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Snow, Dances, and Second Chances

A short and sweet Christmas romance with some witty banter about movies

Blurb


Meet Savannah, a nurse and the biggest fan of Christmas movies



All I wanted for Christmas was a quiet break in my hometown of Hollyridge after the worst breakup ever. I definitely didn’t ask for Dale Jackson—the grumpy film critic who ruined my blind date last year—to show up and crash my holiday. He’s stubborn, sarcastic, and claims Die Hard is the ultimate Christmas movie. (Seriously?) But somewhere between gingerbread house disasters, twinkling lights, and slow dances under the snow, I’m starting to see a different side of him… and it’s making my heart do ridiculous things.




Then There's Dale...



I don’t believe in Christmas magic. Or romance. Or small-town charm. But when my sister drags me to Hollyridge, I run into Savannah Carter—the cheerful, sentimental nurse who thinks It’s a Wonderful Life is cinematic perfection. We clash over everything, but somehow, her sunshiney attitude starts to wear me down. Now I’m buying ornaments, dancing in the snow, and wondering if maybe—just maybe—she’s right about love, second chances, and believing in a little Christmas magic after all.



A heartwarming holiday romance full of laughter, twinkle lights, and the unexpected magic of falling in love.


Buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DQ911HHL



Reviews


"I am speechless. Ciara Turner, oh my good, what did you put in this book! This is the sweetest, cutest, funniest, most heartwarming book I’ve read in a while. I am a gooooner for this book. I want to wipe it from my memory just to be able to read it again and go through all the emotions I went through when I first read it. Our grumpy x sunshine duo, our two main characters, Savannah and Dale - I am in love with them both. They were just a breath of fresh air, and I was instantly adoring both of them when they were introduced. I loved the way they were seemingly polar opposites, how they bantered and talked to each other, how their connection and relationship grew - I loved everything that had to do anything with our main characters. The writing style was top notch, the characters unique, and the story and plot was amazing. I knew I would love this book from the start - I just had no idea I would love it as much as I did! I just read and finished this book, and I’m already missing Savannah and Dale. Amazing isn’t a word close enough to describe how I feel about this book, how I feel about Savannah and Dale’s story. This book deserves nothing but high praise, and the highest rating possible. It is an honor to have the opportunity to read and review this book. Ciara Turner, you deserve a standing ovation for this book - I can’t wait to see what else you have in store for us! ā­ļøā­ļøā­ļøā­ļøā­ļø"

~ R.S. on Booksprout


"🌟🌟🌟🌟✨ (4.5/5) Ciara Turner’s "Snow, Dances, and Second Chances" is a delightful enemies-to-lovers holiday romance that combines the magic of the winter season with heartfelt moments of redemption and unexpected love. The book has a perfect blend of warmth, humor and a touch of tension, making it a highly enjoyable read.
The chemistry between the two main characters is undeniable. At first, their animosity is palpable, but as the story unfolds, you can't help but root for them to overcome their differences and find happiness together. Turner does an excellent job of developing their personalities and motivations, making their eventual transformation from enemies to lovers feel both satisfying and genuine.
Dale is a charming yet guarded man, carrying emotional baggage from his past that fuels his initial hostility. He is strong-willed, often stubborn and 'grinchy', but reveals a tender side as he start navigating his growing feelings for Savannah.
Savannah is independent, fiercely determined but a bit wary of love due to a heartbreak in recent past. Her fiery personality and sharp wit often clash with Dale, but her vulnerability shines through as she learns to open her heart again. The holiday setting is beautifully described, with snow-covered streets, festive events and cozy moments that evoke the true spirit of Christmas. It’s the perfect backdrop for this sweet yet tension-filled romance.
The pacing is just right, keeping the story engaging without dragging on, and the plot twists are well-placed, offering surprises without overwhelming the reader. And, i must say I have this hidden sweet feeling for such festive and clean romances. What really stands out for me is the emotional depth that author brings to the characters’ journeys. The protagonists each have their personal growth to undergo and the way they navigate their pasts to forge a future together eventually, is touching and relatable.
My only small critique is that, at times, the resolution of certain conflicts felt a little too neatly tied up. Few conflicts between Dale and Emma could have been given more time to develop. They resolve a bit too quickly, which can make the emotional payoff feel bit rushed. Nonetheless, it didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment of the story.
One another area where the book could have been improved is in its use of alternating POVs. While this structure allows readers to see both protagonists’ inner thoughts, the constant switching between their perspectives every alternate chapter feels somewhat formulaic. It might have been more engaging if the narrative followed a situation-based chapter approach, allowing the shifts in perspective to happen more organically, based on the events or emotional arcs, rather than following a strict alternating pattern.
That being said, there are a few instances in the book where punctuation could have been more carefully reviewed. Despite these minor editing and formatting issues, the story is still incredibly engaging and the emotional depth of the characters more than makes up for any small technical flaws. The resolution is satisfying and the holiday atmosphere is beautifully captured, making 'Snow, Dances, and Second Chances' a heartwarming read that's perfect for the winter holiday season. It will leave you with a smile, perfect for cozying up with during the season which demands catching the couch or bed and watch movies or read, if lucky, with the love of your life. If you’re a fan of enemies-to-lovers romances with a holiday twist, this one is definitely worth picking up!"

~ Anxit Saxena on Booksprout

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