The Snow Bride by Debbie Macomber

The Snow Bride by Debbie Macomber
Publisher: Mira
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Holiday
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Practical Jenna Campbell has done something impractical. She’s met a man on the Internet and now, a month before Christmas, she’s going to Alaska to marry him. Dalton Gray seems to be everything she wants in a husband—sensitive, gallant, romantic…

On the flight to Fairbanks, she has the misfortune to sit beside Reid Jamison, who obviously isn’t sensitive, gallant or romantic. However, he’s not impressed with her plan to marry Dalton, a man he detests (for good reason, as Jenna later finds out). So Reid takes it upon himself to change her destination—and her marriage plans.

Which is why Jenna ends up at Reid’s cabin in tiny Snowbound, Alaska. It’s currently a one-woman town (and the other woman’s out of town). That leaves Reid, a bunch of eccentric old men, a few grizzly bears—and Jenna. Kidnapped! And then there’s a blizzard. The two of them alone, stranded in Snowbound…

Maybe she’ll be a Christmas bride, after all!

This novel is a delight to read; full of warmth and hope, filled with funny secondary characters that create a feeling of community, and an enjoyable journey to romance.

The Snow Bride was a pleasant surprise. I received the book from my mom at Thanksgiving, and although I’ve read books by Ms. Macomber before, I somehow missed this one. I’m glad I had a chance to give this story a whirl. From the moment I sat down to read, I was hooked by the first chapter. Two and half hours later, practically midnight, I came to the ending and the happily ever after. This novel was a breeze to read because it kept me engaged throughout. Jenna and Reid were a pleasure to meet.

The hero and heroine have sparks fly between them from the get-go. They weren’t the right kind at the beginning – two rocks crashing together to make lots of possible fire-starters – narrow-eyed irritation and miffed annoyance. That was fun. Reid then makes a command decision that sets the ball rolling with unexpected consequences. Of course, that’s what a good romance story is for – pit the main characters against an out-of-control situation and see where the chips fall. I have a few favorite parts while they were snowbound in Snowbound – cribbage and the music and dancing scenes.

I think the most enjoyable moments came from their not understanding themselves, and the actions that led to. A reader knows it’s jealousy, which can only happen if they care and have real feelings for the other. It took another ‘love’ interest to bring everything to a head. That part, I knew was coming and yet Ms. Macomber handled it differently than most. Another reason why I liked this story. It easily could have turned into a cookie-cutter type trope except for the little details the author threw in and made it adorably perfect.

I smiled a lot while reading. I nodded many times when a character made insightful observations or suggestions and giggled quite a bit when it came to Jenna’s mom, Chloe. Again, Chloe’s character could have been done many different ways based on her … track record, and yet, the author once again side-stepped any negative drama that seems to dog that particular trope and instead furthered the positive, uplifting and romantic theme of the romance. Like I said at the beginning, this was a truly charming and enjoyable journey to romance. One I can recommend especially during the Christmas holiday because that is around the time when the HEA wraps up. If you think it’s going to be traditional, you haven’t met Palmer and Addy. Those two side characters cracked me up.

The Snow Bride is the perfect book to relax and unwind with because the drama is light, the happiness factor is high and the romance is fun and satisfying. A definite recommendation.