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Old Pine Cove #1

Snowflakes and Sparks

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One small town. One hot neighbor. One second chance at love.

The best fake snow decorations in L.A.? Done by me.

About to get a promotion? Also me.

Sent to a sleepy small town right before Christmas to save a bookstore? Unfortunately, me again.

Old Pine Cove was the one place on earth I had sworn I’d never return to. Then my boss asked me to manage one of our bookstores there. I wanted to tell her no way, but that would definitely lower my chances of being promoted once I returned to L.A. So I sucked it up. Besides, it was only supposed to be temporary. What could possibly go wrong?

Gosh, how naïve of me.

Alex Denverton opening the door with that smoldering look of his, that’s what went wrong. It had been ten years since I crashed his truck and made a run for it. And now he was back in my life. How was I supposed to focus on work knowing he was right next door? And why did I ever agree to organize the annual Winter Walk with him?

One thing was certain, though. If I wanted to have a magical Christmas, I couldn’t ask Santa to make it happen. It was up to me to decide: go big or go home.

Snowflakes and Sparks is a standalone, small town romcom in the Old Pine Cove series.

242 pages, ebook

First published October 3, 2019

1438 people are currently reading
3785 people want to read

About the author

Sophie-Leigh Robbins

19 books313 followers
USA Today Bestselling Author Sophie-Leigh Robbins writes fun, feel-good romantic comedies that will make you laugh and swoon.

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5 stars
1,145 (23%)
4 stars
1,438 (29%)
3 stars
1,583 (32%)
2 stars
576 (11%)
1 star
144 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 530 reviews
Profile Image for Jordan.
457 reviews2 followers
December 9, 2022
Oh man, this book was NOT for me. I’m all for a good, cheesy Christmas romance but this was waaaay too over the top cringey. Thank goodness it was less than 200 pages.

Thoughts while reading:

•How old is this author? Why does this entire story sound like it was written by a middle school girl?

•Not only did every single conversation between characters feel unrealistic and forced, but every interaction was so cringey. I thought I was gonna die from second-hand embarrassment. I’m talking worse than the acting in a Hallmark movie awkward. No one had a semblance of actual character.

•“You scared the living daylights out of me.” “What the freak are you doing?” “Make a girl go weak in the knees.” Why does the main character sound 80 years old instead of 28?

•Then she goes from being a nun to biting Alex’s finger? “I needed to show him I wanted to kiss him too so I bit his finger.” GIIIIRRRRLLL! NO! What?! Someone please help her.

•A yoga teacher? Alex is a yoga teacher? And he teaches individual classes in his home instead of holding classes for multiple people at once? Why? That’s weird. And I’ve never heard of this? I don’t buy it.

•Suzie couldn’t make up her mind to save her life. She whines about missing LA and then in the very next chapter talks about how much she likes it in Old Pine Cove and doesn’t miss LA at all. And she goes from hating Alex to being obsessed with him in a mere few sentences? There was absolutely no drama or fight.. he didn’t have to win her over at all. It was literally just “I never want to see you again. Oh hey, I wanna have your babies.” Slow. Your. Roll.

•And the falling in the pond scene? Yikes. I’ve never seen a deer before and wanted to pet Bambi? I can’t handle this. Is the author serious?

•Who keeps an engagement ring in their bathroom??

•Suzie thinks she’s gonna sell these calendars, with 2 regular ass people on them, worldwide? With photos taken in a bookstore while fully clothed? This is just plain silly.

•The Heather drama at the end?! If nothing else killed this story that definitely did. How absolutely bizarre. The woman who broke your heart shows up and you just casually decide to shower while she’s still at your house? While your next door neighbor is the girl you think you’re in love with and can come over/see what’s happening? And you don’t think to give her any kind of heads up or information? And Suzie doesn’t check with her boss that they did fill the position at the store and instead just up and leaves? Not to mention the fact that there are no tickets to LA on Christmas Eve but there just so happens to be one to Miami? Get. Out. Of. Here.

It was all just too much for me, y’alll. Too much. Too many plot holes, too juvenile, too downright absurd for me. I’m sorry but it was beyond ridiculous and I’m sorry I wasted my time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
3,117 reviews6 followers
December 4, 2019
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com

Suzie works for Got it Covered book store in L.A. She adores working there, especially as the manager will soon be retiring and she has been informed that she is next in line to take over. When the manager of the store in Old Pine Cove, Wisconsin tragically dies in an accident the company needs a replacement and fast and so Suzie is offered the role, temporarily.

Suzie doesn’t really want to go as she has a history with the town, an accident that caused the villagers of Old Pine Cove to turn against her and she hasn’t stepped foot in the place in ten years, but she also knows that helping out the company could help make sure she gets the manager position in L.A.

Suzie hopes that the residents won’t recognise her and that Alex Denverton, the gorgeous hunk she had a crush on and left behind all those years ago has moved on. Unfortunately, luck isn’t on her side. The residents remember her very well and Alex just happens to be her new neighbour. At least she won’t be in Old Pine Cove long, right?

If you love those cheesy, Christmas movies that pop up each year on Sky TV then you will love this book. Snowflakes and Sparks is an entertaining, festive read that I enjoyed far more than I thought I was going to. I’m not a big lover of the whole will they won’t they plot normally but this one held my attention throughout and Old Pine Cove is such a beautiful place and Ms. Robbin’s descriptive skills brought the town to life.

Suzie had more going for her than I was expecting, although she did like to jump to a lot of conclusions very quickly without much evidence. Alex is such a sweet-heart. Tall, handsome, charismatic and well-loved by everyone.

The plot was enjoyable, even if I’d worked big chunks of it out within a few chapters, I was still eager to see if I was right and how it played out.

If you are after a book to get you in the festive spirit then this certainly will. It has lashings of hot chocolate, plenty of snow and everyone is Christmas Mad.
Profile Image for meg *ੈ✩‧₊˚ (semi ia).
170 reviews128 followers
September 19, 2025
despite the cover on goodreads compared to what shows on my kindle, i did like this book more than i had anticipated i would. the low-rating is still there because different quotes made me gag or cringe.

this is a cute little cozy festive christmas book and i recommend giving it a read if you want all the christmas feels with romance!
Profile Image for Yesha- Books Teacup and Reviews.
896 reviews159 followers
October 15, 2019
You can read all my review on Blog - Books Teacup and Reviews

Snowflakes and Sparks was heartwarming sparkling romantic Christmas read, revolved around Suzie and Alex’s love that rekindled after 10 years they first met in Old Pine Cove. It was about second chance at love, bonding and belongingness.

Characters-

I loved Suzie in this book. She was fantastic character that many can relate to. She was modest, friendly and passionate. She was best at her work and knew how to win hearts. I loved the way she turned embarrassing memory into lovable and beautiful one. Her thoughts and characteristics were realistic.

Alex was a yoga teacher at Pine Cove. He was loved by town people both for his looks and nature. He was friendly, helping and gentleman. I liked he didn’t let reoccur what happened between him and Suzie again.

My favorite secondary characters were Dean and Addy. They were amazing friends and I would like to see them more in next books. All characters were developed and interesting.

What I liked-

Writing was easy, charming and gripping. Pace was fast and plot was feel good. It had true festive vibe that makes you want to celebrate Christmas with equal zest.

That blurb tells all about the book and how it started with Suzie’s amazing job at bookstore in L.A., waiting for her promotion and suddenly asked to manage store at Old Pine Cove she sworn she would never set a foot again as something embarrassing happened and she ruined Alex’s Christmas 10 years ago. To make thing more uncomfortable Alex was now her neighbor.

I was curious to know if they will put the past in past and give each other another chance, will 10 years old crush turn into love, will it be easy for Suzie to work in town that has long lasting memory and don’t forgive outsider easily and what was Alex’s story that whole town knew about but Suzie.

What I loved most was, the setting. Old Pine Cove was most picturesque and wonderful. Author brought place and characters to life. I didn’t know the place was famous for Ski resort and snow globe factory. I love snow globes. I had one when I was small. The enthusiasm and love of town’s people for Christmas was contagious. I would love to spend Christmas in this beautiful town among these loving tight knit community. I liked Suzie’s idea on Christmas walk, to promote the book store and author signing that helped both store and town. It was great to see her helping people who were not that happy on her return and turned her negative impression into positive one.

Climax was good. It was not that shocking. I could see what will happen way before the turn but I still liked to read it. The end was sweet. It also cleared the small mystery.

This was first in series and I would love to know characters more in next book and see what happens next.

Why 4 Stars-

Climax was not that unique, not something I haven’t read before and it was predictable too. I also felt there was something missing. I wanted more depth in characters but as it was just first in series, there might be more to it in next books.

Overall, it was enjoyable, cute, lovely and entertaining romcom. A good Christmas read that recommend.

*** Note: I received e-copy from the author, in exchange for an honest review. ***
Profile Image for Amy.
136 reviews3 followers
December 13, 2023
Cozy, cute and enjoyable christmas romance!!
I mean, she runs a bookstore and he is a chef. What's not to like? 😌
Profile Image for lazybookconqueror.
329 reviews88 followers
November 1, 2019
3.5 Stars.
A cute and sweet story where Alex and Suzie get a second chance at romance in a beautiful Christmas Wonderland setting.
Profile Image for Erin.
3,890 reviews466 followers
December 27, 2023
Old Pine Cove became dear to my heart as Suzie and Alex sort through their feelings for one another. I loved everything about this small town -the cast of characters, the community connection and the city girl/rural guy trope. Sure there were moments that were embarrassing enough to watch through splayed fingers but that just gave it a Hallmark type of vibe. Left me satisfied with the HEA.

Goodreads review published 22/12/23
Profile Image for Nora (NoraLeest).
432 reviews261 followers
December 26, 2023
this was definitely interesting hahahah but entertaining enough and an easy read for christmas
Profile Image for Aimee .
3,072 reviews298 followers
October 7, 2019
This is a sweet story of love and second chances. The classic small town Christmas setting was just as you might imagine it with tradition and busybodies all wrapped up in candy canes and hot chocolate. Oh! And don't forget the snow globes! It's what this town is known for.

I liked Suzie. She has my dream job of working in a bookstore! Her worst nightmare comes true when she has to return to the small town she ran from, humiliated, all those years ago. Poor Suzie. But, then she gets there and the boy seems to hold no grudges, and only one old lady in the town even cares. Not so bad after all.

The story, for me, lacked emotion. I felt like the characters were likable but nothing really drew me into them. Alex especially was tepid at best. The sparks were lacking but the sweetness wasn't. The story was sweet all the way around.

3/5 stars

Content: mild swearing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Jen.
42 reviews5 followers
December 20, 2023
Cute quick Christmas read 🎄🥰
Profile Image for Sapphyria  .
2,257 reviews59 followers
October 10, 2019
Snowflakes and Sparks is a cute second-chance romance set in a small town in Wisconsin. A small town that Suzie, the heroine, harbors unpleasant memories of involving a truck and snow globe accident but pleasant memories of Alex. Hoping she doesn't run into him, she discovers he lives next door to the book store she is temporarily in town to rescue.

I was drawn in by the synopsis and captured hook-line-and-sinker by the end of page one. A cute, fast-paced story, Snowflakes and Sparks is a feel-good romance perfect for lovers of the genre. There are few twists giving the story the little bit of conflict needed to unite our couple.The author created a wonderful world that is easy to visualize and characters that leap off of the pages. The story is impossible to put down once you start so make sure you have plenty of uninterruptible time.

I was given a copy of this book to review. All opinions are shared voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jenna.
28 reviews
December 22, 2024
Oh man, this book 😅😬
I was excited to start this one because I got it during a “stuff my kindle” day from a smaller author, and I love trying out new authors (especially ones that aren’t as popular yet). I wanted to like this book, but it was like a cringey hallmark movie that had a small vocabulary 😅 I felt like so many sentences were written and executed poorly, and some words were overused or not descriptive enough. The plot twist at the end was extremely predictable and I had seen it coming from the beginning of the book. Honestly if I was someone who could DNF anything, I absolutely would have around maybe 20% in, but I wanted to give it a full chance and was hoping things would get better as I read.

I’m hoping maybe this book was just a flop and the author’s other works are stronger, but I’m not going to be the one to figure that out. 😬
Profile Image for Amy S.
1,257 reviews1 follower
August 5, 2022
Clean contemporary romance.
Very fluffy. The entire book had a very lighthearted and humorous slant to it. Even the scenes where the characters were facing serious injury, danger, embarrassment, or destruction of property were written with little depth. Who wanders off to flirt when an elderly lady is bleeding and crying in the next room?
The story was full of strange encounters and odd emotional reactions.
The dialogue was very shallow, junior high gossip level stuff over who is dating who, and who the mean people are.
There were some holes in the plot and the last chapter had to “explain” missing pieces in a rush of confusing information.
There’s a happy ending that wasn’t believable after the awkwardness leading up to it.
A little violence. No sex. Mild language.
Profile Image for Mieke.
382 reviews54 followers
October 24, 2023
Sweet and simple, second chance, small town romance. Zij werkt in een boekwinkel, hij droomt ervan chef te worden. Gooi daar een winters, kerstdorpje tegenaan en ik ben tevreden. Hartstikke voorspelbaar, niets bijzonders, maar prima leesvoer voor tussendoor.
Profile Image for Kylie ve.
311 reviews61 followers
January 10, 2024
This was genuinely such a cute second chance romance book oh my goodness! About a woman who runs a bookstore (a dream) and a guy is an aspiring chef! So cute and such a quick and fun read!
Profile Image for laszczaq.
246 reviews
December 13, 2023
Publisher: How many 'snow globes' can you put in one book?
Author: Yes.
It was so repetitive, I had a feeling I'm reading the same sentences over and over again. And Suzie was literally the worst.
Alex was cute tho.
Profile Image for Karen (BaronessBookTrove).
1,117 reviews108 followers
October 2, 2019
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Snowflakes and Sparks by Sophie-Leigh Robbins is the cutest Christmas read ever. It is very adorable and sweet.
Will the Christmas spirit give these two a second chance at love?
Suzie Stonebrooks
Suzie Stonebrooks is a young woman living in Los Angeles, California working at a bookstore chain called Got It Covered. She is our point of view and the main character. Suzie is at first a bit hesitant to go back to Old Pine Cove, Wisconsin. However, she goes because she doesn’t want to lose a promotion over it. Suzie is a fantastic character once she gets over her doubts about managing the store in Old Pine Cove to admitting she still has feelings for a particular hot looking guy in town. If Suzie were a real person, I know that we will be friends.
Alex Denverton
Alex Denverton is the male lead in this story and was someone that Suzie knew when she was seventeen and staying in Old Pine Cove with friends. He has never left Old Pine Cove and has some good qualities. One of them being that Alex is an excellent cook and baker. The other is knowing what he wants and not letting go a second time. He does know how to take good care of his body, and Alex is a great person. He is a fantastic guy that anyone would love to have as a friend. Let alone kiss. If he were alive, I would so totally be drooling over him.
Five Stars
Snowflakes and Sparks by Sophie-Leigh Robbins is just as enjoyable as the first book I read of hers. Suzie and Alex just popped right out of the pages of this book and into my imagination. I didn’t want to put it down; I had to know what would happen next for these two lovebirds.


Other Books in the Series
This book comes out on November 4th, so preorder it now.

Love To Prove You Wrong by Sophie-Leigh Robbins


Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Snowflakes and Sparks by Sophie-Leigh Robbins. 

Until the next time,

Karen Signature

Happy Reading!

This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

Profile Image for Yvonne.
1,334 reviews266 followers
October 11, 2019
Suzie Stonebrooks is not a happy camper when her boss asks her to temporarily run their Old Pine Cove bookstore. She used to live in Old Pine Cove and the town doesn’t remember her well. However, if Suzie wants a promotion within the company, she’ll have to head to Old Pine Cove and then back to LA for a promotion.

One of the first people she runs into is Alex Denverton. Her old boyfriend and the one person she did not want to see. They are quickly thrown together planning the town’s annual Winter Walk. The sparks are still flying between these two.

I fell in love with these characters immediately. Suzie is a strong and lovable character. She’s also a realistic character who I truly found myself caring about.

This is such a sweet, charming romance. One of those books that make you feel good and put you right into the holiday spirit. It’s a quick read that came at a great time for me and was a real stress-reliever. I’m so looking forward to the next book in this series.




FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author and publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for ☆☆Hannah☆☆.
3,182 reviews46 followers
November 11, 2022
This was a good book. Suzie is going back to town she swore she would never return to. Something bad happened there 10 years ago. Which some terrible ladies loved to point out. She runs into Alex who she knew from her last experience. Of course she runs into him and they begin to fall for each other. Thanks to his ex there was some serious drama. However, in the end it all works out and they get their HEA.
Profile Image for Clauds.
134 reviews2 followers
November 28, 2023
3.5
Spoiler: this is a Hallmark movie in a book.

It was exactly what I wanted: a cheesy, romantic winter story. The classic big city girl that falls for the countryside boy.
Of course they have history, she left him to build a new life in the city when they were just teenagers.
The plot was predictable, as with any Christmas book, but I ate it up. My brain needed a cute story.
Alex was an absolute baby, respectful and loved by everyone in Old Pine Cove. I liked Suzie too, but not as much. She was always jumping to conclusions a bit too fast, without having all the facts.
Still, they both managed to make their dreams come true: he became a chef and she started writing her book.
This was so wholesome and cute, ugh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sunny.
121 reviews1 follower
December 3, 2024
Suzie and Alex🫶🏼 Alex and Suzie 🥹 it's all I can think about ❤️🥹
Profile Image for Ally.
74 reviews
December 9, 2024
Reads like a Christmas hallmark movie.🥰 A bit slow to start and a rushed ending where everything is explained in like one page, but a nice cozy read for the holidays ☃️
27 reviews
November 25, 2024
It was good for what it was, a hallmark movie in a book. It was a nice easy read for the quiet moments at work
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