A Winter of Sweet Secrets

by Heidi McCahan

What will it take to save her family’s candy company…and end a decades-long feud? The Evergreen Candy Company is a small-town Alaskan tradition, run by Jovi Wright’s family for decades. But with her grandparents no longer at the helm, Jovi’s parents are considering selling. Determined not to let that happen, Jovi hops a plane back to her hometown. Her launch Grammie’s salted caramel chews as a new product that will save the company. But with Grammie’s memory fading and the recipe missing, Jovi has her work cut out for her. Still reeling from being jilted by her fiancé, Jovi welcomes the distraction of trying to re-create the recipe from scratch. True, the trip is off to a rocky start when her flight is canceled and she has to car-share with a grumpy and mysterious author seeking a fresh start, but Burke Solomon’s little girl is adorable. And the recently widowed man needs help adjusting to Evergreen, whether he’ll admit it or not. With a looming deadline and the stresses of single parenthood, the last thing Burke needs is a bright-eyed optimist like Jovi to disrupt his life. But their association soon becomes the talk of the town because of a long-standing feud between their families. Turns out, Burke’s late aunt and Jovi’s Grammie were once best friends—until something tore them apart. Untangling their history provides an antidote to Burke’s writer’s block. But when he unearths several shocking family secrets, will revealing them settle the feud or bring everything he and Jovi have been working toward crashing down around them?

Genres: Christmas, Holiday, Romance, Fiction, Contemporary Romance

352 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2025

About the author

Heidi McCahan writes uplifting inspirational romance novels set in small towns. She is a bestselling author of several books, including Her Alaskan Family and A Baby in Alaska. A perfect day for Heidi includes a huge cup of good coffee, dark chocolate, and reading stories with happy endings. She makes her home in North Carolina with her handsome husband, three amazing boys, and the world’s greatest Goldendoodle. Heidi is represented by Steve Laube of The Steve Laube Agency. A Winter of Sweet Secrets, Heidi’s next novel with Harlequin Love Inspired, releases on September 30, 2025.

Reviews

[CatsBnB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Romance for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a sweet, heartwarming, and utterly charming story filled with small town secrets, gentle mystery, slow burn romance, and just the right touch of drama! Set against the snowy, lantern lit beauty of a wintery Alaskan town, this novel wraps you in a cozy, feel good glow from the very first page. It's the kind of book that begs to be read curled up under a blanket, fire crackling nearby, and a mug of hot cocoa in hand. But fair warning, you'll absolutely be craving candy and sweet treats the entire time!! 🍭🍡🍫🍪🍩

Overall, I very much enjoyed this wholesome and tender story with a deeply satisfying HEA. At its heart, this story is about faith, family, forgiveness, and the courage it takes to heal old wounds and open your heart again. It's filled with so much hope and warmth that leaves you smiling long after the final page.💙💙💙💙

[joni ౨ৎ]

dnf for now bc im not in the mood for this


–––


𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── pre-read
im a bit hesitant to start it but my review is due for this so...predicting a 3 star

wanna soft dnf this...

↪ started oct 5

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a Sweet, Heartwarming Read!

Jovi is back in her hometown, determined to save her family’s beloved candy company before it’s sold. Burke, a widower seeking a fresh start for himself and his daughter, heads to Alaska with hopes of finishing his new book and settling into his late aunt’s cozy cottage.

When Jovi and Burke cross paths, she quickly offers her friendship, a welcome distraction for them both. But their growing bond becomes complicated when they learn about the long-standing feud between their families, something the entire town seems to know and warn them about. As they grow closer and begin to uncover the truth behind their families’ past, they’re faced with difficult questions. Can they overcome the weight of history? Will Jovi be able to save her family’s business? Can Burke find healing and build a new life in Alaska and possibly a future with Jovi?

This was such a sweet and charming story. I was totally craving sweets while reading, lol. I loved the small town setting and the way themes of faith, family, and forgiveness were woven throughout.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. This review reflects my honest opinion.

[Marie Girulat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartfelt thank you to @heidimccahan.author and @bookedwiththeemilys for the incredible #gifted book.

This charming romance set against the breathtaking backdrop of Alaska is the perfect Hallmark-esque tale.

Jovi is on a heartfelt mission to save her family’s candy company by uncovering her Grammie’s missing recipe. In contrast, Burke is navigating the challenges of starting anew after a tragedy, raising his adorable 5-year-old daughter, Darby Jane. As their paths intertwine, they discover their families are embroiled in a long-standing feud, the roots of which remain a mystery.

The chemistry between Jovi and Burke is captivating. Burke, with his cautious and rule-following demeanor, finds himself challenged by Jovi’s unwavering optimism. And then there’s Darby Jane, an absolute delight, who serves as the heart and catalyst for their budding romance.

As Burke and Jovi dig deeper into the history of the family feud, the unraveling of secrets adds an engaging layer to the story. The writing is immersive, transporting you straight to snowy Alaska, where the vibrant activities and winter landscape come alive.

If you’re a fan of romance, this beautifully woven story is a must-read. It’s the ideal companion for a cozy winter day, beckoning you into a world of love, family, and sweet redemption.

[Asheley T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this as more of a winter story than a Christmas story, and I love that it‘s full of snow and cold weather vibes. Sisters Jovi and Isabel are trying to convince their parents not to sell their family‘s candy company while Isabel and Mason work on their marriage and Jovi falls for the new single dad next door. There‘s a mystery-lite concerning a missing recipe. This was fun, easy winter reading that helped me forget it‘s 100 degrees outside.

Many thanks to Harlequin Love Inspired for sending this early copy my way via NetGalley!

[Madisyn Carlin]

A Winter of Sweet Secrets follows two characters, Jovi and Burke, who are both at a crossroads in their lives. The third character, Isabel, is facing a different type of upheaval.

A secondary character was my favorite. Darby Jane was just the cutest, and she stole my heart from the moment I "met" her. The candies and desserts described sound delicious, and it's a good thing the company is fictional, else I'd need to increase my gym membership tier. One of the most emotional moments, for me, was when Jovi and Isabel went to visit their grandmother. My family recently experienced the grief that comes with memory loss. McCahan portrayed the pain well. Burkes' struggles and experiences as a writer were also familiar, and I certainly sympathize with his desperate attempt to write.

If you read A Winter of Sweet Secrets, be sure to have a sweet or several on hand, because you'll be craving sugar and candy by the end.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

[Elly Valdes · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5. Meh. Nothing too memorable. Isabel’s story felt a little forced.

[Rachael Cavinder · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Linda Dominick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything about this book was excellent. The small town, family drama, mystery of a family feud and missing recipe. But what I loved the most besides the chemistry between Burke and Jovi was the relationship between Jovi and Darby Jane. Although Burke could be described as a grump, he was also navigating new territory not only as a widower girl dad, moving to Alaska, and meeting the woman that would change his life were all difficult issues. I also very much enjoyed the realistic marriage struggles between Isabel and Mason. I was rooting for everyone to get together and/or stay together! I was also frustrated at Jovi’s parents for wanting to sell the candy business.
Jovi came to town to help her sister keep the family candy business, but she did way more than that. She found the mystery of the family feud, she was their for her sister and her marriage struggles, she was the one that wanted to keep visiting her Grammie to find out any information, he saved Burke more than a few times, and was the adult female role model Darby Jane was missing. This was a feel good, sweet, winter romance that ends in more than one HEA!

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a Christmas book but to my delight it was not! This was a wonderful winter read. It was cozy, warm, and feel good. The characters were sweet. This was a light, easy read and a great one to curl up with on a cold winter day.

[Becca Kinzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming winter romance in a small town Alaska setting. The perfect type of story to read all bundled up with a cozy blanket.

[Patricia Haupt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plots going on in this story were all interesting, intriguing and left me wondering what was going to happen. There were, however, many different people and scenarios to follow! There were twists and turns and unforeseen occurrences that intertwined each character's families, emotions and livelihood. There were a few spots that I just wanted to see move faster, but that would have taken away from the story and the unfolding of the characters. Just like in life, we all have to grow and sometimes go through hard times to become the person we should be. I was glad to see the aspect of prayer mentioned a few times and the need to rely on and trust the Lord with the details in our lives. This was a sweet, inspirational book that was easy to read.

[Carissa]

While I'm not really big on Christmas rom coms, I ended up loving a, A Winter of Sweet Secrets by Heidi McCahan. I think it was because one of my favorite tropes is single dad, and hero Burke with his daughter made me swoon right along heroine Jovi. Not to mention the candy company that almost like its own main character. And the Alaskan setting was also the snow on the tree. The romance was sweet but it was the slight mystery aspect of the family secret that keep me turning pages because I just had to know how it ended. I also loved the whole theme of home helping to build you.

I received a copy of this book from the author as part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

[Cheri Swalwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a heartwarming wonderful read for this time of year (or any time actually). Wonderful characters, great storylines and who can go wrong with candy as a theme? Definitely will be recommending to my reader friends.

I was given a complimentary copy by netgalley but not required to write a review. All opinions are strictly mine.

[Tanmeet Samra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you go NetGalley for the ARC! This book gave charming, sweet, small town, Hallmark movie vibes. It was a nice, clean and cozy read. I do like that there was a bit of mystery involved about feuding families and secret recipes. I also enjoyed the triple point of view piece - I’m used to dual point of view stories but this was the first triple point of view. It was written well because I did find myself invested in all the characters stories!

However, at the end of the day it was just a charming and cozy story, but not memorable, hence the 3 stars.

[deannaturnsthepage · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a cute Hallmark type of story but I never really felt invested in the story or its characters. It kinda dragged on and didn’t make a lot of sense at times. Also, the POV’s would change in the same chapter which made it confusing as well. I will say one thing, the only thing that had me trying to get through it was the need to know why there’s a family feud between the main characters families.

[Vicki F · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Winter of Sweet Secrets' indeed! Heidi McCahan has written a totally romantic novel. What would a great romance novel be without secrets being revealed that could threaten a budding relationship. A handsome widowed male novelist with an adorable little girl and a model-worthy female main character with a Romeo & Juliet feud between their families. Can forgiveness find its way into their challenges to offer a chance for a future?

Releases Spt. 30th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Nathalie Najibi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, this book was basically like curling up with a peppermint mocha and a plate of sugar cookies while it snows outside: sweet, comforting, and full of holiday cheer. A Winter of Sweet Secrets gave me exactly what I wanted, a small-town Christmas romance with just enough drama to keep me hooked—but it also left me craving just a little bit more spice and depth. Still, I devoured it like Christmas candy and had a great time.
The Story: this is one of those books that feels like coming home for the holidays. The small-town charm? Perfect. The Christmas atmosphere? Overflowing. We’re talking twinkle lights, snow-covered streets, cozy shops, and that close-knit community vibe where everyone knows everyone else’s business (sometimes a little too much).

The plot blends romance with a hint of mystery/secrets (hence the title), which gave it a nice little twist. I loved that it wasn’t just about two people falling in love, it had those layers of family history, hidden truths, and self-discovery that made the journey feel more grounded. That said, I could definitely see some of the “secrets” coming from a mile away, which took away from the suspense factor a bit.

The Characters: your heroine was warm, relatable, and the kind of character you root for instantly. She’s got dreams, doubts, and plenty of heart. The hero? Swoony, dependable, with just enough vulnerability to make him feel real instead of cardboard. Together, their chemistry was soft, gradual, and believable, it wasn’t insta-love, which I appreciated, but more of a slow-burn that fit the small-town, wintery vibe.

Where it lost a little shine for me was in the side characters. Some felt more like background props than fully fleshed-out people. Don’t get me wrong, the community added to the cozy feel, but I wanted a few of them to have sharper edges or bigger personalities to round out the world.

The Vibes: This book is basically a Hallmark movie in book form, and I mean that as a compliment. It’s sugary, romantic, and festive, with just enough emotional tension to keep it from being fluff. You’ve got cozy cafés, lingering glances, heartwarming family moments, and of course, all the holiday traditions that make small-town romances so bingeable.

The only thing that kept it from hitting a full 5 stars for me is that sometimes it leaned too heavily on the sweetness. Like, I love sugar, but I also need a little salt to balance it out. I would’ve loved just a tad more angst or tension to really sink my teeth into.

My Reading Experience: This was one of those books I could pick up at night, sink into, and immediately feel cozy. It didn’t demand too much of me emotionally (no ugly crying here), but it left me smiling, sighing, and occasionally rolling my eyes in that affectionate way where you know the cheese is part of the fun. It was a comfort read through and through, perfect for the season.

Final Thoughts: A Winter of Sweet Secrets is a charming, heartwarming holiday romance that delivers everything it promises: love, family, community, and plenty of festive sparkle. It may not have blown my mind or kept me up at night screaming, but it gave me that cozy, magical winter feeling—and sometimes that’s exactly what you want.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: A sweet, snowy romance with plenty of charm and heart. Perfect for anyone who loves small-town holiday stories and wants to get lost in a world of love and secrets.

— Nathalie ✨💀💕 (currently craving hot cocoa and debating if I should move to a tiny snow-globe town where everyone has a Christmas tree lot and unresolved feelings)

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can be better than a story about a mysterious candy recipe? The descriptions of the confections that were made at Evergreen Candy Company were enough to make my mouth water. The setting in a small town in Alaska was just the cherry on top. Then you add in a decades old family feud and the stage is set for an adventure.

Jovi has been dumped by her fiancee a mere 12 days before their nuptials. She is distraught and needs a change of pace. Once she receives word that her parents are thinking of selling her grandmother's candy company, she knows it is time to go home. She wants to save the company that her Grammie loved so much. Grammie is in a memory care facility and has good days and bad days.

Best selling author Burke Solomon has suffered a horrific loss. He and his daughter, Darby Jane, need a change of scenery. So, he heads to Alaska where his now deceased aunt and uncle have a home he can stay in.

The serendipitous meeting of Jovi and Burke at the airport was perfect. This set the pace for the remainder of the story. Jovi is not blind. She has eyes. She can see Burke's good looks, but he is rather grumpy. Even though Jovi is hurting, she is still much more optimistic than grumpy Burke. Their shared car ride was quite funny.

The author's voice shines through the pages as you get to know the characters and what makes them tick. There is a little mystique with the missing recipe and the mystery of a family feud which adds a little more pizzazz to the story. This was much more than a happily ever after story as you got to know the main characters and other characters with all of their warts and bruises. This beautiful story showcases the fragile nature of complex family relationships where communication is key.

My favorite character, by far, was sweet little Darby Jane as her innocence to all things worldly made the adults take a step back and realize how sweet and precious life can be. She was quite the whirlwind, and she stole my heart.

For Jovi and Burke, I liked them both at times, and then I would get mad at them at times. Understandably they were dealing with their own personal losses, but I still wanted to shout at them to look at what was right in front of their faces.

This story was both romantic, a little mysterious and deeply moving, leaving this reader with a sense of satisfaction. The ending was charming, exciting and brilliant. Even though it was not a Christmas read, the candy, snow and landscape will brighten your spirits.

Thank you to Harlequin, NetGalley, Booked With the Emilys and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Winter of Sweet Secrets by Heidi Mccahan
What will it take to save her family’s candy company…and end a decades-long feud?
For generations, the Evergreen Candy Company has been a beloved small-town Alaskan tradition run by Jovi Wright’s family—until now. With her grandparents no longer at the helm, Jovi’s parents are considering selling it. When her sister calls with the news, Jovi hops on a plane back home to help rescue the family business. Her plan: launch Grammie’s salted caramel chews as a new product. But with Grammie’s memory fading and the recipe missing, Jovi has her work cut out for her.
Still reeling from being jilted by her fiancé, Jovi welcomes the distraction of trying to re-create the recipe from scratch. The distraction she’s not so sure about is single dad Burke Solomon. The disillusioned author and his adorable little girl have moved in to his late aunt's cabin just down the road from her grandparents' home, where she's staying. And the discovery that their families have been feuding since before either of them were born is too irresistible to ignore.
With a looming deadline and the stresses of single parenthood, the last thing Burke needs is a bright-eyed optimist like Jovi next door. But he finds himself asking for her help adjusting to life in Evergreen more than he'd like to admit. And untangling the history of what happened to the friendship between his late aunt and Jovi's Grammie provides an antidote to his writer’s block. But when Burke unearths several shocking family secrets, will revealing them settle the feud or bring everything he and Jovi have been working toward crashing down around them?
This is Jovi Wright and family's story.
This is Burke Solomon and his adorable little girl Darby Jane's story.
My favorite quote is
“We’ll learn to ice-skate together and build snowmen and get hot cocoa topped with whipped cream and sprinkles.”
“I like cocoa.” She sniffed. “Candy canes are yummy too.”
“I’ll take you to Evergreen Candy Company, where they make the best chocolates and the softest sugar cookies ever.”
She hung her head. “Not better than Mommy’s.”
I recommend this book.
A Winter of Sweet Secrets by Heidi Mccahan is a 4 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Heidi Mccahan.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.

[Jodi Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading books by new-to-me authors, so I was so excited to try out Heidi McCahan’s newest release A Winter of Sweet Secrets. I adored this sweet story full of romance, family, and a mystery that keep me engaged until the end.

The story focuses on Jovi Wright (I just love her name—it is so happy sounding) as she heads back to her hometown in Alaska to help her sister save their family candy business. When a storm delays her flight, Jovi befriends Burke Solomon and his daughter Darby Jane and ends up joining them on the drive to her hometown. As Jovi and Burke keep being thrown together, they both fight the attraction that is threatening to take over their hearts. When Jovi learns that Burke is the nephew of her grandmother’s former best friend turned enemy, she tries to squash all her feeling for Burke and his daughter. Unfortunately, Jovi’s heart doesn’t agree with her head.

Things to love:
-Alaska setting
-single dad MMC
-nurse FMC
-grumpy/sunshine
-small town
-triple POV (Jovi, Burke, and Jovi’s sister Isabel)
-mystery
-feuding families
-slow burn
-forbidden love
-family dynamics
-all the candy
-second chance at love

I adored Jovi. I loved how she was still able to find to joy in life after her recent heartbreak. She was the perfect foil for Burke’s grumpiness. I loved watching her fight her feelings to Burke. It was so funny, especially when others called her on her relationship with Burke. Her growth in the story was so well done. There were times I was worried that she was going to give up, but she ended up fighting until the end. She was a fabulous heroine.

I loved how Burke was so real. After a tragic loss, he was starting a new life for him and his daughter. His struggles as a parent were so real and relatable. His pining for Jovi was so good. I loved the dynamic between him and his daughter. I laughed out loud so many times at Darby Jane’s comments.

I enjoyed every minute of reading this book. The romance was slow burn, but the relationships and mystery made the wait worth it.

[Shayla Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Winter of Sweet Secrets
by: HEIDI McCAHAN
@heidimccahan.author

••I give 4 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

~What will it take to save her family’s candy company and end a decades-long feud?…

" Everyone has their own timeline for major life challenges.”

-A Winter of Sweet Secrets, takes place within an Alaskan snowstorm and amid dueling families over a long-lost recipe. With those, you are bound ro lots of heart within this cute story. I enjoyed the sweet romance, the mystery, and the depth this story had layered between light-hearted swoony moments. I loved the perfect blend of sweetness and pot-twists with. But, I especially appreciated story wonderfully shows realistic dynamics of family relationships and the importance of communication. To be equally invested and determined to work together for truth shines bright in this story. Settling for anything but not giving up was inspiring. Despite uncertainties along the way, there is a glimmer of hope found. My friends, if you enjoy clean, sweet romances filled with family ties, second chances, and a sprinkle of holiday magic, this one is worth curling up to read. ❄️🙌🏻📚🩷

“This time, with him by her side, they���d conquer any challenges that came their way.”

•Content: dementia, miscarriage, loss of loved ones, secrets, betrayal, forgiveness, no language, no violence, kisses only.

“Evergreen is where I belong, with you.”

-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

“We all make mistakes.”

#awinterofsweetsecrets
#heidimccahanauthor
#bookedwiththeemilys

“I believe in you. And I’ll be right here by your side every step of the way.”

#allaboutthebestreads

“Love, courage, and fierce determination were the key ingredients to help find their way forward.”

[Bella · Rating 1 out of 5]

Jovie felt way too happy and cheerful for someone who’s supposed to start the book grumpy and depressed after being dumped. Somehow her whole personality shifted just so Burke could be the grumpy one in the relationship?! And her ex dumped her right before the wedding, yet we’re STILL talking about him and his drama the entire book? Just get over him already. I wasn’t invested enough to care about his mess.

And Burke being all “I’m a monster, I don’t deserve love” was so over-the-top. Like, yes, I get that grief and guilt were a big part of his story, but his dialogue made it sound like he had actually cheated on his pregnant wife. Making the readers think that did not help him feel like a good love interest—especially when that’s not at all what happened. And honestly, what did happen shouldn’t have caused his in-laws to hate him that much… unless they’re just horrible people?!

Then we have Mason, who keeps pushing for a baby as if that was ever going to fix their relationship. Isabel is clearly stressed out juggling fifty things at once, and he’s so oblivious that he keeps piling more pressure onto her. I genuinely hate that guy. And when she finds out she’s pregnant and everyone’s suddenly like, “We’ll figure it out, this will be great!” I lost it. Like, NO. No.
“Babe, this is going to be amazing.”
Shut up, you absolute idiot. She doesn’t have time for a baby right now. She wasn’t even ready! Ugh, I hate him SO MUCH.
And THEN it’s twins on top of everything.

And magically she’s not stressed anymore?? She basically turned into a Stepford wife.

Also, not to be a total grinch about what’s basically a Hallmark Christmas movie, but Jovie believing that one secret recipe for one cookie was going to save their entire candy empire?? An empire that’s supposedly world-famous but can only hire, like, six employees?? Be serious.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute sweet winter story set in Alaska. It's a multiple point of view book where we see the story from Burke, Jovi and Isabel's points of views. Single dad Burke and traveling nurse Jovi have a cute meet cute that brings them into some surprised close proximity then later on when they find out they are neighbors in their small Alaska town.

Isabel's story is where my rating goes down a bit. I really struggled with her character and her relationship with her husband. She's a great sister to Jovi and they work well together but even though she's dealing with her own trauma - she's not very caring towards her husband and in turn he's not great towards her in the book. I had hoped with a Christian fiction book, there would be more repentance in how they acted towards one another (slight spoiler - things end up well for them).

Burke's daughter Darby Jane is cute and add some fun and interesting things to the plot. Jovi and Isabel trying to save their family candy company in lieu of their parents selling it is also a fun storyline. There's also a family feud mystery between Burke and Jovi's families they want to solve to find out why his aunt and her grandmother stopped talking to one another.

Overall this is a cute story but not one I'd read over and over again. I've enjoyed other stories from this author and would read more by her in the future. This is a sweet and clean romance with some very light Christian faith elements woven into it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Romance for an opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading A Winter of Sweet Secrets, a contemporary romance with women’s fiction story themes set in Alaska. Jovi is a travelling nurse who was jilted by her ex-fiancé. She returns to her hometown of Evergreen, Alaska, to help her sister save their family candy business.

Burke is a bestselling author and single parent of an adorable five year old daughter. Two years ago he tragically lost his wife and baby son in an accident. Burke has his reasons for leaving Charleston and temporarily moving to his family’s Alaskan cabin to write his next book.

Jovi and Burke’s meet cute at the airport in Anchorage, combined with his daughter’s antics, is awkward and embarrassing. Jovi is an optimist and the sunshine in their relationship. Burke is a fish out of water in Alaska and his challenging circumstances make him a little bit grumpy. They both need to deal with emotional baggage that includes trust and forgiveness issues. Their romance is sweet and complicated by their feuding families and mysteries that need to be solved.

Jovi and her sister are determined to find the recipe for their Grammie’s chocolate caramel chews and save their candy company. We journey with Jovi’s sister as she struggles to navigate a number of issues in her marriage.

I recommend A Winter of Sweet Secrets to contemporary romance readers who like second chances and grumpy sunshine romances with family drama, intriguing mysteries, and relevant faith elements in the story.

Many thanks to Love Inspired and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.

[Ruth Byrne · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars – Sweet, heartfelt, and cozy with just a dash of drama

A Winter of Sweet Secrets was such an enjoyable read! Heidi McCahan has a talent for creating the kind of small-town charm that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and a mug of hot cocoa while you get lost in the story. Evergreen, Alaska felt like a character all its own—snowy, tight-knit, and full of love, history, and just the right amount of tension.

Jovi and Burke were a delightful opposites-attract pair. I really loved the grumpy/sunshine dynamic between them, especially as they navigated the tension between their feuding families and their growing chemistry. The single dad angle was heart-melting, and Burke’s daughter added a lovely layer of warmth to the story. Plus, the mystery of the missing caramel recipe and the decades-old rift between their families kept me turning pages.

The only thing that held me back from giving this five stars was the POV transitions. I found myself really absorbed in one character’s perspective, only to suddenly switch mid-scene to another. It was a bit jarring at times, and I think the story would have flowed better if each character had their own clearly defined chapters. That change alone would’ve made this an even more immersive read.

Still, this was a heartwarming story full of sweet moments (literally and figuratively), family bonds, healing old wounds, and finding love when you least expect it. If you enjoy small-town romances with depth, lovable characters, and a pinch of holiday magic, this one’s definitely worth reading.

Thank you, Partner, @bookedwiththeemilys @heidimccahan.author for the physical ARC copy in exchange of my honest review.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

'A Winter of Sweet Secrets' has the cozy charm of a Hallmark movie, but with a richer plot. The story follows Jovi and Burke, two people navigating heartbreak and major life changes who find themselves in a small Alaskan town during the winter months. There, they face unexpected challenges, form new connections, and discover the possibility of love.

Told through the perspectives of Jovi, her sister Isabel, and Burke, the story balances romance, family drama, and reconciliation. Isabel’s chapters add meaningful depth as she wrestles with marriage struggles and career pressures, while gentle threads of mystery keep the plot moving as the characters adapt to change and make difficult decisions. I especially appreciated how the author’s faith shaped the story and guided the characters’ choices.

Jovi and Burke’s light enemies-to-more relationship grows with maturity and genuine connection. Their chemistry feels natural, and they’re quick to make things right when emotions get the best of them. Burke’s daughter, Darby Jane, is an adorable addition who brings warmth to every scene. Set against a snowy Alaskan backdrop, this story captures the beauty of winter and the hope of fresh starts (without relying on Christmas themes). The tantalizing descriptions of food throughout also made me so hungry.

Special thanks to Harlequin Romance and NetGalley for providing an advance review copy. I received this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

[Shari Summers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Winter of Sweet Secrets was a sweet, cozy Christmas romance that delivered exactly what I was hoping for—a fun, clean holiday read set against a charming small-town backdrop. While it didn’t keep me on the edge of my seat or feel particularly suspenseful, it did keep me interested and engaged all the way through.

I loved the Alaskan setting, the nostalgic feel of the Evergreen Candy Company, and the heart behind Jovi’s determination to save her family’s legacy. The missing caramel recipe, fading memories, and long-standing family feud added just enough intrigue to keep the story moving without making it heavy. Burke and his adorable daughter brought a tender dynamic to the story, and I appreciated the slow, gentle unfolding of Jovi and Burke's relationship.

This isn’t a life-changing read, but it doesn’t try to be. It’s the kind of book you pick up when you want something comforting, festive, and easy to enjoy—perfect for a winter afternoon with a cup of something warm nearby.

Thank you to NetGalley and Love Inspired Trade for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

My rating system:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Absolutely loved it! I’d read it again… if my TBR pile weren’t already taller than me. Highly recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Really great read! Thoroughly enjoyed it and would happily recommend it to others.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Glad I read it! A solid read, and I might check out more from this author.
⭐️⭐️ – Just okay. Not terrible, but I kind of wish I’d picked something else.
⭐️ – Nope. Didn’t connect with it and wouldn’t recommend.

[Megan Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay. Let’s talk about this book. You know how smut/spicy books come with TW? That’s what I feel I need with Christian books. I need a preface saying “hey, this is a Christian contemporary romance”, otherwise I’m going into a book blind thinking I’m going to get a cute romance and maybe some spice, BUT NO IM BEING BROUGHT THE LORDDDD.

Anyways, this book actually wasn’t horrible for a Christian romance. I’ve only DNFd one other book, and it happened to be a Christian romance, and I dnfd because it was cringe. I was invested in this book because I wanted to know if they could figure out how grandma and Lois fell apart and if they could save the company.

I didn’t like Isabel’s plot line. Her and her husband are struggling because she’s a workaholic who puts him last. He wants children and to move out of evergreen. They can’t see eye to eye so he essentially switches shifts without communicating with her and he stays somewhere else for a while. When she finds out she’s pregnant, she calls him and he comes back home and she thinks “omg he’s so loyal” like girl!!! He just abandoned you and he’s LOYAL?? That’s crazy. That’s pretty crazy to use children as a way to fix a broken marriage, they needed therapy ASAP.

Darby Jane- adorable. Love her. Burke- hot. Love a good broody MC. Jovi was kind of out of pocket but whatevs. Anyways that’s my rant. Not sure I’d check out another book by this author but I’ve definitely read worse.

[LA · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Fans of books set in Alaska with all the hallmarks of a wintery feel-good story will love Heidi McCahan’s newest release, A Winter of Sweet Secrets.

Jovi is a sunshiney character in need of a change. Reeling from a broken engagement, traveling nurse Jovi Wright is ready for her next contract. When her older sister, Isabel calls for help, Jovi jumps on the next plane to Alaska to help rescue the family’s chocolate business.

Burke Solomon is grieving the loss of his wife and infant son, while coming up empty for his next contracted book. In need of a change, Burke moves to Evergreen, Alaska, living in his aunt’s home with his young daughter.

I love how these two characters meet – it reminds me of Debbie Macomber’s Dashing Through the Snow (minus the FBI chase). AND I love how a family feud goes back generations, making it next to impossible for these two to move forward with any kind of relationship. Darby Jane, Burke’s daughter adds that extra bit of charm to a perfect wintry read.

This book has all the feel-good vibes with a bit of drama that any squeaky-clean romance readers will enjoy.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.