Wow! RaeAnne Thayne really hit it out of the park with this novel! Snow Kissed is that perfect cozy Christmas romance that gives those Hallmark Christmas movie vibes. Holly and Ryan's story has a depth and realism that readers will appreciate. You will not want to put this book down until you are finished.

In Snow Kissed Thayne takes readers back to the beloved town of Shelter Springs. Readers are introduced to Holly Goodwin and Ryan Caldwell (along with some special appearances by other beloved townspeople). Holly is tasked with the job of doing flowers for her ex-husband's sister's wedding, and allowing her precious five year old to be the flower girl. She needs a date and fast! Enter next, navy pilot Ryan Caldwell who is in town watching his niece. Overcoming family challenges of his own, these two dynamic, caring, and giving individuals will find love when they least expect it. Thayne expertly weaves their stories together with grace and sensitivity that will have readers eagerly turning the pages of this cozy, Christmas romance.

Another great story.

Ryan is at a crossroads and Holly is in need of a date. I really enjoyed the development of the romance between these two characters. This story has a lot of redemption arcs buried in it and it was great to see so many seeing the error of their ways.

I can't wait to see what she brings us next.

I love a good Christmas book, especially when it’s hotter than an arm pit outside. Snow Kissed is that sweet book that should be a wholesome movie. I’d watch it every year.

Holly is a single mom to Lydia, a 5 year old with special needs. She’s been mostly a single mom with no help from her ex husband. She meets Ryan, and together they plot a fake dating scheme.

Holly is a great mom, and I enjoyed the scenes with Lydia. I do feel like she was a doormat to her ex husband and his former affair partner/young wife. There’s a line between being a healthy coparent and giving too much. Don’t set yourself on fire to keep others warm.

Ryan’s character is one I absolutely loved. Some people want to find real life men from Fourth Wing or Colleen Hoover books. I just want a Ryan.

I received this ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.

Snow Kissed by RaeAnne Thayne. I loved this sweet holiday romance. Sometimes life gives you what you never knew you wanted or needed at a pivotal point. Curl up and grab this book and enjoy. Thank you to#NetGalley and #Harlequin Trade Publishing for this Arc. This is my honest review. Releases Oct 7,2025

What a magical book! This book is brimming with Christmas Spirit. It has two delightful children. There’s angst and worry, but a big does of the Christmas spirit of forgiveness, trust and hope. I absolutely adored this book. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. RaeAnne is one of my favorite authors, but this was a bit disappointing, sorry, it did have some of the characters from previous books, I know it was supposed two be a feel good book but I got lost where it was just slow. Holly, Ryan it was just blah. I'm sorry we had other characters and then they just went away.sorry just not the best book

Another amazing book by raeanne Thayne. I love Christmas books and this was that plus a little bit of romance. I definitely recommend this book

Snow Kissed by RaeAnne Thayne is the kind of cozy, heartfelt Christmas romance that makes you want to curl up with a mug of something warm, a soft blanket, and a few hours of uninterrupted peace. Huge thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press and NetGalley for my gifted ARC. This one completely swept me up in its charm—from the very first fake boyfriend fib to the final snowy kiss under the twinkle lights of Shelter Springs.

Holly Moore is a single mom doing her best to hold it all together. Between running her flower shop during the busiest time of the year and raising her daughter Lydia, who has special needs, she doesn’t exactly have time for love—or drama. But when her ex-husband’s sister decides to get married and makes Lydia the flower girl, Holly finds herself roped back into a family dynamic she’s tried hard to move past. So, she tells a little white lie. A tiny one. She has a boyfriend. Totally made up, but still. It buys her some time, or so she thinks.

Enter Ryan Caldwell. Former Navy pilot. New guy in town. Temporarily playing uncle-of-the-year to his niece Audrey while her mom gets help. He’s not looking to put down roots, and he’s certainly not interested in becoming someone’s fake boyfriend for a wedding full of strangers. But the thing about Holly is—she has this quiet strength, a spark he didn’t expect. And when she asks, he says yes. Just for the weekend. Just to keep things simple. (Famous last words.)

What I loved about Snow Kissed is how it balances warm, festive charm with emotional weight. It’s full of sweet holiday scenes—tree decorating, Christmas parades, snowball fights—but it’s also grounded in real struggles. Holly is fiercely protective of her daughter, still healing from the emotional mess left behind by her ex. Ryan’s dealing with the fallout of a fractured relationship with his own father, not to mention the weight of military service and stepping into a caregiver role for a child who isn’t his.

And yet, despite the complexity, the story never feels heavy. Thayne’s writing has this effortless warmth to it. Her dialogue is crisp and often funny. There’s a wit to Holly—dry, self-aware, not over the top—and Ryan plays off that energy with a quiet, reluctant charm. Their chemistry is more slow burn than sizzle, but it simmers beautifully beneath the surface. And the fake dating trope? Classic, but it works. Especially when it turns into real hand-holding, real feelings, and that moment when you realize neither of them is pretending anymore.

One of my favorite things about this book is how Holly and Ryan aren’t just falling in love with each other—they’re both stepping into better versions of themselves. There’s growth here, not just romance. Holly has to let herself be seen again, after years of putting everyone else first. Ryan learns how to stay, how to soften, how to open up in ways he’s never allowed before. Watching them navigate that together was one of the most rewarding parts of the story.

Also, can we talk about Lydia and Audrey? These two kids absolutely steal the show. Their scenes are some of the most touching and funny in the book. Lydia’s confidence and Audrey’s vulnerability give the story an extra layer of heart. Their presence raises the stakes in a way that never feels forced—they’re not just plot devices, they’re full characters who matter.

Favorite quote? Easy: “Sometimes the people who walk into your life unexpectedly end up staying the longest.” That one stuck with me because it captures the entire spirit of the book. Love shows up when you least expect it. Sometimes disguised as a fake date for your ex’s family wedding.

There’s no steam in this romance, but it doesn’t need it. The intimacy comes through in the conversations, the glances, the quiet moments of care. If you’re a fan of clean romance that still delivers on emotional payoff, this one hits all the right notes.

Is it a little predictable? Sure. But that’s part of the comfort. You go into a RaeAnne Thayne book knowing you’re going to get a happy ending, and that’s what makes the journey there so enjoyable. The characters struggle, grow, and earn their joy—and that payoff is what makes this more than just a holiday fluff piece. It’s the emotional honesty wrapped up in tinsel and snowflakes that makes it special.

This is a perfect pick for anyone who loves small-town holiday stories, fake dating that turns real, single mom heroines, and emotionally available (if initially reluctant) military men. Snow Kissed is exactly the kind of story that reminds you why we love reading holiday romances: for the joy, the healing, and the reminder that sometimes love comes when you stop looking and just start living.

Snow Kissed brings all of the heart-warming, Hallmark vibes, to the Christmas holiday. Thayne creates the perfect romance, with circumstances that set-up a fake relationship, that quickly evolves into much more than the FMC and MMC expected. I enjoyed the dual POVs, because I always love seeing the romance from both sides of the characters that are involved in the relationship.

I started off a bit hesitant with the first chapter, because a lot of characters were initially introduced, but once I settled into the story, I felt they worked well in the small town setting. I thought Thayne added a great balance to the romantic relationship, with the main characters struggling through some tough family relationships and situations. The FMC is very likable, and I loved how Thayne showed her integrity and compassion, while also showing her self doubts and caution with a new relationship.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
* Grumpy/Sunshine
* Dual POVs
* Small Town
* Military MMC
* Single Mom
* Special Needs Representation
* Fake Relationship
* Family Reconciliation

𝐈𝐬 𝐈𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐲?
🥶 (No)

If you're looking for a cozy read, that brings all of the heartwarming vibes to your holiday TBR, then I would definitely recommend Snow Kissed.

2.5 rounded up.

While cute, this was not for me.

Although I was rooting for Holly and Ryan, it did not pull me in. It moved too slowly and have a lack of energy.

However, I can see how this cozy slow burn would be a perfect Christmas read for some.

Thank you to Net Galley, Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press and RaeAnne Thayne for this ARC.

I love RaeAnne Thayne books, have read them all. this is a sweet christmas story, it was a quick read, enjoyed it very much.

I’ve read RaeAnne Thayne books for around 14 years and I enjoy them very much! This book was perfect for Christmas in July. It’s been so hot and humid here lately so this is a perfect getaway!

RaeAnne Thayne is an auto buy author for me. I was so pleased to get her latest, Snow Kissed. I loved it! It’s available this fall and is one you won’t want to miss!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/Canary Street Press for an advance reader ebook of Snow Kissed by RaeAnne Thayne to review. RaeAnne is one of my favorite authors, and I look forward to all her books. Snow Kissed is set in the fictional town of Shelter Springs, where some of Thayne's other Christmas novels are set, and divorced single mom, florist Holly Moore, is busier than ever this Christmas season. Her former sister-in-law is getting married and as well as having Holly do the flowers for the wedding, she asked for Lydia, Holly's daughter, to be flower girl. Adding to the discomfort for Holly, is that her ex-husband and his new wife & baby son will also be there.

On top of the wedding situation for Holly, one of her employees, Kim, is going to rehab, and Kim's brother, Ryan Caldwell, is coming to town to take care of Kim's daughter, Audrey. Sparks fly when handsome Navy pilot Ryan meets Holly, and her twin sister talks him into being Holly's date for the wedding. Neither Holly nor Ryan are looking to meet their soul mate, but magic happens at Christmas in Shelter Springs. It is a lovely story told with all the heart and romance I have come to expect from a Thayne novel. I highly recommend!

4.5 Stars. Single mom Holly Goodwin is struggling this holiday season, preparing for the wedding of her ex-in-laws, in which her daughter Lydia is the flower girl. Ryan Caldwell is spending the holiday season in Shelter Springs caring for his niece, and soon Ryan and Holly strike up a deal—she’ll help him give his niece the perfect Christmas if he attends the wedding as her plus-one.

I love how this book revisits Shelter Springs, the setting of two of RaeAnne Thayne’s other books, and I enjoyed the familiar locations and characters that make an appearance in this story. Shelter Springs is the epitome of the perfect Christmas town, so this book delivers those warm, Hallmark-esque vibes with plenty of snow, holiday activities, and Christmas cheer. Beyond the heart-warming holiday tale, this book also tackles some more serious topics, and shows different (and sometimes difficult) family dynamics through both Holly’s and Ryan’s families. This is a must-read for the holiday season, so get ready to curl up by your Christmas tree with a warm beverage and this book in hand!

Thank you to NetGalley and Canary Street Press for my gifted digital copy!

This was a sweet fake relationship turned romance that will give you the heartwarming feelings from start to finish. Holly & Ryan's pull was so magnetic, no matter how hard they tried to avoid it. This book has heat, humor, friendship, loyalty, a dash of drama, family, and has two fantastic tropes: single parent & holiday romance.

This book was EVERYTHING I want in a cozy holiday romance. It’s sweet, heartfelt, and full of that small town Christmas charm that makes you want to curl up with hot cocoa and twinkly lights.

Holly completely stole my heart. She’s this strong, kind single mom trying to juggle her flower shop during the busiest time of the year, raising her daughter (who has special needs; loved the thoughtful, authentic rep here), and dealing with a complicated past she didn’t create. My heart broke for her, but I also adored her strength and how much love she poured into everything she did.

And Ryan? UGH. He’s the perfect Hallmark MMC; kind, steady, just a little broody, and he falls for Holly in the softest, sweetest way. Their fake dating arrangement for her ex’s family wedding was adorable, and watching them slowly grow closer felt like being wrapped in a warm blanket. Bonus points for his bond with the kids. Seriously, my heart MELTED.

This is one of those romances that’s predictable in the best way because you know you’re getting a happily ever after, but the journey there is full of heart, redemption, and that magical Christmas feeling. It’s wholesome, emotional, and absolutely perfect for anyone who wants a cozy holiday escape.

If you love fake dating, single mom FMCs, and Hallmark level holiday vibes, Snow Kissed needs to be at the top of your Christmas TBR.

Thank you to NetGalley, RaeAnne Thayne, and Canary Street Press for the eARC of this book.

Holy Hallmark movie magic! I absolutely loved this book. It follows a single mom, Holly, and her daughter with special needs (you don’t find out exactly what the diagnosis is until about halfway through the story). Holly is juggling the demands of motherhood and running her own business during the busy Christmas season—all while facing the emotional weight of her past. The cause of her struggles stems from drug abuse, though not from Holly herself.

This was such a heartwarming and wholesome read, full of love, redemption, and the cozy charm of the holidays. A total 5-star read for me!

4.5 stars rounded up.
As a person who reads, minimum, 25 Christmas romances a year I can wholeheartedly recommend Snow Kissed as one of the best. It is so heartwarming and makes it impossible to not get into the Christmas spirit. Holly is such a kind spirited woman and Ryan is a wonderful man who really grows into himself over the course of the story. I love the details about side characters and the interconnectedness of complex families. Alongside actual families, found family and creating community are incredibly present plot points. I am sold on RaeAnne Thayer and suggest anyone considering a holiday romance this year to add to their list immediately. Several times over, thank you to NetGalley for the arc!

This was a good relatively quick holiday read. It was very comfy and had a HEA. Holly is so sweet almost too nice honestly and I feel like Ryan grew a lot in the short timeline of the book.❄️📚

My biggest complaint is I wish I could have seen more of their relationship growth after Christmas but I get that it was a Christmas book.🎄

3.75🌟
no spice

Tropes:
*fake dating
*he falls first
*Christmas
*cozy vibes
*DS representation