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The Snow Angel
It's Christmas 1877 and Anne Follyot— of little beauty and no fortune, but sturdy spirit and an excess of imagination— is invited to stay with her favorite aunt in Cornwall. She's all anticipation, waiting for the man chosen to escort her on this journey. According to her aunt, she met him before, many years ago, but Anne cannot remember him and she's positive that he must long-since have forgotten her. She's never been memorable.
But J.P. Deverell, Esq. is now a grown man with a dangerous reputation, of which her aunt cannot possibly be aware. And Anne means to make the most of her aunt's mistake and this adventure. She considers herself a modern, independent woman, for whom a little scandal is well overdue. If she doesn't seize this chance now, she might never have another.
As Charles Dickens wrote, "No space of regret can make amends for one life's opportunity misused."
* * * *
He's in no temper for eggnog and mistletoe; no mood to tolerate the painfully polite company of some plain spinster, in a carriage, for three days. It's probably a contrivance to get him home for Christmas.
Remember Anne Follyot? He doesn't care to remember himself sixteen years ago, let alone recall the dull vicar's five year-old niece.
He'd planned to spend his Yuletide working, alone and in peace. But a letter from his mother has guilted him into this act of begrudging chivalry, aided by the whispers of his best friend's mischievous ghost.
"Bah, Humbug!" As Charles Dickens also wrote.
* * * *
But this journey will not turn out quite the way either traveler expects, for when these two opposites collide, so do ghosts of the past, the present and the future.
It will be a holiday season with all the usual fare—peril, pandemonium, family quarrels, mulled wine and bodily injury. Certainly a Christmas adventure never to be forgotten this time.
At least, by one of them.
But J.P. Deverell, Esq. is now a grown man with a dangerous reputation, of which her aunt cannot possibly be aware. And Anne means to make the most of her aunt's mistake and this adventure. She considers herself a modern, independent woman, for whom a little scandal is well overdue. If she doesn't seize this chance now, she might never have another.
As Charles Dickens wrote, "No space of regret can make amends for one life's opportunity misused."
* * * *
He's in no temper for eggnog and mistletoe; no mood to tolerate the painfully polite company of some plain spinster, in a carriage, for three days. It's probably a contrivance to get him home for Christmas.
Remember Anne Follyot? He doesn't care to remember himself sixteen years ago, let alone recall the dull vicar's five year-old niece.
He'd planned to spend his Yuletide working, alone and in peace. But a letter from his mother has guilted him into this act of begrudging chivalry, aided by the whispers of his best friend's mischievous ghost.
"Bah, Humbug!" As Charles Dickens also wrote.
* * * *
But this journey will not turn out quite the way either traveler expects, for when these two opposites collide, so do ghosts of the past, the present and the future.
It will be a holiday season with all the usual fare—peril, pandemonium, family quarrels, mulled wine and bodily injury. Certainly a Christmas adventure never to be forgotten this time.
At least, by one of them.
241 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2018
53 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 3, 2023
I have read one other book by this author that I loved, and this is another good one. I recommend reading this as a Christmas book or any other time of the year. A positive aura shines from Anne and makes the story really lovely. A bit of a twist on Dicken's for a trip home to visit family to discover what family and love means.
December 7, 2018
As a character in this tale says, "Stories are like hearts. They cannot live on alone, kept selfishly to one's self. They have to be shared." And I thank Jayne Fresina wholeheartedly for sharing this Christmas "Snibble" with us. ("Snibble", as defined by Fresina: A treat meant to be a nibble which turns into a bit more.) And what a snibble this turned out to be. So lovely. So well written. So romantic. So heartwarming. Yeah, yeah, I'm gushing again about one of my favorite romance authors.
If you are a faithful fan of Fresina's work, you will be familiar with the Deverell family. The hero of this Christmas novella is J.P. (John Paul) Deverell, youngest son of True Deverell, family patriarch, with his second wife Olivia. J.P. is much younger than his half siblings and grew up a bit lonely. Not only that, but his father, not wishing to mess up his youngest son, took a hands-off approach to his upbringing, leaving it to wife Olivia, in spite of his deep and abiding love for J.P.
Well, this has turned J.P. into the Scrooge of our Christmas story. A very successful businessman in London who says "Bah, humbug" to Christmas and only occasionally visits his parents. His business partner, and very close and dear friend, died the previous Christmas and that has compounded J.P.'s lack of Christmas spirit. He's a grumpy, grouchy, ill-mannered workaholic who doesn't believe in close relationships, especially with women.
And then there's heroine Anne Follyot. Plain and "brown", she took over managing everything for her father and two siblings after her mother died when she was 10. She is eternally optimistic, upbeat, and full of imagination, in spite of her unfair treatment. But she's not much to look at, having always been told by her mother to wear brown: "It doesn't show stains or make promises you can't deliver. It's steadfast, practical and doesn't try to stand out." And when Anne grows to a marriageable age, she is encouraged by family to find a man who is "reserved, steadfast, plain and practical." "And won't show the stains," mutters Anne.
A series of unfortunate (or fortunate) events forces J.P. to convey Anne to her aunt's home for the holidays on his way to spend that time with his parents. Talkative, optimistic, "breath of fresh air", "dreaming out loud" Anne and grumpy J.P. alone on a road trip together. It's romantic, heartwarming, and such a joy to read.
There is, of course, a touch of the paranormal in this, as is the case in most of Fresina's latest work. Not enough to turn me, who is not a fan of supernatural elements, off. It's just enough to give the story a clever spin.
This was a creative take on Dickens' A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Our "Scrooge" here is not as ungenerous and mean-spirited as Dickens' Ebenezer, but he does need to open his heart a bit. And that mission is accomplished, thanks to Anne. BTW, you will love the titular Snow Angel and its importance to the plot.
What a romance. How could I not melt at this rumination of the hero's: "Where had he been all these years without her face before him, without her voice in his ear? The women he knew before were statues, standing under dust sheets in a lost room of his memory, and Anne Follyot ran around pulling off all the covers, bringing life and fresh air into his thoughts."
In the same way, Fresina brings life and fresh air to my romance reading, and I thank her for this Christmas gift.
If you are a faithful fan of Fresina's work, you will be familiar with the Deverell family. The hero of this Christmas novella is J.P. (John Paul) Deverell, youngest son of True Deverell, family patriarch, with his second wife Olivia. J.P. is much younger than his half siblings and grew up a bit lonely. Not only that, but his father, not wishing to mess up his youngest son, took a hands-off approach to his upbringing, leaving it to wife Olivia, in spite of his deep and abiding love for J.P.
Well, this has turned J.P. into the Scrooge of our Christmas story. A very successful businessman in London who says "Bah, humbug" to Christmas and only occasionally visits his parents. His business partner, and very close and dear friend, died the previous Christmas and that has compounded J.P.'s lack of Christmas spirit. He's a grumpy, grouchy, ill-mannered workaholic who doesn't believe in close relationships, especially with women.
And then there's heroine Anne Follyot. Plain and "brown", she took over managing everything for her father and two siblings after her mother died when she was 10. She is eternally optimistic, upbeat, and full of imagination, in spite of her unfair treatment. But she's not much to look at, having always been told by her mother to wear brown: "It doesn't show stains or make promises you can't deliver. It's steadfast, practical and doesn't try to stand out." And when Anne grows to a marriageable age, she is encouraged by family to find a man who is "reserved, steadfast, plain and practical." "And won't show the stains," mutters Anne.
A series of unfortunate (or fortunate) events forces J.P. to convey Anne to her aunt's home for the holidays on his way to spend that time with his parents. Talkative, optimistic, "breath of fresh air", "dreaming out loud" Anne and grumpy J.P. alone on a road trip together. It's romantic, heartwarming, and such a joy to read.
There is, of course, a touch of the paranormal in this, as is the case in most of Fresina's latest work. Not enough to turn me, who is not a fan of supernatural elements, off. It's just enough to give the story a clever spin.
This was a creative take on Dickens' A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Our "Scrooge" here is not as ungenerous and mean-spirited as Dickens' Ebenezer, but he does need to open his heart a bit. And that mission is accomplished, thanks to Anne. BTW, you will love the titular Snow Angel and its importance to the plot.
What a romance. How could I not melt at this rumination of the hero's: "Where had he been all these years without her face before him, without her voice in his ear? The women he knew before were statues, standing under dust sheets in a lost room of his memory, and Anne Follyot ran around pulling off all the covers, bringing life and fresh air into his thoughts."
In the same way, Fresina brings life and fresh air to my romance reading, and I thank her for this Christmas gift.
February 7, 2019
This was supposed to be one of my Christmas reads but the real life got in a way and..., anyway, why not prolong the spirit of the season…
How can you read these words and not be moved? Ms. Fresina has done it again-she created a totally unique, heartwarming story that truly captured Christmas spirit.
Where had he been all these years without her face before him, without her voice in his ear? The women he knew before were statues, standing under dust sheets in a lost room of his memory, and Anne Follyot ran around pulling off all the covers, bringing light and fresh air into his thoughts. She was unavoidably in his present. In his path.
How can you read these words and not be moved? Ms. Fresina has done it again-she created a totally unique, heartwarming story that truly captured Christmas spirit.
December 10, 2019
A perfect read for Christmas!
This is JF's rendition of Dickens' A Christmas Carol!
Wonderful MCs, the naive, but intelligent heroine and Scrooge-like hero who slowly thaws because of her!
And the twist in the end, makes it magical! ;-)
This is JF's rendition of Dickens' A Christmas Carol!
Wonderful MCs, the naive, but intelligent heroine and Scrooge-like hero who slowly thaws because of her!
And the twist in the end, makes it magical! ;-)
November 21, 2018
Set in the Victorian era, The Snow Angel is a delightful Christmas romance filled with Jayne Fresina's trademark wit, empathy, and originality. The dialogue sparkles, the story twists and turns in surprising ways, and--by the end--you're sure to have shed a tear or two. Okay, more than a tear or two in my case. The plot is a compelling combination of Dickens' A Christmas Carol (ghosts and all) and a Georgette Heyer road trip romance (complete with coaching inns and kisses). I devoured it in one sitting because, when it comes to good books, I have no self control whatsoever. Highly recommended.
*I was very lucky to receive an advance copy of this novel from Jayne.
*I was very lucky to receive an advance copy of this novel from Jayne.
December 16, 2019
3.75 stars.
This is a sweet and lovely read.
I like it, I’m a fan of this author however I have problems with part of the story.
It’s a past and present type of story, while it’s blended beautifully, I don’t like the past part.
Mostly his memories, I don’t know why we need to know those?
I don’t want to tell you what were those, many of you probably don’t mind and it just my preference not to have that part in my romance read, it ruined my enjoyment.
Also, the paranormal bits.
It made my eyes rolls when I found out the real situation.
I love paranormal romance, gosh! I read with delight a story about big scary dragon having an unicorn soulmate! Lol.
We read her POV, right? Right?
How that possible knowing what was happening to her?
It would be more believable if this story only from his POV.
Oh well, still a fun story though:)
This is a sweet and lovely read.
I like it, I’m a fan of this author however I have problems with part of the story.
It’s a past and present type of story, while it’s blended beautifully, I don’t like the past part.
Mostly his memories, I don’t know why we need to know those?
I don’t want to tell you what were those, many of you probably don’t mind and it just my preference not to have that part in my romance read, it ruined my enjoyment.
Also, the paranormal bits.
It made my eyes rolls when I found out the real situation.
I love paranormal romance, gosh! I read with delight a story about big scary dragon having an unicorn soulmate! Lol.
We read her POV, right? Right?
How that possible knowing what was happening to her?
It would be more believable if this story only from his POV.
Oh well, still a fun story though:)
November 4, 2020
A short, sweet novel, an homage to Dickens' A Christmas Carol and yet its own story as well. Like Dickens' little book, this one has a touch of the supernatural as well, with memories and ghosts who show the grumpy hero the error of his grumpy ways. Unlike Ebenezer Scrooge though, our hero, J.P. Deverell, is secretly a kind and caring man, if rather serious and crotchety on the surface. I think this book is probably more enjoyable if you are familiar with Dickens' story and characters.
For those who've read the Deverells books, J.P is True Deverell's youngest son, with his second wife Olivia. Although this book can easily stand alone, it's nice if you've read the others, to see JP get his own HEA.
Whilst I'm not normally a fan of this kind of mix of historical romance with some whimsical supernatural elements, in this case it's just a charming, lovely Christmas story. The ending is quite moving, and the concept of the snow angel is lovely.
For those who've read the Deverells books, J.P is True Deverell's youngest son, with his second wife Olivia. Although this book can easily stand alone, it's nice if you've read the others, to see JP get his own HEA.
Whilst I'm not normally a fan of this kind of mix of historical romance with some whimsical supernatural elements, in this case it's just a charming, lovely Christmas story. The ending is quite moving, and the concept of the snow angel is lovely.
June 19, 2021
3,5 Stars
It’s Christmas 1877 and young J.P. Deverell Esq. is perilously close to resembling an Ebenezer Scrooge in the making, but a string of fortuitous circumstances will have him travelling for a few days together with cheerful and optimistic Miss Anne Follyot, who may show him a very different take on love and life...
Is it too late for some romantic redemption?
A sweet, soulful and whimsical novella written with flair.
September 4, 2021
England mostly Christmas 1877. But some flash-backs.
Businessman J.P Deverell, grieved for his business partner
Jacob who died 1 Christmas past. J.P. now grumpy, and
Scrooge-like, had no use for Christmas. Later in the story
J.P. had separate visits from 3 ghosts of Christmas past,
each an older woman & his former lover of short duration.
J.P. overlooked Anne several times, optimistic chatterbox
Anne who wore mostly brown. She irritated him until she
didn't. He was charged by his mother to escort Anne to
her Aunt's home for Christmas. Then he'd proceed on to
his family's abode alone.
Anne used humor IE she called him "Mr. Thursday."
Anne made it her business to thaw this too-serious man.
She waded through some sad events in her life to find
contentment. A supernatural story twist required some
suspension of belief. This caused me to think-what did
we readers really know about this couple?
I loved the attraction the MCs fought & the slow-burn.
Perhaps the story needed more of her inner thoughts
and less of his?
Revised.
Businessman J.P Deverell, grieved for his business partner
Jacob who died 1 Christmas past. J.P. now grumpy, and
Scrooge-like, had no use for Christmas. Later in the story
J.P. had separate visits from 3 ghosts of Christmas past,
each an older woman & his former lover of short duration.
J.P. overlooked Anne several times, optimistic chatterbox
Anne who wore mostly brown. She irritated him until she
didn't. He was charged by his mother to escort Anne to
her Aunt's home for Christmas. Then he'd proceed on to
his family's abode alone.
Anne used humor IE she called him "Mr. Thursday."
Anne made it her business to thaw this too-serious man.
She waded through some sad events in her life to find
contentment. A supernatural story twist required some
suspension of belief. This caused me to think-what did
we readers really know about this couple?
I loved the attraction the MCs fought & the slow-burn.
Perhaps the story needed more of her inner thoughts
and less of his?
Revised.
December 6, 2018
As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-Qb
John Paul Deverell is a serious minded and solitary businessman who has an admiration for Ebeneezer Scrooge and the beginnings of a curmudgeonly personality. Unlike Scrooge, he’s generous with his employees, but he does avoid his family around Christmastime. This year, his mother doesn’t accept his excuses, and coerces him into providing a ride for a neighbor’s niece, someone he met as a child over a dozen years ago. Grumbling all the way, John Paul agrees to share his coach with the woman he definitely does not remember.
Anne Follyot is eager for the journey to visit her aunt, and even more eager to see the man who made such an impact on her when they were both children. She longs to step out of her ordinary life, and perhaps find some excitement and adventure along the way.
John’s gruffness doesn’t deter Anne’s enthusiasm or chattiness, and he is soon charmed and enchanted by her. Over a short amount of time, I grew to understand and love these two characters, who seem to be such polar opposites. When they finally exchange kisses, I was fully expecting a typical sweetly unfolding holiday romance. Oh, was I wrong!
THE SNOW ANGEL takes an unexpected twist that no doubt left my jaw dropping. I did not see this coming, and I really can’t say more about the plot, except that it’s genuinely unique. As I read THE SNOW ANGEL, (all in one sitting) I was, in turn, amused, amazed, crying, smiling, and sighing. Jayne Fresina is such an underrated author, and I truly wish more readers were aware of her wonderful talent. For me, the definition of a keeper book is one that I want to read again, and one that touches my emotions. THE SNOW ANGEL, with its warmth, originality, ghosts, heart touching feeling, and tip of the hat to A Christmas Carol, definitely qualifies as a keeper, and a solid favorite.
John Paul Deverell is a serious minded and solitary businessman who has an admiration for Ebeneezer Scrooge and the beginnings of a curmudgeonly personality. Unlike Scrooge, he’s generous with his employees, but he does avoid his family around Christmastime. This year, his mother doesn’t accept his excuses, and coerces him into providing a ride for a neighbor’s niece, someone he met as a child over a dozen years ago. Grumbling all the way, John Paul agrees to share his coach with the woman he definitely does not remember.
Anne Follyot is eager for the journey to visit her aunt, and even more eager to see the man who made such an impact on her when they were both children. She longs to step out of her ordinary life, and perhaps find some excitement and adventure along the way.
John’s gruffness doesn’t deter Anne’s enthusiasm or chattiness, and he is soon charmed and enchanted by her. Over a short amount of time, I grew to understand and love these two characters, who seem to be such polar opposites. When they finally exchange kisses, I was fully expecting a typical sweetly unfolding holiday romance. Oh, was I wrong!
THE SNOW ANGEL takes an unexpected twist that no doubt left my jaw dropping. I did not see this coming, and I really can’t say more about the plot, except that it’s genuinely unique. As I read THE SNOW ANGEL, (all in one sitting) I was, in turn, amused, amazed, crying, smiling, and sighing. Jayne Fresina is such an underrated author, and I truly wish more readers were aware of her wonderful talent. For me, the definition of a keeper book is one that I want to read again, and one that touches my emotions. THE SNOW ANGEL, with its warmth, originality, ghosts, heart touching feeling, and tip of the hat to A Christmas Carol, definitely qualifies as a keeper, and a solid favorite.
January 12, 2019
J.P. Deverell is a complete scrooge, but without the penny-pinching selfishness. He doesn't see the point of forming relationships and enjoying jolly frivolity - he's a workaholic that hasn't seen his family in 4 years. This year though he's manipulated into escorting a young woman, Miss Anne Follyot to Cornwall to see visit her aunt (and by extension for him to see his own family). Anne is J.P.'s opposite - she's chipper, bubbly and quite the conversationalist. Instead of being annoyed and irritated, J.P. finds himself enchanted by her. As the days together pass and he learns more about her, he begins to succumb to her charms and thinks of romance. Anne is likewise affected. On his journey and because of the direction of his feelings towards Anne, J.P. has dreams of former lovers, his ghosts of Christmas past, that open his eyes to what relationships should and shouldn't be. But when the time comes for J.P. and Anne to part, will he pursue a relationship with her?
First off, even though I only rated this 3 stars, this really was an incredible book. Right from the get go, this establishes a tone that is very Jane Austen and I loved it. It felt so historical. This is more of a slow burn (and clean) romance and watching J.P. and Anne learn about each other was surprisingly not boring at all. It was truly quite engaging and the flashbacks to the past (J.P.'s ghosts of Christmas past visitations) really fit in perfectly and didn't in the least distract from the main storyline. I enjoyed everything about this, right up until the twist in the story. And if the twist doesn't bother you, then you will probably adore this story as I did. But for me, the twist seriously affected my ability to enjoy the entire story...it left me disappointed in the ending and wishing the HEA had been a bit different.
Here's why: SPOILER ALERT!!! Seriously, don't click this if you don't want to know what the twist is! I do this for readers like myself who really do want to know how a book ends before dedicating so much time to reading/buying it. I do still recommend this story and definitely other stories by this author judging by her talent, just be aware that the twist might not be your cup of tea. But then again, it might be.
Also - might help to know that this is tied into this author's series, The Deverells. It would come at the end I suppose. This is still a stand alone, but the series is about J.P.'s parents and his older siblings.
First off, even though I only rated this 3 stars, this really was an incredible book. Right from the get go, this establishes a tone that is very Jane Austen and I loved it. It felt so historical. This is more of a slow burn (and clean) romance and watching J.P. and Anne learn about each other was surprisingly not boring at all. It was truly quite engaging and the flashbacks to the past (J.P.'s ghosts of Christmas past visitations) really fit in perfectly and didn't in the least distract from the main storyline. I enjoyed everything about this, right up until the twist in the story. And if the twist doesn't bother you, then you will probably adore this story as I did. But for me, the twist seriously affected my ability to enjoy the entire story...it left me disappointed in the ending and wishing the HEA had been a bit different.
Here's why: SPOILER ALERT!!! Seriously, don't click this if you don't want to know what the twist is! I do this for readers like myself who really do want to know how a book ends before dedicating so much time to reading/buying it. I do still recommend this story and definitely other stories by this author judging by her talent, just be aware that the twist might not be your cup of tea. But then again, it might be.
Also - might help to know that this is tied into this author's series, The Deverells. It would come at the end I suppose. This is still a stand alone, but the series is about J.P.'s parents and his older siblings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2019
I’ve noticed that many HR fans seem to share my fascination for stories with a Christmas theme. Over the years, I’ve bought, borrowed and read gazillions of them.
I have favourites and re-read a select few each year, enjoying their romance, positivity, heartache, messages of peace/love and even, quite often, their sentimentality.
Sadly, in recent years, I have bought far too many Christmas stories and anthologies that have turned out to be duds. So, even as a dedicated Fresina fan, and having noted the top rating by reviewers I trust, I was a little apprehensive about reading her new Christmas story, Snow Angel.
I had no need for reservations. I’m bowled over by it. I love the internalisations of main protagonists, their dialogue, the gorgeous story-line, the salutes to Dickens, the whimsy, the witticisms, the slow unpacking of the “package”, the suppression, recovery, loss and rediscovery of memories.
In fact, I love absolutely everything about Snow Angel. Fresina manages to keep me enthralled every turn of the wheel and every development of the romance on the way from London to Cornwall. And even though her readers know there must be a HEA she makes us wait for it, tantalising us with the heroine’s lovely and loving (but purposeful) chatter, as well as the hero’s sifting and moulding of recollections (while his clever hands absentmindedly twist and fold paper into that very significant shape).
And just when we expect a resolution, Fresina hits the reader over the head with a most unexpected denouement. It’s melodramatic, it’s masterly - in fact, it’s Dickensian. It exemplifies what separates Fresina from most of her cohorts.
Thank you Ms Fresina. I feel as if your story is my own very special Christmas gift.
I have favourites and re-read a select few each year, enjoying their romance, positivity, heartache, messages of peace/love and even, quite often, their sentimentality.
Sadly, in recent years, I have bought far too many Christmas stories and anthologies that have turned out to be duds. So, even as a dedicated Fresina fan, and having noted the top rating by reviewers I trust, I was a little apprehensive about reading her new Christmas story, Snow Angel.
I had no need for reservations. I’m bowled over by it. I love the internalisations of main protagonists, their dialogue, the gorgeous story-line, the salutes to Dickens, the whimsy, the witticisms, the slow unpacking of the “package”, the suppression, recovery, loss and rediscovery of memories.
In fact, I love absolutely everything about Snow Angel. Fresina manages to keep me enthralled every turn of the wheel and every development of the romance on the way from London to Cornwall. And even though her readers know there must be a HEA she makes us wait for it, tantalising us with the heroine’s lovely and loving (but purposeful) chatter, as well as the hero’s sifting and moulding of recollections (while his clever hands absentmindedly twist and fold paper into that very significant shape).
And just when we expect a resolution, Fresina hits the reader over the head with a most unexpected denouement. It’s melodramatic, it’s masterly - in fact, it’s Dickensian. It exemplifies what separates Fresina from most of her cohorts.
Thank you Ms Fresina. I feel as if your story is my own very special Christmas gift.
March 31, 2024
What a gem this story is. It is clever, charming, heartwarming and just what I needed this time of year. It is the story of J.P. Deverell, a scrooge of sorts and the irrepressible Anne Follyot. We should all know ourselves as well as Anne and like ourselves in spite of our shortcomings. Anne's insights into herself and those around her, including J.P., were the true gifts here. She truly opened J.P.'s eyes to what had been missing in his life. Along with a little help from a dearly departed friend and a certain little snow angel. This is a true gift from Jayne Fresnia and something I think I will enjoy re-reading every year. Don't worry if it's past Christmas and you haven't read it yet....this book can be enjoyed anytime of year.
Re-read, December/Jan 2023/2024
still a five star read...
Re-read, December/Jan 2023/2024
still a five star read...
December 1, 2023
This adorable little tale runs on similar lines as Dickens' A Christmas Carol. When sweet Anne Follyott comes (back) into his life, grumpy JP Deverell is visited by ghosts (memories) of Christmases past, present, and future. It seems like I bookmarked every other page of Fresina's Snow stories (The Snowdrop, The Snowbirds, The Snow Angel). This author's writing is so lighthearted, humorous, romantic, and so unlike anything else I read that I find myself reading her books very sparingly. So that i don't eat them up too fast. Like a favorite food. Or precious treasure.
.
.
December 29, 2021
Sweet and charming christmas novel.
The twist in last chapters kept me from loving it, but that's a clear "it's me, not the book" - issue. I'm sure most love it despite/because of the twist.
Nevertheless 4 stars.
The twist in last chapters kept me from loving it, but that's a clear "it's me, not the book" - issue. I'm sure most love it despite/because of the twist.
Nevertheless 4 stars.
January 6, 2020
What a wonderful little book! Just the book to read during Christmas times!!
If I had to find one fault it would be that it's too short...but maybe not even that is a fault since the story is perfect from start to finish and so are the colorful characters!!
Ms Fresina have created a family, I find myself loving more and more with each book!
Anne is a delightful character. Chatty, bubbly, kind, funny, optimistic...the kind of person who sees the glass always half full!
J.P. reminded me so much of his father...so how could I not love him? He kept saying that his dad always said that he took after his mum, but his hard exterior that hides a good heart is all his dad...
he is more reserved than True and fears opening his heart and being hurt for it.
Their 3 days travelling should have been too short for them to fall in love but it didn't feel so. They learned so much about each other, making it feel they knew each other before...which they did.
The women he knew before were statues, standing under dust sheets in a lost
room of his memory, and Anne Follyout ran around pulling off all the covers,
bringing light and fresh air into his thoughts.
I thought this explained so well exactly who Anne was and what she brought to JP's life.
Huge spoilers ahead!!!
That twist of her being in a coma was something that in no moment entered in my head, so I was really surprised when that happened...a miracle at Christmas can happen!!
If I had to find one fault it would be that it's too short...but maybe not even that is a fault since the story is perfect from start to finish and so are the colorful characters!!
Ms Fresina have created a family, I find myself loving more and more with each book!
Anne is a delightful character. Chatty, bubbly, kind, funny, optimistic...the kind of person who sees the glass always half full!
J.P. reminded me so much of his father...so how could I not love him? He kept saying that his dad always said that he took after his mum, but his hard exterior that hides a good heart is all his dad...
he is more reserved than True and fears opening his heart and being hurt for it.
Their 3 days travelling should have been too short for them to fall in love but it didn't feel so. They learned so much about each other, making it feel they knew each other before...which they did.
The women he knew before were statues, standing under dust sheets in a lost
room of his memory, and Anne Follyout ran around pulling off all the covers,
bringing light and fresh air into his thoughts.
I thought this explained so well exactly who Anne was and what she brought to JP's life.
Huge spoilers ahead!!!
That twist of her being in a coma was something that in no moment entered in my head, so I was really surprised when that happened...a miracle at Christmas can happen!!
November 18, 2020
I loved, loved this book. It is the love story of the son of a couple (True Deverell and Olivia) from another book that I loved way back when I read it, True Story. This book was so sweet, magical, and poignant that I had a lump in my throat the entire time I read it. And what bliss it was to read a well-edited, proofread book; somehow, all the recent books I have read by slightly lesser-known regency romance authors appear to not be proofread, least of all edited properly. A romantic, tongue-in-cheek, delightful take on A Christmas Carol.
December 21, 2018
Have you ever read an author that hadn't impressed you much and then you never read them again? Well, I did and it was this author. However, I am here to tell you that I have now realised that I've made a mistake. I should have given this author another chance and thanks to an author who I admire, this came highly recommended and I just loved this story.
Let me say that I've not read any of the books in the Deverill's series, but now I am really intrigued and plan on reading them all.
If you love reading an old fashioned, ala Jane Austen romance, then this is IT! I adored the main characters. They were fun, flawed and eccentric. I had a permanent grin on my face throughout reading this story.
I beg you, read it. It will make you smile.
Melanie for b2b
Let me say that I've not read any of the books in the Deverill's series, but now I am really intrigued and plan on reading them all.
If you love reading an old fashioned, ala Jane Austen romance, then this is IT! I adored the main characters. They were fun, flawed and eccentric. I had a permanent grin on my face throughout reading this story.
I beg you, read it. It will make you smile.
Melanie for b2b
December 24, 2019
The more I think about it the unhappier I am about the twist. What I loved most about this book while reading it, is how the characters slowly get to know and grow to like each other. And then you find out that only one did that journey, while the other wakes up to find a man she met as a child, at her bedside, confessing his love. Creepy. What happens to Anne's side of the journey? Her slowly remembering him? Apparently she didn't, she was just confronted with the facts upon waking up?
Up until the twist I adored this book and would still have loved it had Anne somehow made the same journey in her head while in a coma. But the fact that she doesn't left me very unsatisfied with this book. ;)
Up until the twist I adored this book and would still have loved it had Anne somehow made the same journey in her head while in a coma. But the fact that she doesn't left me very unsatisfied with this book. ;)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2020
Pure magic. I came across a rave review of The Snow Angel and decided to give it a try. I was a bit sceptic after having rated the highly rated Christmas anthology Under the Mistletoe Collection with a single star. I need not have worried. The only thing I need to decide now, is how high on my favorite book shelf I will put this story.
January 24, 2020
Sweet story with a twist
Jayne Fresina is one of the best romance authors out there. Her writing is skillful and poetic, with well-developed characters, lovely descriptions, gentle humor, and none of the all-too-common hackneyed plots. This novella features the youngest Deverell son (telling his great-grandchild the story of their meeting) and a feisty but vulnerable heroine who learn about each other during a snowy trip for Christmas. The plot twist at the end leads to a different ending than the usual and sets up a sweet epilogue, back in present time (1927), for the elderly storyteller.
Jayne Fresina is one of the best romance authors out there. Her writing is skillful and poetic, with well-developed characters, lovely descriptions, gentle humor, and none of the all-too-common hackneyed plots. This novella features the youngest Deverell son (telling his great-grandchild the story of their meeting) and a feisty but vulnerable heroine who learn about each other during a snowy trip for Christmas. The plot twist at the end leads to a different ending than the usual and sets up a sweet epilogue, back in present time (1927), for the elderly storyteller.
February 16, 2020
I’m a big fan of Jayne Fresina’s work. She has one of a kind story telling ability that grips you and keeps you on your toes until the very end.
This book, however, is not her best.
First of all, I really disliked Anne. She was so annoying, nosy and constantly chattering like an idiot. Nothing about her was endearing in my opinion. I ended up skipping dialogues between the pair because Anne was usually talking some nonsense.
And the twist! My God, WHY? Again, it just didn’t make any sense even with all those supernatural elements in the story.
This book, however, is not her best.
First of all, I really disliked Anne. She was so annoying, nosy and constantly chattering like an idiot. Nothing about her was endearing in my opinion. I ended up skipping dialogues between the pair because Anne was usually talking some nonsense.
And the twist! My God, WHY? Again, it just didn’t make any sense even with all those supernatural elements in the story.
January 7, 2020
Sappy Christmas Story
While the book is well-written, the story is not to my taste. The heroine is so gauche, I sympathized with the characters who despised her. I lost patience with her by the third chapter. The loose comparison to Dicken's Christmas Carol is not enough to rescue a boring story.
While the book is well-written, the story is not to my taste. The heroine is so gauche, I sympathized with the characters who despised her. I lost patience with her by the third chapter. The loose comparison to Dicken's Christmas Carol is not enough to rescue a boring story.
December 28, 2020
Interesting Christmas story which is a retake of dicken’s Christmas carol. Anne was wonderful and romance was great. J P’s evolution was nice. Was good to read about True and Olivia again. They are my Favourites. Final twist kind of ruined my experience. Hence almost 4 stars from me. Felt like all the growth of story was moot at the final twist.
December 23, 2022
Magical
What fascinating characters, Anne and JP, creating Christmas angels and magic for several generations. This is a road trip, a different Christmas carol, and a love story. Sometimes it isn't necessary to understand everything about a novel, just to believe in it, and see it, really see it. Magic.
What fascinating characters, Anne and JP, creating Christmas angels and magic for several generations. This is a road trip, a different Christmas carol, and a love story. Sometimes it isn't necessary to understand everything about a novel, just to believe in it, and see it, really see it. Magic.
September 15, 2019
Magical!
I was enchanted by this story, the characters, the sparkling dialogue, and the surprising end. I don't want to say more for fear of spoilers, but suffice to say, this is a story I will revisit in the years to come...
I was enchanted by this story, the characters, the sparkling dialogue, and the surprising end. I don't want to say more for fear of spoilers, but suffice to say, this is a story I will revisit in the years to come...
December 29, 2019
************ 6 Stars and 1 Comet**********
OMG!! A delicious Christmas Carol!!!
Why I didn't read a Fresina's book before?
I've been wasting my time in so many mediocre books...
One of my 2019 favourites.
OMG!! A delicious Christmas Carol!!!
Why I didn't read a Fresina's book before?
I've been wasting my time in so many mediocre books...
One of my 2019 favourites.
March 18, 2020
Ghosts
This was such a beautiful story with such an unexpected ending. I loved the characters. Anne was wonderful and J.P. was perfect. The story caused my heart to ache in a good way.
This was such a beautiful story with such an unexpected ending. I loved the characters. Anne was wonderful and J.P. was perfect. The story caused my heart to ache in a good way.
December 20, 2021
The Snow Angel was wonderful & had Fresina's usual writing flair - irreverent, slow burn, complex characters. This one had unique gripping aspects I had not seen in any historical romance book.
So glad I finally read this one....story stays with you.
So glad I finally read this one....story stays with you.
January 2, 2020
Excellent book and author!
I was looking for a new author to read and came across this lovely book and was enchanted by the characters and the story.
I was looking for a new author to read and came across this lovely book and was enchanted by the characters and the story.
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