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Snow Day Santa
When an unexpected snowstorm traps Ruby Starks and Amari Snowden together in her old home, neither expects the cold to thaw the walls they’ve built around their hearts.
Ruby Starks, a warmly expressive first-grade teacher, returned to Farmerton, Georgia, to escape the ghosts of a hidden past. Christmas is a season she endures, not celebrates, as it’s a painful reminder of the child she lost and the trust she misplaced. She has resigned herself to solitude until Amari Snowden, her student’s devoted father and the town’s go-to handyman, shows up to fix the laundry list of issues in her home.
Amari is used to filling in gaps, whether it’s repairing broken water heaters or making sure local kids have enough food to eat. With his daughter spending the holidays with his ex, he nurses a bitter mood and turns to work for solace. Ruby’s devotion to his child and her passion for education draw him in, even as he senses she’s hiding something deeper. He’s not one to push, but something about Ruby makes him want to weather the storm with her.
As the snow deepens outside, so does the intimacy between them. What begins as shy glances and touches turns into a slow-burning connection laced with vulnerability, guarded truths, and the kind of trust neither expected to find so close to home. But when Ruby reveals her past and Amari’s own wounds threaten to reopen, they must decide if this unexpected snow day will deliver more than repairs and revelations. Could Amari be Ruby’s Snow Day Santa, bringing with him a chance at love worth believing in?
Ruby Starks, a warmly expressive first-grade teacher, returned to Farmerton, Georgia, to escape the ghosts of a hidden past. Christmas is a season she endures, not celebrates, as it’s a painful reminder of the child she lost and the trust she misplaced. She has resigned herself to solitude until Amari Snowden, her student’s devoted father and the town’s go-to handyman, shows up to fix the laundry list of issues in her home.
Amari is used to filling in gaps, whether it’s repairing broken water heaters or making sure local kids have enough food to eat. With his daughter spending the holidays with his ex, he nurses a bitter mood and turns to work for solace. Ruby’s devotion to his child and her passion for education draw him in, even as he senses she’s hiding something deeper. He’s not one to push, but something about Ruby makes him want to weather the storm with her.
As the snow deepens outside, so does the intimacy between them. What begins as shy glances and touches turns into a slow-burning connection laced with vulnerability, guarded truths, and the kind of trust neither expected to find so close to home. But when Ruby reveals her past and Amari’s own wounds threaten to reopen, they must decide if this unexpected snow day will deliver more than repairs and revelations. Could Amari be Ruby’s Snow Day Santa, bringing with him a chance at love worth believing in?
151 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 30, 2025
Amari and Ruby
emotional hopeful relaxing fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
I enjoyed this novella!!
Two adults, each in their own personal grief regarding bad relationships, neither actively looking for a new relationship, find each other.
Ruby has had a rough time. After losing her child and her husband five years ago. She has returned to the small town that she grew up; in order to teach first-grade kids. She keeps to herself and finds joy in her students.
Amari, is still sad about his divorce, but he knows that he and his ex-wife could not stay together. The best thing that they have is their daughter. Now he has to co-parent with her and that is a task.
Amari knows Ruby as the cute teacher his daughter loves. As he has a construction business and is a handyman, he has offered to complete the repairs and renovations needed at Ruby's home. His first day to assess the things to be done; he is caught in a snowstorm at Ruby's home. As they shelter together, the attraction they have for each other come to the front. They talk and get to know each other. Are they what each other needs to mend their broken hearts?
I quite enjoyed this novella from Monica Cox, this story was my introduction to her work.
emotional hopeful relaxing fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
I enjoyed this novella!!
Two adults, each in their own personal grief regarding bad relationships, neither actively looking for a new relationship, find each other.
Ruby has had a rough time. After losing her child and her husband five years ago. She has returned to the small town that she grew up; in order to teach first-grade kids. She keeps to herself and finds joy in her students.
Amari, is still sad about his divorce, but he knows that he and his ex-wife could not stay together. The best thing that they have is their daughter. Now he has to co-parent with her and that is a task.
Amari knows Ruby as the cute teacher his daughter loves. As he has a construction business and is a handyman, he has offered to complete the repairs and renovations needed at Ruby's home. His first day to assess the things to be done; he is caught in a snowstorm at Ruby's home. As they shelter together, the attraction they have for each other come to the front. They talk and get to know each other. Are they what each other needs to mend their broken hearts?
I quite enjoyed this novella from Monica Cox, this story was my introduction to her work.
December 29, 2025
it was everything and so much more!
When I saw a post on TikTok about this book, I commented that I was adding it to my Christmas break reading list and Monica thanked me and told me to enjoy.
And enjoyed is what I did!! Ruby and Amari both had been hurt in their last committed relationship but dealt with the pain differently. He went to therapy and did the work, and she hid the trauma and pulled away from adults. She lived her best life in front of her students but when she wasn’t with them she was closed off.
Until the night of the snowstorm, when her life changed and Amari began the process of healing her heart and soul, with his care, love, and actions.
All I can say is this is a must read, so if you haven’t add it to your TBR you won’t be disappointed!
When I saw a post on TikTok about this book, I commented that I was adding it to my Christmas break reading list and Monica thanked me and told me to enjoy.
And enjoyed is what I did!! Ruby and Amari both had been hurt in their last committed relationship but dealt with the pain differently. He went to therapy and did the work, and she hid the trauma and pulled away from adults. She lived her best life in front of her students but when she wasn’t with them she was closed off.
Until the night of the snowstorm, when her life changed and Amari began the process of healing her heart and soul, with his care, love, and actions.
All I can say is this is a must read, so if you haven’t add it to your TBR you won’t be disappointed!
January 1, 2026
Was I cheesing while reading this YUP. The kind of slow, tender warmth that sneaks up on you and sits right in your chest. Ruby is the perfect example of how one wrong relationship, one deep loss, can harden a good heart and make solitude feel safer than hope. Christmas wasn’t joy for her it was survival. It was a mourning time that didn't leave room for holiday cheer.
Amari though listen strong qualities patient, present and I ntentional. This man was loving her in all types of languages: words of affirmation, gentle touch, acts of service, quiet protection and the art of seduction! No rushing. No forcing. Just showing up consistently and letting her feel safe enough to exhale. The way he saw Ruby not just as his child’s teacher or a woman with a past but as someone worthy of care someone deserving of a soft life was everything.
I loved how the intimacy built naturally. Shy glances. Lingering touches. Vulnerability unfolding layer by layer. Ruby letting those walls down wasn’t instant and that’s what made it real. Healing doesn’t happen on a schedule and Amari understood that. He didn’t try to fix her he simply stayed and moved on her comfort.
This story was about trust being rebuilt, grief being honored and love arriving softly instead of loudly. Warm, patient and deeply affirming. The perfect book to close out a year of reading and honestly, a reminder that sometimes love doesn’t come with fireworks it comes with consistency, kindness and someone willing to weather the storm with you.
2025? Wrapped. 🎄✨
Amari though listen strong qualities patient, present and I ntentional. This man was loving her in all types of languages: words of affirmation, gentle touch, acts of service, quiet protection and the art of seduction! No rushing. No forcing. Just showing up consistently and letting her feel safe enough to exhale. The way he saw Ruby not just as his child’s teacher or a woman with a past but as someone worthy of care someone deserving of a soft life was everything.
I loved how the intimacy built naturally. Shy glances. Lingering touches. Vulnerability unfolding layer by layer. Ruby letting those walls down wasn’t instant and that’s what made it real. Healing doesn’t happen on a schedule and Amari understood that. He didn’t try to fix her he simply stayed and moved on her comfort.
This story was about trust being rebuilt, grief being honored and love arriving softly instead of loudly. Warm, patient and deeply affirming. The perfect book to close out a year of reading and honestly, a reminder that sometimes love doesn’t come with fireworks it comes with consistency, kindness and someone willing to weather the storm with you.
2025? Wrapped. 🎄✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2025
Baby it Cold Outside
Ruby experienced a devastating heartbreak that has left her seemingly stuck, cold and closed off as life moves on around her. Living in her grandparents aging house she engages one of her favorite student’s dad to do some handyman work over winter break. Amari has experienced his own heartbreak but he’s done the work and is not hesitant to move on. He notices the beauty in his little one’s teacher and is more than happy to help her with her pipes. These two together , demonstrates that the right souls connecting at the right time can bring about a sizzling heat that can melt any obstacle. These two find what both need in one another to set them on a path of possibility… together.
Great job Monica Cox!
Ruby experienced a devastating heartbreak that has left her seemingly stuck, cold and closed off as life moves on around her. Living in her grandparents aging house she engages one of her favorite student’s dad to do some handyman work over winter break. Amari has experienced his own heartbreak but he’s done the work and is not hesitant to move on. He notices the beauty in his little one’s teacher and is more than happy to help her with her pipes. These two together , demonstrates that the right souls connecting at the right time can bring about a sizzling heat that can melt any obstacle. These two find what both need in one another to set them on a path of possibility… together.
Great job Monica Cox!
December 25, 2025
Every woman needs a Snow Day Santa
Snow Day Santa by Monica Cox is the kind of holiday romance that feels like a warm hug wrapped in twinkle lights and second chances. This story isn’t just about love returning—it’s about healing, forgiveness, and learning that sometimes the miracle you’ve been praying for shows up right on time. What makes this story shine is its softness. It honors heartbreak without dwelling in it and celebrates love without pretending it’s perfect. This is a romance for anyone who believes healing is possible, that timing matters, and that love can find its way back—even after loss. Snow Day Santa reminds us that some love stories don’t end—they pause, waiting for the right season to begin again. 🎄❤️
Snow Day Santa by Monica Cox is the kind of holiday romance that feels like a warm hug wrapped in twinkle lights and second chances. This story isn’t just about love returning—it’s about healing, forgiveness, and learning that sometimes the miracle you’ve been praying for shows up right on time. What makes this story shine is its softness. It honors heartbreak without dwelling in it and celebrates love without pretending it’s perfect. This is a romance for anyone who believes healing is possible, that timing matters, and that love can find its way back—even after loss. Snow Day Santa reminds us that some love stories don’t end—they pause, waiting for the right season to begin again. 🎄❤️
December 26, 2025
Healing and love during the holidays
This book couple just did it for me. From the beginning of the book to the end the MMC showed up and showed out. Loving someone past the loss of a child and the grief it can bring during holidays is a great feat. But this gently dominate man does it with ease and intentional care. At this point I'm a Monica Cox stand and she can do no wrong with these books.
This book couple just did it for me. From the beginning of the book to the end the MMC showed up and showed out. Loving someone past the loss of a child and the grief it can bring during holidays is a great feat. But this gently dominate man does it with ease and intentional care. At this point I'm a Monica Cox stand and she can do no wrong with these books.
December 26, 2025
Very Cute and Short Read
Loved this story so much. I liked we got an shout out of the Stallings (A Touch of Grace)
This instant romance centered around a storm and loss was so sweet and comforting. Ruby and Amari needed each other and they had to encourage one another in various ways that this could work.
I would love more but it ended fine where it ended.
Loved this story so much. I liked we got an shout out of the Stallings (A Touch of Grace)
This instant romance centered around a storm and loss was so sweet and comforting. Ruby and Amari needed each other and they had to encourage one another in various ways that this could work.
I would love more but it ended fine where it ended.
December 24, 2025
Cosy, sweet and spicy romance
Both Amari and Ruby needed healing but didn't know they needed each other to accomplish this.
Amari is a handyman tasked with repairing Ruby's vintage house. In the course of his repairs, a snowstorm hits, forcing him to stay over at Ruby’s house.
Their flirting, their banter the intense chemistry between them can't be ignored.
If you're looking for a cosy and spicy short read, than this is the story for you !
Both Amari and Ruby needed healing but didn't know they needed each other to accomplish this.
Amari is a handyman tasked with repairing Ruby's vintage house. In the course of his repairs, a snowstorm hits, forcing him to stay over at Ruby’s house.
Their flirting, their banter the intense chemistry between them can't be ignored.
If you're looking for a cosy and spicy short read, than this is the story for you !
December 19, 2025
This story was so beautiful. Amari and Ruby were exactly what each other needed. The way Amari came in and saw exactly what Ruby needed and decided to be that person was everything. The way he affirmed her and gave her space to release her truth and grief were my favorite parts of the story. I was so glad that Ruby was able to release everything and find herself again. I thought she was gonna mess everything up, but Amari was right there letting her know he wasn't going anywhere. These two got down and nasty in this story. Amari broke Ruby's walls down and then gave her that good loving. I was here for it all. I couldn't get enough of these two. I wouldn't mind a follow-up to see how their love story continues.
December 15, 2025
The gift of Amari and Ruby
Everyone deserves compassion and kindness. Sometimes we can forget that we too are deserving of that when the vicissitudes of life knock us into dark corners. This author uses her pen to remind the reader that we too deserve peace, healing, love, compassion, and the space to feel and process our feelings. This story feels like a letter of hope to the reader who may have forgotten they are worthy and deserving of soft spaces and abundance in this life. The bonus is being able to experience this through Amari and Ruby. I hope that we get an update on their relationship.
Everyone deserves compassion and kindness. Sometimes we can forget that we too are deserving of that when the vicissitudes of life knock us into dark corners. This author uses her pen to remind the reader that we too deserve peace, healing, love, compassion, and the space to feel and process our feelings. This story feels like a letter of hope to the reader who may have forgotten they are worthy and deserving of soft spaces and abundance in this life. The bonus is being able to experience this through Amari and Ruby. I hope that we get an update on their relationship.
December 18, 2025
So cute!
I love a good holiday romance. It was the cutest instalove story with some spice to it. It really made me imagine what would happen if a person lets their guard down and lets someone special in. I love how Amari came in and took charge. I love a man who knows what he wants and says what he means. So cute!
I love a good holiday romance. It was the cutest instalove story with some spice to it. It really made me imagine what would happen if a person lets their guard down and lets someone special in. I love how Amari came in and took charge. I love a man who knows what he wants and says what he means. So cute!
December 16, 2025
Flirtatious
I enjoyed this quick, holiday read from beginning to end. Kinda wish it was a little longer. Their flirtatious behavior was the cutest. I love that Amari had the maturity and patience to reach Ruby and give her what she needed. Thank you Dr. Cox for a beautiful holiday read. I will be recommending this one.
I enjoyed this quick, holiday read from beginning to end. Kinda wish it was a little longer. Their flirtatious behavior was the cutest. I love that Amari had the maturity and patience to reach Ruby and give her what she needed. Thank you Dr. Cox for a beautiful holiday read. I will be recommending this one.
December 15, 2025
Affirmations of forever
The flirtatiousness of Amari and Ruby was cute. I loved how he broke down her walls and spoke life into her. This is what women need when they are in dark places. For Amari, he added actions and more reassurance. No judgment even when he knew the talks around town.
The flirtatiousness of Amari and Ruby was cute. I loved how he broke down her walls and spoke life into her. This is what women need when they are in dark places. For Amari, he added actions and more reassurance. No judgment even when he knew the talks around town.
December 19, 2025
Healing
There is healing for two ppl caught in close proximity but also a lot more open then they realize.
I was happy to see two ppl who needed to find someone just as nice as them after disastrous relationships.
There is healing for two ppl caught in close proximity but also a lot more open then they realize.
I was happy to see two ppl who needed to find someone just as nice as them after disastrous relationships.
December 28, 2025
so sweet
I love this book this is real life and some things in life and put you in a livable depression where you create a routine but never live. Thank God for that snow storm for ruby I wish this intentional love on all who deserved it!
I love this book this is real life and some things in life and put you in a livable depression where you create a routine but never live. Thank God for that snow storm for ruby I wish this intentional love on all who deserved it!
December 29, 2025
It Ended Before I Was Ready
What a great book for hope and healing ❤️🩹. Amari was perfect for Ruby and bringing light into her world again. I would love to a book 2 or read about them in another Monica Cox book.
What a great book for hope and healing ❤️🩹. Amari was perfect for Ruby and bringing light into her world again. I would love to a book 2 or read about them in another Monica Cox book.
January 4, 2026
short and sweet
This was a nice short sweet Christmas story. I enjoyed the conversations that were had. Love that love found them again and the were able to over come even though they were going through different losses.
This was a nice short sweet Christmas story. I enjoyed the conversations that were had. Love that love found them again and the were able to over come even though they were going through different losses.
December 14, 2025
Cozy Read
fast paced, cozy read. I loved how Amari focused on helping Ruby heal her heart…It made their connection feel sweet and heartfelt.
fast paced, cozy read. I loved how Amari focused on helping Ruby heal her heart…It made their connection feel sweet and heartfelt.
December 15, 2025
Just What I Needed
A couldn’t wait for this to be released and it definitely didn’t disappoint. It had it all, emotion, connection between the characters and it was definitely 🌶️
A couldn’t wait for this to be released and it definitely didn’t disappoint. It had it all, emotion, connection between the characters and it was definitely 🌶️
December 19, 2025
I literally wanted more of this couple mutual affection affirmations and support for each others healing was swoon worthy. They were balm that each other needs and the spice 🔥🔥🔥🔥
December 26, 2025
Amari & Ruby 🫶🏾
3.5 ⭐️ This was a good story!
“When you meet the one God created for you, logic isn’t logical anymore.”
3.5 ⭐️ This was a good story!
“When you meet the one God created for you, logic isn’t logical anymore.”
December 30, 2025
I love a man that comes and shows a women what it’s like being with a real man after loss, lies and grief ! I would love to see what next Christmas brings them 👀👀👀🤞🏾
January 9, 2026
Santa Baby
I had been looking for this book for few days and books but as you can see I had the wrong name.Lol
I had been looking for this book for few days and books but as you can see I had the wrong name.Lol
September 12, 2026
Great Read
This was a great read that held my attention from the beginning to the end. Ruby and Amari deserved all the love and happiness .
This was a great read that held my attention from the beginning to the end. Ruby and Amari deserved all the love and happiness .
December 31, 2025
This was a super great read. I recommended this in my group reads.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews