Snow Place Like Home

Home Sweet Holidays

by Laura Pavlov

After a devastating breakup, a sunny veterinarian goes home to the mountains to lick her wounds—and savor a holiday snack—in this heartfelt story from Laura Pavlov, author of the Blushing series.

At her brother’s wedding, Goldie Jacobs brushes shoulders with Ace Bonetti, his childhood best friend turned Hollywood hotshot. Ace has been crushing on Goldie ever since high school, and seeing her again reminds him exactly why. They spend one toe-curling night together, then part ways, expecting nothing more. But when those moments under the mistletoe felt so right, how can they ever let each other go?

Laura Pavlov’s Snow Place Like Home is part of Home Sweet Holidays, a cookie-sweet collection of holiday romances sure to bring color to your cheeks. Read or listen to each story in a single heart-fluttering sitting. And to fully immerse yourself in the charm of the season, don’t miss a special message from each of our holiday heroes!

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Audiobook, Holiday, Novella, Friends To Lovers, Short Stories

57 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 20, 2025

About the author

Laura Pavlov is a USA Today and Amazon top 10 Bestselling author. She writes sweet and sexy small town romance that will make you both laugh and cry. Laura is happily married to her college sweetheart, mom to two awesome kids who are currently adulting, one temperamental yorkie and one wild bernedoodle. She's living her own happily ever after in Las Vegas. Be sure to sign up for updates on new releases. Laura loves hearing from readers!

Instagram➡️https://bit.ly/2TKf5Zs
Pav-Loves Readers ➡️ https://bit.ly/2OKU6T5
Newsletter ➡️ https://bit.ly/2M3MzRv
Facebook➡️http://bit.ly/3eSvEdp
Goodreads ➡️ https://bit.ly/31sh2Oz
BookBub➡️http://bit.ly/3ii8Vdp
Amazon➡️http://amzn.to/3c1xKZX
Website➡️https://www.laurapavlov.com/

Reviews

[rei ‧₊˚✩彡 · Rating 1 out of 5]

╰┈➤ 1 star!

please don’t use pining-for-each-other-since-childhood if there won’t be an appropriate amount of flashbacks for us to actually feel the pining 🫥

・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・

pre-read:

christmas book #6!! i really need short stories to reach 100 books lol so if you have more recommendations, feel free to comment it. also, i haven’t read the best reviews about this book so i’m going in without any expectations!

[Lexi (updating reviews) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This novella felt a little childish to me — whether because of certain word choices (“gettin’ Grinchy,” “morning wood,” roaring or erupting laughter, and random Krispy Kreme mentions), the underdeveloped romance, the high-school-level dialogue, or the humor that tried just a bit too hard 🎄❄️💭

📖 Book: Snow Place Like Home
🖋️ Author: Laura Pavlov
🌟 Rating: 1.5 ✧
💖 Genre: Contemporary Christmas romance 🎄☕
📚 Series: Home Sweet Holidays (interconnected standalone novellas)
🌸 Summary: Goldie Sunshine (yes, really) is a relentlessly sunny veterinarian who comes home for Christmas after a big breakup, just in time for her brother’s wedding. As maid of honor, she reunites with Ace — her brother’s childhood best friend, the man of honor, and the boy she’s had a crush on forever. But when Ace admits those feelings were mutual, the holiday magic is supposed to spark something more… ❄️🎁💖

♡ What I loved most:
• The holiday atmosphere: the festive, family-filled, cozy Christmas vibes were genuinely enjoyable — and, truthfully, the strongest part of this novella 🎄

✘ What I didn’t love:
• Everything felt out of context: I think the extremely short length worked against it, because I felt very distanced from the story and had a hard time getting invested 📖
• The humor tried too hard: some moments leaned into over-the-top scenarios purely for comedy, and instead of being funny, it just felt forced 😬

“‘Let’s just say that we don’t need to be ‘Gettin’ Grinchy wit It.’’ She chuckled.”

• The lack of chemistry: the relationship felt about 95% friendship and maybe 5% romance 🫣 and I’m the kind of girl who needs more

“‘You can’t walk to the hotel in this weather. It’s not safe,’ I insisted.
‘What if I just crash on your couch.’ This sexy-as-sin grin spread across his face.
‘You won’t fit on my couch, you’re far too tall.’”

*insert mega eye-roll* 🙄
• Way too many names: for a 50-page novella, this book had absolutely no business having 20+ named characters 🫠
• The brow fixation: brows wagging, brows raising, brows arching, brows cinching — it genuinely felt like the characters’ entire emotional range lived in their eyebrows 🤨
• The Grinch suit: is a furry green Grinch costume… supposed to be attractive? Because I was confused the entire time 🧌

───♡─────────────

୨ৎ Overall:
This novella felt a little childish to me — whether because of certain word choices (“gettin’ Grinchy,” “morning wood,” roaring or erupting laughter, and random Krispy Kreme mentions), the underdeveloped romance, the high-school-level dialogue, or the humor that tried just a bit too hard.
It took me three days to finish these 50 pages, which honestly says enough.
That said, it did make me pause and wonder if it’s the book… or if it’s just me. Has dark romance permanently altered my brain chemistry? Am I simply too far gone? 🫣
Still, I’ll give the rest of the series a chance — because I love Christmas, and these novellas are short enough to tempt me back 🎄

xoxo, until the next book ❄️💋🎁

「Home Sweet Holidays」
#1 Snow Place Like Home — 1.5 ✧
#2 Merry and Bright — CR
#3 Al Wrapped Up in You — TBR
#4 You Better Not Pout — TBR

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

A super cute, yet super short holiday read. I loved the Christmas themed wedding and brother's best friend troupe. I only wish we got more!

[Mira · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is my least favorite novella in the collection. It was the first thing I read by Laura Pavlov, but I’m not sure I feel like reading her other works now. It felt flat — I understand that it’s hard to write a deep and meaningful story in such a short number of pages, but some authors in the same collection managed to do it. And am I the only one who thinks that using the names of famous people for the dogs in the book is, to say the least, a bit off?

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[naz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well… this was something lol. I finished it and was like, “that’s it?” Not that I need smut in every book, but… we only got two kisses, then a “yes, let’s start dating,” and THEN THE END?

I think it was cute, but so short. Another three chapters would’ve been perfect to close out the story and make it feel more complete.

⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
➳ 𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅ a short christmas audiobook for the goodreads challenge 😉

[Alya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughts
Where can I find a real life Ace??? -- ACE CUSTOMISED A WHOLE SNOW GLOBE FOR HER??🥹🥹🥹 they're so cute!!enjoyed this short read/listen on KU that gets you in the christmas mood.

Read if you enjoy
▪︎ Small town
▪︎ Brother's best friend romance
▪︎ Wedding on Christmas day vibes

NB: I don't know the exact order of this series, but I'm reading them according to my kindle

Plot Summary
After a painful breakup, Goldie returns to her mountain hometown for some holiday healing and family time. At her brother’s wedding she crosses paths with Ace, his old best friend who’s now a successful Hollywood actor—and who’s secretly loved her for years. One unforgettable night together proves their chemistry is real, but they leave assuming it was a one-off. Yet those sparks don’t fade, and they both have to decide whether that magical moment under the mistletoe was just holiday nostalgia…or the start of something lasting.

My Bookstagram

[zeinab ⟢ [semi-ia] · Rating 1 out of 5]

…is chemistry in the room with us? because these characters had absolutely none.




──── ୨୧ ────

⋆ 𐙚 ̊pre-read:
i know better than to start a full length novel that will end up rotting in my cr shelf so i’m going to try christmas novellas this year!!


——— ⟢ christmas read #1

[myo ⋆｡˚ ❀ * · Rating 2 out of 5]

dual pov. strike one.
famous people. strike two.
naming dogs after celebs. strike three.

why did i read this if i know i don’t care for books about famous people? because this had other tropes i do enjoy and i hoped the other parts would make up for it but unfortunately they did not. everything in this book happened so fast and i understand the author didn’t have a high page count to work with but it just made it so bland.

[Laura Pavlov]

Available now!

Snow Place Like Home
Amazon: https://geni.us/HSHSPLH
Audible: https://bit.ly/43warSA

Narrated by: Sean Masters and Abigail Reno

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/43AN4HE

Home Sweet Holidays Collection
Amazon: https://bit.ly/48py6G7
Audible: https://bit.ly/4oKUgtd

[Anila · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think it was too short to be meaningful in any sort of way…

[chantalsbookstuff · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 🌟

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Goldie goes back home after a breakup to attend her brother’s wedding on Christmas Day and meets his best friend, also her childhood crush, Ace.

The story comes from their first-person POVs.

Well, you can guess the rest, right? This is a sweet little story with almost zero conflict or drama. There’s a festive vibe, confessions, snow, and a cute love story. Nothing much to say except that the FMC’s parents sure made their mark (lol)!

[Kelsey S · Rating 3 out of 5]

▹TL;DR Review: A festive short story about falling in love with your brother’s best friend during the holidays. A bit unrefined compared to the others in the series.

▹My ⭐ Rating: ★★.5 out of 5
▹Format: 📱 eReader
Thank you NetGalley, Amazon Original Stories and Laura Pavlov for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. This comes out November 20.
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○★○ What to Expect from This Book: ○★○

– About: After a tough breakup, veterinarian Goldie Jacobs heads home to her mountain town for her brother’s wedding—only to reunite with Ace Bonetti, her brother’s best friend and a Hollywood star. One snowy night reignites old sparks and a chance at something real.
– FMC: Goldie Sunshine Jacobs (aka “Sunny”). Recently single veterinarian. Dreads being asked about her cheating ex at her brother’s wedding festivities. Has had a crush on her brother’s best friend since they were kids.
– MMC: Ace Bonetti. Childhood best friend of Goldie’s brother; was a prom king in high school, then a college football star, and is now a Hollywood success (because of course he is). Wants to return to his roots.
– Location: Fictional small town
– POV: Dual first-person
– Spice: Low spice, but open-door heavy make-out session. Has innuendo
– Tropes: brother’s best friend, it’s always been you, small town romance, friends to lovers, longtime crushes, she’s a veterinarian, he’s a Hollywood star, she’s the maid of honor/he’s the best man, down bad MMC
– Content warning: cheating ex (discussed)
– Representation: nothing noteworthy

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↻ ◁ || ▷ ↺ 1:00 ──ㅇ────── 4:12

Now Playing: Let It Snow by Dean Martin

╰┈➤ ❝my dear, we're still goodbying; But as long as you'd love me so; Let it snow, let it snow and snow❞

─────────────────────────

★○ If You Like the Following, You Might Like This Book ○★

➼ Hallmark-esque movies, specifically featuring friends to lovers

─────────────────────────

⍟»This or That«⍟

Character Driven————✧———————Plot Driven
Fast Burn——————✧—————Slow Burn
Sweet——✧—————————Spicy
Light/Fluffy———✧————————Heavy/Emotional

─────────────────────────

🎯 My Thoughts:

This is my first Laura Pavlov read. I really enjoyed the premise of this story. It has all the makings of a cozy, Hallmark-style holiday romance. A holiday wedding (the FMC’s brother), a healing FMC, an all-star MMC who’s down bad, being kind of snowed in, family holiday traditions.

Where this one lacked for me was the execution. I’m not sure if it was that so much was packed in these 57 pages—but honestly, it didn’t feel like too much. However, it felt so rushed. These two have played coy for years and in the manner of one snowy night fall for each other. Thank goodness these two characters have known each other for years because the rate in which the romance progresses was alarmingly fast.

I understand that this is a short story and cannot imagine the limitations one has to write a meaningful romance in that span, but it just missed the mark for me. It was a bit to saccharine for my tastes.

Also, her brother getting married on Christmas Day? The audacity. Who does that? (But okay, I admit—a holiday wedding does sound dreamy.)

[* A Reader Obsessed * · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

Nothing egregious but very simplistic.

*Falling for your brother’s best friend
*Friends to lovers, both are finally single
*Past secret pining on both sides
*Veterinarian FMC
*Ex football player, now actor MMC
*Kissing only

Easy quickie featuring a Christmas Eve costume party with said brother’s wedding on Christmas Day. Perfect timing to reveal their feelings and see where things go.

[paula ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 ⭐

It felt rushed, and I didn't feel much connection between the characters, but it was still a quick and enjoyable read.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

She's called Goldie Sunshine..... It's a no from me.

Also the writing is all over the place, with too much exposition and clunky.

[Christi (christireadsalot) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Snow Place Like Home is a short holiday romance novella part of an Amazon Originals multi author, Home Sweet Holidays collection. This is a brother’s best friend, small town, mutual pining, holiday romance.

Goldie has crushed on Ace for years. They grew up together in the same small town, he has been her brother’s best friend since childhood, and he’s only gotten better with age (from the football star to an actor). Now it’s Christmas time and her brother is getting married on Christmas day, which means Ace will definitely be home too.

This was cute, super fast-paced, just a make out session on page. Mutual pining which is always fun to see play out. But definitely a bite-size that didn’t give too much at the same time. It was fine, not a favorite, but I love this author overall and her full-length ones are just so good.

I received an ARC, all thoughts in this review are my own.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun holiday novella. I was left wanting a little more from the plot line though. I’m a firm believer that even short stories have the potential to hold a five star punch but this one felt average. A cute read, nonetheless.

[♡Naz♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute. Funny and Festive. ❤️🫶

[Ruth♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Estuvo bien.

También se me hizo un poco meeh, la historia es linda pero los protagonistas no me movieron nada, no sentí nada con ellos.

[ya.vl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Яка миленька новелка😍

[Inna ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Мила різдвяна історія 🥰
4 ⭐

[Sandra Castro · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a small-town, holiday romance wrapped in snow, nostalgia, and second-chance feelings. The story centers on returning home for Christmas, old wounds resurfacing, and a romance that’s clearly unfinished business. The setup is comforting and familiar, leaning heavily into cozy winter vibes and emotional reconnection.

As the story unfolds, the romance develops gently through shared memories, quiet moments, and the pull of what once was. There’s warmth in the setting and sincerity in the emotions, especially around family and belonging. That said, the plot follows a very predictable path. The conflicts are mild, the stakes stay low, and the emotional tension never quite reaches a point that feels deeply gripping.

The characters are likable and well-intentioned, but their growth feels a bit rushed, and some moments that should hit harder pass by too easily. It’s heartfelt, just not particularly surprising.

Overall, "Snow Place Like Home" is a cozy, feel-good winter read that delivers comfort rather than intensity.

[magui · Rating 3 out of 5]

cortito y bonito ♡

[Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, but super short.

[Celeste Velocci (bookrecs_by_celeste) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really cute and just what I needed for a holiday romance listen on audio

[Leah · Rating 2 out of 5]

The start really cringed me… those Christmas song titles will haunt me. Just as things picked up, the story ended abruptly. Honestly it was way too short, but I think with a few extra chapters this could’ve been great!

[Mai H. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Holidays 2025 #5

[Neusitas · Rating 4 out of 5]

7,5 / 10 ⭐️
Comedia Romántica / Navidad / Relato Corto / Friends to lovers / Mejor amigo de su hermano / Famoso-chica corriente / Proximidad Forzada / Una sola cama

Tras romper con su novio Goldie vuelve a su pueblo natal para abrir una consulta de veterinaria.
En la boda de su hermano se reencuentra con el padrino, uno de sus amigos más cercanos del que siempre ha estado enamorada.

Ha estado bonito, pero me ha parecido que ha querido recoger demasiados tropes en solo 57 páginas.
Hubiera estado mejor desarrollarlo como un libro completo y que todo sucediera poco a poco.
Me ha recordado un poco a Amar a Jason Thorn, pero sin el spicy y todo en un visto y no visto.

[S. Morgenstern]

"Se supone que el chico por el que sueñas durante tus años hormonales de adolescencia alcanza su máximo potencial en el instituto. No envejece como un buen vino."