Xenial Hearts: A Cozy Snowed-In Small Town Romance

by Susanne Ash

She built a haven for everyone else. He's searching for a place to belong. Can one snowed-in winter give them both what they've been wishing for?

Jorie Lane has poured her heart into Xavier House, the Victorian bed-and-breakfast she lovingly restored in Juniper Falls. Known for her warm fireside gatherings and welcoming smile, she's made a life out of making others feel at home. But when the snow falls and the laughter fades, Jorie can't shake the feeling that she's the girl who never left, a hostess in everyone's story but her own.

Cal Brooks has spent years chasing the world through the lens of his camera, only to end up burned out and untethered. A last-minute stay at Xavier House is supposed to be a pause, nothing more. But the quiet rhythms of small-town life and the steady kindness of its innkeeper are harder to walk away from than he expected.

As winter deepens and sparks fly between the rooted hostess and the restless traveler, old doubts resurface and a career opportunity threatens to pull Cal back to his nomadic life. Both must will this be just another fleeting stop, or the beginning of forever?



Under the Umbrella is part of the Alphabet Sweetheart series, twenty-six sweet romances set in Juniper Falls. These fun, quick reads will quickly become your favorite new escape. Check out all the books in the series, starting

Apple Pie PromisesBlossoms & New BeginningsCoffeehouse ConfessionsDandelion DreamsEchoes Of The HeartFirefly NightsGarden Gate WishesHeartstrings In HarmonyIce Cream KissesJust One LookKindly PennedLove At Lookout PointMoonlit PromisesNo Reservation RequiredOver The OrchardPumpkin Patch ProposalQuirky Girl Next DoorRiverbend RendezvousStarlight SerenadeTea For TwoUnder The UmbrellaVery Truly YoursWishing On YouXenial HeartsYou’re The OneAnd finally... The Zen Of Us

62 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 25, 2025

About the author

Susanne Ash writes sweet contemporary romance. When she's not busy putting pen to paper, she loves to cook, knit, and head out exploring with her husband and daughter. She lives close to the beach in beautiful South Carolina. You'll find that her setting is often a fictionalized version of her surroundings and the places she's visiting with her family.

Reviews

[Shannon King]

Warm, Emotional Romance with Heart 💙

Xenial Hearts delivers a heartfelt, character-driven romance with plenty of emotional depth. I loved the slow-burn connection and the way the characters felt genuinely flawed and human. The story balances tenderness and tension nicely, keeping me invested from start to finish. While a few moments felt slightly drawn out, the emotional payoff made it worth it. A satisfying and cozy read for romance lovers. 💙📖

[Tessa wright]

Let me start by saying I love that this author has this series. The alphabet sweetheart series help those who are in reading challenges for title letters or simply need a good short read. This specific one felt like the main characters were simply in LUST and not love and it felt super rushed, and very all in with such a small amount of time. Im not quitting my day job after a week with someone, unrealistic and killed the vibe. Id recommend this to my book group girlies but not to anyone for a quick/cute read.9

[Lisa Rodriguez]

Jorie and Cal

Jorie runs the local inn and Cal is staying there to take a break from work. He's not from Juniper Falls, but needs a break from work. She is determined to get him to open up and enjoy his stay so invites him to spend time with her and the other visitors. They get to know each other and he decides that leaving doesn't sound so good anymore.

[Lynn Hyman]

Finding Home

Josie has made a home away from home for anyone who stays at Xavier House, including those who don't really have a home. Cal stays with there, and thanks to Hazel's meddling, he realizes his priorities have shifted. Sweet ending for the small town romance.

[Jeanette Cepietz]

I enjoyed this story about Cal and Jorie meeting and falling in love. As with the other Alphabet Sweethearts books there is instant attraction but a short hesitation in falling. It is a short story that can be read in less than an hour.

[Jennifer DiTrapani]

A fine novella, small town romance, good for a quick read.

[cortney]

short, sweet, and snowy. reminded me of a Hallmark Christmas movie.