Snow Belle

Madison Creek Bed & Breakfast #1

by Jackie Castle

Their big dreams might cause them to lose everything-- including each other. Haley Madison packed her big dreams and drove to the Arctic. Well, all right, so it’s Madison Creek, Michigan. But for a Texas gal, this frozen land ought to come with a sled and huskies. If it wasn’t for her family’s rundown property, she’d have stayed where the sun shone bright and warm. However, she has grand ideas for her inheritance even if the town has thrown up their objections to her plans. Ethan Winters hated going home and admitting failure. Sure, he has a special talent with the violin, but he has bigger ambitions than playing at the local bowling alley. And then there was the idea of facing his father. No, he wasn’t ready to go home just yet. He veered off the interstate and drove to a little town named Madison Creek. Maybe his luck would change. When the southern Snow-Belle literally blows him off the road with her rogue snowblower... more than just his luck will change. Welcome to Madison Creek Where Northern Hospitality Meets Southern Comfort A Contemporary Inspirational Romantic Fiction Series Find out why people are falling in love with the small lakeside town of Madison Creek and the quirky characters who live there. Get your copy today! “A clean story, this is a romance, funny good story.” ★★★★★ By patricia rose “The characters are well developed and the story has a lot of interesting twists to make a nice clean story.” ★★★★★ by Nanasews ABOUT THE MADISON CREEK SERIES Snow Belle Stormy Hearts Sun Kisses Season's End From the Madison Creek Township Novella Secretly In Love Candy Lane Christmas The Heart Collector A Thousand Wishes Be sure to stop in for a visit and enjoy the fun! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jackie Castle lives in her comfortable Texas home where she spins marvelous tales and enjoys relaxing in the evenings with her husband, their children, and grandchildren. Her favorite pastime, besides reading, is traipsing through her imaginary worlds in search of another story.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Christmas, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Holiday

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 8, 2015

About the author

Jackie Castle is also known as J.R. Castle.

Hello friends-
Welcome to my Goodreads Story World. I hope you’ll have a stroll around at all the sweet, inspirational stories on my shelves. One never knows what new adventure awaits them around the next corner.

I am the author of over 35 books in various genres: fantasy, romance, children’s & non-fiction. I write as Jackie Castle & J.R. Castle.

​I love exploring my story worlds and, even more, I love God. We’ve had such an interesting journey and there is still so much ahead. I’m always looking for the extraordinary in the ordinary and believe this life is full of unlimited possibilities.

​I love to interact with readers! Be sure to sign up for my newsletter and check out my blog page. ​You can find out more about my shenanigans over at: www.jackiecastle.com. While you're snooping around, take a moment to sign up for my monthly newsletter. =)

Thanks so much for stopping by!
J. C.
.

Reviews

[Valerie Comer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed out loud a number of times at the antics of Haley, the transplanted Texan, as she tried to navigate Michigan and get along with the locals, including one special Yankee that slid into her life. In a world where a lot of romances are vanilla, this one offers a burst of original flavor. Not to be missed!

[Linda Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can imagine what Michigan felt when Haley landed there from Texas.
Ethan was an example of opposites attract.
These two are the epitome of Northern hospitality meeting Southern comfort.
Asking The Lord to guide them in their decisions was comforting.
I look forward to the next one in this series.
Good job from One Texan to another.

[B. D. Mann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this Christian fiction offering to be a delightful story. Some Christian romance authors turn me off to the genre even though I am a devout Christian because they tend to advocate an intolerance for anything that is not totally in agreement with their own particular brand of Christianity. The protagonists in this story are great role models for those who truly believe that God is a loving God who will assist us if we but ask for His help. They also demonstrated that we often fail to recognize divine assistance when it is given. The book caught and held my interest right from the start. The story was realistically believable as a whole with characters who fit right in with common, everyday folks. Misunderstandings occur in day to day relationships in real life just as is depicted in this story. How great it was to see how some characters who were initially depicted as adversaries became reconciled to the heroine as the story progressed. Regretfully, I had to ignore some editorial mistakes. When I am engrossed in the story these mistakes become significant, unnecessary distractions. Maybe editors should actually read the books with an editor’s eye themselves and correct these mistakes before the book is released to the general public.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haley Madison is a little of a fish out of water, now that she’s moved from horse country in Texas way up north to Michigan. But she’s got dreams the size of Texas, for her family’s grand property, and determination to match. Now if only it wasn’t so cold and snowy! When she meets talented, handsome, and kind hearted northerner Ethan Winters, her holiday season in the small town becomes quite the adventure.
I enjoyed reading this light, sweet romance, and dreaming right along with both Haley and Ethan. Their faith plays into the plot as they both pray about their dreams and endeavors. This is a fairly quick moving story, perfect to enjoy with a hot cup of tea in front of the fire. I recommend it if you like clean, feel-good sweet romance stories, in a small town setting and centered around the holidays.

[Margo James · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard to start over, even harder when you have lost everything you know and are comfortable with. Luckily Haley inherited a large country home with the perfect barn for her beloved horses and new business she hoped to open. Unfortunately it meant she not only lost her grandfather but she would have to leave her hometown in Texas that she loved, and move north to Michigan and the cold she hated. Pluck and resolve was all she had on her side as the townspeople seemed to be against every idea she had to support herself. An angel falls into her life, or rather Haley runs him off the road, and a new, bigger adventure begins,. Both Haley and Ethan have struggled to find their purpose, so they both decide to turn to the Lord for answers. Hopefully they can travel their new path together. Enjoy the path the Lord sets their feet on, and the surprises that await.

[Anne Rollin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was filled with fun, spunkiness, and snarky banter. I found it to be very enjoyable. She brings her southern charm to the north and the small town isnt quite sure what to do with her. He is a home town boy wanting to make it big playing his violin. He wants to help her attain her dreams.. she doesnt want him to give up his.. for hers. Will they be able to meet in the middle and both have the dreams they want.. read to find out.. I would recommend for all. Clean romance.

[Jennifer Hallmark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Snow Belle by Jackie Castle is an enjoyable contemporary romance read. It had a good hook at the beginning and the characters drew you in and kept you turning the pages. I liked it and would recommend anyone who likes clean romance to read this book.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a charming contemporary romance where Haley Madison and Ethan Winters find themselves at cross purposes, but warm up to possibilities after reluctantly spending some time together in a tiny town called Madison Creek, Michigan.

Haley arrived at her grandfather's side just in time to spend a few days before he was off to his eternal reward. Now, she had to figure out how to make a living from his farm, located in a small town on Lake Michigan, so that she could get her sister out of the foster care system. She's under a time limit, strapped with few financial options, and facing opposition of the sale of her grandparents' fine old Victorian home from the local historical society. Not that she wants to sell it, but how else can she prove to the courts she has a stable home and an income to welcome her sister to?

When violinist Ethan Winters is literally blown off the road by a runaway snowblower, manned by one of the most beautiful angels he's ever seen, what else can he do but accept her hospitality while his car gets repaired? When he discovers her name is Haley Belle, he quickly nicknames her Snowbelle, in memory of their flurried and snowy introduction. As he and Haley get to know each other, Ethan is beginning to wonder if God hadn't somehow orchestrated (pun intended) this little side adventure to show him that life is not all violin playing and fame.

I had so much fun reading this light-hearted Christmas story. Even though Haley was born in Michigan, she was raised in Texas, making her southern ways and accent stand out in the small town of Madison Creek. She was gamely trying to arrive at ideas to make a living for herself in Michigan, but getting no encouragement from the town folk who could see that her ideas were limited in the colder nothern weather and more suited to her Texas background. Ethan finds himself standing between the town historical society and his snowbelle in an effort to come up with an idea that would make everyone satisfied.

It's a great short story. I understood the dilemma and rooted Ethan on in his efforts to win a snowbelle over to his point of view as well as her heart. I loved the conclusion. It was immensely satisfying.

[Teresa Christianson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving a review

Loved this book. A gal from Texas moves to Michigan when her grandfather is dying and he leaves all his property to her. She wants to sell the house (because there are too many memories) and turn the barn into a restaurant that serves Tex-Mex food. The town is against her selling the house and fights her every step of the way. She causes a guy to crash his car (while she is running a snowblower that grandpa tweeked) and then lets him stay while his car is being fixed. They start to have feelings for each other but then he gets a call that he has been waiting for that the NY orchestra wanted him to audition. He is not sure if that is what God really wants him to do anymore and realizes that is not what he wants anymore. Will he go to the audition and play with the orchestra? Will she transform the barn into a restaurant and sell the house? Will they be able to work things out or does she make it so he will not want to stay?

[Jolyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story where Haley and Ethan met by literally running into each other and than had to figure out what role God had for them to play in each other's life. They also both struggled with the question "If God gave me my talents, then why wouldn't He want me to find a way to use them?"

However I was surprised and disappointed to find the Lord's name taken in vain several times throughout the story. The presence of profanity in a Christian story caused me to severely lower my rating of what otherwise would have been a 5-star story.

Sex - a few sweet kisses
Language -several instances of profanity
Violence - none
Religion - prayer, Bible verses, decorating for Christmas, seeking direction for life decisions from God through prayer and the Bible

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet and sassy Haley Madison it's trying to start her life over find a way to support herself and help her sister only to run into one hard knock after another. coming home to be with her beloved Grandpa pa pop only to find his health is failing and she's losing him to. Ethan Winters is trying to decide his life as well always dreaming of being a well known musician an accident brings these two together and you'll love finding out what ensues . Jackie castles writes wonderful characters it's truly enjoyable to get to know.

[Janet Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cozy Christian Romance
I love the premise of this story. The location and plot are top-notch. The author weaves the story around totally believable characters. While this is a faith filled story, it does not bury the reader with the Bible. This is the first in a series that I look forward to reading. While this novel stands alone quite well, it also leaves lots of room to examine the stories of other characters. There is no cliffhanger ending. I love this author’s work and plan on reading all of her work. I received this book for free and voluntarily chose to post my honest review.

[Jan Mcleod · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haley is a Texan gas who moved to Northern Michigan to start her dream on property she inherited from her grandfather. She is spunky and stubborn. Even tho people in the small community want to help her, she refuses. Enter Ethan, by accident, who thinks his dream is to become famous with his violin. The two characters meet and the results are fun, spunky banter, and finally a romance. They both finally seek the Lord for guidance in what He wants for them.
The characters are delightful, and the plot is refreshing. A good, clean read you don not want to miss.

[Lorraine Anton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Book!

Haley and Ethan are great characters in this book. The other characters in this book are just as
good, too. This is a Clean Christian Romance and written very well. I like how they talk back
and forth. In Madison Creek - Haley and Ethan are thrown together, with I believe the help
of the Lord. I love how they did that.
I enjoyed this read and highly recommend it!!


#7 2019 Bookhoarders Callenge

[Robbi Bourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was a "fun story" to read, yet it was filled with several every day real-life problems that touched this reader's heart. The main character, Haley from Texas, seemed to run into one obstacle after another in her search to fit into her new Michigan community.

I appreciated how the author "grew" Haley into a woman who looks to God for the answers in all situations as well as how she brought Ethan into Haley's life just when she needed a true friend.

[Renate Deutsche Oma · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Michigander, I enjoyed the typical small town dynamics and struggles of Madison Creek, a rural farm town: struggles of young versus older population, plus financial and job concerns. How does a community revive a town - maybe through blending northern hospitality and southern comfort. Delightful read with a romance between a southern belle and violin player. Romance at its best.

[Neela Pradhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very nice book.The simple life of a small place appealed to me.It was enjoyable to read how a neglected property was finally developed.Both Gayle and Ethan are lovable,sincere people.And for a change,there is no villain or vamp.That is rather rare

[Sherry McWilliams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading a clean romance for a change. Loved all the characters in the story. Could not put it down until I finished it. Hope to read more books by Jackie Castle. I think everyone I know will enjoy this story.

[Donna Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet

This was a really sweet story with some great characters. I loved how this little town came together. There was light religion, but not too much. This was a sweet, clean romance.

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can Ethan and Haley find love and happiness in Madison Creek? Haley has big dream she for the Bed and Breakfast that she just inherited. Ethan is going back home without the success he was looking for when he left. But faith will help them find their true purpose in live.

[Momof5boys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clean romance about a young woman who is too stubborn to know that she needs help from other people, but realizes it with the help of a new friend.

[Amy Anguish · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who has lived in Texas for 11 years, the accent in this book was a bit thick, but the story was cute.

[Brian Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

😃😃😃😃

Just a nice read. A sweet and clean romance with a Christian thread, with interesting characters and an entertaining plot.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could totally see this being a Hallmark movie during the Countdown to Christmas...in fact I would love it if it was one of those movies. :)

[Marilyn Cooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun read

Funny, sweet, heartbreaking, uplifting... a satisfying full course of enjoyable reading. I intend to read the whole series and more of this author.

[Vickie Jameson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good series starter.

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storyline. I couldn't put the book down. I am looking forward to reading more of Jackie's stories.

[Kimberly Westrope · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this sweet, clean romance. I found all of the characters delightful and endearing. I liked the faith element, which was a big part of the story, but not overly so. I loved the story, the characters, the town. Seriously, I loved everything about it. The plot is well-developed, the characters are people you want to know. I was completely drawn in and swept away into this story. Will definitely read more in the series.

[Arlene Downey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining story. Texas girl meets Upper Peninsula native when her late grandfather's souped up snowblower crashes into his car! She has inherited his property that she has not had much contact with since her mother took her away from her grandparents.

There are nosy neighbours, horses, carriage rides, a dog and snowmobiles.

I received a free copy through Goodreads Giveaways.

[Cathy Biggerstaff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story of a young lady trying to restart her life in a new community that holds old memories. The writing was very good, but there were numerous typos and editorial misses. I do look forward to reading part two of this continuing story.