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Magical Emerald Hollow #2
Finding Cheer
Spring is just a bit too magical in Emerald Hollow... and Sofia is suspicious of it all.
Now that Holly Claus is a full-time resident of Emerald Hollow, the small town in Oregon is experiencing some unusual occurrences, such as tulip super blooms and an influx of visitors for its many magical festivals. But the strangest occurrence may be the man who shows up in the middle of a snowstorm without any memories of his past.
Sofia Reyes, Emerald Hollow local, is skeptical of the man's story, and her attraction to him is an inconvenience she hopes she can rid herself of by helping him discover his identity.
But as she gets to know him better through an unfortunate bet, regular trips to the library, an epic tulip festival, and a magical pull that she can’t seem to escape, she wonders if she dares to risk opening herself up to a man whose past is a mystery to them both.
And behind the scenes, unbeknownst to the human residents of Emerald Hollow, Holly Claus may be on the cusp of uncovering some decades-old magical secrets that will affect them all.
This second book in the Magical Emerald Hollow series sees the return of fan favorites Holly and Ash and a greater focus on Sofia and her new love interest, all set against the backdrop of the town's most magical spring season in history.
Now that Holly Claus is a full-time resident of Emerald Hollow, the small town in Oregon is experiencing some unusual occurrences, such as tulip super blooms and an influx of visitors for its many magical festivals. But the strangest occurrence may be the man who shows up in the middle of a snowstorm without any memories of his past.
Sofia Reyes, Emerald Hollow local, is skeptical of the man's story, and her attraction to him is an inconvenience she hopes she can rid herself of by helping him discover his identity.
But as she gets to know him better through an unfortunate bet, regular trips to the library, an epic tulip festival, and a magical pull that she can’t seem to escape, she wonders if she dares to risk opening herself up to a man whose past is a mystery to them both.
And behind the scenes, unbeknownst to the human residents of Emerald Hollow, Holly Claus may be on the cusp of uncovering some decades-old magical secrets that will affect them all.
This second book in the Magical Emerald Hollow series sees the return of fan favorites Holly and Ash and a greater focus on Sofia and her new love interest, all set against the backdrop of the town's most magical spring season in history.
Unknown Binding
First published April 5, 2024
About the author
Heather Schneider
6 books149 followersHeather Schneider enjoys writing cozy novels with a light romance and mystery angle, often inspired by some of her favorite places.
Heather lives in Las Vegas with her husband and their Chiweenie, Toby.
When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, listening to podcasts, traveling, or spending time with family.
Heather lives in Las Vegas with her husband and their Chiweenie, Toby.
When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, listening to podcasts, traveling, or spending time with family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
April 27, 2024
Finding Cheer by Heather Scheider is a sweet small-town romance with more than a touch of magic. It is the 2nd book in the series. I hadn't read the first book, Chasing Cheer, but there are enough hints that you could read this book without having read the first, and it still makes sense. Of course, now I want to read the first book and catch up on the back story!
The story revolves around Sofia, an Emerald Hollow resident and friend to Ash & Holly from the first book. She has been hurt before and is naturally sceptical of Isaiah, a man she finds on a hiking trail with apparent amnesia and no idea of how he came to be there.
Sofia tries to unravel the mystery of Isaiah, while trying to resist their growing attraction for each other. After all, he could be anyone and who knows what kind of past he has?!
This is a delightful story, full of whimsy and fun, with an interesting mystery.
The story revolves around Sofia, an Emerald Hollow resident and friend to Ash & Holly from the first book. She has been hurt before and is naturally sceptical of Isaiah, a man she finds on a hiking trail with apparent amnesia and no idea of how he came to be there.
Sofia tries to unravel the mystery of Isaiah, while trying to resist their growing attraction for each other. After all, he could be anyone and who knows what kind of past he has?!
This is a delightful story, full of whimsy and fun, with an interesting mystery.
March 16, 2024
This book, like its predecessor, is pure magical delight. Small town charm meets springtime magic that is sure to delight the senses! Heather’s word saavy-ness is able to make you want to live and participate in all the Emerald Hollow fun all while keeping you on your toes waiting to find out the big (and small) mysteries. I was so glad to find out who Ash’s mom was in this book, as I was hoping that information would be shared since it wasn’t in book 1.
If you love Gilmore Girls charm, this book series is for you! Hoping we get a summer/fall book to round out this series as it would be fun to see where our new couple head after such a whirlwind!
The characters feel relatable but also like friends!
I received an ARC for free and am writing this review voluntarily.
If you love Gilmore Girls charm, this book series is for you! Hoping we get a summer/fall book to round out this series as it would be fun to see where our new couple head after such a whirlwind!
The characters feel relatable but also like friends!
I received an ARC for free and am writing this review voluntarily.
March 27, 2024
An enchanting story of romance and magic from start to finish!
It’s not often that a sequel shines as brightly as the original but Finding Cheer hits every mark! The story carries all of the magic from Chasing Cheer, and then some, adding more magical elements into the woven world building that is the enchanting village of Emerald Hollow. Readers will stand up and cheer for Finding Cheer!
It’s not often that a sequel shines as brightly as the original but Finding Cheer hits every mark! The story carries all of the magic from Chasing Cheer, and then some, adding more magical elements into the woven world building that is the enchanting village of Emerald Hollow. Readers will stand up and cheer for Finding Cheer!
July 6, 2024
This was such a cute story. It is part of a series and I highly recommend reading the first book to fully understand this one. While we mainly follow new characters, the background from the first book was important for this one. This is a dual pov, clean romance.
I loved the mystery behind Isaiah and how we got to see Sofia bond with someone who doesn’t even know who they are. I truly think it allowed Sofia to see past her past and allowed her to open up in a way she wouldn’t have otherwise. I also loved that we still get to closely follow Holly and Ash. While they aren’t the main focus in this book I love still seeing previous characters and following their story after their book is over.
I loved the mystery behind Isaiah and how we got to see Sofia bond with someone who doesn’t even know who they are. I truly think it allowed Sofia to see past her past and allowed her to open up in a way she wouldn’t have otherwise. I also loved that we still get to closely follow Holly and Ash. While they aren’t the main focus in this book I love still seeing previous characters and following their story after their book is over.
April 5, 2024
4.5 stars
Emerald Hollow is the place to be since Holly came to town. Things are not quite what they seem. Finding Cheer is another magical delight in this paranormal series that will have you wanting to be in this sweet small town and enjoying the magic and laughing at the goings on.
This wonderful sequel is a little more mysterious and is Sophia’s story. When a mysterious man turns up Sophie can’t explain this strange pull, she has towards him, but it is mighty inconvenient especially when he doesn’t know who he is or does he? It is a sweet, heartwarming and fun tale and underneath there is Ash and Holly’s story which is ongoing. What will happen when she uncovers old magical secrets?
Finding Cheer is a little raw and a little more emotional than the first book as there is heartache, loss and heartbreak, healing and hope just to mention a few. There is also a little twist of a surprise tucked in there that I didn’t see. It doesn’t end on a cliffhanger but there are some unanswered questions that I am sure we will get in the next book which I can’t wait for.
Emerald Hollow is the place to be since Holly came to town. Things are not quite what they seem. Finding Cheer is another magical delight in this paranormal series that will have you wanting to be in this sweet small town and enjoying the magic and laughing at the goings on.
This wonderful sequel is a little more mysterious and is Sophia’s story. When a mysterious man turns up Sophie can’t explain this strange pull, she has towards him, but it is mighty inconvenient especially when he doesn’t know who he is or does he? It is a sweet, heartwarming and fun tale and underneath there is Ash and Holly’s story which is ongoing. What will happen when she uncovers old magical secrets?
Finding Cheer is a little raw and a little more emotional than the first book as there is heartache, loss and heartbreak, healing and hope just to mention a few. There is also a little twist of a surprise tucked in there that I didn’t see. It doesn’t end on a cliffhanger but there are some unanswered questions that I am sure we will get in the next book which I can’t wait for.
March 9, 2024
Finding Cheer is a heartwarming tale that delves into magic, young love, self-(re)discovery, and loss. Set against the backdrop of a cute and cozy town, Emerald Hollow, the novel follows the journey of two couples as they navigate real-life emotions and feelings with a hint of magic.
One of the book's strengths lies in its exploration of real-life themes such as coping with loss and heartbreak and the inherent need for closure along with growth and thriving after loss/heartbreak. Each of the main characters have lost or experienced different losses in their own ways and balancing these elements add depth to the storyline and elevate it beyond a typical romance novel.
The writing style is is smooth and easy to follow, making it a perfect read for young adult audiences.
Finding Cheer is an enjoyable read that will surely appeal to fans of the romance genre seeking a light-hearted read. Heather has crafted a charming narrative filled with relatable characters, mystic and magic, and heartfelt movie moments-- making it a worthy addition to any young adult bookshelf.
I commend Heather for her talent in storytelling and her ability to take her readers on a journey to an unassuming place sprinkled with magic that readers will undoubtedly fall in love with. I look forward to seeing what she has in store for us next and think that there is room to close a few more open questions with a third in this series (which I hope is in store).
I received an ARC for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
One of the book's strengths lies in its exploration of real-life themes such as coping with loss and heartbreak and the inherent need for closure along with growth and thriving after loss/heartbreak. Each of the main characters have lost or experienced different losses in their own ways and balancing these elements add depth to the storyline and elevate it beyond a typical romance novel.
The writing style is is smooth and easy to follow, making it a perfect read for young adult audiences.
Finding Cheer is an enjoyable read that will surely appeal to fans of the romance genre seeking a light-hearted read. Heather has crafted a charming narrative filled with relatable characters, mystic and magic, and heartfelt movie moments-- making it a worthy addition to any young adult bookshelf.
I commend Heather for her talent in storytelling and her ability to take her readers on a journey to an unassuming place sprinkled with magic that readers will undoubtedly fall in love with. I look forward to seeing what she has in store for us next and think that there is room to close a few more open questions with a third in this series (which I hope is in store).
I received an ARC for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 4, 2024
Another 4.5 star read from Heather Schneider! I was so excited to see this sequel pop up with how much I loved the first one. And, I was incredibly excited to see one of the things I picked up on in the last novel get its proper moment!
We're back in Emerald Hollow, this time with more of a focus on Sofia. I loved Sofia from the last book and am thrilled to get more of her. I think she's a relatable character for any woman who has been burned, and going through her struggle to trust love again really got me. We're also introduced to Isaiah, the mysterious love interest who shows up in town with no memories but no apparent injury that could explain the amnesia. There's a bit of an enemies-to-lovers angle between Sofia and Isaiah that, I won't lie, reels me in real quick. Plus their banter? Instant hit.
We also see the continuous of various plot points from the previous book (like I said, one of my things finally gets its moment), and we really see it all pick up about halfway through the book. After that, I personally felt like there was no putting it down; I absolutely had to know everything immediately. That being said, if you haven't read Chasing Cheer, I would recommend giving it the read before going into this one.
I mentioned in my review for Chasing Cheer that it felt like (read: better) than a Hallmark movie, and I still get that vibe with how the POVs are split and the pacing. That may be a huge turnoff for some people, but it really works for me. Also, BIG fan of the epilogue this time around! It feels like it contributes something and is moving us along to a future plot.
Where it loses that half a star for me:
1. I do talk about how Sofia being burned in the past is important and relatable, but it sometimes felt like it was reiterated a little too much when we're clearly very armed with the knowledge. I don't know that it needs to be stated as much as it does. This could be a very personal thing, but this is my review, and it impacts my feelings about it.
2. When we're getting Isaiah's point of view, it feels really weird how much Holly is referred to as "beautiful" and "gorgeous" when Sofia is his love interest. Yes, Holly by nature has that magical, ethereal quality to her as a Claus, but it throws me a bit for her to still be a focus the way that it's written. She's new to Isaiah, yes, and he can be stunned by her beauty, but then we can move on because he's clearly smitten with Sofia.
3. Holly's magic feels a little too… perfect and convenient. However, it does feel like it's being hinted at that we may see where this starts to negatively impact Emerald Hollow, and so I'm hoping that's where a future plot may lead.
With how I think Schneider's writing has evolved from the first book, and we see more of how this world all comes together, I feel comfortable getting a bit nit-picky. It's all out of love. Just like with the last book, I still feel that there are things left unfinished, but I'm hoping that means another book is coming. I'm curious this time, though, who the main protagonist will be. Sofia seemed the obvious choice this time, but I can't think of who could be next.
All I know is these books, for me, are a fun mental getaway that doesn't help me wanting to run away to some cozy little town. Especially one that goes all in for holidays? I mean, how could you not want that to be your life?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
We're back in Emerald Hollow, this time with more of a focus on Sofia. I loved Sofia from the last book and am thrilled to get more of her. I think she's a relatable character for any woman who has been burned, and going through her struggle to trust love again really got me. We're also introduced to Isaiah, the mysterious love interest who shows up in town with no memories but no apparent injury that could explain the amnesia. There's a bit of an enemies-to-lovers angle between Sofia and Isaiah that, I won't lie, reels me in real quick. Plus their banter? Instant hit.
We also see the continuous of various plot points from the previous book (like I said, one of my things finally gets its moment), and we really see it all pick up about halfway through the book. After that, I personally felt like there was no putting it down; I absolutely had to know everything immediately. That being said, if you haven't read Chasing Cheer, I would recommend giving it the read before going into this one.
I mentioned in my review for Chasing Cheer that it felt like (read: better) than a Hallmark movie, and I still get that vibe with how the POVs are split and the pacing. That may be a huge turnoff for some people, but it really works for me. Also, BIG fan of the epilogue this time around! It feels like it contributes something and is moving us along to a future plot.
Where it loses that half a star for me:
1. I do talk about how Sofia being burned in the past is important and relatable, but it sometimes felt like it was reiterated a little too much when we're clearly very armed with the knowledge. I don't know that it needs to be stated as much as it does. This could be a very personal thing, but this is my review, and it impacts my feelings about it.
2. When we're getting Isaiah's point of view, it feels really weird how much Holly is referred to as "beautiful" and "gorgeous" when Sofia is his love interest. Yes, Holly by nature has that magical, ethereal quality to her as a Claus, but it throws me a bit for her to still be a focus the way that it's written. She's new to Isaiah, yes, and he can be stunned by her beauty, but then we can move on because he's clearly smitten with Sofia.
3. Holly's magic feels a little too… perfect and convenient. However, it does feel like it's being hinted at that we may see where this starts to negatively impact Emerald Hollow, and so I'm hoping that's where a future plot may lead.
With how I think Schneider's writing has evolved from the first book, and we see more of how this world all comes together, I feel comfortable getting a bit nit-picky. It's all out of love. Just like with the last book, I still feel that there are things left unfinished, but I'm hoping that means another book is coming. I'm curious this time, though, who the main protagonist will be. Sofia seemed the obvious choice this time, but I can't think of who could be next.
All I know is these books, for me, are a fun mental getaway that doesn't help me wanting to run away to some cozy little town. Especially one that goes all in for holidays? I mean, how could you not want that to be your life?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 5, 2024
Finding Cheer by Heather Schneider is the second book in the Magical Emerald Hollow series. In this book Sofia finds an unconscious man lying in the winter woods while hiking. When she finds out he can’t remember anything, she tries to help him to discover who he is, but at the same time she does not quite believe him.
As a Dutch citizen I just love the cover, with the tulips and the windmill.
As in the first book in this lovely series, the writing style is nice and flowing. It is an enchanting and cute Hallmark story. You can see the town before your eyes. Thanks to the multiple point of views the story stays interesting and I could not stop reading.
Sofia is a very likable character and you can tell she has been hurt in the past and therefore does not trust anyone at first sight. Isiah, the mystery man, is just great as well. He and Sofia have a great chemistry and their banter is wonderful. Their building relationship is just so romantic.
I love that the people in the first book, Chasing Cheer, make an appearance as well. Finding Cheer also follows the story of Holly and Ash (the couple in the first book) and their relationship.
The plot of why Isiah was found in the woods is a great one. And thanks to this mystery (you have to read the book to find out) there is also another great mystery that is being solved and that one came as a great surprise.
Finding Cheer is a great cozy magical romance mystery novel, with a flowing and easy to read writing style, in a beautiful setting, with wonderful and nice characters, a book I can totally recommend. But do read the first book first. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series, because the epilogue is very mysterious and I also have a feeling that two new characters in Finding Cheer will get a book themselves and that would be a great book to read.
As a Dutch citizen I just love the cover, with the tulips and the windmill.
As in the first book in this lovely series, the writing style is nice and flowing. It is an enchanting and cute Hallmark story. You can see the town before your eyes. Thanks to the multiple point of views the story stays interesting and I could not stop reading.
Sofia is a very likable character and you can tell she has been hurt in the past and therefore does not trust anyone at first sight. Isiah, the mystery man, is just great as well. He and Sofia have a great chemistry and their banter is wonderful. Their building relationship is just so romantic.
I love that the people in the first book, Chasing Cheer, make an appearance as well. Finding Cheer also follows the story of Holly and Ash (the couple in the first book) and their relationship.
The plot of why Isiah was found in the woods is a great one. And thanks to this mystery (you have to read the book to find out) there is also another great mystery that is being solved and that one came as a great surprise.
Finding Cheer is a great cozy magical romance mystery novel, with a flowing and easy to read writing style, in a beautiful setting, with wonderful and nice characters, a book I can totally recommend. But do read the first book first. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series, because the epilogue is very mysterious and I also have a feeling that two new characters in Finding Cheer will get a book themselves and that would be a great book to read.
May 14, 2024
Finding Cheer was a sweet, magical, and uplifting read. It is the second book in the Magical Emerald Hollow series. I did not read the first book and felt this could be a standalone. However, I will go back to read the first book as it would give me more background on Ash and Holly, even though this book focuses on the romance between Sofia and Isaiah.
Sofia is still dealing with the grief of losing her mother and the end of a relationship with a man she thought she could trust. While hiking, she finds a man with no memory of his past. Because of everything that she has endured, she is rather skeptical of him. As she spends more time with Isaiah, trying to help him uncover her past, she finds herself drawn to him as he is to her.
The story is told from Sofia and Isaiah’s perspectives, and Holly and Ash are also narrators. At first, I wasn’t sure what the significance of including Holly and Ash was, but it all comes to light at the end of the book. It all connects brilliantly.
I thought the book was well-written, and I could feel the pull between Sofia and Isaiah. I’m glad the author took her time with their relationship, and I enjoyed watching their friendship grow and how they came to support one another. The setting was described well, and I wanted to visit Emerald Hollow. Heather Schneider is a new writer for me, and I am so glad I ran across her. I’m hoping this series will continue. If you like the following tropes, you will love this series: small-town setting, clean romance, strong female leads, irresistible male main characters, and some magic mixed in.
Sofia is still dealing with the grief of losing her mother and the end of a relationship with a man she thought she could trust. While hiking, she finds a man with no memory of his past. Because of everything that she has endured, she is rather skeptical of him. As she spends more time with Isaiah, trying to help him uncover her past, she finds herself drawn to him as he is to her.
The story is told from Sofia and Isaiah’s perspectives, and Holly and Ash are also narrators. At first, I wasn’t sure what the significance of including Holly and Ash was, but it all comes to light at the end of the book. It all connects brilliantly.
I thought the book was well-written, and I could feel the pull between Sofia and Isaiah. I’m glad the author took her time with their relationship, and I enjoyed watching their friendship grow and how they came to support one another. The setting was described well, and I wanted to visit Emerald Hollow. Heather Schneider is a new writer for me, and I am so glad I ran across her. I’m hoping this series will continue. If you like the following tropes, you will love this series: small-town setting, clean romance, strong female leads, irresistible male main characters, and some magic mixed in.
April 6, 2024
Another enjoyable and engaging sweet fantasy romance set in the magical small town of Emerald Hollow, which kept me happily turning the pages. Holly Claus, the main character from the previous book is now permanently living in Emerald Hollow. The small town is experiencing unusual occurrences, including tulip super blooms and an influx of people visiting the magical festivals held there. When a man shows up during a snowstorm with amnesia local Sofia Reyes is skeptical of his story and his lack of past memories. Sofia offers to help him discover his identity, however the more time they spend together the less she can ignore her attraction to him.
Their relationship develops as they get to know one another better following trips to the library and to the epic tulip festival. Sofia also feels a magical pull towards him which he also feels, but she’s worried about risking her heart on someone whose past is a mystery to them both. Meanwhile, Holly is about to uncover some magical secrets which are decades old and which will affect the human residents of the town. Once again the magical town and its residents are brought vividly to life through the wonderful narrative and imaginative world building. I felt fully immersed in Emerald Hollow and enjoyed ‘catching up’ with Holly and Ash, but also loved the main characters of this story, Sofia and love interest Isaiah. I like the multiple POV’s and the magical realism which is sprinkled through the story. I look forward to returning to Magical Emerald Hollow soon!
Their relationship develops as they get to know one another better following trips to the library and to the epic tulip festival. Sofia also feels a magical pull towards him which he also feels, but she’s worried about risking her heart on someone whose past is a mystery to them both. Meanwhile, Holly is about to uncover some magical secrets which are decades old and which will affect the human residents of the town. Once again the magical town and its residents are brought vividly to life through the wonderful narrative and imaginative world building. I felt fully immersed in Emerald Hollow and enjoyed ‘catching up’ with Holly and Ash, but also loved the main characters of this story, Sofia and love interest Isaiah. I like the multiple POV’s and the magical realism which is sprinkled through the story. I look forward to returning to Magical Emerald Hollow soon!
May 4, 2024
Sofia Reyes is an independent woman who lives in Emerald Hollow and even though she has found a happy life for herself, there is a shadow which hangs over it from a past she would rather forget. On New Years Day, she has a tradition, and she is heading out for that reason when she finds an unconscious man on the woodland trail she walks along, so when she approaches him, he wakes up but has no memories apart from his name, Isiah, she calls her best friend Ash so that they can take him to the hospital.
Once he is released, he decides to stay in Emerald Hollow and stay at Ash's hotel until he can discover who he is and his memories return, so Sofia decides to spend her lunch breaks with him in the library while he works at the hotel. Meanwhile, Holly and Ash continue their romance and making Emerald Hollow a magical place, but something is happening, and she isn't sure exactly what it is, so she asks some of the other residents of the North Pole what it could be?
As Sofia and Isiah spend more time together in the library, occasionally eating together and going on a trip out of town which Sofia won in a charity raffle, they cannot deny the attraction between them, but will Sofia be able to accept that maybe magic is real and let herself escape the trauma which has a hold over her, will Isiah be able to retrieve his memories and can Holly uncover this new mystery? This is another magical, cozy mystery set in a small town where anything is possible and life can be unpredictable, but in the best possible way.
Once he is released, he decides to stay in Emerald Hollow and stay at Ash's hotel until he can discover who he is and his memories return, so Sofia decides to spend her lunch breaks with him in the library while he works at the hotel. Meanwhile, Holly and Ash continue their romance and making Emerald Hollow a magical place, but something is happening, and she isn't sure exactly what it is, so she asks some of the other residents of the North Pole what it could be?
As Sofia and Isiah spend more time together in the library, occasionally eating together and going on a trip out of town which Sofia won in a charity raffle, they cannot deny the attraction between them, but will Sofia be able to accept that maybe magic is real and let herself escape the trauma which has a hold over her, will Isiah be able to retrieve his memories and can Holly uncover this new mystery? This is another magical, cozy mystery set in a small town where anything is possible and life can be unpredictable, but in the best possible way.
March 7, 2024
This is such a fun book. While this book does make sense on its own, I would definitely recommend reading the previous book first. There are a few things about the town and about the characters, especially Holly, that I feel like won't make as much sense if you haven't read the previous book.
I love how I found myself trying to figure out where the magic was coming from throughout the book. I spent a good portion of the book trying to figure out if Isaiah had some magical abilities. He makes such a cute couple with Sofia.
As the book comes to an end, there are some unanswered questions. There are hints of more to come. While this story is complete, there are enough questions about Emerald Hollow, the Claus family, and other related things that I really hope that there is at least one more book planned in the series. Based on the information that's still needed, I feel like there should be one or two more books. Anything beyond that, and I think the author would be dragging out the story too much.
This is a fairly clean novel. There's some mild swearing, some of which some people don't even consider swearing. There's no violence or sexual content. Mild kissing is as far as it goes.
Overall, this is a really good book. As I said earlier, it can be read on its own, but I think you'll miss out on some important elements of the story if you skip the first book.
I received a free ARC of this book through BookSirens, and I'm writing a voluntary review.
I love how I found myself trying to figure out where the magic was coming from throughout the book. I spent a good portion of the book trying to figure out if Isaiah had some magical abilities. He makes such a cute couple with Sofia.
As the book comes to an end, there are some unanswered questions. There are hints of more to come. While this story is complete, there are enough questions about Emerald Hollow, the Claus family, and other related things that I really hope that there is at least one more book planned in the series. Based on the information that's still needed, I feel like there should be one or two more books. Anything beyond that, and I think the author would be dragging out the story too much.
This is a fairly clean novel. There's some mild swearing, some of which some people don't even consider swearing. There's no violence or sexual content. Mild kissing is as far as it goes.
Overall, this is a really good book. As I said earlier, it can be read on its own, but I think you'll miss out on some important elements of the story if you skip the first book.
I received a free ARC of this book through BookSirens, and I'm writing a voluntary review.
March 25, 2024
Found stranded with no memories, Isaiah is rescued by Sophia while on a hike. Due to past life experiences, Sophia has trouble believing that he’s not just a con artist using amnesia as an excuse to harm her. With the support of her friends, and a bit of holiday magic, Sophia may learn that letting go of the past and taking chances can lead to love at the end of the rainbow.
Finding Cheer feels like if Hallmark and a children’s christmas show joined forces. The romance was sweet and clean (bonus), and the characters were likable, yet the “magic” scenes felt like they came from a children’s christmas show. While it is considered a standalone, I think reading the first book would have helped avoid the, “are you serious?” thoughts near the beginning. Once it registered what type of holiday magic book this was, I was able to suspend my previous thoughts and go along with the author’s intent and found it an enjoyable story.
Some sentences almost had a bullet point feel to them and while they gave information as to what was happening, they didn’t help with the flow of the story. A little more in depth descriptions would help the reader picture being there.
Overall, Finding Cheer was a fun and cute read.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Finding Cheer feels like if Hallmark and a children’s christmas show joined forces. The romance was sweet and clean (bonus), and the characters were likable, yet the “magic” scenes felt like they came from a children’s christmas show. While it is considered a standalone, I think reading the first book would have helped avoid the, “are you serious?” thoughts near the beginning. Once it registered what type of holiday magic book this was, I was able to suspend my previous thoughts and go along with the author’s intent and found it an enjoyable story.
Some sentences almost had a bullet point feel to them and while they gave information as to what was happening, they didn’t help with the flow of the story. A little more in depth descriptions would help the reader picture being there.
Overall, Finding Cheer was a fun and cute read.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 22, 2024
Finding Cheer was cute. The story itself was good. A tad slow at the beginning for me, but I still kept at it which made it worth it. The author brings the reader back to Emerald Hollow, to see another character get a whirlwind story.
Sofia was out fulfilling a New Years Eve tradition when she stumbled across an unconscious man. A man that would change her life. But not before her suspicions are raised. See the man knows his name but doesn’t remember anything else & he’s not injured. So what happened?
At first she feels the need to keep an eye on him.
And eventually feelings developed making for an interesting story.
Isaiah literally stumbles into the laps of those in Emerald Hollow. He knows his name but doesn’t know who he is. Hoping and trying to see if someone is looking for him. He adapts to life as he currently knows it. Helping out at Emerald House is the least he could do for Ash’s trouble. Sofia thought perks his interest and as much as he wants to know he better he knows she is skeptical of him.
Will she let him in?
This story is told from the point of view of Ash, Holly, Isaiah and mainly Sofia. But despite that it’s Isaiah and Sofia’s story. Holly and Ash as supporting characters this time around. Though I can’t say that Holly might have some influence on the story. But you will just have to read to confirm or deny it. Hope you enjoy!!
Sofia was out fulfilling a New Years Eve tradition when she stumbled across an unconscious man. A man that would change her life. But not before her suspicions are raised. See the man knows his name but doesn’t remember anything else & he’s not injured. So what happened?
At first she feels the need to keep an eye on him.
And eventually feelings developed making for an interesting story.
Isaiah literally stumbles into the laps of those in Emerald Hollow. He knows his name but doesn’t know who he is. Hoping and trying to see if someone is looking for him. He adapts to life as he currently knows it. Helping out at Emerald House is the least he could do for Ash’s trouble. Sofia thought perks his interest and as much as he wants to know he better he knows she is skeptical of him.
Will she let him in?
This story is told from the point of view of Ash, Holly, Isaiah and mainly Sofia. But despite that it’s Isaiah and Sofia’s story. Holly and Ash as supporting characters this time around. Though I can’t say that Holly might have some influence on the story. But you will just have to read to confirm or deny it. Hope you enjoy!!
May 3, 2024
This is the second book in the Magical Emerald Hollow series. This is a sweet romance which has a very magical element as well as some intrigue and some mystery. I would advise reading these books in order as we meet Holly and Ash in the first book and they continue to play a role in this books as well.
This book mainly focuses around Sofia. When Sofia finds a man unconscious on a trail in the snow she obviously helps him get medical attention but when it turns out the man has no memory of who he is, where he comes from and why he was even on that trail she starts to question whether he is being genuine or not.
Sofia has been burnt by love before and is very skeptical and wary about trusting again but no matter how much she tries she can deny her attraction to this man.
Who is he? Why did he appear? When fate plays it's hand is there any way to deny it?
Meanwhile Holly is settling in to Emerald Hollows but as she learns to live among new people she also discovers a magical secret that affects all the residents of Emerald Hollows.
This is a quick paced paranormal romance. The characters are so well written that you cant help but be invested in their story. I can't wait to see what else Emerald Hollows has in store for us.
This book mainly focuses around Sofia. When Sofia finds a man unconscious on a trail in the snow she obviously helps him get medical attention but when it turns out the man has no memory of who he is, where he comes from and why he was even on that trail she starts to question whether he is being genuine or not.
Sofia has been burnt by love before and is very skeptical and wary about trusting again but no matter how much she tries she can deny her attraction to this man.
Who is he? Why did he appear? When fate plays it's hand is there any way to deny it?
Meanwhile Holly is settling in to Emerald Hollows but as she learns to live among new people she also discovers a magical secret that affects all the residents of Emerald Hollows.
This is a quick paced paranormal romance. The characters are so well written that you cant help but be invested in their story. I can't wait to see what else Emerald Hollows has in store for us.
March 15, 2024
Finding Cheer follows jewelry designer and waitress at Emerald Hollow, Sofia Reyes as she navigates a relationship with the mysterious Isaiah. While hiking on New Year's Eve, she comes across Isaiah lying in the woods. He has amnesia and while he knows his name, he doesn’t know where he is from or how he got there. With the help of Ash, the owner of the hotel, and some magical help from Holly (Ms. Claus), Sofia tries to help the attractive man figure out his past. Of course, both of them are immensely attracted to each other but Sofia is worried that their budding relationship will come to a crashing halt once he finds out his identity.
Heather Schneider does a great job with the twists and turns of plot and character and seamlessly weaves in magical elements. I love stories with a bit of fantasy mixed with romance and this novel satisfies on both levels. As this is the second book in a series, it might be helpful if one read the first book that looks at the relationship of Ash and Holly. But the story can be read as a standalone.
I received an advance copy of this book for free, and this is my voluntary opinion.
Heather Schneider does a great job with the twists and turns of plot and character and seamlessly weaves in magical elements. I love stories with a bit of fantasy mixed with romance and this novel satisfies on both levels. As this is the second book in a series, it might be helpful if one read the first book that looks at the relationship of Ash and Holly. But the story can be read as a standalone.
I received an advance copy of this book for free, and this is my voluntary opinion.
April 6, 2024
I loved this book as much as the first one in the series. The first book follows Ash and Holly’s story and this second book follows Sophia and Isaiah’s story, although Ash and Holly are also main characters in this one too. Sophia is out on a hike to memorialize her mom when she finds an unconscious man on the trail. She wakes Isaiah up and he has no memory of who he is or how he got to those woods. After tests there is no brain injury and he leaves the hospital to find Sophia hoping something will come back. He stays in Emerald Hollow and he has some instincts that he knows about himself but no memories and no leads on missing persons. Sophia has a difficult past with men and she has a hard time trusting him, but as they get to know each other she starts to open up even though she has reservations. I loved reading about Sophia’s jewelry business and the WanderLost line. I wish there were some drawings or sketches in the book. I loved that this book also included Holly and Ash and some of the characters from the first book. It was just a sweet and magical story that I couldn’t put down!
April 12, 2024
4 1/2 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I was eagerly anticipating this book.....Finding Cheer is Book 2 in the Magical Emerald Hollow series and this story was wonderful. Who would not want to live in Emerald Hollow! I highly recommend reading book 1 as you get to know the characters that lead into Finding Cheer. This story is a sweet, small town romance with sprinkle of magic, some heartfelt moments and a few twists. I am keeping my fingers crossed for more from this series...
What strange occurrence can happen when Sophia finds a random stranger in the woods suffering from amnesia....Isaiah has no recollection on how he ended up in Emerald Hollow. As Sophia and Isaiah try to piece the mystery together and find out where he is truly from...there is also strange things happening....with no explanations. As Sophia and Isaiah spend more time together, Sophia slowly breaks down her walls to her heart as she has delt with heartbreak over and over. With the help of Holly and Ash, will Isaiah find out where he comes from and will this impact the connection that Sophia and Isaiah have?
Definitely check out this wonderful story.....
I was eagerly anticipating this book.....Finding Cheer is Book 2 in the Magical Emerald Hollow series and this story was wonderful. Who would not want to live in Emerald Hollow! I highly recommend reading book 1 as you get to know the characters that lead into Finding Cheer. This story is a sweet, small town romance with sprinkle of magic, some heartfelt moments and a few twists. I am keeping my fingers crossed for more from this series...
What strange occurrence can happen when Sophia finds a random stranger in the woods suffering from amnesia....Isaiah has no recollection on how he ended up in Emerald Hollow. As Sophia and Isaiah try to piece the mystery together and find out where he is truly from...there is also strange things happening....with no explanations. As Sophia and Isaiah spend more time together, Sophia slowly breaks down her walls to her heart as she has delt with heartbreak over and over. With the help of Holly and Ash, will Isaiah find out where he comes from and will this impact the connection that Sophia and Isaiah have?
Definitely check out this wonderful story.....
March 11, 2024
Wonderful sequel to Chasing Cheer. I was so excited to get Sofia's story! Schneider writes amazing chemistry between her characters, romantic and platonic, making me want to live in Emerald Hollow! Sofia is on a journey to break out of her fears and dive headfirst into growing her business, and whether she is willing to admit it or not, love. Cozy fantasy indeed!
Just like the first in the series, her writing is beautiful and keeps you wanting to read. The dramatic irony was different this time around, knowing about Holly's magic but primarily reading through Sofia's lens who is still unaware. I get why Holly and Ash can't tell Sofia, but I hope she gets to be in on the secret eventually.
It wasn't your typical sequel in that we still got Ash's and Holly's POV with a small subplot. The third book (I'm assuming it's coming...) is also clearly set up. Counting down the days to go back to Emerald Hollow and read that one too!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Just like the first in the series, her writing is beautiful and keeps you wanting to read. The dramatic irony was different this time around, knowing about Holly's magic but primarily reading through Sofia's lens who is still unaware. I get why Holly and Ash can't tell Sofia, but I hope she gets to be in on the secret eventually.
It wasn't your typical sequel in that we still got Ash's and Holly's POV with a small subplot. The third book (I'm assuming it's coming...) is also clearly set up. Counting down the days to go back to Emerald Hollow and read that one too!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 15, 2024
4 Stars
Finding Cheer is the second book in the Magical Emerald Hollow series by Heather Schneider. After enjoying the first book in the series, Chasing Cheer, I wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to dive into the second instalment for another charming read.
This is an engaging, sweet (paranormal) romance, with a touch of magic, intrigue, a little mystery, some forced proximity, chemistry, sparks, drama, secrets, discoveries, and endearing characters. Again, as with the first book- I can see this making a great movie too.
After Holly Claus came to Emerald Hollow (previous book) things have certainly taken an interesting turn, that’s for sure. But, this story focuses on Sofia Reyes, a slightly jaded local who will find fate has a special plan for her- one she’s a little skeptical about to begin with. But fate won’t be denied. Add in some magic, mystery, tension, and emotion- and this charming read takes a captivating turn.
Looking forward to Book #3!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Heather Schneider!
Finding Cheer is the second book in the Magical Emerald Hollow series by Heather Schneider. After enjoying the first book in the series, Chasing Cheer, I wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to dive into the second instalment for another charming read.
This is an engaging, sweet (paranormal) romance, with a touch of magic, intrigue, a little mystery, some forced proximity, chemistry, sparks, drama, secrets, discoveries, and endearing characters. Again, as with the first book- I can see this making a great movie too.
After Holly Claus came to Emerald Hollow (previous book) things have certainly taken an interesting turn, that’s for sure. But, this story focuses on Sofia Reyes, a slightly jaded local who will find fate has a special plan for her- one she’s a little skeptical about to begin with. But fate won’t be denied. Add in some magic, mystery, tension, and emotion- and this charming read takes a captivating turn.
Looking forward to Book #3!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Heather Schneider!
May 1, 2024
I read this book not realizing it was the second in a series. While it was still good as a stand alone, I will definitely be going back to read the first one just to get Holly's story and see things from the elf's side.
Sophie discovers Isaiah unconscious one day while she is out for a hike. It is quickly determined that he has lost all memories of who he is or where he came from. The two set off to try and recover his memories but as time goes on they come up with nothing. Eventually Holly is the one who figures it out and helps him regain his memories, but will he stick around in Emerald Hollow once he knows the truth? There were so many connections throughout this book that really kept me reading. I also loved the banter between the characters. This was a no spice, sweet romance/mystery that will have you really believing in magic. There was even a sweet surprise toward the end, and a little bit of a cliffhanger in the epilogue pointing to a hope of a third book. I hope to see more books in this series.
Sophie discovers Isaiah unconscious one day while she is out for a hike. It is quickly determined that he has lost all memories of who he is or where he came from. The two set off to try and recover his memories but as time goes on they come up with nothing. Eventually Holly is the one who figures it out and helps him regain his memories, but will he stick around in Emerald Hollow once he knows the truth? There were so many connections throughout this book that really kept me reading. I also loved the banter between the characters. This was a no spice, sweet romance/mystery that will have you really believing in magic. There was even a sweet surprise toward the end, and a little bit of a cliffhanger in the epilogue pointing to a hope of a third book. I hope to see more books in this series.
April 15, 2024
What a cute and fun read! This is the second book in the Magical Emerald Hollow series. There is enough information provided that this could be read as a standalone, but I recommend the first book, Chasing Cheer, as it was a delight to read.
While on her annual birthday hike, Sofia discovers Isaiah unconscious on the trail. She and her friend Ash get Isaiah the medical attention he needs. However, Isaiah can't recall any details of his life, just his name and current events. Sofia is skeptical, but wants to help Isaiah discover the truth. She is very attracted to him, but has been hurt in the past, so she's reluctant to get too close.
Meanwhile, Holly is back from the North Pole to help with the town's New Year's Eve party. She and Ash are committed to one another and have to make some decisions about their living arrangements.
I thoroughly enjoyed this visit to Emerald Hollow and found this story a true delight!
While on her annual birthday hike, Sofia discovers Isaiah unconscious on the trail. She and her friend Ash get Isaiah the medical attention he needs. However, Isaiah can't recall any details of his life, just his name and current events. Sofia is skeptical, but wants to help Isaiah discover the truth. She is very attracted to him, but has been hurt in the past, so she's reluctant to get too close.
Meanwhile, Holly is back from the North Pole to help with the town's New Year's Eve party. She and Ash are committed to one another and have to make some decisions about their living arrangements.
I thoroughly enjoyed this visit to Emerald Hollow and found this story a true delight!
April 16, 2024
Finding Cheer is the second book in the Magical Emerald Hollow series, and while probably COULD be read as a standalone, I definitely would recommend reading Chasing Cheer first, so that you already know and love some of the main characters. This will also help set the stage for understanding some of the magic in Emerald Hollow!
I loved getting to know Sophie more in this story! Chasing Cheer is all about Holly and Ash, with Sophie as a sweet sidekick; in Finding Cheer, you get to know more about Sophie's story and background and grow to love her even more. Meeting Isaiah give Sophie the opportunity to grow beyond her comfort zone and confront some of her past. The magic Holly brings to the table creates the coziest little Hallmark-style town in Oregon that I desperately wish were real!
Truly, a fun, cozy read, and I loved that it's not a strictly Christmas Holiday book, too. Finding Cheer is a great Springtime read!
I loved getting to know Sophie more in this story! Chasing Cheer is all about Holly and Ash, with Sophie as a sweet sidekick; in Finding Cheer, you get to know more about Sophie's story and background and grow to love her even more. Meeting Isaiah give Sophie the opportunity to grow beyond her comfort zone and confront some of her past. The magic Holly brings to the table creates the coziest little Hallmark-style town in Oregon that I desperately wish were real!
Truly, a fun, cozy read, and I loved that it's not a strictly Christmas Holiday book, too. Finding Cheer is a great Springtime read!
May 3, 2024
Finding Cheer is Book Two in the Magical Emerald Hollow series. It is set in a small town called Emerald Hollow and has an overall whimsical and magical feel. It is full of romance, likable characters, charm, intrigue, secrets, and mystery. After reading the first book in the series, I was anxious to read this one and I was not disappointed. The story centers around the character of Sophia, who lives in Emerald Hollow. She is friends to both Holly and Ash who we were introduced to in the first book. When Sophia meets Isaiah, she is naturally skeptical of this mysterious man that has shown up unexpectedly because she knows nothing about him. As she tries to get to the bottom of the mystery of who he is Sophia discovers she is attracted to him. As the story evolves, the characters experience loss and heartbreak, but also begin to grow, rediscover themselves, and heal. A great read with a feel-good, magical vibe and wholesome romance.
January 4, 2025
The Best Kind of Magic
North Pole magic is rather unique. It has a mind of its own and is imbued with goodness. It brings goodness into people's lives, unexpectedly, and brings the kind of goodness they did not know they needed. It's not all sweetness and light. There are very real difficulties to face. But the North Pole magic will not be denied. It's an uplifting read. I love epilogues, and this one about the curio shop owner has me looking forward to book 3!
While these are stand alone stories, this second book will have more depth for you if you read book 1 first.
Content: Clean
Last but not least, my thanks to Writer Heather Schneider for her talent and for putting this book on Kindle Unlimited. Her team of cover artists, proofreaders, and editors also deserve a shout out.
As always, my reviews are independent of where I source a book.
Happy Reading!
~ LJ Sagian
North Pole magic is rather unique. It has a mind of its own and is imbued with goodness. It brings goodness into people's lives, unexpectedly, and brings the kind of goodness they did not know they needed. It's not all sweetness and light. There are very real difficulties to face. But the North Pole magic will not be denied. It's an uplifting read. I love epilogues, and this one about the curio shop owner has me looking forward to book 3!
While these are stand alone stories, this second book will have more depth for you if you read book 1 first.
Content: Clean
Last but not least, my thanks to Writer Heather Schneider for her talent and for putting this book on Kindle Unlimited. Her team of cover artists, proofreaders, and editors also deserve a shout out.
As always, my reviews are independent of where I source a book.
Happy Reading!
~ LJ Sagian
April 5, 2024
"Finding Cheer" by Heather Schneider is a delightful and enchanting read that continues the magical journey in Emerald Hollow. The small town setting and magical elements create a whimsical atmosphere that draws the reader in from the very beginning.
The characters are well-developed and endearing, especially Sofia Reyes, whose skepticism and attraction to the mysterious stranger make for an engaging storyline. The dynamic between Sofia and her love interest is realistic and heartwarming, adding a sweet and clean romance to the plot.
The addition of Holly Claus and her investigation into magical secrets adds depth to the story and keeps the reader intrigued throughout. The magical tulip super bloom and the town's various festivals bring a sense of wonder and excitement to the narrative, enhancing the overall charm of the book. Loved the sequel equally as well as the first one!
The characters are well-developed and endearing, especially Sofia Reyes, whose skepticism and attraction to the mysterious stranger make for an engaging storyline. The dynamic between Sofia and her love interest is realistic and heartwarming, adding a sweet and clean romance to the plot.
The addition of Holly Claus and her investigation into magical secrets adds depth to the story and keeps the reader intrigued throughout. The magical tulip super bloom and the town's various festivals bring a sense of wonder and excitement to the narrative, enhancing the overall charm of the book. Loved the sequel equally as well as the first one!
April 5, 2024
Finding Cheer: Paranormal Women's Fiction Cozy Fantasy Novel is the second book in the Magical Emerald Hollow series. I was excited to see another book in this series. Holly and Ash are back, as are others who appeared in the first book. The focus of this story, though, falls on Sofia and a mysterious fella who finds himself in Emeral Hollow. I was glad to see Sofia get her moment in the spotlight and to meet a new character. Like in the first book, some mysterious and unusual happenings happen in town. What has caused the unusual tulip blooms? Holly is figuring out some of the magical history of the town and more. This is a great series to grab if you enjoy magic, romance, and the small-town atmosphere. This could be enjoyed as a standalone, but best enjoyed when read in order. I hope to read more from this author soon and hopefully more from this fun and unique series.
April 8, 2024
I absolutely loved getting to go back to Emerald Hollow and getting to learn more about Sofia, who I thought was an interesting character from the first book, so I was excited to see her take center stage in her own story! I did still love that we got to peek in and see how Holly and Ash are doing, as well as Holly’s digging into the ancient secrets of the town. Sophia and Isaiah are such a cute pair, even as Sophia is concerned he is a con artist, she is still extremely attracted and drawn to him. I loved the split POV’s so we can see what each of the characters are thinking and feeling. The author continues to bring magic in her writing and I am hoping there is a few more stories left to be shared from Emerald Hollow. This is a very cute series and while you could read book 2 standalone, it will make a lot more sense to start with the first book.
April 11, 2024
As soon as I saw this book was the sequel to the first I knew I had to read it. And I think this is even better than the last a brilliant book from start to finish. For me, this book was all about the characters. I found them so easy to connect with and completely relatable. From the moment I started reading I wanted to know more.
I think the author did a fantastic job in developing this story. I was engaged with the story right away and I loved watching how everything played out. The author somehow managed to create the same joy you feel with a festive read without it feeling out of place. I loved the way it made me feel and how the story unfolded. Getting to read more about the characters from the previous book was just the icing on top. This is a brilliant book that I would highly recommend.
I think the author did a fantastic job in developing this story. I was engaged with the story right away and I loved watching how everything played out. The author somehow managed to create the same joy you feel with a festive read without it feeling out of place. I loved the way it made me feel and how the story unfolded. Getting to read more about the characters from the previous book was just the icing on top. This is a brilliant book that I would highly recommend.
April 14, 2024
I was excited to find the second book in this series. The first book was a fun read and I knew the second book would have the same kind of fun, romantic, and exciting moments. We met Holly in the first book where she ends up finding love and acceptance in Emerald Hollow a small town in Oregon.
This new book is about Sofia, a well known member of the town. Sofia has had her share of romance gone wrong as so many of us experience. Sofia can’t believe what she’s seeing when she finds a man laying in the middle of a snow covered hiking trail! The strangest thing being he can’t seem to remember how he got to the snowy trail.
Like the first book, I enjoyed reading about Sofia and her new friend. The author does a wonderful job of world and character building. I’m looking forward to reading more about the folks in Emerald Hollow.
This new book is about Sofia, a well known member of the town. Sofia has had her share of romance gone wrong as so many of us experience. Sofia can’t believe what she’s seeing when she finds a man laying in the middle of a snow covered hiking trail! The strangest thing being he can’t seem to remember how he got to the snowy trail.
Like the first book, I enjoyed reading about Sofia and her new friend. The author does a wonderful job of world and character building. I’m looking forward to reading more about the folks in Emerald Hollow.
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