Saturday, February 22, 2025

A Pen Pal for Christmas by Jess Mastorakos


Synopsis:

A secret pen pal exchange, a holiday romance, and a danger they never saw coming.

Snow Hill is the perfect place for a holiday escape, and for Sofia, it’s the ultimate refuge from the drama back home. With her brother thriving in this charming Christmas town, the last thing she wants is to disrupt it with her own troubles. Determined to focus on the festive magic, she throws herself into a new holiday a secret pen pal exchange designed to spread joy around town.

After a devastating loss while stationed overseas, Hudson is more than ready to spend Christmas in Snow Hill. He's hoping the place where he spent his childhood will help him find peace, but then his well-meaning Aunt Ida signs him up for the holiday pen pal exchange to cheer him up. Hudson doubts it will lead to much more than a few lighthearted letters, but for his aunt, he reluctantly agrees.

As the holiday season unfolds, Sofia and Hudson connect with their anonymous pen pals on paper. At the same time, their real-life paths keep crossing, and the sparks between them are undeniable. But when the danger from Sofia's past creeps into Snow Hill's festive bubble, can they find a way to protect each other—and the love they’ve begun to find?

My Review: 5 Stars

There's no better feeling than opening up a much anticipated book and being instantly transported to one of your favorite fictional places. A place where the world around you ceases to exist and, just for a little while, you can forget all your worries and just live in the moment with some of your favorite characters. These moments and books are ones I will always treasure.

Sofia and Hudson are something special. From the moment they met, there was a connection that went far beyond attraction. Something between them just clicked and everything grew from there. You can't help but love them and their relationship. They helped each other to see themselves how the other one sees them. They lifted each other up when they were down. They loved each other unconditionally and were by each others side when they needed it the most. I simply adored these two and loved watching them get there HEA. Everything about this book was perfection and had this girl letting out all the little dreamy sighs.

I absolutely adore the small town of Snow Hill and everyone in it. Watching old friends rally behind Sofia and Hudson had my heart smiling. And meeting new friends who did the same? Absolute perfection. I'm counting down the months until Jamie's book is released. I can't wait to return to Snow Hill. 

One of my favorites genres is romantic suspense and y'all. Ms. Mastorakos nailed it! This book has more suspense than what she normally writes and I'm crossing my fingers that more of her books are like this one! It was fantastic! I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!

As for my casting. Y'all. This is definitely one of my favorites! I love these two! What do you think?


Snowed In for Christmas by Jess Mastorakos


Synopsis:

Tommy has found a haven as a police officer in Snow Hill, a town wrapped in the warmth of community and brimming with Christmas cheer. He's ready to build a life in a place that matches the values he was brought up with, but then a vibrant travel writer disrupts his peaceful world, hooking him in from the very start. Unfortunately, his new home is nothing more than a stopover for her.

Grace's mantra is embrace the journey, relish the experiences... and then drift off to the next destination. She's never experienced the things Snow Hill holds dear, but as bonds with new friends begin to draw her in and a handsome local cop starts to break down her walls, Grace is forced to reconsider everything she knows about what she wants.

And when the blizzard of the century envelops the town, Grace, Tommy, and way too many other people find themselves trapped inside the cozy confines of the Snow Hill Inn. If it were simply about working together to keep everyone safe and warm, it might've turned into a fun night. But as a new threat emerges from within, can Grace and Tommy survive the danger that's been hiding in plain sight all along?

My Review: 5 Stars

Confession. I've been in a bit of a reading rut lately. I've reread some of my old favorites, but nothing seemed to call to me. When I finally decided what I was in the mood for, I knew exactly what book I wanted to start with. And in my opinion, it was absolute perfection! 

From the moment I picked up Grace and Tommy's story, I was transported back to Snow Hill and all the magic this small town possesses. I just couldn't wait to watch their story unfold. And oh what a story it was! 

I quickly fell in love with all things Grace and Tommy. It wasn't hard to root for these two. They both had a fun, easy going vibe that made it easy to relate to them. Watching their attraction turn into friendship and then into love melted my heart. Add to that some sizzling chemistry and these two were absolutely perfect for each other. I couldn't help but let out all kinds of dreamy sighs. 

One of my favorite things about series is catching up with old friends and meeting new ones. From the moment Sofia was introduced, I knew I was going to love her. She was the perfect addition to this small town and I can't wait to dive into her book next. I see someone pretty dang special in store for her. 

I know I've said this so many times but y'all. If you haven't read any of Ms. Mastorakos' books then you are most definitely missing out! I have adored every single book I have read. There's a reason she's one of my favorite authors. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next! 

As for my casting... I have one word. Love! What do you think?