Irises in the Snow

by Isabelle Adler

It’s Christmas, and Justin’s life is fraying at the edges. The family business he took over instead of going to art school is bleeding money, and his boyfriend of seven months cheated on him. Under these circumstances, family gatherings can be rough, but Justin believes he has everything under control. That is, until Elliot, his former best friend (and the first guy to ever break his heart) unexpectedly shows up at the holiday dinner party.

With both of them still nursing the wounds of the past, it might take a real Christmas miracle for Justin and Elliot to learn to appreciate the art of second chances.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, LGBT, Holiday, Novella, Fiction

97 pages, ebook

First published November 4, 2019

About the author

Isabelle Adler writes M/M romance, sci-fi, adventure, and fantasy.
She has been a voracious reader from the age of five and always dreamed of one day putting her own stories into writing. She loves traveling, art, and science, and finds inspiration in all of these. Her favorite genres include sci-fi, fantasy, and historical adventure. She also firmly believes in the unlimited powers of imagination and caffeine.

Reviews

[sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Irises in the snow is a swoonworthy m/m romance holiday novella that you should not miss out on!

This book was expertly done, I often find novellas and short stories to be underwhelming and underdeveloped but this was really well fleshed out, but fast paced and addicting at the same time. In the short time we know our characters, we get a real glimpse into their personalities, struggles and dreams. I felt very connected to the main character Justin, as well as Elliot. I loved the subplot of art, it added another layer that I appreciated.

The holiday setting was so fun! It made me get into such a christmasy mood, as it is set in a couple of days leading up to Christmas and then afterwards. Despite this, the book is not an entirely feel good, happy go lucky romance. Justin's father is recovering from cancer and Justin is trying to hold up the struggling family business by himself while letting go of his dreams.

My favourite part of this novella though was of course the romance. It was developed meticulously and not rushed at all. The sexual content of this book is non-explicit, but even the descriptions of small moments like hands touching had my heart racing!

I would love to see more from these characters, and I will definitely check out some of Isabelle Adler's upcoming or past releases!

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this novella!

[☆ Todd · Rating 3 out of 5]

WOW. That was a *lot* of drama for one story.

- Recent parent deaths.

- Leukemia.

- Breakup due to cheating.

- A loud, judgmental family member.

- Failing business.

- Loss of self-worth and pride.

- Loss of childhood dreams and ambitions.

- Long distance separation.

- Ghosting behavior.

- Loss of first true love.

So yeah, like I said... a LOT.

The story was "fine", but with my attention divided between so many plot points, the feels got a bit muddled for me.

I would've rather the story picked 3, maybe 4, items from the drama list and stuck with those, while pulling more deeply on my heart strings.

Also, while I don't normally require steam in my books, I felt that the single fade-to-black scene here was a missed opportunity to sell me more fully on the depth of the connection between Justin and Elliot.

3 *kitchen-sink* stars.

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

My ARC copy of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.

See All My Latest Reads (Review Quick-Links)

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

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a second-chance-at-love novella, set at Christmas time.

Justin is feeling like a failure. The family business he's tried to keep afloat for so long, foregoing his own dreams and ambitions, is not doing well, and he can't bear to face his parents as Christmas approaches, especially his father who has cancer. When an unexpected guest shows up at his mother's invitation, hope flares for a moment as Justin is reunited with Elliott, his former boyfriend and first love who ghosted him.

Justin experiences moments of bitterness, as I would have expected, but he tries very hard to put a smile on his face and enjoy his family's Christmas traditions. Confronted with Elliott, he's at once angry with his meddling mother and wary, but also thrown headfirst into reminiscing about what might have been.

The unresolved issues between Justin and Elliott obviously come to the forefront sooner rather than later, and I thought the author did a nice job exploring these emotions organically. The 2nd chance romance is perhaps a little bit rushed, considering the time frame, and the one intimate scene fading to black seemed like a missed opportunity to further explore the changing emotions between the two MCs.

The book ends with a nice HFN. Overall, an enjoyable novella, perfect for curling up by the fire with a hot cup of cocoa nearby.


** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher via Netgally in exchange for an honest review. **

[Isabelle Adler]

Category: Romance
Genre: Contemporary
Word Count: 25300
Book Length: Novella
Sex Content: Non-Explicit
Pairing: MM
Orientation: Gay
Identity: Cisgender
Warning: Secondary character recovering from cancer, deceased parents, dealing with grief, discussion of dieting

Available for purchase:
NineStar Press: https://ninestarpress.com/product/iri...
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZRZ64M2/
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Irises-Snow-...
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/iris...
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ww/en/ebook/iris...

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Irises in the Snow is a tender second chance romance novella by Isabelle Adler.

Justin and Elliot were high school sweethearts who were forced to part ways. Now, Justin finds an awkward surprise when he returns home for Christmas, allowing the two to reunite.

I adore second chance romances, and this one is a true gem. Justin and Elliot are super sweet together, and I could feel the little touches and quickened heartbeats.

The smooth writing style drew me in and I was happy with the continued pleasant tone. For a novella, it is well developed and I never felt something was lacking.

Irises in the Snow is a delightful, quick holiday read. It's super charming and perfect when you're looking for a short Christmas romance. It will definitely leave you satisfied.

[Adrienne Bross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: I was given a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.

I have to admit, first and foremost, that winter is at the very top for me, sitting unchecked and unchallenged as my favorite season. It's a time of cuddles, hot beverages, crackling fires, and gatherings of friends and family. Now, take all of that warm, gooey goodness and condense it into the pages of a novella, and you'll have Isabelle Adler's Irises in the Snow.

In the heart of a small town, Justin Rowel is struggling. Despite his own problems, he puts them aside to find some cheer and good will in his family's yearly Christmas traditions. One of the problems, or perhaps one of the balms to the rawness of his emotional struggles, is the addition of a person from his past that threatens to throw his entire life into further turmoil.

Or, it could be what he always dreamed of.

In a down-to-earth but heart-warming tale, we get to see how dreams, both attained and destroyed, have a way of coalescing in matters of the heart, and maybe creating a new dream, one that everyone can take part in. I would highly recommend this read. And, for clarity, yes, I both read the novella and am writing the review while listening to Christmas music and sipping hot cocoa.

Treat yourself to the hug-in-a-novella that Irises in the Snow offers. You won't regret it.

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novella is a lovely beginning to the season of Holiday stories. Isabelle Adler is a great writer and this story... short as it feels... is lovely. Justin's life began to fall apart the moment his partner left for the city and the life they had planned together. Justin stayed behind because his father was ill and rather than following his dream to be an artist, he suddenly needed to run a hardware store.

Heartbreaker, Elliot is invited to family dinner by Justin's Mom and that brings them together for the first time in years. Why? Well, Elliot kind of disappeared off the face of the earth. Even when his parents passed away Elliot didn't answer Justin's messages... no matter how he reached out... Elliot didn't respond. So, Justine tried his best to put it behind him and move on.

When the two men find themselves thrown back together once more... the unsaid and undone things between them rise up again. First love is a difficult one to get past... especially when your feelings haven't changed.

[Relly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Sugar plum Santa 🎅

3.75 *⭐️

I enjoyed this one but I wanted it to be longer.
I felt for Justin and understood his need to keep the family business running, even when doing so meant giving up on his dreams. He had moments of bitterness that made his character very realistic and at the same time made it harder for him to connect with Elliot. I found Elliot harder to connect with, but that was because he never gave the full story and as we were in Justin's head we only saw what he saw. I did like them together when they got there but wanted more from that time. I loved the ending, it was the solution I was thinking about while reading so it worked well.
The secondary characters we well done, I enjoyed Justin's families (especially his mum's) good intentioned meddling.

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This second chance Christmas romance had enough angst to suit me, but I wanted a little more story to go with it.

Justin and Elliot were childhood friends and high school boyfriends, but their fortunes diverged after Elliot went off to California for art school and Justin stayed in their hometown to run the family business after his father’s cancer diagnosis. When Elliot returns to sell his family home, Justin is embarrassed to see him again, because Elliot is successful, and Justin is anything but. They discover that they still have feelings for each other, but how can they have a future when their lives are so different?

Well, given that this book is a romance, they do figure it out, of course. Justin fully engaged my sympathies, because he’s had a tough time of it, and I wanted him to get his HEA with Elliot. I would have liked it if there was a little more development of the story, however. I think Elliot could have used some fleshing out as a character. The author also spends a lot of time setting up their situation, but Justin and Elliot figure out a solution to their separation fairly quickly at the end. The conclusion of the book seemed a little abrupt to me.

Readers who like stories with lots of heat might be disappointed with this one. Other than some kissing, not much happens. It’s fade to black in terms of sex scenes.

If you are looking for a quick read and like second chance romances, though, you might want to give it a try.

A copy of this book was provided through NetGalley for review; all opinions expressed are my own.

[etoile1996 · Rating 3 out of 5]

this short holiday novel is a second chance story that suffers a bit in the short format but proves enjoyable in spite of that. justin's life is falling apart right in time for christmas. when he shows up at his parents' house and encounters his ex-best friend, elliot, also known as the guy who broke his heart. it's weird because at times in the story it seems like they were clearly together, but at other times it seems like it was something they shared on the down-low, but i'm not sure why? because they were both out to their families.

anyway, they broke up for #reasons. and then lost touch for #reasons. mainly because elliot ghosted justin. and now that they've run into each other he seems like he might want to change things, but justin is really the one to keep reaching out. and that's where the story suffers, because elliot's reasons and motivations are not entirely clear. and the obstacles feel so contrived. but it's still sweet when the characters find their way to each other.

irises in the snow is still an enjoyable read, just don't look too deeply.

**irises in the snow will publish on november 4, 2019. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/ninestar press in exchange for an honest review.

[Joyfully Jay]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars

Isabelle Adler has given us a novella of hope and second chances with the release of her Christmas story, Irises in the Snow. Admitting you have failed to keep the family business afloat is one thing, but Justin not only failed at that, but at just about everything else in his life. To say he is at an all-time low is not exaggerating. But when he sees that his mother has invited an old friend—once his boyfriend—to Christmas dinner, Justin can hardly contain the hope that surges inside him. Perhaps he and Elliot can reconnect and have what they once wished for—a life together with each other. Then reality comes crashing in and Justin must face his anger at Elliot, who refused to speak with him after the sudden death of his parents, firmly closing the door on their love forever. Alongside that was the realization that being a part of the art world he once loved was just no longer a possibility. Justin is trapped and Elliot has a life miles away and will soon be out of reach once more.

Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.

[R.J. Sorrento · Rating 5 out of 5]

I decided to set time aside from NaNoWriMo word sprints to read this charming novella. That’s how much I adore Isabelle Adler’s writing. Her setting details are a pleasure to read and bring the story to life in every scene. Every sitting to read this was like being wrapped in a warm comfy blanket.

I fell for Justin and Elliot’s story instantly. I’m a big fan of second chance romance, and this holiday novella delivers. I’m usually a grump about Christmas, but this book warmed my grinch heart.

Start the holiday season early and give Irises in the Snow a read.

[Isabella ~Mikku-chan~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full RTC - November 4 (release day)

What an amazing Christmas novella about forgiveness & second chances

Though short a great example how to manage to put everything you need to tell in one story and be coherent about it.

I was so feeling with Justin but could also understand Elliot's POV & decisions.

5 out of 5 stars

[Jamie Lee Zonneveld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Irises in the Snow was my first book by Isabelle Adler and I really liked it. It was a lovely and emotional Christmas love story.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can’t decide to give this Christmasy second-chance gay romance novella a two star or three...

***eProof given by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review/reaction***

This is a short, sweet, Christmasy second-chance romance novella with a HEA. And I liked it. After reading Midnight Sun, which was a tad on the heavy side, this was the lovely antidote for that.

Though I found it sweet and a fast read (I could have read this in one day if I found the time), there is a lot of drama thrown in. Recent parental death, Parent in remission due to recent battle with leukemia, ghosting behaviour, break-up due to cheating, failing business (to name a few)... A lot of drama was thrown into a novella, which takes place over a course of four days over the Christmas period (and some of the stuff characters do on Christmas Day seemed very out of place). All this could have been easily a novel with the romance, characters and some of the drama (some, not all) drawn out and fleshed out, but due to the fact this is a 90/100 page novella, everything is pinballed and skimmed over.

This includes the main characters's Big Reconcile Moment at the end of the novella. It was a "Fade to Black" sex scene, which felt like a missed opportunity and felt rushed. I wanted to see Justin and Elliot get together, so not seeing the payoff was frustrating.

I did like this and, like I said, I could have easily read it in one day with a mug of hot chocolate, but this novella needed one or two less drama-issues and a little more focus on the romance/heat for me.

[Victoria Loves Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet second-chance Christmas story. There is nothing that gets to me like a heartwarming second chance romance! Just the idea of two people being given a second chance at finding their happily-ever-after with each other or allowing them to love again never fails to feed the hopeless romantic in me. It’s not even that I look for these types of stories, but they somehow find me. Childhood sweethearts, unrequited crushes, broken hearts… works for me every time.

This was the perfect book to curl up with in front of the fireplace. It’s cold in Texas Y’all. And, what a perfect title for a story revolving around forgiveness. This book is well written with the characters, the description of the cold and the situation they were in. Great Christmas read.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the gorgeous cover, also

Note: I was given a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Irises in the Snow is an enjoyable friends-to-lovers, second chance love story. After five years apart, childhood friends and former lovers Justin and Elliott find themselves unexpectedly meeting again. They’re both dealing with sadness, and Justin, in particular, has one big obstacle in the form of family obligations he must overcome before he can consider rekindling the flame with Elliott. The plot is solid, if basic. In the end we are left with a happy ending, as is fitting for a light holiday read.

Initially the pace of the book is brisk, with everything in the blurb occurring within the first few pages. This works well for the novella because it allowed author Isabelle Adler to make the most of her limited space, and devote the remaining 90ish pages to exploring the problems and solving the conflict.

The author does create some chemistry, but the book is low on romance and the one sex scene fades to black after the kissing.

Unless you are looking for lots of heat, I recommend this novella for those seeking a happy, quick read.

3.5 stars rounded up


This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, sweet holiday read...

3.5 - 4 stars....

My first reaction when I finished Irises in the Snow was "Short, sweet holiday read..." and that pretty much sums it up. A lot happened in this short read, almost too much considering the length of the story. That doesn't mean that I didn't like Elliot and Justin's second chance story, it just means that I wish there was more. *sigh*

If you're looking for a quick read, packed full of emotion coming from all directions, Irises in the Snow will definitely fill the bill.

This is my second read by Isabelle Adler. The first was A Touch of Magic, the first in her Fae-Touched series, which I really hope she continues. I've also just picked up (and almost finished) The Wolf and the Sparrow, so stay tuned.

I received Irises in the Snow in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Mery ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5

Justin's life is falling apart right in time for Christmas. when he shows up at his parents' house and encounters his ex-best friend, Elliot, also known as the guy who broke his heart. it's weird because at times in the story it seems like they were clearly together, but at other times it seems like it was something they shared on the down-low, but I'm not sure why? because they were both out to their families.

They broke up for #reasons. and then lost touch for #reasons. mainly because Elliot ghosted Justin. and now that they've run into each other he seems like he might want to change things, but Justin is really the one to keep reaching out. and that's where the story suffers because Elliot's reasons and motivations are not entirely clear. and the obstacles feel so contrived. but it's still sweet when the characters find their way to each other.

The book is still an enjoyable read, just don't look too deeply.

[Bo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tension Chance

This is a second chance novella with two very heartbroken exes who weren't really boyfriends when they suddenly split five years before but who were nevertheless in love with each other and expected by everyone they knew to be on their way to the altar eventually.

Which of course didn't happen because at the time Justin and Elliott were supposed to head off from Indiana to California to art school Justin's father got cancer and he had to stay behind while Elliott went away and the misunderstandings and pride and stupidity followed. This all was accentuated when Elliott's parents were killed in an auto accident and somehow Justin never attended the services.

But now that Elliott is back to sort out his parents' stuff, he accidentally runs into Justin's mom in the grocery and she invites him to Christmas dinners with the family he once knew and loved--especially Justin, who is totally freaked out by this happenstance.

I'll leave it there because Isabelle Adler has some heart wrenching, and uplifting, chapters for you to absorb in a "second chance romance" that will keep you interested even if Justin and Elliott can be dumb as sticks sometimes.

[Shawna (endemictoearth) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly affecting second chance romance holiday novella, (but at points, also truly affected. I love an apt word or phrase as much as the next former English major, but there were a few clangers in this one.) HOWEVER, I looked past that. I could see how these two would have drifted apart and grown resentful, but there was also enough there to rekindle.

[Jenn (not Lily) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely! Just enough hope of potential future happiness to temper the melancholy memories of more joyful past holidays. Made me cry and smile at the same time.

[空 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ah. I see.

[Sadonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review and much more can be found at Love Bytes Reviews

Justin is looking forward to the holidays with his family. Things have really been going badly for him lately. His family business is failing. He discovered his boyfriend cheating on him. He still lives in his same small town above said failing business and his only real friend is the owner of the independent coffee shop across the street. So he really needs some cheering up. But when he walks into the first holiday dinner, who should be there, but his former best friend/first love who bolted town years before. Yeah – sooooo not what he needed.

Turns out that Elliot is in town to settle and finalize family business. As he’s alone for the holidays, Kelly, Justin’s mom, has invited him to spend the holidays with their family. AWKWARD! Seems that when they went their separate ways years ago, things didn’t go so well for Justin. He wanted Elliot to go, but he didn’t think Elliot would just cut him off, so it’s a bit of a shock – and not necessarily a good one – to see him after literally nothing for years. He’s not sure he can handle the whole holiday week with all these reminders of what he missed out on right in his face while everything else is going wrong as well.

Without being spoilery, there are a lot of unresolved issues for Justin and Elliot. They were each others firsts of a lot of things. But they’ve lost touch and aren’t in sync any more. Justin realizes just how much he’s missed his best friend and how uninspired his life has been. He’s grateful for his family, but he’s kind of missing his own life. Elliot’s life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be either. But the question is, can they find a way forward where they can both be happy?

This story was a lot more dark than I expected. There is just a lot of tragedy in this book for these young guys. Having experienced early tragedy in my own life, I kind of related to how it really does derail hopes and dreams. Sometimes permanently. Sometimes not. I felt for Justin who definitely felt stuck and trapped. Sometimes when your family needs you, sacrifices have to be made and he’s done that. He’s having a hard time moving forward and living his own life. Elliot feels guilty and while he’s achieved a lot he’s not really been happy. I really liked seeing Justin decide to just stand up for himself. I also liked his family a lot – especially his sister and his mom. This is definitely a hard won victory for these two. Recommended especially for those who love second chances and overcoming obstacles stories.

[Ro · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
Justin is the best of sons, to the detriment of himself sometimes. He has been trying his best to make his family’s hardware store a success but the arrival of a Big Box store (Tool Depot) just a little way from their store has hit the finances hard. He doesn’t want to spoil the holidays so he puts on his best faux happy face. Add into this his boyfriend Mark was caught “I literally walked in on you with your pants around your ankles and some guy’s mouth around your d**k” and, well, it’s a rough holiday season.

For the icing on the cake he walks into his parent’s holiday dinner to find Elliot, the boy who had been his best friend and the man who had broken his heart, is there on visit from California, where he runs a successful art gallery. He and Justin were supposed to go to art school together but when Justin’s father was diagnosed with cancer Justin stayed and Elliott left.

I was thoroughly in like with Justin but Elliott brought my rating down somewhat. I understand continuing to follow your dream even when your boyfriend can’t, but to cut him off completely? If nothing else, they had been best friends for years and Justin deserved better. “It was selfish of me, I know. I got everything I wanted, and I took it.” I get that, but “You never called or responded to any of my messages. You ignored me on social media…” He did that on purpose, “I thought it’d be easier that way…I figured at some point you’d give up.” Do you do that to a friend? Even if you want out of the romantic angle, do you just cut off your best friend who’s father is going through cancer treatment? When Elliott’s parents are killed in an accident and Justin tries to reach out, again, “The truth is, I was avoiding you.” I’m not sure how we are supposed to view Elliott but I’ll be honest – I thought Justin deserved to be treated better.

I very much appreciated they didn’t fall immediately into bed and the magic penis solved all problems. The ex-boyfriend showing up helped with that but Justin himself didn’t think it was the best idea and I agreed. Elliott’s ham-handed attempt at a second chance just made me want to shake him. “Mark’s betrayal had stung but this breach of trust cut so much deeper.” I am a fan of second chance stories and I was very glad Justin gets to have his HEA but I’m never going to be a fangirl of Elliott.

This is a new author for me and I enjoyed the writing very much. Characters were well fleshed out, even given the short length of the story (74 pages). The connection between the story and the title was perfection.

[Isa Tis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Une petite nouvelle de Noël douce-amère qui m'a charmée par sa couverture et son titre, et dont la signification ne m'a pas déçue. Irises in the snow" est une romance douce-amère, j'ai apprécié le fait que l'auteur ne tombe pas dans un récit niais ou trop cucul la pralinette comme c'est parfois le cas pour ce genre d'histoire.

Je ne veux pas trop en dire sur l'intrigue pour ne pas gâcher la découverte, il s'agit d'une histoire de seconde chance entre Justin et son premier amour, Elliot.
En peu de pages, Isabelle Adler est parvenue à créer une histoire toute en simplicité et touchante, avec ce soupçon de magie de Noël qui fait tellement de bien au moral !
J'ai quand même un petit reproche à faire...en effet, il m'a manqué des passages sur le passé qu'ont partagé les deux hommes, alors au lycée. J'aurais tellement aimé assister à leurs premiers émois, à certains moments forts de leur histoire d'amour ; cela aurait certainement donné plus de profondeur au récit. C'est un peu dommage...

Il n'empêche que voilà la saison des lectures de Noël parfaitement inaugurée!

[Erika (BookHoarder32) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. For a Christmas story, this had a more somber tone. Justin's life didn't exactly turn out as he planned it. He's shockingly reminded of that when he's at his parent's for Christmas dinner and learns his mom also invited his childhood best friend and first love Elliot. Elliot, who he should have gone with to art school in California, but instead had to stay home and take over running his family's hardware store when his dad was diagnosed with cancer.

It's clear they still have feelings for each other, but circumstances have not changed that much. Instead of straight on Christmas cheer, this one had more of a realistic hopefulness about it. The ending felt earned.

[Sarita Chapdelaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.

This is a quick, sweet and fun story with interesting characters and a cute storyline. Elliot and Justin are given a second chance after being apart for many years. Because their lives went in vastly different directions after high school they have a lot to learn about each other. They are thrown together during the holidays by Justin's well-meaning mother and surrounded by his family. I like the family dynamics and the secondary characters are great. The ending is good and I look forward to reading more books by this author.

[Susan Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of Irises in the Snow by Isabelle Adler via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review. While I’m not a huge fan of Christmas, I do enjoy holiday stories. Irises in the Snow has two appealing protagonists with the added bonus of both loving art, as do I. I too found it hard to appreciate art in small-town USA, so could relate to both the MCs.There are also several strong female characters, most of whom try to encourage the reunion between Justin and Elliot. I liked the clever ending. As with holiday stories since A Christmas Carol, of course it has a happy ending!

[Mac Paterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely holiday novella to enjoy curled up on the sofa with a mug of cocoa.

A second chance romance with all the feels, Elliot and Justin were high school sweethearts when life happened and pulled them apart. They’ve both had tough times to deal with but they find each other again when they’re ready for something else.

A great short read that’s like a hug in a book.

This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.