Winter's Fairytale - Maxine Morrey

I might need to admit something before I start reviewing this book, you see, I don't think books about Christmas can do any wrong. I feel the same way about holiday movies. You know those Hallmark movies that start in November and go on until New Years? I watch them, repeatedly. They never get old, I love the cheesy, I love the happily ever after, I love the feeling of Christmas wrapped up into a story of love, hopes, dreams, family. It's just part of who I am, so when I get my hands on a holiday book it's almost a given I'm going to like it. This book is no different, add on top of it the story of weddings and bridal gowns and I was absolutely sold.

Rating: 4 Stars
Published: October 2015
Many thanks to Netgalley and Carina UK for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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Rob was there to deliver the news that changed Izzy's course of life and he's there 6 months later when a snow storm leaves her stranded from getting home. Never mind the fact that he was the best man to her ex-fiance and on the receiving end of an epic punch, he wants to be her friend and help her out. The cozy weekend stuck together is a good reason to be friends again, but the holidays may bring some feelings along with the snow, especially when Izzy starts designing the wedding dress for Rob's sister after a wedding disaster.. Throw in holiday parties, matchmaking family members, hilarious, embarrassing snowy moments, and some extra bumps along the way and Izzy may just decide Christmas wishes aren't meant to come true.

Winter romance, bridal gowns, and interfering family members, what more could you want on the holidays? Izzy and Rob are two hilarious characters to read, they're some of the most stubborn romance characters I've ever read, both throwing themselves at situations that make things worse. They make assumptions that would normally drive me crazy as a reader, but totally work for the outcome. Their communication skills suck, but their chemistry is booming. While they aren't the most complex characters, it's just what I like out of a winter fairytale book. The title is perfect, can you tell? The minor characters were some of my favorite, especially Rob's sister Jenny and her fiancé Mike. Some of the best dialogue came from those two and they always seemed to be up to something. Family was a huge part of this novel and I really enjoyed the focus on the family dynamics. I felt like I was celebrating Christmas with them as part of the family. There's some twists you won't expect, a lot of misunderstandings, and of course a fairytale ending.

It is clear to see how Maxine Morrey won Carina UK's #WriteChristmas competition, the writing in this is fantastic and it's just the right length for a cozy read on the couch. I suggest this to my readers who love romance (of course), second chances, and some fun twists along the way to a HEA.