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Snowed In
No job. No heat. The wrong shoes. The wrong clothes. Discover if true love can be far behind.
Imagine having always lived in Washington, D.C., and suddenly being stuck in Portland, Maine, for a year. With the pipes freezing---inside the house. And a husband who seems to have his eye on a hiking-booted L.L.Bean femme fatale rather than you. Not to mention the mother-in-law from hell who never fails to let you know that you leave much to be desired.
That's Sophie Quinn's life. Lucky for Sophie (an unassertive type who's always favored daydreams over day planners), her new life is about to throw in her lap some weird and valuable opportunities to trample down her fears and transform her prospects for happiness. And true love just might come knocking on her door....
For any woman who has ever had to confront the landlord about the heat, for any woman who has ever longed for impractical shoes instead of sturdy winter boots, for any woman who has ever been in the wrong place at the right time, Snowed In will have you laughing, crying, and rooting for Sophie Quinn.
Imagine having always lived in Washington, D.C., and suddenly being stuck in Portland, Maine, for a year. With the pipes freezing---inside the house. And a husband who seems to have his eye on a hiking-booted L.L.Bean femme fatale rather than you. Not to mention the mother-in-law from hell who never fails to let you know that you leave much to be desired.
That's Sophie Quinn's life. Lucky for Sophie (an unassertive type who's always favored daydreams over day planners), her new life is about to throw in her lap some weird and valuable opportunities to trample down her fears and transform her prospects for happiness. And true love just might come knocking on her door....
For any woman who has ever had to confront the landlord about the heat, for any woman who has ever longed for impractical shoes instead of sturdy winter boots, for any woman who has ever been in the wrong place at the right time, Snowed In will have you laughing, crying, and rooting for Sophie Quinn.
384 pages, Paperback
First published November 4, 2004
3 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 14, 2008
This is my favorite Christina Bartolomeo book.
What has she been up to? I wish that she would write another one.
What has she been up to? I wish that she would write another one.
January 13, 2008
This was an entertaining enough read. One of the reviews on the back of the book compares it to the Bridget Jones series. I can see why one would draw this comparison, but the two Bridget Jones books are far funnier than "Snowed In." Almost every page of both Bridget Jones novels made me laugh out loud, while this book offered far fewer smartly funny moments.
Being a New Englander, I did find it amusing to witness the protagonist's issues with winter in Maine, as compared to the climate of Washington D.C. where she is from. It just reinforced the Yankee belief that we are fundamentally tougher than "Flatlanders."
The plot was formulaic, but then again, that's sort of what you look for in a book of this genre. It did get almost boring at times, however, and I sometimes felt like I was just trying to get through it.
Over all, it was a mildly enjoyable read good for light reading on the beach or on the plane.
Being a New Englander, I did find it amusing to witness the protagonist's issues with winter in Maine, as compared to the climate of Washington D.C. where she is from. It just reinforced the Yankee belief that we are fundamentally tougher than "Flatlanders."
The plot was formulaic, but then again, that's sort of what you look for in a book of this genre. It did get almost boring at times, however, and I sometimes felt like I was just trying to get through it.
Over all, it was a mildly enjoyable read good for light reading on the beach or on the plane.
May 19, 2009
Not worth the time. Very slow. I felt disatisfied with my marriage (for no reason) after reading this. I hate that.
March 19, 2024
The title is a little deceiving--the Maine resident Sophie Quinn is actually snowed in for just one night out of the eight months covered by the narrative. Minor point.
Sophie is, however, psychologically and emotionally "sheltering in place" among several relationships to be reckoned with. A freelance artist, Sophie followed her husband Paul to Portland, Maine for a one-year work assignment at his firm. Paul treats Sophie like a helpless 12-year-old, not his professional and intellectual equal. Emotionally abandoned, Sophie makes fast friends with two brothers, Stephen and Ned, temporary transplants from Boston renovating an older Maine home for high-end clients. And she is conflicted over residual feelings for her old flame Rory who drifts in and out of her life every few years to remind her of what "could have been" if he hadn't dumped her for a more expedient mate.
Then there's Sophie's grit-your-teeth-and-bear-it relationship with her Queen of Snark mother-in-law. It's a miracle she doesn't commit murder.
So, who merits Sophie's affection: Husband Paul, who is only pantomiming marriage while most likely having an affair with office spitfire and "work wife" Natalie? "Nice Guy" Ned who adoringly follows Sophie around like a puppy but won't make a move out of respect for her marital status? Old beau Rory, who promises a life of international excitement, glamour, and romance?
The narrative does keep the reader wondering how it will all turn out, like a Lifetime Made for TV Movie. I read this book as a way to relax and keep myself occupied during a spell of dreary New England weather. So on that level, it worked. But it drags oh-so-slowly.
Sophie is, however, psychologically and emotionally "sheltering in place" among several relationships to be reckoned with. A freelance artist, Sophie followed her husband Paul to Portland, Maine for a one-year work assignment at his firm. Paul treats Sophie like a helpless 12-year-old, not his professional and intellectual equal. Emotionally abandoned, Sophie makes fast friends with two brothers, Stephen and Ned, temporary transplants from Boston renovating an older Maine home for high-end clients. And she is conflicted over residual feelings for her old flame Rory who drifts in and out of her life every few years to remind her of what "could have been" if he hadn't dumped her for a more expedient mate.
Then there's Sophie's grit-your-teeth-and-bear-it relationship with her Queen of Snark mother-in-law. It's a miracle she doesn't commit murder.
So, who merits Sophie's affection: Husband Paul, who is only pantomiming marriage while most likely having an affair with office spitfire and "work wife" Natalie? "Nice Guy" Ned who adoringly follows Sophie around like a puppy but won't make a move out of respect for her marital status? Old beau Rory, who promises a life of international excitement, glamour, and romance?
The narrative does keep the reader wondering how it will all turn out, like a Lifetime Made for TV Movie. I read this book as a way to relax and keep myself occupied during a spell of dreary New England weather. So on that level, it worked. But it drags oh-so-slowly.
July 22, 2018
Eh. I didn't dislike it but I didn't really love it either? You could foresee it all from the beginning and I know I was supposed to be sympathetic towards Sophie but I was merely meh about a meh character? I'd have much rather gotten more story on Marta or Alex or Stephen and Ned as they were growing up. Also, being a suburban NJ to rural NH transplant, I get what they were going for about New England, but it just felt forced and a bit tired.
February 1, 2023
Not a light and airy holiday romcom. I should have been tipped off by the reading club questions in the back of the book. But by the time I discovered the questions I was invested in the story. A well written book and an enjoyable read.. Sophie finds love in the end.
March 21, 2018
Really predictable, but an easy read during a never ending winter.
June 13, 2018
If you are in the mood for a decent romance novel, this was a good one.
Not my favorite genre, but I enjoyed it.
Not my favorite genre, but I enjoyed it.
April 3, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed this book...fun read...
January 7, 2017
So I picked this book up about two years ago and fell in love with it. I admit that Sophie Quinn seemed a tad too timid for my taste, but she did have a bit of spunk and she definitely grows throughout the book. All she really needed was a nudge from life itself.
I love this book for so many reasons- which for me is really weird -because this book does indeed move slowly and drag but I think in a way, the slow and cold quietness of the story helps you understand Sophie a little more. Her days do drag on for her endlessly in a small town that's blanketed in thick snow. Now I love horror, action, thriller, fantasy, etc. So loving this book as I do is really different, I guess what really drew me in was the atmosphere and the interactions with the few people Sophie actually had to talk to.
I love this book for so many reasons- which for me is really weird -because this book does indeed move slowly and drag but I think in a way, the slow and cold quietness of the story helps you understand Sophie a little more. Her days do drag on for her endlessly in a small town that's blanketed in thick snow. Now I love horror, action, thriller, fantasy, etc. So loving this book as I do is really different, I guess what really drew me in was the atmosphere and the interactions with the few people Sophie actually had to talk to.
January 23, 2011
It was a cold, windy, snowy day when I sat by the fire with my cup of tea and this book appropriately titled "Snowed In". What could be better? Well, the book could have been better.
Sophie and Paul have moved to Maine for a year for Paul's job. Sophie is a free-lance graphic designer and greeting card artist that works from home. So she doesn't get out much. She's cold and lonely and suspects Paul is getting way too attached to his office assistant. She decides to join a walking club in order to meet people.
Somehow I just couldn't connect with Sophie. The job she whined about didn't sound all that bad to me, and her first attempt to make friends was wildly successful. Of course Paul was another matter.
It's an OK book, but very predictable.
Sophie and Paul have moved to Maine for a year for Paul's job. Sophie is a free-lance graphic designer and greeting card artist that works from home. So she doesn't get out much. She's cold and lonely and suspects Paul is getting way too attached to his office assistant. She decides to join a walking club in order to meet people.
Somehow I just couldn't connect with Sophie. The job she whined about didn't sound all that bad to me, and her first attempt to make friends was wildly successful. Of course Paul was another matter.
It's an OK book, but very predictable.
January 25, 2016
I picked this up at the library around the holidays for a light and Christmasy read, and instead I found myself reading about a situation and woman that I felt very connected to. Sophie struck me as someone who suffered from generalized anxiety and was most definitely an introvert - her work from home scheme kept her away from most people and she was too fearful to drive - much like myself.
It was especially fascinating to watch her relationship with her new husband slowly unravel and the new friends she made simply by getting out of the house once in a while.
If you're looking for a story about a meek woman who comes into her own, on her own terms and in her own way, this is the book for you. I certainly enjoyed it.
It was especially fascinating to watch her relationship with her new husband slowly unravel and the new friends she made simply by getting out of the house once in a while.
If you're looking for a story about a meek woman who comes into her own, on her own terms and in her own way, this is the book for you. I certainly enjoyed it.
August 10, 2016
I quite liked it, but I must admit that I skipped through some of the dialogues because they seemed irrelevant to the storyline. For that I cannot give a higher rating than 3 stars.
I thought that the story was good, about how the main character regains her confidence and confronts life and men who do not respect her. It has some elements of romance in there, though it's more about self development than falling head over heels over one man or another. I thought the voice of the author was quite genuine, and could identify with the scenarios within the book.
An easy, quick read with minimal resistance to page turning.
I thought that the story was good, about how the main character regains her confidence and confronts life and men who do not respect her. It has some elements of romance in there, though it's more about self development than falling head over heels over one man or another. I thought the voice of the author was quite genuine, and could identify with the scenarios within the book.
An easy, quick read with minimal resistance to page turning.
September 24, 2012
A nice, light little story about a lukewarm marriage not helped by the couple moving from Washington, DC, to a cold apartment in Portland, ME. I thought the author did a wonderful job of characterization, especially the rather stiff and uppity husband and his awful mother. The plot wound through the heroine's making new friends that turned into a lovely support network over the course of a winter in Maine, the possible revival of an unforgettable affair from years before, and having everything turn out okay in the end of the book. I liked it.
July 21, 2016
Sophie had always lived in Washington, D.C. when suddenly her husband uprooted them to Portland, Maine for a year for a work project. Not only did Sophie suddenly have to deal with cold and snow but also with her suspicions that her husband was more than just friends with the domestic and highly perky woman at work. Things aren't all bad for Sophie in Maine though. She makes some friends, learns some things about herself and makes major changes in her life. This book was a fun read and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
December 11, 2010
I will never think of Portland in the same way after reading this book! Though I never gave much thought to Portland to begin with!!
This book seemed a little slow in spots but I wound up really enjoying it! Sometimes what we have is not what we really need or really should have for our own happiness. That is the message I got from this book.
I recommend this book; I think you'll enjoy it too!
This book seemed a little slow in spots but I wound up really enjoying it! Sometimes what we have is not what we really need or really should have for our own happiness. That is the message I got from this book.
I recommend this book; I think you'll enjoy it too!
December 7, 2007
I picked this book up on a warm afternoon, when I was pining for cold and snow. Not a bad book, and I enjoyed the characters, but it was at times too repetative in the main characters problems. I wanted to hit her on the head and give her some advise. The book also makes me want to be a freelance person. Freelance Civil Engineer anyone? I think I could do my best work in my pajamas.
November 28, 2011
This poor book is actually quite good, and cursed with a chic-lit cover. I grabbed it at the library thinking I'd get something really light and fluffy for the weekend, and instead got genuine literary fiction. The author isn't quite there yet, but I'll watch for her future books. The plot is somewhat complicated, but it boils down to finding out who you are.
May 9, 2012
It's just so nice to read a good chick lit book. And I mean good because it is well-written, with a strong female character (although dear Sophie must go through the whole book to become that SFC) and a really charming setting. This is a book that will appeal to those of us who like our heroines to have believable troubles and who dress like we do.
October 8, 2008
This is the second book I've read by this author and I really enjoyed both of them. I don't want to give away any of the plot, but I couldn't put it down because I couldn't wait to see what happened with Sophie and Paul.
February 19, 2012
Liked it, simple read, but just as one other reviewer said, sometimes there was too much description not enough dialogue and I found myself skipping towards the end (especially on new character intros). I could relate to Sophie in many ways.
January 22, 2014
the characters for the most part were good. the tension between husband/wife and potential marriage threat/secretary wasnt developed as fully as it could have been. the secondary characters were all lovely.
January 28, 2016
Satisfying writing and charming ending...but the title is atrocious. Who let that slip by? Great setting- biting descriptions of New Englanders and tough winters- did Portland Maine proud. Main character is hard to like but the brothers who "adopt" her are delightful. Worth your time.
July 3, 2008
A young woman moves to Portland, ME with her boyfriend/husband. He is at work all day. She works at home. She needs to figure out how to be fulfilled in a new climate, situation, etc.
June 23, 2007
I have the hardest time finding chick lit I like, but this book worked for me. I'm not exactly sure why, but it did.
January 15, 2008
really liked this story about a wman who moves to maine with her jerk of a husband...a chick-lit pick, but really enjoyable, also loved the maine setting.
February 2, 2008
Very slow to start, but then I really got into the main character, her quandry and the setting. I could feel the snow crunching under my feet as I strolled through Portland, ME in the dead of winter.
June 23, 2008
Fun and easy fictional read. Deals with a couple's relationship as they move to Maine and adjust to more than just the climate.
August 5, 2008
It was a slow starter, but I liked it. It's about a woman in her 30's that marries the wrong man. She has lots of issues to resolve,ex-boyfriend, mother in law, parents, etc
August 21, 2009
Slow to start, but a decent enough story once it got going.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews