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How To Melt A Snowflake : A Grumpy x Sunshine, Small Town, Holiday Romance
Nicholas Saint
Christmas has one go all in for the holiday my late son adored. This holiday is supposed to be a yearly reminder of how I lost the people I loved the most. Instead, I choose to dress my grief in tinsel to celebrate what was, rather than yield to the painful truth of what life actually is. A Christmas Retreat in this snow globe of a small town is exactly the kind of trip my son would have loved – but meeting Krystal, the only other single person here, makes me want to turn Christmas into something other than a morbid tribute to everything I’ve lost.
Krystal Evergreen
I used to bleed garland, now I want Christmas to burn. My best friend meant well by booking me a stay at a cozy bed and breakfast for the holidays, but being the only single here makes the sting of being alone so much worse…at least until he shows up. A man who seems to run on everything jolly and bright, a man who's lost it all but still believes. With only twelve days together before we go our separate ways, maybe meeting each other here, of all places, is some kind of Christmas miracle. We can choose to dwell in the past or make the most of the heat of the moment.
When Christmas represents everything they’ve lost, being the only two singles at a couples’ retreat allows them to make the holiday mean something different. How To Melt A Snowflake is a spicy, grumpy x sunshine, small-town, Black holiday romance about reclaiming your identity after losing it all.
Christmas has one go all in for the holiday my late son adored. This holiday is supposed to be a yearly reminder of how I lost the people I loved the most. Instead, I choose to dress my grief in tinsel to celebrate what was, rather than yield to the painful truth of what life actually is. A Christmas Retreat in this snow globe of a small town is exactly the kind of trip my son would have loved – but meeting Krystal, the only other single person here, makes me want to turn Christmas into something other than a morbid tribute to everything I’ve lost.
Krystal Evergreen
I used to bleed garland, now I want Christmas to burn. My best friend meant well by booking me a stay at a cozy bed and breakfast for the holidays, but being the only single here makes the sting of being alone so much worse…at least until he shows up. A man who seems to run on everything jolly and bright, a man who's lost it all but still believes. With only twelve days together before we go our separate ways, maybe meeting each other here, of all places, is some kind of Christmas miracle. We can choose to dwell in the past or make the most of the heat of the moment.
When Christmas represents everything they’ve lost, being the only two singles at a couples’ retreat allows them to make the holiday mean something different. How To Melt A Snowflake is a spicy, grumpy x sunshine, small-town, Black holiday romance about reclaiming your identity after losing it all.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2025
79 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
December 3, 2025
Joanna is a new to me author but when I saw the ARC post on Threads I was curious and decided to give her a try. This was a middle of the road book for me. Solid writing, moderate but good uses of spice, fun and different holiday activities, and solid characters as far as being able to connect with them. It was easy to read and enjoy but it didn’t wow me. Personally I found the romantic connection to be one sided for a bit to long and was frustrated with Krystal’s insistence that she wasn’t sure how Nic felt which seemed clear to me from the moment he started spending time with her. Also I’m not a fan of the use of the “I need to tell you something but keep getting interrupted” device, 1-2 times ok but after that it’s a buzz kill. Overall it definitely satisfied my holiday vibes expectation but missed on the romance, for reasons very specific to my likes and dislikes, so I found it to be a read I liked just not a read I loved.
November 27, 2025
ARC review. I absolutely loved the Naughty List! What a genius idea! I’m around a lot of family members during the holiday that like to glance at what I’m reading. Thanks to the Naughty List I knew what chapters to skip during family gatherings.
I never knew how much I loved a slow burn until I began reading from Joanna Kimber’s catalog. This was such a cute read, it tugged at my heart strings, and had the perfect amount of spice!
I never knew how much I loved a slow burn until I began reading from Joanna Kimber’s catalog. This was such a cute read, it tugged at my heart strings, and had the perfect amount of spice!
November 30, 2025
ARC REVIEW
How to Melt a Snowflake was such a tender, unexpected holiday romance. Nicholas and Krystal are total opposites, yet are connected. I loved how the author didn’t treat Christmas as a shiny backdrop, she used it to explore loss, healing, and the quiet ways people try to move forward.
The grumpy x sunshine dynamic is done beautifully: Nicholas carries hope even after tragedy, and Krystal is burnt-out from the holidays she once adored. Watching them thaw around each other was soft, messy, and heart-warming.
I did wish the pacing had stretched a few moments out more, especially as their connection deepened; some emotional beats hit fast. But the cozy retreat setting, relatable sadness, and the sparks between them still left me smiling, but I get it, it was a slow burn.
A comforting, Black holiday romance about reclaiming joy when you thought it was gone forever. Solid 4 stars!
How to Melt a Snowflake was such a tender, unexpected holiday romance. Nicholas and Krystal are total opposites, yet are connected. I loved how the author didn’t treat Christmas as a shiny backdrop, she used it to explore loss, healing, and the quiet ways people try to move forward.
The grumpy x sunshine dynamic is done beautifully: Nicholas carries hope even after tragedy, and Krystal is burnt-out from the holidays she once adored. Watching them thaw around each other was soft, messy, and heart-warming.
I did wish the pacing had stretched a few moments out more, especially as their connection deepened; some emotional beats hit fast. But the cozy retreat setting, relatable sadness, and the sparks between them still left me smiling, but I get it, it was a slow burn.
A comforting, Black holiday romance about reclaiming joy when you thought it was gone forever. Solid 4 stars!
November 30, 2025
ARC Review
A sweet and quick holiday read about Krystal and Nicholas, who meet at a Christmas retreat while dealing with their own holiday grief. Usually, with the grumpy/sunshine trope the girl is the cheerful one, but here, Krystal’s the grump and Nick’s the bright light she needs. I loved how they managed their feelings and found joy in a holiday they once loved. Their story shows that life goes on, even after tough times. Love is out there, and you deserve to open your heart to it.
A sweet and quick holiday read about Krystal and Nicholas, who meet at a Christmas retreat while dealing with their own holiday grief. Usually, with the grumpy/sunshine trope the girl is the cheerful one, but here, Krystal’s the grump and Nick’s the bright light she needs. I loved how they managed their feelings and found joy in a holiday they once loved. Their story shows that life goes on, even after tough times. Love is out there, and you deserve to open your heart to it.
November 26, 2025
Our principal characters are Krystal, a Pilates instructor, and Nick, a filmmaker. Both strangers arrive solo at a cozy couple’s retreat in a small-town bed-and-breakfast, each seeking a break from the negative memories that arise around the holidays. They share a quiet yearning for renewal, and their journey together unfolds in unexpected ways.
If you’re familiar with the author, then you know she sits on the milder side of heat. In this novel, she amplifies the chemistry and intensity, delivering more sexually charged scenes than her previous work. I love how the plot moves gently, driven by character growth and small, intimate moments rather than grand gestures.
If you’re in the mood for a holiday romance that balances heartache with hope, tender connection with steam, and a vivid sense of place, this is the perfect book.
If you’re familiar with the author, then you know she sits on the milder side of heat. In this novel, she amplifies the chemistry and intensity, delivering more sexually charged scenes than her previous work. I love how the plot moves gently, driven by character growth and small, intimate moments rather than grand gestures.
If you’re in the mood for a holiday romance that balances heartache with hope, tender connection with steam, and a vivid sense of place, this is the perfect book.
December 9, 2025
THIS WAS EVERYTHING!!!!
I’m usually not the biggest fan of the grumpy x sunshine trope, but this one was done sooooo goooodddd. Krystal and Nicholas were EVERYTHING.
I love when a book isn’t afraid to tackle real, heavy, necessary topics, especially surrounding the holidays. Because let’s be honest, while Christmas is full of love and joy, there’s also so much loss for so many people. This story didn’t shy away from any of it. Grief, child loss, heartbreak, this author handled it all with care, depth, and a realistic picture of what it looks like. This book showed not only how those things shape us internally, but how they impact our relationships.
This book took me everywhere, smiling, laughing, happy, and sad. Sometimes all at once. Even with all the pain these characters carried, they still found their way to hope, and to each other.
My first book by this author, but definitely not my last. I need her entire catalog ASAP.
I’m usually not the biggest fan of the grumpy x sunshine trope, but this one was done sooooo goooodddd. Krystal and Nicholas were EVERYTHING.
I love when a book isn’t afraid to tackle real, heavy, necessary topics, especially surrounding the holidays. Because let’s be honest, while Christmas is full of love and joy, there’s also so much loss for so many people. This story didn’t shy away from any of it. Grief, child loss, heartbreak, this author handled it all with care, depth, and a realistic picture of what it looks like. This book showed not only how those things shape us internally, but how they impact our relationships.
This book took me everywhere, smiling, laughing, happy, and sad. Sometimes all at once. Even with all the pain these characters carried, they still found their way to hope, and to each other.
My first book by this author, but definitely not my last. I need her entire catalog ASAP.
December 6, 2025
3.5
Really cute holiday read only reason it’s not higher is cus it started to drag in my opinion. I also felt like we deserved to know what that man and his sister wanted or at least a good curse out. Overall though it was very sweet two broken hearts coming together to find peace together.
Really cute holiday read only reason it’s not higher is cus it started to drag in my opinion. I also felt like we deserved to know what that man and his sister wanted or at least a good curse out. Overall though it was very sweet two broken hearts coming together to find peace together.
December 4, 2025
How to Melt a Snowflake was such a beautiful, heartwarming holiday romance that pulled me in from the very beginning. Joanna Kimber brings us back to the cozy small town of Crescent Bay, the same setting from The Fiancé Favor, and it felt like returning to a Hallmark movie come to life. The snowy streets, festive decorations, and warm community atmosphere created the perfect backdrop for a story centered on healing, second chances, and unexpected connection.
I really liked Krystal from the start. Yes, she has an anti-Christmas vibe, but for very understandable reasons, and her feelings about love and vulnerability were so relatable. I saw a bit of myself in her and found her easy to root for. Nick was just as compelling. A sexy photographer with a sunshine personality, carrying an unimaginable grief that was written with such tenderness and truth. As a parent, I can’t imagine such pain, and there were moments where I genuinely wanted to reach through the page and hug him. Despite everything he’s gone through, his attempts to still live a joyful life made him even more likable.
Their chemistry was both instant and a slow burn, which sounds contradictory, but it truly worked. The attraction was there immediately, but they took time to step into it emotionally, making their connection feel believable, grounded, and deeply felt. And when the sparks finally fly? Baby, they fly! The spice level was perfect, not too much, not out of place, and I appreciated that Joanna Kimber ncludes a note at the beginning for readers who want to skip or savor those scenes.
Emotionally, the book felt well balanced. It deals with grief on both sides, yet the tone remained warm throughout. One of the moments that hit home for me was Krystal’s conversation with a woman at the retreat who had found love again after a painful divorce. Her story was such an important reminder not to be so deep in your grief that you shut out the possibility of new love. That little moment felt like a personal “lightbulb moment” for me.
One of my favorite parts of the book was getting an update on Gayle and Jiraiya from The Fiancé Favor. They now run the bed-and-breakfast together, where the retreat takes place, and it was so special to see how far their “relationship of convenience” has come. Watching their love story blossom into a real marriage and seeing where they are now added so much warmth and continuity. Being back in Crescent Bay overall was just lovely. it’s the quintessential festive small town, full of charm and holiday spirit.
The pacing was right. The 12-day retreat worked naturally into the story, giving Krystal and Nick enough time to connect, grow, and slowly peel back their layers.
Overall, this was a cozy, emotional, spicy small-town Christmas romance that I absolutely loved. Five stars, easily, and one I’ll be recommending throughout the holiday season. I did receive an e-ARC of this book for review, but I also pre-ordered my own copy because I love supporting indie authors. I was genuinely impressed that the book automatically downloaded to my Kindle right at midnight on release day (December 1st) — such a smooth, seamless experience.
I really liked Krystal from the start. Yes, she has an anti-Christmas vibe, but for very understandable reasons, and her feelings about love and vulnerability were so relatable. I saw a bit of myself in her and found her easy to root for. Nick was just as compelling. A sexy photographer with a sunshine personality, carrying an unimaginable grief that was written with such tenderness and truth. As a parent, I can’t imagine such pain, and there were moments where I genuinely wanted to reach through the page and hug him. Despite everything he’s gone through, his attempts to still live a joyful life made him even more likable.
Their chemistry was both instant and a slow burn, which sounds contradictory, but it truly worked. The attraction was there immediately, but they took time to step into it emotionally, making their connection feel believable, grounded, and deeply felt. And when the sparks finally fly? Baby, they fly! The spice level was perfect, not too much, not out of place, and I appreciated that Joanna Kimber ncludes a note at the beginning for readers who want to skip or savor those scenes.
Emotionally, the book felt well balanced. It deals with grief on both sides, yet the tone remained warm throughout. One of the moments that hit home for me was Krystal’s conversation with a woman at the retreat who had found love again after a painful divorce. Her story was such an important reminder not to be so deep in your grief that you shut out the possibility of new love. That little moment felt like a personal “lightbulb moment” for me.
One of my favorite parts of the book was getting an update on Gayle and Jiraiya from The Fiancé Favor. They now run the bed-and-breakfast together, where the retreat takes place, and it was so special to see how far their “relationship of convenience” has come. Watching their love story blossom into a real marriage and seeing where they are now added so much warmth and continuity. Being back in Crescent Bay overall was just lovely. it’s the quintessential festive small town, full of charm and holiday spirit.
The pacing was right. The 12-day retreat worked naturally into the story, giving Krystal and Nick enough time to connect, grow, and slowly peel back their layers.
Overall, this was a cozy, emotional, spicy small-town Christmas romance that I absolutely loved. Five stars, easily, and one I’ll be recommending throughout the holiday season. I did receive an e-ARC of this book for review, but I also pre-ordered my own copy because I love supporting indie authors. I was genuinely impressed that the book automatically downloaded to my Kindle right at midnight on release day (December 1st) — such a smooth, seamless experience.
January 1, 2026
A must for the holidays
Christmas is Krystals favorite holiday but since breaking up with her ex a couple years ago it hasn’t been the same. They were the couple you wanted to be associated with during the holidays. There was always get togethers, gift exchanges, fun & jolly times. They were the perfect hosts. Now Christmas makes her irritable; an ice princess.
Her friend Rae gifts her a ticket to spend 12 days on a retreat to hopefully help her get her Christmas spirit back up and maybe meet another single in the process. The place is at a Bed and Breakfast cottage with picturesque views, straight out of a fairytale. So it’s perfect!
Nick- is a filmmaker who ends up on this retreat to celebrate his late son’s favorite holiday: Christmas. He doesn’t realize the first woman he sees will have him wanting to celebrate the holidays after just moving through the motions the last few years.
They connect it more ways than one. His desire with making it his mission to help Krystal remember why Christmas is her favorite holiday, just like he used to do with his son, propels him into a situation neither one of them seen coming.
Listen The banter started off with a banger. I loved their instant connection despite the close proximity trope (it definitely helped). However, there was an instant spark when they each noticed the other. Fate. 🥰
“Two grieving, broken individuals tangling themselves by the heart during a holiday that’s monumental to both of us”
Goodness this was such a cute read! A first from this author and I’ll most definitely be looking into her other books! This book will tug at your heart. SO perfect for the holiday season!
Christmas is Krystals favorite holiday but since breaking up with her ex a couple years ago it hasn’t been the same. They were the couple you wanted to be associated with during the holidays. There was always get togethers, gift exchanges, fun & jolly times. They were the perfect hosts. Now Christmas makes her irritable; an ice princess.
Her friend Rae gifts her a ticket to spend 12 days on a retreat to hopefully help her get her Christmas spirit back up and maybe meet another single in the process. The place is at a Bed and Breakfast cottage with picturesque views, straight out of a fairytale. So it’s perfect!
Nick- is a filmmaker who ends up on this retreat to celebrate his late son’s favorite holiday: Christmas. He doesn’t realize the first woman he sees will have him wanting to celebrate the holidays after just moving through the motions the last few years.
They connect it more ways than one. His desire with making it his mission to help Krystal remember why Christmas is her favorite holiday, just like he used to do with his son, propels him into a situation neither one of them seen coming.
Listen The banter started off with a banger. I loved their instant connection despite the close proximity trope (it definitely helped). However, there was an instant spark when they each noticed the other. Fate. 🥰
“Two grieving, broken individuals tangling themselves by the heart during a holiday that’s monumental to both of us”
Goodness this was such a cute read! A first from this author and I’ll most definitely be looking into her other books! This book will tug at your heart. SO perfect for the holiday season!
December 1, 2025
This book was the perfect way to kick off my holiday reading season. I’m genuinely so thankful I got to be part of the ARC team for this one, because it completely swept me up. The characters, the story, the setting everything was woven together so beautifully that it felt like sinking into a cozy Christmas movie that truly helps us reflect on what is the most important things in our life to be thankful for.How to Melt a Snowflake follows Nicholas Saint and Krystal Evergreen, two people carrying heavy grief into a holiday they both once adored. Nicholas is trying to survive a Christmas retreat in a small snowy town that reminds him of everything he’s lost, especially his late son. Krystal used to live for the holidays, but now even garland feels like too much. She’s been sent to a couples’ retreat alone, which just makes the ache of being by herself sharper at least until Nicholas shows up.Thrown together as the only two singles at a retreat designed for lovebirds, they slowly find comfort, warmth, and even a bit of magic in each other. Their twelve days together become something unexpected a chance to stop drowning in the past and make room for a future that still matters. It’s messy, emotional, spicy, and full of that Black holiday magic and small town charm that makes the romance feel real/healing.The author is so sweet, and I’m honestly so excited to have been introduced to her work through this book. I’ll definitely be checking out her other stories and you should too. 🥹💖
December 1, 2025
This book is the perfect cozy winter read. It introduces you to Nick and Krystal, two people who are struggling to cope with and heal from grief. They find themselves as the only singles at a couples' Christmas retreat in a small coastal town. We are BACK in Crescent Bay baby!
This book is on the shorter side but absolutely filled with romance, spice, humor, heartbreak and healing. The feelings it explores of learning to trust someone after a devastating loss and being abandoned is so potent and beautifully written. I especially loved seeing Jiraiya extend the same comfort and safe space to be vulnerable, break and feel to Nick that he did for Gayle in their book (The Fiance Favor).
“I want you to make me forget.”
“I don’t want to make you forget, Krystal. I want you to remember exactly who you are and exactly what you deserve.”
“You don’t know me, Nick,” she whispers, unable to conceal the uncertainty in her voice.
“I don’t need to know you, Krystal. I just know how I feel when I’m around you. I know I miss you when you’re not around,” I confess.
This book is on the shorter side but absolutely filled with romance, spice, humor, heartbreak and healing. The feelings it explores of learning to trust someone after a devastating loss and being abandoned is so potent and beautifully written. I especially loved seeing Jiraiya extend the same comfort and safe space to be vulnerable, break and feel to Nick that he did for Gayle in their book (The Fiance Favor).
“I want you to make me forget.”
“I don’t want to make you forget, Krystal. I want you to remember exactly who you are and exactly what you deserve.”
“You don’t know me, Nick,” she whispers, unable to conceal the uncertainty in her voice.
“I don’t need to know you, Krystal. I just know how I feel when I’m around you. I know I miss you when you’re not around,” I confess.
December 7, 2025
This was a great holiday story about learning to reclaim joy & discovering your identity after loss. Nick was smitten from day 1, and made it his sole mission to help Krystal rediscover her love for Christmas amidst dealing with his own grief. Krystal was the grinch in a blond bust down but for good reason. But over time she realized she didn’t have to stay in her pain & worked to get back to herself. They had great chemistry & I enjoyed them as a couple. I loved all of the activities and the tender and heartfelt moments that helped to build their quick but intense love. However, I didn’t like that they both lived in their heads so much about the status of the relationship (due to fear of rejection) instead of just being 100% transparent about what they wanted. “Maybe they don’t want this like I do…” um talk it out? lol. Either way, this was cute.
December 18, 2025
super loved this!!
December 24, 2025
Another cute holiday read. I really enjoy these!
December 1, 2025
3.75 stars
"Grief is this unique kind of pain that leaves holes in your soul, and you never know when the wind of a memory will blow through you - when the echo of the one you lost will whistle."
I enjoyed this novella, it was giving me all the Christmas feels. This story of grief and loss, heartbreak, but also of finding self, of finding joy within the grief. I loved Nick and Khystal's journey.
"Grief is this unique kind of pain that leaves holes in your soul, and you never know when the wind of a memory will blow through you - when the echo of the one you lost will whistle."
I enjoyed this novella, it was giving me all the Christmas feels. This story of grief and loss, heartbreak, but also of finding self, of finding joy within the grief. I loved Nick and Khystal's journey.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2026
I really wanted to love this book but somehow it felt dragged.
December 10, 2025
I am GIDDYYYYY! This book was so amazingly adorable. Navigating some strong themes of loss, betrayal, and grief, this romance gives you exactly what you need to fill your Christmas cup. I loved watching the real chemistry build through this not so slow burn. I love the doubt each character experienced when they fell head over heels for each other in 12 days time. I love that they threw that doubt OUT THE WINDOW to get BUSSSYYY! The spice was yummmmmyyyyyy. Classy and nasty, just like I like it! That video camera scene??? BABY I WAS SAT! On a more serious note - Christmas is and has always been my favorite holiday/time of year. These characters searching for their Christmas spirit really resonated for me. If i understand the timeline correctly, The day of remembrance for the MMCs son is my birthday (12/23). My birthday is also the day I found out my then 3 year old had type one diabetes. I learned this in a traumatic way and every year my body remembers that trauma. I went through something that shook my Christmas spirit, and residual trauma reminds me every December to be kind to myself. The author shared a story for both the FMC and MMC that mimicked that experience, and it was healing for me. I cried tears of content, of gratitude, of pure relief as I worked through my own stuff while watching these characters figure out theirs. If you need something to read this holiday season, DO NOT HESITATE! How To Melt A Snowflake is a perfect read.
December 1, 2025
How To Melt a Snowflake
Joanna Kimber
Have you ever tried to out run grief? How far did you get? Krystal and Nicholas both aren’t strangers to deep internal pain.
Krystal’s holiday spirit has been stolen from her. It’s now a constant reminder of who she forced herself to be, on the promise of a possibility. This holiday season she finds a way back to herself as Nicholas bears witness. For too long hurt and doubt has blinded her. In this moment, it looks like all the turmoil she’s gone through has been a blessing in disguise.
Nicholas’ plight is different. Nothing can prepare you for the loss of a child. The bereavement process is boundless. Beyond his devastation, he’s able to carry on. He doesn’t just carry on, but he acknowledges the depths of his despair without letting it consume him in totality. His emotional intelligence gives him the wherewithal to be there for Krystal in a way that’s profoundly useful.
Kimber’s ability to capture the spontaneity of something special is relentless in this book. She provides an actual glimpse into what it really means to live in the moment. Krystal and Nicholas are able to reveal the rawness of their wounds.
The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is to embody empathy. Not in a way that’s codependent, but in a way that provides a path to freedom.
#readandtellwithshantel #Joannakimber #Howtomeltasnowflake #ARC
Joanna Kimber
Have you ever tried to out run grief? How far did you get? Krystal and Nicholas both aren’t strangers to deep internal pain.
Krystal’s holiday spirit has been stolen from her. It’s now a constant reminder of who she forced herself to be, on the promise of a possibility. This holiday season she finds a way back to herself as Nicholas bears witness. For too long hurt and doubt has blinded her. In this moment, it looks like all the turmoil she’s gone through has been a blessing in disguise.
Nicholas’ plight is different. Nothing can prepare you for the loss of a child. The bereavement process is boundless. Beyond his devastation, he’s able to carry on. He doesn’t just carry on, but he acknowledges the depths of his despair without letting it consume him in totality. His emotional intelligence gives him the wherewithal to be there for Krystal in a way that’s profoundly useful.
Kimber’s ability to capture the spontaneity of something special is relentless in this book. She provides an actual glimpse into what it really means to live in the moment. Krystal and Nicholas are able to reveal the rawness of their wounds.
The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is to embody empathy. Not in a way that’s codependent, but in a way that provides a path to freedom.
#readandtellwithshantel #Joannakimber #Howtomeltasnowflake #ARC
December 17, 2025
4 Stars!!! UGH. I loved this story so so so much ♥️ the romance, the character development, the healing, the cozy christmas setting 😍 a cozy romantic getaway with all the christmas vibes and im hereeeee for it!
this was my first book by Joanna and I will definitely be picking up more! I love her writing!
I loved these two characters in this book. its the perfect balance of romance, christmas, spice, humor, and depth. we get to see both characters battle their own obstacles while also navigating this spark between them two.
both characters experienced things in life that tainted their christmas joy and took away pieces of themselves that they never thought they'd get back(and Krystal being a bit more stubborn than nick lol).
like I said Krystal is a bit stubborn, a little jaded, and feels a little lost after her experience. the MMC and this trip has her missing pieces of herself and christmas and wondering if her desire for love and christmas are still possible.
nick...this mannnn lol I just love the way he interacts with, speaks to, thinks of, loves on the fmc. i love that he was direct but also gave the fmc space to feel safe with him. I love these two. Definitely recommend!
this was my first book by Joanna and I will definitely be picking up more! I love her writing!
I loved these two characters in this book. its the perfect balance of romance, christmas, spice, humor, and depth. we get to see both characters battle their own obstacles while also navigating this spark between them two.
both characters experienced things in life that tainted their christmas joy and took away pieces of themselves that they never thought they'd get back(and Krystal being a bit more stubborn than nick lol).
like I said Krystal is a bit stubborn, a little jaded, and feels a little lost after her experience. the MMC and this trip has her missing pieces of herself and christmas and wondering if her desire for love and christmas are still possible.
nick...this mannnn lol I just love the way he interacts with, speaks to, thinks of, loves on the fmc. i love that he was direct but also gave the fmc space to feel safe with him. I love these two. Definitely recommend!
December 6, 2025
I had to keep starting and stopping this book and even contemplated doing a soft DNF! But I kept going…being a parent to a child that passed away around Christmas time I definitely understood Nick’s point of view and found myself crying at times!
Ummm I’m not going to lie Krystal irritated me quite a bit in this book! Not saying her situation wasn’t important but to equate her situation to child loss was bothersome and at times a bit insensitive to me! But I could be bias due to my own personal situation!
Also, the ex-boyfriend was blowing her up and his sister but she blocked them and never found out what was going on?!? But it had her shook to her core, ummmm maybe you should heal before moving forward with anyone!
I liked the chemistry of the two main characters, but I disliked the ending! I felt like the book ran out of steam, or the build up was good but was lack luster once the ending came. This is a new to me author so I would definitely read another book by her and encourage others to try this holiday read out. But it was a liked book for me and not a loved book!
Ummm I’m not going to lie Krystal irritated me quite a bit in this book! Not saying her situation wasn’t important but to equate her situation to child loss was bothersome and at times a bit insensitive to me! But I could be bias due to my own personal situation!
Also, the ex-boyfriend was blowing her up and his sister but she blocked them and never found out what was going on?!? But it had her shook to her core, ummmm maybe you should heal before moving forward with anyone!
I liked the chemistry of the two main characters, but I disliked the ending! I felt like the book ran out of steam, or the build up was good but was lack luster once the ending came. This is a new to me author so I would definitely read another book by her and encourage others to try this holiday read out. But it was a liked book for me and not a loved book!
November 30, 2025
ARC Review
How to Melt a Snowflake is a heartfelt holiday romance that balances festive charm with genuine emotional depth.
Nicholas and Krystal meet during a twelve-day Christmas retreat, both reluctantly participating and both dealing with painful pasts. Their chemistry develops slowly and naturally as they navigate trust, vulnerability, and the shadows of their losses.
The small-town holiday setting is beautifully described and adds a comforting backdrop to the characters’ emotional journeys. While the story has plenty of cozy Christmas atmosphere, it never shies away from the real issues both characters face, which gives the romance a refreshing layer of sincerity.
If you enjoy second-chance love stories, grumpy-meets-sunshine dynamics, or holiday romances with more emotional substance than fluff, this is a wonderful read. A touching, tender story about allowing hope back in even when it feels impossible.
How to Melt a Snowflake is a heartfelt holiday romance that balances festive charm with genuine emotional depth.
Nicholas and Krystal meet during a twelve-day Christmas retreat, both reluctantly participating and both dealing with painful pasts. Their chemistry develops slowly and naturally as they navigate trust, vulnerability, and the shadows of their losses.
The small-town holiday setting is beautifully described and adds a comforting backdrop to the characters’ emotional journeys. While the story has plenty of cozy Christmas atmosphere, it never shies away from the real issues both characters face, which gives the romance a refreshing layer of sincerity.
If you enjoy second-chance love stories, grumpy-meets-sunshine dynamics, or holiday romances with more emotional substance than fluff, this is a wonderful read. A touching, tender story about allowing hope back in even when it feels impossible.
November 23, 2025
How to Melt a Snowflake was such a good read and Joanna Kimber has captured a story of love, grief, heartache, and happiness wrapped up in a bow. Krystal and Nicholas story is one that shows that life continues on even after the toughest parts of your life. Love can be found and you can open your heart to be loved because you deserve love.
I think I have almost read all of Joanna Kimber’s work and how she weaved Crescent Bay and the characters in was just magical. Plus, she has written some of the best book boyfriends because whew! This story does deal with grief and for someone dealing with my own grief, it really hit home. This was such a beautiful story from start to finish. Definitely add this to your holiday TBR. I cannot wait for my signed copy to come.
I received an ARC from Kimberland in exchange for an honest review.
I think I have almost read all of Joanna Kimber’s work and how she weaved Crescent Bay and the characters in was just magical. Plus, she has written some of the best book boyfriends because whew! This story does deal with grief and for someone dealing with my own grief, it really hit home. This was such a beautiful story from start to finish. Definitely add this to your holiday TBR. I cannot wait for my signed copy to come.
I received an ARC from Kimberland in exchange for an honest review.
December 2, 2025
Thank you, Joanna, for the Advance Reader's Copy of this book!
I really enjoyed How to Melt A Snowflake. This story follows Nicholas and Krystal as they attempt to rebuild their lives after experiencing devastating heartbreaks. Nicholas is a fixer and a ray of sunshine, and Krystal is determined and grumpy. They end up on a vacation that's designed for couples, as the only single people attending. This is where our story begins.
Seeing Krystal's growth was beautiful. I loved how Joanna allowed Krystal to be strong, determined, yet soft and delicate, which struck the perfect balance of character. Once Krystal made up her mind that she was not going back, she stuck to her guns. That made me very proud of her. In the end, seeing her have the life she deserved made my heart smile.
Nicholas was an amazing man. Despite his heartbreak, he still found it necessary to spread joy in whatever way he could. I loved seeing him be cared for properly, and I also loved seeing him try again. He wasn't afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve at times, and even when he was scared, he still showed up. Joanna did an amazing job capturing his pain as well as his easy-going spirit and joy.
What I loved the most about this book is that neither character gave up when they had every right to. They both needed a catalyst to help them get to the other side of their pain, and they found it in each other. This book addresses some weighty issues. However, Joanna wrote this book in a way that you felt the pain of each character, but the heaviness didn't weigh the book down. Not many authors can do that.
I truly enjoyed this book, and I can't wait to read more from Joanna.
I really enjoyed How to Melt A Snowflake. This story follows Nicholas and Krystal as they attempt to rebuild their lives after experiencing devastating heartbreaks. Nicholas is a fixer and a ray of sunshine, and Krystal is determined and grumpy. They end up on a vacation that's designed for couples, as the only single people attending. This is where our story begins.
Seeing Krystal's growth was beautiful. I loved how Joanna allowed Krystal to be strong, determined, yet soft and delicate, which struck the perfect balance of character. Once Krystal made up her mind that she was not going back, she stuck to her guns. That made me very proud of her. In the end, seeing her have the life she deserved made my heart smile.
Nicholas was an amazing man. Despite his heartbreak, he still found it necessary to spread joy in whatever way he could. I loved seeing him be cared for properly, and I also loved seeing him try again. He wasn't afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve at times, and even when he was scared, he still showed up. Joanna did an amazing job capturing his pain as well as his easy-going spirit and joy.
What I loved the most about this book is that neither character gave up when they had every right to. They both needed a catalyst to help them get to the other side of their pain, and they found it in each other. This book addresses some weighty issues. However, Joanna wrote this book in a way that you felt the pain of each character, but the heaviness didn't weigh the book down. Not many authors can do that.
I truly enjoyed this book, and I can't wait to read more from Joanna.
November 22, 2025
This Christmas themed book is about two people who are stuck in different types of loss. One is not only mourning the death of their child but the sudden dissolution of their marriage afterwards. The other was a lover of the holiday season until their ten year relationship suddenly goes up in smoke on Christmas Eve. The two meet at a week long retreat that is ideally for couples. What could possibly go wrong or soooo right when "grumpy sunshine meets a shutterbug".
Nick & Krystal are the only single guests at this retreat. Can they block & move out/on from the noise of their pasts to see the love in front of them? Find out when you grab this book. It is sooo good. Spicy with moments of heartbreak from their emotional past lives. I loved this book. It was just that good.
Nick & Krystal are the only single guests at this retreat. Can they block & move out/on from the noise of their pasts to see the love in front of them? Find out when you grab this book. It is sooo good. Spicy with moments of heartbreak from their emotional past lives. I loved this book. It was just that good.
December 4, 2025
4.25⭐️
First book by Joanna Kimber and definitely will not be my last.
How to Melt a Snowflake follows Krystal and Nicholas who have had Christmas overshadowed by events of the past that have left one grieving and the other a bit bitter. Both met at Christmas retreat and it turns out to be a very healing experience, one that they were both in need of.
I was cheesing hard for almost the entire book and when I wasn’t I was teary eyed. How to Melt a Snowflake was beautifully written and there’s nothing else I could ask for. Loved the friendship dynamic that was introduced at the beginning and the sense of community that followed throughout the book. Perfect Christmas read to kick off your holiday season.
First book by Joanna Kimber and definitely will not be my last.
How to Melt a Snowflake follows Krystal and Nicholas who have had Christmas overshadowed by events of the past that have left one grieving and the other a bit bitter. Both met at Christmas retreat and it turns out to be a very healing experience, one that they were both in need of.
I was cheesing hard for almost the entire book and when I wasn’t I was teary eyed. How to Melt a Snowflake was beautifully written and there’s nothing else I could ask for. Loved the friendship dynamic that was introduced at the beginning and the sense of community that followed throughout the book. Perfect Christmas read to kick off your holiday season.
December 5, 2025
ARC Review:
I just finished this ARC of How to Melt a Snowflake, and honestly, it was such a cute, cozy read. It starts off pretty soft and slow, but once the characters start opening up to each other, I was totally invested. The banter, the winter vibes, the little moments..they all worked really well together!
I loved how the relationship builds naturally without feeling forced. It gave me all the warm, fuzzy feelings I wanted from a winter romance. By the end, I was fully rooting for them and didn’t want it to be over.
If you’re into sweet, slightly slow-burn romances with cozy atmosphere, this one is definitely worth picking up. Super charming and an easy, enjoyable read! 5 stars for me !!
I just finished this ARC of How to Melt a Snowflake, and honestly, it was such a cute, cozy read. It starts off pretty soft and slow, but once the characters start opening up to each other, I was totally invested. The banter, the winter vibes, the little moments..they all worked really well together!
I loved how the relationship builds naturally without feeling forced. It gave me all the warm, fuzzy feelings I wanted from a winter romance. By the end, I was fully rooting for them and didn’t want it to be over.
If you’re into sweet, slightly slow-burn romances with cozy atmosphere, this one is definitely worth picking up. Super charming and an easy, enjoyable read! 5 stars for me !!
December 10, 2025
Grab your mug of hot cocoa, your favorite blanket and cozy up to this steamy Christmas read! Although this was lighthearted, funny and spicy it dealt with grief, in particular loss of a child. This was a different take on the grumpy/sunshine trope and I really enjoyed it. There were also so many quotable moments that I loved highlighting while reading. Mr. Nicholas Saint had my whole heart! So charming, so sweet! With all seriousness I need a friend like Rae! What a gift! Honestly I was sad to see the story come to an end and I would really love to see another book with these two as a follow up! It was a pleasure to be a part of your ARC Team and review your book, I look forward to reading more of your books!
December 14, 2025
Thank you Joanna for the ARC of this book!
Nick and Krystal meet at a Christmas couples retreat in Crescent Bay as they are both the only single ones there. They both are looking to escape and find the magic in Christmas again after it’s been ruined for both of them by personal life events. This book was so cozy and absolutely Christmas! I want to go to the Emerson’s B&B and do this Christmas retreat 😂 While being the only single ones there Nick and Krystal get aquatinted with one another and decide to help eachother find the magic of Christmas again. I loved everything about this book! Loved that for once the woman was the ‘grumpy’ in the grump x sunshine trope. Loved how vulnerable Nick was as a man with his grief. Zero notes
Nick and Krystal meet at a Christmas couples retreat in Crescent Bay as they are both the only single ones there. They both are looking to escape and find the magic in Christmas again after it’s been ruined for both of them by personal life events. This book was so cozy and absolutely Christmas! I want to go to the Emerson’s B&B and do this Christmas retreat 😂 While being the only single ones there Nick and Krystal get aquatinted with one another and decide to help eachother find the magic of Christmas again. I loved everything about this book! Loved that for once the woman was the ‘grumpy’ in the grump x sunshine trope. Loved how vulnerable Nick was as a man with his grief. Zero notes
December 23, 2025
A light holiday romance with cozy moments
How to Melt a Snowflake has a really cute premise and checks a lot of boxes I usually enjoy—grumpy x sunshine, small-town charm, and cozy holiday vibes. The setup was promising, and I liked the overall idea of the story.
That said, the execution didn’t fully work for me. The pacing felt a bit uneven, and I found it hard to really connect with the characters on a deeper level. Some moments felt rushed, while others dragged longer than needed, which took me out of the story at times.
Overall, it wasn’t a bad read, just not one that fully held my attention or left a lasting impression. I think readers who love light, low-stakes holiday romances may still enjoy it, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me personally.
How to Melt a Snowflake has a really cute premise and checks a lot of boxes I usually enjoy—grumpy x sunshine, small-town charm, and cozy holiday vibes. The setup was promising, and I liked the overall idea of the story.
That said, the execution didn’t fully work for me. The pacing felt a bit uneven, and I found it hard to really connect with the characters on a deeper level. Some moments felt rushed, while others dragged longer than needed, which took me out of the story at times.
Overall, it wasn’t a bad read, just not one that fully held my attention or left a lasting impression. I think readers who love light, low-stakes holiday romances may still enjoy it, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me personally.
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