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Skiing Is Believing: a Slopes and Sparks novella
Not yet published
Expected 7 Dec 26Sometimes the biggest detours lead you exactly where you were meant to be.
Levi Cole never imagined his dream of making films would land him as the face of a wildly popular YouTube prank channel. As a member of Commit to the Bit, millions of people know him as the guy who's willing to do anything for a laugh. But behind the viral videos, he's beginning to wonder if his career is turning his passion into a punchline.
As the coach of the local youth Nordic ski team with an important race coming up, the last thing Mara Linder needs is a reckless skier crossing her path during a prank gone wrong. The incident leaves her with a sprained knee and a growing list of things she can't do alone. Can she trust Levi to handle what she can't? Can she give up control, even if it means losing her heart?
Levi Cole never imagined his dream of making films would land him as the face of a wildly popular YouTube prank channel. As a member of Commit to the Bit, millions of people know him as the guy who's willing to do anything for a laugh. But behind the viral videos, he's beginning to wonder if his career is turning his passion into a punchline.
As the coach of the local youth Nordic ski team with an important race coming up, the last thing Mara Linder needs is a reckless skier crossing her path during a prank gone wrong. The incident leaves her with a sprained knee and a growing list of things she can't do alone. Can she trust Levi to handle what she can't? Can she give up control, even if it means losing her heart?
157 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication December 7, 2026
About the author
Jessica Leigh Johnson
6 books53 followersJessica Leigh Johnson has been writing and creating stories since she was a young girl. After the death of her son Ethan in 2006, she decided to use her love of writing to minister to others who may be struggling with their faith after a significant loss. Her first book, "Do You Trust Me?" tells her story in detail, focusing mainly on the damage done to her faith after such a tragedy, and offers hope to others experiencing similar loss.
For the past six years, Jessica has authored the parenting column in IG Living magazine, which is a resource for those who rely on infused immunoglobulin products for their health and survival. She also occasionally contributes articles to the IG Living online blog. Some of her articles are featured in the compilation book entitled "Chronic Inspiration," published by IG Living.
In late 2022, Jessica was diagnosed with Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (breast cancer), which was not on her to-do list, but she's chosen to accept the challenge and push forward with humor (when possible) and courage, and try to bring a sense of "normalcy" to breast cancer, since it affects 1 in 8 women during their lifetime.
Jessica's true passion, however, is romance. Her short story entitled, "The House on Mirror Lake" was published in the anthology "Sweet Summer Love" in 2015. Look for this story to become a full-length novel in 2024! Her first full-length Christian fiction novel, "Fixed Up" (a romantic comedy) released in April 2023.
For the past six years, Jessica has authored the parenting column in IG Living magazine, which is a resource for those who rely on infused immunoglobulin products for their health and survival. She also occasionally contributes articles to the IG Living online blog. Some of her articles are featured in the compilation book entitled "Chronic Inspiration," published by IG Living.
In late 2022, Jessica was diagnosed with Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (breast cancer), which was not on her to-do list, but she's chosen to accept the challenge and push forward with humor (when possible) and courage, and try to bring a sense of "normalcy" to breast cancer, since it affects 1 in 8 women during their lifetime.
Jessica's true passion, however, is romance. Her short story entitled, "The House on Mirror Lake" was published in the anthology "Sweet Summer Love" in 2015. Look for this story to become a full-length novel in 2024! Her first full-length Christian fiction novel, "Fixed Up" (a romantic comedy) released in April 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Jessica never fails to write the perfect romcom!!! Her books are always my top reads of the year. I LOVED this snowy setting, the story was clever and creative, and in true Jessica fashion, I couldn't put it down!!!
I was blessed to be an early ARC reader for this story!!!
I was blessed to be an early ARC reader for this story!!!
November 4, 2026
There's just something about a love story that makes you feel EVERYTHING, and this one absolutely got me. The snowy, small town setting was just perfect, I wanted to jump in!
Zane was such a sweetheart. He's caring, thoughtful, and always trying to make everyone around him happy, even when it means losing a little bit of himself along the way. I loved seeing his journey of finding his way back to who he really is and finding his faith again. And the connection between him and Mara? You could just feel how naturally they were drawn to each other.
I just loved Mara. She's strong, driven, and used to being the one in control. Seeing her have to slow down, accept help, and learn to trust someone else was so real.. I learned a few things along the way that I need to apply to my life as well.
I loved that this story was about so much more than falling in love. It was about forgiveness, trust, finding yourself, and realizing that sometimes the dreams we've been living aren't even our own. The way Mara made Zane see that, and the way their story unfolded, was just so beautiful.
This story was such a great reminder that sometimes life takes us in directions we never expected, but those detours can lead us to exactly where we belong. And sometimes the best stories are only just beginning.
Thankyou SO much to the author for this arc! As soon as I saw this series, I knew I was going to love it. I'll now be reading everything you write
"Forgiveness and trust aren't always rebuilt on the same timetable.”
"Sometimes the best stories don't end at the finish line.
Sometimes, that's exactly where they begin."
Zane was such a sweetheart. He's caring, thoughtful, and always trying to make everyone around him happy, even when it means losing a little bit of himself along the way. I loved seeing his journey of finding his way back to who he really is and finding his faith again. And the connection between him and Mara? You could just feel how naturally they were drawn to each other.
I just loved Mara. She's strong, driven, and used to being the one in control. Seeing her have to slow down, accept help, and learn to trust someone else was so real.. I learned a few things along the way that I need to apply to my life as well.
I loved that this story was about so much more than falling in love. It was about forgiveness, trust, finding yourself, and realizing that sometimes the dreams we've been living aren't even our own. The way Mara made Zane see that, and the way their story unfolded, was just so beautiful.
This story was such a great reminder that sometimes life takes us in directions we never expected, but those detours can lead us to exactly where we belong. And sometimes the best stories are only just beginning.
Thankyou SO much to the author for this arc! As soon as I saw this series, I knew I was going to love it. I'll now be reading everything you write
"Forgiveness and trust aren't always rebuilt on the same timetable.”
"Sometimes the best stories don't end at the finish line.
Sometimes, that's exactly where they begin."
Review of advance copy received from Author
Jessica Leigh Johnson's More Than I Bargained For was a favorite of mine when it released a few years ago, so I was very excited to see that she was going to be part of the Slopes and Sparks series with some of my other favorite Christian romance authors! I had high expectations and it did not let me down. Levi and Mara got off to an awkward- and even downright painful- start but I loved the quick and easy friendship they formed. The chemistry between them was really sweet and I loved how he wanted to take care of Mara... more than that though, I loved seeing his growth in figuring out what he wanted to do with his life throughout the story as well. This is a perfect read for the holiday season but really does take place just after the holidays so really, it's perfect for that week between Christmas and New Year's and really all winter long too! If you enjoy awkward meet cutes and stories that put faith at the center, this is one to add to your TBR.
Skiing Is Believing is a faith-filled romance with kisses only and no language. It is part of the Slopes and Sparks multi-author series and can be enjoyed as a standalone.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Skiing Is Believing is a faith-filled romance with kisses only and no language. It is part of the Slopes and Sparks multi-author series and can be enjoyed as a standalone.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First, I want to thank Jessica Leigh Johnson for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC for this fun story.
This was my first snowy, holiday season read of the year, and it did not disappoint! "Skiing is Believing" has all of the small town, wintery, holiday feels, complete with a beautiful wintery setting, hot cocoa, and New Year's Eve fireworks.
I loved the characters and thought they were all memorable and unique, even the ones that drove me crazy. The FMC, Mara, and MMC, Levi both had depth, were relatable, and genuinely likable. I appreciated the dual POV in this book and having the perspective of understanding their own unique journeys. There was some really good character growth for both of the main characters, which I loved.
I am a sucker for meet-disasters and redemption arcs, and this book had both. The relationship felt like it was developing quickly, but at the same time, it didn't feel rushed or forced. For me, it wasn't super "swoony", which I actually didn't mind because the underlying character growth and the longing it created felt genuinely plausible and had me rooting for the characters.
If you aren't sure about the faith aspects, I will say that I thought they were well integrated and felt like a natural part of the character's lives. This story would be a great choice to read with your book club, friends, or family members over the holidays.
If you are looking for a quick, seasonal read, I would absolutely recommend this book!
Content Information:
No Explicit Sexual Content
No Coarse Language
Christian Faith
*As always, the thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own.
This was my first snowy, holiday season read of the year, and it did not disappoint! "Skiing is Believing" has all of the small town, wintery, holiday feels, complete with a beautiful wintery setting, hot cocoa, and New Year's Eve fireworks.
I loved the characters and thought they were all memorable and unique, even the ones that drove me crazy. The FMC, Mara, and MMC, Levi both had depth, were relatable, and genuinely likable. I appreciated the dual POV in this book and having the perspective of understanding their own unique journeys. There was some really good character growth for both of the main characters, which I loved.
I am a sucker for meet-disasters and redemption arcs, and this book had both. The relationship felt like it was developing quickly, but at the same time, it didn't feel rushed or forced. For me, it wasn't super "swoony", which I actually didn't mind because the underlying character growth and the longing it created felt genuinely plausible and had me rooting for the characters.
If you aren't sure about the faith aspects, I will say that I thought they were well integrated and felt like a natural part of the character's lives. This story would be a great choice to read with your book club, friends, or family members over the holidays.
If you are looking for a quick, seasonal read, I would absolutely recommend this book!
Content Information:
No Explicit Sexual Content
No Coarse Language
Christian Faith
*As always, the thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews