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 476 reviews
Profile Image for Baylie.
83 reviews73 followers
December 28, 2022
Really loved this book! First one I’ve read by this author and I’m so thrilled I enjoyed it. Romance, mystery, and Christmas tree farm? Say no more! Lol. Great read.
Profile Image for Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...).
1,673 reviews582 followers
March 10, 2016
Such a great story! I seriously don't know how Eden kept it together in her dire circumstances. She is the consummate survivor and mama bear, doing whatever it takes to keep her son safe. Her past is revealed in bits and pieces so there is a feeling of suspense involved. Beau has a lot on his plate with his work, his family, and his love life. Even though it seems like he rescues Eden, she is also rescuing Beau's family during their own crisis. Their relationship is platonic since Beau is her employer and has a girlfriend (that his younger brother is suffering unrequited love for), but as they rely on each other their friendship grows and attraction flares. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this complicated story and seeing how things worked out. Beau and Eden are great together and I also can't wait to read the stories of his brothers since we got to know a little about their past and see the direction of their paths...

(Thank you to BookLook Bloggers and Thomas Nelson Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
Profile Image for Aerykah.
465 reviews40 followers
September 21, 2019
Very, very good! I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to get my hands on the rest of the series!
The storyline: terrific! The writing: engaging-- as always! ;) The characters: wonderful to get to know!

I must say that, as much as I loved Eden and Micah and Beau and his brothers... Aunt Trudy is one of my favorite characters. She was surprisingly endearing!

But, as with most stories, there were a couple things that annoyed me...
1) The cover. I mean, it truly is beautifully done! But-- it looks like she's sitting on his lap in the car, making out! And, for the record, that never happened.
2) There was more sensuality than I really care for in a story. Not bad enough to be an issue, but I just felt like it needed to be mentioned.
And I think that's it!

Again, I can't wait to read more about this family! Of course, Ms. Hunter would make us wait to read Riley's story last... :( But I'm certain it will be well worth the wait. :)
Profile Image for Staci.
2,295 reviews664 followers
May 19, 2016
Falling Like Snowflakes is the first novel in the Summer Harbor Series and my first Denise Hunter novel. This was a cute, light contemporary romance novel with a smidgen of suspense.
Profile Image for Kathy * Bookworm Nation.
2,157 reviews703 followers
March 16, 2016
Is Summer Harbor a real place? If so, I totally need to visit there!

Eden and her son Micah are on the run when their car breaks down near Summer Harbor, with no other choice they're forced to stay. Desperate to get some money, Eden searches all over town to find a job and finally ends up at the Callahan Christmas tree farm. Beau Callahan is used to taking care of his family, especially after loosing both their parents. He runs the family business and has recently started dating his brother's best friend Paige. Even though things should be going well, things feel off with Paige and he hasn't been getting along too well with his brother. *a little dense* He is not expecting Eden or her young son to show up and shake up his world.

I thought this was a fun plot, I always enjoy these type stories for some reason. I liked Eden and enjoyed seeing her character grow throughout the story. I loved little Micah, I have a son his age and it was easy to feel Eden's protectiveness and love for her son. Beau was great, a little dense at time (in concerns to Paige), but a good guy. Really patient and sweet, especially once he really falls for Eden. Great chemistry and I liked how things worked out. I enjoyed the ending quite a bit, how it doesn't just wrap up when you expect it to, but we're able to get some nice closure and answers to everything.

Overall, I thought this was a great escape. I was lucky to be able to read most of it in one sitting which really allowed me to get lost in the story and characters. I love Summer Harbor and I'm so glad we get to return there and see Zac and Riley eventually get their HEA. Can't wait for their books.

Content
Romance: Clean, just kissing
Language: None
Violence: Mild. Some fighting, talk of murders, attempted kidnapping. Eden came from an abusive relationship- more emotional, but some physical
Religious: Very mild, felt true to characters and not preachy

Source: Review copy
Profile Image for Hannah.
2,833 reviews1,437 followers
December 26, 2015
This is a book to kick back and enjoy on a dull winter's day. As Christmas approaches, Eden's on the run, her son's life in danger. She breaks down in Summer Harbor, where she meets the Callahan brothers. She'd like to believe she can find true freedom...but can she stop running long enough to enjoy it?

The characters jump off the page in colorful, memorable images. I lived with these people this evening, feeling Micah's winces as a car backfires, hurting with Eden as she tries to deny that she's falling in love with a man all too eager to come to her rescue. Too bad I already preordered book two last week, because I can say this book made me run out and buy it! I definitely am looking forward to Zac and Riley's stories and am so grateful that Hunter has planned to release both books this year!
Profile Image for Julie.
Author 45 books1,288 followers
August 31, 2017
A handful of authors dominate my must-read list, and Denise Hunter is right at the top. Falling like Snowflakes is a taut romantic thriller that will warm you to the core while it chills you to the bone. Warning: sleep deprivation, palpitations, and acute swooning may occur ... and you will devour every single moment!
Profile Image for Dawn.
781 reviews86 followers
September 24, 2015
On the run from those who are supposed to protect her, Eden Martelli is trying to reach rural Maine. Her young son is dozing in the backseat when her car breaks down in Summer Harbor. After the unfortunate loss of all of her funds, Eden is literally stranded. She has no choice but to remain in Summer Harbor for the foreseeable future. With the holidays approaching, Eden knows she must find work, any kind of work, that will keep her son and herself from sleeping on a park bench in the cold fall temperatures. Beau Callahan is a former sheriff's deputy who is working full time on the family's Christmas tree farm after the death of his parents. When his very independent aunt suffers a fall that will require someone to stay with her to ensure that she won't overdo, Beau doesn't know what to do. He discovers a solution to the problem when Eden shows up looking for work at the same time that his aunt is released from the hospital - Eden gets a place to stay and a job while his aunt gets the help she needs. But his years in law enforcement have him sensing that Eden, or "Kate" as she calls herself, is hiding something. Love is the last thing Eden wants. Yet she finds herself being drawn into the Callahan family and fiercely attracted to Beau. But will her past ruin any chances that they may have together?

I think that I've loved just about every single one of Denise Hunter's books that I've read. This one was no exception. It's fun, sweet, and full of endearing characters. It was a perfect mix of pure fluff along with great storytelling.

I found that Eden's character was stronger than she first appears. I had suspicions about why she was on the run, and some of them proved to be right. Beau was a character I didn't really connect with. I'm not sure why. I liked him. But I don't know. I just didn't connect with him like I have with other characters in the past. Of all of the characters, my favorite was his aunt. She was delightful and spunky and I just adored her. I do look forward to seeing more of both her and Beau and Eden in the next books in the series. I'm also looking forward to reading the stories of the other Callahan brothers.

I received this book for free from the Booklook Blogger Program for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of romantic comedy, Janice Thompson, Denise Hunter, Becky Wade, Melissa Tagg

Rating - 4 stars
Profile Image for Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner.
1,511 reviews90 followers
January 19, 2024
I love Denise Hunter's books, and this one is no exception.
However, it surprised me. I was not expecting the main character to be running for her life or the suspense or the suspense of that situation. I am used to a solid contemporary romance from Hunter. Falling Like Snowflakes is that and more.

I find this story gripping and hard to set aside. I kept finding things to do so that I could keep listening. I enjoyed the characters and the story development. The ending is somewhat predictable, but it was the beginning and middle that will keep you engaged and hooked! Eden got on my nerves at times, mostly because she made some choices I wouldn't have made. Beau is a great hero in this heart-warming story.

Hunter does a great job setting up the secondary characters, and I look forward to reading more about Zach and Riley (Beau's brothers).
Profile Image for Amanda (BookLoverAmanda).
710 reviews1,013 followers
December 23, 2023
2.5 to 3 stars. I may write a formal review later but this book follows a girl who is running from her past with her little boy and is hiding her identity. Her car breaks down and she is stuck in this new town and meets many new people. They help her get back on her feet and she meets specifically this guy Beau who starts being interested in her and vis versa. What bothered me about this book is Beau has a girlfriend for 60% of the book and never broke up with her while he was as developing feelings for our new girl in town. And his girlfriend was helping the new girl out by letting her stay at her place. It just felt icky. Also there’s a mistletoe scene where someone is encouraging him to kiss the new girl…and he kisses her cheek when she moves a little and he kisses part of her lips. Whileeeee he is still dating his current girlfriend. I dont think Denise hunter’s older books are for me. I have read two now that have this cheating thing going on. This is a Christian book, why? It encourages it. The only reason I gave this 3 stars on goodreads versus 2, is I really liked the scenes about the girls past and the mystery there involved with it and the small town and side characters. But the romance did NOT work for me personally. I really liked her book this year called A Novel Proposal but this one wasn’t for me.
Profile Image for Melanie.
2,215 reviews598 followers
September 11, 2015
A great beginning to Denise Hunter's Summer Harbor series! While I didn't love this book as much as any in the Chapel Springs series, it was still really good and kept my attention. I was surprised by the hint of suspense in the story (Eden is on the run with her son and trying to stay safe) and while I enjoyed it for the most part, it was a little predictable towards the end.

I loved the new characters! We had met Beau in Married 'til Monday, so I already was familiar with him and the town. I absolutely loved his whole family and can't wait to read his brothers' novels (especially Riley's!). I also loved that Abby (the MC from Married 'til Monday) was in this story.

All in all, I really enjoyed Falling Like Snowflakes and recommend it if you like contemporary romance stories!

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
Profile Image for Marian Baay.
Author 4 books66 followers
August 21, 2015
She’s a young woman with a little boy on the run, and strands in the small town of Summer Harbor, where she finds a job with the Callahan family and loses her heart to one of the handsome brothers. But Eden can’t fall in love again. She’s been there and her husband was controlling every little detail of her life. She was a prisoner in her marriage and vows never to trust a man again. But Beau is different—isn’t he?

Beau falls head over heels for the woman he hired to take care of his aunt. But there is something about her. She’s hiding her past. Bit by bit, Beau discovers that she is in danger and by giving her shelter he has brought his family in danger as well. Previously been active as the sheriff’s deputy, he follows his instinct and tries to uncover her secret. When he does, can he keep her safe? He has won the little boy’s heart, but will he also win the love and trust of the young mother?

Denise Hunter has written another page-turner about new love, facing fear, and learning to trust again. I completely lost myself in this sweet tale that kept me glued to the pages.

Profile Image for Kara.
688 reviews75 followers
March 29, 2016
Ms. Hunter has been on my list of favorite authors for several years and this story just helps cement her there. I absolutely loved the gentle way Beau took care of Eden, even when not certain what her motives were for arriving as she did. Ms. Hunter is so good at writing a swoony hero! Seeing both of them fall in love, almost against their will, is so very sweetly done. And some of the obstacles in their way are handled maturely and nicely, which I appreciated. A perfect story for a cozy evening in front of the fire! :)
Profile Image for Laura.
623 reviews135 followers
March 31, 2022
I had so much fun reading this. It may not be a five star, reread status for me, but it certainly hit all of the marks I’d want in a contemporary Christian Fiction romance. I loved the setting of wintery Maine on a Christmas tree farm. The characters were lovable and tangible to me. This book has quite a bit of suspense woven into too, which kept me flipping the pages like a reading wizard, and finally, I loved that this story actually had a solid faith thread that ran throughout the book. I really enjoyed everything about it. I’d recommend this book to fans of Becky Wade and Melissa Tagg.

I’m very excited about the rest of this series.

Profile Image for Chanel.
226 reviews63 followers
October 25, 2023
I liked this book. Falling Like Snowflakes pulled me in with its suspense and mystery surrounding Eden's past, yet charmed me with its coastal town setting and sweet romance (after the love triangle ended).

Unfortunately, one of the most memorable aspects of this book was the love triangle and how long Beau stayed with his girlfriend while having an attraction and developing feelings for Eden. It was frustrating, long overdue, and unkind of him. When Beau finally does the right thing and ends his relationship, the story became so much more enjoyable, but his actions still tarnished my perception of him and my connection to the story. However, after Beau's breakup, I thought the romance between Beau and Eden was engaging, sweet, and heartwarming.

Overall, Falling Like Snowflakes was an enjoyable read after getting over the love triangle hump, but it wasn't a favorite.
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 2 books51 followers
September 7, 2015
I stayed up way too late to finish this book. Eden and Beau are fantastic characters. They're well-developed and unique, and I loved them together.
I loved Eden from the beginning--her strength and courage had me gripped from page one.
Beau is steady and calm, a perfect balance.
Though the ending is predictable and sweet, there were a few twists and turns throughout the book that left me wondering what would happen next.
I loved meeting the rest of the family and look forward to the rest of the books in this series.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Bonnie.
56 reviews26 followers
November 7, 2015
Okay, let me just say, I can't get over this cover!!! It is so beautiful!!

I really enjoyed Beau and Eden's friendship and love story...incredibly sweet, yet not without its troubles or stuggles by any means. EVERY character in Summer Harbor was so enjoyable to read about! So much so, I can't WAIT to read the next in the series!
Profile Image for Gretchen.
299 reviews56 followers
December 19, 2020
This my first Denise Hunter & only second contemporary CF book. It was cute & very what I expected- in a good way! I loved how Ms. Hunter set the stage for the other Callahan brothers to find love. I’m a sucker for any series that involves brothers. This story was Christmasy & gave off Safe Haven vibes (haven’t read it, but I’ve seen it lol).

My biggest complaint has nothing to do with the writing - it’s personal preference related to the narrator. I listened to this & I think if I would have read it I would have enjoyed it more. The narrator was just okay (not wonderful but not bad either). She didn’t change her voice with any characters & there was little to no emotion relayed through her speech. That led to the story seeming lifeless. I do want to read the rest of the series but we will see if I just listen to the books or buy a physical copy to best enjoy them.

I’m not in the contemporary mood often but if I am, I will definitely seek a Denise Hunter!
Profile Image for Meg.
1,739 reviews
November 9, 2019
Ohhhhh boyyyy. They tell librarians to read outside their genre(s) of comfort once in a while, but let me tell you that I spent 7.5 hours on this book so you did not have to.

I checked this out because a customer did, and I caught the mention of Maine on the back. The cover was also appealing, and I've been looking for some paperback fiction to try since it's so popular in circulation at my library. With a title like this, it might even get me into the holiday mood. Sold!

What I didn't know until about 40% of the way in was that this is decidedly Christian fiction. Which is a popular genre for readers, so I'm not sure why it wasn't more evident from the jacket blurb, or from the beginning? It's almost as if Hunter snuck it in, but well after the plot picks up. Starting with vague references to church, right up to characters "doing morning devotions" (honestly I'm not even sure what that means?), this book is very... very "inspirational fiction." Which also means that the romance itself is rated G, to my chagrin.

A sidebar complaint, I am FROM Maine, and a I LIVE in the South. Let me tell you this is clearly written by someone who has seen too many L.L. Bean catalogs but never actually been to Maine. People use southern words ("ornery" was one I'd never heard until living in the Bible belt; "fixin' to" is not a phrase that has ever been used by a native New Englander). And aside from characters wearing a lot of flannel, no details about Maine ring true. Snowstorms are 4-6 feet of snow, not just one; Christmas doesn't involve any outdoor celebrations because it's too damn cold. Wishing the author had researched Maine more thoroughly, spoken with more natives, or maybe even visited to get a sense of the place.

But aaaaanyway, if you have some readers looking for a clean, Christian read with plenty of chaste eye contact and a couple of dry kisses, this is where it's at. There's a touch of suspense, but no graphic violence. Zero curse words. No sex. Plenty of church.
Profile Image for Katie (hiding in the pages).
3,503 reviews328 followers
February 24, 2016
(4.5 Stars) I can't even imagine being on the run and constantly looking over my shoulder, as Eden is forced to do, but she handles herself and life so well. Me? I would be a complete mess! I love reading suspense, but there's no way I could actually live it. I thought that Ms. Hunter did a fabulous job in weaving together a great suspense with some fine, clean romance.

Eden's controlling husband is dead and when witness protection failed, she's on the run. I really loved how strong and resourceful Eden is. She's got a true mother's heart and will do whatever it takes to protect and provide for her son. When Beau helps her out, by providing her a job, she's unable to resist his manly charms and true goodness. Good thing he's taken! I absolutely adore Beau! He's a protector and as head of his family and a strong member of the community, he's got a lot going for him in solving some secrets--especially surrounding his new employee. He's definitely persistent, but in a steady and kind way.

I love a story with a good supporting cast. Paige, Beau's girlfriend is such a sweet woman and even grumpy Aunt Trudy grabbed a place in my heart. Of course, Beau's brothers are amazing--I'm hoping that Riley and Zac will get their own stories. My only issue is a slight inconsistency. Eden is very good at deciphering a person's personality and aura, yet she married a jerk. It was hard for me to understand why, except that she was desperate and young. Aside from that, I was completely happy with the story from start to finish and I'm looking forward to more!

Content: mild violence (vague and matter-of-fact descriptions of murder, spousal abuse, moments of peril); mild-moderate religious elements (the characters are obviously religious, but there's no preaching); no language; mild romance (kissing). Clean for an adult reader!

*I received a copy from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,876 reviews208 followers
September 1, 2015
For months I have anxiously awaited the first book in the Summer Harbor series, titled Falling Like Snowflakes. Having read Married ’til Monday from the Chapel Springs Romance series, I was already familiar with Summer Harbor and a few of the main characters. I really liked the way the author set these books up to be two separate series, yet have a crossover connection between the families.

To get to the heart of it…I loved this story! I connected with the characters right from the start. My heart ached as I learned about Eden’s painful and terrifying past. She was such a great mom to her son, Micah, and he was a great addition to this book. These two had a lot of baggage and trauma to get past. It was hard to watch Eden make some of the choices that she made toward the end of the book, however, it all tied back to the damage that had been done to her. Overall, she grew so much by the end of this story.

Beau was a great leading man. Strangely enough, he was dating someone else for a large portion of the book. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about that, but it really worked for this story. It added a lot of conflict as he tried to determine what he was feeling and worked hard to deny the attraction that was beginning to develop toward Eden. These two had wonderful chemistry.

I loved the dynamic of the three Callahan brothers and I am very eager to read more in this series. I also thought the light suspense and danger that were present in the story was just the right amount and well-done. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Profile Image for Anita.
2,646 reviews218 followers
December 9, 2017
"Falling Like Snowflakes" is a wonderful book about a woman who comes face to face with her deepest fears and wins. The plot is great and the combination of suspense and budding romance is a potent combination. Unfortunately, the characters are flat, there is a lot of angst and the great plot promise just didn't overcome that.

Eden Martelli is on the run with her 4 year old son, Micah. She is heading to a place so off the beaten path, no one will ever be able to find her. She has covered her tracks well and is heading to northern Maine when her car breaks down. Now she is stranded in the small village of Summer Harbor, Maine. No place to stay and no money to pay to repair her car. As a last resort she approaches the Christmas Tree Farm at the edge of town only to be told there is no job there either.

Beau Callahan has just turned away a beautiful woman and her child. No sooner than she is gone he realizes that he can use her help after all. With his aunt being released from the hospital, she needs full time care and with the Christmas opening for the farm next week, there is no one to help at home. Win-Win for everyone. Except, Eden is very secretive about her past and Beau feels a very unwanted attraction.

Trust is really hard for Eden and it is really difficult when she knows that trusting the wrong person could get her and Micah killed. But Beau is a wonderful person and resisting him and the mutual attraction is impossible. Eden knows she has to leave to keep everyone safe. But is she to late after all. 3 1/2-Stars
Profile Image for Susan Snodgrass.
2,002 reviews274 followers
May 8, 2016
Denise Hunter has another winner in 'Falling Like Snowflakes' and her readers have 2 more books in this series to look forward to! I've always enjoyed her books and enjoy recommending them to others.

This book is set in Summer Harbor, Maine. We meet the Callahan family and this is Beau's story, along with Eden's. Eden is running from tragedy with her son Micah, who has given up speaking because of a horrible event that happened to him. She is hoping to get to a place a friend has loaned her when her car breaks down just outside Summer Harbor. Eden finds a job and resigns herself to stay through Christmas to save the money to replace the engine in her car.

Eden trusts no one, not even Beau Callahan. Beau is trustworthy, but Eden refuses to trust him. She's seen too much and been through worse. But her past catches up to her as Christmas approaches. Can Beau keep her safe? Will Eden allow her fears to totally engulf her, choking out any hope of happiness ever?

Wonderful book with a great spiritual message. I look forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Melissa.
2,542 reviews267 followers
December 22, 2017
This was a good Christmas Christian contemporary drama. I read a book similar to this not too long ago by a favorite author and it was hard not too compare. This one had a slow build and you knew exactly where it was going. I never felt anxious, it was a good setting and I liked the two main charters, I liked the dynamics in the story. There is some good tension and Hunter knows how to write a kiss;] . I wish we could have felt a little more for all the great side characters, there was some missed potential there. I ended up thinking the aunt was not a person I would want to be around and I don't think that was what the author was going for. It was good, only a little bit about God throughout, not a preachy book. There is some references to rape and abuse that makes this an adult read.
Profile Image for Janine Rosche.
Author 16 books434 followers
December 31, 2020
I don't know how but I loved this book even more on my third time through! This book has everything: heartache, suspense, humor, and oh-so-dreamy romance. And just when I'm sad it ended, I remind myself there are two more Callahan brothers after this!
Profile Image for CD {Boulder Blvd}.
963 reviews95 followers
July 28, 2015
Genre: Christian Chic Lit
Rating: 3.5 Stars

I like the cover of the novel; in fact, I had pinned an almost identical image of a couple kissing in a snow covered car months ago on Pinterest - before I even knew about this book.

On to the book review…
I’m giving Falling Like Snowflakes 3.5 stars which I rounded up because of how it fit into its genre. What do I see as its genre? Christian Chic Lit. It’s not always easy to find clean, Christian based books and I think this one does a good job of providing a quality story, still building a connection between the H/h (without explicit heat) and providing a Christian element without getting “preachy”. Romantic suspense is my favorite genre so I really liked the plot of this novel.

At the start of the novel there is a love triangle going on and I’m not too much into love triangles. I thought this one worked as Ms Hunter had the characters trying to be honorable and doing the right thing. I like my leading men to have some quality characteristics and not just looks. I think the H, Beau, was really appealing as a leading man and his brothers weren’t so bad either. I liked the supporting cast (gotta love a crotchety Aunt) and the town setting. I liked Eden, but she had to grow on me. I especially liked Micah. The role of children in novels can be difficult and I liked how Ms. Hunter incorporated Micah into the story.

A few issues I had with book which is really me just being a little picky and snarky (slight spoilers – but not really):

1. Minor detail but did the author get paid for every time she mentioned LL Bean? I know they are in Maine, but I get annoyed at excessive label dropping.

2. Her inability to cook and clean threw me. If she took care of her dad because her mom died when she was young, why couldn’t she cook? Why couldn’t she do laundry? She didn’t have “servants” until after she married her husband, Antonio.

3. Again, the next issue is me picking at details and not going with the flow. Besides the obvious, what was the purpose of having her bag stolen? Leaving her bag with all her money in it while she looked for her son’s stuffed bear didn’t work for me. The book bag itself didn’t work for me. I got the “why” behind a book bag as it tied into some character development, but I couldn’t get past that an escape bag should be a backpack, not a book bag. The bag decision would have been made by the US Marshalls and I don’t think her book bag would have been on the approved list of get away bags. And if you’re on the run, all of your money is not in one place – tuck a little something in your shoe or bra. You don’t take chances. Eden still could have been stranded in Summer Harbor without looking less than smart.

So yeah, I was tripping over details at the front end of the novel which made it difficult for me to get into the story. For me, the book’s pace was a little slow and I needed the suspense ratcheted up. I pushed through the first part of the book, got pulled into their story and did really enjoy the book. And if you don’t get messed up with details like I do, you can enjoy the story from the get go.

I would recommend this book to readers who are looking for clean, Christian stories. I think this story is an enjoyable one and it’s definitely a good read during the Christmas season.

Thanks to Net Galley, Thomas Nelson publishers and Ms Hunter for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Asheley T..
1,566 reviews124 followers
October 19, 2019
11/29/2017-I just reread this one via audiobook since the book is available with Audible's new Romance Plan, and it was every bit as wonderful as it was the first time that I read it. In fact, I think it was better than the first time because since my first read, I've completed the entire series, so I've gotten to know the characters intimately and I know how everything ultimately ends up with this family and group of friends. A nice bonus with this reread/listen is that I picked up on a few hints and details that made sense to me in a much different way than before.

I loved the Callahan Family, I loved the setting, and I loved that Beau Callahan owns a Christmas Tree Farm - that made it a nice holiday read for me. I do think I'll continue with rereading the entire series via audiobook since I've gotten reacquainted with this family and because I love them so much.

-------------

1/8/2017-I loved this! I was fortunate enough to choose to read this book last weekend when it actually snowed here in my part of North Carolina, which was something rare and really special to me.

This story is one of those her-car-breaks-down-in-a-random-town, she-only-plans-to-stay-temporarily stories. It was so great.

I LOVED this book. Every page. I loved all of the details of Eden's bumpy transition from her tumultuous past to her present situation. I loved all of the details of how Micah (Eden's son) began to relax and be comfortable in this new, uncomfortable environment and how he began to think of the Callahan family as his own family. I loved Beau and his relationship with Micah and his eventual relationship with Eden. I loved seeing Eden change from a person that was fearful and unsure of herself at the beginning of this book to a stronger (but not completely healed) person at the end; I liked that she was still vulnerable. I loved the entire extended family and cannot wait to read their installments in this series-I want their backstories.

Also, this setting? LOVE it. I want to go there and maybe even move there.

As soon as I finished with this book a few days ago, I went online and requested the rest of this series be placed on hold for me at my library. I've picked the books up so I can read them now: I'M SO HAPPY!

About Beau and Eden: I was surprised that
Profile Image for Callie.
392 reviews139 followers
December 21, 2015
Falling Like Snowflakes by Denise Hunter finds Eden Martelli and her son on the run when their car breaks down in Summer Harbor, a small town in Maine. In need of cash to fix her car, Eden applies for a job at a Christmas tree farm and ends up working for Beau Callahan. She uses a fake identity to try to keep herself and her son safe from the people who are trying to kill them, but in the process of working on the farm she finds herself falling for Beau.



I was excited to read this book because I have enjoyed other books by Hunter, and I love a good Christmas-y book. This book did not disappoint on the festive front. Eden spends the entire holiday season with the Callahans and the descriptions of the small town events and celebrations reminded me of holidays that I have spent with my own family. I enjoy the settings and descriptions in Hunter's books, and she always keeps the plot flowing nicely, which made this book fun to read.

I will say that to me, the romance story in this book didn't grab my attention as much as other books of Hunter's. I felt like the main characters didn't really get to know each other enough before they were having feelings toward each other, and there was more of a focus on physical attraction. I think this is partly because the plot necessitates Eden hiding her identity, but the relationship between Beau and Eden seemed too superficial to me. I like when characters have quirks and flaws, and fall in love anyway. Everyone in this book seemed too noble and faultless, and they didn't have enough personality. I couldn't relate to these characters as much as in some of Hunter's other books.

I also wasn't crazy about the way the word "Lord" was used by two of the characters, and in the last chapter Beau swats Eden on the behind in a playful manner, which is an interaction that I think isn't appropriate between two unmarried characters in a Christian book. Between that and some of Hunter's physically-focused descriptions of kisses, I would recommend caution especially for younger female readers.

This book was fun to read close to the holidays, and Hunter's plots always make me want to keep reading, but this one wasn't my favorite. If you want an easy book to read over Christmas, this one was just okay, and I might recommend checking out some of Hunter's other titles first.

Note: I received a copy of this book for free from Booklook in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,354 reviews164 followers
December 5, 2020
Frantically traveling along Maine's coastline with her young son, Eden Martelli is on the verge of despair when she finds herself stranded in Summer Harbor with a broken down car, no money, no job and no place to stay. Anonymity is critical to their survival, for she and Micah have been eyewitnesses to violent crimes and those responsible will stop at nothing to destroy their testimonies. When a local Christmas tree farmer offers refuge and temporary employment, Eden and Micah dare to hope that their prayers have been answered.

Beau Callahan is one of the most respected citizens of Summer Harbor. It is no wonder then, that Beau's compassionate heart is inextricably drawn to the beautiful young widow who literally lands on his door step one snowy November evening. Suspecting that she harbors deep secrets, he cautiously hires her to be his aunt's caretaker through the busy Christmas season, while he quietly initiates a subtle investigation on his new employ. Astounded when the pieces of Eden's broken past suddenly begin to fit together, he vows to protect her with his very life, if necessary. Will it be enough?

"Falling like Snowflakes" is a remarkable romantic encounter between two people who have everything to gain and nothing to lose by trusting the God of their futures.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 476 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.