I’m not just attracted to Pastor Liam. I don’t only think he’s a great guy who I want to spend more time with. There’s more to it. Feelings I have never felt toward any guy, no matter how much I wished I would. As crazy as it sounds, Liam’s the total package. I didn’t even believe in this kind of nonsense before him, but I feel like he might be The One.
Yeah, insane. I know. I never bought into that fairy tale, soul-mates bullsh!t before, but there’s this indescribable tug to be nearer to Liam, to get to know him better, that has never existed for me. What else could it be? Just one little problem with that though: I’m almost positive Liam’s not gay. He's a pastor, for crying out loud.
When push comes to shove in Liam's life, I start to understand exactly why the ministry is a calling for him. He can’t help himself. Self-preservation isn’t even part of the equation when there’s someone hurting and in need. That is what makes him so special. Not only has he made me believe in love, but he's also rekindling my faith in humanity. He's just so... good.
Liam:
Phineas has this air of sophistication and experience about him that I could never aspire to. He’s way out of my league. But he has me completely wrapped around his finger.
I haven’t dated a lot, mostly because of my own awkwardness about the whole religious thing. Looking for a boyfriend in seminary seemed hopeless, and once I became a pastor, that made me undateable to a lot of the gay community. I’m attracted to him, that much is plain as day, but it’s more than that. It’s the way he looks at me, the way he jumps to help me whenever he’s got the chance. That’s not something I’ve ever really had before. And it's something I really need now that I'm juggling not only my ministry and my mother, but also a huge, new life-change that has fallen into my lap just in time for Christmas.
I need a man I can count on, who loves me. Could Phineas Molleni be the answer to my prayers?
Stockings and Sugarplums is a special holiday novella in the Hearts of Snow Lake series. It builds on the Thanksgiving book, Gravy and Gratitude. Happy Holidays from Ashton Cade and the town of Snow Lake!
A completely wholesome and oh so very fluffy read.
I hadn’t read any of the others books in the series so I was slightly afraid I would feel lost at times but that never happened. This was such a smooth sailing read with a plot that’s barely there but kept me hanging on anyway.
Phineas has a crush on Pastor Liam and he’s perfectly fine with just admiring from afar because he doesn’t have a chance, does he?
But, he isn’t the only one whose been admiring from afar and a Nativity play is about to change things for the both of them.
Between pizza dates, a runaway kid, one Pastor who is awful at monopoly, lots of hot chocolate, family rather they’re blood or not and the holiday cheer — Liam and Phineas come together and have no plans of falling apart.
I adored this story and the characters I met along the way. It was so sweet and was a pleasant surprise...I wasn’t expecting to like this book as much as I did. If you want a book that’s guaranteed to leave your heart feeling full — I recommend this one.
Another story from the Snow Lake town. OMG I wished I lived there to experience this myself. See how the author has gotten me on her Snow Lake Train? Yes, I absolutely love all these stories. This one is no exception. The town has a new priest, and there is also a young man who feels a bit lost. What these two maincharacters are up to? i am not spilling it here. Just saying you should go grab this book asap. It's comfort reading, and of course you will get a smile on your face as well. All the others that pops up here we know from previous books, so this is really your big extended family so to speak. when this series is done, I will start from book one again.
Adorable Christmas tale. Prickly Phineas finds his one true love. I've really enjoyed the two novellas about the twins. This follows on from Paul's story. It's a perfect Christmas tale, with a nativity play, ice skating, and a lost and lonely child who needs a home, and not just for the night. Lovely.
So I haven’t read any other books in this series, but this one definitely stands alone; and made me want to read all of the others ASAP. It’s got great themes of family, both blood and found, love, patience, and understanding. It is definitely an Insta love story, so if that’s not for you, you may not like it; but I found it to be another great touching holiday read.
comfort.. love.. sexy...fun things.. emotions everywhere.. and so many interesting things going on. i love it.. it made me feel so happy to read and i enjoyed the characters and their world and story. i loved it
Super fluffy, but absolutely perfect for a Christmas story. It was a totally feel-good story with two guys who respect each other. It was very lovely. I could tell from a previous book that Phineas had a crush on Pastor Luke, but shy, quiet Phineas was adorable when he was with Luke. I loved how there was no real drama, just love and support. Fabulous story and addition to the Snow Lake series.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
I have not had a chance to read the earlier holiday novella, but this one is about Phineas, part owner with his twin brother Paul, of the local jewelry store. It is also about Liam, the new pastor of the very progressive church in town.
Phineas has been a skeptic when it comes to true love, but he feels an inexplicable pull toward Liam. But Liam is a pastor, could he even be interested in a man? As it is the Christmas season, and Liam is trying to start new traditions with his church, Phineas finds ways to be of help.
As the two men get to know each other better, they find themselves getting closer. But when Liam discovers a lost Christmas miracle amongst the Nativity Scene in front of the church, Phineas really puts his foot in it. But along the way, Phineas realizes that the ministry isn't just a calling for Liam; it's a part of his soul.
Meryl, Liam's mother is a wonderful character, full of love and compassion. With Liam, Meryl, and the newfound tween, Brandon, facing difficult times, Phineas finds himself needing to be there to support his fledgling family. He has let his work suffer, and must make amends with his brother.
In the end, once all of the drama that is a pastor's life around Christmas, and their own personal dramas, everything falls into place. This sweet holiday novella ends with a HEA for the entire family created around Liam and his Phineas.
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *
Such a wonderful holiday romance addition to the Heart of Snow Lake series. We met Phineas and Liam in Gravy and Gratitude, Phineas' brother's story. This time they get their own romance and chance at a HEA. Initially, we have two men who seem to have such poor gaydar, never sure as to the other's feelings and intentions but they clearly care for each other. It's an easy relationship to read and there is a definite attraction and heat between them. It's a slow and steady progression as Phineas wants to honour Liam's work as a pastor but it just makes it sweeter and more heartwarming as they come together. There is a little bit of drama when they discover someone sleeping rough at the front of the church but Liam's compassion and care soon turns the situation around and they come out for the best for everyone involved, creating a family of their own. This is a wonderfully written Christmas romance with meals out, nativity rehearsals and a welcoming family. A real warm feeling with love and acceptance along with a very welcoming congregation. Love this addition to the series and happy that Phineas got his HEA after standing by and watching his brother get his. Definitely a recommended read for this series. I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Never having read a M/M story with a pastor as a main character I was pleasantly surprised by the sweetness of this story; but not sugary so. Phineas and Liam were the right blend of opposites attracting to each other but in the best way. There is a depth to Phineas and a sweetness that didn't show itself in his twin brother Paul story. As for Pastor Liam is the leader of the local very progressively thinking church in that it accepts into its fold any and all, even homosexuals. There is the Christmas theme of an unwanted child, rejected and thrown out by homophobic parents. Liam takes 12yoa Brandon into his home, his heart, and his family. Liam's mother Meryl is one heck of an added dynamo to this story. Phineas recognizes in Liam his strength of character; that being a pastor isn't just a job but a part of his soul. When these two come together to work on the Christmas pageant, dealing with unruly, temperamental adolescents, lack of proper costumes, upgrading props and scenery, each finds a loving relationship that's hard to beat. This is my voluntary review to a great Christmas story for the ARC I got through Bookfunnel.
An incredibly sweet Christmas story that contains everything the season should be about! The Nativity, cute kids, snow, family, and romance. The story is fun, the characters entertaining, and the burgeoning romance believable.
I'd love to be around someone as positive and caring as Liam is. He and Phineous were great together, and their romance was sweet. It was great to come across Paul, Phineous' twin, and Alton again, who starred in an earlier book in the series.
The story is uplifting and very cute, and a lovely book for the Christmas holidays. However, I did feel that some elements of the book were rushed, especially how Brandon (no spoilers), was so quick to trust. I also, found the story a little, dare I say it, preachy. I know that one of the MCs is a pastor, but the amount of times the story referred to his 'calling' seemed a smidgeon overdone.
Still a nice Christmas story, it was nice to see Phineous get his HEA. If you like a truly festive tale, where you have to suspend belief (and isn't that what this season is all about?), you'll love this one. 3 and a half stars.
🎀 Comfort and joy for a lost boy in Snow Lake's pastor's tender care: lovely!👍
😍 I've read each story in Ashton Cade's Snow Lake MM romance series and this was one of my favorites. Yes, I liked the respectful, initially hesitant romance between jeweler/life-long resident Phineas and Liam, the new pastor in town. But I loved the added storyline incorporating tween Brandon and the way they found this lost, bedraggled boy and welcomed him into their lives so quickly and completely. Phineas seemed a bit of a grumpy cynic in his twin brother Paul's story (Gravy and Gratitude), but his softer side blossoms in this story; I really enjoyed his transformation.
😊 The story is loaded with the feel and meaning of the🎄 Christmas season and I loved its cozy warmth and spirit. There's some heat mixed in on occasion, but it was a lovely story with or without the bedroom heat with a sigh-inducing epilogue set a year later. A good, short standalone that connects to other Snow Lake books but you do not need to have read them to understand and enjoy Liam, Phineas, Brandon and Meryl's story.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Stockings and Sugarplums by author Ashton Cade is the 6.5th book in the Hearts of Snow Lake series. You do not have to read the previous books to get this story. This book is written in dual POV which is my favorite kind of POV to read. Phineas has a twin named Paul and he has a huge crush on the local Pastor Liam. He keeps volunteering at church to be close to him. Considering Phineas is not much of a churchgoer his brother teases him now he is spending a lot of time there. Phineas is sure the Pastor is not gay. But he wants to be close to him anyway. Liam happens to be gay. He loves being with Phineas. He is not sure if Phineas sees him the way he does him. So there is a little confusion there. But when they straighten it out, they are magic together. They are a great team and hot lovers. I really liked this story, had humor, action, and lots of love. A great addition to Hearts of Snow Lake series and I am glad I picked this one up.
This is a very sweet story with adorable characters. I absolutely loved Phineas and Liam's story, and Meryl and Brandon were wonderful, secondary characters, The story has a wonderful amount of heart and general inclusivity (excepting Brandon's parents who I would really love to see a judge hand their a$$es to!) I loved Liam's generosity; he is a true picture of what I would expect a pastor to be. I like when a story steps away from pastors being hounded and criticized for their feelings and instead paints a picture of a more inclusive and understanding congregation. Perhaps it is idealistic, but I hope the world becomes more that way. I did have one quibble that kind of distracted me from the story and made me go hmmm. Phin and Liam were still using condoms after being married and having sex for at least six months? That just didn't make sense. Still, an overall sweet and heart-warming story.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
This is a simple, super cute and extremely sweet story.
It is a short story so there isn't much going on, at least nothing complicated. It is a lovely addition to the Heart of Snow Lake series and it made me really happy to finally see Phineas happy. He is not the nicest guy, but I think I am very similar to him, the way he acts and thinks is so close to what I normally do it was great to see him find love and happiness. But it is just me :)
This story, as all books about Snow Lake, is full of likable characters. It is fast paced and enjoyable, but I wish the ending was a little bit different - everything happened too fast in my opinion, Phineas and Liam are totally cute together, but even soulmates need more time to fully know each other.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC copy of this story *
Stockings and Sugarplums is a quick paced, fast holiday romance by Aston Cade. This adorable story is part of the Hearts of Snow Lake series.
This is a great story, Liam, the new pastor, and Phineas fall in love. With just 113 pages, there isn't a whole lot to their storyline, but there are definitely some strong emotional moments.
The author once again creates a delighful read with great, fluid writing. The characters are both strong and interesting. The theme of found family is strong, and they find a homeless teen who perfectly adds to this storyline.
Liam and Phineas are so darn perfect together. Stockings and Sugarplums is a fun insta-love read that is perfect when you're in the mood for a sweet, fluffy romance. And if you haven't yet met the characters of the small town of Snow Lake, go back and start with Motorcycles and Macarons. You won't regret it.
Ashton Cade’s cute holiday novella Stockings & Sugarplums deals with the themes of the families we’re both with and the families we make. Because one of the main characters is a pastor, it also deals with religion and homosexuality - but in this case it's with the positive side of acceptance and goodness seen far too infrequently in organized religion.
This was my first exposure to Cade’s ‘Hearts of Snow Lake’ series. Because Stockings & Sugarplums is a short story, events happen just a little too quickly. But I can hope that the characters Cade has created here - Phineas, Pastor Liam, Brandon, Mrs Kendrick (Meryl), Paul, Alton, and the kids in the church’s Nativity pageant - can be found among those in one or more of the full length novels in the 7 book series.
So I jumped into this without having read any of the other books in the series. It was fine! There is reference to some characters clearly introduced earlier in the series but I had no trouble following the story. Very cute story about Liam, a fairly new pastor at a church in Snow Lake who is preparing for a Christmas performance with kids from the church, and Phineas, a friend whose twin, Paul, was featured in book 5.5. Phineas is helping Liam paint the props for the performance and both are interested in each other but unsure the other is gay. Meanwhile, there is someone hiding in the nativity scene that is displayed in the front of the church. Nicely written tale about found family, the meaning of Christmas and hot chocolate!
This is a sweet, holiday inspired novella set in Snow Lake. This book focuses on the new pastor, Liam, and Phinneas, twin brother of gym owner Paul. Phinneas never thought “the One” was real until he starts getting to know and helping out Liam with his church’s nativity play. But, is Liam gay? Throw in a well-meaning mom, a twin brother who just wants Phinneas to be happy and a surprise no one expected and both men get their HEA and the family they have always wanted. Snow Lake has a way of getting into its residents’ hearts. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to seeing who gets their HEA next.
I’m a huge fan of Christmas stories and this is no exception, has all the feels, loveable characters, Liam’s mum Meryl, an adorable tween, small town antics and two sexy men in Pastor Liam and Phineas. Phineas doesn’t believe “in the one” until Liam, a slow burn romance, a troubled tween Brandon whose family kicked him out of home for being gay which had me in tears as he’s been living on the streets for months and smoking hot intimate scenes between Liam and Phineas.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I absolutely recommend this book, in fact anything written by Ashton.
Following Gravy and Gratitude, this second Holiday Novella in the Hearts of Snow Lake series continues the story of Phineas and Liam who met in the previous book. Their story is sweet and romantic, full of family and friends, while they are knowing each other and trying to find their forever. A low angst Christmas story, with emotional moments well suited for a Holiday reading. Also you will encounter some familiar faces throughout town. Loved it!! I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
Delightful fun read that brings love, romance, family and the holidays all together. I enjoyed this sweet story. There are wonderful secondary characters with Brandon and Meryl who will win your hearts.
Phineas and Liam are two really good men who find an amazing connection that transcends normal expectations. They have passion, connection and so much heart.
This is lovely addition to this wonderful series called Hearts of Snow Lake and can be read as a stand-alone.
I was gifted this book from the LesCourt Author Services and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
This is a sweet, light Christmas novella that has some feels. Phineas and Liam are both likeable characters that are easy to connect with. Phineas is the co owner of the town’s jewellery store and Liam is the Pastor of the local church. Both have a crush on each other and there’s definitely chemistry between them. Liam thinks Phineas is out of his league and Phineas isn’t even sure if Liam is gay. There is no angst and when they find their HEA they have a full family, a full house and full hearts. There’s not a lot of heat in this book, but there’s a lot of love.
This was such a sweet holiday read from this talented author!! We met both Liam and Phineas in Gravy and Gratitude, there were sparks starting even then between the two. When Phineas learns that Liam needs help with the church's play..he jumps at the chance to help and of course spend time with Liam. The more time they spend together, the more they fall for each other. They are so good for each other, exactly what the other needs. I absolutely adored their sweet story and I would recommend this story to all. I can't wait for the next book in the Hearts of Snow Lake series, well done!!!
This story was sweet, sexy, and perfect for the holiday. I loved Phineas and Liam, who seemed to be made for each other. With Liam, the previously grumpy Phineas became a giving and loving partner. And Phineas accepted and appreciated Liam the way he was, without trying to change him as previous men had wanted to do. I loved that the couple was supported by those around them, and I appreciated how they spread that support and love to others. I liked both Phin's and Paul's holiday tales of love, and I know I'll read them both again.
I have absolutely enjoyed all of the stories in the Hearts of Snow Lake series. I was intrigued when I read the blurb for this latest story featuring Phineas and Father Liam, a new pastor in Snow Lake. Phineas has been attracted to Liam since meeting him, but was sure he was straight. Liam thought Phineas was sexy, but wasn't sure he was gay. Once they finally give in and allow themselves to act on their chemistry, their relationship explodes quickly. When a child comes into their life unexpectedly, their lives are complete.
Paul had Thanksgiving so it’s only right for Phineas to get Christmas
After getting to know Paul, I was excited for Phineas to get his story! And it’s a short but sweet one. Pastor Liam feels genuine and perfect for Phineas. Brandon is just an added bonus. I wish we could have had more from both twins, but it’s fitting that they each got their own holiday novella, and I hope to see more of them in the next book.
Phineas has become interested in Pastor Liam. He’s pretty sure Liam is straight until the good pastor starts flirting with him. They slowly begin to see each other, but Phineas already knows Liam is “the one”.
Sweet Christmas story. I liked that their relationship was so organic, no angst, just a feel good holiday book. Several of the characters from the series appear although it definitely can be a standalone. I really liked this book.