Member Reviews

This is a delightful book that will get you in the Christmas spirit!
Snowball is adorable. Many thanks to the author, Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Was this review helpful?

Cute matchmaking cat trying to match the bookseller and the toy maker. Snowball tries all kind of things. Pete and Lara are working their way towards each other. Fun primary and secondary characters.

Was this review helpful?

I found myself giving up on this series, as the story told from the perspective of the cat just didn't work for me in the long run. This one isn't for me.

Was this review helpful?

The Weber Haus team is back in another heartwarming Christmas tale, with Snowball front and centre:. When Lara Wolfe opens a toy story in the new Weber Haus shops she is met wth opposition from Peter Diemer, but Snowball and the Christmas season work their magic to bring the two together..

This is another charming instalment in the Snowball series, with lots of engaging characters and of course the matchmaking cat Snowball herself. Lara is an entrepreneurial toymaker with lofty goals, opening her toy shop at Christmas; Peter is a curmudgeonly foil to her idealism, and they are drawn closer by the seasonal exuberance of her nephew, Ben and their antagonist, Lance - Laras brother. Romance blossoms over competitive ice cream making and glitter accidents, but Peter harbours the secret of initially trying to sabotage the store before it gets off the ground It's up to Snowball to make things right.

A fun, lighhearted romance to warm the heartstrings over the holiday season.

~ Many thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~

Was this review helpful?

Snowball is back once again in this third book in the series. She is an adorable, beautiful white kitten. She is adorable , sassy, brilliant and used to getting her way.
Snowball lives at the Weber Haus mountainside inn she's also the official greeter, who could resist this bundle of fluff and the inn's unofficial matchmaker.
She has her eyes set on matching her owner and a newcomer in town.
When her owner's grouchy brother and the new woman in town are both going for the same empty storefront there just may be trouble and more than a few cross words said. One is trying to move the family's bookstore to this larger location the other trying to open a toy store. Who could go wrong with a toy store at Christmas time. As Snowball sees a romance brewing for her owner and the woman will things turn sour when she finds out grump is her potential romantic interest's brother? It's Christmas time, I'm sure some type of compromise can be reached, right? The Snowball books are a fun addition to the Christmas books I've read especially when it's told from a cats' point of view.

Pub Date 27 Sep 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Was this review helpful?

A very cute and lighthearted novel, it reads a bit like a Hallmark movie which I am not normally a fan of, but in this case it came across as cute instead of frustrating. Snowball was my favorite part of the book and I do wish she had gotten a bit more book time, anytime she was there I had a smile on my face. The romance was a big part of this book, and it seemed decently paced to me, it didn't seem like the characters fell in love to quick. Although the big conflict between them was over and done with before you could blink. All in all, a great Christmas read!

Was this review helpful?

How Snowball Stole Christmas by Kristen McKanagh is the third book in the contemporary romance Snowball series. Each of the books in this series take place in the days leading up to Christmas and feature different main characters so they can be read as a standalone or in any order if choosing to do so. The characters from the other books do make a slight appearance in the others though for those having read from the beginning.

The somewhat unique thing with the Snowball contemporary romance series is that not only do you get the point of view of the two main characters but also that of the tiny fluffball herself, Snowball the kitten. Snowball belongs to Miss Tilly who runs the B&B in which the stories are set and Snowball is quite the matchmaker around the B&B. This time around though Snowball is staying with Peter for a little catsitting and matchmaking. Peter had tried to bid on an open store space but lost out to another shop owner, Lara, who manages to change Peter’s grinchy attitude in time for Christmas.

I have been following the Snowball contemporary romance series from the beginning after not being able to pass by the cuteness on the covers. Thankfully though with this series my cover love obsession paid off when the stories are full of wonderful Christmassy fun with lovely characters and the most adorable furry matchmaker. This third book in the series had all of what I’d come to expect and now I hope I’ll see Snowball again next winter too!

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC for an exchange for an honest review.

Great read, will not disappoint.

Was this review helpful?

What an adorable Christmas story. This is book 3 in the Snowball series. Snowball is a vane white cat who lives at the Weber Haus Inn. She prides herself at being the best matchmaker ever. When she meets Peter, the Inn owner's brother she may have met her match. He's mad and vindictive because Laura outbid him on a local shop he wanted. But after he meets her he thinks he may have messed up big time by trashing her and her toy shop online. Very cute Christmas romance. This book can be read as a stand alone.

Was this review helpful?

Princess Fuzzypants here: Matchmaking Snowball has her paws full this Christmas. After successfully putting two couples together, she sees a challenge in family member Peter, whose personality changed (and not for the better) after a serious head injury and the owner of a new toy shop in town, Lara. Before he even met her or knew what her store would be like, grinchy Peter had badmouthed her business on line. Once he has seen what she has put together, Peter wishes he could take it all back.

In fact, he is smitten with her very quickly, as she is smitten with him. Helping to bring them together with Snowball is her nephew who has been dumped on her unexpectedly during the Christmas season as she is trying to launch her store. Peter steps in to help but must tamp down his grouchier tendencies in order for her to accept his help. Pretty soon he discovers his old personality re-emerging as they both help each other. Love follows but there is a huge sword of Damocles hanging over them. When and how is Peter going to tell her what he had done before they even met? You know this is not going to go well but you also know, with Snowball in charge, things will work out- not only for the one couple but for the other couple who are canoodling under Snowball’s oblivious nose.

Sweet and charming as usual, this is a book to get you into the Christmas spirit. Light and frothy, pour a hot drink and settle before the fire- preferably with a kitty on your lap- and enjoy. Five purrs and two paws up.

Was this review helpful?

The Snowball Christmas series is delightful, and this third entry is no exception. I think McKanagh has found the perfect balance between cutsey cat/kitten-point-of-view sections and a more traditional narrative voice, and she knows how to maintain that balance across the entire novel. It's delightful and perfect for the winter season.

Was this review helpful?

If you are looking for a sweet romantic comedy that includes a white furball kitty, you have found your novel! Several romances begin in this book, including elderly Aunt Tilly and her courtly gentleman. Throw in the spirit of Christmas and get ready to relax with this delightful novel.

The story is set in the town of Braunfels, with its cute shops and Christmas market going on. When Lara moves into the condo next door to Peter, the sparks fly in more ways than one! Peter manages his parents' bookstore, and planned to relocate the shops associated with the Weber Haus inn. However, Lara managed to outbid him for the spot, and plans to open her toy shop there. The rivalry turns into attraction, when Lara ends up with more on her plate than she bargained for and Peter steps in to help.

I especially liked the alternating sections in which Snowball the matchmaking cat puts in her two-cents worth of comment. She is working hard to bring Peter and Lara together. I had to admire the cat and Lara for their persistence. The characters are realistic, and the plot moves along well, with lots of fun and Christmas cheer. I read this as a standalone, although other books featuring Snowball precede this story.

I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for an e-ARC of this novel in exchange for a review. This novel released on Sept. 27, 2022.

Was this review helpful?

If you are looking for a great Christmas book, look no further. Enter the world of Snowball, the world’s most adorable kitten match maker. In this story, Snowball is a bit miffed because his owners Emily, Lukas, and Miss Tilly, left him with Emily's brother Peter. Thus, poor Snowball feels abandoned. Earlier, Peter had a serious accident that left his damaged mentally. He is now trying to put himself back together again. Lara Smith, whom Peter met two years before, has just arrived and is planning to open a holiday themed toy store. Lara moves not the place next to Peter. Snowball, who considers himself a “match maker,” sees this as another opportunity to ply his trade. Thus, begins a tale of romance between two people who, at first seem totally opposite and uninterested in each other. Gradually, Peter comes around by jumping in to help Lara out with her new store as it gets off the ground. Lara is determined not to fail and will do anything to make things happen. Peter just happens to be around, managing to get there whenever she needs help with things. The story continues with Snowball jumping in and out regularly to keep them together so their friendship/romance can evolve.

This is the second Snowball story I have read, and I loved it as much as the other one. Snowball is definitely one heck of a kitten—almost human in many respects. He definitely takes is match making responsibilities seriously. As things turn out, the pair is definitely open to a relationship, though neither knows it. Almost from the start, there is a strong chemistry between them, which only grows as the story unfolds. Of course, the real star of the tale is every present Snowball, who, I guarantee, will creep right into your heart and soul as he did mine. If I could give this more than five stars, I would. It is definitely a keeper. I anxiously await the next installment. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

Was this review helpful?

Grab yourself a cup of hot cocoa and snuggle up in front of the fireplace so you can be whisked away to this magical holiday wonderland. It doesn't matter what time of year it is, as soon as you pick up a book in this beloved Snowball series, you will immediately be transported to all of the holiday comforts that Weber Haus has to offer. Not only will you become enamored with the characters this author artistically brings to life on the page, but you'll also fall in love with the warmth that these reads evoke and envelop around you. Of all the books in this series so far, it's fair to say this was my favorite couple of the bunch. Quite a few familiar faces (both human and of the furry variety) from the previous novels will make an appearance throughout, but Lara and Peter bring their own special personalities into the fray.

It takes a few chapters for this book to find its feet, or paws for that matter, but once it does you'll want to stay in this picturesque town bursting with lovable characters for as long as possible. Similar to the previous installments of this series, this book is fairly low drama from start to almost finish, but Peter and Lara have found each other after experiencing some rather life-changing moments which ultimately impact their unexpected newfound relationship. Upon first meeting, Peter is simply the surly Grinch living next door. It's not that he's your typical bah-humbug character who hates all things Christmas, but rather his sour mood is a result of a horrific accident months before which left him in a coma with massive brain trauma. He might be physically recovered on the outside, but his brain is still healing in a way where Peter's personality isn't quite what it used to be. He's more prone to short-tempered outbursts and frustrations which have left even his closest family members wanting to keep their distance.

And yet, delightfully, none of this seems to phase Lara in the slightest. I kept expecting there to be a moment where Peter's gruffness would prove too much for the outgoing toymaker, but she takes all of his minor moments of sourpuss attitude in stride. The fact Lara doesn't know any of the details of his accident for the bulk of the book, and that she always tries her hardest to bring a smile and laugh to this Grinch of a man, demonstrates just how special a character she is in trying to find the good in everyone. Peter realizes that his accident changed him, but he also realizes that this at-times frustrating yet intriguing woman is bringing out more of the man he used to be. She heals him, she makes him better, and he can't help but fall for her. Unfortunately, he knows it's just a matter of time before the secret of his hurtful writing is revealed.

Throughout the read the author does a phenomenal job of showing the constant tug-of-war happening between Lara and Peter. When Peter realizes his beautiful neighbor is the shop owner who outbid him, he tries his best to stay away, but soon decides to make it up to her by helping out with one favor during a busy moment in her toy shop. Thinking that he was acting out of selfless kindness, Lara insists on repaying the favor, and what follows is an endless back-and-forth of both characters trying to help the other. These benevolent acts bring them closer together in a way neither expected, and those feelings of neighborly kindness naturally evolve into something deeper. Peter's sense of protectiveness towards Lara also grows, especially when he sees how the hard work she puts into her business and loving care for her nephew is leaving her exhausted at the end of every day. He tries to help even more, and starts to voice his concerns that she's doing too much, which of course results in her questioning his actions. Why won't he let her fight her own battles? It was evident pretty much from the get-go that no matter how much holiday magic or meddling from a fuzzy fur ball might bring these two together, the reveal that Peter was the one behind the online vitriol would ultimately be the thing to push them apart. We were all hoping it wouldn't happen, but it was surprisingly the most logical progression that upon discovering Peter was initially behind those hurtful comments about her business, Lara would need to take a step back to consider if she's willing to give her heart over fully to this man.

This read is a delightful bundle of heartwarming comfort. From the characters to the setting, you're quickly enveloped in all of the warmth this small town has to offer.

Was this review helpful?

Little Snowball is at it again! Something about the Christmas season just gives this cat romantic ideas - not for herself but for the humans around her that need fixing. HOW SNOWBALL STOLE CHRISTMAS will most definitely get you into the holiday spirit with this feel-good read!

Reviewed by Annetta Sweetko for Fresh Fiction

https://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=79694

Was this review helpful?

Although whimsical with a matchmaking cat, the feelings and issues of Lara and Peter are realistic and engaging. The setting at Weber Haus mountainside inn offered a wonderful Christmas flavor, and the surrounding cast of characters were all likeable for me. This is the perfect, uplifting Christmas story and I highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Was this review helpful?

Love Snowball and fell in love with this story since I saw the lovely cover. A sweet and cute Christamas story that made me smile and had fun.
I thoroughly enjoyed Snowball and hope to read another story soon.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Was this review helpful?

How Snowball Stole Christmas is a cute Christmas-based romance story with a cute cat, Snowball helping things along.
Peter is struggling after losing his job and an accident that left him with a head injury that has affected his personality leaving him grumpy and bad-tempered. Lara is his complete opposite, but he finds himself drawn to the lovely new toy shop owner. As they grow closer, can their budding romance grow into something more or will his actions before he knew her ruin everything?
This was a lovely read and Lara and Peter made a great couple. I loved the addition of cute little Snowball, meddling in everything and trying to help things turn out well.
This is the second Snowball book I've read and I'd love to go back and read the second book, which I missed. A fun Christmas read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

Was this review helpful?

Sneaky Snowball

Another cute romance featuring Snowball the matchmaker cat. She is certain that Lara and Peter are right for each other, but her shenanigans almost ruin it . She gets into more mischief and trouble than ever and is still the most adorable cat.

I love these light , clean romances. Just good fun and good times. More laugh's with Snowball , my favorite cat to read about. She sneaks into places and lives of everyone and causes mayhem but everyone loves her all the same.

I love these stories they are a feel good read. I would recommend this book.

Thanks to Kristen McKanagh for writing another great Snowball story, to Kensington Books for publishing it and to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review a copy.

Was this review helpful?