What do you think?
Rate this book
Heartsprings Valley Winter Tale #1
Christmas to the Rescue!
‘Twas the blizzard before Christmas.... Becca Jameson is a recent arrival in Heartsprings Valley, ready for a fresh start in life as the town’s new librarian, three years after the death of her beloved husband. When a canine charmer named Bowzer captures her heart at an “Adopt-a-Pet” event, little does Becca realize that her furry pal will drag her into the Christmas adventure of a lifetime, complete with a fierce blizzard, a pregnant llama, and a very handsome veterinarian. With holiday mayhem thrust upon her, Becca must navigate a storm of snowflakes and hot cocoa to rediscover the romance of Christmas — and embrace a future filled with life and hope. It's always Christmas in Heartsprings Valley!
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2016
834 people are currently reading
243 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
March 6, 2024
This was an adorable Christmas romance set in a snowy small town where two grieving people learn to love again.🎄❤❄
Becca moved to Heartsprings Valley to take a position as a librarian and start over after she lost her husband when he was killed in Afghanistan. She adopts an adorable sheepdog named Bowser and is taking him for a walk up in the mountains when she gets caught in a blizzard and barely manages to find a house she can take shelter in. It turns out to belong to the town veterinarian—Dr. Nick, who is also grieving the loss of his wife. This was a sweet Christmas romance, with lots of animals, including a llama! 😊🦙❤
Becca moved to Heartsprings Valley to take a position as a librarian and start over after she lost her husband when he was killed in Afghanistan. She adopts an adorable sheepdog named Bowser and is taking him for a walk up in the mountains when she gets caught in a blizzard and barely manages to find a house she can take shelter in. It turns out to belong to the town veterinarian—Dr. Nick, who is also grieving the loss of his wife. This was a sweet Christmas romance, with lots of animals, including a llama! 😊🦙❤
December 3, 2022
Cute story
Two widowed people meet and fall in love on Christmas Eve. It was very very cute and it is totally clean. One kiss at the end and I loved it! I also learned that a baby llama is called a cria from this book. The simple goodness of this story just touched my inner Christmas romantic and made me give a big aaaahhhh at the end. The small town eccentric characters, the sweet lovable dog, the very superior white cat, and the handsome town vet were just the right medicine for Becca. It healed her heart, and his and made for a very sweet happily ever after.
Two widowed people meet and fall in love on Christmas Eve. It was very very cute and it is totally clean. One kiss at the end and I loved it! I also learned that a baby llama is called a cria from this book. The simple goodness of this story just touched my inner Christmas romantic and made me give a big aaaahhhh at the end. The small town eccentric characters, the sweet lovable dog, the very superior white cat, and the handsome town vet were just the right medicine for Becca. It healed her heart, and his and made for a very sweet happily ever after.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2019
This is a very cute and easy quick Christmas read. One that I enjoyed very much. Editing missed a few mistakes but I didn't find that it hurt or effected the story in the least. Becca was a delightful character and I loved Bowser the dog . Nick wasn't bad either!
Widow Becca, seeking a change in her life, accepts a job as librarian in Heartsprings Valley. She adopts a friendly well mannered dog shortly after her move. First day of having Bowser she takes him for a long walk. Deciding to follow a trail up a mountain side hoping to get a good view of the town from an observation point, she is totally unaware of an approaching nor'eastner blizzard . In no time she is caught up in the blinding snow storm and gets lost trying to find her way back down the trail towards the town. Fearing the outcome she allows Bowser to lead her they discover a rustic cabin. Not wanting to be a spoiler this is a very good place to stop the review.
This is my first time reading anything by Anne Chase. I want to read the other three books in this series. The story was clean read. A Christmas Romance that would be a good Hallmark movie. All readers of contemporary romance and Christmas Fiction will enjoy this book.
I borrowed an ebook version from the Kindle Lending Library. A favorable review was not requested. All opinions expressed and shared here are my own.
Widow Becca, seeking a change in her life, accepts a job as librarian in Heartsprings Valley. She adopts a friendly well mannered dog shortly after her move. First day of having Bowser she takes him for a long walk. Deciding to follow a trail up a mountain side hoping to get a good view of the town from an observation point, she is totally unaware of an approaching nor'eastner blizzard . In no time she is caught up in the blinding snow storm and gets lost trying to find her way back down the trail towards the town. Fearing the outcome she allows Bowser to lead her they discover a rustic cabin. Not wanting to be a spoiler this is a very good place to stop the review.
This is my first time reading anything by Anne Chase. I want to read the other three books in this series. The story was clean read. A Christmas Romance that would be a good Hallmark movie. All readers of contemporary romance and Christmas Fiction will enjoy this book.
I borrowed an ebook version from the Kindle Lending Library. A favorable review was not requested. All opinions expressed and shared here are my own.
August 27, 2021
Rescue me from the boring writing.
I love holiday romance books. This is a go to genre for me that has never before left me disappointed. It is so exposition heavy with almost no plot or character development. I understand she likes her burgandy sweater, but do we need to hear about it 5 different times? Do we need to hear about the white cottage 7 times? The story takes place over 3 days and while things happen in the story, you don't feel anything. There is no fear, no drama, no anticipation, no swooning. The author uses so much minutia that I felt bored and had the book been any longer I wouldn't have finished it. If you're looking for a book to put you to sleep, read this. If you want cozy fluttery romance I would pass.
I love holiday romance books. This is a go to genre for me that has never before left me disappointed. It is so exposition heavy with almost no plot or character development. I understand she likes her burgandy sweater, but do we need to hear about it 5 different times? Do we need to hear about the white cottage 7 times? The story takes place over 3 days and while things happen in the story, you don't feel anything. There is no fear, no drama, no anticipation, no swooning. The author uses so much minutia that I felt bored and had the book been any longer I wouldn't have finished it. If you're looking for a book to put you to sleep, read this. If you want cozy fluttery romance I would pass.
Read
August 7, 2019A very pleasant read.
A fun read. Being an animal lover myself, especially dogs, I fell in love with Bowzer! Anne Chase has a gift for making characters come to life. She certainly has written a most entertaining book.
A fun read. Being an animal lover myself, especially dogs, I fell in love with Bowzer! Anne Chase has a gift for making characters come to life. She certainly has written a most entertaining book.
August 4, 2018
Christmas to the Rescue
A sweet Christmas story about two people who had each lost their spouse, a nor'easter, a llama, a rescue dog and the beginning of new love.
A sweet Christmas story about two people who had each lost their spouse, a nor'easter, a llama, a rescue dog and the beginning of new love.
September 15, 2023
Sweet Christmas 2nd chance romance
Becca has moved to Heartsprings Valley right before Christmas. There she meets and adopts the adorable dog Bowser. While taking Bowser on a hike, they are overtaken by a Nor'easter snowstorm. While wandering around lost, Bowser leads Becca to his vet Nick's cabin in time. Both Becca and Nick had lost their significant other a few years ago. So they get to know each other during the storm. There are some surprising events during that Christmas Eve. Are they ready to let go of the past and move toward the future? Read this and see!
The pace is engrossing and the tone is post with a character oriented storyline that has some kisses and no steam or action. The characters are vivid and engaging. This is a nice contemporary romance with some cool animals. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
Becca has moved to Heartsprings Valley right before Christmas. There she meets and adopts the adorable dog Bowser. While taking Bowser on a hike, they are overtaken by a Nor'easter snowstorm. While wandering around lost, Bowser leads Becca to his vet Nick's cabin in time. Both Becca and Nick had lost their significant other a few years ago. So they get to know each other during the storm. There are some surprising events during that Christmas Eve. Are they ready to let go of the past and move toward the future? Read this and see!
The pace is engrossing and the tone is post with a character oriented storyline that has some kisses and no steam or action. The characters are vivid and engaging. This is a nice contemporary romance with some cool animals. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
January 13, 2023
3.5 Stars
I was a little disappointed with a few aspects of this book. First, the novel was written in only the female protagonist’s perspective. Being that both protagonists lost their spouses and we’re still grieving, having the male point of view would have gone a long way to giving me a connection with him. Unfortunately, I couldn’t connect to him at all. I needed to be privy to his thoughts and I was disappointed that I wasn’t. In addition as this is promoted as a Christmas romance, I expected more than the whole book taking place over only the couple of days leading to Christmas. It ended abruptly and I so wished there was at least an epilogue. I will add that after I turned the last page the author gave an opportunity to read a chapter in which she wrote in the male protagonist’s point of view IF you signed up for her newsletter.
What I did enjoy was the writing itself as I could picture the scenes described and the secondary characters were all endearing. I do love small town romances and quirky residents. I’d like to state that what I didn’t enjoy about this book was because of my reading preferences. Will I read the next book in the series? I’m not sure yet.
Thank you for taking the time to read my review. :)
I was a little disappointed with a few aspects of this book. First, the novel was written in only the female protagonist’s perspective. Being that both protagonists lost their spouses and we’re still grieving, having the male point of view would have gone a long way to giving me a connection with him. Unfortunately, I couldn’t connect to him at all. I needed to be privy to his thoughts and I was disappointed that I wasn’t. In addition as this is promoted as a Christmas romance, I expected more than the whole book taking place over only the couple of days leading to Christmas. It ended abruptly and I so wished there was at least an epilogue. I will add that after I turned the last page the author gave an opportunity to read a chapter in which she wrote in the male protagonist’s point of view IF you signed up for her newsletter.
What I did enjoy was the writing itself as I could picture the scenes described and the secondary characters were all endearing. I do love small town romances and quirky residents. I’d like to state that what I didn’t enjoy about this book was because of my reading preferences. Will I read the next book in the series? I’m not sure yet.
Thank you for taking the time to read my review. :)
November 8, 2021
Christmas in Heartsprings Valley
Becca is going to be the new librarian of Heartsprings. She arrived early to avoid Christmas at home with her family. Christmas has been hard since she lost her husband three years prior in Afghanistan. She meets Dr Nick when both herself and Bowser, her newly adopted dog, get lost during a snow storm. There seems to be an instant connection between the two but Becca is not sure if she is ready, let alone Nick, since he lost his wife two years ago. Do the two trust their hearts and give love another chance. Read this sweet story, set among a Christmas background, to find out.
Becca is going to be the new librarian of Heartsprings. She arrived early to avoid Christmas at home with her family. Christmas has been hard since she lost her husband three years prior in Afghanistan. She meets Dr Nick when both herself and Bowser, her newly adopted dog, get lost during a snow storm. There seems to be an instant connection between the two but Becca is not sure if she is ready, let alone Nick, since he lost his wife two years ago. Do the two trust their hearts and give love another chance. Read this sweet story, set among a Christmas background, to find out.
December 27, 2018
A sweet read.
I'm a sucker for Christmas and sweet times. This book doesn't disappoint. It's about working through difficult times. Also, knowing when to let go and move on with your life. It's about small-town life, of knowing and helping your neighbors just because they are. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Yes, I recommend this book.
I'm a sucker for Christmas and sweet times. This book doesn't disappoint. It's about working through difficult times. Also, knowing when to let go and move on with your life. It's about small-town life, of knowing and helping your neighbors just because they are. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Yes, I recommend this book.
November 26, 2021
Full of love hope and joy
This book was captivating. Anne Chase reminds us of the power of love. Love truly does conquer all. It has the power to bring joy, open hearts and heal us all. Thank you for ths joyous read. I couldn't put it down. Loved the free book of Nick's perspective just as much and can't wait to get to book 2. What a great way to spend this holiday season!
This book was captivating. Anne Chase reminds us of the power of love. Love truly does conquer all. It has the power to bring joy, open hearts and heal us all. Thank you for ths joyous read. I couldn't put it down. Loved the free book of Nick's perspective just as much and can't wait to get to book 2. What a great way to spend this holiday season!
August 25, 2022
Very few Christmas books that I haven’t enjoyed; however, this was so excruciatingly boring with Becca talking endlessly to her dog, and describing every step of her gingerbread recipe, and describing each piece of clothing she put on. At 27% read I had no interest in finding out if she eventually met the vet and fell in love. DNF
July 7, 2024
I read this as part of my "Christmas in July" personal celebration. I thought the description of her making the gingerbread cookies dragged the story down, but the ride through the blizzard was exciting. The romance happened a little too quickly to seem realistic. I'm not usually a fan of romance, but overall I liked this one.
December 6, 2017
😃😃😃😃
A very nice sweet clean romance. Neither Nick nor Becca face great obstacles, with the path from just met to ready for love being pretty smooth. But the story is nice and the characters engaging.
A very nice sweet clean romance. Neither Nick nor Becca face great obstacles, with the path from just met to ready for love being pretty smooth. But the story is nice and the characters engaging.
April 29, 2019
Thank you!
I really enjoyed your Christmas story. Your whole birthing scene with the llamas was absolute delight. I felt like I as right there helping. ☺ You must know a vet. It was very real. Again, thank you.
I really enjoyed your Christmas story. Your whole birthing scene with the llamas was absolute delight. I felt like I as right there helping. ☺ You must know a vet. It was very real. Again, thank you.
November 30, 2019
Loved it!
What more could you ask for in a Christmas story!
A picturesque town in winter, a dog, and a cute veterinarian, and a nor'easter storm.
Not to mention a birth on Christmas Eve...of the animal kind.
Loved the characters...
A book I could read again
What more could you ask for in a Christmas story!
A picturesque town in winter, a dog, and a cute veterinarian, and a nor'easter storm.
Not to mention a birth on Christmas Eve...of the animal kind.
Loved the characters...
A book I could read again
February 13, 2020
Christmas Rescue
I enjoyed this book. The story was cute. But the editing was terrible. There were many grammar errors and at times words in a sentence that didn't belong or were reversed.
I enjoyed this book. The story was cute. But the editing was terrible. There were many grammar errors and at times words in a sentence that didn't belong or were reversed.
December 8, 2020
Special
A very sweet and enjoyable story. I needed an interesting, light story that would brighten my thoughts and make me happy. This special Christmas story was exactly that. Quick read. Fun.
A very sweet and enjoyable story. I needed an interesting, light story that would brighten my thoughts and make me happy. This special Christmas story was exactly that. Quick read. Fun.
December 22, 2020
Surprises
This book is full of surprises. From a Nor'easter snow storm, to a snowmobile ride in the storm, to the birth of a baby llama plus a good Christmas story. This book has it all plus it is a feel good Christmas story.
This book is full of surprises. From a Nor'easter snow storm, to a snowmobile ride in the storm, to the birth of a baby llama plus a good Christmas story. This book has it all plus it is a feel good Christmas story.
January 30, 2021
A fast, great Christmas story. I loved Bowzer, and Daisy and Rebecca. Any Christmas story is better with animals. Not often there are llamas, though. And the humans in the book were pretty good, too! I’m really looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
November 4, 2021
Sweet 2nd chance romance
Becca is the new town librarian whose husband was killed 8n Afghanistan 3 years ago. Nick is the town vet whose wife died in an accident 2 years ago. This is a sweet 2nd chance story set at Christmas with wonderful characters in the background.
Becca is the new town librarian whose husband was killed 8n Afghanistan 3 years ago. Nick is the town vet whose wife died in an accident 2 years ago. This is a sweet 2nd chance story set at Christmas with wonderful characters in the background.
November 14, 2021
Frothy and dull
Light fluffy reading. At times overly descriptive. Many misspellings and grammatical errors. Didn't feel any connection to the characters. Won't continue with this series.
Light fluffy reading. At times overly descriptive. Many misspellings and grammatical errors. Didn't feel any connection to the characters. Won't continue with this series.
December 10, 2022
Obviously, this is a cheesy hallmark style Christmas book which was exactly what I was going for. It was a quick read, short, with a sweet storyline. Heartland springs sounds like a perfect little town!
December 15, 2022
A sweet Christmas romance
This book is a complete delight! With a dog as a very treasured character, along with two people who were making their way through tragic losses. Good story, sweet and happy ending and lots of Christmas cheer
This book is a complete delight! With a dog as a very treasured character, along with two people who were making their way through tragic losses. Good story, sweet and happy ending and lots of Christmas cheer
January 31, 2023
Sweet, Cozy, Uplifting
A fluffy white dog helps two people find each other as they learn to let go of the past and find love again. Anne Chase wove this beautiful story with lots of heart and wonderful characters in a small New England winter setting.
A fluffy white dog helps two people find each other as they learn to let go of the past and find love again. Anne Chase wove this beautiful story with lots of heart and wonderful characters in a small New England winter setting.
November 24, 2019
Good
This is a wonderful story about how two people who live animals find each other after losing a spouse come.
This is a wonderful story about how two people who live animals find each other after losing a spouse come.
December 9, 2019
Cute, predictable, clean romance. Yes, there were typos and repetitions but when Divina curled up and spooned Bowzer, my heart melted.
December 28, 2019
A nice, clean and enjoyable Christmas romance. The nice thing that the author did was write a short story from Nick’s perspective and it’s free if you sign up for the newsletter.
December 11, 2020
Charming Christmas story
Such a charming Christmas story about finding new love, new friends while celebrating the joys of Christmas
I would highly recommend this blok
Such a charming Christmas story about finding new love, new friends while celebrating the joys of Christmas
I would highly recommend this blok
January 2, 2021
Good read!!
Just like a Hallmark Christmas movie--complete with romance and not cocoa! One of those feel good stories with a happy ending!!
Just like a Hallmark Christmas movie--complete with romance and not cocoa! One of those feel good stories with a happy ending!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews