A Pen Pal for Christmas

by Jess Mastorakos

A secret pen pal exchange, a holiday romance, and a danger they never saw coming.

Snow Hill is the perfect place for a holiday escape, and for Sofia, it’s the ultimate refuge from the drama back home. With her brother thriving in this charming Christmas town, the last thing she wants is to disrupt it with her own troubles. Determined to focus on the festive magic, she throws herself into a new holiday a secret pen pal exchange designed to spread joy around town.

After a devastating loss while stationed overseas, Hudson is more than ready to spend Christmas in Snow Hill. He's hoping the place where he spent his childhood will help him find peace, but then his well-meaning Aunt Ida signs him up for the holiday pen pal exchange to cheer him up. Hudson doubts it will lead to much more than a few lighthearted letters, but for his aunt, he reluctantly agrees.

As the holiday season unfolds, Sofia and Hudson connect with their anonymous pen pals on paper. At the same time, their real-life paths keep crossing, and the sparks between them are undeniable. But when the danger from Sofia's past creeps into Snow Hill's festive bubble, can they find a way to protect each other—and the love they’ve begun to find?



Return to the charming town of Snow Hill for the fourth book in this suspenseful and swoony Christmas romance series.


Why you'll love

❤️ Christmas romantic suspense
❤️ pen pals
❤️ Active-duty Marine hero
❤️ found family
❤️ the perfect Christmas town
❤️ swoony kisses with sizzling chemistry

Genres: Christmas, Suspense, Contemporary

380 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 27, 2025

About the author

Jess Mastorakos writes sweet military romance books that feature heroes with heart and the strong women they love. She is a proud Marine wife and mama of four. She loves her coffee in a glitter tumbler and planning with an erasable pen.

Get a free novella from her San Diego Marines series, Forever with You, at the link below!

www.jessmastorakos.com/forever-with-you

Reviews

[Kathy Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's no better feeling than opening up a much anticipated book and being instantly transported to one of your favorite fictional places. A place where the world around you ceases to exist and, just for a little while, you can forget all your worries and just live in the moment with some of your favorite characters. These moments and books are ones I will always treasure.

Sofia and Hudson are something special. From the moment they met, there was a connection that went far beyond attraction. Something between them just clicked and everything grew from there. You can't help but love them and their relationship. They helped each other to see themselves how the other one sees them. They lifted each other up when they were down. They loved each other unconditionally and were by each others side when they needed it the most. I simply adored these two and loved watching them get there HEA. Everything about this book was perfection and had this girl letting out all the little dreamy sighs.

I absolutely adore the small town of Snow Hill and everyone in it. Watching old friends rally behind Sofia and Hudson had my heart smiling. And meeting new friends who did the same? Absolute perfection. I'm counting down the months until Jamie's book is released. I can't wait to return to Snow Hill.

One of my favorites genres is romantic suspense and y'all. Ms. Mastorakos nailed it! This book has more suspense than what she normally writes and I'm crossing my fingers that more of her books are like this one! It was fantastic! I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!

As for my casting. Y'all. This is definitely one of my favorites! I love these two! What do you think?

[Laramee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hudson is now one of my all time favorite heroes! I loved this Christmas romantic suspense novel! I couldn't put it down!

I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.

[Carissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

first reviewed here: https://belovedgraceful-carissasbooks...

Title: A Pen Pal for Christmas
Author: Jess Mastorakos

Ch: 27 plus epilogue

Pg: 267

Series: Christmas in Snow Hill

Genre: Christmas Rom Com

Rating: 4.5 stars

Publisher: Indie

I have to say this might be my favorite book in The Christmas in Snow Hill series. I loved Sophia since meeting her as a secondary character in Snowed in For Christmas. So, I was glad she was getting her own story. Hudson, I just love a Marine hero. And the pen pals writing back and forth gives it a bit of a you’ve got mail vibes with letters instead. And Snow Hill always feels like a magical Christmas town every time I pick up one of the books. And I loved that this one had a bit of mystery with it.



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

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another favorite for this year and every Christmas here after! I LOVED the suspense Jess added to this novel! It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire novel and my heart in a puddle with the complete adorableness of Sofia and Hudson!!!!

These two fit together perfectly! Hudson kept saying their life was unfolding like a Hallmark movie and he was one hundred percent right in the absolute best way possible! They fit into each other's life like puzzle pieces and I loved Hudson's protectiveness and determination to keep Sofia safe.

Jess's writing style has always been so sweetly crafted, but she took her writing to a whole new level with this one! I loved how she built up the suspense and it carried out so perfectly to the point where I hadn't even seen the ending coming!

Overall, I loved it and I cannot wait for our next visit to Snow Hill!!! Jamie definitely intrigued me and I cannot wait to see his story unfold!

[Sharon S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great addition to the Christmas in Snow Hill series by Jess Mastorakos.
Sweet story of two people with broken hearts.
Sofia and Hudson are both back in town and are talked into joining the pen pal event this Christmas. Both have recently had a bad breakup with the person they thought they had a forever relationship with.
Hudson is a Marine on leave so he’s always on alert for things that aren’t quite right.
He feels the need to protect Sofia, he senses someone is bringing trouble her way.
The attraction is there for both of them, will this town bring them together?
I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.

[Beverly Dibble · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful romantic suspense set in a Christmas town like no other! I loved the chemistry between Sophia and Hudson. There was a lot to swoon over, and Hudson was so sweet with Sophia and did all that he could to protect her, even though she did not always want to be protected! With the real-life relationship and the separate secret pen pal connection, it was as though they were connecting on two different levels at the same time, which was fun. This was a well-written book that was hard to put down. Great job!

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, uplifting read about moving forward, letting go of the past and being loved so completely it takes your breath away. This book has it all, romance, friendship, family and vulnerability. Each page I flipped drew me more into the lives of these two. If you are looking for a book that will put a smile on your face, you NEED to read this book.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story by Jess Mastorakos. I loved A Pen Pal for Christmas. This is Hudson and Sofia's story and is so good. It even has suspense in addition to the romance and Christmas. So good!

Thank you Jess Mastorakos for the ARC for my honest review.

[Angeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Ahhhh! I adored this book and it was so cute! I love love love Jess Mastorakos’ books and this one was no different. A Pen Pal for Christmas is the fourth book in Jess Mastorakos’ Christmas in Snow Hill series.
I loved Sofia and Hudson. They were so sweet together. They were both wary of falling in love and letting someone into their lives. However as they spent more time together, they began to see each other in a different light. I love the aspect of pen pals and reading about them connecting in a different way. They were able to be free with each other in a way that was different then when they were face to face.
I liked reading about Sofia and Hudson interacting. They helped heal in order in different ways. I love how Sofia felt safe with Hudson but how he encouraged her to be brave. Hudson found someone to love and protect in Sofia.
The suspense was just perfect. It fit the story and didn’t overwhelm it. It was a nice mix of suspense, romance, and small town vibes. I wanted to know how the danger from Sofia’s past would be resolved. I loved seeing old characters and meeting some new ones. Aunt Ida was so fun. I am super excited for the books to come.
I would definitely recommend A Pen Pal for Christmas! This does have more suspense then her other books but it was still really good. The characters were lovable and the story engaging. A Pen Pal for Christmas is a clean Christmas romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

[Rebekah Morris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve read other Christmas books in this series and enjoyed them for the most part, but I didn’t like this one much. I liked Sofia and Hudson, and the idea of writing to secret pen pals was fun. However, I didn’t like them deciding that sharing a bedroom at the inn was an okay solution to a situation. There were many other options. Including her brother and his wife! And it wasn’t just one night. It was all the rest of the nights. At first she took the bed and he took the chair. Then they both slept in the bed. Together. There were also a few times they noticed each other in ways that left me uncomfortable. No, they didn’t actually DO anything, but it was still not something I wanted to read about. There were quite a few kisses that lasted much too long for my comfort and felt too detailed and intimate to be public. And I’m sorry, but I rolled my eyes at the stalker and his kidnapping of Sophia at the Gingerbread Ball. Come on! Didn’t we already have something like this already happen in another book? What’s with Christmas Eve in this town? These gals are always being rescued by the hero from some dramatic situation on Christmas Eve! I wouldn’t want to attend the ball or be in town on Christmas Eve. I did read the whole story and enjoyed some parts of it, but I don't plan to read it again.
This is not a Christian book.

[Ashlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Sofia man! She has been through the ringer for sure. We got to see some of that in the previous book, which focuses on her brother Tommy, but in this book, it really takes a turn. There's definitely an air of suspense throughout this story but one that kept me intrigued and not losing interest because it was too intense, which I'm not a fan of when I'm reading. I found myself really rooting for them to solve the mystery surrounding the strange happenings in Snow Hill.

After becoming a super fan of Jess Mastorakos books from her San Diego Marine series, I was excited to get another active duty Marine hero! It felt like going back to my roots with this author haha I definitely adored Hudson's protective side, even if it made for some jokes between Sofia and her friends. 

I love how connected all the books in this series are so you can continue to see characters from previous books, but it's still done in a way that they can read as standalones if you can't commit to the whole series at one time. Though, I will say these books do many for some quick reads so it's easy to catch up on the series! I know Jamie's story is next and there were plenty of teaser statements in this book to make you go "hm, I wonder what's going to happen there."

[Lynn Sell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love this book! From the great town to the main characters, and to the suspense throughout the book. I couldn’t put it down! Hudson is back in his hometown to visit with his Aunt from being deployed with the Marines before he needs to report for recruiting duty an hour away. Hudson is staying at the local Inn while he is home and meets Sofia. Sofia has recently quit her job and left her ex boyfriend behind in Philly to come be with her younger brother and his wife. She loves the feel of the close small town and takes a job as a bartender while trying to decide where she wants her life to go from here. Hudson’s Aunt and the local Inn owner have decided to do a holiday Pen Pal where they have paired people up as well as deliver the letters to the rightful owners. Hudson and Sofia meet at the Inn and feel a connection. Then Sofia’s ex boyfriend shows up and Hudson finds he is very protective of Sofia and wants to see her smile and feel safe. Then things begin to happen to Sofia that brings Hudson and her closer. Who is causing trouble for Sophia and will they figure it out before it is too late? Loved this special sweet romance!

[Roberta aka Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This clean, contemporary romance with suspense takes us back to Snow Hill, Pennsylvania at Christmas time.

Hudson Green is home on an extended leave from the Marines after several years of overseas deployment. Sofia Sullivan is in Snow Hill from Philadelphia, with plans to stay at least a month. Both Hudson and Sofia are coerced into participating in the Secret Pen Pal Exchange.

If you remember Ida and Joan from prior Snow Hill stories you won't be surprised that there are hints of matchmaking with the pen pal exchange.

When Sofia's room at the inn is ransacked, a prior boyfriend, Dane, is blamed. But he has a solid alibi. From here the mystery and suspense escalates. Why is Dane in Snow Hill? Why is he so persistent about arranging a meeting with Sofia?

Jess Mastorakos has written a fast-paced page-turner with strong, interesting characters. I definitely recommend A Pen Pal for Christmas.

I was given an ARC of this story from BookFunnel at the request of the author. All thoughts and comments are mine, given voluntarily.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Pen Pal for Christmas

Sofia and Hudson have a fascinating story with a lot of romance that turns into a bit of a suspense story before the book is done. Sofia has returned to Snow Hill this time intending to settle after visiting her brother the previous Christmas. She is running from her ex boyfriend who was bad news. She loves the holiday traditions of the quaint little town and accepts the offer to sign up for a secret pen pal. Hudson is returning stateside after being stationed overseas for several years. Returning home to spend time with the aunt who technically raised him before heading to a nearby town for his recruiting assignment was Hudson’s plan. His aunt was so excited about his visit she signed him up for the new pen pal exchange that she and her friend were heading up. Sofia and Hudson seem to keep seeing each other frequently and develop a friendship quickly. Then Sophia becomes the subject of a stalker after her ex boyfriend shows up in town. Will they be able to discover the culprit before anyone is hurt?

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always have a laugh with books that have meddling people in small towns. Jess Mastorakos put a good spin on it with the pen pal addition. Another way for matchmakers to pair people up. Sofia has moved back to Snow Hill. Hudson has come home for Christmas, before going to his next posting as a Marine Recruiter.
Reading about Hudson talking about what was ahead of him, reminded me of another book that is in the Kailua Marines series, Heartbeats in Honolulu, involving dual Marine stories of Marine Recruiters Hunter and Nora. I recommend this book by Jess Mastorakos. The whole series is good as I can still remember the plots though I read them in 2021.
Enjoyed this story of Hudson and Sofia. Hudson was protective without being controlling. The level of suspense was good, not too much, but enough to be interesting. It was a sweet romance with the addition of Christmas events in a small town.

[Wren Woodland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a sharp turn from sweet to scary

Wow a sweet Christmas romance quickly evolved into something unexpected - a little bit scary. Sofia had the worst luck with men, her last boyfriend ended up in prison and her next interest ended up being a stalker for her brother’s girlfriend. So don’t blame her if she isn’t ready to jump in to another relationship. But there’s a fun pen pal that makes her smile and a man at the inn who makes her feel safe-how can she choose? She also has questions that needs answers and seem to big to handle herself like she always has. Jess tells a great story and always includes either former military or current in clean, wholesome stories. There is some responsible alcohol consumption and sharing a bed-platonic. Great friends and found family.

[Diana Acord · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Pen Pal for Christmas by Jess Mastorakos is the 4th book in her Snow Hill Series. This romantic suspense features active-duty Marine Hudson and independent Sofia whose brother Tommy was featured in a previous book. The two are coerced to sign up for a Christmas Pen Pal and without knowing get each other. They connect with their Pen Pals as well as each other. Hudson is a strong male character with integrity and when Sophia is faced with danger becomes overprotective. This book features romance, all the fun Christmas events Snow Hill is famous for and suspense. Hudson is now in competition with PJ and Spencer as my favorite active-duty Marine. This is a well written book with a return to a favorite holiday town.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

What started as a sweet romance suddenly turns into a can't stop reading book! Sofia moves back home to start over. Hudson is home on leave. Both are hurting and both are signed up for a pen pal thing that Hudson's aunt and the inn keeper are orchestrating for a little Christmas fun (and mischief). When Sofia's ex turns up, trying to get her back, Sofia is surrounded by protectors on all sides. Hudson handles her differently though. I love how they quietly spend time making each other feel safe and cared for and the when the ex is thrown into the mix- I loved how the book went from romance to romantic thriller.

[Adrianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hudson is just the epitome of heroic and chivalrous! Definitely the best book boyfriend with his charm and protective nature you’ll be swooning for sure. Their chemistry together was epic, and the meddlesome grandma-types in the book were the cutest.
Note, as someone who only reads clean and firmly closed door romance this one was a bit uncomfortable when he asked her to move in with him. There is no spice on page or implied, but that’s against my values which is why I gave it four stars. I loved the story in general and especially the characters.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great book. I don't normally like suspense in my romance novels, but there was just enough to entice me but not too much that I was scared. Hudson I think it my new favorite. His protective instincts and the undeniable chemistry between the two will have you hooked. I really enjoyed the pen pal aspect where they could have the light and fun side show, but yet be falling in love in real life day to day. Falling for 2 different guys only to find they are the same person. In Sofia's time of need she didn't even hesitate, she turned to Hudson for help. A must read.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a kisses only romance with some dark elements. Sofia was running from her old life and her criminal ex when she connects with Hudson, not realizing he’s also her secret pen pal. But her ex didn’t stay away and after getting unsettling notes and her room being trashed she doesn’t know where to go to be safe except for in Hudson arms. But did they let down their guard too soon? I loved this small town where everyone knows what’s going on and sweet matchmakers come up with a fun secret pen pal to set those they love up.

[CATHERINE BURHANS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jess’ stories never disappoint, especially when they involve a protective, tender hearted Marine, and I certainly loved this one. Sofia was a lovely girl as well, who goes to her brother’s small town for Christmas to get away from her ex. . She decides to start a secret pen pal exchange within the little town. Hudson, our Marine , is back on leave in his childhood hometown when his Aunt signs him up for the pen pal. Hudson and Sofia’s path cross without knowing they are each other’s pen pal. This is such a delightful storyline with an element of suspense thrown in as well.

[Lady M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been reading more romantic suspense lately, so I was happy to dive into this one. I normally only read holiday books from Thanksgiving to the New Year, but I made an exception for this one. I enjoyed the story, and liked Hudson a lot. I love a good protector, but also appreciated that he wasn't always so serious. I read both clean, and not clean, but as far as romantic suspense that I've read, most are not clean. So if you're an exclusive clean book person, you should enjoy this one.

[A.M. Hogue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!

A Pen Pal for Christmas was such a cute book! Sofia was so sweet, and life had thrown her a few hard curveballs, but she was still trying to move forward. Hudson is the protective cinnamon roll, and it was fun seeing both their lighter sides in the letters, while also growing closer in real life. It was the perfect amount of swoon, sizzling kisses, and suspense, without any swearing or bedroom scenes. Thanks for another fantastic book, Jess! Loved it!

[Dotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Mastorakos is an amazing author. She writes well written and researched books that are hard to put down.. This was especially true for me with this book I hated to put it down each evening. There was just enough suspense in the book to keep me turning pages and wondering if Sofi is now safe.
We need more men like Hudson for sure.
I was given an ARC of this story from BookFunnel at the request of the author. All thoughts and comments are mine, given voluntarily.

[Mallory Daily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll be the first one to admit I am not a holiday lover in general, but this book was both super sweet and also suspenseful. Both in a place that they're not looking for love and find it an in unconventional way, partially through a secret pen pal connection.
I am a big fan of Jess' writing but this one is definitely a new favorite! This was extremely well written in a way that makes you not want to put it down. Perfect winter read!

[The Flipped Page (Susan K) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, contemporary military romance

Romance, sweet, contemporary, military backstory; series but stand alone read
Sofia and Hudson’s story was a lovely fall from two different perspectives, their in person interactions along with the contrived pen pal letters that they paired them up. Some intrigue and suspense with a stalker and kidnapping. So might not be for everyone. Two honest hearts, one of my favorite types of romances though.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I think Jess Mastrokas has written my favorite book, she comes out with another one. A Pen Pal for Christmas was romantic with the perfect amount of suspense. Hudson is the perfect book hero. Sofia has gone through so much because of her tender heart. They so deserve their own happy ending.

I received an ARC from the author, and all opinions are my own.

[Shebb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Christmas romance with suspense.

Hudson and Sofia's story is not your typical Hallmark with some darker, more suspenseful moments, but then again, Ms Mastorakos doesn't write sappy sweet stories.

I love how she weaves her military knowledge into her stories and laugh at the fun Marine vs Army jokes her characters banter about... so realistic! 😁

[Debra Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words penned on paper are forever

Hudson found his center in Sofia and she found the strength to rise above her past mistakes in judgement. Together they created an unstoppable team.

Love how Jess's stories bring hope, encouragement, strength beyond what her characters knew they had. You just get so wrapped up you don't want the story to end but you can't wait to see.