Snowflakes and Starlight

by Debbie Macomber, JoAnn Ross, Jennifer Snow

Get cozy with this heartwarming story perfect for your holiday reading


’ Tis the season for cozy stories of falling in love

Here Comes Trouble by Debbie Macomber

After rival columnist Nolan Adams writes an unflattering piece about rookie journalist Maryanne Simpson, she decides to make some big life changes. She needs to show the tough, streetwise Nolan that she deserves his respect. When they end up as neighbors, Maryanne discovers that she can’t resist Nolan’s gruff charm, and although he doesn’t seem to be an appropriate match for a socialite, Maryanne has other ideas!

Once Upon a Wedding by JoAnn Ross

Desiree Marchand doesn’t have time for any complications ahead of her friend’s wedding—especially not her ex-boyfriend, rock star Bastien Broussard. Unfortunately, the wedding is down a singer…and whether Desiree likes it or not, Bastien is the perfect man for the job.

An Alaskan Christmas Homecoming by Jennifer Snow

The only thing Griffin Geller wants for Christmas is to reconcile with his family, which would take a real miracle. They haven’t spoken to him in the three months he’s been back in Wild River, Alaska. But when Jade Frazier walks into his tattoo shop, determined to decorate the front window, she helps remind Griffin that Christmas can be a season for second chances…in life as well as love.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Fiction, Holiday

352 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published October 25, 2022

About the author

Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.

In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.

Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.

She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.

Reviews

[Nicole Sharkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the first story was very cute and easy to read but didn’t have a large Christmas or holiday spirit but all around great story.
The second story I couldn’t get past it. There were to many characters without any defining detail. I didn’t even finish it. I skipped right to the third story.
The third story was my absolute favorite. It had a huge emphasis on Christmas and second chances. It was a nice pallet cleanser and it was a very quick read

[HTP Books]

Romance Collections & Anthologies, Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance

[Judy Hankom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has three stories that feature finding love. Good reads at Christmastime.

Debbie Macomber writes the first one. The story starts with the two girls, asking the story of how their parents met. Nolan Adams works for a newspaper in Seattle and Maryanne Simpson works for a rival newspaper, also in Seattle. Maryanne's father owns the newspaper so she came by her post with her father seeing she got a great job there. Nolan has had to scrap for everything all his life so it goes without saying that they are opposites in economic and social settings. I really liked it.

JoAnn Ross writes the second story and is the second chance at love for these two people, Desiree Marchand and Bastien Broussard. Bastien is a rock star and it turns out that Desiree used to be the lead singer in his band. Before she left the frantic life to become a great baker. Her good friends are getting married and she is busy helping with wedding details. As she is frosting the wedding cake, she hums a song and Bastien joins in. Unknown to her, he has come back to renew the romance with Desiree. And then it turns out that a singer is needed for the wedding. And the story takes off from there.

Jennifer Snow writes a story set in Alaska. Jade Frazier is working on a degree in interior design. She is hoping to finally find her way with this change in courses. Griffin Geller is back in the community trying to make a go in his newly opened tattoo shop. He has been newly released from prison for a terrible mistake that he made. He is desperate to reconcile with his family but they have not spoken to him since his return three months ago.

Jade decorates his front window for the Christmas contest and they are attracted to each other. Will Griffin get a second chance with his family? And will he and Jade have a chance at love?

[gwen and books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here Comes Trouble - 4.5 (⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Once Upon a Wedding - 3.0 (⭐⭐⭐)
An Alaskan Christmas Homecoming - 5.0 (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a tough one because 3 different authors. I really didn't care for the 2nd story and had to skim through it to finish. There was so much unnecessary details and characters in the story. The other two stores were fine but it wasn't really the Christmas read that I was expecting.

[Mrs. Kathy Ahlert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three good reads

When I ordered this book, I ordered it because of Debbie Macomber, knowing it because it would be good from one of my favorite authors. As usual, she did not disappoint. The surprise was two authors I hadn't read before and two enjoyable stories, especially the third story by Jennifer Snow. It was heartwarming and over too soon. I plan to check out other books by these authors. Well worth the purchase. Enjoy!

[bookwyrmemma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Snowflakes & Starlight
Read: Dec 15-16, 2022

Official Summary:
’Tis the season for cozy stories of falling in love

Here Comes Trouble by Debbie Macomber
After rival columnist Nolan Adams writes an unflattering piece about rookie journalist Maryanne Simpson, she decides to make some big life changes. She needs to show the tough, streetwise Nolan that she deserves his respect. When they end up as neighbors, Maryanne discovers that she can’t resist Nolan’s gruff charm, and although he doesn’t seem to be an appropriate match for a socialite, Maryanne has other ideas!

Once Upon a Wedding by JoAnn Ross
Desiree Marchand doesn’t have time for any complications ahead of her friend’s wedding—especially not her ex-boyfriend, rock star Bastien Broussard. Unfortunately, the wedding is down a singer…and whether Desiree likes it or not, Bastien is the perfect man for the job.

An Alaskan Christmas Homecoming by Jennifer Snow
The only thing Griffin Geller wants for Christmas is to reconcile with his family, which would take a real miracle. They haven’t spoken to him in the three months he’s been back in Wild River, Alaska. But when Jade Frazier walks into his tattoo shop, determined to decorate the front window, she helps remind Griffin that Christmas can be a season for second chances…in life as well as love.

My Thoughts:
I had high expectations for this book, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite live up to them. The first story was the standout, with an engaging plot and well-developed characters. However, the second story didn’t resonate with me at all, and I found myself skimming through it to get to the next one. The third story was somewhat better but still didn’t align with the cozy, festive feel I was hoping for in a Christmas collection.

While the first story was strong, it didn't quite fit the traditional Christmas theme I had anticipated. If I could, I would keep just that story and cut the other two. Overall, the book left me disappointed, as it didn't deliver the warm holiday spirit I was looking for. I would rate the first story a 3.0/5.0, but as a collection, it missed the mark for me.

Rated: 2.5/5.0

["Avonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

SNOWFLAKES AND STARLIGHT is a holiday anthology with three charming romances by two authors I always enjoy and one new to me author. I like anthologies during the holidays because the novellas are easier to finish quickly for that holiday romance feeling when I may not have time for a full-length novel.

Here Comes Trouble by Debbie Macomber was what I always expect and receive when I read a Debbie Macomber romance. Great characters and a romance plot that pulls me in and has me cheering for the couple to get it together and find their HEA. Maryanne and Nolan were so economically and socially different and yet their love triumphed. It was cute also, that their love story was told as a story for their daughters on Christmas Eve, so you knew it would all work out somehow.

Once Upon a Wedding by JoAnn Ross was a wonderful novella added to her Honeymoon Harbor series. It was a second chance holiday romance with all the feels. Desiree is a great heroine because she knew what she truly wanted and went for it, even at the cost of her young relationship with Bastien. And then for Bastien to know it was time for him to attempt to re-enter Desiree’s life was swoon worthy. The only problem with this novella was that there were a lot of characters from the series and if you are new to the series, it can be slightly confusing even though each relationship and character are explained.

An Alaskan Christmas Homecoming by Jennifer Snow is by a new to me author and it really packed a punch in a short number of pages. Forgiveness, love, and family. I am looking forward to checking out more of this author’s books.

I recommend this anthology of varying holiday romances. Enjoy!

[Trudi Jorda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here Comes Trouble by Debbie Macomber
After rival columnist Nolan Adams writes an unflattering piece about rookie journalist Maryanne Simpson, she decides to make some big life changes. She needs to show the tough, streetwise Nolan that she deserves his respect. When they end up as neighbors, Maryanne discovers that she can’t resist Nolan’s gruff charm, and although he doesn’t seem to be an appropriate match for a socialite, Maryanne has other ideas!
Once Upon a Wedding by JoAnn Ross
Desiree Marchand doesn’t have time for any complications ahead of her friend’s wedding—especially not her ex-boyfriend, rock star Bastien Broussard. Unfortunately, the wedding is down a singer…and whether Desiree likes it or not, Bastien is the perfect man for the job.
An Alaskan Christmas Homecoming by Jennifer Snow
The only thing Griffin Geller wants for Christmas is to reconcile with his family, which would take a real miracle. They haven’t spoken to him in the three months he’s been back in Wild River, Alaska. But when Jade Frazier walks into his tattoo shop, determined to decorate the front window, she helps remind Griffin that Christmas can be a season for second chances…in life as well as love.
Three short stories--Shown above that were a pleasure to read to give women a chance to dream of romance. Women need hope and faith that love will find a way and find them. Wishing all women find love , whether it be a man, a woman, or the children they raise! Everyone deserves to find and share love. I wish you all that special love!

[Margaret Fraleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is 3 short stories.

1. By Debbie Macomber -
Here Comes Trouble
Maryanne Simpson is the daughter of the owner of Newspaper and Publishing company. He has arranged for Maryanne to work at one of his companies. She meets Nolan who is also a writer for another newspaper company. When Nolan finds out who she is
related to, he is determined to deter her feelings for him. This is their story.

2. By JoAnn Ross -
Once Upon a Wedding
Brianna's has been in Paris and attending classes to become a pastry chef. While there she meets
Bastian. Once she graduated she returned to the States. Ending the relationship. While helping her friend with her wedding plans, Bastian arrives in her home town. Brianna and Bastian were in a band for a few years. The musician for the wedding had to cancel - in steps Bastian.
This is their story,

3. By Jennifer Snow
An Alaskan Christmas Homecoming
Jade is attending classes to become an Interior Decorator.
Griffon has returned to his hometown after a stint in jail and has opened a tattoo business - trying to get his life back on track.
The town has a window display contest for Christmas and one of Jade's assignment for school it to design a window display. She attempts to find a business that she can use for this assignment and ends up in Griffon's store.
This is their story.

[Jennifer Gingerich · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only read the first story in this book, the other two didn’t catch my attention enough to really get through them.

Here Comes Trouble - the flow of this book gave me a bit of a hard time. I felt the moments of romance and kisses were sudden and forced. There were chapters, though, that I flew through and really enjoyed. The most authentic chapters involved Nolan and Maryanne being sick. The moment with the parents in Seattle and profession of love made me cringe a bit. The conclusion felt very Hallmark, and again, a bit too hasty for me. I wanted Maryanne to make him grovel a bit more.

I looked forward to the Epilogue. I think we could have been given a bit more of a reaction from the daughters to their parents “How did you meet” story. Though the puppy coming from the grandparents was a cute touch.

[Bernadette · Rating 1 out of 5]

I picked this book for a lighthearted Christmas read and because most Debbie Macomber books I enjoy. For whatever reason, I couldn't get into the characters in her story. It felt forced and the storyline dragged on. The second story was so poorly written. Way too many subplots and characters for a short story, it just felt disjointed and didn't flow. Halfway through, I started skimming and guarantee I didn't miss anything important, but I just needed to get through it. Saved the best for last, and I'm actually sorry it was put with the other two because it was the only one that fit "Christmas" and while it was the shortest, it had a clear storyline with just enough characters and a redeeming ending. I'd have given that one 3 stars if it was a stand-alone.

[Kaley · Rating 2 out of 5]

i started reading the first story and as it seemed to drag on, i looked at the reviews for this book.

to my dismay people were saying exactly what i was thinking, no christmas coziness or cheesy hallmark vibes.

i kept reading the reviews and they pretty much all said to skip the second story which was easy for me because it also DOES NOT MENTION CHRISTMAS

all i wanted was a cozy christmas book to read and finally, i decided to give the third story a try.

it was a perfect mix of cheesy, cozy and festive and if that had been made into a longer story or had just taken over the entire book, this review probably would’ve been way higher.

[Kari · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first story was an enemies to lovers but honestly it was a little too heavy on the enemies for me. I did NOT find anything redeeming about that guy, still think our girl Maryanne could have done better.

The second story was very cute but tried so hard to pack too much into a short story. For example, there's a character in the town that two woman notice has a black eye and that is NEVER EXPLAINED?!? Now I'm left forever wondering if she's okay?!?!!

The third story was exactly what I came here for: a cute holiday romance and the guy was a tattoo artist? Perfection

[Samantha A. Amaral · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an over all entertaining read that while the stories were good they hardly had anything to do with Christmas. However, it was the last story that really had a bit of focus on the Christmas Season. With this anthology it was quite obvious that the crown jewel was the Novella by Debbie Macomber. In a way it was a bit of a disappointment since it was like having the main course before the salad and soup. The other two could have very easily been a 427 page book since there was so much that could be done with the other stories.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was going to be 3 Christmas stories. The first story was good but not a holiday story. The second story had too many characters to follow, but may have made sense if I had read the other books in the series. I loved the third story by Jennifer Snow. It was a great Christmas story and was very well written. The story may be even better if I had read others in the series but is great on its own.

[Douglas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed Package

The third story by Snow was great - loved it. It was everything a Christmas romance should be. The second story by Ross was ok - at least it had some sex in it. It just had too many characters who had little to do with the story and were a distraction. The first story, by Macomber, was way too long -about twice as long as needed, plus it was dumb and annoying. I definitely lost some brain cells on that one.

[Janice E. Ryberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snowflakes and Starlight: A Novel

I love Christmas stories and enjoyed these. The first story was excellent and fully fleshed out characters were so enjoyable. I think the Christmas story about the tattoo shop and families getting reunited was the best! It was certainly the most unusual and had so much love (of all kinds). I plan to reread this book whenever I need some positive dreams.

[Louis D.Gargarella · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Unwelcome d Ringer

I enjoyed reading the first and third books. They were clean romances with good stories. The first book, "Here Comes Trouble," was a little wordy at times. The second book, "Once Upon a Wedding," threw a very vivid and not needed love scene. The third book, "An Alaskan Christmas Homecoming," was a sweet enjoyable read.

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[Jackalyn]

This is a compilation of three short books. The first is by Debbie Macomber and is her usual good writing and story line. However the second, by JoAnn Ross, is terrible. Hard to follow the story line and somewhat objectionable. I would not bother to read anything by this second author again. The third story in the book, by Jennifer Snow, is better than the second story, but still not all that good.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite Debbie Macomber story, I thought this book was 3 Christmas stories. The first one touched on Christmas Day a few years after the story took place. The second was a wedding, nothing to do with Christmas. The third was definitely Christmas, a very short, quick read. All three were ok, just not great.

[Patricia Dickerson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave it three stars because I think the book would have been fine with just the first story and the third story. The second story was boring and confusing. The first story was not christmasy enough. However, the first story was just wonderful, and I quite enjoyed reading how a family came to be and the love story of the couple. The third story was cute, romantic, AND christmasy.

[Misty Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book was the best...the other two were really short...... the second book was just like a short story... didn't seem to have a climax .. was bored to tears.... I had reread the same stuff over and over cause I couldn't pay attention ... the third book was written well but ended it too fast.. would have liked to have seen more in a book...

[Deana Smiel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Second time this month I've been insulted and shocked to find a book that should have a warning on it. This has 3 stories, and the second one, by Jo Ann Ross, is about a lesbian wedding! Now, I would have never gone near this book if I had known. I've noticed lots of books lately with a cover of two men, which tells me right off I don't want to read it. All books should be identified.

[Eileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have given this book at least 4 stars but was really not fond of the 2nd story. Both because I found it too explicit and not terribly Christmassy. I did like the first story, even though not as Christmassy as I would expect, and really the 3rd and shortest story was the only one that was geared toward Christmas

[Missy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was highly disappointed in this book series. The first story was awful to drudge through. The second was not any better. But the third was short, quick and sweet earning 2 stars instead of 1. Not your typical Debbie Macomber work.

[Jessa-Lee Meers · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had 3 short stories in it. The first story was cute and easy to read. The second story didn’t hold my interest at all and slowed the book down for me. The last story was the shortest but probably my favourite in the book so I’m happy that was the ending!

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third story, by Jennifer Snow, was the best, and also the only one that had anything to do with Christmas. The other 2 stories were okay. Debbie Macomber's was a little silly. Joann Ross's was ok but best of you like weddings and detailed descriptions of people, places, and things.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was books in one. The first and third books were both really good. I’m not sure why the second book was even out in there. This was the first one reading Jennifer Snow. I’ll be looking if r more of her books. I wish the stories were also longer.

[Jennifer Berry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh, it was ok

This was a fine book. The three stories were ok and decent for what they were, but they didn't really keep me enthralled. I wasn't rushing to get back to reading. There wasn't necessarily anything wrong with them, but they were just kinda cheesy.