Snowed Inn

Honeycrisp Orchard #2

by Valerie Bowman

This cozy Christmas romance follows an overworked publicist who is snowed in at the Honeycrisp Orchard Inn with her nemesis, a sexy brewery owner, for the holidays. The festive spirit, hot chocolate, and six feet of sparkling snowdrifts conspire to turn these enemies into lovers.

Maria never expected to spend Christmas in a small, snow-covered town—but a visit to her best friend Ellie’s Honeycrisp Orchard Inn turns into an unplanned holiday stay when a snowstorm leaves her stranded. The inn feels like stepping into a holiday fairy tale, with twinkling lights, crackling fires, and garlands everywhere, yet Maria can’t help missing her big, loud Italian family. Adding to her frustrations? Jesse, the ruggedly handsome, annoyingly charming brewery owner, who seems to delight in pushing her buttons.

Jesse has enough on his plate managing his bar and helping the inn stay merry for the holidays, but he can’t seem to resist Maria’s city-girl sass. As snow continues to fall and their paths keep crossing, Maria finds herself drawn into the inn’s festive magic and Jesse himself, as he shows her the charm of slowing down and being present in the moment.

With stolen glances under mistletoe and sparks flying by the fireplace, the line between a holiday fling and something deeper blurs.

But when the snow clears, will Maria follow her heart? Perfect for anyone craving snow-kissed romance, holiday warmth, and happily-ever-after magic.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Contemporary Romance

304 pages, Paperback

Expected publication September 29, 2026

About the author

Valerie Bowman is an award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance.

Valerie’s debut novel was published in 2012. Since then, her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus. She’s been an RT Reviewers’ Choice nominee for Best First Historical Romance and Best Historical Romance Love and Laughter. Two of her books have been nominated for the Kirkus Prize for fiction.

Valerie grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s number seven) and a huge supply of romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English Language and Literature with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family including her rascally dogs. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS.

Visit Valerie on the web at www.ValerieBowmanBooks.com and sign-up for her newsletter at: https://valeriebowmanbooks.com/newsle...
Be sure to follow Valerie Bookbub for the latest on sales https://www.bookbub.com/authors/valer...

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was craving a cozy Christmas romance, so I couldn't resist diving into this one! From the start, I loved the dynamic between Maria and Jesse. Maria is the big city girl stuck in the small town during Christmas because of a snow storm. She butts heads with Jesse an wants to hate him, but the more time she spends with him, the more she starts realizing how good of a guy he is and how much she's falling for him. This is forced proximity galore as Maria has to help out around the inn while she's stuck there, and that means this delivers on all the cozy small town inn vibes! I do with we got a bit more actual Christmas things in here, so just know this is more focused on being snowed in and helping out around the inn. The second half definitely focuses more on their relationships deepening and getting to know more about each other, and I loved how Maria had to really think about her life and what she saw for her future, and how Jesse also was chasing his dreams as well. This was a fantastic second book in this series and I couldn't recommend it enough to cozy romance lovers!

[Uyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Avon for the free book.

If you're looking for a slow burn, this is it.
I thought their relationship was slow and it took its time to build. I could see this relationship working after the book ends.

This feels like a fun Hallmark romance. It's cozy and quick. Just believe in the magic of fiction.

[Erin Snow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

It’s a great cozy holiday read. It’s a fluff book, but a great fluff book.

A city girl meets a small town guy who has mutual friends. She visits her friend for Christmas and is wrangled into helping at her friends’ inn. Being snowed in has put her city life on hold but it gives her a break from the NY lifestyle.

I think the characters are likable, the writing is good, and the ending is satisfying. I couldn’t ask for a better holiday romance.

Warning: There is spice in this book, it is not fade to black.

[Samantha Dickenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️! I’m so happy to be back in Harvest Hallow during Christmas time! We have an enemies to lovers, slow burn romance between two characters we met in book one-Maria ( a PR rep) and Jesse (bartender). Maria is visiting El at the inn before her flight to see her family in LA when a huge blizzard rolls in trapping everyone at the inn. Maria has to face Jesse (whom she doesn’t like) and work together to pitch in at the inn. This book has all the Christmas feels, great banter, amazing characters, and a great plot featuring major life decisions. This is such a fantastic world to be in and I’m hoping more books will be coming soon from the series!

[Miranda Reads]

Ohmygod. Yes. Please.

*gimme grabby hands*

[Celine Schell · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, thank you so much Avon, Harper Collins, and Netgalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review!

Secondly, I loved going back to The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn for all the Christmas holiday vibes.😍🎄❤️

I will start by saying this book was a 4.5⭐️ I truly did love it! Only thing was how intense the spice got near the end. Having three spice scenes in a row felt a bit much.

Now to the amazing parts:

Just like the first book in this series, I truly appreciate Bowman making this book give all the small-town vibes that we love in TV series like Gilmore Girls or book series like Dream Harbor. Yet at the same time, she creates unique, authentic characters and plots that make this series standout and memorable!

I’m so happy we got to see Maria and Jesse’s story. I loved being able to see more depth in the characters. Not only did Maria and Jesse’s relationship evolve and deepen, but they grew individually as well. There were numerous themes in this story that I think will make readers easily relate and feel as though they are sledding on a cookie pan or drinking a peppermint martini.❄️🍸

I so happy Bowman continued the Honeycrisp Orchard series and brought us Maria and Jesse’s love story🥰 I can’t wait to read about Charlotte and Sawyer’s love story - assuming that’s next in the series😏

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be completely honest, I wanted to love Snowed Inn. It had all of the hallmarks of a great comfort read: an idyllic setting and protagonists whose chemistry initially electrified their banter and then, created a genuine connection and respect. Yet, when I compare the sophomore entry in the Honeycrisp Orchard Romance series to its predecessor, I can’t help but feel as though multiple narrative elements faltered.

From the get go, Maria came across as a rather insufferable person. Her inner monologue in the first handful of chapters read as more of a performative action (what she thought she should say and do) rather than the genuine loathing of a woman seemingly scorned by her best friend’s colleague/business partner. The manner in which Maria continuously remarked about how much Jesse irked her was as incessant, obsessive, and quite honestly, superficial to some degree, as her complaints about her client, Monica. The same goes for how many times she repeated that she didn’t want to be stuck in Harvest Hollow. Thankfully, as Maria spent more time at the inn, her character became more grounded and genuine. There were several poignant moments with Jesse— I am grateful that Bowman’s writing style generated a quasi endearment to Maria as she relayed her thoughts and fought off her attraction to him. However, in the last few chapters, the progress Maria made unraveled, for really no reason whatsoever.

After finishing the novel and reflecting on it, I realized that what The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn possessed that Snowed Inn lacked is context and history. If I recall correctly, Maria and Jesse interacted rather briefly in the first installment. Therefore, Maria’s grudge against Jesse is predicated on a moment that didn’t even register for me. If the events of the festival in the first novel were in October of the same year (which is all but confirmed in the epilogue of Snowed Inn), Maria and Jesse barely spent any time together before her arrival at the inn in December in this book. While the pacing of the story itself is decent, the action in the last third honestly seemed like a huge stretch and Maria’s relationship issues seemed woefully underdeveloped. However, my biggest gripe upon reading is predicated on the following questions: Are we readers truly to believe that Maria was able to make a career change in two weeks’ time? Are we truly to believe that a brand new bar owner can turn around and make plans for another location in three months?

Overall, while Snowed Inn held great promise, especially after The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn’s quality story and charm for days, I was left a bit disappointed.

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager, as well as NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!

[Nanasbookreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Snowed Inn by Valerie Bowman is the second book in the Honeycrisp Orchard series, and it is the perfect cozy holiday romance to curl up with during the Christmas season.

Maria Agostini is a publicist from New York City who has always loved the fast-paced city life. When a snowstorm leaves her stranded in New York just before Christmas, her best friend invites her to spend the holidays at Honeycrisp Orchard Inn. It sounds like the perfect escape... except for one small problem. Jesse Butler, the charming local brewery owner.

After a terrible first meeting, Maria and Jesse can't seem to stop exchanging sarcastic remarks every time they're together. Jesse genuinely wants to make things right, but their constant banter keeps getting in the way. As Maria settles into the small-town atmosphere, she begins to see a slower, simpler way of life that isn't as boring as she imagined. She also discovers that beneath Jesse's confident exterior is a kind-hearted man worth getting to know. But can a woman who loves designer clothes and city lights truly build a future in a small town with someone who seems to be her complete opposite?

This story was everything I want from a holiday romance. It is cozy, heartwarming, emotional, and full of witty banter that kept me smiling from beginning to end.

Tropes: Opposites Attract, Small Town Romance, Close Proximity.

The pacing felt just right, the world-building made Honeycrisp Orchard feel like a place I'd happily visit, and the romance developed naturally. Beyond the love story, the book also delivers beautiful messages about finding where you truly belong and opening your heart to unexpected possibilities.

I absolutely loved both the main and supporting characters. Maria is fierce, ambitious, and uses her designer wardrobe as a shield, while Jesse is the dependable small-town hero who quietly struggles with his own confidence. Watching them both grow throughout the story made their romance even more rewarding. I also have to mention the adorable pets, especially the cat, Christmas Eve, who completely stole every scene.

My favorite moment was when Maria visited Jesse at his house. It was one of those scenes that perfectly captured the warmth, vulnerability, and chemistry between them.

If you're looking for a sweet, cozy Christmas romance filled with heart, laughter, and plenty of holiday charm, I definitely recommend picking this one up.

[Mama Needs to Read Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you enjoy slow burn fun? Christmas-y feels? A cozy country setting, steeped in snow? Then PLEASE grab a hot cocoa and read this book right now! (Cocoa not included.)

Maria's plans for a merry L.A. Christmas screech to a halt when her plane is grounded near Harvest Hollow. Thankfully her best friend Ellie is happy to let her crash at the Honeycrisp Orchard Inn. The only problem? Jesse "Ball Cap" Butler, Maria's arch nemesis, who is every woman's fever dream in flannel. (Not your dream? Just you wait!) Soon the blizzard forces Maria and Jesse to work together, and before long, they're learning about each other, experiencing (their pent up) feelings, and giving in to the chemistry that's white-HOT! But they're from different worlds, and Maria has some things to figure out about who she is and what she wants. It's a fabulous journey from start to finish!

I ADORED this book. Not only do we get Christmas fun, but there are great winter, and even autumn, vibes. It's cozy. It's like a Pinterest vision board of foodie & drink fun. The characters were beautifully fleshed out. I even loved Maria's barely-there brother Luca, who REALLY needs his own book. I'm already shipping Charlotte's love interest(s!). Give us that book already, Valerie Bowman! I NEED it. 🥳

Also, two quick things that aren't done enough, but Bowman did to perfection, and I need to see more often!
1. I LOVED how the characters celebrated sobriety and sober culture. (There's a lot of drinking too, but still. 🤣)
2. Each chapter ended in a really satisfying way. They didn't just END. Each chapter was beautifully tied up in a bow.

Content Warnings: family members dealing with alcoholism (off page and/or before story begins), dysfunctional family dynamics, poverty (before story begins), food insecurity (before story begins), bullying (before story begins)

I'd like to thank Avon & Harper Voyager and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very cute, cozy winter Christmas book, if you are a fan of any kind of cozy hallmark or lifetime movie you will love this book maria is stranded in New York because of a big blizzard, which has caused the therm. It reports to shut down as if she goes to visit her friend's inn on Long Island, on the way from the train station to the end, she ends up.Finding a little kitty that she names christmas, when she gets to the inn, after seeing her friend - she runs into the bartender, jesse, who she had met the last time ( i did not know if this was part of a series but it is definitely fine as a stand-alone) they have a love-hate relationship. Basically, she thinks he's simple because he wears fannel and a ball cap and he thinks she's a princess because she's high maintenance, do a series of issues she ends up helping run different parts of the inn, mostly due two are our best friend and husband getting the flu- so she gets to know, Jesse a little bit better and realizes that maybe he's not a bad guy. ( his dream of opening a sober bar.Especially due to family alcoholism) He even adopts the little kitty, she found.So really, how bad can he be- she ends up extending her stay even after your best friend's better. In the airport opens for the big new year's eve party, that night, her and Jesse spend the night together . But she panics and runs the next day, over the course of the next few months, Ishe keeps tabs on what's going on with him and decides to show up at his grand opening of his cocktails bar- will he be open to her coming back- will she be able to tell him her true feelings - a classic feel good cozy Christmas story -- if you are from a state or region that is prone to getting snowstorms and blizzards, you will need to suspend your knowledge because the parts involving the snow storm/ blizzard makes absolutely no sense and it was very irritating

Thank you netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review

[WitchlingReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

SNOWED INN

If the cover of Snowed Inn isn't enough to entice you to read this cozy holiday romance, here's my honest review:
Snowed Inn played out in my mind like a Christmas hallmark movie with spice. I absolutely ate it up! It will be the perfect story to get in the holiday spirit. This is the second book in the Honeycrisp Orchard Inn world. It can be read as a stand alone.
Snowed Inn releases 9-29-26. I would definitely add this one to your holiday TBR!

Maria Agostini is an independent woman, who grew up in L.A. and moved to Manhattan. She loves fashion and her expensive apartment. She does PR for upcoming movie stars, but feels like she's baby sitting entitled brats. When her flight to L.A. is canceled due to a blizzard, her best friend invites her to stay at Honey Crisp Inn.

City girl × country boy
Forced proximity
Slow burn
Enemies to lovers
Small town romance
Cozy Christmas

*Spoilers*

The snow continues to fall and Maria can't escape Jesse. A handsome bartender, who insulted her the first time they met. She nicknames him "ball cap" and doesn't give him a chance to apologize. When he offers to adopt a stray kitten that she found freezing in the snow, her walls slowly start to melt. She begins to re-evaluate her life, because her current reality was built as an artificial image to protect herself. The quietness of the country allows her to reflect what she truly wants in her career and love life. And she just might give ball cap a chance.

Thank you Valerie Bowman, Harpercollinspublisher, and netgalley for allowing me to read eARC Snowed Inn. I absolutely enjoyed it!

[Casie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Firstly thank you to Harper Collins & Valerie Bowman for giving me the opportunity to yet again enjoy an ARC! 3.5/5⭐️
Maria is headstrong. Career focused. Living her busy, fast-paced NYC life. The only downside? Her taste in men. It’s atrocious. They hit every “box” they should, attractive, career oriented, outgoing…but underneath it all they just plain suck. So when a Christmas time blizzard grounds all of the plans in and out of NYC she finds herself on a train the Harvest Hollow Long Island to visit her friend Ellie at her family Inn so she doesn’t have to spend the holiday season alone in the city since she won’t make it back LA for her family.

Unfortunately for Maria that means seeing Jesse again. Her last run in with him wasn’t stellar and she’s got a thing against flannel and ball caps when it comes to him. Can they pull themselves together enough to enjoy the holiday and kick off the new year together? Or are things going to get even messier than they were?

Being back at the Honeycrisp Orchard Inn for the winter holidays and seeing some families harvest hollow faces was such a treat. This book was less predictable than I feel like the first book in the series was, neither is a bad thing! I struggled with the communication between Jesse and Maria. As a nearly 30year old woman myself it’s hard to watch adults my own age act like teenagers with their communication. Overall I enjoyed the slow burn of the books but I do feel like the chemistry was lacking between Maria and Jesse at times. I liked the pace of their relationship, it wasn’t too forced or quick!

Overall I enjoyed the book and look forward to whatever else Valarie had waiting for us at the Inn!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

This was such a great book! I was surprised to see that book two was Maria instead of Charlotte but having read the book it makes so much sense. The view we get of Charlotte and the insight into her relationship is definitely setting up the third book (which I can’t wait for and the second isn’t even released yet!!).

As for this book, it was wonderful! I loved how Jesse and Maria arguing and getting on each others nerves caused the two to have unfair and untrue assumptions about each other. When they are forced to form a truce for Christmas and to help out at the Inn while owners Aiden and Ellie are sick with the flu they begin to learn how untrue their assumptions were. It was so wonderful to watch Maria and Jesse learn that they were wrong and begin to appreciate each other for who they are. I enjoyed watching both of the characters pivot within their respective fields of work and figure out how to find joy and/or do something exciting with their careers. Watching them grow and encourage each other was wonderful.

My only issue was the third act break up. It felt a little forced but I do see how it was necessary for the characters. It forced Maria to reevaluate her life and make the changes she needed to so that she could finally feel fulfilled both personally and professionally.

This book has the perfect hallmark movie vibes and was a book I could not put down until I was done.

Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Gylene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maria Agostini is a big-city girl who works in New York. She comes from a big, loud family and has plans to spend Christmas with them in L.A. Jesse Butler is a small-town bartender. He has enough on his plate and no time to deal with a city girl who thinks she owns the place.

When all the flights are grounded in New York due to a blizzard, Maria is invited to spend Christmas at the Honeycrisp Orchard Inn by her friend, Ellie. Maria and Jesse find themselves helping out at the inn together and calling a truce. Will Maria and Jesse be able to keep their truce and find they are actually perfect together?

This is book two in the ‘Honeycrisp Orchard’ series. We met Maria and Jesse in book one, and they did not hit it off. They both rubbed each other the wrong way. So, I was excited to read that this book was going to be their story, and I was definitely not disappointed. It was really fantastic and I loved it!! It was full of holiday magic, extremely entertaining, and very delightful. I laughed throughout the book while reading about how Maria and Jesse, snowed in at the inn at Christmas, moved from enemies to lovers. I really enjoyed when they called a truce and started learning more about each other. They were absolutely adorable together and made the perfect couple. Overall, this book was well-written, the characters were well-developed, and it had the perfect amount of Christmas magic. I liked how in the end we got a sneak peek into the next book. Now, we have something to look forward to the next time we visit the Honeycrisp Inn. I highly recommend this book!!

[KindleandCauldrons · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing better than curling up with a cozy Christmas romance in the middle of summer, and this one completely stole my heart.
I devoured this book in one sitting because once I started, I couldn't put it down. The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn felt like the kind of place I'd pack my bags for immediately…filled with holiday magic, charming small-town characters, twinkling lights, and all the cozy Christmas vibes.
Maria and Jesse's enemies-to-lovers romance was exactly what I wanted. Their banter was entertaining, the slow burn had me completely invested, and when that tension finally broke... wow. The payoff was worth every page. I found myself smiling, laughing, swooning, and even tearing up by the end.
Although this is the second book in the Honeycrisp Orchard Romance series, I went in without reading the first book. It follows a different couple, so I never felt lost, and it works perfectly as a standalone. That said, after falling in love with this town and its characters, I've already added book one to my Kindle because I'm not ready to leave Honeycrisp Orchard.
If you're looking for a heartwarming small-town Christmas romance filled with holiday charm, memorable characters, and a beautifully written slow-burn romance, this one absolutely deserves a spot on your holiday TBR.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins Publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[The Starbound Girl✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and publishers for the opportunity to read this ARC for honest feedback. Coming September 29, 2026 is Snowed Inn by Valerie Bowman. This is the second book in her Honeycrisp Orchard series, and is set at Christmas. A great cozy read for the start of the fall/winter season!

Maria is snowed in at her best friend's Inn at Christmas. She's missing her family, over her job, and on top of everything has to deal with Jesse, who she doesn't like. When Ellie comes down with an illness, it is up to Maria and Jesse to handle things at the brewery and Inn until Ellie is recovered.

Maria and Jesse quickly find that they enjoy pushing each other and finding ways to annoy one another. Maria finally gives in and decides to give Jesse another chance at making a good impression. However, she's been hurt in the past, and doesn't know how to handle the budding relationship. There is a lot of will they won't they, and the author keeps you on your toes wanting the Christmas miracle.

This is a cute and cozy Christmas romance. There are only a few spicy scenes, and they are towards the end. 4/5 stars. Put this on the list for your winter TBR!

[Snappyberry · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I won this in a Goodreads giveaway and realized it’s the second book in the series. Thankfully, I never felt completely lost as it’s an interconnected standalone. I enjoyed it so much that I’ll definitely be going back to read the first book!

Maria tested my patience for a good portion of the story. I wanted to shake her more than once! But that’s what made her character growth so rewarding. Watching her finally realize just how badly she’d messed up, own her mistakes, and grow from them made me appreciate her by the end.

And Jesse? I absolutely adored him. He was so patient, caring, and easy to root for. I found myself hoping things would work out for him from the very beginning, and he quickly became my favorite character.

I did feel some descriptors were a little repetitive but it didn’t bother me too much. I enjoyed the plot cause I’m a sucker for a good Christmas, snowed in, small town, romance. I’m truly not that hard to please! I was invested and didn’t get bored…I laughed out loud and kicked my feet, shook my book at Maria’s NONSENSE, and was satisfied with the ending. I’m excited to go back and read the first book for sure.

[Deidre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured "Snowed Inn" by Valerie Bowman in a single day, and it was the perfect "Christmas in July," beat-the-heat read. This series just keeps getting better! If I was stuck inside during a blizzard, these are the characters I would want to keep me company.

Think cozy Hallmark vibes... but with spice. Maria, a New York PR specialist, and Jesse, a hunky small-town bar owner, go from enemies-to-lovers while helping keep the Honeycrisp Orchard Inn running after their friends come down with the flu. Between sledding, an adopted kitten, a leaky sink, and plenty of forced proximity, the romance feels sweet, grounded, and genuinely fun. Best of all, the characters never feel cheesy—they're refreshingly down-to-earth.

My only gripe? That third-act breakup. I'm always frustrated when one honest conversation with a little empathy could solve everything. But if anything, it just had me rooting for these two to get out of their own way even harder.

Skip the Hallmark movie marathon this year. Put on your favorite Christmas playlist instead, curl up somewhere cool, and get lost in "Snowed Inn" as soon as possible! How do I book a room for the next blizzard??

[Missyreadsromantasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It might be spring as I read this advance copy, but Snowed Inn gave me all the cozy Christmas feels!

Brimming with all the heart of a Hallmark movie, Maria and Jesse’s story is a slow burn with a spicy finish.

When a blizzard shuts down her trip to see her family at Christmas, Maria reluctantly returns to her best friend’s inn for the holiday instead. And when Ellie and her husband come down with the flu, the NYC PR girl plays innkeeper, stepping up to help the skeleton crew keep things running. Part of the skeleton crew: Jesse, the inn’s infuriating bartender.

Despite making a terrible first impression, he turns out to be “a walking romance novel in flannel.” He adopts the stray kitten Maria found in the storm, teaches her to fix a leaking sink, cooks for her, and more. The man is a total green flag and their connection develops in genuine way.

Snowed Inn was everything I want in a small-town romance. Counting down to Honeycrisp Orchard book 3!

Thanks to Avon a and NetGalley for the e-ARC! All opinions are my own.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Honeycrisp Orchard series, and it pretty much picks up where the other left off, but you get plenty of backstory if this is your first read in the series.
PR girl, Maria from LA never expected to not be able to leave Honeycrisp Orchard Inn when she went to visit best friend Ellie, owner. Lots of beautiful sparkling snow says otherwise and she's snowed in and stuck at the inn.
It only goes from bad to worse when she sees hot bartender Jesse, who she desperately has tried to avoid this time around. Her last visit didn't go so well, and they had words with each other.
Sledding and snowball fights along with delicious homemade cookies and hot chocolate and something she can't resist.
When the mistletoe starts her thinking and Jesse is conveniently there, well you just never know what'll happen.
Warm, fuzzy, totally charming holiday book that I absolutely loved.
Hope there's more in the series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Casey Severin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this through NetGalley, and it ended up being exactly the kind of light, feel-good read I needed.

This is one of those soft, cozy romances that leans into all the warm holiday vibes without trying to be anything overly heavy—and honestly, it works. A fast-paced city girl finds herself stuck in a quiet small town over Christmas, helping out at her friend’s inn after an unexpected snowstorm throws off her plans. What starts as a temporary inconvenience turns into a much-needed pause from her usual chaos—and, of course, a certain small-town guy makes it even harder to leave.

The story is simple in the best way. The characters are easy to connect with, the setting feels warm and inviting, and the romance develops naturally without feeling forced. It’s not meant to be complex—it’s meant to make you smile, and it absolutely does.

If you’re looking for a cozy, low-stakes holiday romance that delivers charm, chemistry, and a satisfying ending, this one hits the mark.

[madi · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you netgalley for the read!!

i really liked the first book so i was excited for this one. big city girl gets stuck in small town. right up my alley.

i will admit maria was kinda annoying in the beginning.. in a not saying or doing what she wants type of way because she thinks she should say and do things differently to fit in. i really love how jesse was able to get her out of her comfort zone and make her see that she can do what she wants. once she gets more confident in herself she is extremely likable

jesse is so sweet. showing her how to enjoy life and how to do things for herself. and his ambition for his mock bar and taking all of maria’s advice? so cute!! also him taking the kitten? we love a man who loves cats

for such a short read, and short time frame, their depth is surprising. i could feel the connection between the two grow and nothing felt forced. the romance was romancing for me. definitely getting a shelf trophy for this one!

overall a cute, light read for christmas / winter time

4/5 stars ⭐️

[Jess (lucky.bookclub) Hilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cozy, soft, a little cheesy, and honestly just really good for my nervous system ❄️🤍

Snowed in + forced proximity + strong Hallmark energy, I love that it fully leans into that in the best way. Reading this for the cozy winter feeling really delivered. It’s the kind of book that lets you relax into it, where nothing feels too heavy and you can just enjoy the ride.

Jesse was a great example of a book boyfriend green flag. Quiet, steady, very much an actions-over-words kind of guy, and just really easy to root for. Maria felt a bit younger and more uncertain at times, which didn’t always land for me, but I could see what the story was trying to do with her growth. I was definitely cheering for them in the end!

The third act breakup wasn’t my favorite, especially given how quickly everything else moved, but it didn’t take away from the overall cozy vibe.

Snowed Inn would be perfect in the middle of winter when you want something sweet and comforting 🎄✨

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC in exchange for an honest review 💕

[Christy Fredericks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adored Snowed Inn and was beyond excited to receive this ARC, Thank You Valerie and NetGalley! After falling in love with Honeycrisp Orchard Inn last year, I couldn’t wait to return to this charming small town and its cozy inn for a festive holiday romance—and it was everything I hoped for.
This book has all the cozy, feel-good vibes: a swoon-worthy (and seriously sexy) bar owner, a picturesque inn, an adorable pug, the sweetest little kitten, and so much Christmas charm. I loved the chemistry between the main characters, and their banter had me smiling from beginning to end.
If you’re a fan of:
🎄 Enemies to lovers
❄️ Forced proximity
🏡 Cozy small-town romance
❤️ Holiday magic and all the Christmas feels
…then Snowed Inn needs to be on your winter TBR!
There is just something magical about a snowed-in Christmas romance, and Valerie Bowman delivers a heartwarming story full of charm, laughter, and swoon-worthy moments. I already can’t wait to visit Honeycrisp Orchard Inn again

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

In the second novel of the Honeycrisp Orchard series by Valerie Bowman, this novel is set around Christmastime with the characters of Maria and Jesse. Maria is set to fly out to California when her flight is cancelled due to the weather. Her best friend, Ellie invites her to spend the holiday with her at the Honeycrisp Orchard Inn. She agrees only because Jesse, the annoying brewer owner will not be there. When her friends get the flu, Maria finds herself helping out. As the snow continues to fall, they are forced to work together on the New Year's Eve celebration. As feelings develop will they be able to resist them?

This novel has all the feels of a holiday romance. Set in a wintry wonderland, emotional baggage to overcome, it is easy to root for them. I will be staying tuned for the next novel in the series.

[Bluesworldofbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A-freaking-dorable. I am obsessed with the Honey Orchard Inn and I swear I will never be bored of it.

This is a cozy Christmas book between Maria, an overworked publicist, and Jesse, a brewery owner. On the outside, Jesse and Maria are polar opposites. Maria lives in her designer outfits and enjoys a fancy lifestyle, while Jesse is a bartender who wears the same flannel and rotates between the same five shirts.

It’s enjoyable to watch them bicker and struggle to process their feelings. Jesse and Maria don’t have the best reputation when it comes to dating, and it shows, as they slowly start spending a lot of time together as “just friends” and refuse to be more.

Their relationship was cozy and enjoyable, the slow burn almost killed me but I was cheering when they finally got together. It took them a long time but it was worth it.

Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon for the eARC!

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ I'm a sucker for getting stranded because of a snowstorm books and this one is no exception. This is the second book in the Honeycrisp Orchard series, but is perfectly fine as a standalone. 

Maria gets stranded and decides to visit her BFF, Ellie, at the Honeycrisp Orchard Inn. Ellie assures her that her nemesis, Jesse, will not be there, but that's not the case under the guise that he would be alone for Christmas otherwise.

Maria misses her family, but the inn and community are starting to grow on her and she soon finds herself volunteering to help out where she can. The more her and Jesse are thrown together, the more they start to like each other. This is a slow burn romance, but there are some spicy scenes toward the end.

I loved the pace of this book and literally binged it. If you're looking for a cozy winter book, you might want to pick this one up!

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cozy small-town romance with plenty of heart. Mr. Flannel completely won me over with his quiet personality, love of books, and the way he cared for his kitten, Christmas. Those quieter moments were my favorite part of the story.

As a pug lover, I also have to give a little nod to Pumpkin. I’ll never complain about a pug making an appearance, and I would have happily spent a little more time with him.

The only thing that kept this from being a five-star read for me was the amount of spice. That’s simply a personal preference, and there was more than I expected. Readers who enjoy open-door romance will likely have a different experience than I did.

Overall, this was a sweet, feel-good romance with memorable characters, a satisfying ending, and enough books, kittens, and one lovable pug to leave me smiling.

Definitely will revisit this cozy little town again !

Thank you to the author and HarperCollinsPublishers for the ARC.

[Courtney Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing about me is I will eat up a book that involves a big city girl, a ruggedly handsome small town guy, and an INN. 😂

The story follows Maria, who's stranded on the east coast during a blizzard preventing her from flying to the west coast to spend Christmas with her family. She previously has a bad taste in her mouth about Jesse Butler, who works at the Inn's Brewery.

Did I love this book? Absolutely. The characters are great and the story has good pacing and reads as if you're watching a Hallmark movie, which makes the book fly by. I liked the banter between Maria and Jesse, however, Maria at times comes off a bit meh - like showing up to Christmas eve dinner in a Valentino dress..., BUT we do see character development!

I would immediately fall in love with Jesse. We wouldn't be enemies to lovers - just lovers 😂

Thank you netgalley for the arc!