Falling Like Snowflakes

I was able to read "Falling Like Snowflakes" weeks ago as I received an electronic copy via Netgalley and when I saw the paperback version available through BookLook Bloggers, I just had to request it so that it is a part of my collection on my bookshelves, but also so I can share it with others to read. As seems to be the case with Denise Hunter's books, I read this book in one sitting, it was impossible to put down! First of all, I loved that this series' setting was introduced in her previous novel ("Married 'Til Monday"), which was the conclusion of her most recent series. I felt like I already knew the town and a few of the characters and it was great to be back there in Maine. I absolutely love Christmas and this book is set around Christmas time so I was loving that as well. The Callahan brothers whom were introduced in "Married 'Til Monday" are main characters in this book along with Eden, a woman who finds herself in their town with nowhere to go and a son to protect. As Eden helps out the Callahan family, she finds herself slowly relaxing and settling into life, but still finds herself on high alert, although her heart is being involved. I loved the storyline, and the small town feel and family business part of the story and how easy it was to relate to the characters as the brothers are trying to work together and run the business, but yet deal with personal issues in each of their lives as well (and when their personal lives intersect as well). The suspense that is woven throughout the book adds to the story as well and keeps you turning the pages until you reach the very end. I am looking forward to book #2!

I liked this book, but I didn't love it like I expected to. I love Denise Hunter's writing, and I will continue with the series. Not every book can be amazing for every reader.

I liked the characters and their relationships and interaction. I will enjoy getting to know the Callahan brothers better in future books. I struggled with a lot of Eden's decisions throughout the book. I got pretty frustrated with her. I felt like things got drawn out purely because of her stubbornness, pride, and fear. I liked that she finally came to terms with it all. But at the same time that whole journey was only barely touched on and felt a little too shallow for the type of healing she would probably really need if she were as damaged as she seemed to be. I also felt the mystery dragged out a little too long and the climax ended up not having quite the impact I wanted it to.

That being said, this was an entertaining read with interesting characters and I'm excited to see what happens in the next installment.

A warm, Christian romance novel that is a perfect read for the Holiday season.

Loved this book! Eden was such a brave mother going through an extremely hard time. Everyone can relate to wanting to protect you child. Eden relied on God throughout this story. Readers can probably predict the outcome but the ending was a beginning for Eden and her son. .I'm glad Eden was given a chance to find herself before beginning a new relationship. Can't wait for the next book in this series.

She’s a young woman with a little boy on the run, and strands in the small town of Summer Harbor, where she finds a job with the Callahan family and loses her heart to one of the handsome brothers. But Eden can’t fall in love again. She’s been there and her husband was controlling every little detail of her life. She was a prisoner in her marriage and vows never to trust a man again. But Beau is different—isn’t he?

Beau falls head over heels for the woman he hired to take care of his aunt. But there is something about her. She’s hiding her past. Bit by bit, Beau discovers that she is in danger and by giving her shelter he has brought his family in danger as well. Previously been active as the sheriff’s deputy, he follows his instinct and tries to uncover her secret. When he does, can he keep her safe? He has won the little boy’s heart, but will he also win the love and trust of the young mother?

Denise Hunter has written another page-turner about new love, facing fear, and learning to trust again. I completely lost myself in this sweet tale that kept me glued to the pages.

In Falling Like Snowflakes which is book one in the Summer Harbor series, we meet the three Callahan brothers. If you read Married Till Monday you met Beau when Ryan went to visit him. They even hinted to the issue of Beau dating his bothers best friend.

Beau is the oldest of the Callahans and feels the responsibility of taking care of them. He has left his job on the sheriff’s department to run the Christmas Tree farm. Beau hires Eden to help out around the house and with his feisty aunt who is recovering from a fall. I loved the secondary storyline with his aunt and the sheriff; it was cute. Beau realizes that Eden is guarded about her past and is concerned that he has her living with his girlfriend. The girlfriend is his brother’s best friend. Then enters Eden who starts making Beau feel things he shouldn’t.

Eden is on the run with her son when her car breaks down in Summer Harbor. This causes her to stay over the holidays. Hunter reveals Eden’s past little by little until her backstory is exposed and the danger she and her son are in.

There is secondary story of Ryan, the youngest Callahan and his feelings for a girl while she is dating his brother. The mistletoe plays a fun part in the story. You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

Engaging holiday romance with a touch of suspense. Good introduction to a new family series.

A great beginning to Denise Hunter's Summer Harbor series! While I didn't love this book as much as any in the Chapel Springs series, it was still really good and kept my attention. I was surprised by the hint of suspense in the story (Eden is on the run with her son and trying to stay safe) and while I enjoyed it for the most part, it was a little predictable towards the end.

I loved the new characters! We had met Beau in Married 'til Monday, so I already was familiar with him and the town. I absolutely loved his whole family and can't wait to read his brothers' novels (especially Riley's!). I also loved that Abby (the MC from Married 'til Monday) was in this story.

All in all, I really enjoyed Falling Like Snowflakes and recommend it if you like contemporary romance stories!

*I received a complimentary eBook copy of this book for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

This story is a nice start to what I believe would be a great series.

Eden aka Kate is on the run with her 5 year old son, Micah aka Jack. At first I thought it was from an abusive husband but it turned out to be more. My heart went out to Micah... it was just saddening to watch him having to go through the things he did and Eden trying her very best to provide and give all she could. I'm glad Eden is a tough cookie. Her malfunctioned car caused her to make her pit stop at Summer Harbor and with her money and personal belongings being stolen, she had no choice but to stay on till she has enough to pay for the car repairs and move on.

Beau left his job at the Sheriff department to work on his family Christmas tree farm. With his auntie out of commission and him and the rest of his family busy with work, he had to hire someone to look after her and Eden was hired. She didn't make a good impression but Beau saw that she was a fast learner, her attempts to improve and Micah that he relented and let her keep the job. The closer he got to Eden, he sensed that there was something more to what she had told. In spite of that, feelings were developing and he found himself wanting to protect her and Micah. The bonding between Beau and Micah was just so heartwarming.

As much as Beau was a really nice guy, I couldn't make out of his relationship with Paige. There was hardly any affections or chemistry between them as compared to what he was feeling with Eden and I couldn't imagine how Paige could feel that hurt. Maybe it was more of her pride that was hurting.

This is my first book by Denise Hunter. The title and book cover were what caught my eye and this couldn't have been a sweeter read. I'll definitely be checking out the rest in this series especially if they are on Beau's two brothers Riley and Zac.

Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for an advance copy in exchange for a honest review.

Post 9/14/2015

Running to save her son’s life Eden Davis knows she can’t relax or trust. She’s fallen into that trap!
But when her clunker throws a rod and leaves her stranded without options she begins to loosen up and her carefully constructed plans begin to unravel – as does any hope that she’ll keep Micah safe and hidden.

Beau Callahan has been dating his brother Riley’s best friend, Paige, for some time now, much to Riley’s dismay but he can’t seem to even remember he has a girlfriend when Eden is in the room. Even though he knows she’s not leveling with him, Beau can’t fight his instinct to keep her safe.

Hott Review:

Grab a hot beverage and fall into Falling like Snowflakes!
What I liked: Meandering through the love-triangle, family drama, and secrets in Falling like Snowflakes is the perfect way to spend an afternoon!
Beau is a terrific character. He’s a protector and constantly struggles with allowing those around him to live their own lives. Eden, on the other hand, comes from smothering relationships and needs freedom. Watching her fight against her attraction is quite entertaining!
Falling like Snowflakes paints an amazing picture of how we can easily allow fear to manipulate our lives. It’s a delightful way to learn a lesson! :)
What I didn’t like: It’s not so much a “Christmas Read” as a winter read that includes some Christmas celebrations.

More…

Author: Denise Hunter Source: Netgalley Publisher & Date: September 8th 2015 by Thomas Nelson Genre: Contemproary Christian Romance & Suspense ISBN: 0718023714 (ISBN13: 9780718023713)
Pages: 336 Grade: A+
Ages: 16+
Steam: No steam but some topics that may not be appropriate for all.
Setting: Summer Harbor, Maine This Counts for these Challenges: 2015 Let Me Count The Ways Reading Challenge, 2015 New Authors Reading Challenge, 2015 Cloak & Dagger Mystery Reading Challenge, 2015 Romantic Suspense Reading Challenge, 2015 Read Your Freebies Reading Challenge, 2015 Women Challenge, 2015 NetGalley Reading Challenge, Reading Road Trip 2015 Challenge Series: Summer Harbor #1 Author Bio:

Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 25 books, including “Dancing with Fireflies” and “The Convenient Groom”. She has won The Holt Medallion Award, The Reader’s Choice Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist.
Denise writes heartwarming, small-town love stories. Her readers enjoy the experience of falling in love vicariously through her characters and can expect a happily-ever-after sigh as they close the pages of her books.

In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she’s been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

When Denise isn’t orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking green tea, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband are raising three boys.

Websites & Links: Denise Hunter's website Denise Hunter's twitter Denise Hunter's facebook

I stayed up way too late to finish this book. Eden and Beau are fantastic characters. They're well-developed and unique, and I loved them together.
I loved Eden from the beginning--her strength and courage had me gripped from page one. Beau is steady and calm, a perfect balance. Though the ending is predictable and sweet, there were a few twists and turns throughout the book that left me wondering what would happen next. I loved meeting the rest of the family and look forward to the rest of the books in this series.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.

Most Christian fictions authors seem to release one book every year. There are a few who are a little more prolific and crank out a couple a year. Probably one of the authors I’ve been reading the longest is Denise Hunter. And on September 8, the first book in her Summer Harbor series is sure to draw readers in.

Eden Martelli is searching for a new life while running from danger. When her car breaks down in Summer Harbor, she finds herself stranded in the small town with no way to provide for her and her son. Her search for a job leads her to the one place several people in town suggest might be hiring. The Callahan Christmas tree farm. But when Beau Callahan informs her all of the positions are filled, she begins to despair.

Beau Callahan turns away a woman who seems desperate for a job so when his aunt requires in-home care, he quickly considers hiring the pretty blond who stood on his doorstep. Despite her reluctance to share anything about her past (not to mention her lack of cooking skills), there is a slight attraction that seems to be growing the more time he spends with her.

But is Eden hiding something? Something that could endanger his family or his girlfriend?

Hunter is a master of drawing out the romantic sparks and tension between her main characters. The addition of what happened to Eden and her son in the past add intrigue to the story. The little town of Summer Harbor, Maine is idyllic and, as someone who has never visited that part of the country, gives me a glimpse into life in the Northeast.

And then there is the complex relationship between the three Callahan brothers and their aunt. The brothers care for each other. They also tease each other and get mad at each other but in the end, they’re family and they love each other.

This book, set mostly in the six weeks before Christmas, made me ready for the holiday season. So put on your cozy sweater and curl up in front of the fire as Eden and Beau fall in love.

I’m already looking forward to book two in the series and Zac’s story!

****Thomas Nelson Fiction provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Eden Martelli’s life just went from bad to worse. Danger has been stalking her and her mute son ever since her son witnessed the murder of his father. Fleeing WitSec when she witnesses the murders of their marshal protectors by another marshal, Eden heads to the one place she believes no one knows about, Loon Lake. Hours shy of her goal, her ancient car gives up the ghost and limps into the only garage in Summer Harbor, Maine. Half-frozen and hungry, Eden and Micah, her son, stumble into the local diner, only to be robbed of every piece of cash to her name. What else can go wrong? Desperate for a job and a place to stay, she walks five miles to the Callahan tree farm, the only place that’s hiring in the tiny town.
Former sheriff’s deputy, Beau Callahan came home after his father’s death to run the family Christmas tree farm. He’s a fixer and feels it’s his responsibility to keep the family’s main source of income going. When Eden – now going by Kate - shows up on his doorstep he turns her away saying he’d already filled the position. She leaves but, unable to face the five mile walk again with her already exhausted son, she breaks into the Callahan’s shed to give them at least a bit of shelter.
When Beau’s aunt falls and breaks a hip, he knows it will take a special kind of person to be her in-home caregiver. Knowing of no one in Summer Harbor who could willingly take on the task, he immediately thinks of “Kate”. He leaves to look for her in town but instead notices a broken window in his shed. He investigates and finds “Kate” and her son, “Jack” sheltering in the shed. After she explains their plight, Beau offers her the job of his aunt’s caregiver – pending a background check. She agrees, knowing she won’t be staying long enough for a background check to come through – especially since the information she gives him is false. The longer she stays, the more she trusts Beau but she has learned that even the most trustworthy man can become someone different if enough money is thrown his way.
The longer she stays, the closer the danger comes. Can Eden keep her secrets long enough to get away from those who want her dead? Will Beau and his friend the sheriff bring danger to their own doorstep? This was a bit of a departure from Hunter’s usual romances in that a strong element of suspense was thrown in to make it even more page-turning. Beau was an interesting character, by turns clueless (engaged to his brother’s “best friend”? I could see right away that THAT was a bad idea!) and entirely TOO perceptive. He manages to piece together the tiny tidbits that “Kate” lets slip into a whole that equals her true identity. When he realizes that his heart has turned from Paige to Eden he does the honorable thing and breaks things off with Paige. Can he convince Eden that both her physical safety and the safety of her heart can be placed in his keeping?
I definitely recommend Hunter’s latest offering and am looking forward to any new Summer Harbor installments.

this was one amazing read... I needed this book after the week I had. This book I will easily reread! This was such an amazing page turner. there was new love, facing fear and learning to trust again. Trust me when I say that I lost myself in the book since the first page. I would easily recommend this to anybody who needs more books to read!

Denise Hunter is one of my favorite Christian Fiction authors. I'm always on the lookout for the next new book from her. I've come to know exactly what I'm going to get from a Denise Hunter book and I am never disappointed.

Eden is on the run. We get bits and pieces of her story as things go along- in flashbacks mostly. Meanwhile Eden is trying to find work, hide her secrets and keep her son safe. It's a big burden to carry. Eden is a strong woman, afraid of the danger she's in, but not afraid to do what it takes to keep her son and herself safe. Eden doesn't trust though, understandably, which makes it really hard for the people who are trying to help and love her.

I liked Beau from the very beginning. He is protective and strong. He works hard and loves his family. He is everything a male hero lead should be. Beau is also a patient man and he works hard to help Eden, even when he doesn't understand.

This book was so easy to settle into. I read through it quickly and it ended before I was ready. I loved it and I cannot wait to see what comes next for the Callahan brothers! Today is release day for "Falling Like Snowflakes" so go pick up your copy today!

This is a clean romance. Christian Fiction. No swearing or sexual content. There is some mild violence. My thanks to the publisher, Thomas Nelson, for providing a copy of this book for review.

It is obvious from the beginning that Eden/Kate is running for her life and the life of her young son, Micah/Jack. Ms. Hunter does wonderful conveying the terrified and hopelessness that Eden finds herself in when she arrives reluctantly at Summer Harbor. It is only as the story unfolds that we find out the complete story. I enjoyed piecing the bits Eden/Kate let others know. I must admit that there are twists that I did not see coming until it was revealed.

I’m hoping that Beau is just the first of the Callahan brothers to get his story. He is the strong male leader of the family, but Miss Trudy is quite the force to be reckoned with crutches. He is admirable though not perfect. I like that the author allowed him to be normal with normal feelings and reactions. However, I did picture him as a young John Wayne. I also like the family dynamics between these brothers. They love, they fight but in the end they stand together.

I can hardly wait for Riley’s story now even though the book leaves him in Afghanistan, I know his heart is in Summer Harbor. Besides Zac needing a HEA, so does Aunt Trudy. I loved that she had an admirer, it lighten the story up some.

Most of all I appreciate the Christian aspects of this story without it being preachy. It is a well written book with wonderful main and supporting characters that remind us that God is still in control even when it seems the devil himself is after us.

Net Galley provided a copy.

I have been a fan of Denise Hunter's writing for years. In fact last year she wrote my favorite book in 2014, Dancing With Fireflies which is part of her Chapel Springs series. When she announced the new series I anxiously waited for the new release, but I must admit I wasn't in any way prepared for the heart grabbing story. this beautiful romance is interwoven with mystery and suspense. In this intriguing story characters find things more complicated than they ever imagined.
This story introduces us very complex characters with very real problems. It also broaches some very tough issues. Yet It also brings a message that anyone can relate to.
The author's ability to weave words together really bring the story to life. From page one I was pulled in and kept captivated until the last page. Eden's past surprised me on many levels, but all I could feel for her was empathy. She has a terrifying past that only a strong woman could endure. She is a good mother with only one thought in mind to protect her son and keep him safe. Beau is a wonderful leading man in this story and I fell a little in love with him. Of course behind the scene he is just a young man trying to navigate through grief at the loss of his parents. He recognizes Eden and her son in need of help, but has no idea the amount of baggage from the past they need help with. As important factors are brought to the surface Beau realizes that Eden needs his protection more than anything. This story reminded me that we are to always lean on God and pray for his guidance. We may not know what trials lay in front of us, but we need to remember to trust that he will see us through. This is a wonderful book that I would recommend to anyone. I did receive this book electronically through Netgalley for a honest opinion without bias or outside influence.

Eden and Beau make a wonderful couple with honest conflict keeping them apart. I love how Beau takes to her son and we see a gentle side to him. It also allowed us to see Eden begin to slowly trust again--it's one thing to trust her own heart with a man, but her son's heart? This dynamic allowed growth in their relationship that was authentic and sweet.

The other aspect I enjoyed was getting to know all the Callahans and catching the first glimpses of what is sure to be their stories. I like the slow build-up of the secondary characters as it makes me anticipate the arrival of their books as well.

All in all I highly recommend Falling Like Snowflakes. If you've come to love Hunter's books, you'll not be disappointed in this read. If she's new to you, you'll find yourself searching for other titles by her once you've finished.

This book is the beginning of series from Denise Hunter. I have loved every one of her books that I have read and this one was no exception. It's mystery with romance tossed in. Eden (who has changed her name to Kate) is running with her young son from men who want them dead due to her son witnessing his dad's murder. On their way to a friend's cabin (where she plans to hide) her car breaks down and leaves her stranded in a small town. Her belongings are stolen so she looks for work and a place to stay while waiting for her car to be repaired. They end up taking refuge at a Christmas tree farm where Eden is hired to care for an older woman recovering from a broken leg. Beau runs the farm and is the one who hired Eden. That's where the romance comes in. I will end my review here as I don't want to spoil things for anyone. I am looking forward to the next book in this series!

A wonderful start to a new series! An engaging, heartfelt story, characters with real issues, and some intense moments kept me reading on to see how it would end.

Loved the Chapel Springs series, so it was nice to recognize a few mentions of tie-over characters. The underlying faith message, and theme of handing your fear over to God was uplifting. A few sigh-worthy moments will please romance readers too. Descriptions of the beautiful Maine coastal setting make me want to go for a visit, and maybe stop for a bite to eat at Frumpy Joe's Diner along the way.

Look forward to reading more about the Callahan brothers in the next books of the series! Recommend for Christian romance fans who enjoy a little suspense mixed into the story.

(Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for the book provided in exchange for my honest review.)

Well written contemporary love story that kept me on the edge of my seat with its mix of romance and suspense. Loved this book!

I was really intrigued by the suspense plot in Denise Hunter's new book, Falling Like Snowflakes (A Summer Harbor Novel). I also had to be interested when one of the characters has the same name as me. :)

I enjoyed the setting of this book and the winter theme–despite the fact I was reading it in the middle of August. I felt myself drawn into the story and connecting with the characters.

I particularly enjoyed Eden's story and the mystery with it. I found myself wondering what she was running from.

I'm excited to read the next book in this series.

Such a great story! I seriously don't know how Eden kept it together in her dire circumstances. She is the consummate survivor and mama bear, doing whatever it takes to keep her son safe. Her past is revealed in bits and pieces so there is a feeling of suspense involved. Beau has a lot on his plate with his work, his family, and his love life. Even though it seems like he rescues Eden, she is also rescuing Beau's family during their own crisis. Their relationship is platonic since Beau is her employer and has a girlfriend (that his younger brother is suffering unrequited love for), but as they rely on each other their friendship grows and attraction flares. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this complicated story and seeing how things worked out. Beau and Eden are great together and I also can't wait to read the stories of his brothers since we got to know a little about their past and see the direction of their paths...

(Thank you to BookLook Bloggers and Thomas Nelson Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Satisfying romance, an intriguing love triangle, and an element of suspense that kept me turning pages late into the night. Another 5-star read from a talented author.

This is a story that will truly touch your heart like it did mine. Wonderful writing, a new series, but Denise Hunter is up there at the top of my list of great authors. Moving, emotional, and you truly feel the pain of our heroine. Excellent read!

Let Love Fall like Snowflakes
"Falling Like Snowflakes" by Denise Hunter is not a fuzzy frilly Christmas love story of how two people fell in love in time for Christmas. No. It is not. More like, it is not just that. This is a story of a mother's love, a son's ability to trust again and a born protector learning about what true love is. Reading this will evoke emotions. Emotions that jumps up at you and grabs hold.

I've never read anything from Denise Hunter, but that will change this day forward. I will look forward to her books, especially since I would love to continue reading additional Summer Harbor novels. And may I point out how ironic it is that it's the first book of the Summer Harbor series, and the setting and title suggest the ideal opposite of winter and snow? I just LOVE it. Speaking of which, the cover - it's like a slow, steady romance brewing in a time of hope and the ultimate love. It's perfect. Falling like Snowflakes - how one can slowly fall in love, and once fallen, it melts in your heart. So metaphorically beautiful. Am I thinking too much? Am I analyzing too much here? I don't know. I enjoyed this book in one sitting, at a cafe while on vacation. It was just suppose to be a break, before I head back on my exploring my old city, but I couldn't stop. The end.

What can I say about Eden and Beau? Eden is a great mom. Her protectiveness of Micah and herself jumps at me. Their past demons tightens my nerves as I fear for them. With Beau it took some time to warm up to the idea of him and Eden as he was in a relationship for a large portion of the novel. However, it allows for the emotional turmoil and confusion that we can read about. Micah was a wonderful and endearing addition to the novel, and it makes your heart warm loving this character. Aunt Trudy's feisty, hard on the outside, soft in the inside is one chuckle moment after the other. Riley, Zac and Paige are all great characters I hope to get to know more in future Summer Harbor novels.

The suspense aspect was unexpected, especially since my assumption was more on the line of a domestic violence type issue. So reading and falling in love with "Falling Like Snowflakes" was unexpected, unpredictable and unforeseen. In the end, as I turn off my e-reader, I took a breath and started thinking. In this novel, it provided us a wonderful example of what God's intervention is. It reminded me of Proverbs 16:9, 'In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.' That is how Eden made a stop at Summer Harbor. It is also the time of how they needed help with Aunt Trudy and the Callahan's tree farm needs a new website and the connections of Beau's previous employment at a deputy sheriff...etc. All those are examples of God's work, and it created a sense of peace in me as I sit at the cafe. If you're a newbie to Denise Hunter and you like clean romantic fiction, you have to add this to your must buy and must read list.

Released Date: September 8, 2015

NOTE: I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from the publisher, Thomas Nelson Fiction through Net Galley for an honest review.

A very nice start to a new series. Full of endearing characters , a well developed plot line and insightful writing . The author touches on key issues which many may relate to. Nice use of description in the book. It really helped me to picture the location and people. Also nice glimpse into the inner lives of characters. . Looking forward to more of the series.

Falling Like Snowflakes, by Denise Hunter, is a beautifully written story bursting with heart-pounding anticipation and fascinating characters. I was easily caught up in this whirlwind of mystery and romance. It’s one of those can’t-put-it-down books. The story captured my attention from the very start and didn’t have a single lapse.

She’d thought they were safe before. She’d let her guard down, and look what had happened. She was beginning to think safety—freedom—was an illusion.

Eden Martelli is an interesting woman with a depth and determination that pushes her to flee a dangerous past to give her and her son, Micah, a chance at a normal life. But when her path leads her to an unexpected pit stop in Summer Harbor, Maine, she fears her plans will be foiled if she fully trusts the kindness of the townsfolk of the quaint town. Namely, Beau Callahan, the handsome co-owner of the town’s Christmas Tree Farm, and former town’s deputy.

This story is so layered and satisfying. Ms. Hunter hit it out of the park with this intriguing, mysterious, heart-touching story. I cannot wait for book two in The Summer Harbor series.

Thank you to Booklook and NetGalley for providing me review copies of this book.

5 Big Stars!

Cover: Love Title: Love Publisher: Thomas Nelson Pages: 346 Pace: Steady/fast First Line: It was amazing, the depth of courage a mother could find when the life of her child was on the line.

I think Denise Hunter is just getting better and better with every book. This story is one of a bit of suspense and intrigue, but with deep truths about a mother's love and protection of her child. I loved how it did not shy away from the truth of forgiveness, but at the same time, acknowledged the real life that you have to separate from dangerous people.

The lack of communication is throughout this story, which is considerably like real life. It frustrates you, yet you long to see the resolution. I will be looking for and purchasing each one of the books in this series.

This book was provided by NetGalley and publisher for review. The opinions contained herein are my own.

Falling Like Snowflakes is Denise Hunter's best! This book was intense, with much more mystery and drama than previous books. The romance was sweet, and the characters are well crafted. Denise very kindly gives a glimpse at future stories in this new series, and I am eager for the next book.

This story reminded me a little of the classic (to our family, anyway) Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, A Season for Miracles. There was plenty of suspense, and I was hooked from the opening sentences.

Our heroine has been abused. She’s strong and determined to launch a new beginning for herself and her son, and there are very few people she can trust. She strives for safety, but can’t find it anywhere. Even if readers haven’t experienced physical danger to the extent of this character, they’ll probably relate to wanting to feel completely safe and never quite feeling it.

The hero isn’t so sure about this whole Christmas-without-his-parents thing. But having the rest of his family, and the heroine around, helps. He’s a suspicious ex-cop who has reason to question the heroine’s life and story. I enjoyed watching them interact knowing both their secrets.

I’ve enjoyed Denise’s Summer Harbor series. Looking forward to her new book.