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Winterspecial: Warm ingepakt / Harten in de sneeuw / Kus in het kasteel
Warm ingepakt – Shannon Stacey
Tijdens een sneeuwstorm zit Delaney met het halve dorp én met Brody, haar grote-maar-helaas-totaal-ongeschikte liefde, vast in de plaatselijke school. Brody droomt van een leven vol avontuur, zij van kinderen en een huis met een wit hekje ervoor. Je zou verwachten dat zulke uitersten elkaar nooit vinden, maar nu ze door de sneeuw toch nergens heen kunnen...
Harten in de sneeuw – Jennifer Greene
Whitney begrijpt niet waarom ze zich in vredesnaam heeft laten overhalen tot deze zinloze reis naar het oude huis van haar oma, waar eigenlijk alleen maar talloze pijnlijke herinneringen op haar wachten. Voor ze het antwoord kan bedenken, komt ze vast te zitten in een sneeuwstorm. En wordt ze gered door Red, de man die ooit haar hart brak. Kan hij haar díé pijnlijke herinnering doen vergeten?
Kus in het kasteel – Barbara Dunlop
Kan Tessa in het familiekasteel blijven wonen nadat haar tante Sophie overleden is? Haar ex-verloofde, Colton, lijkt vastbesloten haar dat te beletten. Misschien is het dus niet zo slecht dat ze door een sneeuwstorm worden gedwongen er samen tijd door te brengen: dan kan ze hem eens goed de waarheid vertellen. Maar al gauw merkt ze dat haar hart een andere taal spreekt.
Tijdens een sneeuwstorm zit Delaney met het halve dorp én met Brody, haar grote-maar-helaas-totaal-ongeschikte liefde, vast in de plaatselijke school. Brody droomt van een leven vol avontuur, zij van kinderen en een huis met een wit hekje ervoor. Je zou verwachten dat zulke uitersten elkaar nooit vinden, maar nu ze door de sneeuw toch nergens heen kunnen...
Harten in de sneeuw – Jennifer Greene
Whitney begrijpt niet waarom ze zich in vredesnaam heeft laten overhalen tot deze zinloze reis naar het oude huis van haar oma, waar eigenlijk alleen maar talloze pijnlijke herinneringen op haar wachten. Voor ze het antwoord kan bedenken, komt ze vast te zitten in een sneeuwstorm. En wordt ze gered door Red, de man die ooit haar hart brak. Kan hij haar díé pijnlijke herinnering doen vergeten?
Kus in het kasteel – Barbara Dunlop
Kan Tessa in het familiekasteel blijven wonen nadat haar tante Sophie overleden is? Haar ex-verloofde, Colton, lijkt vastbesloten haar dat te beletten. Misschien is het dus niet zo slecht dat ze door een sneeuwstorm worden gedwongen er samen tijd door te brengen: dan kan ze hem eens goed de waarheid vertellen. Maar al gauw merkt ze dat haar hart een andere taal spreekt.
336 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2013
15 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Stacey
145 books2,640 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shannon Stacey lives with her husband and two sons in New England, where her favorite activities are writing romance and really random tweets when she’s not riding her ATV. She loves mud, books, football & watching way too much TV.
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July 29, 2015
When a child goes missing, this perfect storm of cramped quarters and freezing temperatures brings old flames and new acquaintances closer together...but will they go separate ways once the sky clears?
HEART OF THE STORM by Shannon Stacey
Brody Rollins is back in tiny Tucker's Point, Maine, for the first time in five years, and now he can't escape...from former neighbours, old regrets or maddening glimpses of his ex-fiancée.
Good second chance story that has Brody facing up to the mistakes he made in the past. Five years earlier he had snuck out of town one night, just leaving a note for his girlfriend. He had been unable to deal with his fears about the only future he could envision if he stayed, stuck in a dead end job as a fisherman in a town he had grown to hate. So he left, looking for a better life, and hasn't been back since.
However, he can't refuse his sister's request that he come see his newborn nephew. He plans to come into town, stay the night with his sister, then leave the next morning. He doesn't count on the ice storm that traps him there, or the power outages that have them taking refuge in the town elementary school.
Delaney was devastated when Brody left, leaving only a note, and never heard from him again. She has made a good life for herself in the town she loves, even if she hasn't found a new love. When she hears that Brody is visiting, she hopes to avoid seeing him, but as the town's emergency management person, it's her job to run the shelter.
Seeing Brody again brings back all the old hurts. She had hoped that she was over him, but quickly realizes the feelings are still there. She doesn't want his apologies, she just wants to avoid him. Brody really wants her to understand, He's persistent, and it isn't long before they are spending what time they can together. Both of them discover that the old feelings are still there, but so are the same obstacles. Delaney loves the town and its people and has no desire to leave it. I loved seeing her stand up for herself and her wishes. Brody still doesn't want to live there, plus his business is in Connecticut. I loved the heart to heart talk with his father that finally opened Brody's eyes.
There was one thing about the story that bothered me, and that was the missing child that everyone was looking for. No one ever said if she was found. They were looking, and then they weren't. Hopefully that will be resolved in one of the other stories.
SEEING RED by Jennifer Greene
Stranded at her grandfather's seaside cottage, Whitney Carr prepares to face the blizzard alone. But unexpected help soon arrives-in the form of her secret high-school crush.
Another reunion story of high school sweethearts. Red had broken up with Whitney with no explanation the night of their high school prom. She left for college and has spent little time in Tucker's Point since then, and hasn't seen Red at all. Now she is back, at the request of her mother and sister, to find a "treasure box" in her grandparents' old home. Being an experienced Mainer, she came prepared to weather the predicted storm. What she didn't expect was a visit from local emergency crew member Red. He is equally surprised to see her.
Whitney still has some hurt feelings from their breakup long ago, but she isn't carrying a grudge. She's happy to see Red and enjoys his fleeting visits between his emergency commitments. I enjoyed seeing them get to know each other again. I liked seeing Red help her find the box she was looking for. Red has realized over the years that he made a mistake breaking up with Whitney and is now determined to let her know that he still cares, and why he did what he did. I thought it was pretty sweet that he had mimicked her grandmother in his way of remembering their past. Everything wasn't wrapped up in a neat bow, as they knew there were still decisions to make, but it ended on a happy note.
I was happy to see the problem of the missing child resolved. It was heartbreaking to see the reason she was missing. I liked the sensitivity that Whitney had to her distress and how she was able to help.
LAND'S END by Barbara Dunlop
Tessa Ambroise is desperate to ditch the charming, infuriating hotelier circling her late aunt's century home like a vulture. But the snow piling up outside the mansion puts both their plans on hold.
Tessa and her friend had come to Tucker's Point to go through some of the things in her late aunt's castle like home. Tessa is also recovering from ending her engagement to Colton. She can't help still thinking about him, as it is hard to forget a practically perfect man. Her problem had been that she never felt like she could live up to him.
She's surprised to see him show up in Maine. Unknown to her, he had been talking to her brother about buying the house and turn it into another one of his fancy hotels. He also acts like he wants to get back together with her.
I got a bit frustrated with Tessa, because whenever he asked why she ended their engagement, she wouldn't tell him. She kept going on about his "perfectness" without explaining to him how she felt. I was equally frustrated with Colton. Because of issues with his father, he always feels that he has to have complete control of his emotions. Though I did feel that he truly loved her, everything he did for/to/with her always seemed cold and calculated to me. When his friend Rand was finally able to make Colton see that Tessa wanted real emotion from him, I thought that the way he went about it was pretty stupid. I don't understand why he picked those emotions to show and that way to demonstrate it. If I had been Tessa I would have resisted even harder. In the end, they finally understood each other, so I guess that's okay.
HEART OF THE STORM by Shannon Stacey
Brody Rollins is back in tiny Tucker's Point, Maine, for the first time in five years, and now he can't escape...from former neighbours, old regrets or maddening glimpses of his ex-fiancée.
Good second chance story that has Brody facing up to the mistakes he made in the past. Five years earlier he had snuck out of town one night, just leaving a note for his girlfriend. He had been unable to deal with his fears about the only future he could envision if he stayed, stuck in a dead end job as a fisherman in a town he had grown to hate. So he left, looking for a better life, and hasn't been back since.
However, he can't refuse his sister's request that he come see his newborn nephew. He plans to come into town, stay the night with his sister, then leave the next morning. He doesn't count on the ice storm that traps him there, or the power outages that have them taking refuge in the town elementary school.
Delaney was devastated when Brody left, leaving only a note, and never heard from him again. She has made a good life for herself in the town she loves, even if she hasn't found a new love. When she hears that Brody is visiting, she hopes to avoid seeing him, but as the town's emergency management person, it's her job to run the shelter.
Seeing Brody again brings back all the old hurts. She had hoped that she was over him, but quickly realizes the feelings are still there. She doesn't want his apologies, she just wants to avoid him. Brody really wants her to understand, He's persistent, and it isn't long before they are spending what time they can together. Both of them discover that the old feelings are still there, but so are the same obstacles. Delaney loves the town and its people and has no desire to leave it. I loved seeing her stand up for herself and her wishes. Brody still doesn't want to live there, plus his business is in Connecticut. I loved the heart to heart talk with his father that finally opened Brody's eyes.
There was one thing about the story that bothered me, and that was the missing child that everyone was looking for. No one ever said if she was found. They were looking, and then they weren't. Hopefully that will be resolved in one of the other stories.
SEEING RED by Jennifer Greene
Stranded at her grandfather's seaside cottage, Whitney Carr prepares to face the blizzard alone. But unexpected help soon arrives-in the form of her secret high-school crush.
Another reunion story of high school sweethearts. Red had broken up with Whitney with no explanation the night of their high school prom. She left for college and has spent little time in Tucker's Point since then, and hasn't seen Red at all. Now she is back, at the request of her mother and sister, to find a "treasure box" in her grandparents' old home. Being an experienced Mainer, she came prepared to weather the predicted storm. What she didn't expect was a visit from local emergency crew member Red. He is equally surprised to see her.
Whitney still has some hurt feelings from their breakup long ago, but she isn't carrying a grudge. She's happy to see Red and enjoys his fleeting visits between his emergency commitments. I enjoyed seeing them get to know each other again. I liked seeing Red help her find the box she was looking for. Red has realized over the years that he made a mistake breaking up with Whitney and is now determined to let her know that he still cares, and why he did what he did. I thought it was pretty sweet that he had mimicked her grandmother in his way of remembering their past. Everything wasn't wrapped up in a neat bow, as they knew there were still decisions to make, but it ended on a happy note.
I was happy to see the problem of the missing child resolved. It was heartbreaking to see the reason she was missing. I liked the sensitivity that Whitney had to her distress and how she was able to help.
LAND'S END by Barbara Dunlop
Tessa Ambroise is desperate to ditch the charming, infuriating hotelier circling her late aunt's century home like a vulture. But the snow piling up outside the mansion puts both their plans on hold.
Tessa and her friend had come to Tucker's Point to go through some of the things in her late aunt's castle like home. Tessa is also recovering from ending her engagement to Colton. She can't help still thinking about him, as it is hard to forget a practically perfect man. Her problem had been that she never felt like she could live up to him.
She's surprised to see him show up in Maine. Unknown to her, he had been talking to her brother about buying the house and turn it into another one of his fancy hotels. He also acts like he wants to get back together with her.
I got a bit frustrated with Tessa, because whenever he asked why she ended their engagement, she wouldn't tell him. She kept going on about his "perfectness" without explaining to him how she felt. I was equally frustrated with Colton. Because of issues with his father, he always feels that he has to have complete control of his emotions. Though I did feel that he truly loved her, everything he did for/to/with her always seemed cold and calculated to me. When his friend Rand was finally able to make Colton see that Tessa wanted real emotion from him, I thought that the way he went about it was pretty stupid. I don't understand why he picked those emotions to show and that way to demonstrate it. If I had been Tessa I would have resisted even harder. In the end, they finally understood each other, so I guess that's okay.
December 17, 2013
2.5 Stars
Three different stories about different romances, all taking place during the general time at this little town called Tucker's Point.
A snow storm is coming and the little town is under emergency. People are getting snowed in, losing power, and a little girl has gone missing.
Cute. I read a book like this last year actually, that happened around the same event but was written by three different authors telling the stories of different people and what's going on with them around the same event. I really enjoyed it. Thought Snow Day was done much the same, I have to admit this was not my favorite of the two nor the favorite of the holiday's/winter reads.
Thought the stories were kind of cute, this book for some reason just did not work as well for me. I thought it moved a little slow and there just wasn't enough to keep me entertained. Thought I enjoyed the idea, I almost rolled my eyes when the second story of the book - the whole plot behind it felt like the first one. Both of the women got dumped by the love of their life out of the blue. Actually, kind to think of it. The third story is much the same, except the woman did the dumping.
Anyway, it didn't feel very original. I did like some of the characters, but nothing really stuck out to me. Especially not the reasons for the break-up. Take for example the last story, about Tessa and Colton. She broke up with the poor man after he proposed to her because he was way too perfect and she doesn't want him to be perfect. So she acts like a baby to prove her point to him, and in the end she was making my head swim with her excuses. Why let the relationship get that far then? The fact that she told him that she couldn't explain what she meant was making my head hurt.
It wasn't as Christmasy as my other reads this season and although this one stop short for me, I am sure other's would enjoy the slow but sweet romances.
I got a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
Three different stories about different romances, all taking place during the general time at this little town called Tucker's Point.
A snow storm is coming and the little town is under emergency. People are getting snowed in, losing power, and a little girl has gone missing.
Cute. I read a book like this last year actually, that happened around the same event but was written by three different authors telling the stories of different people and what's going on with them around the same event. I really enjoyed it. Thought Snow Day was done much the same, I have to admit this was not my favorite of the two nor the favorite of the holiday's/winter reads.
Thought the stories were kind of cute, this book for some reason just did not work as well for me. I thought it moved a little slow and there just wasn't enough to keep me entertained. Thought I enjoyed the idea, I almost rolled my eyes when the second story of the book - the whole plot behind it felt like the first one. Both of the women got dumped by the love of their life out of the blue. Actually, kind to think of it. The third story is much the same, except the woman did the dumping.
Anyway, it didn't feel very original. I did like some of the characters, but nothing really stuck out to me. Especially not the reasons for the break-up. Take for example the last story, about Tessa and Colton. She broke up with the poor man after he proposed to her because he was way too perfect and she doesn't want him to be perfect. So she acts like a baby to prove her point to him, and in the end she was making my head swim with her excuses. Why let the relationship get that far then? The fact that she told him that she couldn't explain what she meant was making my head hurt.
It wasn't as Christmasy as my other reads this season and although this one stop short for me, I am sure other's would enjoy the slow but sweet romances.
I got a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
December 12, 2016
My first straight romance novel! I figured I would give it a try, seeing as I'm dating a guy now. Why not. And it was okay! Until I got to the last novella, where the guy was such a douche that I could hardly handle it. But I'm not judging the whole genre based on that, obviously. I just picked this book up because I enjoy the "snowed in" trope.
January 5, 2014
Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2013/12/31/...
I wasn’t sure what exactly to expect with this anthology, but I have to admit that I absolutely LOVED the fact that all the stories took place in the same town, and that the characters overlapped. It was such a neat little thing that you don’t normally see in anthologies. That being said, I am going to rate each story on its own.
Heart of the Storm by Shannon Stacey
Brody left Tucker’s Point in the middle of the night, leaving behind his family and fiance. Coming back isn’t what he wants to do, but spending time with his newborn nephew is an opportunity he can’t pass up. But the worst winter storm of the year has him trapped with his family, old neighbors, and of course the woman he left behind: Delaney. Just seeing her brings back all the love he once felt for her, and leaving Tucker’s Point without her is no longer an option.
I adored this story. I’m a huge sucker for second chance love stories, and this one was just too damned cute. I thought poor Delaney was such a strong character, and I loved that she wasn’t so willing to accept Brody with open arms right away. She was very worried, and rightfully so, to just jump back into a relationship, but the history between them was almost too much to overcome.
Although Delaney was hesitant to start back up again, I do wish that they wouldn’t have jumped back into such a serious romantic entanglement so quickly. But I could also see why being stuck in such close confinements would force them to make a rash decision so quickly. I wish that we would get the chance to see more of them after the storm, to see if they could weather through the rest of life together.
I give Heart of the Storm a B
Seeing Red by Jennifer Greene
Whitney is back in Tucker’s Point for one quick thing: to search her grandparents home for a mysterious box. Getting stuck in the storm is an unfortunate event, but one she is somewhat prepared for. Luckily for her, her grandparent’s house is in Red’s disaster zone, so getting checked on by her high school crush is enough to keep her toasty warm.
I’ve read Greene in the past, but this story was enough to convince me I need to read more and more from her. I loved the opportunity that Whitney and Red had to reconnect, especially since they both were secretly crushing on one another in high school. I thought their romance was sweet and cute, and absolutely heartwarming. Add in the sub-plot with the missing little girl and her rescue, and this was such a sweet and adorable contribution to the anthology.
After reading this, I’m definitely going to go back and check Greene’s backlist of stories. I thought both Whitney and Red were too cute together, and I really enjoyed their sweet and sexy romance.
I give Seeing Red a B+
Land’s End by Barbara Dunlop
When Tessa broke off her engagement with Colton it was because she wasn’t happy with the way she felt herself changing. But six months later, she still misses him like crazy. When he shows up at her family estate, hoping to turn it into a swanky resort, Tessa can’t deny the attraction is still there. But getting engaged to Colton again is both exciting and horrifying at the same time.
I enjoyed this second chance love story, but was a little frustrated with the heroine. Tessa can’t seem to communicate with Colton, and instead runs from her life. She doesn’t know how to tell him that she doesn’t want to be this perfect ideal woman, so instead she pretends and then runs when it gets too hard. Because of it, I was concerned that Colton never got to know the real woman.
I did enjoy their romance though. I think Dunlop did a good job of showcasing Tessa in all her crazy ways, so that Colton got a chance to get to see who Tessa really was. I loved that they kept collecting people from the storm, and were acting as caretakers for anyone who needed shelter.
I thought this was a super cute and sweet story, and I felt like Tessa and Colton’s relationship was totally believable. While I’m not sure that their relationship will always be easy, it was fun to see them try and get to the bottom of who they each were, and what they wanted. I’d love the chance to see more of these characters in the future.
I give Land’s End a B
All in all I thought this was a wonderful little anthology with a great premise. I loved the fact that they all tied in together, and that the characters made guest appearances in one another’s stories. I hope to see more anthologies like this, that tie in together, in the future. What a fun idea!
I give Snow Day a B+
I wasn’t sure what exactly to expect with this anthology, but I have to admit that I absolutely LOVED the fact that all the stories took place in the same town, and that the characters overlapped. It was such a neat little thing that you don’t normally see in anthologies. That being said, I am going to rate each story on its own.
Heart of the Storm by Shannon Stacey
Brody left Tucker’s Point in the middle of the night, leaving behind his family and fiance. Coming back isn’t what he wants to do, but spending time with his newborn nephew is an opportunity he can’t pass up. But the worst winter storm of the year has him trapped with his family, old neighbors, and of course the woman he left behind: Delaney. Just seeing her brings back all the love he once felt for her, and leaving Tucker’s Point without her is no longer an option.
I adored this story. I’m a huge sucker for second chance love stories, and this one was just too damned cute. I thought poor Delaney was such a strong character, and I loved that she wasn’t so willing to accept Brody with open arms right away. She was very worried, and rightfully so, to just jump back into a relationship, but the history between them was almost too much to overcome.
Although Delaney was hesitant to start back up again, I do wish that they wouldn’t have jumped back into such a serious romantic entanglement so quickly. But I could also see why being stuck in such close confinements would force them to make a rash decision so quickly. I wish that we would get the chance to see more of them after the storm, to see if they could weather through the rest of life together.
I give Heart of the Storm a B
Seeing Red by Jennifer Greene
Whitney is back in Tucker’s Point for one quick thing: to search her grandparents home for a mysterious box. Getting stuck in the storm is an unfortunate event, but one she is somewhat prepared for. Luckily for her, her grandparent’s house is in Red’s disaster zone, so getting checked on by her high school crush is enough to keep her toasty warm.
I’ve read Greene in the past, but this story was enough to convince me I need to read more and more from her. I loved the opportunity that Whitney and Red had to reconnect, especially since they both were secretly crushing on one another in high school. I thought their romance was sweet and cute, and absolutely heartwarming. Add in the sub-plot with the missing little girl and her rescue, and this was such a sweet and adorable contribution to the anthology.
After reading this, I’m definitely going to go back and check Greene’s backlist of stories. I thought both Whitney and Red were too cute together, and I really enjoyed their sweet and sexy romance.
I give Seeing Red a B+
Land’s End by Barbara Dunlop
When Tessa broke off her engagement with Colton it was because she wasn’t happy with the way she felt herself changing. But six months later, she still misses him like crazy. When he shows up at her family estate, hoping to turn it into a swanky resort, Tessa can’t deny the attraction is still there. But getting engaged to Colton again is both exciting and horrifying at the same time.
I enjoyed this second chance love story, but was a little frustrated with the heroine. Tessa can’t seem to communicate with Colton, and instead runs from her life. She doesn’t know how to tell him that she doesn’t want to be this perfect ideal woman, so instead she pretends and then runs when it gets too hard. Because of it, I was concerned that Colton never got to know the real woman.
I did enjoy their romance though. I think Dunlop did a good job of showcasing Tessa in all her crazy ways, so that Colton got a chance to get to see who Tessa really was. I loved that they kept collecting people from the storm, and were acting as caretakers for anyone who needed shelter.
I thought this was a super cute and sweet story, and I felt like Tessa and Colton’s relationship was totally believable. While I’m not sure that their relationship will always be easy, it was fun to see them try and get to the bottom of who they each were, and what they wanted. I’d love the chance to see more of these characters in the future.
I give Land’s End a B
All in all I thought this was a wonderful little anthology with a great premise. I loved the fact that they all tied in together, and that the characters made guest appearances in one another’s stories. I hope to see more anthologies like this, that tie in together, in the future. What a fun idea!
I give Snow Day a B+
January 3, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this Harlequin compilation book. The stories are just long enough to be satisfyingly developed, but just short enough to read in one or two sittings (depending on your reading speed).
Usually, in a compilation like this I engage with one or two out of the three stories, but in this book I was pleasantly surprised to find I connected to all the stories and characters. I love the fact that in each the characters share a past together and have ‘unfinished business’ and a lingering attraction which they must decide to either ignore or allow to change them. The intense, dangerous circumstances created by the ice storm beautifully throws together the couples, forcing them to confront realties and feelings long buried, and I love the juxtaposition of the biting cold outside and the fiery passion inside!
My favourite aspect of the books is how they interconnect – how a seemingly minor element of one book becomes a major plot point in another. It makes for very satisfying reading indeed. I also liked the storyline about the missing child, and how the emotion this creates in the community acts a catalyst for emotion rising within the characters.
Overall, a super Harlequin read – perfect for dipping into over the winter while curled up someplace warm, and guaranteed to leave you with a lovely warm, fuzzy glow.
I was offered this book in exchange for a fair review via NetGalley.
Usually, in a compilation like this I engage with one or two out of the three stories, but in this book I was pleasantly surprised to find I connected to all the stories and characters. I love the fact that in each the characters share a past together and have ‘unfinished business’ and a lingering attraction which they must decide to either ignore or allow to change them. The intense, dangerous circumstances created by the ice storm beautifully throws together the couples, forcing them to confront realties and feelings long buried, and I love the juxtaposition of the biting cold outside and the fiery passion inside!
My favourite aspect of the books is how they interconnect – how a seemingly minor element of one book becomes a major plot point in another. It makes for very satisfying reading indeed. I also liked the storyline about the missing child, and how the emotion this creates in the community acts a catalyst for emotion rising within the characters.
Overall, a super Harlequin read – perfect for dipping into over the winter while curled up someplace warm, and guaranteed to leave you with a lovely warm, fuzzy glow.
I was offered this book in exchange for a fair review via NetGalley.
December 31, 2013
Snow Day is a book made up of three novellas that have a few things in common, snow and romance. Usually when I read a book like this there is always one or two stories I don’t enjoy as much as the others. I was so happy to find that wasn’t the case here. Each novella while different was very entertaining and enjoyable.
Very quick and easy to read, this can be finished in one afternoon as long as you have a cup of hot chocolate to enjoy it with. I think this would be a nice book to ring the New Year in with!
Very quick and easy to read, this can be finished in one afternoon as long as you have a cup of hot chocolate to enjoy it with. I think this would be a nice book to ring the New Year in with!
December 31, 2014
'Snow Day' is the perfect post-Christmas, pre-New Year's cold weather read. A lovely anthology that is tied together by a small fishing village, Tucker's Point, in Maine during a doozy of a winter storm.
Individual ratings as follows:
'Heart of the Storm' by Shannon Stacey - 5 stars because NO ONE does holiday novellas better
'Seeing Red' by Jennifer Greene - 5 stars because April Shuster stole my heart
'Land's End' by Barbara Dunlop - 4 stars because I loved the ending
Individual ratings as follows:
'Heart of the Storm' by Shannon Stacey - 5 stars because NO ONE does holiday novellas better
'Seeing Red' by Jennifer Greene - 5 stars because April Shuster stole my heart
'Land's End' by Barbara Dunlop - 4 stars because I loved the ending
Read
January 12, 2016I enjoyed all 3 stories and really liked how they were connected to each other. ~ Kim
January 8, 2014
Christmas may be over, but seasonal books are still showing up on bookshelves, real and virtual. Harlequin offers this trio of stories about lovers reunited when a major winter storm hits Tucker’s Point, Maine in early January, forcing the lovers who have been apart for various periods of time ranging from six months to ten years into one another’s company. The storm, the reunion theme, and a thread concerning a child lost in the storm link the three stories.
In “Heart of the Storm” by Shannon Stacey, Brody Rollins plans a quick, low-key visit to the hometown to which he has not returned in five years. His purpose is to meet his sister’s two-week-old son. Brody expects to spend one night with his sister and her small family, pay a brief duty visit to his parents, and get out of town as rapidly as he can. Instead, when his sister’s home loses power because of the storm, he ends up seeking shelter with her, her husband, and their baby at the local emergency shelter in an elementary school. One of the volunteers in charge is Delaney Westcott, the girl Brody left behind him with only a note to tell her that none of her dreams for the two of them were coming true. When Brody and Delaney meet again, it is immediately clear that the jagged edges of that goodbye still cut both ways, but five years of silence is a lot to overcome. Have the years softened the intensity of Brody’s dislike of Tucker’s Point and his fear of replicating his parents’ lives? Can Delaney forgive him for walking away with no explanation? Is an HEA for these two possible?
In “Seeing Red” by Jennifer Green, Whitney Carr has returned to Tucker’s Point at the urging of her mother and sister who think the “treasure” Whitney’s deceased grandmother left in her house might be truly valuable. Whitney left town at eighteen shortly after her high school boyfriend, Henry “Red” Redmond dumped her with no explanation on the night of their senior prom. Whitney still retains enough of her Mainer pragmatism to arrive prepared for the storm with food, candles, and a heat source, but she’s not prepared for the emergency crew member who awakens her in the wee hours of the morning to be Red nor for the feelings that the sight of him awakens. Red realized long ago that he made a mistake in not telling Whitney the truth about why he was setting her free, and he’s not about to miss his second chance with the only woman he’s ever loved. If these two can learn to be fully honest with one another, they just might deserve their HEA.
The lovers in the third story, “Land’s End” by Barbara Dunlop, have been apart for a much briefer period of time. Six months ago, Tessa Ambroise returned the engagement ring that she had been given by Colton Herrington of the Boston Herringtons. Tessa is in Tucker’s Point going through Land’s End, the twenty-six–room stone mansion built by her ancestors on twelve acres of prime beach front land nearly two centuries ago. The death of her great-aunt less than two months earlier has left Tessa and her brother heirs to the property. Since her brother is a busy doctor in Atlanta, Tessa volunteered to do the inventory at Land’s End. She may still think of her former fiancé; after all, it’s not easy to forget the perfect man—wealthy, good-looking, gentlemanly, and a skilled lover. But Tessa could never live up to his standards, and she grew tired of trying. She’s confident that she did the right thing in breaking things off. She doesn’t expect to see Colton again, certainly not at Land’s End. But she doesn’t know that Colton, with her brother’s full cooperation, has his eye on Land’s End as the site of the next Herrington Hotel and Resort. When her brother and Colton both arrive in Tucker’s Point, Tessa has a lot of questions, not all of them about real estate. No one expects the group, plus best friends, snobby neighbors, and adolescent athletes to end up iced in at Land’s End. And Tessa doesn’t expect the storm to reveal new and fascinating aspects of Colton Herrington.
I’ve been reading Jennifer Greene’s (aka Jeanne Grant) books since the 1980s, and I’ve been a Shannon Stacey fan since I read her first Kowalski novel. I was delighted to discover an anthology that included novellas by the two of them. The premise that links the stories is one to which most readers can relate, and I found it especially interesting that the stories show three different settings during the storm—an emergency shelter, a modest house that has been empty for months, and a mansion. The town of Tucker’s Point itself is a real presence in the first story where nameless, interested citizens watch the progress of the romance. It is represented by distinct personalities who remember Whitney and Red as a couple in the second story, and it serves as mere background for the Ambroise estate in the last one.
I enjoyed the three stories to varying degrees. I liked the characters in “Heart of the Storm,” as I generally do in Stacey’s stories, but I thought the heroine forgave the hero too easily. I believe one can realize a mistake in a single moment’s realization, and perhaps breaking off a relationship in a note seems less callous to a generation conditioned to celebrity breakups via text and Twitter. But I had problems believing the entire direction of a life can be changed so quickly, and I wanted to see more serious groveling on the hero’s part for what seemed to me a cruel, cowardly act.
I liked parts of the Dunlop story a lot. I have seen friends and family try to become someone they are not in order to live up to a significant other, and thus that part of the story rang true. I also appreciated the rich humor in the story. But I felt the secondary romance needed more development to keep it from being merely a distraction, and I thought both the Ambroise sibling relationship and the reasons for Colton’s perfectionism needed more development. I think this was a novella that needed a novel’s length to become its best.
“Seeing Red” was my favorite of the three because I believed wholly in the reunion. First, eighteen-year-olds are entitled to make foolish mistakes. Common experience and biological research supports the idea that judgment is often flawed at that stage. Then, Red admits that he was wrong in thinking he knew what was best for Whitney. He explains why he acted as he did, but he doesn’t attempt to justify his choice as wise or smart. He also offers heart-melting evidence of his continued devotion.
For me, the collection offered an A- read, a B- read, and a C read, which averages four stars--not a bad result for an anthology. If you are looking for contemporary romance that offers a mix of sweetness and spice, some engaging characters, and a shivery winter setting, you should check out Snow Day.
Originally posted at The Romance Dish:
http://www.theromancedish.com/2014/01...
In “Heart of the Storm” by Shannon Stacey, Brody Rollins plans a quick, low-key visit to the hometown to which he has not returned in five years. His purpose is to meet his sister’s two-week-old son. Brody expects to spend one night with his sister and her small family, pay a brief duty visit to his parents, and get out of town as rapidly as he can. Instead, when his sister’s home loses power because of the storm, he ends up seeking shelter with her, her husband, and their baby at the local emergency shelter in an elementary school. One of the volunteers in charge is Delaney Westcott, the girl Brody left behind him with only a note to tell her that none of her dreams for the two of them were coming true. When Brody and Delaney meet again, it is immediately clear that the jagged edges of that goodbye still cut both ways, but five years of silence is a lot to overcome. Have the years softened the intensity of Brody’s dislike of Tucker’s Point and his fear of replicating his parents’ lives? Can Delaney forgive him for walking away with no explanation? Is an HEA for these two possible?
In “Seeing Red” by Jennifer Green, Whitney Carr has returned to Tucker’s Point at the urging of her mother and sister who think the “treasure” Whitney’s deceased grandmother left in her house might be truly valuable. Whitney left town at eighteen shortly after her high school boyfriend, Henry “Red” Redmond dumped her with no explanation on the night of their senior prom. Whitney still retains enough of her Mainer pragmatism to arrive prepared for the storm with food, candles, and a heat source, but she’s not prepared for the emergency crew member who awakens her in the wee hours of the morning to be Red nor for the feelings that the sight of him awakens. Red realized long ago that he made a mistake in not telling Whitney the truth about why he was setting her free, and he’s not about to miss his second chance with the only woman he’s ever loved. If these two can learn to be fully honest with one another, they just might deserve their HEA.
The lovers in the third story, “Land’s End” by Barbara Dunlop, have been apart for a much briefer period of time. Six months ago, Tessa Ambroise returned the engagement ring that she had been given by Colton Herrington of the Boston Herringtons. Tessa is in Tucker’s Point going through Land’s End, the twenty-six–room stone mansion built by her ancestors on twelve acres of prime beach front land nearly two centuries ago. The death of her great-aunt less than two months earlier has left Tessa and her brother heirs to the property. Since her brother is a busy doctor in Atlanta, Tessa volunteered to do the inventory at Land’s End. She may still think of her former fiancé; after all, it’s not easy to forget the perfect man—wealthy, good-looking, gentlemanly, and a skilled lover. But Tessa could never live up to his standards, and she grew tired of trying. She’s confident that she did the right thing in breaking things off. She doesn’t expect to see Colton again, certainly not at Land’s End. But she doesn’t know that Colton, with her brother’s full cooperation, has his eye on Land’s End as the site of the next Herrington Hotel and Resort. When her brother and Colton both arrive in Tucker’s Point, Tessa has a lot of questions, not all of them about real estate. No one expects the group, plus best friends, snobby neighbors, and adolescent athletes to end up iced in at Land’s End. And Tessa doesn’t expect the storm to reveal new and fascinating aspects of Colton Herrington.
I’ve been reading Jennifer Greene’s (aka Jeanne Grant) books since the 1980s, and I’ve been a Shannon Stacey fan since I read her first Kowalski novel. I was delighted to discover an anthology that included novellas by the two of them. The premise that links the stories is one to which most readers can relate, and I found it especially interesting that the stories show three different settings during the storm—an emergency shelter, a modest house that has been empty for months, and a mansion. The town of Tucker’s Point itself is a real presence in the first story where nameless, interested citizens watch the progress of the romance. It is represented by distinct personalities who remember Whitney and Red as a couple in the second story, and it serves as mere background for the Ambroise estate in the last one.
I enjoyed the three stories to varying degrees. I liked the characters in “Heart of the Storm,” as I generally do in Stacey’s stories, but I thought the heroine forgave the hero too easily. I believe one can realize a mistake in a single moment’s realization, and perhaps breaking off a relationship in a note seems less callous to a generation conditioned to celebrity breakups via text and Twitter. But I had problems believing the entire direction of a life can be changed so quickly, and I wanted to see more serious groveling on the hero’s part for what seemed to me a cruel, cowardly act.
I liked parts of the Dunlop story a lot. I have seen friends and family try to become someone they are not in order to live up to a significant other, and thus that part of the story rang true. I also appreciated the rich humor in the story. But I felt the secondary romance needed more development to keep it from being merely a distraction, and I thought both the Ambroise sibling relationship and the reasons for Colton’s perfectionism needed more development. I think this was a novella that needed a novel’s length to become its best.
“Seeing Red” was my favorite of the three because I believed wholly in the reunion. First, eighteen-year-olds are entitled to make foolish mistakes. Common experience and biological research supports the idea that judgment is often flawed at that stage. Then, Red admits that he was wrong in thinking he knew what was best for Whitney. He explains why he acted as he did, but he doesn’t attempt to justify his choice as wise or smart. He also offers heart-melting evidence of his continued devotion.
For me, the collection offered an A- read, a B- read, and a C read, which averages four stars--not a bad result for an anthology. If you are looking for contemporary romance that offers a mix of sweetness and spice, some engaging characters, and a shivery winter setting, you should check out Snow Day.
Originally posted at The Romance Dish:
http://www.theromancedish.com/2014/01...
October 23, 2018
Dit was niet een van de beste dingen die ik ooit gelezen heb, maar het was niet slecht. Het volede alsof ik een boek las dat door een verliefd tienner meisje geschreven was. Leuk, maar niet extreem goed.
Een aantal dingen in dit boek stoorde me wel. Het was allemaal een veel te groot toeval. 3 ex-stelletje die toevallig allemaal terug zijn in het dorpje waar ze nooit meer wilde komen, precies als er een sneeuw storm aankomt. En toevallig ook allemaal met hun ex-geliefde komen vast te zitten. Die toevallig allemaal nog van hun houden, zelfs nadat hun hart is gebroken. Wat zijn de kansen.
Ook vond ik het vervelend om te lezen dat vrouwlijke hoofdrol speelsters vanaf het begin duidelijk maken niks meer met hun ex te maken willen hebben omdat hun hart gebroken is en nog niet eens halverwege het verhaal zijn ze aan het zoenen. Niet erg standvastig en sterk in mijn ogen.
In het derde verhaal waren de hoofdrol spelers geen fijne personages waardoor het niet prettig las. Constant ergernissen om de dingen die ze zeiden en deden.
Ondanks deze minpunten heb ik nog steeds plezier gehad in het lezen van deze verhalen, vooral de tweede. Het voelde alsof ik zo'n goedkope wegwerp roman las. Het was niet storend maar heb geen hoogstaande verwachtingen van dit boek. Het boek leest erg snel en gemakkelijk. Leuk dat de drie aparte verhalen aan elkaar verbonden zijn door de locatie en de sneeuw storm waardoor ze licht overlappen.
Een aantal dingen in dit boek stoorde me wel. Het was allemaal een veel te groot toeval. 3 ex-stelletje die toevallig allemaal terug zijn in het dorpje waar ze nooit meer wilde komen, precies als er een sneeuw storm aankomt. En toevallig ook allemaal met hun ex-geliefde komen vast te zitten. Die toevallig allemaal nog van hun houden, zelfs nadat hun hart is gebroken. Wat zijn de kansen.
Ook vond ik het vervelend om te lezen dat vrouwlijke hoofdrol speelsters vanaf het begin duidelijk maken niks meer met hun ex te maken willen hebben omdat hun hart gebroken is en nog niet eens halverwege het verhaal zijn ze aan het zoenen. Niet erg standvastig en sterk in mijn ogen.
In het derde verhaal waren de hoofdrol spelers geen fijne personages waardoor het niet prettig las. Constant ergernissen om de dingen die ze zeiden en deden.
Ondanks deze minpunten heb ik nog steeds plezier gehad in het lezen van deze verhalen, vooral de tweede. Het voelde alsof ik zo'n goedkope wegwerp roman las. Het was niet storend maar heb geen hoogstaande verwachtingen van dit boek. Het boek leest erg snel en gemakkelijk. Leuk dat de drie aparte verhalen aan elkaar verbonden zijn door de locatie en de sneeuw storm waardoor ze licht overlappen.
April 24, 2018
Three enjoyable stories that surround a missing girl. Each romance is a delight with solid characters. These are sure to give you a happy ending.
August 19, 2020
Loved the characters and the setting. Good romantic quick read.
July 31, 2022
Two out of the three short stories were great the third one not as enjoyable to me.
July 9, 2023
I really enjoyed this. I loved the romances and how all three stories connected in some way. Super cute.
November 27, 2013
Heart of the Storm – Shannon Stacy
Five years after Brody walked away from Tucker’s Point and broke Delaney’s heart, family brings him back. He thinks he’s coming back for a quick trip to meet his nephew, but Mother Nature has other ideas. When a storm blows into town, Brody and his family are trapped at the school, sheltering from a blizzard, and Brody finds himself face to face with Delaney.
Seeing Red – Alison Hart
Whitney has come home to Tucker’s Point to sort through her grandmother’s things, and never expects to run into the man who broke her heart. Red never expected to see Whitney again, but when they come face to face he wants to embrace the opportunity – and Whitney!
Land’s End – Barbara Dunlop
Colton doesn’t know why Tessa called off their engagement, and he’s not sure what comes next. Does he want her back, or does he want revenge? Either way, he heads to Tucker’s Point to find look into turning Tessa’s beloved family home into a resort – and find out how he feels about her!
Snow Day is comprised of three novellas, each featuring a different couple caught by the blizzard that sweeps through Tucker’s Point. The “thrown together” trope is one of my favorites. Growing up in the 80s I think every show I watched had a “quarantine” or “blizzard” episode where people had to confront their feelings in closed circumstances. Snow Day definitely plays on my affection for that idea very effectively.
Heart of the Storm features the story of Delaney and Brody. Of the three stories in this collection, this one feels the most natural to me. The relationship has loose ends that feel ready to be picked up at any moment, and when Brody and Delany are thrown back together, it seems inevitable that old feelings would start to flare.
Seeing Red takes a slightly different tack. Whitney never knew why Red broke up with her, and Red never thought he’d get another chance to tell her. I liked Seeing Red, but I felt like the characters were a little less real, a little less believable, than in Heart of the Storm. Red and Whitney’s motivations seem off to me, like if they were so in love before, how did these issues never come up, ever? Additionally, this story contains the resolution a running thread through all three novels – that of a missing little girl, and honestly, it seems like an unnecessary bit of drama that none of the books needed, although without it, the contents of this book would pretty much have been Whitney sitting alone waiting for Red to stop by, so maybe it was needed after all. It doesn’t feel naturally integrated at all. For all that, I thought it was an entertaining read.
And finally, Land’s End finishes off the trilogy. In my opinion, this was the weakest of the three stories. I appreciate that the author breaks out of the high school sweethearts trend set by the first two stories. Tessa and Colton, however, are a challenging pair. Colton has no idea why Tessa called off their engagement and weirdly, she doesn’t seem interested in giving him any answers. She felt like he wanted her to be someone she wasn’t – someone perfect. Which apparently tied into something about hr childhood. It’s frankly, a little flimsy. Add in to that a large and mostly superfluous cast and the story just feels a little awkward and clumsy. The other characters seem to be being played for laughs, but I would have liked fewer laughs and more focus on developing the main characters.
Five years after Brody walked away from Tucker’s Point and broke Delaney’s heart, family brings him back. He thinks he’s coming back for a quick trip to meet his nephew, but Mother Nature has other ideas. When a storm blows into town, Brody and his family are trapped at the school, sheltering from a blizzard, and Brody finds himself face to face with Delaney.
Seeing Red – Alison Hart
Whitney has come home to Tucker’s Point to sort through her grandmother’s things, and never expects to run into the man who broke her heart. Red never expected to see Whitney again, but when they come face to face he wants to embrace the opportunity – and Whitney!
Land’s End – Barbara Dunlop
Colton doesn’t know why Tessa called off their engagement, and he’s not sure what comes next. Does he want her back, or does he want revenge? Either way, he heads to Tucker’s Point to find look into turning Tessa’s beloved family home into a resort – and find out how he feels about her!
Snow Day is comprised of three novellas, each featuring a different couple caught by the blizzard that sweeps through Tucker’s Point. The “thrown together” trope is one of my favorites. Growing up in the 80s I think every show I watched had a “quarantine” or “blizzard” episode where people had to confront their feelings in closed circumstances. Snow Day definitely plays on my affection for that idea very effectively.
Heart of the Storm features the story of Delaney and Brody. Of the three stories in this collection, this one feels the most natural to me. The relationship has loose ends that feel ready to be picked up at any moment, and when Brody and Delany are thrown back together, it seems inevitable that old feelings would start to flare.
Seeing Red takes a slightly different tack. Whitney never knew why Red broke up with her, and Red never thought he’d get another chance to tell her. I liked Seeing Red, but I felt like the characters were a little less real, a little less believable, than in Heart of the Storm. Red and Whitney’s motivations seem off to me, like if they were so in love before, how did these issues never come up, ever? Additionally, this story contains the resolution a running thread through all three novels – that of a missing little girl, and honestly, it seems like an unnecessary bit of drama that none of the books needed, although without it, the contents of this book would pretty much have been Whitney sitting alone waiting for Red to stop by, so maybe it was needed after all. It doesn’t feel naturally integrated at all. For all that, I thought it was an entertaining read.
And finally, Land’s End finishes off the trilogy. In my opinion, this was the weakest of the three stories. I appreciate that the author breaks out of the high school sweethearts trend set by the first two stories. Tessa and Colton, however, are a challenging pair. Colton has no idea why Tessa called off their engagement and weirdly, she doesn’t seem interested in giving him any answers. She felt like he wanted her to be someone she wasn’t – someone perfect. Which apparently tied into something about hr childhood. It’s frankly, a little flimsy. Add in to that a large and mostly superfluous cast and the story just feels a little awkward and clumsy. The other characters seem to be being played for laughs, but I would have liked fewer laughs and more focus on developing the main characters.
February 11, 2016
A nice, easy read. Three stories, one by each author, and they're all tied into each other by the same storm in the same town.
Story #1: Delaney Wescott is very happy in the small town of Tucker's Point, Maine. She works as a deputy municipal clerk and is content with her job. She is also the one who runs the elementary school in emergencies, much like the one tonight.
There is a huge storm on January 31st. Tons of snow and ice coming down as fast as it can fall, and the power is out everywhere, the roads impossible to get through due to trees and power lines coming down. It's not a big deal for Delaney to run the school for those who show up who have no power, but when her friend Sandy shows up w/ her newborn and her brother Brody, things get tense. She was with Brody for years and thought he was "the one," when one day he just picked up and left, leaving her a note of apology and nothing else. Now he was back and they were all stuck together.
A good 100 page story about two people who should be together but circumstance kept them apart. Will they make their way back to each other?
Story #2: Whitney is driving into town to check out her grandmother's house and a mystery box she needs to pick up for her mother. As her grandmother left a bunch of journals after death, claiming that this mystery box should be destroyed before her death, but no one knows if it still exists or what is in it if she didn't get around to destroying it.
Driving to her house in this storm was no easy feat. And who should show up at her door to check on things? Her old high school flame, Red. They were a great couple in high school, but after prom, he broke up with her w/out explanation. She left and 10 years had passed. She never knew what happened to him, until now.
These two have a lot to sort out, because their feelings seemed to have never changed for each other. Can they work it out and find their way back to each other?
Story #3: Tessa is living in a castle that had belonged to her family for generations. With everyone gone, she and her brother own the place. In the middle of this storm, her brother decides he wants to sell and the people he brings to check the place out is no other than Tessa's ex-fiancee of just a few months. And now, they're all stuck together thanks to the storm. Colton never understood why Tessa broke off their engagement, and not only is he looking for answers, he's trying to buy her castle to turn it into a resort, (that's the business he's in).
Not only does Tessa not want to sell the castle, but she knows Colton hasn't changes and she doesn't feel like she can live up to his life of everything and everybody being "perfect." Can these two work things out and get back on track, or are they just two different to make things work?
Three good stories and fast reads. Enjoyed these stories!
Story #1: Delaney Wescott is very happy in the small town of Tucker's Point, Maine. She works as a deputy municipal clerk and is content with her job. She is also the one who runs the elementary school in emergencies, much like the one tonight.
There is a huge storm on January 31st. Tons of snow and ice coming down as fast as it can fall, and the power is out everywhere, the roads impossible to get through due to trees and power lines coming down. It's not a big deal for Delaney to run the school for those who show up who have no power, but when her friend Sandy shows up w/ her newborn and her brother Brody, things get tense. She was with Brody for years and thought he was "the one," when one day he just picked up and left, leaving her a note of apology and nothing else. Now he was back and they were all stuck together.
A good 100 page story about two people who should be together but circumstance kept them apart. Will they make their way back to each other?
Story #2: Whitney is driving into town to check out her grandmother's house and a mystery box she needs to pick up for her mother. As her grandmother left a bunch of journals after death, claiming that this mystery box should be destroyed before her death, but no one knows if it still exists or what is in it if she didn't get around to destroying it.
Driving to her house in this storm was no easy feat. And who should show up at her door to check on things? Her old high school flame, Red. They were a great couple in high school, but after prom, he broke up with her w/out explanation. She left and 10 years had passed. She never knew what happened to him, until now.
These two have a lot to sort out, because their feelings seemed to have never changed for each other. Can they work it out and find their way back to each other?
Story #3: Tessa is living in a castle that had belonged to her family for generations. With everyone gone, she and her brother own the place. In the middle of this storm, her brother decides he wants to sell and the people he brings to check the place out is no other than Tessa's ex-fiancee of just a few months. And now, they're all stuck together thanks to the storm. Colton never understood why Tessa broke off their engagement, and not only is he looking for answers, he's trying to buy her castle to turn it into a resort, (that's the business he's in).
Not only does Tessa not want to sell the castle, but she knows Colton hasn't changes and she doesn't feel like she can live up to his life of everything and everybody being "perfect." Can these two work things out and get back on track, or are they just two different to make things work?
Three good stories and fast reads. Enjoyed these stories!
December 19, 2013
I requested this book from NetGalley in the hopes of snow in my neighborhood. I LOVE snow, and we have had a few snow-less winters in my area recently, so I have definitely been dreaming of a white Christmas. However, I probably wouldn't want as much snow as is in this book! Even I have limits of how much snow I can take.
The book is divided into three short stories by three different authors. All share the same theme: Old love rekindled during a three day long blizzard. I found the theme of rekindling an old romance more believable than instant love within that short time span, and I am sure this was a deciding factor for the authors as well. All the characters are snowbound in one place or another, and the obvious emergencies and disasters occur as well, including road accidents, power outages, a missing child, and fires.
Heart of the Storm by Shannon Stacey: Five years ago, the love of Delaney's life slipped out of town during the night, without even a goodbye. She has soldiered on, but has not found the love that she shared with him. Now he is back, and while the same demons torment him, he finds that this time he can't say goodbye to Delaney again.
Seeing Red by Jennifer Greene: Whitney, like Delaney, suffered a broken heart from the boy she loved in high school. They had a plan for their future, and he bailed on them for reasons unknown to her. When Whitney's mother and sister read about a secret treasure in the attic of her grandma's house, they ask her to go and find it for them. It sounds like her mom and sister often make demands of her like this, and being used to it, she complies. Unfortunately, her visit coincides with a blizzard, and she becomes snowbound. And lucky for her, the man who broke her heart is on the emergency crew in charge of her neighborhood, and pops in when she is not expecting him. This story was full of good things and revelations, and was my favorite in the trio.
Land's End by Barbara Dunlop: If Seeing Red was my favorite story, Land's End was my favorite setting. A castle on the coast of Maine! What an amazing place to be snowed in at! The characters however were my least favorite. This time, the woman was the cause of the break up. Tessa breaks up with her fiancee Colton, no explanations given. Once her reasons are revealed, they are very weird! Tessa left Colton because she felt that he wanted someone perfect, and that wasn't her, although he had never said anything to give her that impression. He visits her hometown on a location scouting trip for one of his new resorts, with plans to buy her castle and childhood home and tear it down. And gets snowed in. They are forced to communicate with each other in an honest way, and to work through their issues.
Oh and that snow I wanted? I got it. Yay!
The book is divided into three short stories by three different authors. All share the same theme: Old love rekindled during a three day long blizzard. I found the theme of rekindling an old romance more believable than instant love within that short time span, and I am sure this was a deciding factor for the authors as well. All the characters are snowbound in one place or another, and the obvious emergencies and disasters occur as well, including road accidents, power outages, a missing child, and fires.
Heart of the Storm by Shannon Stacey: Five years ago, the love of Delaney's life slipped out of town during the night, without even a goodbye. She has soldiered on, but has not found the love that she shared with him. Now he is back, and while the same demons torment him, he finds that this time he can't say goodbye to Delaney again.
Seeing Red by Jennifer Greene: Whitney, like Delaney, suffered a broken heart from the boy she loved in high school. They had a plan for their future, and he bailed on them for reasons unknown to her. When Whitney's mother and sister read about a secret treasure in the attic of her grandma's house, they ask her to go and find it for them. It sounds like her mom and sister often make demands of her like this, and being used to it, she complies. Unfortunately, her visit coincides with a blizzard, and she becomes snowbound. And lucky for her, the man who broke her heart is on the emergency crew in charge of her neighborhood, and pops in when she is not expecting him. This story was full of good things and revelations, and was my favorite in the trio.
Land's End by Barbara Dunlop: If Seeing Red was my favorite story, Land's End was my favorite setting. A castle on the coast of Maine! What an amazing place to be snowed in at! The characters however were my least favorite. This time, the woman was the cause of the break up. Tessa breaks up with her fiancee Colton, no explanations given. Once her reasons are revealed, they are very weird! Tessa left Colton because she felt that he wanted someone perfect, and that wasn't her, although he had never said anything to give her that impression. He visits her hometown on a location scouting trip for one of his new resorts, with plans to buy her castle and childhood home and tear it down. And gets snowed in. They are forced to communicate with each other in an honest way, and to work through their issues.
Oh and that snow I wanted? I got it. Yay!
January 1, 2014
Snow Day: Heart of the Storm\Seeing Red\Land's End (Harlequin Anthologies)
Love that this book has different authors, a few of them I have read and enjoy their work.
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Heart of the Storm by Shannon Stacey
Tucker's Point, Maine. Delaney Westcott deputy municipal clerk and it's that last day to register vehicles...
The snow storm hits and power goes off, a little girl goes missing and everybody heads to the school shelter.
Delaney is one in charge and Sandy and her brother Brody who was just in town for a day bring the newborn, Noah.
Her husband Mike is out trying to find the little girl. Delaney and Brody hit it off again and others see them kiss....
Love how everybody pitches in to make it through the storm....Love time everybody gets to spend and talk to one another to resolve family problems.
Til Brody drops his family members at their homes he realizes what home means to him...
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Seeing Red by Jennifer Greene
Whitney Brennan is back in town to help solve a mystery with a treasure that was found. Red was the town football hero and went to college on scholarship but after one game his whole life changed and he lives in Tucker's Point, Maine.
This is a continuation of the same storm as in the first book of this series just different others involved.
Little girl is missing and there is more information about that...They are able to spend time together and learn how their paths went in different directions.
He needs to show her what's in the satchel so it will help her understand the past ... He just knows she will be gone.
.
Land's End by Barbara Dunlop
Colton Herrington and his boss Rand are contemplating the spot where Tessa's ancetrial house is-on the waterfront and Colton pictures what could be there.
Rand thinks Colton wants to not only win the girl back but use the land for a resort.
Tessa with Emiliee's help for a few days unpacks the basement and puts things back hanging on the walls. It is a castle.
Tessa's brother shows up with hopes to sell the castle and land to the development company and Tessa finds out that would be her ex fiance.
Problem is the storm hits them fast and they have to hibernate in the castle, together.
Many more things occur that makes them see each other in a new light..
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.
Love that this book has different authors, a few of them I have read and enjoy their work.
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Heart of the Storm by Shannon Stacey
Tucker's Point, Maine. Delaney Westcott deputy municipal clerk and it's that last day to register vehicles...
The snow storm hits and power goes off, a little girl goes missing and everybody heads to the school shelter.
Delaney is one in charge and Sandy and her brother Brody who was just in town for a day bring the newborn, Noah.
Her husband Mike is out trying to find the little girl. Delaney and Brody hit it off again and others see them kiss....
Love how everybody pitches in to make it through the storm....Love time everybody gets to spend and talk to one another to resolve family problems.
Til Brody drops his family members at their homes he realizes what home means to him...
.
Seeing Red by Jennifer Greene
Whitney Brennan is back in town to help solve a mystery with a treasure that was found. Red was the town football hero and went to college on scholarship but after one game his whole life changed and he lives in Tucker's Point, Maine.
This is a continuation of the same storm as in the first book of this series just different others involved.
Little girl is missing and there is more information about that...They are able to spend time together and learn how their paths went in different directions.
He needs to show her what's in the satchel so it will help her understand the past ... He just knows she will be gone.
.
Land's End by Barbara Dunlop
Colton Herrington and his boss Rand are contemplating the spot where Tessa's ancetrial house is-on the waterfront and Colton pictures what could be there.
Rand thinks Colton wants to not only win the girl back but use the land for a resort.
Tessa with Emiliee's help for a few days unpacks the basement and puts things back hanging on the walls. It is a castle.
Tessa's brother shows up with hopes to sell the castle and land to the development company and Tessa finds out that would be her ex fiance.
Problem is the storm hits them fast and they have to hibernate in the castle, together.
Many more things occur that makes them see each other in a new light..
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.
December 27, 2013
These three novellas, though written by different authors, each take place during the same storm in Tucker's Point and have references to same of the same characters. I thought that was a really nice way to get a taste of each author's writing, but still maintaining a certain continuity to the stories. Overall, the stories were enjoyable, some more than others, and were a nice seasonal read.
Heart of the Storm:
Sweet second chance romance that takes on one man's decisions in the past about his fears of the future and dislike of his hometown. But those fears and struggles, while causing him to start his life over, also caused him to leave behind the love of his life. I really enjoy Shannon Stacey's writing style. While this plot is nothing new, it's Stacey's writing and captivating characters that really made this an enjoyable read. Though I was hurt right alongside Delaney about Brody's ability to throw away their relationship, I was able to see more of the big picture as time went on, and felt really drawn into the tension and possibilities of their relationship. Really enjoyed this one.
Seeing Red:
This was another second chance romance. It was not my favorite of the bunch, probably because ten years have passed and the ultimate reason for the separation was a little lack-luster. Whitney's bravado in the beginning was quickly dissipated. I would have liked a little more fight from her. I did like the characters and the situation of the scenes. They had a certain sweetness and tenderness about them. The writing itself was also good.
Land's End:
Another second chance romance, but I liked that not as much time had passed this time. I also liked that this couple had a unique set of "problems." While the couple themselves are not two individuals I would say I loved, their story made for really interesting reading. I also like a story with an interesting group of characters. This could easily have been a story with a few people, but the author threw a bunch in, and it made for a nice mix in the reading. Tessa I did find very annoying in that she couldn't, or wouldn't, just speak her mind clearly. The resolution was a bit odd, but I still really enjoyed this one.
Heart of the Storm:
Sweet second chance romance that takes on one man's decisions in the past about his fears of the future and dislike of his hometown. But those fears and struggles, while causing him to start his life over, also caused him to leave behind the love of his life. I really enjoy Shannon Stacey's writing style. While this plot is nothing new, it's Stacey's writing and captivating characters that really made this an enjoyable read. Though I was hurt right alongside Delaney about Brody's ability to throw away their relationship, I was able to see more of the big picture as time went on, and felt really drawn into the tension and possibilities of their relationship. Really enjoyed this one.
Seeing Red:
This was another second chance romance. It was not my favorite of the bunch, probably because ten years have passed and the ultimate reason for the separation was a little lack-luster. Whitney's bravado in the beginning was quickly dissipated. I would have liked a little more fight from her. I did like the characters and the situation of the scenes. They had a certain sweetness and tenderness about them. The writing itself was also good.
Land's End:
Another second chance romance, but I liked that not as much time had passed this time. I also liked that this couple had a unique set of "problems." While the couple themselves are not two individuals I would say I loved, their story made for really interesting reading. I also like a story with an interesting group of characters. This could easily have been a story with a few people, but the author threw a bunch in, and it made for a nice mix in the reading. Tessa I did find very annoying in that she couldn't, or wouldn't, just speak her mind clearly. The resolution was a bit odd, but I still really enjoyed this one.
July 9, 2014
Review: Four stars for Snow Day, a great collection of romances by three fabulous authors!
One of my Christmas wishes this year was that authors, publishers, and editors would create more anthologies/collections like Love on Main Street: A Snow Creek Christmas and The Sugar Cookie Sweetheart Swap - and Harlequin did! The new anthology Snow Day by Shannon Stacey (“Heart of the Storm”), Jennifer Greene (“Seeing Red”), Barbara Dunlop (“Land’s End”) is just perfect and absolutely delightful!
As the title suggests, the stories revolve around a snow storm that essentially closes a small Maine town (Tucker’s Point) down. Each written by a different author, the three stories focus on a different couple and a different setting in the town - from the rescue center, to an old cottage, to a castle-like mansion. Just as in the other collections I mentioned, these stories and characters intertwine seamlessly and provide a glimpse into this hardscrabble coastal Maine setting that was really enjoyable.
The romance was HOT in each of the three stories. I’m a huge fan of Shannon Stacey, but haven’t read books by either Jennifer Greene or Barbara Dunlop before. However, I will keep my eye out for them now.
In the Northeast we’re all braving the chill of the Arctic Front and a winter unlike many have known in recent memory. This book couldn’t be more perfect as we’ve all be shivering and snowed-in at some point this year. Want to warm up? Just start reading these three stories and soon your eReader will be sizzling!
I hope that there will be a sequel and one of these three - or all three - authors will continue to spin tales about Tucker’s Point.
In conclusion, four stars for Snow Day, a great collection of romances by three fabulous authors!
Fab Fantasy Fiction
http://www.fabfantasyfiction.com/2014...
I received an eARC from the publisher for use in this review.
One of my Christmas wishes this year was that authors, publishers, and editors would create more anthologies/collections like Love on Main Street: A Snow Creek Christmas and The Sugar Cookie Sweetheart Swap - and Harlequin did! The new anthology Snow Day by Shannon Stacey (“Heart of the Storm”), Jennifer Greene (“Seeing Red”), Barbara Dunlop (“Land’s End”) is just perfect and absolutely delightful!
As the title suggests, the stories revolve around a snow storm that essentially closes a small Maine town (Tucker’s Point) down. Each written by a different author, the three stories focus on a different couple and a different setting in the town - from the rescue center, to an old cottage, to a castle-like mansion. Just as in the other collections I mentioned, these stories and characters intertwine seamlessly and provide a glimpse into this hardscrabble coastal Maine setting that was really enjoyable.
The romance was HOT in each of the three stories. I’m a huge fan of Shannon Stacey, but haven’t read books by either Jennifer Greene or Barbara Dunlop before. However, I will keep my eye out for them now.
In the Northeast we’re all braving the chill of the Arctic Front and a winter unlike many have known in recent memory. This book couldn’t be more perfect as we’ve all be shivering and snowed-in at some point this year. Want to warm up? Just start reading these three stories and soon your eReader will be sizzling!
I hope that there will be a sequel and one of these three - or all three - authors will continue to spin tales about Tucker’s Point.
In conclusion, four stars for Snow Day, a great collection of romances by three fabulous authors!
Fab Fantasy Fiction
http://www.fabfantasyfiction.com/2014...
I received an eARC from the publisher for use in this review.
January 13, 2014
What a lovely anthology. Snow Day by Shannon Stacey, Jennifer Greene and Barbara Dunlop was an entertaining read from start to finish. Three short stories all set in the same town around the same time frame, was a great idea. I have read Shannon Stacey in the past, however, Jennifer Greene and Barbara Dunlop are new-to-me authors. I definitely look forward to reading more of their books in the future!
Each of the three stories in this anthology, Heart of the Storm by Shannon Stacey, Seeing Red by Jennifer Greene and Land’s End by Barbara Dunlop are filled with wonderful stories about couples finding their way back to each other and overcoming the issues that caused them to separate in the first place. Reunion stories are some of my favorites. I like the familiarity between the couple and watching them overcome their issues. Lots of time it takes maturity and sometimes friends and family to make them see things clearly.
All of the authors did a really nice job of developing their story and characters in the short story format. Sometimes I am left with a feeling that there should be something more in stand alone novellas, but these all played out very nicely. It was fun to read the overlap of the stories whether it was mention or appearance of another character or just the situation at hand with the storm. My favorite story was probably Seeing Red. I just really enjoyed Red and Whitney’s personalities and conversation along with the way their story played out. For those of you that enjoy contemporary romance anthologies, Snow Day is one that you must pick up and read. You will find great joy in all of the stories!
Each of the three stories in this anthology, Heart of the Storm by Shannon Stacey, Seeing Red by Jennifer Greene and Land’s End by Barbara Dunlop are filled with wonderful stories about couples finding their way back to each other and overcoming the issues that caused them to separate in the first place. Reunion stories are some of my favorites. I like the familiarity between the couple and watching them overcome their issues. Lots of time it takes maturity and sometimes friends and family to make them see things clearly.
All of the authors did a really nice job of developing their story and characters in the short story format. Sometimes I am left with a feeling that there should be something more in stand alone novellas, but these all played out very nicely. It was fun to read the overlap of the stories whether it was mention or appearance of another character or just the situation at hand with the storm. My favorite story was probably Seeing Red. I just really enjoyed Red and Whitney’s personalities and conversation along with the way their story played out. For those of you that enjoy contemporary romance anthologies, Snow Day is one that you must pick up and read. You will find great joy in all of the stories!
March 7, 2014
2 stars. Only for Shannon Stacy's story.
Shannon Stacey's Heart of the Storm was fine, but slight and rushed. Not a keeper.
Jennifer Greene 's Seeing Red mangled too many idioms for me to attempt to finish the story. Although the story had some limited potential, I want no memory of her bad writing in my brain. I will never read her work again, this one was THAT BAD. (Also, the hero was a jerk: impatient with the mother of a child who was lost in the storm. And the parents of the child - this whole scenario recalled from Stacey's previous story - were deliberately written unsympathetically here. So I don't like Greene's worldview, apparently, too.) Bad. Wrong.
Most egregious examples:
As everyone (else!) knows, "Snow White" had hair "Black as ebony". Jennifer's heroine is blonde, yet nicknamed "Snow White".
"bit in his craw". No, Jennifer, the phrase is "stuck in his craw".
And this is where I bailed: "She could easily have broken or sprained something, and then been stuck lying in the dark and the cold. The thought was enough toput hair on his chest."
No. Just so many kinds of NO.
Because I "saw red" in the previous story, I bailed on the book and did not attempt the final one, assuming that no editor had read these and that it wasn't my job to red-pen the book for the publisher.
Shannon Stacey's Heart of the Storm was fine, but slight and rushed. Not a keeper.
Jennifer Greene 's Seeing Red mangled too many idioms for me to attempt to finish the story. Although the story had some limited potential, I want no memory of her bad writing in my brain. I will never read her work again, this one was THAT BAD. (Also, the hero was a jerk: impatient with the mother of a child who was lost in the storm. And the parents of the child - this whole scenario recalled from Stacey's previous story - were deliberately written unsympathetically here. So I don't like Greene's worldview, apparently, too.) Bad. Wrong.
Most egregious examples:
As everyone (else!) knows, "Snow White" had hair "Black as ebony". Jennifer's heroine is blonde, yet nicknamed "
"
And this is where I bailed: "She could easily have broken or sprained something, and then been stuck lying in the dark and the cold. The thought was enough to
No. Just so many kinds of NO.
Because I "saw red" in the previous story, I bailed on the book and did not attempt the final one, assuming that no editor had read these and that it wasn't my job to red-pen the book for the publisher.
September 1, 2016
end of chapter 2 and SS already had me crying!
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I picked up Snow Day because it's my reading mission in life to read everything Shannon Stacey writes!! I love her style her humor and I recommend her to everyone I know. I was excited to discover two new authors that I had not read before and they did not disappoint either! I read a lot of anthologies and this is the first one that I can remember following the same course of events but showing three different points of view/stories in the same event - i.e. snowstorm. I think that all 3 authors did a great job and the link made the stories really flow well. In Heart of the Storm by Shannon Stacey and in Seeing Red by Jennifer Greene I love the “old love is new again” concept. The idea that they are healing old wounds and falling in love again always appeals to me. In Land’s End by Barbara Dunlop it was great to see both characters realize their own flaws and open up to each other and realize that their love was still there after a broken engagement 6 months before. All in all this is a great read and I would recommend it to anyone who wants a quick sometimes hot and well written book to spend a few hours escaping from reality with.
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I picked up Snow Day because it's my reading mission in life to read everything Shannon Stacey writes!! I love her style her humor and I recommend her to everyone I know. I was excited to discover two new authors that I had not read before and they did not disappoint either! I read a lot of anthologies and this is the first one that I can remember following the same course of events but showing three different points of view/stories in the same event - i.e. snowstorm. I think that all 3 authors did a great job and the link made the stories really flow well. In Heart of the Storm by Shannon Stacey and in Seeing Red by Jennifer Greene I love the “old love is new again” concept. The idea that they are healing old wounds and falling in love again always appeals to me. In Land’s End by Barbara Dunlop it was great to see both characters realize their own flaws and open up to each other and realize that their love was still there after a broken engagement 6 months before. All in all this is a great read and I would recommend it to anyone who wants a quick sometimes hot and well written book to spend a few hours escaping from reality with.
September 21, 2013
My Review Snow Day
4 STARS
Heart of the Storm by Shannon Stacey
is good. It happens during a ice storm when Brody comes back to town that he left 5 years ago and just left notes saying goodbye to his family and DeLaney. Now the first time they see each other is in the emergency shelter. Nice short novella.
Seeing Red by Jennifer Greene
It takes place in the same ice storm. I was wondering why their was nothing more said about the missing little girl. Seeing Red reunites two people that broke up at prom. This was tender, some drama and happy endings. Wish it were longer.
LAND'S END by Barbara Dunlop
Land's End is full of drama and action. This is the one story that seems most believable. The couple had only been broke up for six months. The feelings are still strong. While they are talking more people kept arriving in the middle of ice storm. Would have wanted a longer book.
This book works well if you only have a short time to read. You can read one story at a time if you need to.
I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of it by Harlequin and NetGalley.
12/31/2013 PUB Harlequin Anthology ISBN 9780373837823
October 11, 2013
Fabulous Anthology about being a Small Town and all the residents are Snowed In for a few days, some are thrilled, but some are less than excited to be stuck with Long-Ago Ex-Boyfriends, New Ex-Fiances, and the Man who got away!
These are all short novellas, but they revolve around the Same place and some of the same people are mentioned from one book to the next.
If I had to pick my Favorite of the three...well...it would be HEART OF THE STORM by Shannon Stacey, but really they were all Fabulous. HEART just had a bit more of that Long-Lost Love and those are my FAVORITE kind of romances...they always get my right where it hurts!
But SEEING RED and LAND'S END were both equally as fabulous and had such a story to tell in such a small amount of book. All the authors did a wonderful job at making my heart leap and break, and get muddled around.
I highly recommend this anthology!!
These are all short novellas, but they revolve around the Same place and some of the same people are mentioned from one book to the next.
If I had to pick my Favorite of the three...well...it would be HEART OF THE STORM by Shannon Stacey, but really they were all Fabulous. HEART just had a bit more of that Long-Lost Love and those are my FAVORITE kind of romances...they always get my right where it hurts!
But SEEING RED and LAND'S END were both equally as fabulous and had such a story to tell in such a small amount of book. All the authors did a wonderful job at making my heart leap and break, and get muddled around.
I highly recommend this anthology!!
February 9, 2015
Three stories in one book--all take place in a little seacoast town of Maine. Some of the characters are interwoven into the other stories. I liked the first story the best and the last story the least. In fact, I didn't even finish the last story because it was so BORING. If you're looking for hot sexual scenes, then stay away from this book. The first story is completely abstinent, and the second two stories are completely non-descriptive. The sex scenes in those two stories amounted to: They kissed, he felt her up, they took their clothing off, and they got under the covers. In the first story the couple was unable to get together for anything more than a make-out session because they were in a crowded elementary school during the middle of a 3-day snow storm, but it had more emotional connection between the two characters than the other two stories did.
December 20, 2013
This review pertains to Snow Day, a compilation of stories by Shannon Stacey, Jennifer Greene, Barbara Dunlop. Thank you to Harlequin and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. What a great anthology of stories by 3 great authors. I got to enjoy this collection while snowed in myself and it was just a perfect book to read, while curled up on the couch, I liked that this compilation was taking place at the same time, just in different areas durring the storm. After reading the first story, I was wondering what happened to April, and was happy to find out in the next! Nice touch and it was very much appreciated. All 3 stories were quick and fun reads and I only wished there were more to read. Highly recommended(especially during your own snow day!)
January 21, 2014
I bought this for the Shannon Stacey story and was really disappointed in that one and the third story. I thought the hero in Stacey's story was a jerk and I wish the heroine had told him to get lost at the end. Or at least made him wait and beg and really prove himself before she forgave him. But I absolutely love the Kowalski series by Stacey and won't give up on her writing. ;)
I thought the 2nd story of the 3 was the one I enjoyed the most.
The third story I thought the heroine was the awful one. If I were the hero, I would've told her to get lost, LOL! I felt she was a whiny child and although the hero's winning her over in the end was cute, don't think she deserved it.
Overall, pretty disappointed in this snowbound story collection.
I thought the 2nd story of the 3 was the one I enjoyed the most.
The third story I thought the heroine was the awful one. If I were the hero, I would've told her to get lost, LOL! I felt she was a whiny child and although the hero's winning her over in the end was cute, don't think she deserved it.
Overall, pretty disappointed in this snowbound story collection.
January 30, 2014
This 3 novella compilation would be a treat any time of year. I thoroughly enjoyed each story. They were just the right length; had superior character development and storylines, and revolved around the same storm event and the character's pasts. Each book was a solid story in and on it's own, with complete plots and resolutions, as well as satisfying happily ever afters and lots of passion and heat. The stories do interconnect at points and events cross over - sometimes something minor in one story played a major role in another. Seldom have i encountered a book set that was interwoven so very well.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
*I received my copy from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
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