Snowfall on Cedar Trail: Two full books for the price of one
4.5
15
5
1
Paperback(Mass Market Paperback)
USD
8.09
$8.09
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781538714027 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Grand Central Publishing |
| Publication date: | 09/24/2019 |
| Series: | Sweetwater Springs Series , #3 |
| Pages: | 720 |
| Sales rank: | 43,202 |
| Product dimensions: | 4.10(w) x 6.70(h) x 1.20(d) |
About the Author
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Snowfall on Cedar Trail: Two full books for the price of one
4.4 out of 5
based on
0 ratings.
23 reviews.
 |
Halona has lived in Sweetwater Springs for years – and now with her young son reeling (and not talking) after the death of his father, she feels more protective than ever of him. Vowing to swear off men, dating and above all the attraction that she’s had for years to the town’s police chief and older brother’s best friend Alex, she’s not too happy that he and Theo get on so well. And perhaps she’s still angry with Alex for arresting her then ex-husband for abuse, when she’s never told anyone the whole story of their relationship. But Theo lights up every time Alex appears, and has even uttered his first word in a couple of years. Yes, it was just one word, but Halona is hoping that whatever Theo is hiding behind with not speaking will come to light.
Alex has known about Halona forever, as the little sister of his best friend, he’s always been protective. Like he is with most of the town, to some’s dismay as he’s taking formerly accepted acts (the spiking of the punch at town events) into a more serious light, and everyone is thinking that he’s lost the ‘touch’ of his humanity. To be honest, this is a small town who cares for it’s residents and people in trouble, and most of the ‘bad acts’ with a few learned of in earlier books, are harmless, or the perpetrators are being rehabilitated. Adding to the stress of the upcoming holidays is Alex’s single long cold case – the hit and run driver who killed his father when he was young. He’s got suspects, no evidence, and a worry that one of the women in the community is too afraid to speak up about her home situation.
So we have a woman full of love and heart and a man too worried for everyone else to let small things slide. Halona and Alex are perfect for one another, and Theo adores him: as does most of Haona’s family. But they know not to push, and no one fully understands Halona’s anger with Alex over the arrest of Theo’s father. It will take a secret shared with Alex by Theo to open the doors and quickly slam them shut, an abused community member finally recognizing the help being offered, and her own courage to allow Alex to solve the cold case of his father’s murder and allow Halona and Alex the closure on old issues they needed to have the conversation that will spark their relationship from “what might have been” to full -on commitment and happily ever after. This series is lovely, with Rains taking solemn and serious issues and presenting them with a new twist, to show that hope, sharing and very often, time, will allow people to move forward to a new and happier life. Inclusion of town residents, recipes and events show the little town as one full of second chances and caring, and a wonderful place to spend time in as you read.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
|
|
Theo totally steals the show in this installment of Annie Rains fun Sweetwater Springs novels. He is the perfect holiday elf as he brings Halona and Alex together; though the cute puppy certainly helps, too. This series keeps getting better and I am all in.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel.
|
|
Despite everything going on in this story, it works very well. Getting past old hurts and painful doubts these two wonderful characters still find each other. AND it's a holiday story! Can't be that. PLUS a bonus story.
|
|
I love romance novels set around Thanksgiving/Christmas. I always get in the holiday mood while reading them. So, when I saw the Annie Rains had another book set around Thanksgiving/Christmas, I knew that I had to read it. I am glad that I did!! Because of this book, I was in the holiday mood for days.
The plotline for Snowfall on Cedar Trail was medium paced. The medium pace of the plotline worked for me. If the book had been faster-paced, an essential part of the plotline would have been glossed over.
I liked Halona. She was doing everything she could to run her business and get her son the help he needed. There was no place in her life for romance, which I understand. I thought her crush on Alex was cute. But she was wary of getting involved with him. I thought it was because of Theo’s issues, but then there was another reason why. That reason broke my heart when it was revealed. It also reinforced, in my eyes, how strong she was and had to be.
I loved Alex. He took his job as police chief seriously. When the book started, he was trying to help a battered woman leave her husband. He had also reopened his father’s cold case, trying to see if there were any new clues about his death. Then, while checking on the battered woman, he takes an abused puppy from her husband. On top of that, he had agreed to become a mentor to a child in need. It was a lot. His interactions with Halona, Theo, the town folk, and Officer Chew (the puppy and I LOVED the name!!) made the book.
Halona and Alex’s romance was a slow burn. I loved that they had been crushing on each other since, well, forever. They did have their ups and down, though. A significant down with their relationship was Halona’s ex-husband and how he treated her. But, they did get past it. When they did, their romance went into high gear.
Theo’s selective mutism was a significant part of the storyline. It was the reason that Theo was placed in the mentor program and in turn, got paired with Alex. I did feel bad for Theo. He saw his father doing something horrible to his mother. It affected him so much that he stopped talking. It broke my heart. But, I was glad to see that Alex was able to help Theo. But, I didn’t buy the end of that storyline. It seemed to me almost too perfect.
Another storyline that ended almost too perfectly was Alex’s father’s cold case and the battered woman’s storyline. I wasn’t a fan of Halona giving Tony advice about how to win his wife BACK. I mean, he beat his wife and a puppy. I also didn’t like how the cold case ended up. It left me with more questions, which drove me nuts.
The end of Snowfall of Cedar Trail was cute but seemed a little rushed. I couldn’t figure out who the next book will be about.
|
|
I love Christmas books, even more, when involving children and cute pet.
Alex is the tough police chief of the small town Sweetwater Springs, he has had a crush on Halona for some time but being his best friend's younger sister and mourning her husband's recent loss, he has never allowed himself more than friendship with her.
Halona's son is the reason for the sweet florist's life and is having a difficult time with post-traumatic muteness. Upon getting to know Alex better, little Theo will be happy again and will gradually break free from his trauma.
In addition to a beautiful and engaging romance, the book brings a very interesting mystery that held me until the end.
|
|
These were both fun books to read! I enjoyed them!
|
|
SNOWFALL ON CEDAR TRAIL is the third instalment in Annie Rains’ contemporary, adult SWEETWATER SPRINGS romance series focusing on the people of Sweetwater Springs, North Carolina. This is police chief Alex Baker, and widow, single mother and florist Halona Locklear’s story line. SNOWFALL ON CEDAR TRAIL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Halona and Alex) SNOWFALL ON CEDAR TRAIL follows the building romance between Sweetwater Springs’ police chief Alex Baker, and widow, single mother and florist Halona Locklear. Halona Locklear’s life changed the day her husband died but our heroine kept secrets from the people she loved including her young son Theo, whose selective mutism began the day his father passed away. Hoping to get Theo into the Mentor Match program, Halona discovers that her brother’s best friend, and the local police chief Alex Baker, has been assigned to ‘mentor’ her troubled young boy. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Alex and Halona, and the potential fall-out as Halona struggles with the past, and blames our hero for the things out of his control.
Meanwhile, Chief Alex Baker has yet to move forward since the hit and run death of his father, the former police chief, a man whose death eleven years earlier, is suspicious and, as yet, unsolved. Every Christmas, upon the anniversary of his father’s death, Alex reopens the investigation, and this year a new clue will come from an unlikely source.
The relationship between Alex and Halona is a friends to lovers romance. Alex has been attracted to his best friend’s sister for as along as he can remember but when Halona fell in love with the local football star, Alex watched from the sidelines losing all hope for his own happily ever after. All $ex scenes are implied and fade to black.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters, most of whom we have met in previous instalments. We are introduced to Halona’s son Theo; Alex’s grandmother; as well as struggling couple Sharlene and Tony Anderson.
SNOWFALL ON CEDAR TRAIL is a story of second chances; a sweet romance between two people who have lost someone special in their lives but whose pasts will intercept in the present and future. The premise is engaging and captivating; the characters are colorful and energetic; the romance is charming and sweet
|
|
Halona Locklear knows her young son needs a male figure in his life, since his father's passing he has been struggling a bit at school and hasn't spoken a word. When she hears about a mentor match program starting up in town she knows it might be just what he needs, it will give him the opportunity to be paired with an adult who will do various fun activities with him. And maybe bring him out of his shell.
When they learn that Theo has been matched to Chief of Police Alex Baker, Halona is somewhat relived. Alex has been a friend to her family for years, and Theo always seems to respond well to him. She thinks it will be the perfect match for Theo.... and little does she know the perfect match for her too!
Snowfall on Cedar Trail is heartwarming tale that unites a couple that thought they were too busy in life for love... but love, and little Theo, had other plans for them. Watching this little family come together was so good for the heart, Alex brought much needed support and companionship to Halona's life, and she helped him heal his wounded heart. It was the perfect little union! With it's heartfelt story line and holiday themed setting Snowfall on Cedar Trail comes brimming with everything necessary to stir up some holiday feels! Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
|
Firstly, love the cover and name of book. Very heartwarming. Loved all the family aspects. When Theo spoke for the first time in forever, I ugly cried. Kept looking for something to critique in this book but couldn't find anything. Nothing. It's perfect. I loved every minute of it. 5/5 stars.
|
 |
I'm so excited to have discovered Annie Rains and the Sweetwater Springs series! What a treat it was to read this book. I already miss the characters, so I grabbed the rest of the series on Amazon.
This was my first Annie Rains books, and the first in this series for me to read too. So, with that said, you can read this book as a stand a alone book. I am a sucker for a cozy mystery, but I have never really read Romance books, and now I know who my go to romance writer is. I usually deter from reading romance books but this was just lovely and yes, there is mystery too!!
Annie Rains brings romance to the town of Sweetwater Springs with style. Chief of Police, Alex Baker. and Halona have been very good at locking their feelings up for one another until they weren't. Alex has always had a crush on Tuck's sister, Halona, but didn't want to hurt his friendship with Tuck by dating his sister, so he hid his feelings. Now is their time and I really enjoyed watching their relationship unfold and develop.
Oh, but there is so much more going on than just their relationship. Halona's son Theo hasn't spoken a word since his father died last year. Halona has been doing everything she can to help and support him in the hopes to hear his voice once again. When a new mentor program opens she signs him up hoping it'll break him out of that shell he put himself in. Alex is the Chief of Police and just happens to be Theos new mentor.
He already has enough on his plate with him opening up his fathers hit-and-run cold case once again. Alex has spent 11 years trying to find out who killed his father.
Thank you to Netgally for the Advanced Copy of this book!
#SnowfallOnCedarTrail #NetGalley
|
|
Heartwarming holiday goodness filled with engaging charters, witty banter, unexpected passion, dark secrets and dangers pasts that haunts them. Really enjoyed this journey from beginning to end.
|
Slow Burning Romance
I loved police chief Alex! Always trying to do what's right, finally, finally, coming to the conclusion there are a lot of gray areas, lol. He really was my hero when he started mentoring Theo, and honestly I think that is when Theo started improving. Not being coddled by Halona, but she's Mom, so of course she's going to want to keep him safe.
Back to the clean romance, because, ya know, there's Theo here. I did enjoy their outings in lovely small town Sweetwater Springs! Their stolen few moments, the townspeoples' reactions. Mostly a feel good, lighter romance at Christmas time. Halona's positive to Alex's negative really had me thinking realities, yes, even thru fiction.
There was some drama which made me hold my breath a bit, and gave the journey a bit of an edge to it. And of course there was officer Chewy, who brought in goodness and laughs, after starting out in a bad situation.
I enjoyed going on this trip, a few parts got a bit slow for me also, but all said, it put me in a good mood. I really missed not getting Alex's reaction to Theo's advancement, I was so excited and I wanted to see his reaction. The HEA was sweet, but too short for me, I wanted more of the happily family after!
I received an advanced reader copy thru Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my own thoughts and opinions
|
|
My very first holiday book of the season has definitely put me in the mood for Christmas!!
Halona and Alex's story is a little more angsty than I like my holiday books to be BUT this one had me so hopeful that the Christmas season would bring a HEA to these two amazing characters. I love that, even though these two have been in each other's lives since they were kids, they still had so much to learn about each other. The building of their relationship, the focus on Theo, and the compassion they have for the people of their town were some of my favorite things about this novella.
Every visit to Sweetwater Springs is wonderful and this time is no different!!
|
|
In Snowfall on Cedar Trail, being a single mom is tough no matter what but Halona Locklear was really having a rough go of things with her son who had been recently diagnosed with selective mutism after the trauma of losing his father. Lately her son, Theo, was having a tough time at school and Halona was becoming really worried about what more she could be doing. Theo was surrounded by family and friends who loved him and an uncle who doted on him but he needed more, which is why when Halona heard about the Mentor Match program, she was hopeful that it would be what Theo needed to get him through his rough patch. What Halona never expected was that her son would be matched with Alex Baker! He was the man who was the catalyst that ended up tearing apart Halona’s marriage and led to the eventual death of her ex-husband. Although Alex was only doing his duty, Halona had always wished that he listened first before acting.
Since the death of his father, Alex had lived a life in which he viewed everything in a strict right versus wrong mentality with no shades of grey and it was starting to give him a bad reputation, which was why he agreed to participate in the Mentor Match program. He was hoping to soften his image and show the townspeople he was not a bad guy. Never in his wildest dreams did he consider he would be matched with the son of the woman that he had secretly crushed on for years! When he was finally in a position to have Halona hear him out, he was certain of two things: 1) He was going to do right by Theo and 2) He was going to do everything he could to convince Halona that could be so much more between them. What he thought was his biggest obstacle, his part in the arrest of Halona’s ex-husband, was only the tip of the iceberg because Halona was carrying around a secret that was going to change the way Alex viewed everything. With their hearts on the line, Halona and Alex were both going to have to take leaps of faith to not only forgive each other but themselves as well.
As characters, Alex and Halona had both been previously introduced in the Sweetwater Springs series but I had no inkling of how interconnected they truly were. I liked them both immensely and it was a treat to see their hearts in this story! Their romance was not a conventional one but that only added to the sweetness of what developed between them. I also liked that Halona’s son Theo played a large part in this story. Theo was a sweet kid and my heart hurt for both him and his mother. There was much that was misunderstood by him and it only added to the stress of what he was dealing with but with the addition of a positive male role model in his life things took a turn for the better. Not only was there an endearing romance in this book but there was also the mystery behind Alex’s father’s murder and present-day ramifications of that murder! Overall, Snowfall on Cedar Trail was a wonderfully complex holiday romance that dealt with many tough issues while keeping the story both light and swoony. What a sweet Christmastime read it was!
This review is based on a complimentary book I received from NetGalley. It is an honest and voluntary review. The complimentary receipt of it in no way affected my review or rating.
|
|
In Snowfall on Cedar Trail, being a single mom is tough no matter what but Halona Locklear was really having a rough go of things with her son who had been recently diagnosed with selective mutism after the trauma of losing his father. Lately her son, Theo, was having a tough time at school and Halona was becoming really worried about what more she could be doing. Theo was surrounded by family and friends who loved him and an uncle who doted on him but he needed more, which is why when Halona heard about the Mentor Match program, she was hopeful that it would be what Theo needed to get him through his rough patch. What Halona never expected was that her son would be matched with Alex Baker! He was the man who was the catalyst that ended up tearing apart Halona’s marriage and led to the eventual death of her ex-husband. Although Alex was only doing his duty, Halona had always wished that he listened first before acting.
Since the death of his father, Alex had lived a life in which he viewed everything in a strict right versus wrong mentality with no shades of grey and it was starting to give him a bad reputation, which was why he agreed to participate in the Mentor Match program. He was hoping to soften his image and show the townspeople he was not a bad guy. Never in his wildest dreams did he consider he would be matched with the son of the woman that he had secretly crushed on for years! When he was finally in a position to have Halona hear him out, he was certain of two things: 1) He was going to do right by Theo and 2) He was going to do everything he could to convince Halona that could be so much more between them. What he thought was his biggest obstacle, his part in the arrest of Halona’s ex-husband, was only the tip of the iceberg because Halona was carrying around a secret that was going to change the way Alex viewed everything. With their hearts on the line, Halona and Alex were both going to have to take leaps of faith to not only forgive each other but themselves as well.
As characters, Alex and Halona had both been previously introduced in the Sweetwater Springs series but I had no inkling of how interconnected they truly were. I liked them both immensely and it was a treat to see their hearts in this story! Their romance was not a conventional one but that only added to the sweetness of what developed between them. I also liked that Halona’s son Theo played a large part in this story. Theo was a sweet kid and my heart hurt for both him and his mother. There was much that was misunderstood by him and it only added to the stress of what he was dealing with but with the addition of a positive male role model in his life things took a turn for the better. Not only was there an endearing romance in this book but there was also the mystery behind Alex’s father’s murder and present-day ramifications of that murder! Overall, Snowfall on Cedar Trail was a wonderfully complex holiday romance that dealt with many tough issues while keeping the story both light and swoony. What a sweet Christmastime read it was!
This review is based on a complimentary book I received from NetGalley. It is an honest and voluntary review. The complimentary receipt of it in no way affected my review or rating.
|
|
This book is so good! It is well written and holds you attention. You will fall in love with Theo. This book is full of emotions and it comes to life with the authors words. If you like small town romance with heart, you will love this book. Thank you Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
|
|
This is a wonderful holiday romance. Snowfall on Cedar Trail is a warm and inviting read. There are so many endearing characters in this small town romance. The seamless storyline and the vivid storytelling makes you fell like you are there and part of the story.There are many endearing characters that I would love to read more about. I would definitely recommend this wonderful book.
|
|
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
What first drew me to this book was the cover. Honestly, it is gorgeous and just gives out Christmas feels! The snow covered trees, house, and falling snow. And the puppy!
In this story we have Halona and her son Theo. Halona is a divorced single mom. Theo, only 7 years old, has selective mutism. Our main man of the book is Alex Baker. Alex is Chief of Police for their small town and single. Their story together was perfect! The way this story flowed was magical. We have love, family, murder, and mystery. All of it worked perfectly well together.
I will pick up anything that Annie Raines writes. I'm a fan of hers now!
|
|
This was such a wonderful addition to the Sweetwater Springs series! I've been anxiously awaiting this book since I finished Springtime at Hope Cottage and it was definitely worth the wait! It was such an emotional story for me that I cried both happy and sad tears throughout this whole book especially near the end. Halona and Alex are such a great pair and when you add in sweet little Theo it just makes this the perfect family in my eyes. I finished this book with a smile on my face, contentment in my heart, and an excitement for Annie Rains next book in this fantastic series!
|
|
Once again, Annie Rains has written a book with everything I love.. romance, family drama, suspense...all set in a small town, Sweetwater Springs.
Halona Locklear owns a florist shop in Sweetwater Springs. She is a widow raising her small son alone. Theo no longer speaks and Halona and his doctor are working to find out what caused his sudden silence.
Alex Baker, police chief of Sweetwater Springs has been fighting his attraction for Halona since they were teenagers. He subscribes to the “You don’t date your best friend’s sister.” code. He doesn’t know that the feeling of attraction is mutual.
I loved revisiting Sweetwater Springs. Ms. Rains’ characters find their way into your heart and become your friends. I recommend Snowfall on Cedar Trail and this entire series to anyone who loves sweet, clean romance.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the author in exchange for my honest review.
|
|
Favorite Quotes:
Why couldn’t he have a thing for someone uncomplicated like Emma? The only thing the beautiful café owner stirred for him, however, was his coffee.
I like to tell people I go so often because I’m secretly investigating her. Her coffee is too addictive to be legal.
Do you know Greta Merchant? Pushing eighty and walks with a cane even though she’s more physically fit than most twentysomethings… Well, she has a huge crush on Chief Baker… So a couple of months ago, Greta decided to go shoplifting… Don’t worry—Sophie was in on it. Alex had happened to come into the boutique looking for a gift for his grandmother’s birthday, and Greta and Sophie exchanged some conspiratorial whispers. Sophie knew Greta was going to be stuffing costume jewelry in her pockets. Then Sophie called Greta out on it loud enough for Alex to overhear… Being the dutiful chief of police Alex is, he headed over and spoke to Greta. He asked her to empty her pockets but she refused. She demanded that he frisk her instead. From the way Greta tells the story, it was the most action she’s had in decades.
My Review:
I have enjoyed all three books of Anne Rain’s Sweetwater Springs series, with a gentle and sweet small-town theme. Each of the books has been engaging, easy to follow, and entertaining; and while the characters carryover and the stories interconnect, each one has been strong enough to stand alone. Snowfall On Cedar Trail has a holiday-themed motif that features the blossoming romance during a tricky time between the stalwart and handsome Chief of Police, Alex, and his decades-long secret crush, Halona, the town florist and younger sister of his best friend. Their tale was sweetly written with a bit of peril, amusing humor, and unusual challenges to overcome.
|
|
This third book in the series, is truly a stand alone. I did not read the previous books and had no problems following the plot.
The story of Halona and Alex is complex and very realistic.
Halona, a widow with a young boy, Theo, whose father’s death has caused mutism, owns the town’s flower shop.
Alex, the town’s police chief, is attracted to her, but he is also the man who arrested her husband prior to his death. A fact that Halona resents since the actions of her ex were not what they really seemed.
A mentoring program brings Halona, Theo, and Alex together. Will the past be forgiven, and create a new unit, or will it keep them apart?
Add to that the mystery of who killed Alex’s father, the previous police chief, and you have a story filled with mystery, forgiveness, hope, realizing that life is not black and white , but rather shades of gray, and the possibility of new beginnings.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and the publisher. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
|
A wonderful cozy romance! This is the third book in the Sweetwater Springs series and is about Halona a single mother her son Theo and her friend Chief of Police Alex. it is set in the winter time and is a second chance love story. Was a fast read but couldn't put it down until the end! Love this series looking forward to more from Sweetwater.
|
Explore More Items
