Review: Snowed In by Catherine Walsh
“‘Is this going to be the stupidest thing either of us has ever done?’...’I guess we’ll find out.’”
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The Basics
Title: Snowed In (Fitzpatrick Christmas #2)
Author: Catherine Walsh
Published: 2023
Publisher: Bookouture – Hachette UK
Pages: 336
Format: Paperback
Genres: Fiction — Contemporary fiction, Holiday, Romance, Holiday romance, Contemporary romance
Book Synopsis
It’s been five years since Megan O’Sullivan fled from her own wedding, leaving behind not only her groom but also her small Irish hometown. Branded the town pariah, she hasn’t set foot in the village since that fateful day, and were it not for her mother’s request that she come home this year for the holidays, she’d prefer to keep it that way. She dreads the thought of returning home and having to face everyone, especially her ex, Isaac.
But then, she runs into – quite literally – Christian Fitzpatrick. The last time she saw him, she was dressed in white and making a beeline for a cab. He’s from the same town and equally unthrilled about returning to it. He’s tired of his family’s pitying looks while he sits all alone at the Christmas dinner table, and he’d do anything to be spared from them, which is why he asks Megan to be his fake girlfriend for the holidays. The way he sees it, it’s a win-win for both of them. He avoids being the pitiable bachelor, and she doesn’t have to face the town, including Isaac, alone.
It's a seemingly perfect plan, but as the pair soon learns, few things in life go according to plan. An unexpected snowstorm sees them hunkered down in a cabin together, and before long, some irrefutably un-fake feelings begin to surface.
My Review & Overall Thoughts
TLDR: A cozy holiday romcom perfect for curling up with on a chilly winter night.
When it comes to holiday romance novels, Snowed In has the trifecta: a cozy setting, a swoon-worthy romance, and a happy ending. It is both escapist and delightful, leaving you with a smile on your face and a touch more seasonal cheer in your step. It lifts your spirits, holiday and otherwise.
The story’s greatest appeal – and biggest mood booster – is the romance between Megan and Christian. It features two of the genre’s greatest hits: fake dating and forced proximity. Plus, there’s plenty of banter, tension, and chemistry, and there’s even a steamy scene or two. What’s not to love? It’s fairly obvious from the get-go how things will pan out, but rather than detract from the reading experience, it enhances it. Instead of worrying over the question of will they or won’t they, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey, safe in the knowledge that everything will work out.
Further enriching their romance is its backdrop: rural Ireland. While the book (post-prologue) opens in Dublin, the bulk of the story is set in a quaint village, the type of place where everyone knows everyone and secrets are synonymous with wishful thinking. Of particular note within the town is the Fitzpatricks’ house; it’s cozy chaos at its finest. It reminds me of my own family’s home at the holidays: too many people, too few rooms, but no shortage of good times or delicious food. And let’s not forget about the mountainside cabin where Megan and Christian eventually find themselves snowed in (I had to sneak in at least one title reference) – you’d be hard-pressed to write a more romantic setting.
Bringing these various places to life are the characters. From Christian, the charming and handsome male lead, to Megan, the all-too-relatable leading lady, to the colorful cast of townspeople, the characters are the heart and soul of this book, imbuing the story with humor and warmth. The plot and setting might draw you in, but it’s the characters that keep you coming back for more.
The narrative style certainly helps, too. Written in the first person and present tense, the book is inherently immersive, allowing you to see events unfold in real time. What’s more, the story features a dual point of view, with chapters alternating between Christian and Megan’s perspectives. In addition to facilitating an equal understanding of both characters, this shared narration lets us experience both sides of their love story: we see each of them fall in love with the other.
The Not-So-Good
The title is a bit misleading. Given that the book is called Snowed In, I made the fairly reasonable assumption that the snowed-in incident would be a prominent part of the story, but, alas, it was not. Christian and Megan do not become snowbound until approximately the final quarter of the book. So, despite its name, Snowed In is not primarily about a snowed-in couple; rather, it’s about two people who share a multitude of experiences, including but not limited to being snowed in together.
Overall
If you are looking for a low-stakes, enjoyable holiday romance, look no further. Snowed In brings all the cozy, festive vibes, plus a heavy dash of humor and a dollop of heart.
Have you read Snowed In? If so, share your thoughts with me in the comments section!
-Julia
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