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Let It Snow

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COMING SOON AS THE HALLMARK CHRISTMAS MOVIE NANTUCKET NOEL

A Nantucket shopkeeper discovers that Christmas is the perfect occasion to make unexpected friendships . . . to warm the coldest of hearts—and maybe even find love.

Christina Antonioni is preparing for the holidays at her Nantucket toy shop, unpacking last-minute shipments and decorating for her loyal Christmas shoppers. But when her Scrooge of a landlord, Oscar Bittlesman, raises her rent, it seems nearly impossible for Christina to continue business on the wharf.

Even so, Christina hopes there is a warm heart underneath Oscar’s steely exterior. When she bonds with Wink, his sweet, young granddaughter who frequents the shop, it becomes clear that perhaps he isn’t so cold after all. And with the help of Wink’s uncle, who happens to be a charming and very handsome bachelor, this may be the best Christmas any of them could have ever imagined. Nancy Thayer’s enchanting Nantucket setting provides the perfect backdrop for this holiday love story.

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 15, 2019

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About the author

Nancy Thayer

51 books4,039 followers
Nancy Thayer has published 35 novels, including Family Reunion and Secrets in Summer. She has lived on Nantucket Island year-round for 38 years with her husband Charley Walters. They have two children and five grandchildren.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,043 reviews
Profile Image for Julie .
4,248 reviews38k followers
December 6, 2019
Let it Snow by Nancy Thayer is a 2019 Ballantine Books publication.

I have a handful of books written by Nancy Thayer on my Kindle, but unbelievably this is the first book I’ve read by this author. While I’ve heard good things about Thayer, this book was not the best introduction to her work, I’m afraid.

The setup involves a troubled and bored child, struggling with the divorce of her parents, a grumpy old man with a Scrooge like persona, a lonely shop keeper with a big heart, hoping to someday find true love, and her quirky friends who each make a small contribution to the story-

In other words, practically every the traditional, old school, element required for a holiday love story.

Unfortunately, it fell flat. I did enjoy the Nantucket setting and the winter landscape, but the plot employed too many tired clichés, and felt forced. I even wondered if this book was rushed to publication, perhaps hoping for a run at one of those Netflix originals or a Hallmark Channel movie deal.

It just had that ‘scripted, ‘shopped’ feel to it- which for me, usually means bland, because it's too careful, never varying from the mold. It didn’t pull on the heartstrings, make me laugh, or sigh, or leave me with the warm and fuzzies.

It was okay, but, I’ve read some truly wonderful stories this holiday season and this one didn’t come close to measuring up to the efforts by newer, less seasoned authors this year.

3 stars
Profile Image for Kat.
Author 14 books604 followers
September 15, 2022
I seriously loved this short, delightful novella set on Nantucket at Christmastime. Christina is a local shop owner who runs a toy store. She befriends a girl who turns out to come from a troubled, wealthy family… and meets her uncle Andy, the only decent one of the bunch! A sweet romance, and wonderful characters. I loved the conflict in this one, all the touches of the island Christmas, tree trimmings, Christmas dinners with family, and seeing all the friendships. Nancy Thayer knows how to write a wonderful Christmas book!

Profile Image for Carrie.
3,567 reviews1,692 followers
October 18, 2019
The holiday season is almost upon us once again and with that time of year comes lovely contemporary romance Christmas stories. Let It Snow by Nancy Thayer is my first seasonal review and what better to start with than an established author who I expected to have a lovely story.

Let It Snow features Christina Antonioni who is a toy shop owner in Nantucket who has an encounter with a little girl who tries to shoplift. Catching Wink in action Christina feels sorry for her and offers to give her a job to help her during the holidays instead of turning her in.

Little did Christina know that her act of kindness wouldn’t be appreciated by Wink’s mother who is the daughter of the wealthiest man in town and also the landlord of the shops. Unexpectedly Christina finds herself building a relationship with Wink’s uncle that will be in jeopardy when his father threatens to raise the rent and put Christina out of business.

I’m not sure what it says about people when one of the most well known Christmas characters happens to be Scrooge but regardless Let it Snow has it’s own grumpy old version. It’s a cute story with bringing together the rich and poor, making one little girl feel special at Christmas, melting Scrooge’s heart and so on. Nice way to start getting into the Christmas spirit.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Profile Image for Berit☀️✨ .
2,095 reviews15.7k followers
January 1, 2020
Cute cozy romance! This was a fun festive holiday read reminiscent of a Hallmark movie. Nantucket, a toy shop, a sweet little girl, a grumpy old man, a handsome bachelor, quirky friends, and a main character with a big heart. A little cheesy, a little cliché, but sometimes that’s just what I need. A cozy, cute, sweet, Romance that made me smile.

This book in emojis ❄️ 🎄 🧸 🎁

*** Big thanks to Random House Valentine for my copy of this book ***
Profile Image for Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader.
1,679 reviews205 followers
November 28, 2019
This was a fun read. It was a fast read. It was a must read. You are going to love Wink. Grab this one up to read before Christmas it will surely put you in the mood for the holidays.
Profile Image for Linda Langford.
1,597 reviews14 followers
July 12, 2020
A wonderful Christmas story which I enjoyed reading in July! Great characters, and the Nantucket setting is beautiful. The little girl is precious and so smart! The romance is sweet. Great story!
Profile Image for Deanne Patterson.
2,406 reviews119 followers
December 11, 2019
I believe you will really enjoy this book. The atmosphere is perfect, who could ask for me?
It's the holiday season on Nantucket . The shopkeeper is doing what she does best, stocking her toy shop for the holidays after all many come into her shop for last minute island related gifts.
First impressions really are wrong when she meets a young girl in her shop and thinks she comes from a bad family life. Befriending the child leads her to learn things about the child's family that take her by surprise.
A grumpy old man known for his temper, is there a chance we may see a softening in him this holiday season? A surprising twist,a sweet child,a surprise romance and the setting of the island make this a sure winning read.

Pub Date 15 Oct 2019
I was given a complimentary copy. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

1,156 reviews13 followers
December 7, 2019
A great little love story taking place at Christmas on Nantucket. Christina runs a toy shop in one of three sheds by the water. She has lots of friends and loves her shop. Her parents recently died and this is her first Christmas without them. She befriends Wink, a little girl and through her she meets her family. This story gets you in the spirit of the holidays.
Profile Image for Jamie Rosenblit.
1,066 reviews685 followers
October 18, 2019
I love Nancy Thayer's books and her summer book, Surfside Sisters, was one of my absolute favorites of hers, so when I heard we'd be getting a bonus Christmas book this year, I was really excited. Unfortunately, this one really felt phoned in to me - none of the vibe and feelings I normally get from her books and even for a holiday book, it was just way too predictable. I'll chalk this one up to a one off and be eagerly awaiting her next summer novel next year!

Thank you to Random House for a review copy. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Karyn.
646 reviews9 followers
December 5, 2019
I was in the mood for a Christmas book and picked this up. I just couldn’t get into it. The characters felt forced and unnatural and I couldn’t stand that she referred to talking to herself as talking to the inner Christina, it was a little strange and not my cup of Christmas tea.
Profile Image for Darla.
4,823 reviews1,227 followers
February 18, 2020
Easy, breezy holiday read that would be fun to read in December. Had some sweet holiday moments and transports us to Nantucket for Christmas.
Profile Image for Heidi.
1,396 reviews158 followers
November 30, 2019
Three stars: A cute but predictable Christmas story that reads like a Hallmark holiday movie.

Christina is busy prepping her Nantucket toy store for the holiday season. Unfortunately, Christina and her fellow shop owners receive notification from their new landlord, Oscar Bittlesman, that the rent will be rising twenty percent after the first of the year. The dismal news puts a damper on the holiday season, and Christina fears that her little shop will have to close. Then by chance, Christina befriends a young girl, who happens to be the granddaughter of her miserly landlord. Could Christina’s newfound friendship perhaps be the key to the grinch landlord’s heart?
What I Liked:
*Let It Snow is a holiday book that reads like a holiday movie. It is full of sweet fluff, a little romance and lots of holiday cheer from Christmas cookie baking, tree decorating, caroling, hot chocolate and Christmas shopping. It is predictable, but if you are a fan of the holiday movies, this book will work for you.
*I liked the Nantucket setting. The little stores on the wharf were charming, though chilly. I liked the holiday feel of the town, it felt cozy and warm.
*I enjoyed the relationship Christina forms with Wink. At first, the relationship starts out rocky when Christina catches nine year old Wink trying to shoplift from her store. Luckily, Christina has a big heart, and she offers Wink a job. Wink turns out to be a delightful character, and I thought the friendship between the two was one of the highlights of the novel.
*Even though the book was predictable, it was a pleasant read. Nothing overly dramatic, and it ends with a nice feel good Christmas celebration.
And The Not So Much:
*This book is totally predictable. It was apparent early on what was going to happen, and it played out just like I suspected. It was also a little cheesy at times, but that is to be expected when you are dealing with holiday reads.
*The romance didn’t work for me. It was too rushed and it had the insta love vibe. I felt like it moved way to fast, and it lacked the friendship and chemistry that I wanted.
*I was not a fan of the Inner Christina, basically the reader is treated to Christina’s inner self chastising her for this and that. It got annoying.
*I could not stand Harriet, one of the shop keepers. Harriet is a gold digger. She was constantly complaining about finding a rich man to marry. Yuck. She needed to go away. Could not stand her!

Let It Snow is a book that is full of Christmas fluff and all the stuff you love in a holiday read. My issues with this one were that it was predictable, the romance was of the insta love variety, and one of the characters was irritating. However, if you like cookies, caroling, shopping, decorations and holiday cheer, this is one to try.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.


Profile Image for Tammy.
1,607 reviews349 followers
October 13, 2019
4.5 ☆ Let It Snow is a sweet entertaining story set in Nantucket at Christmastime. In her small hometown, Christina owns a toy shop on the Nantucket wharf along with three friends that own other stores right beside hers. It’s in Christina’s own shop where she meets 9 year old Wink under naughty circumstances, and soon after meets Wink’s (bitter and scowling) mom Delia, and Winks very charming and handsome, Uncle Andy. Christina quickly becomes attached to Wink who works under her tutelage in the toy shop to make right a wrong. She also begins falling for Andy who seems to feel the same about her too.
Bad news comes to the shop owners as they all receive a notice that their rental rates will climb after the first of the year. Christina is certain she’ll have to close her store if that happens. Oscar Bittlesman is their landlord, and a scrooge to boot. Will the renters figure out an alternative with Mr Bittlesman other than closing their doors? Sparks are flying between Christina and her landlords son Andy, leaving Christina in an odd position. Does she stay clear of Andy or let her heart take over? This was such a fun story, and a perfect pre-holiday novel that has me anticipating the season yet to come. I highly recommend!

Thanks to Ballantine and NetGalley for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Christina (Confessions of a Book Addict).
1,555 reviews208 followers
December 19, 2019
Christina owns an adorable toy shop by the wharf on idyllic Nantucket. While working at her shop, she notices a young girl who tries to shoplift form her store. Instead of getting the girl in trouble, she realizes that the girl is lonely and offers her a job to pay for the items she attempted to steal. This girl, Wink, does come back to work and she hits it off with Christina. Wink isn't just any young girl who lives on Nantucket though. She is the granddaughter of Mr. Oscar Bittlesman, the richest guy on the island and he just so happens to own Christina's store along with a few other nearby stores that her friends run. Wink's mother is angry that she is working at Christina's store and when she visits the store, along with her brother Andy, Christina finally realizes just which Nantucket family she is dealing with. But to complicate matters, there's chemistry between Andy and Christina and despite her reluctance to go on a date with him, he finally convinces her. This is a Christmas story, so Christina and Andy should ride off into the sunset, right? Nope. There are more issues. For starters, Andy's father is raising the rent on Christina's stores and the other stores along the wharf. This is devastating to all the shopkeepers, so they solicit Christina to talk to Mr. Bittlesman on their behalf to convince him not to raise the rent. I mean she is sort of seeing his son, so she should have some pull, right? What could go wrong? Let It Snow by Nancy Thayer is a light holiday tale that fans of Hallmark movies and quiet reads will enjoy the most.
Read the rest of my review here: http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
Profile Image for Sadie Forsythe.
Author 1 book287 followers
September 27, 2019
This is a hard book for me to review, because everyone's taste varies and this particular kind of book makes me cringe. At about the halfway mark I thought, "This is the sort of book people who like the Hallmark Channel would enjoy." It's completely true. At one point the main character even sits down and watches it herself. Unfortunately, that particular brand of wholesome, clean (read bland in my opinion), never rings true for me. I dislike it extremely. But I also acknowledge that there is a reason the Hallmark Channel has been around as long as it has. There are people out there who love tis kind of feel-good cheese. I'm just not one of them.

So, I'll give it a middle of the road three stars. Acknowledging that the writing is perfectly solid and though I can't relate to a 3-week romance culminating in a proposal, or the crass talk of who is rich and who is poor, or even the fact that everyone refused to get involved in the business issue and that was somehow supposed to be fair, others will no doubt love this.
Profile Image for Kirsten .
1,749 reviews292 followers
December 4, 2019
Well, it's snowing outside - so this seems a good book to read!

I have read one book previously by this author so I thought it was a safe bet for a cozy book for a winter's day. This book is really cute and sweet and just the right length. Kind of a light-hearted Christmas Carol, complete with a Scrooge.

There are fun characters. And interesting situations. It is also a clean romance. It is a little far-fetched in points. I mean, the main character had a lot of nice clothes and an SUV, yet she was hard up to pay her rent?
Profile Image for Diana Iozzia.
347 reviews49 followers
October 4, 2019
"Let It Snow"
Written by Nancy Thayer
Reviewed by Diana Iozzia


"Let It Snow" is a cheesy and sweet Christmas novel that takes place in Nantucket. Our main character, Christina, is preparing for the Christmas season in her toy store, when a young girl, named Wink, steals a few toys. In chastising Wink, Christina causes Wink to become upset. Wink's handsome and very single uncle, Andy, stops by, which causes him and our main character to begin a romance.

In the story, we also have a conflict for Christina, in the typical fashion of a dorky Hallmark movie. The owner of her store and the others on the pier just happens to be Andy's father, a stuck-up billionaire who is trying to raise the rental price. Christina must charm Oscar, help Wink have a great Christmas in her mixed-up family life, and fall in love.

This book follows a simple pattern that most Christmas and holiday themed romance books do. We meet the characters living in a scenic location, one of the characters owns a business, and there's a monetary conflict. Although the story was not very unique or outstanding, I enjoyed the time I spent reading it. Initially, I found Christina and Wink's characters to be irritating, but the focus lessened on Wink, and Christina became more bearable.

I recommend this book if you enjoy Christmas romance movies. If you don't enjoy them, I cannot imagine you'll be won over. It's charming and cute, but I do not think this type of book is for everyone.

I received a complimentary advanced and a complimentary finished edition of this novel in exchange for reading and reviewing purposes. Thank you again to Ballantine Books.
Profile Image for Book Concierge.
3,078 reviews387 followers
March 2, 2020
From the book jacket: A Nantucket shopkeeper discovers that Christmas is the perfect occasion to make unexpected friendships … to warm the coldest of hearts … and maybe even find love.

My reactions:
Thayer writes a lovely, quick romance set against a charming backdrop of Christmas in Nantucket. The characters are mostly straight out of central casting: cute-as-a-button, precocious kid; gruff, miserly millionaire; salt-of-the-earth friends who rally round; handsome, scion of wealthy family who just wants to love and be loved for himself; scrappy small business owner with a heart of gold.

But I’m not complaining. I read these books because they are comfort food. I know exactly what I’m in for and I’m happy to get it.
1,158 reviews13 followers
January 22, 2022
This book has everything - a rich man with a Scrooge personality, a lonely little girl, four friends who face similar problems, and a chance for romance during the Christmas season on Nantucket Island. Opening with toy shop owner Christina Antonioni confronting a nine year old girl whom she catches shop lifting, the story continues to unfold rapidly in unexpected ways. Nine year old Wink will quickly capture your heart as well as the setting of Nantucket. Since Nancy Thayer has lived there for 35 years, I trust that she gives an accurate picture in her vivid and colorful descriptions. A truly delightful read.
Profile Image for Kelly.
630 reviews94 followers
September 1, 2019
Let It Snow by Nancy Thayer

Oct 29, 2019
Ballantine Books
Kindle, 288 pages
Fiction, Romance, holiday
Rating: 4/5
8/14/19-8/25/19

I received a digital copy of this ARC from NetGalley and Ballantine Books in exchange for an unbiased review.

This is a delightful, feel-good novel just in time for the holidays. Fans of Nancy Thayer will enjoy yet another story based in her beloved Nantucket.

Christina Antonioni inherited her parent’s Nantucket home where she runs a toy shop in one of the sheds by the shore with her fellow “Shedders”. Mimi runs a souvenir shop, Harriet has a couture shop while Jacob enjoys his interest in science selling kites and other aeronautical items.

As the group prepares for the busy holiday season they are informed that their rent is due to be increased dramatically making it impossible for them to maintain their businesses. Soon they plan and scheme to convince the landowner, Mr Bittleman, that an increase is unreasonable given the present unsuitable conditions.

Coincidentally, Christina develops a friendship with “Wink” a 9 yo girl who Christina confronts when caught shoplifting in her shop. They soon work out a plan for Wink to help out in her shop. That’s when to her surprise she discovers the girl is Winifred Bittlesman Lombard, the granddaughter of a wealthy family. Oscar Bittlesman has retired to his mansion on Nantucket where his family had come to visit and assist him.

Christina begins to have feelings for Andy Bittlesman, Wink’s uncle who lives in Brooklyn running his father’s brokerage firm. Meanwhile, Wink’s parents are going through a divorce leaving her mother Delia preoccupied.

The Shedders are determined to keep their shops open and productive during the holiday season. They also take on the task of spreading their optimism and good cheer to the elder Bittlesman who is dead set in his business decisions.

The group hope that Christina’s budding relationship with Andy will help persuade the curmudgeon to change his mind. Will they be successful in softening the crusty old man’s heart during the season giving?
Profile Image for Toni.
821 reviews265 followers
October 30, 2019
4.5 stars!

Nancy Thayer has put on her Santa writing hat and decorated for Christmas on her beloved island of Nantucket, just in time to bring us, ‘Let It Snow.’ As I love her beach reads, especially this year’s ‘Surfside Sisters,’ nothing can be better than celebrating Christmas with an ocean view.

The small shops out on the wharf, once known as sheds, are gearing up for their brief but profitable Christmas season when they each receive a letter from their landlord, that effective the first of the year, their rents will be raised. While the location of the shops is great, let us not forget, the sheds are in fact, well, old wooden sheds!

Christina Antonioni (don’t get me started on the surname), becomes the Defacto leader of the “Shedders,” to take their case to their landlord, the wealthy Mr. Oscar Bittlesman, since she has befriended his nine year-old granddaughter, ‘Wink’ (aka Winifred Bittlesman), unbeknownst initially, to Christina. It also helps that Christina has started dating Andy, Mr. Bittlesman son. Oh, what to do, thinks Christina. She wants to stand up to her Scrooge of a landlord, but not as Andy’s girlfriend, but with her own intelligence and as a shop owner. On the other hand, she and Andy seem so right together.

Ms. Thayer writes a captivating “rom-com” of the best kind, describing the island at Christmas, everyone waiting for snow, when the magic of the holidays can turn some cold hearts warm and tender. If you read one book this season to put you in the spirit of Christmas, please let it be this one. The characters and the story are so honest and open you’ll wish they were your neighbors too.
So put your feet up, grab your favorite beverage and relax reading or listening to, Let It Snow. Merry Christmas!

A very high 4.5 twinkling stars for me.

Thank you Netgalley, Penguin Random House, and Nancy Thayer
Profile Image for Jen.
541 reviews132 followers
October 15, 2019
Let It Snow was cozy and sweet and predictable and let me tell you, I AM HERE FOR IT. Sometimes, you simply need a Hallmark Christmas movie in book form and that is exactly what Nancy Thayer wrote. You have your quaint town, your sweet local girl, and the well-off outsider. They come together in a meet-cute, but of course, things must go awry when things are just getting good. Throw in a cute kid with moxie and pet cat and you are all set for a perfect night of Hallmark-esque reading. It’s comfy, it’s festive, and full of heart. What else could you ask for?

I received an advanced review copy. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jamie.
640 reviews
December 23, 2019
Such a cute Christmas book. Quick read and predictable but I enjoy Nancy Thayer so it was worth the read. Always love reading about Nantucket and being transported to that area.
Profile Image for Jodie (That Happy Reader).
740 reviews58 followers
November 23, 2019
Another one of my favourite authors is Nancy Thayer and Let It Snow is her latest Nantucket Christmas read. In the book, Christina is a young shopkeeper of a small toy shop and is part of a community of shopkeepers that support one another. Christina has felt great loss in her life, having lost both parents and the Grandmother whose Nantucket home she inherited but this community has helped with any loneliness she might feel.

A young girl, Wink, comes into the shop one day and Christina is enchanted. She begins to learn more about Wink including the fact that the girl’s Grandfather, Oscar, has recently bought the property her shop sits on. Oscar is all business and soon makes this known. Luckily Wink’s Uncle Andy is charming and furthermore is unattached.

I love a Nantucket story, with it’s traditions and ambience well set by Thayer in this book. It is a slow, charming read and perfect for the holiday season. I listened to the audiobook version of the book via Audible and enjoyed the narration by Joyce Bean. I recommend this book to fans of holiday stories and romances.
Profile Image for Joy.
743 reviews
January 26, 2023
3.5 stars
Not my normal read by a long shot, but a Hallmark Movie-esque romance that is just right for its genre and the holiday season.
Profile Image for Mayda.
3,829 reviews65 followers
November 21, 2019
This tale is a good example that a first impression of someone is not always the correct one. When Christina catches a young girl shoplifting in her toy store, she thinks that the girl comes from a poor family. Nothing could be further from the truth! In trying to give the girl some Christmas joy, she soon finds herself enmeshed in a complicated family drama and falling for the girl’s handsome uncle. But the fly in the ointment is the girl's grandfather, owner of the property that Christina and her fellow shop-owners rent. He intends to raise their rent, which will put them all out of business. Christina’s determination to reason with this unreasonable Scrooge while trying hard not to involve his son makes for some interesting reading. This Christmas story is filled with engaging characters and their insightfulness in solving their problems is quite entertaining. This heart-warming story is perfect reading for the Christmas season, or really, anytime.
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