Well with Christmas under out belts there is time for the review of one more seasonal themed book. Snowflake Sweethearts by Carrie Turansky was a great book for a taste of Christmas. A single mom returns to Fairhaven, Washington just in time to help where she is greatly needed in the home of a past friend (Alex Jameson, who she had a secret love for) and his suddenly ill grandmother (Irene, owner of Jameson’s Bakery). With daughter Emma (age 5) in tow, Annie Romano has her own skeletons in the closet to deal with as she helps Alex return to his faith and Irene embrace the healthier lifestyle her heart attack has necessitated.

So with romance and healing hearts there is a bakery to save, friendships to grown and pasts to reconcile with. My only dispute with this book is Annie’s views on believing in fantasy. I understand that Santa, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy are all a financial burden but her needs to say truth is an absolute must with raising children and that to let them have that fantasy was to lie to them was a bit extreme to me.

Otherwise, I found this to be a lovely emotional journey of two people who need to learn to let go of the past and grasp the future with both hands, uncertainty and all. I do so enjoy a romantic Christmas story. 

I seem to have slipped completely into the world of the Love Inspired series of romances. Rocky Mountain Hero by Audra Harders is another in the Heartwarming Inspirational Romance line. A lovely combination of romance and faith. It IS a tiny bit formulaic for the genre (which is to be expected). But I really enjoy that aspect when I am looking for a light afternoon read while I craft…

Some of the same ingredients as previous library finds – a single mom with child (in this case a son), manages to get herself into a bind (this time vehicle issues). The only person around to help her out, handsome and SINGLE man (here a rancher who is over worked) who has a problem only she can help with (the planning of a town barbeque).

The faith is actually obvious from the get go. This is a book full of people who believe in prayer and good works. So if you are not interested in a very Christian romance this could be a pass for you. The characters are endearing and beyond the original issue there are other issues that are equally interesting to iron out. The location is described beautifully and the ending is lovely with all the loose ends wrapped up nicely.

Basically, are you looking for a nice, sweet romance with faith, challenge and a wee bit of adventure on a ranch? Well then this is the one for you!