A Runaway in Winter

by Alexandra Hale

𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲…

𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿.



My best friend is supposed to be marrying another man, but the second our eyes lock I know she’s going to run.

And I’m going to help her.

But running is the easy part.


Penelope Stewart and I have a history - one that landed me a one-way ticket to the friend zone a long time ago.

So, when she kisses me on what would’ve been her wedding night, it turns my whole world upside down.



As much as I want her, I know Pen needs time - easier said than done when she’s living under my roof and all I want is to have her under me.

Patience is a virtue but not when her ex tries to sabotage Pen’s new start in Wintervale.

When he shows up in town all bets are off.



𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁’𝘃𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗜’𝗺

𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗼.

From cold cozy winters to scorching hot summers, find your next favorite couple in the beautiful small town of Wintervale, Montana.
Follow along with some of your favorite authors as they explore each season, beginning with winter.

Genres: Novella, Friends To Lovers, Small Town Romance, Found Family

132 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2025

About the author

Alexandra Hale is a small town girl living with her family in Upstate New York. She routinely runs on caffeine, dry shampoo and thrives on procrastination.

A romance lover and reading enthusiast, Alexandra finally began putting pen to paper shortly after graduating college. An unobtainable dream has slowly become a reality with the love and support of her friends and family and the romance community.

She currently writes steamy, small town romance with a dash of lighthearted fun and happily ever afters that will make you swoon.

Reviews

[Torey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet best friends to lovers story that will have you swooning for Lake. It was good to see how lovely and supportive his family was after Pen ran away from a wedding to a man that just wasn't right for her and it took her far too long to see it.

I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily

[Taylor Parry · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two just warmed my whole heart. Life long best friends. Lake stood by Pen while she prepared to marry someone else. Until she realizes while walking down the isle that's not what she wants. And runs. Lake is two steps ahead of her and already has keys in hand to be her getaway driver. Lake is the best friend every girl needs. Ride or die until the end. He truly puts Pen first, even when she doesn't realize that's what he's doing. He supports her and loves her through everything.
The entire vibe of this book can be wrapped up in this single quote from Pen's grandma...

“Not everyone is so lucky to fall in love with their best friend, but I’ve always said there hasn’t been a minute since the two of you met that Lake hasn’t loved you.”

This book is truly a perfectly written best friends to lovers romance. With all of the feels. The best friend banter. The awkwardness and the love.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

How can I get the Sterlings to adopt me? Asking for a friend....who might also be me...

Seriously though, they're all so adorable! If I had siblings, I'd want them to be like Lake's. I love how protective they are without being overbearing and how ridiculous they can be. But when they get serious? Nothing stands in their way.

I love a good second chance, best friends trope, and Lake and Pen were too cute together, I swear! The way she teased him, especially about wanting to wait to move their relationship forward, made me smile. And good for her for getting away from Carter! Him and Giselle deserve each other.

It was so much fun coming back to Wintervale and coming home to the characters I first met in Frosty the Farmhand! Alexandra's stories always make me so happy, and this was exactly the light story I needed after a very tiring day!

[Melanie Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review: 4⭐️
A Runaway in Winter is a novella featuring Lake Sterling and Penelope ‘Pen’ Stewart.

Lake and Pen have been best friend for a long time, and while they’ve both been attracted to the other, Pen was dating / about to marry someone else.

On her wedding day, Pen makes a decision to run away from the alter and Lake is there to drive the get away car. Immediately pen wants to explore their feelings for each other but Lake doesn’t want to rush into anything.

Will they finally move out of the just friends zone and get their happily ever after ?

I really enjoyed this novella and I love the world it’s set in! Thank you Alexandra for the ARC !

[gabreadsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

super sweet!

This novella was so cute & sweet! I love a runaway bride story.

Lake & Penelope are best friends but Lake has always had feelings for Pen. These two have a connection that can’t be ignored. It’s why Lake is the one that knows Pen is going to run, perhaps even before she does! I loved that he was her getaway driver and he was so devoted to making her happy. I found their relationship to be very sweet.

This was surprisingly steamy towards the end too! The car scene was hot!

If friends to lovers is your jam, you’ll devour this.

Rating: 4/5
🌶️ Rating: 3/5

[Claudia, Cmarie927 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lake and Pen

This is the second Sterling to find a HEA, and I loved the best friend aspect of this couple.

Lake is adorable and amazingly patient with Pen, waiting for her to figure out that Carter isn't the right guy.
The found family aspects of this series are fantastic and addictive. I love how much this couple is supported by the Sterling family, and I read this in one sitting - so good I couldn't stop.

I look forward to the next new release from this talented author, and I recommend reading this series and anything else from this author’s catalog of work.

[Confessions of a Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Yes, I want to be seen with you, and yes, I want everyone to know you're mine."

Ahhhhh.....Pen and Lake!!!! These two besties are so adorable. Lake and his self restraint, seriously the man deserves a medal. All he does it put Pen and her feelings first. Bless him!

Pen has so many loved ones around her, that much is clear. She was never meant to be anywhere but in Wintervale with the Sterling family. It may have taken her a hot minute to realize her feelings for Lake but once she does he is all she sees.

Ms. Hale does it yet again....she gives her readers a story packed with so much in novella size. Best friends to lovers, found family, and hilarious sibling dynamics. We get glances of characters past and ones I hope definitely have their own story coming. Now to sit and wait for her spring release for this series.

[Kaitie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fun and so sweet and I loved every second of it. Best friends to lovers and second chance tropes are my favorite! And Lake and Pen are just so sweet and fun! I needed light hearted and fun and that’s what this was and just what I needed.

[Idalia Helaena · Rating 4 out of 5]

“A Runaway in Winter” is part of author Alexandra Hale’s small town romance series set in the fictional town of Wintervale, Montana.

This is Lake and Penelope’s story, and I thought it was really sweet! It had some of my favorite tropes as well, including best friends to lovers and a runaway bride.

From the very beginning, it was obvious that Lake and Pen’s friendship had a very strong foundation. Even when things were strictly platonic between them, it was obvious how much they loved each other.

In a way, their romance seemed almost inevitable. They definitely had some things to work through, but overall, I’m happy with how their story ended.

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read novella, the best friends to lovers story of Lake Sterling and Pen Stewart.

Pen is our runway bride, best friend of Lake, and both are figuring out what to do about their feelings. Pen was about to marry another man, what is the protocol?

Great banter, easy to read, meddling brothers make for a quick afternoon read.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Aleksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexandra Hale has done it again with A Runaway in Winter, delivering a captivating friends-to-lovers story that will leave you swooning and rooting for the characters until the very end. This book is a perfect blend of desire, witty banter, heartfelt emotion, and love, making it an absolute must-read for romance fans.

The story follows Pen (short for Penelope) and Lake, best friends who have always been there for each other but never crossed the line—until now. The tale begins with a dramatic prologue where Pen runs away from her wedding to Carter, realizing she doesn’t love him and was never truly happy. Right behind her is Lake, the man who has secretly loved her for years but was too afraid to act on his feelings. As their journey unfolds, buried emotions and hidden secrets come to light, and they both realize that the person they’ve always loved has been right in front of them all along.

What makes this story so special is the incredible depth of the characters and their relationships. Pen and Lake’s connection is electric, and their journey from friends to lovers is filled with tender moments, personal growth, and undeniable chemistry. The supporting cast of friends and family adds warmth and humor, with everyone around them knowing they were meant to be together long before they did. Pen’s bond with Lake’s family is particularly touching, as they embrace her with unconditional love and support.

Alexandra Hale’s writing is flawless, striking the perfect balance between plot and character development. The story is skillfully crafted, with a prologue that hooks you immediately and a narrative that keeps you invested through every twist and turn. Lake and Pen are relatable, flawed, and deeply human, making their journey all the more satisfying as they learn from their mistakes and find their way to each other.

This is my third book by Alexandra Hale, and she continues to impress with her ability to create characters you genuinely care about and root for. A Runaway in Winter is a five-star romance that delivers on every level—heartfelt, steamy, and utterly unforgettable. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a friends-to-lovers trope with a perfect happily-ever-after. Don’t miss this gem!

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another delightful Alexandra Hale romance. This time a best friend’s to lovers in the small town of Wintervale, Montana with Lake Sterling rescuing his best friend, Penelope “Pen” Stewart when she decides to run from her own wedding knowing it was a big mistake. As the story reveals Lake has loved Pen since they were teenagers but he didn’t act quick enough, allowing Carter Hanes to steal Pen away a decade ago and leaving him firmly in the dreaded friend zone. He will do anything for Pen but he can’t be just her rebound and Pen knows she’s finally back home but she needs to prove she can make her own way too. Yeah, decisions but don’t worry Lake is going to love Pen all the way through them and Pen has some good friends and a very wise grandmother giving her advice making this an easy going romance that’s perfect when you just don’t need the stress with the romance but want to feel the desire and love. Lake is the perfect book boyfriend and Pen is his kryptonite.
The book hints at possibly a few more matches being made between older brother Beau Sterling and Indie Kade, sister to Sheriff Jensen Kade from the Blackstone series, and Lake’s little sister Wren Sterling with her new boss Merrick. I can’t wait to see what is in store for these couples and to catch up with all the others in both these series because Alexandra Hale has a way of bringing her characters to life so that they feel like family or longtime friends.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Patricia Saynuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexandra Hale's "A Runaway in Winter" is the perfect read. This charming small-town romance is a delightful blend of the friends-to-lovers trope , witty banter, and heartwarming family dynamics. From the first page, Hale pulls the reader into the cozy world of Wintervalea, Montana, where the air is crisp, the snow is falling, and love is in the air.
The story centers around Penn, who is returning to her hometown as a runaway bride, and Lake, her childhood best friend, who's secretly been in love with her for years. Hale masterfully crafts their journey, sprinkling their interactions with humor and genuine emotion. The chemistry between them is undeniable, making their eventual romance feel both inevitable and utterly satisfying.
What truly sets this book apart is Hale's ability to create strong, relatable characters. Penn and Lakes journey of self-discovery and second chances resonates deeply. The supporting cast, including their families and friends, adds depth and richness to the story. The strong family relationships and the power of friendship are woven throughout the story.
"A Runaway in Winter" is the kind of book you won't be able to put down. It's a heartwarming and utterly charming story that reminds us of the power of love, friendship, and second chances. This is a feel-good romance that will leave you with a smile on your face long after you've finished reading.

[PleaseGoAwayImReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS SO MUCH!

Sorry for shouting but this was just THE sweetest story. I’m usually all about enemies to lovers but this reminded me that friends to lovers can be just as good, if not better.

Penelope, the FMC, is about to marry her fiancé—like, seconds away from doing it— and panics. She realizes the hard truth that they have little in common, he doesn’t seem to care what she wants, and his mother has way too much sway in how they are living their lives. Cue the sprint down the aisle and the mad dash to speed away …

Lake, the getaway driver, is Penelope’s best friend going back to childhood. He’s also been in love with her for probably just as long, but he waited too long to make a move and she ended up with Mr. Mommy’s Boy.

The way Lake and Pen really see each other seeing each other— if you know what I mean— is pretty delicious. I felt giddy for them as I watched them sort through feelings but fit together so seamlessly; so right.

I felt anxious for Pen. I swooned for Lake. I giggled at their easy humor. And I sighed in jealousy that they found their way to one another even after all these years.

If you like friends to lovers, humor, found family, mild spice, and a HEA, this is a great choice!

P.S. I also loved that this story takes place in Wintervale and that characters from other books make an appearance ( Harlan and Reid, anyone? Love them!).

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I am living for these novellas by Alexandra. They are absolutely perfect to give you the most amazing taste of the couple and their family/friends that leave you ready for the next one. This is about Lake Sterling and his very best friend, Penelope, who he has loved for years but is about to watch marry someone else. That is until he sees the look in her eyes that she can’t do it. Penelope has been with the same guy since high school and as she is about to walk the aisle of her wedding realizes that she is just not happy. As Penelope and Lake have a chance to seriously think about their friendship, Pen realizes that she has always loved Lake, but is it too soon for them to cross that line? I actually love that Lake is the one to put the brakes on and truly talks to Pen about things. He wants them both to have their eyes wide open before they can’t take back their next moves. Alexandra always writes the perfect characters that you want to jump into their world and just be friends with them because they seem like they are so much fun to hang out with. I am ready for the next novella now please!

[greenapplemojito · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very close 5 star read. I loved the story, I loved that there was no third-act breakup or drama and how the MCs were not childish, and things were handled maturely by everyone and how the characters were all a good support system to one another. What I did wish were different though was the fact that at the start it suddenly seemed that everything accelerated so quickly, it felt like everyone was not surprised the MCs got together and even the MCs we come to know that they were always friends but things could have been different but there wasn't an opportunity for that to happen given she was with someone else for an entire decade, but I just couldn't connect to this. While from the present I understand how great the MMC and his family were and how supportive they were, I really wished we could have seen how they were pining or feeling the past few years to really understand how close or platonic they were to have immediately taken off into this relationship especially in the case of the FMC who was with someone else. I would have loved in depth story and connection that way. Otherwise, this was a good read.

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friends to lovers is at the top of my tropes list and Ms. Hall has given us a sweet and enjoyable storyline that sees Lake and Pen, best friends who become more. Their story is full of desire, witty banter, friendship and love. I was intrigued right from the start when we read that Pen runs away from her wedding to Carter and right behind her is Lake, the man who has always been there.
We read that Pen is about to marry a man she realizes she does not love and that she was never really happy. Lake, her best friend and the man who has loved her for years but was too scared to make a move is right in front of her. Feelings come to the surface and are revealed, as are secrets that have been kept hidden. When they both open their eyes and realize the one person their heart desired and loved all this time is right in front of them.
What I enjoyed about the story was the terrific friends and family who knew they were meant to be together. Pen found love not only with Lake but also with his family who loved her no matter what and showed it by the things they did for her.

[BM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in a small town setting, this is a simple but entertaining series written by different authors.
Alexandra Hale has captured the endearing parts of romance storylines.
Pen ..runaway bride, who leaves Carter at the altar.
Carter, tightly tied to his mother's strings, clinging to the new money expectations, selfish and lacks awareness.
This is obviously a couple inbtriuble, going through the motions and disappointment for future ambitions and the anticipation and fear of becoming a stepford type wife in the background.. Totally out of sync. Unpalatable future inlaws and values.

Lake..longtime best friend to Pen, getaway driver as she takes to running back up the aisle. His hidden cabin is the perfect get away to decompress and ride out the storm from a non wedding. It is also the place to endure the storm of emotion created by his a Pen' friendship as they come to realise that they have wasted years for when they could have been together. A warm family, loving grandmother, kindness, peace and comfort for a recipe of happiness.

[Maz · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️ 🌶️
This is part of a multi author series, Seasons in Montana: Winter.
Alexandra writes fantastic small town romance and this one was just that. As it isn't too long we start straight from the disaster of her relationship and then the whole wedding drama.
Pen has lost herself as she continued to stay with her now Fiancé for 10 yrs!!! I can't believe it took her that long to know her heart belonged elsewhere.
Her best friend Lake has always been there for her so when she runs, he is there right beside her. Lake has loved her his whole life but lost her when he didn't ask her out first. Now he is just happy having her as his best friend.
Their emotions are flying all over the place but the time is not right.
I loved to see Pen find herself again with those that care about her. I liked that Lake made her wait to make sure she really knows what she wants.. I loved the family banter and the love they have for each other. Loved watching Lake and Pen finally find what they have been craving all their lives. Just right amount of spice for the short story.

[mkm_bookloverarchivistreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is at least my third book I’ve read by Alexandra Hale and she did it again with a captivating story that makes readers want to know what happens next. The incredible, character-driven story skillfully entwines with the enthralling plot. The MMC is Lake, while the main FMC is Pen, which is short for Penelope, starting in the prologue six months prior to the bulk of the story. A runaway in Winter is an elaborate story which primarily focuses on the six months and beyond of where the two page prologue begins. Alexandra Hale has a unique ability to write FMC and MMC as a reader I want to see get an HEA. This romance is a five star with a flawless balance between plot and character drive. Pen and Lake are main characters who learn from wrong mistakes to head down the right path with each other. I highly Recommend reading A Runaway in Winter that releases on around February 1st,2025.

[Vedece Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pen is supposed to be getting married to the man of her dreams. But is he really?
Lake is her best friend and as far as he's concerned, she's with the wrong man. But that's what happens when you don't take a chance on going with your feelings. You miss out on the love of your life.
Suddenly Pen realizes it's all wrong and makes a run for it and her best friend is right behind her. What are best friends for if not to drive the getaway car?
He takes her to his mountain cabin where they talk about their past and what could've been. What should've been.
She doesn't regret running, just years spent without the man she loves.
He's determined not to let her be a fling or for her not to use him as a rebound.
Can they both face the truth of what's between them? What's been there all along?
Family and friends prove to be more valuable gold in this small-town HEA romance. As these two prove that it's never too late for a second chance at love.
Come and experience their Evermore! ❤️

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
This is a quick enjoyable read. I love a good best friends to lovers romance. Lake will always be there for Pen even be the getaway driver for this runaway bride. I felt for Pen because she was ready to settle for less than just to do what is expected of her. She is brave to to stop that path and have her life implode. Her ex-fiancé is a piece of work and trust me she is so better off without him, but of course it's tough starting over. Finding herself with Lake and his family she may finally see what has been right in front of her all this time. I loved catching up Harlan and Reid. I really love the Sterling family. I still would love to be part of their Christmas tree farm. This book easily drew me right in and I found the time flying by while I read Lake and Pen's journey. The epilogue made me so happy for Pen because it's a beautiful sign she is on her true path this time.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pen and Lake

A Runaway in Winter is a sweet and delightful best-friends-to-lovers story. I was captivated from the beginning and couldn’t put this book down. Pen Stewart is sassy and sweet and Lake Sterling is protective and loving. He’s been in love with her forever, and isn’t going to let another chance with her pass by when she runs out on her wedding. In fact as her best friend, he drove the getaway car! Lake holding off throwing them into a relationship until she had time to process shows just how much he loves and respects Pen.

This family is wonderful. There is lots of great banter between the siblings and I would happily move to Wintervale, MT and work on their farm. I love large and loving families who are there to support each other and show love in fun and heartwarming ways. I can’t wait to read Wren’s story, and I hope to see more if Indie. I loved the connection to Blackstone Falls, TN. It always makes these worlds seem even more real when they interconnect.

[Lindsey Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lake and Pen were everything that I needed. I fell in love with them instantly. Their chemistry as friends as well as lovers is strong. They have so much fun together and their banter is superb; I caught myself laughing and smiling along with them throughout their story.

The pacing of their journey from friends to lovers works so well. They put the brakes on a little and get to know each other in the context of their changing relationship. It gave their journey a feeling of longevity rather than a knee jerk reaction from Pen's runaway bride moment.

Alexandra Hale is the Queen of writing found family/big family romance. I always wish her families would adopt me! The love and comfort, banter and support she creates within these families feels like the warmest, softest snuggle blanket.
The Sterling family stepped up for Lake and Pen which warmed my heart. I am excited to see the rest of the siblings get their HEAs.

[LAJordan Leigh Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (0-5)
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥☄️ (0-5) I bump up for public places/outdoor spaces.

What I’m Starry-Eyed Over:
🤩 I love Pen as a runaway bride, especially when the driver is, Lake, her childhood best friend who’s secretly been in love with her for a long time.

🤩 The feels and the timing in this one are so good. Slow burn goodness, and I just had to take my time and savor every line.

🤩 Seriously, why is this one line so good? I felt it deep inside my soul. “Baby, I can’t do this with you right now, please.” ❤️‍🔥🫠

🤩 Laugh out loud hilarious, especially because of Lake’s sisters teasing him. So much sibling goodness and family fun.

🤩 The amazingly close and intimate steam when it’s finally the time. When a book makes you have tears and ummm tingles at the same time. 🤭

🤩 Pen’s truck scene is my favorite, with the “You get to be my first.” And the “Pull your p*nties to the side and ride me, Baby!” Absolute perfection! 🥵🌶️

🤩 How Pen gets to be involved in the family business. 🥰

What I’m Wishing/Dizzy About:
💫 Nothing, besides maybe I want to go back and read Harlan and Reid again in Frosty the Farmhand. I think I like it in Wintervale, Montana.

[Gerardine Noonan · Rating 5 out of 5]

God I loved this book.

It was a Real Fall in Love with your Best Friend book with all the feels x

Penelope left Wintervale with the Guy who she fell for in School. Moved with him to go to College and spent the last 10 years living with him.

On the Day that she is to get married in Wintervale she has cold feet and realises she is making a big mistake. Makes a run for it and Lake is there as her Night in Shining Armour to get her in to a Get away car and away from the chaos.

Lake has always loved Pen but never told her that he wanted more than a Friendship with her.
Getting an actual change had it this time around he is not going to make the same mistake and goes for it with Bells on!

I won't say anymore as I want everyone to read and enjoy this book just as much as I did and believe me, ye will x

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The hardest thing we have to do is let people love us"

Pen is trapped in a nightmare, it's out of control and dragging her along, it's no longer about what she wants but what's expected of her....
It is a huge relief when Pen finally opens her eyes and sheds the blinkers, she not only takes back control but also finally sees the man in front of her. Her best friend, her getaway driver, her biggest supporter, the man who has loved her for years...her soul mate. How had she missed it?
Lake and Pen should always have been together and seeing them finally embrace and explore the love between them is truly beautiful. She is not just his forever, forever is not long enough, she's his evermore.
I cannot tell you how much I love the Sterlings, Reid got his HEA in December, we have Lake and Pen here and Wren is next...eek! I cannot wait!
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Kari Tidwell (karisbookstodevour) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A runaway bride, friends to lovers, ridiculously cute, romance! From the second Pen runs out on her wedding this read just runs away with your heart, I just melted that Lake knew her so well he knew she was running the second she glanced at him and it only gets better and better from there. It's definitely "finally" vibes and it makes it even cuter that her grandma, his family, and pretty much the whole entire small town don't even bat an eye that they're together. I love that Lake put on the brakes and wanted to make sure she was in a good place and ok with everything that happened before he took it any further than a kiss, that Pen just came alive the more she relaxed back into their small town and Lake's cabin, and I just can't recommend this quick read enough if you're looking for fun, feel good, meant to be romance.

[Books N Coffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexandra Hale writes a Novella like no one else! You will swoon, laugh, and melt over these characters.

Pen and Lake are the perfect friends to lovers story. Pen is about to make the biggest mistake of her life but Lake shows up. He puts his feelings aside and supports her. When he knows she needs him, he’s there. He puts her first all throughout this book and it will melt your heart.

Pen struggles at times but her character development is heartwarming to watch. She realizes she let her world go in the completely wrong direction and it takes a little time to get it right but it’s worth the wait. She sees how loved and supported she is by all the people who truly matter. Wintervale was always home and so was Lake.

I can’t wait to read more about the side characters in this book (because Alexandra never lets us down) and get to revisit some of my favorites.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lake and Pen have been best friends since childhood, but their relationship struggled during her time with Carter - thank goodness that Lake was there to help her our runaway bride on her wedding day. Lake is the sweetest, and his family is adorable, it was great to see some favourite characters from Frosty the Farmhand make an appearance, and the whole book had a warm found family feel.

As it’s a novella, things move pretty quickly, and Lake and Pen already have so much love for each other. But although we’re straight into the story as soon as Pen has run out of her failed wedding, we still get a satisfying and complete story full of love, spice, family, and friends. A really enjoyable winter pick me up, part of an ongoing series, and I’m looking forward to the stories of lots of the other characters we’ve met along the way.