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Snowy Pine Ridge #3
Second Chance Christmas
A heartwarming holiday romance with small town charm and Christmas cheer, perfect for reading by the fireside as you curl up under a cozy blanket.
Shelley Keegan is an ex-Olympic figure skater whose past has haunted her ever since the entire world saw her take a bad fall during a televised skating routine. Her fall cost the USA the gold medal, and she hasn’t been able to get back on the ice since then.
As she struggles to find her passion again, she arrives in Snowy Pine Ridge looking for some solace and cheer during the Christmas season. Hoping to avoid awkward questions or gossip, she decides not to tell anyone in the quaint little town who she is—but her hope of remaining anonymous gets more complicated when she meets single father Matthew Martinez and his son Brandon.
The holidays are a tough time to be a single parent, and Matthew is determined to honor his late wife by giving Brandon a Christmas to remember. So even though he initially butts heads with the petite woman he meets at the local ice rink, he soon realizes that she might be able to help Brandon with the one thing he loves most: skating.
Can Shelley let go of the ghosts of her past and rediscover her love for the ice? And can Matthew open up his heart to the possibility of falling for someone new?
One thing is for certain. With snow swirling in the air and the holiday spirit all around, there’s no better time than Christmas for second chances.
Shelley Keegan is an ex-Olympic figure skater whose past has haunted her ever since the entire world saw her take a bad fall during a televised skating routine. Her fall cost the USA the gold medal, and she hasn’t been able to get back on the ice since then.
As she struggles to find her passion again, she arrives in Snowy Pine Ridge looking for some solace and cheer during the Christmas season. Hoping to avoid awkward questions or gossip, she decides not to tell anyone in the quaint little town who she is—but her hope of remaining anonymous gets more complicated when she meets single father Matthew Martinez and his son Brandon.
The holidays are a tough time to be a single parent, and Matthew is determined to honor his late wife by giving Brandon a Christmas to remember. So even though he initially butts heads with the petite woman he meets at the local ice rink, he soon realizes that she might be able to help Brandon with the one thing he loves most: skating.
Can Shelley let go of the ghosts of her past and rediscover her love for the ice? And can Matthew open up his heart to the possibility of falling for someone new?
One thing is for certain. With snow swirling in the air and the holiday spirit all around, there’s no better time than Christmas for second chances.
177 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 8, 2022
2548 people are currently reading
365 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
November 20, 2023
The 3rd installment in Fiona Baker’s Snowy Pine Ridge series was a quick read, with all the characters from the first two making continued appearances, but was lacking in substance and good development. This was a shorter book and felt rushed. At one point, this reader was thinking, “Fiona must have a quick deadline to get an annual Christmas book out and is just putting something out there to satisfy her publishers.” The relationship between Matthew and Shelley evolved too quickly. The Olympic “failure” was represented poorly. Many athletes have botched a skating program, a ski run, etc. and they have never been portrayed as being failures for their country on network television as often as it was alluded to in the book. Most sportscasters are sympathetic and never say what you shouldn’t do. I enjoyed revisiting Snowy Pine Ridge and will continue the series because of the idyllic setting it has left in this reader’s mind, but I hope the remaining books are more developed and not rushed.
November 12, 2022
Second Chance Christmas is the third book in the series Snowy Pin Ridge by Fiona Baker. Fiona is a great writer and is able to have the readers feel like Snowy Pine is exactly where they would like to be, and it characters are who they want for their best friends.
Shelly is a former skater who is best know for a disastrous fall during the Olympic games. She comes to the small New Hampshire town of Snowy Pine to get away from her past and to find her way again.
Matt is a single dad who lost his childhood sweetheart. He has closed himself off from love knowing he would never find another like his wife. Matte has a son Brandon, who is a blossoming hockey player. It is through Brandon that they find a connection. It is this connection that they able to break through their walls.
As a lover of Huskys, this book is a hit with tiny puppies to fall in love with. Fiona also does a great job of continuing the story and our love of previous characters. A great read with a cup of hot chocolate!
Shelly is a former skater who is best know for a disastrous fall during the Olympic games. She comes to the small New Hampshire town of Snowy Pine to get away from her past and to find her way again.
Matt is a single dad who lost his childhood sweetheart. He has closed himself off from love knowing he would never find another like his wife. Matte has a son Brandon, who is a blossoming hockey player. It is through Brandon that they find a connection. It is this connection that they able to break through their walls.
As a lover of Huskys, this book is a hit with tiny puppies to fall in love with. Fiona also does a great job of continuing the story and our love of previous characters. A great read with a cup of hot chocolate!
December 11, 2023
Two-haiku review:
Skater failed big time
Comes to town incognito
Meets a handsome man
Book is very short
Sweet, likable characters
Holiday romance
Skater failed big time
Comes to town incognito
Meets a handsome man
Book is very short
Sweet, likable characters
Holiday romance
January 16, 2023
Great book
This book is even better than the first one. I loved the characters and how they interacted with each other.
This book is even better than the first one. I loved the characters and how they interacted with each other.
December 13, 2023
A heartwarming Christmas story.
November 14, 2022
In Book 3 of this series, we meet former Olympic skater Shelley and single father Matthew and his son Brandon. The sweet story reveals that the past can negatively affect the present, but moving on is possible. It's lovely to see how Shelley and Matthew help each other to find happiness and new love. Newlyweds Derek and Lacy also contend - often comically -with a stray husky and her new pups. I really love these heartwarming stories and the variety of characters - major and minor. I'm looking forward to the next book.
December 29, 2023
The author hasn’t developed any characters to the same extent as Lacy and Derek, so I was glad they had so much time in this one, but I could have done without so much description of Lacy playing with dogs. I also don’t know much about puppies, but I was under the impression you don’t usually remove them from their mother so quickly. Also, the whole broken vase thing…don’t tell me there isn’t a single other item in the literal mansion her grandfather left her that she could have in its place.
Characters from book two were also no strangers in this one. Sarah and Will continued giving things away on the house.
That author seems to put less effort into each book as they go on, which is unfortunate since I loved the first book.
I found it hard to believe people remember a figure skater and her mistakes from Olympics years ago. I have vague recollections from watching Olympics of yore, but none like what Shelley allegedly experienced.
For how short this was, it felt like it really dragged.
Characters from book two were also no strangers in this one. Sarah and Will continued giving things away on the house.
That author seems to put less effort into each book as they go on, which is unfortunate since I loved the first book.
I found it hard to believe people remember a figure skater and her mistakes from Olympics years ago. I have vague recollections from watching Olympics of yore, but none like what Shelley allegedly experienced.
For how short this was, it felt like it really dragged.
December 15, 2023
Book three in the series introduces some new characters and focuses on ice skating.
"Shelley Keegan is an ex-Olympic figure skater whose past has haunted her ever since the entire world saw her take a bad fall during a televised skating routine. Her fall cost the USA the gold medal, and she hasn’t been able to get back on the ice since then.
As she struggles to find her passion again, she arrives in Snowy Pine Ridge looking for some solace and cheer during the Christmas season. Hoping to avoid awkward questions or gossip, she decides not to tell anyone in the quaint little town who she is—but her hope of remaining anonymous gets more complicated when she meets single father Matthew Martinez and his son Brandon.
The holidays are a tough time to be a single parent, and Matthew is determined to honor his late wife by giving Brandon a Christmas to remember. So even though he initially butts heads with the petite woman he meets at the local ice rink, he soon realizes that she might be able to help Brandon with the one thing he loves most: skating." synopsis copied
"Shelley Keegan is an ex-Olympic figure skater whose past has haunted her ever since the entire world saw her take a bad fall during a televised skating routine. Her fall cost the USA the gold medal, and she hasn’t been able to get back on the ice since then.
As she struggles to find her passion again, she arrives in Snowy Pine Ridge looking for some solace and cheer during the Christmas season. Hoping to avoid awkward questions or gossip, she decides not to tell anyone in the quaint little town who she is—but her hope of remaining anonymous gets more complicated when she meets single father Matthew Martinez and his son Brandon.
The holidays are a tough time to be a single parent, and Matthew is determined to honor his late wife by giving Brandon a Christmas to remember. So even though he initially butts heads with the petite woman he meets at the local ice rink, he soon realizes that she might be able to help Brandon with the one thing he loves most: skating." synopsis copied
November 5, 2025
A cozy, heartwarming holiday romance perfect for curling up with this season.
Fiona Baker’s Second Chance Christmas delivers charm, healing, and a dash of festive magic.
Shelley, a former Olympic figure skater haunted by a very public fall, escapes to Snowy Pine Ridge hoping for a fresh start. But fate has other plans—enter Matthew, a widowed father whose gentle strength begins to thaw the ice around her heart.
💫 What makes this book shine:
• A heroine learning to forgive herself and rediscover joy
• A swoon-worthy single dad with holiday spirit
• A town that feels like stepping into a Hallmark movie
• Themes of redemption, healing, and Christmas magic
This is book three in the Snowy Pine Ridge series, but it stands beautifully on its own.
🎄✨ If you love second chances, snowy settings, and romances that tug at your heartstrings, add this one to your December TBR.
Fiona Baker’s Second Chance Christmas delivers charm, healing, and a dash of festive magic.
Shelley, a former Olympic figure skater haunted by a very public fall, escapes to Snowy Pine Ridge hoping for a fresh start. But fate has other plans—enter Matthew, a widowed father whose gentle strength begins to thaw the ice around her heart.
💫 What makes this book shine:
• A heroine learning to forgive herself and rediscover joy
• A swoon-worthy single dad with holiday spirit
• A town that feels like stepping into a Hallmark movie
• Themes of redemption, healing, and Christmas magic
This is book three in the Snowy Pine Ridge series, but it stands beautifully on its own.
🎄✨ If you love second chances, snowy settings, and romances that tug at your heartstrings, add this one to your December TBR.
January 29, 2023
A small town a big heart.
I really enjoyed reading this book, you've written a story of unconditionally none judgmental acceptance of a person that has been through something in their lives that was made to feel that they had to hide their true identity because they could not represent their country to the best of their abilities and a small town showed them respect and self worth by letting them see that no one is perfect and we have all failed at some things in our lives, but it's what we do after that mistake and admittance of self-judgment,we feel we have to push people away so we won't get hurt again ,,But that small town showed them the true meaning of friendship,by accepting strangers for who are and gave them back their dignity.😊,, great story keep writing.
I really enjoyed reading this book, you've written a story of unconditionally none judgmental acceptance of a person that has been through something in their lives that was made to feel that they had to hide their true identity because they could not represent their country to the best of their abilities and a small town showed them respect and self worth by letting them see that no one is perfect and we have all failed at some things in our lives, but it's what we do after that mistake and admittance of self-judgment,we feel we have to push people away so we won't get hurt again ,,But that small town showed them the true meaning of friendship,by accepting strangers for who are and gave them back their dignity.😊,, great story keep writing.
February 25, 2024
2.5 ….. my least favorite if this series so far. The main character’s “woe is me” attitude got old fast. The fall was way too over the top for me & brought up too often. Shelley’s attitude about it & the newscasters showing it and saying it’s what not to do repeatedly even years later was all too much. In my experience of watching the Olympics, the newscasters are usually sympathetic. It happens at every Olympics. This was portrayed as if she’s the only one this has ever happened to. Surely after this much time, these fictitious newscasters would’ve moved on to someone else’s Olympic ending mistake/accident.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2022
Shelley meets Matthew
I loved reading as Matthew and Shelley became friends and more. I liked catching up with Derek and Lacy and all of the dogs. It was great to reconnect with some of the other characters also. If you like contemporary women’s fiction with a touch of romance I highly recommend Second Chance Christmas. It can be read as a stand alone but I’d rather read the books in this series in order.
I loved reading as Matthew and Shelley became friends and more. I liked catching up with Derek and Lacy and all of the dogs. It was great to reconnect with some of the other characters also. If you like contemporary women’s fiction with a touch of romance I highly recommend Second Chance Christmas. It can be read as a stand alone but I’d rather read the books in this series in order.
December 13, 2022
This gave a good ending to the series though I do think there’s a fourth book next year. I had the same problem as the second book. It seems as though it should be about a new couple in the same town but there is a huge focus on the couple of the first book. However the couple in the second book is hardly mentioned this time. I’m glad I read the books in order or half of the book would not have made sense. Just be cautious it’s not a standalone series.
December 24, 2022
wholesome friends to lovers story
When Shelley is looking for a place to go out of the public eye she decides to visit her fathers favorite ski village, Snowy Pine Ridge. In this book we continue to learn about friends we were introduced to in previous books and are rewarded with a sweet story of a woman who overcomes her embarrassment and fear to live a successful life with her new found love.
When Shelley is looking for a place to go out of the public eye she decides to visit her fathers favorite ski village, Snowy Pine Ridge. In this book we continue to learn about friends we were introduced to in previous books and are rewarded with a sweet story of a woman who overcomes her embarrassment and fear to live a successful life with her new found love.
December 27, 2022
Relief from the past
Shelly and Will's story begins when Shelly come to Snowy Pine Rice to get away from all the publicity of her failed Olympic Skating accident. She is using a different name to hide, she meets Will when his son fall on the ice at a practice. One thing leads to another. Then the truth comes out when they are on their first date before she can tell him. Great storyline and wonderful characters!
Shelly and Will's story begins when Shelly come to Snowy Pine Rice to get away from all the publicity of her failed Olympic Skating accident. She is using a different name to hide, she meets Will when his son fall on the ice at a practice. One thing leads to another. Then the truth comes out when they are on their first date before she can tell him. Great storyline and wonderful characters!
December 29, 2022
Good storyline but...
I loved the storyline in this one, but I had a problem with the birth and timeline for the puppies leaving their mom. If they were born before Thanksgiving and it still wasn't Christmas yet, there was no way they were weaned. Plus they are born with their eyes closed.
However I loved everything else in the book, was so neat to see them grow together and her teaching the kids!
I loved the storyline in this one, but I had a problem with the birth and timeline for the puppies leaving their mom. If they were born before Thanksgiving and it still wasn't Christmas yet, there was no way they were weaned. Plus they are born with their eyes closed.
However I loved everything else in the book, was so neat to see them grow together and her teaching the kids!
January 2, 2023
Delightful Quick Read
Joining in the magic of Snowy Pine Ridge, in similar fashion to the earlier books, a young Olympic skater uses this small town to try to escape her past and finds a welcoming home instead. The repeated video clip of Shelley's one moment lapse that led to the loss of a gold medal haunted her for years. My heart went out to her as I thought of so many who have to overcome the harsh judgement of the masses over a moment of human weakness.
Joining in the magic of Snowy Pine Ridge, in similar fashion to the earlier books, a young Olympic skater uses this small town to try to escape her past and finds a welcoming home instead. The repeated video clip of Shelley's one moment lapse that led to the loss of a gold medal haunted her for years. My heart went out to her as I thought of so many who have to overcome the harsh judgement of the masses over a moment of human weakness.
January 6, 2026
Connections make a difference!
New to this book in the series is more on single-Dad Matthew and son Brandon and Annie~Shelley. Sometimes, you let one "act" in your life define you. It can really bring you down if it was a failure. Find how good folks in a small town, ice skating, & love can turn that around. Enjoy catching up with the previous character's lives and the town's fundraiser. 📚🎉❤️🌻
New to this book in the series is more on single-Dad Matthew and son Brandon and Annie~Shelley. Sometimes, you let one "act" in your life define you. It can really bring you down if it was a failure. Find how good folks in a small town, ice skating, & love can turn that around. Enjoy catching up with the previous character's lives and the town's fundraiser. 📚🎉❤️🌻
January 24, 2023
Finding Peace
Shelly has lost sight of her love of figure skating after having a shocking experience in the Olympics. She goes to Snowy Pine Ridge incognito, to try to find new meaning in her life. As she tries to be invisible she meets new friends in her search. This is an encouraging story.
Shelly has lost sight of her love of figure skating after having a shocking experience in the Olympics. She goes to Snowy Pine Ridge incognito, to try to find new meaning in her life. As she tries to be invisible she meets new friends in her search. This is an encouraging story.
November 14, 2023
A magical place
I so enjoyed this book. This book is very inspiring and hopeful to the character that comes for a place to find themselves and for the characters of Snowy Pine Ridge they help you find that special thing inside you. The characters are great. Cozy up its a wonderful clean romance.
I so enjoyed this book. This book is very inspiring and hopeful to the character that comes for a place to find themselves and for the characters of Snowy Pine Ridge they help you find that special thing inside you. The characters are great. Cozy up its a wonderful clean romance.
November 15, 2023
letting the past go
Shelley was trying to start over after what she perceived as public humiliation. She hid and wondered how she could move forward. She came to Snow Pine Ridge to enjoy the holidays incognito! When that didn’t work she had to face the townspeople and accept that there was more to her then humiliation. I guy always help tip the scales in your favor !
Shelley was trying to start over after what she perceived as public humiliation. She hid and wondered how she could move forward. She came to Snow Pine Ridge to enjoy the holidays incognito! When that didn’t work she had to face the townspeople and accept that there was more to her then humiliation. I guy always help tip the scales in your favor !
January 23, 2024
Nothing exciting. Just a basic story but nice that it was clean. Likable characters. The Olympic fall and how it was written about was hard to believe (that the media continually talk about it and reference it as something you don’t want to do—that seemed harsh and unbelievable).
Some grammatical errors, and Louise was referred to as Wilma more than once. Also, this was not a Christmas book.
Some grammatical errors, and Louise was referred to as Wilma more than once. Also, this was not a Christmas book.
February 28, 2025
Another Snowy Pine Ridge Hit!
Book 3 of Snowy Pine Ridge stories was another example of Fiona Baker’s fun, loving, caring books. A so sweet romance, of course, with a plot twist that only love can resolve. With the amazing backdrop of Snowy Pine Ridge, you can almost see, feel and hear the snow underfoot!
Book 3 of Snowy Pine Ridge stories was another example of Fiona Baker’s fun, loving, caring books. A so sweet romance, of course, with a plot twist that only love can resolve. With the amazing backdrop of Snowy Pine Ridge, you can almost see, feel and hear the snow underfoot!
November 19, 2022
Second Chance Christmas
This was a great story about Matthew and Shelley. Shelley was visiting Snowy Pine in disguise. She was using the name Annie and hiding the fact that she was an Olympic skater. Great characters and their helping each other overcome their issues.
This was a great story about Matthew and Shelley. Shelley was visiting Snowy Pine in disguise. She was using the name Annie and hiding the fact that she was an Olympic skater. Great characters and their helping each other overcome their issues.
December 12, 2022
Great Book
This is really a good book. I just love Fiona Baker's writing, she is a wonderful writer. I can't wait until book 4 comes out. Thank you Fiona Baker for such a great book.
This is really a good book. I just love Fiona Baker's writing, she is a wonderful writer. I can't wait until book 4 comes out. Thank you Fiona Baker for such a great book.
December 23, 2022
Such an enjoyable, hard to put down book.
I loved the characters and how it easily went from the previous book to this one. It is heartwarming story that helps you connect with the characters. It brought out lots of smiles.
I loved the characters and how it easily went from the previous book to this one. It is heartwarming story that helps you connect with the characters. It brought out lots of smiles.
January 5, 2023
great story
Shows that everyone can still full fill their dreams, no matter what happens. Loved how she got over her fear of skating and taught kids that they could over come their fear.
Shows that everyone can still full fill their dreams, no matter what happens. Loved how she got over her fear of skating and taught kids that they could over come their fear.
December 23, 2023
great series
You might as well get all the books in the series. I have read one each day. Great story lines with characters that feel like friends. If you love small town romance novels these will not disappoint .
You might as well get all the books in the series. I have read one each day. Great story lines with characters that feel like friends. If you love small town romance novels these will not disappoint .
March 6, 2024
Snowy Pine Ridge is a dream
The story continues with the same characters and a new love interest/ couple. The storyline is easy to follow and I always love a good Christmas feel good story even in February.
The story continues with the same characters and a new love interest/ couple. The storyline is easy to follow and I always love a good Christmas feel good story even in February.
July 25, 2024
Another nice read. I will say this doesn't really give off a Christmas vibe like the first two books, and I think there are some errors in Chapter 21. Shelley is talking with Louise about the fundraiser, and during the conversation, she referred to Louise as "Wilma" twice. Who's Wilma?!?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews