Member Reviews

A fun Christmas story told brilliantly by the narrator. Really enjoyed listening on the run up to Christmas

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This was such a sweet book! I loved the characters, and their love story. The dialogue was realistic and enjoyable.

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Thank you so much to the publisher and to Netgalley for the opportunity to read Snowy Serendipity by Melissa Ferguson. This audiobook included 2 novellas.

I really enjoyed the first novella. This was a Christmas romance that was sweet and I really enjoyed it. Liked the characters, the plot progression and the spirit behind the story.

I unfortunately did not enjoy the second story as much. I think this story had potential for everything I would and should like but I did not like some of the turns in the plot or some of the phrases used by the characters. There were some off hand and negative comments about both ramen and basket weaving that I found a bit tasteless and unnecessary.

The rating for this book is based on the first novella alone as I would have not finished the second one. The writing seemed quite different and I wonder if they were written with some distance between them? Based on the first novella I will pick up further books from this author .

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Thank you to Netgalley, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Audio, and author Melissa Ferguson. I received, Snowy Serendipity audiobook for my review.

Christmas Hallmark vibes are within these 2 Holiday short stories. I have never read anything by this author but found the stories to be fun Christmas reads. Good pace for novellas and kept me interested, both are character driven.

Willow, 25 year old, has just been dumped by her boyfriend of 7 years. Willow is traveling home expecting all the questions soon to arise from her family. As everyone had expected a proposal this season. The story takes place entirely on a train. This story was very cute and was a fun ‘Polar Express’ atmosphere. Despite her friend Elody’s advice she immediately started pining after Ian (elf). This read was very fun and I loved the showing description of the train and the secondary characters.

I absolutely loved this story, the warm and cozy environment that ended too soon. I found the story to be the perfect Christmas story. This story will make one want to take a train ride. To where? You will have to read to find out. Willow’s situation is all too familiar and yet such a good heartfelt reminder to take an opportunity when it arises. As a reader this story is so relatable and fun.

Pining For You Opening
Theo,35 year old on a date with Ashley eating when all of a sudden he gets a phone call. An emergency at the Evergreen Tree Farm.

Sky finds herself back in her Virginia family home, after she left for Seattle 14 years ago. Returning to help her injured father, manager of the tree farm.

Instant tension unfolds between Sky and her father and between Sky and Theo. Due to the past history of Sky and Theo seeing each other for the first time after 14 years. Evergreen Tree Farm has them pushing past their feelings and working on the task at had. Broken heart and untold undertones.

This book had very different vibes from the first book in the collection. Told from dual POV you get the perspective of both Theo and Sky as well as their history. I found this book hard to follow in the beginning with the relationship dynamic of Theo and Ashley instantly had me anxious. The story is largely character driven but in such a short read I was immediately annoyed between Theo and Sky’s dynamic. I get there is history but how the story unfolded didn’t make a ton of sense. Very insta love (not a fan) and second chance romance. Seemed to be a very miscommunication trope. If you want a drama filled with a slight Christmas story this one's for you.

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Dashing Through the Snow was a good audible because the narrator kept my attention, but it’s nothing heavy that I need to pay close attention to. It’s not the most griping or interesting thing I’ve “read.” A little cheesy.

The second novella—Pining for You—was a little better, with a more interesting plot. Again, easy to listen to, nothing you have to pay close attention to.

Total rating for the two: 3.5 stars

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for the ARC.

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This was so cozy and adorable. This is two novellas in one book.

the first novella is perfect for the winter time and christmas! very cute and i loved this one so much!

the second novella takes place at a christmas tree farm, but it’s not very christmasy. i believe it takes place in the spring time and i didn’t enjoy it as much as the first one.

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Thanks to NetGalley & Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Audio for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.


Want to make the wintery vibe last longer? Try reading 'Snow Serendipity'!
This cute novel consists of two stories set in the wintertime. Is it joining the fun with the characters on The Christmas Express and Christmas Tree Farm?


-what is it about-
Willow just got dumped by her lovely boyfriend. She decides not to spoil the Christmas fun and eventually takes the two-week train trip on The Christmas Express. Will she spend it all alone or maybe meet somebody new? Theo Watkins III is the owner of the tree farm in Virginia. The man has one problem - he wants to win the heart of his long-time friend. However, this might be tricky as he is not the farm guy from her dreams.


-what I loved?-

→ I loved the first story ('Dashing Through the Snow'). It had everything that I wanted from the Christmas-themed novella. Readers can expect funny moments, likeable characters and lots of winter vibes!
→ The audiobook was fast and fun to listen to!
-> Melissa Ferguson's writing style made it easy to get into these stories. If you need quick and fast-paced novellas, try this collection out.



-what did I not love?-

→ I struggled (a lot) with the second story ('Pining for You'). I felt it lacked proper plot development, and the characters were unrealistic. It's a shame because the first story was absolutely amazing.
→ I believe that if the author were only to describe the first storyline, I would be much more positively surprised. The second story did not have a cosy winter theme.

rating: 3/5 ✮✮✮
genre: Christmas romance, novellas
themes: romantic adventures, winter themes, Christmas vibes, complicated relationships

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Great festive season rom com for Christmas time. The storyline and writing style was amazing. Characters were very loveable

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There were two standalone novellas included on this audiobook - Dashing Through the Snow and Pining for You. The audiobook was good, but I think these were just way to insta-love for me.

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Bring on the sweet holiday romance! The cover is so cheerful and cute, which was the first thing that drew me in, but it was a heartwarming collection that had me stay. Two novellas that are perfect to get in the holiday spirit!

*many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the gifted copy

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Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and author for my ALC in excahnge for my honest review.

Snowy Serendipity is a two for one novella. Melissa Gerguson is one of my favorite authors. Her writing style is awesome and I felt like I was a part of the story, I was that engrossed. The holidays were a bit rough this year and these novellas provided the perfect escape.

The first story Dashing Through the Snow had it all. Who wouldn't love to spend the holidays on a holiday themed romantic hotel on a train? This is brilliant and the narrator did an excellent job of bringing this story together. The story gave me all the feels and includes all the elements for this cute holiday romance. The book includes a cast of eclectic characters provie each other comfort as we experience heartbreak and an older gentleman who likes ot play chess combined with hilarious shenanigans, I literally could not stop this audio book!

The Second story Pining for You takes place on a Christmas farm and has equally great characters. I identified more with this story and felt that it flowed really well while also giving me all the feels!

I highly recommend both of these to anyone who loves a well written light hearted story about forgiveness, new beginings, and second chances. I look forward to more from the author and narrators.

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2.75 Stars
I know these are short stories but it felt incredibly rushed, I did not feel any of the chemistry between either of the couples. The resolutions felt like they were only solved because the book had to end soon. I think the concept for both of these stories are great but the execution was not there for me.

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Magical and cozy: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📖Blurb: In this cheerful and heartwarming collection, bestselling author Melissa Ferguson offers up the gift of cozy joy in two sweet novellas for the holiday season.
Dashing Through the Snow & Pining for You

🎧 I’ve yet to read/listen to a Melissa Ferguson book I haven’t adored. How is that even possible? This collection is incredibly sweet and swoony. Please read it if you’re interested in cozy Christmas vibes. The narrator was amazing and the production quality was great in this book.

Author: Melissa Ferguson
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Audio: Thomas Nelson

Thanks to NetGalley, author, & publisher for ARC to review

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I am a big fan of Melissa Ferguson’s books, so I was so excited to read her newest book. This book featured two winter novellas in it, and I thought they were both SO cute! I loved the first one more and totally wish it was a full length book. But both were great!

I loved listening to these books on audio. I felt like it made them more enjoyable. If you’re a fan of winter novellas, I highly recommend checking these out! They’re quick and such fun reads.

Thank you Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

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This was such a delightful book to listen to during the holiday season! It had two sweet Christmas stories that warmed my heart and got me in the holiday mood.
These two stories were just the right mix of fun and romance, with a bit of snowy Christmas festivities mixed in.
I LOVED the fun dialogue, the quirky characters, and the sweet touch of romance that makes up these stories.
Whenever I read a Melissa Ferguson book, I know I’ll enjoy it. I’ll be entertained with humor, quirkiness, drama, and sweet romance. Many have interesting plots and crazy moments.
Her books always have characters who are so unusual and a bit eccentric. Yet, they are characters you will come to love and enjoy.
I highly recommend you pick this book up for a fun read!
I was given this book by the publisher and NetGalley which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Two sweet, seasonal tales - one on a cozy train, where a woman finds the love and life she's been missing; and one on a farm where two former friends get a second chance. I enjoyed the stories.

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These novellas were both fun and very cutesy! They were quick reads (listens) and I love a holiday/winter read so much. This was my first time reading from this author and I’m excited to see what else she comes out with!

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▪️AUDIOBOOK REVIEW▪️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 - "Snowy Serendipity" by @our_friendly_farmhouse


*𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴/𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘴*


❄️ 𝗗𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗻𝗼𝘄 ❄️
The first story takes place on a train called The Christmas Express! Our FMC has been recently dumped by her long-time boyfriend (I'm talking like 3 days ago), but she decides to still take the 2-week excursion that they had planned together. I wasn't sure about her at first, because she seemed like she was willing to jump into a relationship with anyone, but I ended up really liking the ending and who she ended up with!


🌲 𝗣𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂 🌲
The second story takes place in Virginia... and is a second-chance romance for two high school sweethearts who came to a disastrous end, and haven't seen each other in 14 years. It takes place on a Christmas tree farm (owned by the MMC's family and maintained by the FMC's family). It also addresses the heavier topics of gambling and addiction.

Thank you so much to @netgalley and @thomasnelson for the advanced copy in exchange for this review!
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I received a copy of this audiobook from NetGalley for an honest review.

2 sweet Christmas romances that made me smile. The first really made me want to ride the Christmas train! What a way to fall in love and what a perfect life for the main characters. The second was a wonderful second chance story were she has to let go of her previous notions to learn what a great guy he really his (and her mom is pretty smart too) All in all a great read.

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I listened to Snowy Serendipity on a flight from Dallas to Denver and then back again. It was the perfect listen for a snowy, winter vacation. I love that there were two stories, so I listened to one on the flight there and one on the flight back. I thought the stories were cute and easy to listen to. I liked the narration, and enjoyed that I could listen to it while relaxing with my eyes closed on my flights.

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