Schnitzel and Snow globes

Bells Pass #8

by Katie Mettner

Honor
35
A blue-eyed beauty, if you ask her newest colleague
Favorite Black & Blue burger from the Nightingale Diner
Widowed, a single mom, and not looking

Dawson
35
Dark and handsome, accessorizing with a black eye patch and carbon fiber fingers
Favorite Schnitzel
Single and skittish

Bells Pass is abuzz as the bicentennial approaches, and Audrey Violet, the town’s matchmaker, has a plan for the final Christmas couple of the century. Knowing her niece, Honor, can’t resist a good story, she tasks her with writing one for the next year’s celebration. With a little help from the town’s founders, the legend of the gazebo, a helpful bachelor, a heap of Christmas magic, and a willing heart, the story Honor tells just might be her own.

The hero has finger amputations from trauma

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2024

About the author

Katie Mettner wears the title of 'the only person to lose her leg after falling down the bunny hill' and loves decorating her prosthetic leg to fit the season. She lives in Northern Wisconsin with her own happily-ever-after and spends the day writing romantic stories with her sweet puppy by her side. Katie has an addiction to coffee and dachshunds and a lessening aversion to Pinterest — now that she’s quit trying to make the things she pins.

Read about more of Katie's adventures as an amputee writer at http://katiemettner.com/
Come chat with Katie on Facebook
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiemettner/
Are you a Pinner? Pin with Katie
https://www.pinterest.com/katie_mettner/

Reviews

[Christina Mages · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. I absolutely loved this story. A second chance love story, yes there were issues that popped up along the way but everything worked out in the end. Definitely one of my favorite books I’ve read this year.

[Ashley Malinowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading Honor and Dawson's story!
My heart broke for Honor as she realized she had put so much of her life on hold grieving someone who wasn't her soulmate.
Her daughter was so strong and she navigated all of the challenges thrown at her but also used the lessons her mother had taught her to show her growth and strength.
Dawson, a military veteran who lost his fingers and his eye and felt like he had to hide and didn't deserve the love but then realizing he could when he was loved by the right person was so beautiful.
I love that he didn't expect Honor to change her views of the military just because they were together.
I absolutely loved the epilogue but now I want so much more of their story. I want to know about Dawson as a dad and everything.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honor Violet, a very pretty widowed English teacher, is raising her teenage daughter alone. She's been widowed for ten years and doesn't feel ready for a relationship yet, maybe never.

Dawson Knight, a sexy former military man with a knack for foreign languages, has faced numerous challenges both on and off the battlefield. Despite his accomplishments, he struggles with self-worth and believes he's undeserving of love.

However, the town matchmakers have other ideas and use the upcoming Bell Pass Bicentennial as a way to get Honor and Dawson together. As their research into the town and its community begins to come together, Honor and Dawson get to know each other better and develop feelings for each other. Together, can they solve the mystery of the founders of their community? Will they be the next couple to succumb to the legend of the gazebo?

Katie's story of Dawson and Honor is a wonderful heartwarming tale of personal growth and the power of love and support from friends and family. Through their journey, they both discover their worthiness of a fulfilling and loving relationship. The holiday season takes on a new significance for them and their families as the Bell's Pass legend works it's magic once again.

[Karen Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heartfelt read! A must read page turner! It puts two people together who aren’t necessarily looking for a relationship. Honor is a single mother of a 14 year old. Her daughter is her world. She only wants to be the best mom to her. Dawson is a veteran who was hit in the past with an IUD which left him with a fake eye and problems with one of his hands. They are brought together after Aunt Audrey gives them a project to complete-the history of the gazebo. Will they be able to accomplish this and get along in the process.

As time goes on and Dawson and Honor spend more time together, it seems their bond grows. Their chemistry is off the charts. The history of Bells Pass, the connections made, the getting past the past relationships all made this book worth the read! This book brought a tear to my eye toward the end. It seems Honor may be able to put her past relationship behind her and realize she deserves to be happy once and for all. Is that person Dawson? What makes her feel this way? Could it be something Aunt Audrey has in her possession? Wait til you find out. The ending has my heart and I couldn’t ask for a better way for this story to end! Katie Mettner you are an amazing author!

[KristieReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite series from Katie and this book is a beautiful addition. As with all of Katie’s books, I learn something about someone living with a disability and the challenges they face on a daily basis.

Dawson is a good man, he’s holding onto trauma from his past but is also trying to be a useful citizen in Bell’s Pass.

Honor is an amazing mom, she is still facing emotions from losing her husband 10 years ago and she has set some hard guideline for herself.

I love how Katie developed Dawson and Honor’s relationship. They first became friends and the more time they spent together their feelings blossomed. They are so good for one another…helping face fears, overcoming emotions from
Past events and opening up to love and a relationship.

Katie brings out all the emotions with her words. Honor and Dawson’s wedding was incredibly moving. An amazing read that will melt your heart.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This title rose to the top of my TBR list in the middle of one of the most humid summer months! It was such a treat to read about the Christmas holidays with cold and snowy weather. Each chapter brought more fun and entertainment plus new characters and ways they were connected to other people in the small town. Everyone had their own challenges, whether it was with relationships or a disability or just being a teenager. The book includes many successful situations where kind, understanding residents helped others to find solutions that gave them the courage to move on. Along the way, we learn about German foods like Stollen and disability awareness and veterans, single parents and lots and lots of memories from couples who shared special times in the town's popular gazebo. While this is the first book I have read by this author, it will not be the last.

[Jo Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I'd read in this series, so I was a little worried that I'd be missing too much back story to follow along and enjoy, but I needn't have. This story was beautifully written and can stand on it's own, which it very much did!

I loved the development of Honor, Dawson and AJ's relationships. I loved the story of the Snow Globes Honor shared with AJ. I loved the story of the Gazebo and it's founders. I loved the final scene and the epilogue. I loved this book from beginning to end and I may have shed a few tears along the way. Thank you for such a heartfelt and heartwarming story!

[Caroline Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg these two are just gorgeous and sad and amazing!!!!
I love all of the Bell's Pass couples that I've read but this story really resonated with me the most and had me crying the most.
The storyline was complicated just as real life is complicated and they had to fight through all of their walls that they had put up over their years of singleton life. Honor and Dawson certainly had a lot to fight through.
The legend of the gazebo is such a wonderful Idea and it's really stuck in my head.
All these books can be read as standalones that it's brilliant if one takes your fancy you don't have to have read any of the other books in the series, I don't know why you wouldn't want to though because they're all brilliantly written with amazing stories.....

[Anne Wondra · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good to visit Bells Pass again. I've loved each book in this series, including this one. Schnitzel and Snow Globes is Honor and Dawson's story. They're both teachers, not really friends, and end up working together to research and create a history book about the Gazebo for the 200th Anniversary Celebration. Of course, working together leads to learning more about each other and facing some past traumas. Story flowed well, characters were likable and good for each other. Was a fun to see business owners and people from other earlier books in Bells Pass series, though each book is easily a standalone. I'm always impressed by the author's vision in creating innovations in small businesses and community building and support in this small town.

[Rose Grabowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful Christmas romance. We followed Honor and Dawson. I feel they are my favorite couple and a great finale for the 8th book. This was a compulsively readable series and I'm sorry I have reached the end. I highly recommend the series any time of the year and I must commend the author on the disability rep.

[Judy Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was a little slow at the beginning, but it sure picked up the pace! It was a very romantic book! There seemed to be so much love in this book it was hard to put down.

Loved this story! It was truly a love story that people I think will truly love!
Great characters and a great amount of history you intertwined in the book!

Great one! A book I won't be able to forget!

[Samantha Crabtree · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC REVIEW✨
This book got me into such CHRISTMASSY vibes!! It was such a good read by Katie Mettner. I just fell in love with the town of Bells Pass and all the members of the community! This story follows single mom Honor Violet and injured in war veteran Dawson Knight. When they’re placed together for a community project will sparks fly over schnitzel? Or will they simmer to nothing? Add in festive drama and you have a great book!! Thank you for the chance to read this book!!

Book rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating: 2/5 🌶️🌶️
#katiemettner #snowglobesandschnitzel #ARCReview

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful and fun Christmas romance. I loved the characters of Honor and Dawson and although this is my first book in the Bells Pass series I am hooked and I am definitely going to read the other books. I enjoyed the story and the characters are so real and believable that you cannot help but get caught up in their story. Katie Mettner is a fairly new author to me and I have loved the stories that I have read to date and I am looking forward to reading much more form her in the future.

I received an arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[DebM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I probably say this for each Bells Pass series book I read, but Honor and Dawson are my favorite couple!

Honor, an English teacher, is widow/single mom. She has a 14 year old daughter, AJ, who is best friends with Holly. If you’ve read the other books in this series you may remember her as the Head Christmas Elf for the Christmas celebration at the gazebo and she is the daughter of Melissa (Mel) and Mason.

Dawson is a part-time German teacher at the same school as Honor and is heavily involved in helping veterans. He himself has missing fingers and an eye from an IED. Honorshe gives Dawson the cold shoulder in school, at Nightingale Diner and just about any place he happens to run into her and he decides to find out why

Audrey is Honor’s aunt through her marriage to Ezra. Audrey is on the town historical society and she is working to put together the history of the Bells Pass gazebo and its builders for pamphlets to be handed out to visitors and the Bells Pass community

This begins the less than simple love story of Honor Linn Violet and Dawson Knight. They both volunteer to help Audrey put all this information together. This story had me smiling, and then AJ and Holly’s incident brought shock for me. It couldn’t happen in my favorite little town even though in real life I know it can happen anywhere. After crying, I was back to happiness and joy especially after the Christmas tree. Such a lovely piece of the story.

Then comes the text from Honor to Dawson that once again brought tears and the Ezra letter. OMG. Katie’s writing of the words in the letter was perfect. I love her daughter AJ, too, when she decides enough is enough and sets things right is just perfect. And Honor’s writing of the final love story for the historical society was so well written that I cried some more. lol. happy tears!! I won’t spoil the ending but it was so perfect, too!! I couldn’t have asked for a better written story for the holidays and addition to the Bells Pass collection.

You hit this one out of the park, Katie! Deserves 10 stars out of 5 that I could give!

[Tracy Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wonderful town of Bells Pass comes alive every Christmas, and this year was no exception. Honor and Dawson are two teachers tasked with researching the history of Bells Pass and the amazing Gazebo. While spending time together researching the history of Bells Pass and the Gazebo, they also learn about themselves and each other. Experience the magic of the tree lighting, and the wonderful people of Bells Pass!

[Christina Matheis · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. I absolutely love this story. A second chance love story, yes there were issues that popped up along the way but everything worked out in the end. Definitely one of my favorite books I've read this year.

[Rachael Slider · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Honor and Dawson both have tragic pasts yet they are truly wonderful people. Their relationship starts off rocky but the more time they spend together the more the sparks fly. Since Honor became a widowed single mother she has a fear of committing to a relationship but Dawson's strong, steady presence really shows her how great they could be together. This was truly a marvelous read and really puts you in the holiday spirit.

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book and return to Bells Pass. I absolutely loved that we finally were blessed with not only another wonderful couple to share in the holiday tradition of the gazebo, but that we actually learned the history behind it!

[Vickie Milton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honor and Dawson’s love story and community involvement was an amazing love story.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

When reading a multi-book series the reader understands at some point it must end, with that in mind this was a good finish for the year Bells Pass begins the year long 200th anniversary celebration of the Gazebo.

Many thanks to author Katie Mettner who not only provides a beautiful community of people but who also addresses a different area of disability. Through the various members of Bells Pass also provides hope and help. The series contains experiences of love, fear, mystery but most of all demonstrates family isn’t limited to blood relatives.

This is the 8th book and it appears to be the last in the Bells Pass series. If you haven’t read any of the previous books I recommend you pick up book one so you can meet and understand the stories of the community, as each person/couple has a unique story. You also need the story of the Bells Pass Gazebo that plays a unifying and sometimes surprising role in celebrating the challenges and achievements of the residents.

Her name is Honor Violet. She is the single mother of a daughter AJ also known as but rarely called America Jean, whose father Ezra, died of cancer 10 years ago. Honor has been holding her life together with the help of her town and teaching English classes to 11th and 12th graders where Dawson Knight currently works as a custodian. Why does his presence make her uncomfortable?

Dawson Knight is a polyglot, someone who speaks at least 4 languages and is able to read and write as many or in his case more. This knowledge of language is why he enlisted in the military. Dawson is also a wounded warrior who lost an eye, several fingers and his unit while serving in Afghanistan when an IED hit the transport vehicle they were riding in. He has a prosthetic eye but hides it with a patch and he’s tried every possible remedy for the ghost pain he occasionally feels in his hand. He now lives in the Bells Pass housing unit and works with the DAV to help guide veterans back to civilian life and get them off life on the streets.

Bells Pass is scheduling a year of events to celebrate the 200Th Anniversary when the New Year begins. The Gazebo is an important part of the town and Honor’s Aunt Audrey has gathered a lot of information with the idea of writing a pamphlet but she is overwhelmed and Honor volunteers to help.

Some of the research articles discovered by Audrey are in German since that is the country of origin for Heinz and Johanna Schellenberger the town’s founders. Audrey knowing Dawson’s knowledge of German suggests he and Honor work together. At first they work separately but soon their work requires they work together and….

All the characters from the previous books play a part in this final book of the series this is why it is suggested the reader start with book one.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It really is 4.5 stars!! This was another sweet and eye opening romance in Bells Pass between Honor & Dawson.

Honor, an English teacher, is widow/single mom to 14 year old daughter, American Jean (aka "AJ"). She lost her husband 10 years ago due to cancer that took him rather quickly. Dawson is a part-time German teacher at the same school as Honor and is heavily involved in helping veterans. Injured in the line of duty by an IED, he is missing several fingers and an eye. Honor has known Dawson for some time but due to her own grief and prejudices to military, she had been kind of cold in her interactions with him. I was frustrated with her until you figure out her "why's" in her behavior and mentality. Absolutely LOVED Dawson. So incredibly sweet and patient as well as such a great sense of detail in how he remembers little things with Honor. I had a hard time relating to Honor, not because the author poorly wrote about her, but because to have been a widow and the grieve and realizations she had to come to from her first marriage is not something I have experience with. I wanted to be mad at her for trying to push Dawson away but if I am honest, I have not, and dont ever want to have walked in her shoes. I truly loved AJ too -- she's a great friend, and an understanding daughter. There are just some things she says that are wise beyond her years and really helped shape the story and romance for Honor.

I love the way these two are brought together. Putting together a commemorative keepsake for Bells Pass in regards to the town's history, founders, and the legend of love & romance that surrounds the gazebo in the center of the town. I would LOVE to actually be able too see and read what they put together! Their chemistry was well done, this is not a closed door romance BUT it's not overly graphic either. There were two intimate scenes but what I do admire Ms. Mettner to tastefully engage our characters in passion. It is not a relationship built on lust but it is truly love and much deeper and long term driven. As always, Mettner brings up awareness to those with various disabilities, and in this case amputee (hand) and loss of an eye. I always look forward to being educated about disabilities and being able to take, learn, and apply to my every day life.

I love the Bells Pass community and how everyone looks out for everyone. Christmas is always the best time of here and atmosphere in romance books. A well done story with a little bit of suspense/intrigue which added in some complexity, journey and dynamics of the book.

I received an advanced copy of this book and all my thoughts and opinions are my own.

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

This was such a wonderful love story. There was no instant love as both characters bring a lot of past to the table. They had to work toward mutual respect for themselves and each other. However, fighting the chemistry between these two would have been useless, especially with the town matchmaker involved.

Honor Violet is a teacher who has been widowed for a decade. She is raising a teenage daughter, and she has no interest in a relationship.

Dawson Knight is a former military man who struggles daily with his past trauma and self-confidence. He is a hero in every sense of the word and has the scars to prove it. He is not interested in a relationship, nor does he feel he deserves it.

Audrey Violet has other plans for these two as the town matchmaker. She is also Honor's aunt. She puts the two of them together to work on a project regarding the town gazebo.

This author brings so much emotion to her writing, and it leaps off of the pages right into your heart. There is nothing sweeter than a Christmas romance, and this heartwarming book with two fantastic characters will steal your heart as you read about their journey.

You can never go wrong with a Bells Pass book and this wonderful community. This is another great installment in the series.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lindzanne1_bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I even started reading as with all of the other books in the Bells Pass series I knew I was in for such a treat! I can easily say this is one of my all time favorite series. It feels like a comforting hug and the cast of characters feel like family.

It was so entertaining to follow along with Honor and Dawson as they are tasked with researching the history of the iconic gazebo in Bells Pass. I was so curious to know the story behind the gazebo! Spending time in this charming town always warms my heart and this installment of the series did not disappoint! I loved the “enemies” vibe at the beginning as you can feel a bit of tension between them. With spending so much time together on this project it doesn’t take long for feelings to surface and connections to spark as they get to know each other on a deeper level. They both have overcome so much hurt and loss which brings them even closer. It was so meaningful and touching to see how their love could heal them in so many ways. This book is sure to give you all the warm fuzzies as you get swept away by the story and experience the magic of the holiday season. I can’t tell you how many times I had chills as I was reading along. It’s such a heartwarming story that addresses real life issues with so much love and joy sprinkled in!

Thank you so much Katie for the gifted copy!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A research task, a gazebo with a legend attached to it, and meddling town busybodies give two lonely hearts the push they need to find love during the Christmas season.

Widow and single mother, Honor, and Dawson, former soldier, both teachers at the same school, are tasked with working together to research the history of the town’s founders and the legend of the gazebo. Honor isn’t thrilled about the idea of working with Dawson but reluctantly agrees to do so. She bristles every time he’s around. The more time they spend together, she realizes her negativity toward Dawson was actually based on having feelings for him that she didn’t want to admit to. She helps Dawson overcome some obstacles he’s been facing, and he helps her realize she deserves to open her heart to love again.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Renee Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story of second chances and finding love . When widowed , single Mom, Honor volunteers to help with a book about her town’s history of their gazebo and the couple that built it 200 years ago for their centennial celebration, she also agrees to work with Dawson. Together, they will interview couples who have love stories to tell about the magic of the gazebo. Some believe the gazebo is responsible for couples finding their happily ever after, some believe it is an old wive’s tell. One thing for sure, Honor would not be one to fall for it. I loved Honor, Dawson, and AJ’s story and the beautiful story of a young couple that made their dreams come true and made history for the wonderful town of Bells Pass

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last book of the Bells pass series does not disappoint! This is a wonderful series. I am going to miss this town. Everyone takes care of everyone!

Schnitzel and Snow Globes. The story of Honor and Dawson. Can Honor take the risk of loosing again? Honor who lost her husband is afraid of risking her heart and loosing someone again.

Honor also is not a fan of Military men. Dawson former Military is confused why Honor doesn't like him. They are tasked together to work on the towns history for the historical society. Will they be able to overcome their struggles and find a happily ever after?

Best friends AJ and Holly deal with some bullies. Love that the community rallies to help the 2 girls.

This is a must read series! You won't be disappointed!

[Darla Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book review:
Schnitzel and Snow Globes by Katie Mettner Author
I'm pretty sure Honor and Dawson's story will stay with me for a very long time. I loved everything about it, but I did have favorite parts, such as the interviews they were doing for Bells Pass Bicentennial. Audrey and Alans was really special, as you will see why when you get to that part. 😉 I wish there was a magical gazebo near me. Lol. But Holly's life story and the poem she wrote pulled at my heart strings and this is exactly what love is, love is love !!! You cannot help who you fall in love with or even when, but when it's your time to love and be loved , you will definitely know it. 5 stars to this beautiful Christmas time series, where you will fall in love with these characters and the place.

[Thaimelly Rigobello · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is very cute and one of the reasons is because it is Christmas related. In this easy and lovely read we get to know Bells Pass teachers, Honor and Dawson. She is a widow with a teenager daughter who is very wise and mature for their age. He is a military veteran. She has weird feelings towards military men but he helps her deal with them. They work together in a project for the city and realize they have way more in common than they thought. Each little task and action is a piece they build together towards their HEA. And I also love the fact that Katie gives us lessons upon lessons in how to treat people with disabilities in such caring and understanding ways!!! 🥰

[Renate Deutsche Oma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page turning Michigan setting read featuring Schnitzel, Snow Globes, widowed teacher Honor, a polyglot wounded veteran Dawson, and precocious teenagers AJ and Holly. As a German American Michigander retired German and English teacher, mother and Oma, I related with Honor and Dawson. Katie Mettner is a new to me author. Mettner crafted a well written romance with some unexpected twists. The Michigan setting, German culture and language, information about polyglots and wounded veterans flowed seamlessly throughout the romance. An enjoyable holiday read with snow globes as a metaphor of widow Honor's life and an eye patch for wounded Dawson.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A research task, a gazebo with a legend attached to it, and meddling town busybodies give two lonely hearts the push they need to find love during the Christmas season.

Widow and single mother, Honor, and Dawson, former soldier, both teachers at the same school, are tasked with working together to research the history of the town’s founders and the legend of the gazebo. Honor isn’t thrilled about the idea of working with Dawson but reluctantly agrees to do so. She bristles every time he’s around. The more time they spend together, she realizes her negativity toward Dawson was actually based on having feelings for him that she didn’t want to admit to. She helps Dawson overcome some obstacles he’s been facing, and he helps her realize she deserves to open her heart to love again.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.