this was so comfy cozy I loved it ( )

So, my first review of 2024 which starts with one of the two Christmas romances I decided to squeeze in - and sadly, it was slightly disappointing.

While I liked both Christian and Megan, the protagonists, who fake-date two weeks before Christmas in their hometown, they continuously threaten to get lost among all the characters and all that’s happening.

Because we pretty much meet the entire cast from the first instalment in this one as well - plus a few new characters, like Isaac - Megan’s ex-fiancé from whom she ran on the day of their wedding. The film “Runaway Bride” sends its regards…

Due to the time we spend with them all, a lot of things are happening and Christian’s and Megan’s relationship can’t really develop. When they’re finally really snowed-in like the title promises, the setting of a cabin-in-the-woods is not really used. Yes, there are some cute scenes but it left me waiting for more which never materialised.

Another major issue is the role Molly and Andrew from the first novel play: While I’m usually enjoying short “cameos”, this novel actually tried to keep telling more of their story (including major occurrences!) in Christian's and Megan’s novel which distorts the focus and is weirdly irritating.

»Andrew seems to think so too. He can’t stop glancing at her. Nor can he stop tapping his fingers against the steering wheel, a nervous gesture that I doubt he’s even aware of. But even if he wanted to, he can’t do anything with Christian and me in the car.«

There were quite a few things I liked, though: Mental health issues are addressed on an aside but neither do they feel “tacked-on” nor are they over-explored but are just a small part of the story:

»I am not having a good day.
I would actually go so far as to say that I’m having a bad day.
And that’s fine. They happen.«

I also liked how Christian respects Megan and simply defers to her instead of “manly” deciding what she should do. (And don’t I know all too well how difficult that can be…)

»Christian catches my gaze, raising a questioning brow. Whatever you want to do, he seems to say. And I know he means it. If I want to go and talk with Isaac, then he’ll deal with my brother, so I can. If I want to fight my own battles, he’ll stand back and support. He’s got me. Just like he said.«

At the same time, though, there are truly grating examples of overly banal pathos and clichés that sometimes made me cringe:

»And as the exclamations of wonder start behind us, as the bonfire crackles and the stars glint overhead, I lift my lips to his once more and seal it all with a kiss.«

Something like that is just a tad overly dramatic - for me at least! If you want to read a fun Christmas romance, go for the first novel in this series instead. (And if you sign up for Walsh’s newsletter, you’ll get a free short story continuing the fun.)

Since it was still a mostly satisfactory read, I’m at my all-too-common three stars out of five.

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Ceterum censeo Putin esse delendam ( )

3.33⭐ ( )

*ARC Review for Snowed In - Spoilers removed.*

While it is a standalone story, Snowed In takes place a little over two years after Holiday Romance. This is determined by Zoe, Molly’s twin sister, who gave birth in Holiday Romance. In Snowed In, the story begins with Christian (Andrew’s brother) and Zoe hanging out with her now two year old toddler, Tiernan. Keeping the same snappy dialogue and Walsh wit, Snowed In takes us back to the small town we fell in love with before, reintroduces us to the Fitzpatrick clan, and shows us that with a little Christmas magic, anything is possible. I will warn you, read Holiday Romance first; otherwise, you will have spoilers and may not understand the story of Andrew and Molly that continues in Snowed In.

Megan just needs a win! It’s bad enough that she is still deemed a social pariah for running out on her wedding day five years ago. Yes, she left the village golden boy Isaac at the alter but she just couldn’t face the rest of her life being with the only man that was her first… well everything! She figured life would be waiting for her when she finally broke free. What was waiting for her, horrible first dates and failed relationships. It wouldn’t be so bad if she was doing well in her career but, while she loves her job, saying she lives a modest lifestyle is an understatement. All of this she could cope with but the idea of returning to her village, aka the scene of the crime, after all these years away is not helping her look forward to the upcoming holiday. That has to be why she was willing to entertain Christian Fitzpatrick’s outlandish plan: Being each other’s fake date (i.e. backup) while they are home for the holidays. Christian’s family would avoid meddling in his life for once and Megan may actually survive running into Isaac, the scrutiny of her town, and her mother’s fundraiser. It’s a plan that is just crazy enough to work… or one hilarious failure to watch!

I never want Walsh’s books to end! When you hit that last page and she beautifully wraps up the story, you feel like she just gave you a one of a kind gift. Her stories and characters are so relatable! Life isn’t automatically easy for them. Things don’t just magically work out and suddenly there is a choreographed dance number. Her characters feel pain, shame, disappointment, heartbreak, and stew in self doubt. I can only assume (being from the US) that all Irish families are as close as she portrays and the support system illustrated is more fact than fiction. If so, the level of envy goes above and beyond!

While I loved everything about this book, what I loved most was that Walsh kept the evolution of the relationship realistic. The vulnerability of the characters, the sibling relationships, the parent/child dynamic and evolution of understanding - she delivered and then some! Add to it the sarcasm that only Walsh can deliver and the conversations that you swear you have heard from people around you (i.e. real talk) and you can’t help but read this book from beginning to end as soon as possible.

Humor and heat are two things Walsh does exceptionally well! While nowhere near the primary focus of the book and placed deep within the story, when Christian and Megan light the initial match that starts a smoldering fire between them, you get a glimpse at the potential intensity. When that finally turns into a full blown flame, it is hot, emotional, intense, and absolute perfection, especially for these two characters.

I am crossing my fingers and toes that Walsh writes Aiden’s story so we aren’t done with this little village just yet. Snowed In is a wonderful winter treat that will put a smile on your face, warmth in your heart, and a growl in your belly (they talk about food a lot!) ( )

I loved Holiday Romance by Catherine Walsh when I read it last year, so I was excited to see another holiday book by her this year. I enjoyed this one just as much as Holiday Romance. Snowed In begins with Megan fleeing from her wedding. The book continues several years later with Megan dreading going home for the first time since the non-wedding. She runs into Christian at the pub. He is from her hometown and is also dreading going home for the holidays. They decide to fake date in order to make it through the family gatherings and scrutiny. As the title suggests, they get snowed in at one point and the slow burn is worth the wait. We also get an update on Andrew and Molly from Holiday Romance as Andrew is Christian's brother.

This book has fun banter, chemistry, a little family drama, and I loved the dual points of view. Catherine Walsh is on a roll with these holiday romances. I hope we have one to look forward to next year.

My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read Snowed In and give unbiased opinion of it. ( )