Snow-Crossed Letters

by Chautona Havig

“...waitin' for the matchmakin' man with the (mail) bag..."

When Izzie Williams receives a package for someone else in the Elmhurst neighborhood, she scrawls an apologetic note on it and pops it back in the mail.

Gabe Carbone never imagined a misdirected package would then lead to a postcard correspondence with a sweet old lady a few streets over.

A snowstorm creates a little postal mayhem that turns into friendly correspondence and then something more when Gabe and Izzie discover that their “geriatric” neighbors are more than just “young at heart.”

An illusionist and a parodist meet on the snow-crusted sidewalk and exchange snow-crossed letters. Who falls in love first?

Find out in Snow-Crossed Letters today!

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Christian Romance

228 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 13, 2021

About the author

**fingers skittle across the keyboard. Stop. Eyelids blink over the top**

Oh, was this bio day? Oops! I forgot. I was lost in my latest manuscript. Umm... bio. Yeah.

Hi! I’m Chautona Havig. (for those who care, that’s Shuh-TONE-uh HAVE-ig). Yeah. Just work with me here. I should have used a pseudonym, but when you grow up with a name like Chautona, it kind of sticks.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. ~ Hebrews 10: 23–25

Those aren’t just words on a page for me–they’re why I write. I write to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ. The stories I create are to make people laugh, cry, question, consider.

They’re for you.

When the world screams for hope, I try to point you to the true Source of hope–Jesus.

Sometimes life in the church no longer seems a refuge from the pain of a self-serving world around us, but through my stories, I try to point you to the only Refuge that can truly help–the Father’s Everlasting Arms.

And sometimes we just need an escape from the monotony, the emptiness we see around us. We need joy, laughter–what I like to call “just the write escape.”

Christian fiction without apology or pretense–lived, not preached.
What does that even mean?
It means I care–about you. About your walk with Jesus. I care about the words you put before your eyes, the mental pictures those words conjure. It’s difficult to express just how much I love my brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s difficult to share just how much I love you.

But I do.

And I write for you. I sit in my little house in California’s Mojave Desert and I write to show you why one sister believes one thing, why a brother believes another. I write to show you how some Christians handle trials or triumphs–for you. So when you’re faced with something–good or bad, it doesn’t matter–maybe it’ll spark a memory. Maybe that memory will smolder until you pull out your Bible and see what the Lord said about it–about His great love for you. For YOU!

And maybe, just maybe, you’ll share that love with another hurting, confused, or blessed-with-more-than-she-knows-what-to-do-with soul.

I just happen to think that’s the most blessed giving anyone could hope to receive.

Reviews

[Kate Willis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finished reading on KU after pausing earlier this year. Very cute scenario and characters! Some of the banter did feel like too much of an inside joke I wasn't in on, but it was still an enjoyable little read. 😉

[Hannah Beth (Hannah's Book Cafe) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is adorable! I read it in one day and it is just so cute! I even thought the side romance was very well placed.

I loved Izzy! She reminded me of my one best friend, especially when she said she wanted to name a ragdoll cat, "Catsby". 😂 And Gabe and the tires reminded me of my husband when we were dating!

If you want a great book for Epistolary January, definitely pick this one up!

(This book was everything I wanted Dear Henry Love Edith to be😫)

[Rebekah Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to laugh at the beginning of the story and the assumptions Izzie and Gabe made about each other. I didn’t care for the deliberate giving of wrong mail, but it was only once. I liked Izzie and Gabe and their relationship with each other. The misunderstanding didn’t last long and, while I didn’t like how Izzie jumped to conclusions, I could understand her thoughts some because of what she’d gone through before. I was glad they worked things out quickly.
I wish Harv and Mandy hadn’t been so prominent. It seemed to take away from the main characters and their story. I also didn’t care for all the kissing–mostly between the side characters. It wasn’t overly described, but it happened a lot.
This was certainly a Christmas romance. There wasn't really any mention of the true meaning of Christmas, but the characters did pray some.
I enjoyed it, but probably won’t be rereading it much.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5🌟
It was a cute christmasy read. The main character was quirky, I liked her penchant for randomly bursting into song 😉. The premise of the story was maybe a bit far-fetched, but I liked the underlying message of trust and forgiveness. The writing was a little bit scattered in some parts but overall was a fun read for this time of year

[Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Snow Crossed Letters is a Christmas novella written by Chautona Havig.

Snow Crossed Letters is a quick read. It is sweet and predictable. Having read some of Chautona's other works, I can tell this is not a recent story from her. There were several typos, and it lacked the polish of her more recent stories.

Izzy and Gabe are likable characters, as are Amanda and Harv. The premise of the story is fascinating, even more so when you read the author's note at the end.

Read for:
🎄Christmas vibes
🎄Insta-love vibes
🎄Parodies
🎄Sinatra the cat
🎄Mailman matchmaker

[Raelee Carpenter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some elements are somewhat problematic.

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the story behind the story on this book, and how the author turned it into a good story. The characters are fun, but kind of wore me out at times.

[Ashlea Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll definitely revisit this one at Christmastime.

I'm slowly making my way through Chautona's back list while waiting for the next Bookstrings book to come out.

2024
This has become a favorite! I love Izzie and her sing parodies.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story but a lot of the songs fell flat in writing. Maybe if this was an audiobook it would have landed for me better.

[Parkland Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars
Completed: Dec. 8/25
Format: Kindle e-book

Book #170 of 2025: Inspired by a real-life mail mix-up, Chautona Havig shares a sweet, fun story. (Be sure to read the Author’s Note at the end.)

Izzy is an eclectic childcare worker who loves to sing and make up song parodies on the spot. She is a cheery woman who loves to bring joy to others. Underneath it all, she is fearful of another relationship because of a regretful choice in her past. Gabe is an illusionist and a kind gentleman. His family is a force with Italian roots.

They misunderstand one another to be elderly when a mail mix-up occurs. A sweet postcard exchange with actions of kindness ensues. Well-meaning friends begin playing matchmaker behind the scenes and they soon learn that they are close in age and most definitely not in their golden years! An attraction is struck and a new relationship begins. What begins as a love story for the ages goes sour for unusual reasons. They have to decide if it’s worth talking out or if pride and hurt can destroy it all.

A love story with an unusual beginning is always especially heartwarming in a book. I enjoy quirky and different characters and these two are no exception. The minor characters are also fun and entertaining. This is a good Christmas read with a cup of hot cocoa — and spaghetti with meatballs???? Read it yourself to discover the charm!

[Carleene Hibbs Reeder · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun, cute, Christmas romance. It was predictable but kind of cheesy.

I liked Izzy and Gabe and their story. I always love when people communicate through writing not knowing who the other person is. In this case, they both thought the other was an elderly person. I did not really care for the subplot romance between Izzy's cousin Amanda and the mail carrier, Harv. I thought he was old because he kept mixing up the mail and then found out he wasn't. I felt like that romance took me out of the MC romance and it felt insincere. Both romances were insta-love and sometimes that works but it just didn't in this case.
I honestly was a bit annoyed by the FMC singing songs all the day long.

[Kristen Wannemacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable, addicting read!

I chose this book for a reading challenge because the title checked off a few boxes and the description sounded right up my alley....but I never expected this! It was truly addicting, i read it over the course of one day because I needed to see how these two ended up. Also, I was pleasantly surprised by the Christian undertone and mentions of faith, Bible verses and Jesus. Each character, even the side ones, were interesting and funny. Itnhad me rooting for them all along and it really was a cute book and I'm so glad I came across it. Would definitely recommmend to anyone looking for a cozy, Christmas love story.

[ArynTheLibraryan]

When the mailman mixes up a delivery, he ends up connecting quite a pair. Assumptions and fears drive this sweet story down the road to a memorable Christmas. Kindness to strangers becomes deep like, which leads to misunderstandings that only honest communication can clear up. It's way too easy to let misunderstandings stand, instead of getting clarification, isn't it?

I received an advance copy and chose to review it here. All thoughts are my own.

[Felicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like how personable the characters are, and I liked the setting. However, I often felt lost with some of the dialogue or inner thoughts of the characters - they would make comments and I would wonder what that had to do with anything? I think the editing could be a little cleaner in general with the 2 books I've read by this author now. But I think it was a light and fun read, perfect for Christmas.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chautona Havig’s book Snow Crossed Letters:
This book is filled with matchmakers and misunderstandings. Chautona will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. This book is hard to stop reading. The characters are truly special people. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Izzy and Gabe had an almost too easy relationship up to a point that even I was confused about. Each looked at the same action through their own experiences.

Thankfully they had friends that encouraged them to talk it out.

This was a really sweet and cute story. Yes, it's Christian and they pray frequently (and even joke about their faith and practices). It was fully enjoyable.

[Rachel Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth it

This is classic Chautona. I always learn something positive and get encouragement from every one of her books. This is no exception and is so sweetly written. Makes me smile and definitely tugs at the heart.

[Alesha Kuechler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read me!

I fell for my husband sort of like this. We weren't, and then we were, just as though we always had been forever. Just read the book! It's funny, sweet, and a thought out story. You'll like it.

[Brittany Gillen · Rating 2 out of 5]

It had a cute premise and started out well, but about halfway through the dialogue became too convoluted for me. I had to keep re-reading to understand what was being said. It really lost the spark for me. In trying to make her characters awkward, it became awkward to read.

[Jeannette Harbottle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good Christmas read!

Such a fun book! When imagination presents a false impression will the real thing measure up? Lovely characters reacting to past hurts and learning to put Matthew 18 into practice.

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snow-Crossed Letters made me laugh and giggle. Gabe and Izzie are so delightful and humerous. They are both quirky and their strangeness pulls them together. I loved everything about this story.
a perfect Christmas time romance.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. Such an interesting premise and so well done. I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters and their quirkiness.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half of the book was fun, 5 stars. The second half was like a different story, 3 stars. Average of 4.

[Jamie Gordy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet Christmasy romance in the mistaken identity trope and it has letters! I really enjoyed it. It was a sweet way to finish up my Christmas reading.

[Faith Gilliosa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet, light romance that was kinda funny in a cute way. It wasn't super my thing, but I could enjoy it well enough and I liked the plot.

[Deanna Mosier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute Mail mix-up

I enjoyed this sweet story about how mixed up mail started two sweet romances! But what happened after that is more mix-ups! Fun story.

[Heather Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute lighthearted Christmas read that has a sweet storyline. Funny and poignant

[Lucinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read to beat the summer heat

My go to reads during hot, humid weather are-can you guess? Christmas novels! A mail delivery snafu and re-delivery, have Izzy and Gabe both believing the other is a lonely, elderly person. Several people, including Izzy’s cousin and the mailman know this isn’t the case. The fun begins when they start matchmaking. Of course there always must be conflict, and hopefully, resolution…but you’ll need to find that out for yourself. It’s an enjoyable read, and totally made me forget the hot, humid weather 😉