Member Reviews

Trey Austin is driving home from the Ozark Mountains when he drives into a torrential rain. Lightening hits a tree and a branch falls in the road, swerving to avoid it, he ends up upside down in a ditch filling with water, out cold. Hailey Beaumont is driving through the same storm when she sees the wreck. Stopping to see if anyone is inside, she somehow pulls him from the wreck and calls 911. When emergency services arrive, she gets back in her car and drives away, leaving a red shoe stuck in the mud. Trey wants to find his "Cinderella Angel" and places posts all over the internet to see if anyone can help him. Meanwhile Hailey has gone home to Colorado to get ready to open up the family bed and breakfast. When Hailey hears about Trey's plea, she contacts him and he heads to the Colorado mountains from Phoenix to spend Christmas with the woman who not only saved his life, but who had haunted his dreams.

I am not a huge fan of insta-love, but when you have a life changing experience, I think these things change your outlook. Trey and Hailey hit if off immediately and their chemistry is off the page. Hailey has recently lost her parents and is now trying to make a go of the bed and breakfast. There is a couple, who were friends of her parents and had worked at the B&B, who support and help her. Trey is looking for a family and someone who loves him for him. When he shares about his family, I was broken hearted for him. He has other secrets as well, and I liked learning about them and how he finally decided to share them with the world. There is another storyline involving a man who has issues with what he thinks he deserves that tries to derail things, but not only is Hailey an independent and strong woman, Trey is there for her as well. This is another wintry romance, that is a bit predictable, but still enjoyable. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Tyler Darby. Most of the book is told from Trey's POV, so a male narrator was a good choice. He does okay with the female voices and I enjoyed listening to this one.

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"Snowy Mountain Christmas" is a story of found family and new beginnings.

When two travelers cross paths, they have a long-lasting effect on one another. Trey Austin was just in a car wreck, and Marley Corbett saved his life when she rescued him from it.

Trey is a loner and a writer. Marley is a hotel owner and exudes hospitality. Not that either of them know those facts until quite a bit later. When Trey was unconscious still, Marley left when the first responders arrived on the scene, and she didn't think to give anyone her name or contact information.

As he recovers, Trey feels compelled to find her and launches a nationwide search. When they finally reconnect, it's like they were long-lost friends, and the story grows from there into something quite beautiful.

This is not a light holiday romance story since it deals with difficult topics, but in some ways, that made it a bit more enjoyable for me. It had some substance which was great. But I didn't like how one of the secondary threads in the story worked out, so that detracted from the enjoyment a bit for me.

Thank you to Sharon Sala, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for an advance review copy.

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Snowy Mountain Christmas by Sharon Sala
Narrated by Tyler Darby
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Romance
Published: October 8, 2024

Snowy Mountain Christmas is a wonderful Christmas romance by Sharon Sala. This is the first book I've read by the author and I know it won't be the last.

This is a fast read and I could not stop reading! I loved the characters and thought the story captured the Christmas magic!

I thought the narration by Tyler Darby was wonderful!!!

I definitely recommend reading Snowy Mountain Christmas!!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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This one had all the feels. Trey was driving through a rain storm when his car went off the road into the ditch. He was rescued by a woman who did not give her name but she did leave her shoe. Can you say Cinderella? Being an author, he is intrigued and wants to find the woman who saved his life. He sets out to find her and starts an internet campaign to find her. Marley owns a lodge in Colorado and it was purely by chance she found out she was being sought but she contacts Trey. He sets out to visit her. Even though the lodge is closed for renovation she gives him a room and they become acquainted. Getting snowed in gave them time to get to know each other and being he is an author, he can work anywhere. He decides to stay. This was a good, clean story.

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A sweet, wholesome, and inspiring Christmas story—this book truly has everything you'd hope for. While it may not be flawless, it was still an enjoyable read. The writing kept me somewhat distanced from the characters and their journey, but it didn't take away much from the overall feel-good vibe of the story. It reminds us that while some of us are lucky enough to be born into a wonderful family, others must create one for themselves, sometimes with a little help along the way.

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Snowy Mountain Christmas offers a modern-day take on the classic Cinderella story, initially grabbing readers’ attention with a dramatic accident that sparks intrigue and sets up a subtle mystery. Unfortunately, while the opening promises excitement, the story soon shifts gears into a romance that feels forced and overly predictable.

As a fan of romance novels, especially those featuring whirlwind love stories, I went into this book with high hopes. However, the progression of the relationship felt rushed and lacking depth, making the romance come off as more cringeworthy than compelling. The plot seemed underdeveloped, with key moments feeling contrived rather than organic.

Despite my enthusiasm for quick, lighthearted romances, this one fell short. I found it difficult to stay engaged and, at times, had to skip ahead just to reach the conclusion. While the concept was promising, the execution left much to be desired. For readers looking for a well-crafted holiday romance, this might not hit the mark.

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🎧Song Pairing: The Prayer - Celine Dion

🗯Thoughts/sassy musings:

LOVE that gorgeous Christmas-y pink cover. 🩷 How can I say no to a thing of beauty?!

That being said….it had some kinks:

🙃Unnecessary drama and social situations that just don’t fit at all.
💗Instant love….makes me gag but I’m cynical
😇A lot of speak of angels and faith. I know people will love that but it is just not my thing

Okkkk and best of all I’m certain that this was the authors first attempt at writing about sex because the main character said “have mercy” and all I can think of is Uncle Jesse in Full House🪦😂

Anywho, I’m always lenient on Christmas books but this definitely won’t be my fav of the season.

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Slightly spiritual in that she hears the voices of angels. which for me is a slight turn off. I liked the "cinderella" feel of the stor, it makes meet cute feel more fairytale like. But there were to many troupes the author tried to mix together. Over all not my favorite Christmas romance and I would not recommend it

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I thought this book was super cute, it was an easy read. I loved how light it was and how easy it was to fall for their romance. Her signs from angels were done so well where it wasn't over baring. I was just confused about Jared and the point of his part in the book. Was he there just so Trey could save Hailey because he saved her?

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An enjoyable Christmas story with a Cinderella like romance. A beautiful cover also! Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a chance to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review.

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*Snowy Mountain Christmas* by Sharon Sala is a heartwarming holiday romance that captures the essence of love, family, and the magic of the Christmas season. Set against the stunning backdrop of a snowy mountain town, Sala crafts a cozy atmosphere that invites readers to escape into a world of festive cheer and emotional connection.

The protagonist, navigating personal challenges and heartache, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Sala's character development is commendable, allowing readers to form a deep bond with the protagonist as they face both external and internal struggles. The supporting cast is equally endearing, with a blend of quirky townsfolk and relatable family dynamics that add richness to the narrative.

Sala's writing is warm and inviting, filled with vivid descriptions that transport readers to the snowy landscapes and cozy interiors of the town. The dialogue is genuine and often laced with humor, enhancing the sense of community and camaraderie among the characters.

Central to the story is the theme of second chances and the importance of embracing love when it appears. The romance unfolds naturally, with moments of tension and sweetness, making the journey all the more satisfying. Sala masterfully intertwines holiday traditions and the spirit of giving, reminding readers of the joy found in both relationships and the simpler pleasures of life.

Overall, *Snowy Mountain Christmas* is a delightful read that encapsulates the warmth of the holiday season. Sharon Sala delivers a touching tale that balances romance, personal growth, and the enduring bonds of family and friendship. Perfect for readers looking for a cozy, uplifting story to get them in the Christmas spirit, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression and a smile on your face.

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A real life Cinderella story complete with the lost shoe. Marley was driving back to her home on a very rainy night when the "angels" tell her to take the fork in the road. When she does she comes upon an accident and the driver is trapped in his car. She manages to get him out of the car and have help on the way. Once he is on his way to the hospital she continues home. Trey can't get his angel out of his mind. The only thing he has left of her is a shoe that was found in the mud. So he begins a social media search to find the mysterious woman. He finds his mystery woman in Colorado running a lovely bed and breakfast. He ends up spending the holidays at her little B&B meeting the fun residents of the area and as they say the rest is history.

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I wanted a cute Christmas read, and the premise and cover of this one truly sounded perfect. Unfortunately it did not work for me in the sense that I truly hate instalove.. this one was so instalove it was a little ridiculous. Also, the short and big references got a little on my nerves. I didn't think there would be literal divine intervention (angels) and that just doesn't do it for me. I guess I just wasn't the right audience for this one.

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New to me author and I was drawn to the description. Marley was likeable and Trey was a nice guy. The instalove was cute and definitely gave off Hallmark vibes. I loved that it took place in Colorado in a lodge with snow and the Christmas season. There were multiple things I did not enjoy or resonate with. It was not closed-door romance, the instalove was a bit over the top. Trey’s parents and Marley’s stalker were distractions and did not seem to jive with the story. It’s an escape, but very little felt plausible or believable.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

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Snowy Mountain Christmas is a beautifully told story by Sharon Sala. Marley Corbett has seen and heard angels all of her life. As she is driving home from a research trip to the Ozarks she is detoured by her angels in time to come upon an accident and is able to save the driver who is unconscious and hanging upside down in rising water. Using her Swiss Army knife, she is able to cut him free and, even though he is so much bigger than petite Marley, she is able to wrestle him away from the wreckage and call 911. Once rescue has arrived and the paramedics are preparing him for transport, Marley quietly slips away simply leaving a red shoe behind stuck in the mud.

When Marley returns to her Corbett Lodge just outside of Boulder she is kept busy preparing for the holidays. The lodge has been closed for a short time for remodeling so she currently has no guests but expects a full house after the first of the year. She will, however, have a full table at Christmas, with family friends and found family. As busy as she is, she sees nothing about the search being made for Cinderella by the man whose life she saved. He is seeking her out to thank her.

Once Marley realizes this, she makes contact, first on social media, then by phone, and finally when she invites the stranger to the lodge as he wants to thank her in person. Trey Austin arrives the next day to meet his Cinderella and the story and its mysteries begin to further unfold.

This was a well constructed story with a little mystery and a lot of mysticism. I very much enjoyed this holiday story and I do recommend it!

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This one was just okay for me. It was an instalove type of romance. Trey gets into a car wreck and Marley saves him. He couldn’t find her because the police didn’t get her name. (I found that a bit hard to believe.) Marley has always had “angels” tell her what to do in life. Sometimes they steer her from danger and other times they guide her toward good situations. Trey ends up finding out who Marley is and goes to spend Christmas at her lodge. They fall hard and fast.
The narration and writing were good! It had enough conflict to keep me listening. Huge thanks to Dreamscape and Netgalley for allowing me to listen and review.

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Honestly, if I hadn't received this on NetGalley, I would have probably DNF'd this.

There is so much about angels in this book that it was absolutely obnoxious. It also felt like a super copout because the "angels" literally told the FMC everything so she never really had to work for much. Must be nice to never have to struggle or worry about much. She was very much a Mary Sue.

Also, there was so much about how the guy was "SO BIG" and how she was "SO SMALL LIKE HALF HIS SIZE" that it got annoying.

I really didn't like this, and I also didn't like the male narrator for the entire book. It really made it challenging to understand whose perspective we were in.

Also, not much Christmas cheer.

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This is the type of book that ruins life because the entire time I was listening to it, I wanted to meet my own prince charming who is gorgeous, rich, and romantic...and of course, live in a Marley's lodge.

I really enjoyed it! thank you for this audiobook!

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Snowy Mountain Christmas by Sharon Sala
Narrator, Taylor Darby
I have read or listened to a goodly number of books by this author and most I have liked. This one left me a bit lukewarm. I prefer romances that have a big cast of characters that can lead to more books in the series. The Jubilee Kentucky series comes to mind since it is recent. This book has a very small group of characters since they are mostly snowbound. The secondary stalker storyline seemed a bit contrived, also the set of parents who have ignored Trey all his life and suddenly become caring. But I liked it enough to finish it, although I did increase the speed to 1.25.
Speaking of the speed, the narrator spoke so slowly at the beginning that I had to speed it up and it still sounded fine. I listen to a lot of audiobooks and I am not familiar with this narrator. He was okay but not great. There were a few mispronunciations and he was not fabulous with the female voices. I would not go to the trouble to look for other books with his narration like I do with some favorite narrators.
All that said, it was a bit sappy, very insta-love, and totally Hallmark but a Christmas romance is always kind of entertaining. It was a bit predictable but mildly enjoyable.. Maybe not quite up to this author’s usual quality but I will stick with her. I have already pre-ordered the next Jubilee Kentucky book. Looking forward to that book.

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I went into this book guessing I’d like it, but happily ended up a truly captivated listener. Not one typically enchanted with insta-love stories, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself thoroughly enjoying the relationship between the main characters. There was a small amount of open door intimacy, with nothing too explicit. Representation of loss, trauma, among some other serious topics were done tastefully and added layers to the characters and story. No 3rd-act-breakup, and a satisfying happily ever after for all— I was grinning to myself throughout the entire book. There was a bit of a spiritual element with guardian angels, but it was kept pretty vague. Narration had me hooked within the first minute of listening, and kept me engaged until the very end. Overall, I found the story to be an addictive, small-town romance that had me feeling good and cozy.

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