Joanne DeMaio is well known for her beach reads, but for me she is a new author.
I must admit she is also one I will be reading more of.
I saw several people on Facebook recommend her books and I must admit her book covers look so inviting. She has recently released what one might call a Christmas collection, Wishing on Snowflakes.
So turn the page and
open the decorated door onto a storybook New England town ... where
candlelit homes and cozy shops are aglow with comfort and joy. And where
wishes on snowflakes really do come true.Snowflakes and Coffee Cakes: Vera Sterling, while restoring a historical house and old Christmas barn in her cherished Connecticut hometown, finds herself falling for tragedy-scarred Derek Cooper. When a blizzard strikes, will all be made right on a stormy winter's night? An enchanting novel about love, family, and the delicate power of snowflakes.
Snow Deer and Cocoa Cheer: Along the snow-dusted streets of quaint Addison, Jane March and Wes Davis open their hearts to the magic and possibility of the season. A charming tale about a greeting card designer who's lost her jingle, and a jilted mailman whose cold winter heart is about to thaw.
Published
October 4th 2016
Available for Purchase:
Meet the Author:
JOANNE DEMAIO is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author
of contemporary fiction. She enjoys writing about friendship, family,
love and choices, while setting her stories in New England towns or by
the sea. Joanne lives with her family in Connecticut and is currently at
work on her next novel. Her latest books include BEACH BLUES; THE DENIM
BLUE SEA; and WISHING ON SNOWFLAKES, a keepsake Christmas collection.
Connect Online:
My Thoughts:
This book is actually a great combination of two novels.
In my opinion, perfect!
Each story centers around the small town of Addison, Connecticut and takes place in the fall of the year. Each story is easily a stand alone, but when put together they bring so much more Christmas cheer. I loved how I could read one book and then head right back to the same town and characters the very next Christmas season and catch up on the characters in the next book. As I started reading I found myself thinking " What would it be like to live in Addison?" I was immediately drawn into each story and the characters.
Vera Sterling has returned home in February for her sister's wedding. Unknown to her family Vera has lost her job in Boston and is at a crossroads of her life, but one look at an old Dutch Colonial and the Christmas Barn she is flooded with childhood memories. Her trip down memory lane and the longing for a home clutches her heart and she makes a decision that will change her life.
7 months later she finds herself still without a job, but now the owner of that Dutch Colonial she visited in February that holds so many good memories. On problem it's rundown since the previous owners move to Florida and definite renovations are not just needed but a necessity.
Luckily Cooper Hardware is just down the street and the proprietor's son, Derek, is willing to help out as needed. Just one problem renovations cost money so she is in search of a job at the local newspaper.
One year later, Jane March finds herself back home in Addison living with her mom after an accident. Jane works for Cobblestone Cards as a designer so being off work for 6 weeks is not good. First, the manger has already told her he needs new designs and jingles from her, but it seems like she's lost her creativity. So even if she's on a medical leave it will be a working leave of absence. How does one go about getting her spark back? Her mother gives her a list of 10 items to accomplish that will get her involved in celebrating the Christmas season and at the same time reconnect with her creativity.
Each story brings a different aspect of the Christmas season. Each plot is sweet and flows effortlessly. This is an endearing collection that brings beautiful imagery, engaging characters, romantic tension and lots of holiday cheer. The secondary characters are well integrated. The author weaves words together that evoke many emotions, from laughter to tears. Some books you like, but this collection swallowed me heart and soul.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story with a holiday twist.
*I received this book from the author for a honest opinion without bias or outside influence. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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