Snowed it set the bar for holiday books, but it might be too high, because I don't know if many can match it.

I'm so thankful to Netgalley and Bookouture for this ARC in exchange for my nonbiased review. You sent have to wait long to grab this one as it will be available on November 1st, 2023.

I read this one in one day. This is a stand alone but I highly recommand reading Holiday Romance by Catharine Walsh. It's one of the best holiday books in my opinion because some of these characters are in Holiday Romance and this is Christian's story.
I instantly fell in love with Christian and Megan. While this is a holiday rom-com. It has other elements too. I loved the dual povs that give Christian and Megan's side.

The setting trashes place in Ireland so get your blankets and hot cocoa or coffee and let this book take you away.

A really cute, funny festive read. Christian and Megan had really good natural chemistry and some really easy believable banter. There were some lovely moments between them that came from their shared history and their reconnection. I really liked how their fake dating plan played out. A really enjoyable supporting cast of characters as well with Megan and Christians respective families. The writing was warm, funny and engaging and the romance was well paced and charming. 4 ⭐️

walsh is an auto-read for me, and her newest did not disappoint (though i am a bit embarrassed to say i made it through the entire novel before without recognizing molly & andrew as the leads from her last book… in my defense, megan & christian’s story is way better…must’ve wiped them from my memory lol). i liked the pacing; there was never what felt like a “slow” part. i liked how quickly the leads bumped into each other and got the ball rolling on their plan. i especially enjoyed the third act and how the traditional drama you’d usually expect at that point in a romance novel was skated around. the banter and dialogue in general between the character was witty and fun to read. i really liked the relationship between megan and christian, and how their “fake” dating (if it ever really was fake 🙂), blossomed, as well as how they supported and listened to each other.
#netgalley

My first festive book of the season! I had intended on this being my Christmas eve book but when it popped up on netgalley, I couldn't wait!
I don't think I can put into words how much I loved this book! I enjoyed Holiday Romance so much, I didn't think I'd fall for this as much but I did. I have fallen hard for Megan and Christian. They have become my new favourites of all the couples in Catherine's books. I devoured this in two sittings. I was grinning ear to ear while reading and did not want it to end! Full of cosy vibes and Catherine's signature wit. There was the perfect blend of drama, swoon and spice 🌶 It was just delicious! It's given me a massive book hangover and I hope Megan and Christian will appear again in future books.

If you're looking for a charming Christmas read then look no further. 5⭐️

Huge thanks to @netgalley and @bookouture for the arc in exchange for an honest review

Snowed In is the follow up to Holiday Romance and I have to say that I enjoyed this one more!! It's a delightfully sweet romance that is full of well written characters and I loved how natural the transition was from fake dating to real romance! And the best part is you get to catch up with Molly and Andrew as well - I'm just sad we don't get to see Molly's reaction to the Christmas sweater.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this gorgeous ARC! Megan and Christian’s story was so delightful and despite not reading it at Christmas time, it gave me all the warm and fuzzies of a perfect Christmas romance. I couldn’t help but root for them from their first meeting, and I love how their story was told. My only issue with the book is it does feel a bit crowded and I had a hard time keeping everyone straight at first, but it didn’t seriously impact how much I enjoyed the book. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a cozy, feel good Christmas romance. Love!

I loved Holiday Romance, and this book didn't disappoint. A great balance of rom, com, and rich relationships all around, this was a fun, light read. Perfect cozy vibes to get me ready for holiday reading, enjoyable and relatable characters who felt unique and real, and a romance that stuck the landing!

Snowed In was the perfect cosy christmas read! there's a perfect combination of angst and romance. this is fake dating done to a T! if you read fake dating you'll love this.

Also the pacing of the writing itself was so easy and it flowed perfectly!

over halfway through and i was getting worried the book title wouldn't make sense but it does, it just happens later

Catherine Walsh can do absolutely no wrong in my eyes and when I saw this was being released I knew my bff wouldn’t disappoint and oh my god this book is just so good! I didn’t want it to end. The banter and wit of each character is on par with Lorelai from Gilmore Girls. The backdrop for this romance feels so vivid, and none of the side characters felt one-dimensional or unnecessary. And the romance? I was giggling and kicking my feet. My only complaint is that it was too short.

Will be thinking about Christian, Megan and their story until further notice 🫶🏻

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for an arc in exchange for my honest review!

I loved this another part of this great series I discovered not too long ago. Just in time for Christmas, here is Christian's story, which I must say wasn't that complicated. It was really relaxing read, which was probably intended given that this is Christmas story. Definitely will comeback to this author.

Ahhhhhhhhh I ADORED this one! Previous kinda friends, to fake dating to help each other get through Christmas, they are both a little bit of the black sheep of the family AND there is a snow in at a luxury vacation rental?! This one has it all & I absolutely adore being back in the same world as Molly + Andrew, but this time Christians story (whom I also adored in the first book). Pick this one up if you want a fun holiday read that is both heartwarming and swoony.

All of the Christmas/winter feels and then some. Just adored this story So heart-warming… I loved… Hit all the feels and had me laughing out loud… Will propel you to your happy place. A must read!… Feel-good romance… Truly heart-warming… Such a cute read! I started and finished in one day – what can I say?

Thanks to NetGalley, bookouture and Catherine Walsh for sending the ARC for this book!

In "Snowed In," the narrative unfolds as Megan, a former runaway bride, unexpectedly crosses paths with Christian, a reformed village troublemaker, after years of separation. Their reunion, set against the backdrop of an impending Christmas family gathering in their shared hometown, marks the commencement of a captivating and heartwarming tale. Megan, who had fled from the altar years ago, is apprehensive about her return to the village where she left behind the golden boy. Conversely, Christian dreads the prospect of spending the holiday season surrounded by happy couples while he remains alone.

This charming holiday rom-com weaves a delightful tapestry of fake dating and slow-burn tropes, making it an essential read for the festive season. Catherine Walsh's writing exudes impeccable craftsmanship and a seamless narrative flow. The book's dialogues are skillfully rendered, devoid of any cringe-worthy moments. The banter between the characters is both engaging and authentic, without ever feeling forced. Once I delved into its pages, I found "Snowed In" to be utterly captivating, rendering it nearly impossible to set aside. The story is meticulously paced, with no dull moments to be found, leaving readers eagerly turning each page.

Christian, in particular, left an indelible mark on my heart, though the entire cast of characters is beautifully developed. Each character possesses their own compelling backstory, skillfully interwoven with Megan and Christian's narrative. The dynamics between the characters are both believable and endearing.
Particularly I enjoyed the tension and attraction between Christian and Megan, to the point where I literally had butterfly!

Having experienced the sheer pleasure of reading Catherine Walsh's work for the first time, I can confidently assert that it will not be my last. "Snowed In" is a testament to her storytelling prowess, and I eagerly anticipate further literary adventures crafted by her gifted hand. This heartwarming holiday romance is a literary gem that deserves a cherished place on any reader's bookshelf.

Cute, cozy, and set in Ireland - what more could a girl ask for?? I wasn’t as swept up in this one as Holiday Romance but it hit the spot to get me out of my reading slump.

Snowed in by Catherine Walsh ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Firstly I loved this book, this story is the definition of cosy, Christmassy vibes, especially those scenes set in the snowy cabin in the mountains!
We meet Megan first, who is running away from her hometown wedding to her long term boyfriend. Five years later Megan hasn’t been home since and she is dreading returning for Christmas and seeing her ex fiancé. As the story progresses you begin to understand her reasons for running and why she hasn’t been home. I thought that this was dealt with very well (and I found myself cheering Megan on when she finally confronted Issac!)
Before returning home Megan runs into Christian who she knew from back home. It transpires that neither of them want to be single when they return home for the holidays so the pair make a pact to be each others fake dates…and that’s when the fun begins!

The banter and connection between Megan and Christian was perfect and I was so happy that we get both of their POVs.
I also loved the different family dynamics and relationships explored in this book. In particular Christian’s struggle to prove to himself and others that he adds value to his family. Until coming home the only way he felt he could do this was by climbing the corporate ladder so he could contribute to with money to make up leaving the family farm. This has put a strain on his relationship with his father and explains his reluctance to look for a real long term relationship. Ultimately he comes to the conclusion that life isn’t just about climbing an invisible corporate ladder to prove you’re worth. Especially if you have no idea where it leads to. I just really loved this message.

It was lovely to also get a glimpse at how Andrew and Molly were getting on after reading their story in ‘Holiday Romance’ last Christmas (another gorgeous Christmas read!).

Catherine Walsh is one of my favourite writers and Snowed In is another gorgeous story with likeable main characters, fake dating/friends to lovers tropes, while also adding depth to the characters through their relationships with their parents and siblings. It also has the all important happy ending I crave when picking up a book like this.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Snowed In will be out on 1st November!

If you want a cute and hilarious holiday romcom this is a great choice! This runaway bride + fake dating + friends to lovers romance will leave you laughing and misty eyed as it delves in to the complexities of familial relationships around the holidays. And it takes place in Ireland which is another great bonus for me 🙌🏻

My full book review will be posted on November 1st to my website www.apageinherbook.com

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I loved this book very much. Now I well say it was very predictable and probably a common concept but I genuinely loved it and could even see this being a big book and maybe a movie one day. It’s cute for Christmas time and probably will read again

'I’ve been searching for something my whole life, and nothing’s ever clicked. And I think it’s because I was looking for you.'
(From the book)

'Snowed In' is my fourth book by Catherine Walsh. I loved 'One Night Only' & I enjoyed reading this one, too.

The book opens with a scene where Megan is running away from her own wedding and bumps into Christian. Five years later, they again bump into each other, and somehow connect instantly. Not odd because they practically know each other since their childhood as they belong to the same Irish village.

Megan is supposed to return to her village after five years (first time after that escape) and she's anxious about it for obvious reasons. And then Christian comes up with a plan. To pretend to be in a fake relationship, to support each other when they go back to the village. Of course, they eventually fall in love, but this journey is quite interesting.

Catherine Walsh's writing is engaging and I immediately connected with her style and the characters. Their chemistry and conversations are endearing. Christian, especially, are very likeable.

I like the Irish setting and the descriptions of its environment and culture. There are multiple characters but each one is important in their own way. Doesn't feel cluttered.

Just two things that bothered me: there is a situation that comprises back to back intimate scenes, which seemed too lengthy to me. It kind of takes away the emotional bonding that was burgeoning. One, nice emotional scene would have been more effective, in my opinion, as it was nice to see their fake relationship turning into the real one. Also, the epilogue is completely unnecessary.

Overall, it was a fun, entertaining read, with happy, Christmasy vibes.

kay this settles it, Catherine Walsh writes the best Christmas rom-coms!! I fell in love with her 'Holiday Romance' last year and this follow-up was just as amazing 🙌

This read was perfectly paced and packed with Christmas vibes. It was very easy to get into the story and I basically binged it until it was finished. And the fake dating?! Brilliantly executed 🤌 I'm so happy these characters could communicate in a realistic way!

Both Christian and Megan are such likeable characters and they have great chemistry. Very swoony. I was also a big fan of the messy families, quirky details and the little bit of spice we got. The story touches on some heavy topics, but they're not explored on a deeper level.

I definitely recommend this one for anyone looking for a light and cute Christmas read!

genre & tropes: rom-com, winter & christmas romance, fake dating, set in ireland, runaway bride, post-argument forced proximity, a lovingly protective mmc, hea, no third act breakup.

snowed in is my first winter/holiday book of 2023 and i'm so glad that it was because it gave me all the cosy feels i expect from a holiday rom-com. catherine walsh's writing is light-hearted and easy to follow, the book was fast-paced and didn't feel dragged on, and the chemistry between megan and christian gave me happy tingles. with some fake dating couples the chemistry kinda lacks honestly and the author just springs the suddenly-real attraction on you but i felt that walsh did a perfect job sliding us into the romance.

i have to say this book made me want to be in the same cabin christian rented out with a mug of chai latte and my dogs curled up by my feet, with snow outside... this is how you know a holiday rom-com did its job.

there was depth to the story and all of the side characters, in my opinion, and none of the side characters blended in with each other and all had distinctive personalities—which i really have to applaud because in my opinion not a lot of contemporary romance authors can accomplish this feat well but catherine walsh did it perfectly. extra scores for the book being set in ireland.

anyway, it just made its way onto my list of 'holiday reads' which i will be shoving down all of my bookish friends' throats when october is over, and i LOVE zoe so i might have to pick up the book about molly and andrew just to see more of her.

i would give criticism but i really don't have any.