The Woman in the Snow

by Jessica Gadziala

Christmas in the city. Blood in the snow. And a love he can’t outrun.

Stephanie lives for Christmas. Her nonprofit’s annual toy drive means thousands of kids wake up to gifts under the tree—and this year, she’s determined to make it the best yet. What she doesn’t know is that the convoy of trucks carrying those toys has a second cargo hidden inside… one that belongs to the mafia.

Venezio has one keep the shipments safe. He never expected it could go so wrong.

Now they’re racing through streets glittering with lights, hunted by an assassin and tangled in secrets. She won’t let the mob ruin Christmas for the kids. He won’t let anyone lay a hand on her. Somewhere between chaos and carols, Venezio and Steph give in to the feelings growing between them.

But the holiday is coming. And if they don’t outwit their pursuers before the bells toll, Christmas morning may bring nothing but blood.


** this book can be read as a standalone **

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 22, 2025

About the author

Jessica Gadziala is a USA Today bestselling author who lives in rural New Jersey with her parrots, dogs, and an ever-growing collection of houseplants. A lifelong dreamer, she’s been writing stories since childhood and published her first book in 2015. When not at her desk, she’s usually feeding backyard birds, rewatching crime dramas, period pieces, and 90s supernatural TV shows, or adding to her towering stacks of unread books.



You can find her on
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xx

Reviews

[➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stephanie & Venezio

Venezio is a top earner in the operations of the Costa Family. Imagine receiving an unexpected call from your boss; it can be quite nerve-wracking. Now, picture getting that call from the capo di capi just before the holidays.

The pressure of such a situation can be overwhelming, especially when you know the stakes are high. The anticipation of what the call might entail can turn any moment into a anxiety.
To his surprise, Venezio's boss presents him with a career-boosting opportunity, assigning him to a charity organization right before Christmas. Having grown up in challenging circumstances in New York, Venezio has never truly embraced the holiday spirit, often grappling with the struggle for basic needs. Now, he finds himself questioning how he will manage to project a festive cheer that has always eluded him.


Stephanie is all about Christmas. By day, she works a regular job, but her true passion lies in running a nonprofit charity. She's dedicated to raising funds for the annual toy drive, which ensures that thousands of children wake up to presents on Christmas morning. This year, she's more determined than ever to make it the best event yet. However, what she doesn't realize is that the convoy of trucks delivering those toys has a hidden surprise on board.


as the story unfolds, things take a turn, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, much like an action movie. Yet, even with the intense storyline, there's a feeling that something is missing between the two main characters. You know that sensation when you can't quite figure out what's not there... ………. I don’t know maybe it’s just my mood maybe something else but this is my personal opinion so remember that as you’re reading my review I would never ever try to change your opinion on any book…. Happy reading see you on the other side

[Jessica Gadziala]

Now available

[Bozena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part of the Costa Family series, and it's even more action-packed than the previous books.

And that's saying something, since the whole series is a whirlwind of action, drama, and mafia power fights.

I don't think Venezio and Stephanie had a single moment to catch their breath in this entire book 😉

The book is a unique mafia romance.
Unique because it's not really about mafia business, but more about two people who found each other through less than pleasant circumstances.

I love their story.
They both have tough, badass personalities. Both grew up poor and on the streets.
Two people who come from poor, loveless backgrounds.
Two who have always had to rely on themselves and had to learn that it's okay to confide in others and open up to them.

It's definitely (again 🤭) my favorite book in the series.
For anyone who loves an action-packed, dramatic mafia romance with a touch of Christmas magic, I highly recommend this book.

I enjoyed every second of this beautiful hot 🔥 love story.

[Crystal LoCicero · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.25 stars

“I guess what I’m saying is… I get it now. You make it feel like Christmas morning.”
'Maybe I made Venezio feel like Christmas morning... He made me feel like traditions falling into place.'

This was so cute. It was super fast paced and insta-lust, but I loved the crazy drama and Christmas vibes. It all worked so well. The only thing missing was the big mafia family. They were barely a blip. But the fmc's bff's/neighbors were great.

The hea was perfection and I would expect nothing less from this author.

This was my kind of Christmas story.

[Danielle Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

Stephanie was perfect, and perfect for Venezio. The only thing that wasnt perfect is...Die Hard IS a Christmas movie! Venezio is right on that one.

Ive been waiting for his story! He has had my attention from the first time we saw him and I couldn't wait for his book. I knew he needed someone special and Jessica delivered. I adored this book and devoured it in one sitting.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy stories about the Costa Family. This story was perfect especially this time of year.  The building of the relationship between Venezio and Stephanie along with the other characters was great.  I'm so glad they both got a HEA.

[Victoria Sturlini · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT DELIGHTFUL STORY!!!🎁🤶🎁🤶🎄🤶🎁🤶🎁

This book was a delight to read!! The timing of it's release was perfect, like getting a very special.Christmas treat to savor and enjoy just for yourself! The storyline was riveting and fast moving. The suspense and action never stopped...once I started I could not put it down!! This was one of those books that you had to keep reading because events moved so fast and you just had to know what happened next!! I loved both Venezio and Stephanie......Their relationship was romantic and swoony right from their first meeting, and so heartwarming and emotionally satisfying to read about. They both came from the same type of environments and it was really beautiful when they found in each other the home that they had always wanted and never dreamed they would have....a true perfect match. Jessica is such a master storyteller and I always enjoy her books tremendously. She Dr,has such a deft way of building the suspense and also making you fall in love and feel everything the characters experience.....but one of my most favorite things she always does is give us the most wonderful and uplifting epilogues. And, as usual this book had a perfect wrap up to an endearing and beautiful story that grabs your heart from the word go and never releases it until the end.😇

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was Christmassy without being too Christmassy, if that makes sese. The holiday vibes are there with the Charity, but Christmas itself never overpowers the story which made it easy to read after the holiday was over. The second half of this story especially kept the pace up. Venezio and Stephanie barely get a moment to breathe once things really get moving.

Venezio works for the Costa Family and still isn't a made man, which means when the boss calls, he answers. His job is to keep an eye on a local charity to see how it can be used to move fenced goods. Said charity is run by the warm, generous, and fully committed to Christmas and giving back, Stephanie.

[Krystyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creating Christmas Magic!

A perfect book for the holidays!
Venezio has yet to make it to capo but works hard trying. He isn't blood related like a lot of the others and has never really felt like "a real part of the family", no matter how many times he has been told.
Lorenzo calls him in for a job over the holidays and little do they know what he is in store for.
Stephanie grew up in homeless shelters, only getting Christmas Magic from her mom and the organizations that give gifts to kids. The previous organizer passes away and she steps in to run it. This is wear Venezio comes to volunteer and learns about Christmas. There is drama, spice, action and all kinds of love. So amazing and fun! I love when opposites attract 😍

[Lauren Rogillio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and sweet!!!!

This book really pulls at the heart strings, Along with the Christmas spirit. I really loved this one. I really really love them all but this one was a perfect holiday addition. 😍😍😍

[Sally Guildford-Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed every moment

So worth a read. I love a mix of good and bad in my reads. Everyone deserves love at Christmas or any time of the year. Morally grey characters are a must mixed with sweet ones. Enjoy.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and this book was super. Stephanie never let her light fade, Venezio was a perfect match for her.

[Dawn Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great characters

Venezio meets Stephanie as an assignment from the Boss. They quickly become friendly but end up in situations running for their lives. It occurs during the Christmas holiday so it was fun to read during the holidays. Stephanie is sweet and brings out feel I for Venezio that he's never felt in his life.

[Caitlin Wharrier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it ❤️

I absolutely loved this book so much and Can't wait to read more books by Jessica gadziala!!! Also ended up reading it in one night!! ❤️

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

the woman series is my favorite

Venzenio is assigned a mission where he meets Stephanie…. The mission soon leads to emotions he isn’t sure how to handle as a emotionally neglected child and he is trying to figure it out when things ho sideways. This book keeps you turning pages to see what happens next..

[Chrissy Broccolino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Venezio & Steph’s story was another perfect addition to this series

[Haley Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so cute

I really loved this one!! I loved Steph so much! This story was so cute and Holiday coded while still being classic Costa. Big fan.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Christmas read

Absolutely devoured every word Christmas morning while waiting for the family to wake up. This author always writes phenomenal books and this one didn't disappoint. Been waiting for his book for a long time.

[kgm95 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know it’ll be a fantastic read after the first page. Onward!

[Lea Bookjoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

🇫🇷French & English reviews🇬🇧


📖Genre & Tropes📖 : Christmas romance x mafia romance x grumpy x sunshine x he falls first x dog lovers x spicy

Une romance de Noël avec un mafieux sexy et une directrice fan de Noël que j’ai dévoré !!

J’attendais avec beaucoup d’impatience ce tome parce que j’avais eu un coup de cœur pour Venezio dans les tomes précédents et sans surprise, j’ai adoré ce tome !

La magie de Noël mélangée à l’intrigue à suspense sur fond de mafia et de course poursuite à New York m’a ravie et surtout j’ai adoré la romance entre Stephanie et Venezio ! Ils ont tous les deux eu des enfances très difficiles et les voir se retrouver et se compléter était génial <3

Et est-ce qu’on parle de cette scène hyper spicy à la soirée des avocats ??
Et est-ce qu’on parle de cette déclaration d’amour trop mignonne de Venezio ???

Bref, une romance de Noël façon mafia que j’ai lu avec grand plaisir ! Et je recommande bien sûr toute la série Costa Family !

PS : j’ai BESOIN d’un tome avec Vega ><

Pour plus de jolies chroniques 😘 : Mon Bujo tout en couleurs et en livres


⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐


A Christmas romance with a sexy mobster and a Christmas-obsessed charity director that I devoured !

I was eagerly awaiting this installment because I'd fallen for Venezio in the previous books, and unsurprisingly, I loved this one !

The magic of Christmas mixed with a suspenseful plot (mafia intrigue and a chase in New York) delighted me, and above all, I adored the romance between Stephanie and Venezio ! They both had very difficult childhoods, and seeing them connect and complement each other was wonderful <3

And can we talk about that super spicy scene at the lawyers' party ??
And can we talk about Venezio's incredibly sweet declaration of love ???

In short, a mafia-style Christmas romance that I thoroughly enjoyed ! And I highly recommend the entire Costa Family series !

PS: I NEED a book with Vega ><

For more pretty reviews 😘: My Bujo, all in color and books

[Kodie Mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohh fancy new goodreads update!

Ok Stephanie our little Christmas elf sharing all the Christmas cheer is a goddamn angel. She's just genuinely good. Someone who is doing it not only because she's been one of those hard done by kids. But, also because she wants to help and to make a difference.
Stephanie took on a charity to prevent its closure and unbeknownst to her she also inherited some shady dealings. Steph is morally sound but she isn't stupid.. working to the ground to help only got her so far.. a little helping hand doesn't hurt in the grand scheme of things.

Venesio should not dable where he works. He isn't sociable nor chatty and yet found himself on a job at a time of year where the holiday cheer is load and lips are loose all around. He did not expect to be enamoured by the sweet woman with a heart of gold. But alas these men love danger with there romance and can't do anything easy. I loved Venesio. He wasn't chatty nor did he have mad declarations of love but he was protective, he spoke when it mattered and he loved her quietly in a way she never worried about him not.

These two had quite the journey but in the end they certainly prevailed. It was tension filled with some action and a little suspense. It was filled with great friendship, a little heckling and lots of banter and laughter. Their chemistry was perfection. I adore the friendship family and how Venesio was brought into the fold and conspired with them for Steph. Oh and as per with Jessie.. the epic epilogue strikes again and had my heart swooning happy.

What a lovely way to finish the year with this author... I'm so excited to see what the new year brings.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Woman in the Snow is book 12 in the Costa Family series by Jessica Gadziala. This is Venezio’s story.

I absolutely adored Venezio. That man broke my heart with his past and his feelings of being alone. He had such a hard time accepting kindness and realizing that the people around him actually cared about him. Those feelings were foreign because never once growing up had Venezio felt them before.

Stephanie was a breathe of fresh air. She was bubbly and beautiful and loves Christmas and giving to others. She grew up living in and out of shelters and on the streets with only her mother. She’s tough and smart and knows how kids feel when they’re forgotten at Christmas. Stephanie was determined to make a difference and raise as much money as possible to purchase toys for the charity she now runs.

There was a lot of action and intense moments for Venezio and Stephanie. I loved watching the two of them fall for each other and depend on the other for strength. Stephanie watched Venezio and witnessed his reactions every time she showed him a kindness he wasn’t used to. It melted my heart and made me like her even more.

This was a good book and one of my favorites from this author. Both characters were great and because it was told in dual POVs we were able to feel each of their reactions throughout the book. I also enjoyed the epilogue. I cannot wait to see what story JG tells us next.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Woman in the Snow

I totally enjoyed this couple. They spend a lot of the story running in the snow and the MFC is always in inadequate shoes. It's a great Christmas romp.

Lots of favorite quotes,

”I don’t think I ever gave a damn about anything in my life like she did about this charity.”

Love, love, love this MMC. A conversation with another male character,

“Oh, come on. No man wants to wash their own clothes.”
“Been doing my own laundry since I was tall enough to reach. It ain’t hard.”
“It’s not man’s work.”
“And being your servant ain’t a woman’s work,...”

This description of a homemade cookie,

“The chocolate went molten, the butter sweet and soft, and for a second, I swear I forgot every bad fucking thing I’d been through in my life. If comfort had a taste, it was this.”

And this next one is so simply said and yet every abuser blames the victim for their actions,

“Really, no pressure. I don’t want you to feel like I’m cornering you or anything.” “Babe, I’m a grown-ass man. You can’t corner me into doing shit,” he said.

I don't think I've ever heard someone take responsibility for their entire life and personality as clearly, concisely, and elegantly. Chef's kiss.

And this statement about poverty,

“Systemic poverty tensed up every muscle, ground down each drop of joy, gobbled up every bit of dopamine.”

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Woman in the Snow is a really great read. It’s a little Christmassy to keep you in the holiday spirit, and the second half of the book is almost nonstop action. I couldn’t put it down once I started the story.

Venezio works for the Costa Family. He still isn’t made man, so when the boss calls, he knows he had some work cut out for him. He needs to monitor a local charity, run by Steph, to try to find a way in so they can still bring in their fenced goods. Steph is a very Christmas loving, giving person, who took over said charity. When Venezio volunteers to help out, she doesn’t realize what she is getting into.


This was such a fun read. Venezio is different than most of the family. He seems harder, personality wise. And I read him as more of the typical mobster guy. I thought it was fantastic! The whole story is really good. I read it in a couple hours because I needed to know what happened. Another perfect addition to the Costa Family stories.

[Skip · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Venezio, one of the top earners for the Costa Family, is called in to the home of the capo di capi just before the winter holidays, he figures he’s either going to be promoted or murdered. Since he can’t think of anything he’d done to warrant execution but better safe than sorry. When his boss catches him looking around and asks him what he’s looking for, Venezio replies honestly “tarp.” As it turns out, the boss has a job for him, since he's one of the only ones with no family to speak of over the holidays. And so begins another utterly brilliant, often hilarious and always thrilling Mafia story!

This book has action, charity, romance, thrills and some heart-stopping chase scenes. Clear space during your day to binge – you won’t regret it!

[Merry One Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

So sweet in a Christmas way

This is book twelve and so entertaining. Venezio is just a decent guy and hard worker for the family. He does not see his own worth. Lorenzo asked him to do a job that was not his normal dangerous job, but to find out about the new director of the charity center, Stephanie. Venezio takes one look at her and knows that he is trouble. Stephanie is perfect in his eyes even if she lives for Christmas and raising enough money so all the kids get a Christmas gift. This book is their journey through trials and challenges but also the explosion of Christmas. There is a happy ending through the epilogues. Read on!

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Die Hard meets Hallmark, but with the mafia and deeper passion.

It's that time of year again for Jessica's Christmas romance. This year we get Venezio story who works for the Costa mob family. Venezio himself is not a fan of Christmas. But by the end of the book, Stephanie who is, makes him a believer in magic of Christmas.

Mafia secrets, assassins, and a love story that refuses to be silenced.

[Gabi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed Jessica Gadziala's books from the first book to the current. And her writing and stories, especially her books about the mafia families, is just special. Each story and character is unique. And, best of all, characters we've come to know and love appear in later books and just enrich the story that much more.

Do I recommend this book? Yes. Yes, I do. Why haven't you read it yet?

[Joann Lemly]

Venezio finds his love.

I loved this one. Venezio has always been one of my favorite characters and I'm happy he found his one. I kept reading this book faster and faster as the action kept increasing. It felt very much like The Warriors one of my favorite movies. I really liked this one.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good! One of my favorite of the series. These two were meant to be together and I loved how the story developed.