Snowed In by Catherine Walsh

5 Stars Dec 29, 2024

My review

5/5 stars

Megan ran away from her wedding 4 years ago and hasn't been home since. Christian is fed up of the pity party his family throw him every year he comes home for Christmas without a partner. They decide to help each other out by pretending to date for the holidays.

Both Megan and Christian were really likeable characters. Megan was vulnerable, but not overly so - she had enough confidence to push out of her comfort zone when the need arose. Christian was incredibly supportive and warm. I really enjoyed their slow-burn fake-dating build-up - it felt plausible and cosy. This was seriously aided by the lack of drama between them; a lot of stories of this nature involve some massive bust-up or huge misunderstanding between the main characters before everything gets resolved, but this was clean, calm and mature throughout. It really helped me connect to the characters on a different level.

Speaking of characters, the family and friend units that were built around Megan and Christian really made the story feel complete for me. They were clearly both members of very loving family units, despite their reluctance to go home for Christmas, and I enjoyed reading about their family dynamics on the same level that I enjoyed the romance. Hannah and Andrew were particular favourites, but Aidan grew on me over the course of the story as well.

I was surprised by the darker turn that the story took in the second half of the book, but it did feel well-handled and was used as a tool of empowerment for Megan rather than something that made the story feel unpalateable or challenging to read. It's a fine line to walk with such subject matter and the author did it well (in my opinion).

This book was festive (without having Christmas rammed down your throat), cosy, romantic, empowering and lovely.

Book blurb

Megan is dreading going home for the holidays. She’s the village pariah, the she-devil who left local golden boy Isaac at the altar four years ago and ran away to the big city. She could really do without the drama. Particularly as he’s engaged again, and she’s just been dumped for the fourth time this year.

Christian’s fed up of being on his own every Christmas. He doesn’t mind being alone, but he hates his family’s sad eyes and soft tones as they sit around coupled up. Because he’s actually, totally, fine.

So when Megan literally bumps into Christian in a Dublin pub, they come up with a pact to see them through the holiday season. They’re going to be the very best fake dates for each other, ever.

Rules are drawn up, a contract is signed on a wine-stained napkin. They will sit through each other’s family gatherings and be outrageously in love until freed from their annual obligations. After all, it’s only for a few weeks.

But with everyone home for the holidays, two big families to deal with alongside old friends, old flames and old feelings, things are bound to get messy. And when a snowed-in cabin and a little Christmas magic are added to the mix, anything could happen…