Chasing Snowflakes

Dogwood Creek Matchmakers #1

by Lori Soard

Lydia Clark thought she left Dogwood Creek behind, including memories of her high school bully and a careless jock who almost ruined her chances at a bright future. But now, the grandmother who loved her through those rough years is having some health issues that force Lydia to return. Taking over for the chemistry teacher temporarily, Lydia plans to help for a semester and not get caught up in the close-knit community of her youth or the handsome math teacher/basketball coach.

Charlie Bailey is town star, turned into high school math teacher and local basketball coach. His charm is almost irresistible, but his sledding skills leave much to be desired, and he crashes into her at a local competition. Lydia soon discovers Charlie’s dedication to shaping young lives, especially those from rough backgrounds he understands all too well. He’s always admired Lydia’s brains and spirit, but seeing her now—gorgeous and still kindhearted—makes him realize how much he’s always cared for her.

The two pair up to organize a basketball tournament fundraiser for the Dogwood Creek Community Center. Lydia begins to see the depth of Charlie’s commitment to the community—and his growing devotion to her. Lydia stares down two paths, trying to choose the one God has planned for her. Can she leave behind her childhood dreams to embrace the life that might be waiting for her in Dogwood Creek?

Chasing Snowflakes is the heartwarming first book in the Dogwood Creek Series—a sweet, small-town inspirational romance filled with unwavering faith and the hopefulness of second chances.

Small-town charm and rediscovered dreams are always in season in Dogwood Creek, Tennessee

119 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 31, 2024

About the author

Lori Soard has a PhD in Journalism and creative writing, but she's hardly the stuffy professor type. She enjoys a good laugh and loves to read, write and watch romantic comedies.

"Life is too short to stay unhappy for long. Nothing cures a bad mood like a good belly chuckle."

She helps edit several areas at well-known websites and writes around four articles every week. When she isn't working on her novels or other writing, Lori enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

The entire family is passionate about animals.

"It's a zoo around here," she says with a laugh.

Lori has two daughters and one granddaughter. She's been married for 31 years to her high school sweetheart.

Reviews

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

The town of Dogwood Creek came alive with its quirky Matchmaker crew and the sweet romance of Lydia and Charlie. There were some surprises, playful banter, a second chance, and lots of faith. The characters were well-developed, with uncovered layers as the story unfolded.

A sweet, small-town, uplifting, and inspirational story that I would recommend heartily. It doesn't have to be a holiday to enjoy this one.

[Chele Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and heartwarming, like a cup of cocoa.
Will they, or won't they? The suspense was driving me mad, in a good way!
Chasing Snowflakes is perfect for fans of sweet, slow-burn romance sprinkled with humor. Author Lori Soard adds a flavor of Christianity that isn't preachy, and it doesn't repeatedly hit us over the head either.
After college and living away, Lydia is back in town to help her ailing granny and filling in temporarily for a teacher. Now twenty-something, she's back at her high school and Charlie comes crashing back to her. Literally!
While trying to be friends--or frenemies-- with a chemistry they can't deny, Lydia and Charlie are a funny, klutzy pair. Well, maybe it's mostly Charlie's left feet that keep knocking her down, making it hard for her to forget his adolescent faux pas-- at her expense back then. But it was only an accident. Can Charlie make it up to her, and convince Lydia he's all grown up, crazy about her, and Dogwood Creek is where she's meant to be?

[Alicia Marsland · Rating 4 out of 5]

ok romance, better life coaching

Awww. Not another small town get-away giving up her lofty dreams for love and marriage. I agree heartily but the trope is getting old. I enjoyed the counter-cultural message that interfering old biddies can be good and po-dunk towns ought to be loved. There are some grammar and punctuation errors that need editing. (I have made notes.)

[Amy Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely Second Chance Story

I enjoyed this sweet tale of two teachers meeting again at the very school they graduated from years ago. Great characters and a wonderful faith message of learning to let God direct one through the doors He opens.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

home where she belongs

The plans God had for her may have been totally different from what she wanted, but love change all kinds of things. The love of another person is especially powerful when God’s love is in the mix. Well done!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

A well written story of two young adults seeking where they belong.
She decides to take a temporary job to be near her grandmother.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh I loved reading this book. I wish I could give it more stars. I loved that it was a clean Christian Romance book. I really enjoyed the story. I hope there are more books in this series.

[Jeannette Harbottle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet read

This book is ideal for a quick read when one wants one's spirit lifted. It's light hearted but faith orientated.