Falling Like Snow

Bramble Falls #2

by Misty Wilson

A girl juggles planning her town’s first-ever winter festival and untangling her complicated feelings for both her best friend and the star hockey player in this charming book in the swoony Bramble Falls series that started with the New York Times bestselling Fall Like Leaves.

After Bramble Falls’s wildly successful Falling Leaves Festival, Sloane Sullivan is looking forward to some downtime—especially kicking back and marathoning Nora Ephron movies with her best friend, Asher. But they barely make it through Sleepless in Seattle before Sloane’s mom calls an emergency tourism department meeting; it’s all hands on deck—Bramble Falls is having its first ever Falling Snow Festival!

Sloane may still be recovering from the last seasonal event, but she’s also excited. After all, Christmas is the best time of year! And she’ll have her whole crew by her side, including her cousin Ellis and, of course, Asher. But when irresistible, hockey-playing Micah catches Sloane’s attention, she finds herself a bit distracted. The emotions her unexpected flirtation brings up make Sloane feel confused about Micah…and Asher.

She’s never thought of Asher as more than her best friend, but even if Sloane is seeing Asher in a new light, what does that mean for her and Micah? Uncertain and more than a little overwhelmed, Sloane throws herself into festival preparations, hoping to get a little Christmas magic in return that will help her figure out where her heart lies.

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Young Adult, Holiday, Contemporary, Fiction, Ebooks

Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 6, 2026

About the author

Misty Wilson is the New York Times bestselling author of Falling Like Leaves and the award-winning middle-grade graphic memoir Play Like a Girl. She is a teacher, a registered nurse, and a voracious reader. She loves binge-watching television series and adores rom-coms. She lives in Northeast Ohio with her husband and their two daughters.

Reviews

[Sarah • ia for a while · Rating 3 out of 5]

✧˖*°࿐ TL;DR: The vibes were vibing, but the lack of communication and jealousy kinda ruined the Christmas cheer I was trying to enjoy.




〖 ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ: It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas by Perry Como, The Fontane Sisters, Mitchell Ayres & His Orchestra 〗
↻ ◁ II ▷ ↺ 1:03 ───ㅇ───── 2:35




✧˖*°࿐ Before I start to ramble on about the positives and negatives of the book (because, let’s be honest, that’s all I do in my reviews), I think we should set the mood and have a little fire going so I can stay in the joy and awesomeness of Christmas for just a little bit longer. A little bit of ignoring reality never hurt no one. 😉




This book was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. Even though it was about best friends falling in love (my least favorite trope), I was so excited and ready to head back to Bramble Falls and experience the magic and beauty of Christmas in the quaint little town with Sloane as the heroine. Granted, I didn’t remember Sloane or her bff Asher (my brain felt like it was going to explode from how hard I was trying to remember these two), but I remembered enough to sit back and see what would play out between Sloane and Asher. And, boy oh boy, I should’ve had a plate full of sugar cookies and a mug of hot chocolate on hand to drown my frustrations while I read this book. Buckle up, y’all. This sleigh ride is going to get a little bit bumpy.



Let’s start with the positives because I don’t want to think about the negatives at the moment. 😅 This book solidified my love for Christmas. Like, I know why it’s my favorite time of the year, and it’s because of all the wonderful things you can do, the giving of gifts, and just the overall spirit of the season and goodwill toward men (and women) that makes the world seem not as bad as I thought it was. This book proved all that, and I had sooo much fun thinking about all the things I’m going to do for Christmas. 🥰🎄

The side characters and relationships were also great. I loved the friend group, Sloane’s Mom, and Sloane and Asher’s friendship. It was all so sweet and fun, and I still shook my head and chuckled about Jake. I definitely remembered him. 😂

Although the middle part of the book really, really frustrated me (I’ll get to that in a sec), I really liked the beginning and end of the story when we were all living in harmony and were communicating like human beings should.

And the cover?? Absolutely adorable! I can’t stop looking at it. 😍

But what really dampened the mood and made this book not so jolly were the characters’ actions and feelings. Look, I liked Asher and Sloane. I really did–I have no complaints about them as individuals or as best friends. They were cute together, regardless of whether they had feelings for each other or not, because friendship as close as theirs is always sweet. And I should add that I have nothing against flawed characters. I actually love flawed characters because they’re relatable and they feel real. So please, give me more of them. But there’s a difference between flawed characters and characters who can be annoying. You can be flawed and not annoying. If the character is both, then I’m obviously going to say something about it because I can and it’s my opinion. So let’s talk about Sloane and Asher.

Sloane herself wasn’t annoying, but her jealousy and anger towards Asher were. Like, girlfriend, a rift between you two was bound to happen if you got into a romantic relationship. That’s just how it goes. You won’t talk as much or hang out as often, and yeah, there are some things you won’t tell your best friend that concern your romantic relationship, and vice versa. But instead of being happy for him, you're mad and jealous. And that’s fine, I suppose. Those are natural feelings to feel about a change in y’all’s dynamic, but if you were being left behind and all alone, I’d have more sympathy for you. BUT YOU LITERALLY STARTED IT!! You’re mad at Asher for something that you did first. The lack of communication?? The off being somewhere with someone they possibly like??? All you, queen. Asher just decided to do his own thing, and you’re mad about it? What happened to just being friends? You sound like a jealous ex, honey, so you might as well just realize that you like the guy and find out if he feels the same way about you because this game that you’re playing sucks and I don’t want to be a part of it anymore. Everyone can see it except you.

Gosh, my patience is wearing thin for this trope. I think I hate it at this point. 😭

But Sloane isn’t the only one at fault here. Oh no, no, no. Asher didn’t help either–him and his secrets. 🙄 And that one scene at the water tower? Hello??? Are you alright there, my guy? I mean, I get it, but then I don’t because that was totally uncalled for. 😭🙏🏼

I was literally shaking my head and furiously writing down notes on why they were in the mess they were in. I swear, I should get paid for this counseling session because I was staying away from this book like the plague because of their incessant need to dance around each other and walk on eggshells instead of just talking like good friends should, instead of letting their anger and misunderstandings fester into something bitter and resentful. It ruined the whole romance, if there was one to begin with, since most of the book was Sloane wanting to be with Micah while harboring conflicting feelings about Asher. It’s probably very realistic, and that’s great, and all, but Asher and Sloane were so cute together as friends, and all the things he did for Sloane were the sweetest ever. I wanted to see them be cute together as a couple, even if it was for one chapter. The “romance” felt so flat and not even the slightest bit romantic because Sloane was so oblivious and adamant on them just being friends, all the while wondering why her heart fluttered around Asher AS SHE FLIRTED WITH MICAH. I was so confused about this girl’s feelings and intentions. 🤦‍♀

But Micah can go jump in a lake. I couldn't care less about him and his feelings. Sorry, not sorry. That’s what you get.

Anyway, aside from that, everything else was fine. ☺ The writing was easy to read and really painted a picture of what Bramble Falls looks like for Christmas. The plot itself kept me engaged for the most part. Nothing was exciting, surprising, or groundbreaking. It was just a straightforward, seasonal read that could honestly be read in one sitting if I weren’t the way I am and didn’t refrain from finishing this. The common denominator is me, so I’m the problem here. 😅

I can’t say that I’m utterly disappointed with this, but I do wish I could have loved it. But I still liked it and kinda had fun, so I think 3 stars is fair. 😌 And even though I didn’t love it, I still recommend it if you are looking for a quick, Christmassy read. I sincerely hope you love it. 💙

၄၃ Thank you to Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing | Margaret K. McElderry Books and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. ၄၃

《 Content Warnings 》
Death of a parent (off-page), blood, & sexual assault (kissing and groping without consent).
Swearing: Yes
Spice: Kissing. (🌶/5)

[Tori{LovesReadingRomance} (Jacks’s version) · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎄❆🗽

▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||||။‌‌‌‌‌၊|• 0:10
Now playing ⋆｡˚୨You Make It Feel Like Christmas by Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton୧˚｡⋆

-ˏˋ⋆ ᴡ ᴇ ʟ ᴄ ᴏ ᴍ ᴇ ⋆ˊˎ-
Okay so first of all thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me this arc (aka my very first one!!!)
This was definitely one of my top reads of the year! It was so amazing I loved it so much. Sloane and Asher were amazing! The book was hilarious (as you can tell from the quotes and notes section of this review lol) and this is a mostly spoiler free review!! Happy reading!!
P.s this song is perfect for them btw lol

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

Sweet gingerbread made with molasses
My heart skipped and I reacted
Can’t believe this is happening

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

‧₊˚✧Characters✧˚₊‧

Sloane: honey this is why you never date the guy your friends say is a player.
Anyway I get way you were jealous of Asher and Daphne hanging out together, but you should have told him how you felt after you figured it out! And why would you spend him back to the dance after he saw you leave it after the whole Micah thing and he wanted to stay with you. Honey. Asher was trying so hard not to go back there and beat the life out of Micah. And I literally almost cried at the cemetery scene , and I never cry while reading. I think that’s the closest I’ve ever gotten.

Asher: okay why are you doing buddy, you turned Bramble falls into Sloane’s dream winter break vacation and she still couldn’t see that you loved her come on man step it up. Also the huge water tower thing I’m still mad at you for that, and you leaving before Sloane even woke up, even tho I know that you didn’t want to move or leave her cuddles. Come on man. I just know that if we had gotten his pov of the kiss/ afterwards he would be so happy and never wanting to leave her but forcing himself too because he thinks she only kissed him for practice and is really into Micah. (He’s amazing but I like Cooper better sorry!)

Micah: liked him and then I was meh and then I greatly dislike him a ton (go to themes section to find out why) that is all I’m saying thank you very much

Others:I’m not writing everyone else down so here’s my top side characters! Hannah: loved her! Hannah’s grandmother: look at the quotes and notes she’s a hoot also loved her!
Ellis and Cooper: still love them from The first book wished we saw them more together tho
Jake and Fern: if we’re getting a third book (which I think we are) i hope it’s abt them!
Sloane’s mom: love her she could be a little less “I’m going to bury myself in town work so I won’t have to talk abt my feelings” but I think she’ll work on it. And I lowkey hated how she came up with the whole new festival to put together in a few days thing right when she knew Sloane was really looking forward to and excited abt her and Ellis’s trip to nyc.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

Like a present sent from God
Sleigh bells singing hallelujah
Stars are shingling on us too

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

‧₊˚✧Themes✧˚₊‧
Okay so the themes were a tad darker than Falling Like Leaves were.
Sloane grieving her father, some sa when Micah would not stop kissing or touching her and she has to push him away and gave him a black eye and a bloody nose
Minimal cursing (maybe like 10 to 15 in the whole book)
2/5 spice (kinda steamy kisses (good steamy not bad steamy iykyk) and mentions of teen pregnancy in a joking and then in a kinda joking way oh and she accidentally gave him a hickey)

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

I wanna thank you, baby
You make it fell like Christmas
(Ooh, ooh)

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

‧₊˚✧Plot & Progression✧˚₊
The plot was really good and so was the progression. We picked up probably abt a month after Falling Like Leaves ended.
It never really got slow too much there was always something happening and I really liked that it didn’t give me time to get boarded lol

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

You make it feel like Christmas

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

‧₊˚✧Things that stood out✧˚₊‧
I loved all the holiday festivities and I can’t wait to get my own physical copy when it releases so I can reread it for Christmas!!
Asher and his ideas to make Sloane get thru December
That mistletoe kiss sigh I need something like that one day

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

‧₊˚✧Quotes & Notes✧˚₊‧

11%
“We’re here, Mom. What more do you want?” Hannah’s dad asks, the ring under his eyes and the slump in his posture telling a story of exhaustion. “What would make this more exciting for you?”
“I don’t know!” She crosses her frail arms. “Perhaps mud wrestling. Or streaking.”

A laugh barrels out of me at the unexpected comment. “Now that would exciting to watch, I suppose.”
A crease forms between her eyebrows. “No, dear, I don’t want to watch. I want to participate.”
“Grammy!” Hannah exclaims, appalled. Her dad grips the bridge of his nose between his thumb and index finger and sighs.
“Don’t be such a killjoy Hannah.” I laugh. “Let the women run naked through the streets.”

Hannah looks at her grandma. “You’re eighty two, Grammy. You’d probably break a hip doing either of those things.”
Her grandma lifts her chin. “Oh hogwash. See, this is why you’re not my favorite grandchild.”
“I’m your only grandchild.”
“Doesn’t make it any less true.”

(Note: I love Hannah’s grandma lol she seems like she would get in a lot of trouble if left alone lol.)

17%
I’m climbing down when Asher returns, and Ellis pulls Cooper under the dangling evergreen leaves and clusters of white berries.
“Oh shucks look where we ended up,” she says, looking up at the mistletoe. “Guess we have to kiss—it is the rule.”
He grins at her. “Darn it, I guess so.”
She presses up on her tiptoes and plants a kiss on his lips.
They’re so sickeningly adorable, if I didn’t love them, I’d hate them for it.

(Note: aww my babies, I love them so much)

19%
Micah Cook
He pushes his light brown hair out of his concerned, piercing green eyes.
“Damn, you have pretty irises,” I blurt.
I slap my hand over my mouth.
He laughs “Um, thanks…” my cheeks flare as he offers his hand. I let him pull me up.

(Note dann Sloane smooth real smooth)

19%
“Hey” the now-familiar voice calls from behind me. I pivot to face Micah. “You have pretty irises too, Sloane Sullivan.”
With that, he walks away, leaving me wordless.

(Note damn again)

20%
“Very successful,” Hannah chirps. Then her smile vanishes. “Minus Sloane buying Grammy a thong.”
Asher’s eyes swing to me. “Uh, why would you do that?”
“Because she’ll get a kick out of it!” I say laughing. “I’m not a very good present giver, but the thong is a great present.”
“Unfortunately, you’re right,” Hannah grumbles, shaking her head.
“It’s why I’m her favorite fake grandchild.” I say proudly.
She sighs. “Also correct.”

(Note I stand by what I said earlier about Hannah’s grandmother)

34%
“You aren’t replaceable, Sully,” he says, calling me by the nickname he only uses when he’s serious. His voice is somehow soft and firm at the same time, like he wants me to know he’s not mad but also needs me to know he means every word.
“You can worry about your grades and finals and studying. You can worry about making sure your mom is happy. You can worry about your dad’s upcoming anniversary. You can worry about what needs to be done for every Bramble Falls festival event. You can worry about Micah’s weird comments and mixes messages. But do not worry about us.”
“Even if you and Daphne start dating ?” The question burns like acid in my mouth. Am I really that scared of having to scare him? Am I seriously that selfish?
“It seems more likely that you’ll be dating before I will,” he says. “But yes, you’re my best friend no matter what. Forever and always.”

(Note
Awww Asher you love her!! And Sloane you love him too as more than a bestie and you know it.)

35%
Who knew hockey was such a hot form of art?

(Note
Girl all us hockey romance readers out here that’s who)

59%
“Excuse me, no one is banging, or boning, or boinking anyone tonight,” I say. “There will be no teenage pregnancies occurring the only night my mother has ever let me have a co-ed sleepover.”
“Oh my god, you sound just like her,” Ellis says, chuckling.
I pause. “Ew. I totally do. Fine. Teenage pregnancies for everyone!” I declare.
Jake’s faces contorts. “No thanks.”
The room fills with laughter.

(Note
I was cackling so hard at this lol)

97%
He tears his mouth away. “We should stop.”
I freeze, “Oh. Okay. Sorry. I didn’t mean to—“
“Sloane, you didn’t nothing wrong. Quit apologizing.”
“Then why are we stopping?” I ask, pretty sure I wasn’t the only one enjoying this best friend make-out sesh.
“Because we don’t want a teen pregnancy. Our parents would kill us, and I’m not ready to have a kid.”
I kiss the corner of his lips. “You do know how babies are made, right?”
He laughs. “Yes, Sloane. But seeing as I ended up with semipermanent marks on my neck the last time we ‘just kissed,’ I say at least one of us needs to practice some self-control.”

(Note
Well yeah at least you think ahead Asher or else this would be very different lol)

[Jessica Burkhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

So as you’re all aware, FALLING LIKE LEAVES was a perfect autumnal romance so my hopes for FALLING LIKE SNOW?? Sky high! Misty Wilson did not disappoint. Asher and Sloane made my heart sing, made me scream “admit your feelings, already!” and melt into a puddle of candy cane goo when they finally, finally had That Talk. This is a romance I’ll be comfort reading every winter, and I suspect many of you will be too! FLS is cozy from start to finish and if only all future partners were like Asher. The THINGS he does for Sloane in this book?? You’re not ready. ❤️

[Fifi’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I said this for Falling Like Leaves and I’ll say it for again for this. This series is the absolute best of the books of this type in this genre. You know, the small town Gilmore Girls Hallmark movie type romances. And it’s not to say I haven’t tried other ones, or the viral ones. I’ve read many in this style to chase the kind of feeling these kinds of books give: The Pumpkin Spice Cafe, If It Makes You Happy, etc. And I’m not trying to play a comparison game or anything, but in my opinion, of any book in this cozy Gilmore Girls/Hallmark type genre, this series is the greatest. It pulls off what the more viral autumnal romance books try to do but don’t do as well as these books.

Falling Like Leaves last year was everything I wanted (one of the most Gilmore Girls-y Hallmark-y autumnal books in existence) and though the focus is on Winter rather than Autumn, the novelty isn’t gone at all. It’s got the SAME vibes the SAME coziness the SAME feeling of what made the first book so special. I clocked that from the very first chapter. Plus, the only thing better than small town fall is small town winter. Sloane and her mom are so painfully Lorelai and Rory too (down to the poptarts) it just ugh makes me wanna rewatch Gilmore Girls all over again.

Falling Like Snow takes place immediately after the previous book, and ugh Bramble Falls just made me crave small town life in New England all over again. Picture living in a quaint town where you can hear kids playing in the leaves, neighbors holding hot drinks on their porches, the scent of cinnamon and spice from a local coffee shop, and a quant downtown area complete with cat cafe, library, and diner. Complete with a huge annual autumn festival, and now, a Falling Snow festival too, preceding an annual Snow Ball on Christmas Eve amongst other cozy Christmas festivities such as holiday market, and cozy activities at the Bramble Inn. Serious question, which small towns (preferably in New England) are similar to this because I think I need to find an hyperfixation town, since Bramble Falls unfortunately isn’t real.

The best way I can describe this book is it just makes me feel nostalgic for a time that doesn’t exist anymore. It’s not a 90s or early 2000s book or anything but it kind of gives off that kind of energy somehow? Maybe it’s because of the small town vibe. It just feels like a time where life felt slower and back when we had just the right amount of technology. This book made me miss being young and going out to diners with my best friend, miss the feeling of being part of a big friend group when you’re young and making friends was easier, miss the innocent of when life felt simpler. Books like these are the only way I can get even a semblance of that feeling back, and I think that’s why I feel so drawn to YA sometimes. I actually love that it’s YA, because it brings this spark of a reminder of when life felt easier. It gives me the same spark of a feeling similar to time I lived before and never will again. It’s just so cute, so innocent, so cozy, and makes me miss being this young. Ugh I sound old.

This book is a standalone but I highly highly recommend reading Falling Like Leaves first for full immersion. I loved seeing Ellis again, and good ole Jake (who I still feel kinda bad for, if you’ve read Falling Like Leaves ikyk) and Cooper of course. I feel such an attachment to my babies Ellis and Cooper who already got their happily ever after. Admittedly friends to lovers isn’t a favorite trope of mine, but Sloane and Asher’s dynamic was SO cute, their chemistry insane, and honestly, I was just happy to be back in Bramble Falls. My only real complaint was that Ellis and Cooper took a huge backseat to this story and it felt like the other secondary characters played a much bigger part, but I think that is because they’re being set up to have their own stories later in the series. I just am biased and I miss my babies!

One of the most fun parts of reading this was theorizing who the couples for books 3 and 4 will be, but I have my theories 🫢 I will read ANYTHING Misty Wilson writes at this point. Bramble Falls forever!

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for sending me an advanced copy in return for my honest review.

[Sydney]

Pre release:
AHHHH I CANT WAIT FOR THISSS!! AND I KNEW IT WAS GONNA BE ABOUT ASHER AND SLOAN!!!

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling Like Snow - Misty Wilson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🎵: I Knew It, I Knew You - Taylor Swift

Thank you netgalley, simonteen, and amazing Misty Wilson for this arc!!

Falling Like Snow is the second book in the Bramble Falls series, but definitely can be read as a stand alone as I have not read the first book. The book is about Sloane Sullivan, the mayors daughter, and Asher Yoshida, her bestfriend. They live in a cute little town in Connecticut called Bramble Falls. It is quite literally Stars Hollow (the town in Gilmore girls) in a book. Every year they do a fall festival and after gaining a lot of traction this year, Sloane’s mom decides they should do one for the winter. As Sloane and all her friends scramble to plan & work all the events in this festival, we get to see how Sloane & Asher navigate their friendship after a boy becomes interested in Sloane.

I LOVE the amount of references in this book!! From musicals to romcoms to Taylor swift, this book had it ALL. I was absolutely obsessed and couldn’t put this book down. WOW MISTY WILSON YOU HAVE DONE YOUR BIG ONE.

This is literally stars hollow in a book and you can’t convince me otherwise. This book makes me think that I need to move to a small little town that gets snow during the winter and I’m from the south!!!

Speaking of, it is the middle of summer and now I’m just wanting Christmas to be here already. I wish my town did all these festivities for the holidays.

In books, I get very annoyed when the author makes the main character (specifically the woman) unable to defend herself and just be so obnoxious and honestly, pathetic. So when she did what she did at ball (spoiler free review) I WAS JUMPING FOR JOY! She clocked tf out of that boy and we love to see it.

When this book comes out, RUN do not walk to go pick it up and read it. You will not be disappointed!

[Maddie Smitherman | Midnight Chapter Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley and Misty Wilson for allowing me to read this advanced copy!

3.5 ⭐️s rounded up to 4!! This was a really cute winter romance, best friends turned to lovers novel. The romance was super cute and I definitely fell in love with Sloane and Asher. I haven't read the first novel, Falling Like Leaves, but I assume it's just as cute & would set this sequel up really well. I'd definitely recommend it for an uplifting book during Christmas time, hence the rounding up to 4 stars.

My one critique that made this below 4 stars is that at times, the chapters felt a little wordy without it adding much to the premise or finale of the book. I also had a really hard time with the amount of main characters there were - I got them all mixed up half the time & was confused by their purpose.

Overall, very cute! Misty knows how to write a beautiful romance!

[Cammy]

𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞

𝓡𝓮𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮 𝓓𝓪𝓽𝓮: 𝓞𝓬𝓽𝓸𝓫𝓮𝓻 6 2026

Ahhh another Bramble Falls book?! AND it's about Sloane and Asher?!??!? SIGN ME UP RIGHT NOW. AND it's christmas themed? I am so hyped

[Andrea Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this soooooo much. I cried and laughed. another amazing Bramble Falls book

[Jessica Kepinski · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars ⭐️
Solid book for the holidays; likely audience would be more by younger adult/teen readers. It brings in pg type of romantic elements, and is set in high school.
The main character is likable but somewhat predictable. The intertwining of multiple high school characters in this book is almost confusing because of the sheer volume of them, but seems to be a necessary element to bring the whole story together.
I appreciated the family and cultural influences brought into the book, and I would have loved to have had a chapter or two from Asher’s point of view.
It was a good and easy read overall!

Thank you #NetGalley for the #ARC

[Tiffany Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Simonteen, Netgalley, and the amazing author herself, Misty Wilson, for letting me read this amazing book early and trusting me to give an honest review in return.

My rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (if I could rate it more, I would)
❄️Tropes❄️
No Spice/YA
He falls first (technically) x she falls harder
Gilmore Girls winter vibes
Small town
childhood best friends to lovers
Grief
One POV

I'm not going to even lie. This book had some very high expectations, and holy freaking moly did Misty Wilson freaking DELIVER. Like Falling Like Leaves, I freaking devoured this book. It took me longer to sit down and actually write a review than it did to actually read the whole book, which at this point, it isn't surprising. This book had me crying (still unknown to this day) and laughing, and giggling, and OHMYGODDDD AGHHHHHHH! If you loved FLL, then you'll love FLS.
I have so many things to say about this book, about the characters, and about the setting. But first I wanna say just how easy it was to read this book. Misty Wilson's writing style and just FLL in general were one of my favorites last year and I'm so grateful I got to read this one early because it just made me love her books even more. Also, I've read a LOT of amazing books this year, but this one has to be in my top three. No competition there.
Okay, imma stop rambling and get to the actual review now loll
Asher freaking Yoshida, ladies and gentlemen OH.MY.GOSH. Do I even need to say anything about him? Hello??? This MAN. What he did for Sloane left me freaking jaw-droppingly SPEECHLESS. This man is so down bad for her. Like if Asher can do something so amazing for Sloane while they're "just friends," just imagine what he'd do when they're together. Also, I really thought he was buying her a plane ticket for her present😭BUT HIS PRESENT WAS STILL REALLY CUTE AGHHH! I loved Asher. He was such a good best friend, very protective and very jealous for just being a friend. He did get on my nerves a little at the end, BUT how could you be mad at him. Come on, he was in love with his best friend and there wasn't any way he could explain that. I loved him. I am so in love with that man, please, I can't omg. The only thing I will say, though, I really, really wished we could've gotten inside of his head. But either way, I loved him sm!
NOW FOR SLOANE YAY! My girl. I loved her so much. Her grief with her dad was so well done that I CRIED. I think I've only cried reading five books, including this one. I loved her so freaking much, but this girl was SO OBLIVIOUS. If someone did what Asher did for Sloane, I wouldn't be able to help be curious if there were feelings. I mean, come on! But as much as I loved her, she pissed me off when she met Micah, which I'll get into (I wanna punch a wall, man). I relate to Sloane in many different ways, but she was very, VERY. . . hypocritical. I HATED IT. Please, I know she was upset, but let's not be a hypocrite, hm kay? But beside that, I loved her lol. And I really, really loved her relationship with her mom. She wasn't the typical mom who ignores everything and focuses on her work, she was actually there for Sloane and communicated which I really loved. Though, it was questionable in the beginning, she ended up being one of the characters I loved.
Unlike some, what Micah did to her was so out of line. Crashing out over a cutesy winter romance book at 4am was not on my 2026 bingo card. But it brings me to Micah. This freaking BOY, bro. I HATED HIM SO MUCH. I actually really liked him in the beginning because Sloane and him had great chemistry. I thought it was just a boy flirting with a girl, BUT NOPE! THE FREAKING AUDACITY THIS BOY HAD OH HELLLLLLLLL NO. NO. NOPE. Screw him. I hate him so much. Please. I am not okay. I hate him. UGHHHH I hate him so much. He should've begged for a freaking apology but the audacity that boy had, oh it made my skin BOIL. IT STILL DOES. Have I mentioned how much I hate him?
Anyway, lolllll, out of all the characters mentioned, Jake and Fern WERE MY FAVORITE I CANNOT WAIT FOR THEIR BOOK (if there is gonna be one). PLEASE I NEED A BOOK ABOUT THEM I'LL DO ANYTHING 😭pls. There aren't enough words to explain how much I love them. Whenever they first appeared in FLL, I immediately fell in love with them, and I can't wait to see where that goes. I also loved Ellis and Cooper, of course. And I loved the vibes this book gave. The Gilmore Girls reference in the beginning made me laugh so hard, because it really is a power!
Overall, I loved every minute of this book. Asher and Sloane's chemistry and banter were amazing and I'm so, so grateful I got to read this early. I can confidently say that FLL and FLS WILL BE a yearly read. If you loved Falling Like Leaves, Falling Like Snow will definitely meet up to your expectations and you'll fall in love with Asher and Sloane even more.
Falling Like Snow comes out October 6th, so it's not too late to pre-order and get a copy of those beautiful sprayed edges.

[Ree · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚ARC REVIEW📚
📆PUB DATE: October 6, 2026
[3.5⭐️ Rounded up to 4]

What To Expect:
☕️Cozy
🏘Small-Town
🔺️Love Triangle
👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨Friends to Lovers
🗣Witty Banter
🎄Christmas
😤Jealousy
😶Lack of Communication

💭: Bramble Falls is having it's first ever ❄️Falling Snow Festival❄️. I LOVED the cozy and festive atmosphere in this book.

All the events that they set up for the festival also added to the vibe, making me really want climb into my kindle and be apart of Bramble Falls, too.

I loved the witty banter and flirting between Micah and Sloane. It had me wondering how was I ever going to get on board the Ashloane ship. Micah had me in a constant state of blushing in the first half.

Sloane was a bit frustrating at times in how she couldn't just admit she liked Asher. I didn't like how it led Micah on only for him to be disappointed every time she canceled plans or ignored him. I felt bad for him in the first half.

As for Asher, his reasons for the secrets were cute. While it was predictable what he was up to, it didn't take away from how sweet the moments were as they are revealed to Sloane. Their chemistry may be different than her and Micah's was in the first half, but he's so thoughtful and they have a wholesome connection.

Then came the last 30% of the story and everything changed. Micah became completely unlikeable, I felt bad for Sloane, and I just wanted her and Asher to talk properly about their feelings. Tbh, Sloane was a bit frustrating. The lack of communication and honesty with Asher just led to so much drama and I was wanting more a more lighthearted romance since it was during Christmas and such a cozy setting. The drama went on so long they don't even get together until after 95% through.

Overall, there were some sweet moments, it was a very cozy vibe in the beginning and heavily packed with lack of communication. I liked Asher but I didn't fully believe in them as a couple by the time they finally confessed their feelings. It was basically at the very end by that point.

Thank you Misty Wilson and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for the ARC.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Simon Teen for the eARC!!

Falling Like Snow was the cutest book, and I loved being back in Bramble Falls!! I loved the small town vibes and seeing familiar characters from Falling Like Leaves. The way the community always came together to celebrate and help each other was amazing, and once again I found myself wanting to move to Bramble Falls!

This had the perfect amount of drama without being overwhelming. The romance between Asher and Sloane was really sweet and cute!! I thought the friends to lovers was done well, and the tension had me wanting to keep reading. I loved Sloane and Asher together because they truly did know each other. Unlike in FLL where I loved Jake as another potential love interest, I was not a fan of Micah. I thought he became more and more of a red flag, and I spent the whole time wanting Sloane to confess her feelings to Asher lol. Although Sloane frustrated me at times, I found her character to be relatable and realistic for a teenager.

Asher deserves the freaking world!! The fact that he brought NYC to Bramble Falls for Sloane since her trip was canceled was a highlight of the story. The effort that he put into making that happen showed how much he really cared about Sloane. Plus his Christmas present for her was the sweetest and had me in tears. Not only was he the best best friend, but as a love interest he was easy to root for!!

This story also has emotional depth and focuses on grief. Sloane had lost her dad three years earlier (off the page) during the winter, so this time of year was particularly difficult for her. I thought the story did a great job of acknowledging both her and her mom's grief and how they both dealt with it differently. I loved the conversation Sloane and her mom had in the end about their grief!

If you want a holiday small town romance with friends to lovers, then you should definitely check out Falling Like Snow!!

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you SimonTeen for this arc!

Falling Like Snow by Misty Wilson ( Bramble Falls #2)

Book 2 in the Bramble Falls series follows Sloane Sullivan (Ellis’cousin) who we met in the first book. Sloane is navigating her junior year of high school with a great group of friends. Since her mom is the mayor of the town, Sloane is first to assist with the planning of its Falling like Snow festival. One that they hope will be as successful as the Falling like Leaves festival. Sloane’s whole crew pitches in, including her longtime best friend, Asher. With the planning of the event comes new faces,new feelings, and a memorable holiday!

I really enjoyed this book as Sloane navigated her feelings with regard to not having her dad around, wanting to be there for her mom and her burgeoning feelings towards Asher. Of course, with any story, there are aspects of tension and miscommunication, but the openness of her small town community offered such great support throughout this story.

Sloane and Asher’s friendship was just a breath of fresh air, especially how emotionally in tune they are with each other. I find it hard to believe that anything could ever top Asher’s gift to her.

The author still allowed us glimpses of Ellis and Cooper, so we could enjoy their relationship, but it didn’t overshadow the current story. We also saw bits of their friends’ lives and maybe clues into whose story is next.

Conclusion: Bramble Falls is a dream! We all need an Asher in our lives, but a friendship with someone as helpful, kind and compassionate as Sloane would be everything! The heartfelt confessions are just the icing on the cake!

I highly recommend this read!

[Kathryn Waite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for providing me with an early copy of this book via Netgalley for review. All opinions are my own.

Get ready to smell the snow because WIlson's newest installment in the Bramble Falls series is a beautiful, cozy tale to curl up with on a winter night! As a follow up to "Falling Like Leaves", this novel returns readers to the quaint, Stars Hollow-like, town of Bramble Falls. After a successful Falling Leaves Festival, Sloane Sullivan finds herself caught up in the creation and management of a brand new Falling Snow Festival. Although Sloane is still battling grief over the loss of her father, she is excited to spend the winter organizing events for the winter festival with her best friends, particularly Asher, by her side. As lifelong friends, Asher and Sloane are absolutely inseparable but have never moved beyond friendship status. However, when Micah begins to show interest in Sloane, she enters into an unexpected debate with herself about her romantic feelings. If cute, hockey player Micah is the one who is obviously interested in her, why is she all of a sudden seeing Asher in a whole new light? As Sloane is thrust into the chaos of the Falling Snow Festival, she also attempts to sort out her tangled feelings and determine which boy her heart is pointing towards. This is a wonderful, lighthearted romance that pulls readers directly into the coziness of Bramble Falls. Each moment had me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would unfold next. Although the characters experience deep feelings and explore their coming of age anxieties, the nostalgia of the setting ensures the continuation of a lighthearted tone throughout the book. My only complaint is that there was not more to read after I turned that final page. Put this in the hands of YA romance readers who are looking for their next story to obsess over.

[Nicole Tessarotto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! After giving Falling Like Leaves five stars, I had high expectations for Falling Like Snow, and it did not disappoint.

The thing I loved most was the relationship between Sloane and Asher. Their friendship felt so genuine, and watching it slowly turn into something more was beautiful. Asher is thoughtful, caring, and always paying attention to the little things, which made me love him even more.

Misty Wilson has such a comforting writing style. This is the kind of book that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and a cup of hot chocolate. The small-town setting, the winter atmosphere, and the Christmas festival made Bramble Falls feel like a place I never wanted to leave.

I also loved seeing familiar characters from the first book. It made the town feel even more alive and connected.

The ending left me so happy, and now I’m already looking forward to Fer and Jake’s story. I honestly can’t wait to be back in Bramble Falls.

If you enjoy slow burns, friends-to-lovers, small-town romances, and cozy winter reads, I definitely recommend picking this one up. It was a heartwarming, comforting read from beginning to end, and another easy five-star book for me.

[Red ☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

[ARC Review]

“I love sprinkles”
“No shit? You don’t say.”

This was a cute friends to lovers novel, and It would definitely be cute to read around Christmas, me reading it in the summer did kind of take me out it a bit. But, I’m not counting that towards my review. Overall, I really like the town setting of these books and the friend group is cute. Unfortunately, I do think the author could go deeper into those characters. I sort of feel like she’s wasting the potential the ensemble cast has. I also think the second love interest in this was given too much time, and the main guy should have had more and been a little more fleshed out. And the way the second lead falls out of favor kind of felt like the author realized she made him too likable and had to do something. I understand that it is realistic in the way that people aren’t always what they seem, but Idk, it just didn’t hit for me.

Sloane was an entertaining main character, but I do wish she hadn’t been so oblivious to her own feeling and didn’t just let things happen. I don’t feel like it fit her personality. But outside of that, this is a really cute Christmas read!!

[Amanda Favor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic follow up to Falling Like Leaves, this book follows Ellis’s cousin, Sloane, and follows her journey through managing the events of the Falling Snow Festival and finding her first love.

I was a huge fan of Falling Like Leaves, so I was super excited to have the opportunity to read the next book in the series early. (Really hoping Jake and Fern’s story is next!) I loved seeing the progression of Sloane’s relationships throughout, seeing her growth as a person, and I have to say, I was proud of the way she handled herself as the story progressed.

Falling Like Snow was adorable, had plenty of Hallmark-worthy moments (the sweet, sappy kind, not the “my whole family died of cancer last Christmas kind), all the winter fun feels and not so Christmasy that you couldn’t read it any time in winter.

I devoured this book in a day and I can’t wait for the next one!

Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. This review is completely voluntary and my thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Arin Kate (Trying my best, but really stressed) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and publishers for allowing me to have access to this ARC.

I loved this book!! It was incredible.

I loved Falling Like Leaves a lot, and this book was even better.

This book actually reminds me of Better Than the Movies!! It was friends to lovers, but the plot was still similar without being copied.

Sloane: She honestly felt so much like me it was scary. Her personality, her energy, her everything felt just so perfect.

Asher: THIS. MAN. IS. MADE. UP. OF. ALL. GREEN. FLAGS. (period.) But seriously, he was such a good character!

The setting (Bramble Falls) was still so magical. I read basically this whole book in one night. The pacing? Mwah! The plot? Mwah! The characters? Double Mwah!

Content warnings: kisses, LGBTQ+ (side characters), almost sexual abuse (almost did stuff without consent), light cursing, death, and absent parents

Thank you, Misty Wilson for this book! 💖

[Cathy Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very excited to receive a DRC of Misty Wilson's next installment of the Bramble Falls series and it did not disappoint! Falling Like Snow keeps the small town festival excitement continuing in Bramble Falls with a Winter Festival featuring Sloane and Asher as our focus in this book. Sloane surprises herself when she starts to realize she has more than just friendship feelings for Asher since they have been best friends for as long as she can remember. Of course, there are other crushes that enter the scene on both of their parts confusing things all the more.

Bramble Falls carries on it's "Gilmore Girl-esq" cozy feeling with hot chocolate, movie nights, crafts and a dance! It is fun to watch everyone back in the town we love with more insight into the two main characters with one of them not being able to see what has been right in front of them the whole time. Readers will definitely enjoy being back in Wilson's feel-good world as was I!

[Stephanie White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first trip to Bramble Falls, and it was a great story about Sloane and Asher. Sloan's mom is the mayor of Bramble Falls, and enlists Sloane and her friends, they are seniors in high school to help prepare the celebration, to get more tourists into town.

Asher is her best friend, in her mind - he loves her.

We are dealing with the best friend trope, past loved ones lost, mom trying to make Sloane want to be something she doesn't want to do in the future.

Great story - to me this was more like a YA story -I wouldn't have a problem with my 13 year old reading it-one thing though is they do talk about teenage pregnancy "Oh my god you are not pregnant are you - if you are we will get through it" -and Asher with nerves of steel even mentioning it- I'm quite old in my age that would have never been brought up -and I liked that.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Misty Wilson writes it, I will read it. Her dialogue and banter between characters has you hooked from the first few pages in both of her books so far. If you loved Falling Like Leaves, do not worry. This book does not disappoint. It is so cute. So fun. Definitely a book I couldn't put down. One thing I also love is that I can share these books with my teens. They love them just as much as I do. The way we are hoping for a book for Jake!!!! I was lucky enough to be sent a book from the author for my daughter who is a huge fan like I am and aspires to be a writer. It's been so nice getting acquainted with Bramble Falls in these two books. Sloane and Asher are such great characters!! Don't want to give any spoilers. But definitely check this book out. Her writing style allows you to sit down and get lost in the pages.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Falling Like Snow! From the very first chapter, I was completely invested in the characters and couldn't wait to see how their story would unfold. The emotional tension was perfectly done, keeping me turning the pages and making it nearly impossible to put the book down.

The characters were relatable, their relationships felt authentic, and the chemistry was undeniable. I especially enjoyed the slow-burn romance and the mix of heartfelt moments, humor, and emotion that made the story so engaging.

This was such a sweet, feel-good read with plenty of romantic tension and memorable moments. If you enjoy friends-to-lovers romances with lovable characters and a story that keeps you hooked until the very end, I highly recommend adding Falling Like Snow to your TBR.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling Like Snow completely stole my heart. This book was the perfect mix of sweet, emotional, and swoon-worthy. I found myself laughing out loud one minute and kicking my feet with the biggest smile the next because some of the moments between the characters were just so unbelievably cute.

The chemistry felt so natural, and I couldn’t stop rooting for them from beginning to end. It had all those little moments that make you pause and grin like an idiot, while still delivering an emotional story that kept me invested.

If you’re looking for a romance that’s equal parts adorable, heartfelt, and impossible to put down, this is definitely one to pick up. It left me smiling long after I finished the last page. I absolutely loved it! ❤️📖

[Ashley Tate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Simonteen, Netgalley and the author for this e-arc.

I didn't read Falling Like Leaves but after reading Falling Like Snow, I definitely want to circle back and read it.

This is a perfect, fun, emotional, small-town, Hallmark-y, Gilmore Girls, YA Christmas read.

For my fellow readers that love:

Friends to Lovers
He Falls First
Small-Town
Cozy

So cute. If you're a small-town, he falls first, slow burn lover.... this will be right up your alley. Asher and Sloane are adorable and you'll be not so patiently waiting for them to admit their feelings for one another.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The snowy Christmas in a small town vibes: perfect! Hallmark couldn't have done a better job.

The cover? Freaking Adorable.

The growing relationship between Sloan and Asher? Decent. Best friends falling for each other has never been my favorite trope, but I enjoyed Falling Like Leaves and thought the cover was just too adorable.

The heavy emphasis on the 'lack of communication' and 'jealousy' tropes? Way too much, totally dragged the story along.

2.5 stars, rounded down.

Thank you to Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing | Margaret K. McElderry Books and NetGalley for the free DRC.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got an advance readers copy from NetGalley.

The perfect addition to the Bramble Falls series.
Asher and Sloane have been best friends. When Micah starts showing interest in Sloane, she is over the moon, but Asher seems to be spending time with Daphne and that brings of feelings she can’t explain. It can’t be jealousy. Sloane starts to worry that her friendship with Asher is changing and she can’t lose her best friend.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you again to Simon and Schuster children's publishing for this copy of Falling Like Snow!

This was so fun! I loved the first book in the Bramble Falls series and this was a little Christmas in July. Sloane and Asher have been friends for many years and when multiple incidents occur in their friendship things happen that could either ruin their friendship or make it into more. It was exactly the book I needed to get me out of a slight reading slump I was in. I enjoyed this so so much.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good follow up novel after “Falling like Leaves!” This book focuses on Sloane and Asher, best friends since they were young. Fighting some new feelings toward each other, Sloane also has interest in hockey player, Micah. As her and Micah spend more time together she wonders about these new feelings toward Asher. Will Sloane sort out her feelings before the Bramble Falls Snow Festival?

[Skylar Bucci · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an arc so thank you so much!

THEY ARE SO CUTE AND PERFECT! I loved the high school feel and the feelings that go along with falling for someone you feel like you shouldn’t. Misty did an incredible job writing these two and their relationship. It would get frustrating be wise typical teens BUT it is worth it tj read!