Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Snowed In at the Archive

Rate this book
Getting snowed in is unfortunate.

Getting snowed in with a guy who kissed you and walked away?

Unbearable.

Property Attorney Mila Thomas will do anything to save three beloved buildings in her hometown—even ask Alec for help.

Agent Alec Delaney had no intention of coming back to Granite Springs, but when he realizes the danger Mila’s in, he had to come.

And . . . he wanted to come back. A kiss lingers between them—one he wouldn’t mind recreating. But Mila’s not going to let that happen.

Things between them grow complicated when they get snowed in together at an old church building that doubles as the county archive over Christmas.

With only 48 hours to find the information they need to save the buildings, snow piling up outside, untold dangers around every corner, and a buzzing attraction growing between them, Alec and Mila will need a Christmas miracle to get their happily ever.

An enemies to lovers Christmas romance that will leave you swooning for more mistletoe and holly.

169 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2020

145 people are currently reading
794 people want to read

About the author

Ellie Thornton

26 books900 followers
Ellie Thornton is an award-winning author who has been writing since she could lift a pencil and making up stories even longer than that.

For years she worked part-time jobs so she would always have time to write, read, and travel. Some of her favorite filler jobs include working as an editor, at a nursery (flowers not children,) as a driving instructor (not as harrowing as one might think,) writing a blog called Confessions of a Property Manager, and being a ghost tour guide.

She loves mysteries (reading and writing them) and especially enjoys the ones with sweet romance involved. Her "Reboot Mystery Series," (Previously known as "The Contemporary Reboot Series,") is a mystery series that takes classics like "Pride and Prejudice," "The Count of Monte Cristo," "Jane Eyre," and "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" puts them in a modern setting and adds a murder mystery and a love story that builds from one book to the next. (Not an easy feat!)

She's currently super into honey and beeswax and everything bee related as she is writing a book for Gelato Publishing's Halloween Sweet Romance Series, "Pumpkins and Proposals." Her main character is a beekeeper and owns a business that's all about honey, and beeswax related products. And again, because she loves a good mystery, you'll also find some intrigue there too.

She also writes a writing, editing, and marketing blog for authors under the name Emily Clark called Write of Passages.

If she's not at her computer, you can typically find her reading, listening to podcasts, at the local library, in her garden, in her kitchen, or with her sister and her sister's kids.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
152 (56%)
4 stars
73 (27%)
3 stars
35 (13%)
2 stars
6 (2%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
Profile Image for Lucy McConnell.
Author 189 books1,591 followers
March 13, 2023
Such a great Christmas read. I love how Ms. Thornton weaves so many details into her story that I'm caught and can't put the book down!
Profile Image for Alaina.
7,268 reviews204 followers
December 30, 2021


Snowed in at the Archive was a pretty fun cozy holiday mystery to dive into. We are first brought into a court room, and from there it takes off to the County Archive. In it, you meet Mila and Alec. She is a lawyer, and he is an agent. Even though it was a bit awkward between them in the beginning, I'll admit that they had great chemistry with one another.

Throw in a crazy twists and turns, like a lady with a gun, then I'm hooked. I could totally see this becoming a movie and just laughing along with it. I also really liked the Home Alone vibes I got along the way. I mean, that last sentence was pure gold. Kind of makes me want to re-watch those movies right now.

In the end, I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to the next 'Snowed in'.
Profile Image for Celia Buell (semi hiatus).
632 reviews32 followers
December 15, 2021
I expected this to be a trashy Christmas romance, but it was actually quite good.

My biggest issues with romance usually have to do with flat characters and plot, so I had fairly low expectations for Snowed In at the Archive. However, it turns out it had all the feel of a cozy mystery without the mystery part.

From the very beginning, Mila and Alec are real 3D characters. They're not cheap, and their only driving point isn't their rocky romance. Already this makes this book different from many other romances because the characters are people you actually want to read about.

The plot also surrounds a lot more than the romance, and we don't really get to know Alec until we already have a good view of Mila's life and goals. All of the side characters add really interesting elements, and there are even some plot twists. Also, I'll admit I almost cried a little at some parts, even with something I expected to be this cheesy (it actually wasn't, I'm just making fun of the genre in general).

This was definitely a good book to get my Christmas reading started (late this year because of school, normally I'd be reading Christmas books from the day after Thanksgiving). It was a super cute story and while it was mostly fluff, it had its serious parts, which is something I really enjoy with the types of things I read so I don't have to think about anything. I won't be looking into the rest of the series (since they're all by different authors and probably pretty similar) but I'll keep this one on a seasonal rereads list.

Disclaimer:
Profile Image for Stephanie Fowers.
Author 37 books973 followers
December 1, 2020
Oh wow! This was absolutely fantastic--I really enjoyed this one. I need MORE Ellie Thornton books stat. Great job!
Profile Image for Vicki.
2,689 reviews110 followers
June 13, 2022
I just read this six months ago but it was good enough (and short enough) to re-read it. I'm glad I did because it confirmed my first read of it and how much I liked it. It was full of suspense and drama as well as those twists and turns that I love so much! I was fully engaged in the story and the characters. I also love second chance romances, which this story's plot revolves around. Imagine going to work to do some research and being snowed in and a mystery begins...loved it!

Profile Image for Barbara.
19k reviews8 followers
December 5, 2020
Book four in the Snowed In for Christmas Clean Romance Series a well written Christmas story that held my interest throughout. I enjoyed reading Property Attorney Mila Thomas and Agent Alec Delaney's story of getting snowed in,in a church/archive, her doing a " Home Alone " it had me laughing as I read. There is suspense, drama, danger, villains, and romance. This is a new Author to me and I want to read more by her. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,352 reviews18 followers
December 4, 2020
You can't help but love the characters when you finish this book. They're well described and interact well together. The story captures your attention so well you don't want to put the book down. Add in some twists and turns with a few surprises and it's a great romance with well done suspense added in.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

1,897 reviews6 followers
December 2, 2020
This was a great book, loved how all the characters interacted with each other. The storyline and tension between Alec and Mila was wonderful it add to the suspense of the book. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
12.6k reviews188 followers
January 3, 2021
Loved the book from the beginning. Alec and Mila are delightful characters to keep you intrigued. Romance and danger throughout to make this book a must read. Definitely ready for more.
Profile Image for Cecly Ann.
Author 21 books26 followers
November 30, 2020
This is a suspense-filled tale of second chance love and a very engrossing read.
The plot took the reader along as former lovers (and absolutely wonderful characters) are reminded that love conquers all, even when you are hurt and hurting and the person who did the hurting is back as your hero.
Did I mention snow filled the pages?

Profile Image for C.M. Martens.
Author 15 books48 followers
May 9, 2023
This was a fabulous cozy romance I read in one sitting. Excellent characters inhibited a solid story that brings the love interests together in a perfect "stranded" situation. Highly recommend for those who like some action mixed in with their sweet romance.
639 reviews5 followers
June 29, 2024
I enjoyed this story and it started off with a lot of drama in the middle of a courtroom. I liked the attorney who was fighting to stop some very dangerous men from purchasing more of the beautiful historic buildings in their small town. They were tearing them down to build modern buildings which were believed to be used in a drug business. Property Attorney Mila Thomas brings in some unknown evidence that gets the judge to give her 48 hours to come up with evidence to stop the sale. She has no idea that she is now in the crosshairs of these men as they will attempt to silence her.

Alec Delaney is a ATF Agent working to find evidence about the men who have been buying up historic buildings in many towns. He needs proof of their drug dealing. He had been undercover in Granite Springs for six months and had started a relationship with Mila. After being called away on a different assignment he knew he needed to rush back to Granite Springs to save Mila from
the men who wanted to stop her from interfering with their plans. He also realizes that he wants to restore their relationship but he knows he will have to get her to lower her walls.

The evidence Mila needs is in an old church building that doubles as the county archive. Mila and her friends go there before a terrible storm begins since they only have 48 hours to find the information to stop the sale. Alec rushes to get there before the snow storm closes down the roads. This group will spend Christmas trying to stay warm and alive as a hit has been placed on Mila's life.

This book is part of a multi author series Snowed in For Christmas. It is the first book I've read in the series and I was able to follow the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sonya Wasden.
1,069 reviews12 followers
January 18, 2024
Mila Thomas is on a mission to save three older buildings in the town of Granite Springs. In order to that, she, and her two sidekicks, are headed to the county archive in the basement of a church up in the mountains. There are some unscrupulous guys who want to tear down those buildings and she is determined to save them from demolition.

Mila didn't expect to come face to face with Alec Delaney, an ATF agent who is determined to protect her. They shared a kiss months ago and then she ghosted him. Alec wants more from this sassy attorney but he has to keep her safe in order to get what he wants. While they try to find answers to save these buildings, the snow is falling fast and hard and they are cut off from the town and rescue personnel. Will they be able to get what they need and keep everyone safe?

There is drama, suspense, danger and whole lot of romance going on in this story. It is a clean, wholesome read with a happy ending for most of the characters in the story.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Profile Image for Carol.
1,641 reviews65 followers
January 13, 2021
Property Attorney Mila Thomas needs to go
to a county archive for evidence to stop the
demolition of several of the town’s older
buildings to keep history alive. Along with
her multimillionaire friend and lawyer partner
they head off to spend the Christmas weekend
searching through the county archive located
in the Granite Pass, Wyoming for any historical
information they can obtain.
Oblivious to the fact that a huge snow storm
has whipped up since their arrival, they keep
on working.
ATF Agent Alex Delaney had no intention of
going to Granite Pass but when he realized
Mila was in danger, he was off to protect her.
On the was he finds a woman and child stuck
in a snow drift. He takes them along to the
church with him.
Danger, drama, suspense, intriguing, drug
dealers with weapons, a stranded driver, a
kidnapped victim add a second chance
romance for a gripping, riveting read.
I was thoroughly engrossed into this story.
I could feel the cold and depth of the snow.
I was surprised at how well Father Terri
McDowell had stock the church with supplies.
A Highly Recommended Read.
I volunteered to read Snowed In at the Archive.
My opinion is voluntary and my own.
Profile Image for Victoria.
4,482 reviews
December 19, 2023
4.5 stars.

This is a new author for me and I am glad I took a chance of this book as I have really enjoyed it. I just loved the friendship that Mila, Jack and Freddie had, it made me smile so much and I also loved how Jack and Freddie let Alec in, how well he fitted in their group, and how they supported both him and Mila in their relationship. I felt for both Mila and Alec, they loved each other so much but fear, doubts and insecurities stood in the way of them getting everything they truly wanted.

I enjoyed the different layers to this story, the law, the history, the community, family, friends, danger, and the things that I didn't see coming. I loved the different nods to Christmas in this and I would love to read more about these characters as I enjoyed spending time with them. I am voluntarily leaving this review after receiving an ARC from Hidden Gems.
224 reviews
January 29, 2021
Snowed in At the Archive was a great action book combined with some adventure. ATF agent Alec and lawyer Mila combined forces to create some great sparks and take down the people who wanted to destroy Mila's town. While most of the romance happened before this book ever began, the reconciliation and overcoming of differences made the plotline sweet while the action of criminals amped up the excitement level.

This whole series has some great stories written by authors who were able to tie in the snowed in theme in unique ways that worked. While I read them out of order, that didn't matter as each story had its own characters, setting, and plot. They make me want to be snowed in with my honey for Christmas somewhere.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews62 followers
November 22, 2022
This was such a fantastic blend of suspense and romance. The fact that it centers around a second chance for Mila and Alec makes it just that much more appealing to me. I loved watching these two peek out from behind their walls and learn to trust one another with their hearts. It nearly brought me to tears knowing what Mila’s history said would be the likely outcome of loving someone. But Alec so carefully chipped away at her walls until she was able to comprehend what they’d be missing if they gave up on this chance. The best friends were the ultimate comic relief and I really hope that we get to see Happily Ever Afters for them at some point in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
1,780 reviews30 followers
April 15, 2023
Wow, this book was so good! We follow attorney Mila who is trying to find documents to have 3 buildings slated for demolition added to the historic register. She has 48 hours to find enough proof. The building in town that normally housed the files was lost to fire under questionable circumstances.

Alec is a federal agent investigating the individuals who bought the 3 buildings and several others near town. He knows they are trouble and wants to protect Mila. They have a romantic history and he still has feelings for her.

He heads to town and finds that she and some of her friends are at the archives, but a blizzard is making the roads impassable. He barely makes it to the building before they are completely snowed in.

Will Mila find the information she needs in time?
684 reviews8 followers
December 28, 2020
If you like your clean romance stories with a healthy helping of suspense, then this book is perfect for you. There are gangsters, annoying best friends/"brothers", a mystery that needs solving in order to save the day, people who aren't what they appear to be, a strong and beautiful heroine, and a handsome, charming and sometimes cocky but always brave hero. What more could you ask for? (Well, maybe you could ask for a bit better editing to alleviate typos, etc. hence my rating of 4.5) I enjoyed this story and I think you will too. I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and voluntarily-given review.
Profile Image for Hilda Etherton.
164 reviews4 followers
January 4, 2021
A great book about a property lawyer tried to keep her town and older buildings with history alive, but she is faced against a couple of men who are destroying the property and building new building but only as a cover up. How Mila doesn't want to lose herself by falling in love with agent Alec. She remembers what her and her mother went through when her father was killed on duty, but finally she realizes that she might lose the best thing there is for her.

Thank you for letting me read a great book. If you want to know what happens, buy the book and read it.

Hilda
Profile Image for Shanna Johnson.
544 reviews23 followers
October 30, 2022
Fun and exciting!

This was such a fun and entertaining read. It's cute, suspenseful, and a true page turner. I love how the author always adds suspense to her romance books, it makes them much more exciting and engaging. Only thing I would change to this book is I would have loved a chapter added between the last two chapters, just because I love the final "busted" moment when you find out exactly what happens to the bad guys in more detail. But even without that it was wonderful and loved this book so much!
740 reviews
November 21, 2022
Enjoyed this romantic suspense set during the festive season.Mila and her friends get snowed in when they go to look through the archives to save buildings in their town.
Alec comes back to town when he realises Mila is in danger and they have unfinished business after their kiss 3 months ago.
An enjoyable clean romance with mystery,danger,humour and a happily ever after.
Love Ellie's books and this was no exception cannot wait for the next one😁.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
139 reviews
December 14, 2022
Can we save the buildings?

Mila was searching for evidence to save three buildings the town says have historical meaning in Granite Springs, Colorado. She was (to quote the book) "... terrified of losing three buildings in the town her father had loved, the town she loved.... "

What will she do to save these buildings? Can she even save the buildings? What part will the weather play in all of this?

A spell binding brief novel which will leave you on the edge of your seat!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
188 reviews4 followers
January 19, 2021
Oh, my gosh, this book was more suspenseful than I thought it would be. I was thinking it would be a regular snowed in Christmas love story. Enter quite a few villains. I truly loved Mila and her best friends, Jack and Freddie. Who gets to work with their best friends every day? And Agent Alec. Good thing he packed so many shirts. A very action-packed book with some great, loyal friends. Take a chance, you'll love this book.
36 reviews
February 19, 2021
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

The beginning of this book had me intrigued and interested in reading more to find out what happened next. However, I lost a little interest throughout the middle of the book but it picked back up at the end. It was my least favorite book in the "Snowed In" series but overall still a good book especially if you like a little suspense mixed with romance.
1,004 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2021
Snowed In at the Archive by Ellie Thornton is book 4 of Snowed In for Christmas. This is Property Attorney Mila Thomas and Agent Alec Delaney's story . It is an story that keeps your interest. Ellie Thornton writes a story that is well developed. This is the fiorst book of the series that I have read but I cam going to read the beginning of the series.

I received a copy thru a Goodreads Giveaway.
365 reviews6 followers
July 12, 2021
I received a free copy to review: this legal romance-thriller had me gripped in the first chapter! A fast-paced read, which is surprising, given that the characters are snowed in at the archive building, with twists and turns that keep coming. The romance under the spotlight, between Mila and Alec, behind their defensive walls and pride, is sweet, raw, and authentic. A delightful read filled with quirky, fun, yet relatable characters. Clean and thoroughly delightful!
1,622 reviews11 followers
July 11, 2022
Mila finds excuses, based on fears, to ignore her attraction to Alec but when they find themselves, as well as friends and possible enemies, trapped by a snow storm she realises the cause of her insecurities. This is a lovely Christmas romance with a lot of action and suspense as well as more than one surprise. The characters are all well written.
I received an ARC of this book from booksprout but voluntarily leave this review.
Profile Image for Venus.
1,030 reviews26 followers
May 11, 2023
beautiful

Another fantastic read from Ellie Thornton! I haven’t read the other books in this series, because I’m really only a fan of this particular author, but this is another beautiful and believable romance.

You will find yourself invested with the characters and on the edge of your seat for what will happen next. Meanwhile relating to the beautiful atmosphere and finding yourself nostalgic for the winter.
Profile Image for Patricia Baxes.
3,033 reviews29 followers
December 23, 2023
What a great read! Man oh man…this is a top notch suspense romance with all the good stuff. The storyline is awesome; the characters are a little on the thinly developed side; the plot twists and turns are crazy good; and the road to the HEA is totally outrageous. This one definitely belongs on your TBR list…so grab a copy today. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and loved it!) ❤️❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.