First Snow (Willow Reed) [Kindle Edition]

Christine Cunningham (Author)

Book Description

Penelope Brown, a small-town baker, has longed for a family to call her own. Hasan Schaefer, a new resident of Willow Reed, begins every week with a visit to the bakery where Penelope works. It isn't too long before Hasan wants to satisfy more than his sweet tooth.

After a horrible blind date, Penelope fears she’ll never meet Mr. Right, but fate has other plans. An accidental romantic kiss compels Hasan to reveal his feelings for Penelope and life is just about perfect until Hasan admits that he doesn't want children.

Product Details

• File Size: 205 KB
• Print Length: 60 pages
• Publisher: Eternal Beginning Publishing; 1 edition (November 23, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B006DA006A
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Not Enabled
• Lending: Not Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #718,310 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Cute story with Christmas in the backdrop December 5, 2011

By sarahreads

Format:Kindle Edition

This is a sweet, fast-paced romance (read it in one night) that is set in a quaint, small town during Christmas. Family is a strong theme throughout the story. If you are looking for a shorter romance (about a 16k word novella) to help you get into the Christmas spirit, look no further!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Heartwarming and sincere April 25, 2012

By Stacy Eaton

Format:Kindle Edition

When you think of Christmas, most people think of family and warmth. Christine Cunningham give you just that wrapped up in a nice little sweet holiday romance that would be a great read in December, May or September.

The characters and the love that rises like the yeast in the pastry shop that Nell owns, are heartfelt and enjoyable. The intensity and importance of family are felt in this short little novella. The setting is so well described you can smell the sweets baking and the Christmas trees in your mind.

Well done! Looking forward to reading the second in the series.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Cute story! January 2, 2012

By Kari at From the TBR Pile

Format:Kindle Edition

First Snow is a well written sweet story about love and family. While I really liked the story, I wish it was longer. I would have liked to see more of the relationship between Hasan and Nell. I loved their HEA. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Cunningham.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Romance's slippery slopes pleasingly portrayed January 30, 2012

By S. Deeth TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Kindle Edition

I feel old. When a character mentions digital music in Christine Cunningham's First Snow I think of CDs, but "Who uses CDs anymore?" Still, feeling old doesn't stop me enjoying this tale, nor does the way my stomach lurches in dismay at the thought of a "cup of hot chocolate and a plate of fries."

First Snow is a delightful Christmas tale of a young woman who also feels old (and listens to CDs). Nell's dreams of spouse and family seem to recede with the passing years, but it's not clear if she's driving suitors away or simply waiting for the right man. When he appears, will she ever let him close?

Nell works in a bakery where she meets the handsome Hasan, but it's her interest in writing that throws her more closely into his company, and the author builds a pleasingly gentle romance between the two. Clearly made for each other, they tread carefully and warily on the slippery snows of relationships while Christmas weaves its spell. Meanwhile sister Sydney plays matchmaker in all the wrong places, but true love will surely win through.

One final obstacle threatens all Nelly's dreams, but there's a surprise in store that turns frost to Christmas beauty. The artificial dance of romance has some intriguingly pleasing twists, making this a good short tale for Christmas or any cold dark day.

Disclosure: I received a free ecopy of this novella from WoMen's Literary Café in exchange for an honest review.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Cozy & Sweet January 23, 2012

By word addict

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. The setting, a small wintery town, gave it a cozy feel. Nell works in a bakery, which conjures images of steamy warmth and delectable pastries. This book is like a hug. It's a very well-written romance and I look forward to reading more work by this author.

Review by co-author of Tangerine

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Sweet and lovely story January 6, 2012

By Maria Snell

Format:Kindle Edition

First Snow is Christine Cunningham's first published work and the first book in the Willow Reed Series. It is a beautiful short story - that I wish was much, much, much longer because I did not want to let it go, I did not want it to finish. Christine introduces us to the town of Willow Reed, a quaint small town with tons of charm, where Nell and Hasan live. Nell's sister is up for a visit from college and she tries to get Nell into the dating-spirit, attempting to show her that dating is not that bad, after all. But Nell pines - and falls - for Hasan. Will she be able to get past his barriers and find love?

I honestly can not wait to read more about Willow Reed and its residents, as well as about Nell and Hassan's life. The town is beautifully described, making us want to visit and stay a while; the characters are endearing in their quirks and very well developed. I hope Christine is planning on giving us a long, long, long book for the second installment of the Willow Reed series - because the town and its residents are worth getting to know. First Snow is the perfect short story to read in one sitting, curled on the couch under a warm fuzzy blanket. Enjoy!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A Sweet & Cozy Christmas Read January 5, 2012

By T. Dunlap VINE™ VOICE

Format:Kindle Edition

Novellas are the type of story that will either really capture my interest or will bore me because of the lack of good character development. "First Snow" won me from the get-go. It handed me characters that I both enjoyed and felt a connection to. Penelope (Nell) was a woman that felt real and true to life with an honest desire and fear. Hasan, Nell's friend, was not as connectable for me - at least not in the beginning, but by the end, I was adoring him.

This story is based around the Christmas holiday, but could be an anytime read. It is sweet, clean, and had a nice cozy quality that I thoroughly enjoyed. With this being the first volume in the series, I'll be anxiously awaiting the next as I really want to find out what the next chapter in Nell's life holds!

More About the Author

I write fictional stories to uplift and inspire. I am a life-long student of happiness and how to attract it. I compile what I learn and weave it into an understandable and enjoyable story.