Review: Cozy Little Christmas by RaeAnne Thayne

 

Snow Kissed (Shelter Springs #4) by RaeAnne Thayne

Publication Date: October 6th 2026 by MIRA & Harlequin Audio

Pages: 320

Audio Book Length: 8hrs 40min

Narrator: Carly Robins

Source: Publishers

Rating: ★★★★½

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Libro.fm | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Cozy Little Christmas is a heartwarming second-chance romance filled with small-town charm and festive holiday spirit!

 

Years ago, Hannah's future with her first love, Wes, was shattered when tragedy and grief drove him away. Now living a busy, fulfilling life as a music therapist in Shelter Springs, Hannah is surprised when Wes returns to town while helping his grandfather renovate his home after an injury sidelines him and his K9 partner, Kodiak.

 

When Hannah's friend becomes ill and needs someone to care for his two young children, she steps in without hesitation. As Hannah and Wes work together to help the kids adjust, old feelings resurface. Wes's kindness, devotion to his family, and tender care for Kodiak make it impossible for Hannah to ignore the man he's become.

 

I loved the cozy Christmas atmosphere, from holiday lights, tree decorating and music to the strong sense of community. My heart went out to Morgan.  I was especially touched by the compassion and support shown by everyone around her.

 

I alternated between the audiobook and e-book and highly recommend both. Carly Robins brings warmth and emotion to the narration, making this sweet, uplifting story even more enjoyable.

4.5 Stars

Book Description:

Christmas in Shelter Springs is the season of twinkling lights, open hearts and unexpected second chances. And for Hannah Goodwin, it also brings the one person she never wanted to see again...

Hannah’s built a full life for herself in the warmth of her close-knit town, with her family, her work and her music. And when her dear friend Morgan desperately needs her help, Hannah temporarily steps in to care for Morgan’s children. That’s what friends do—especially at the holidays. But she never expected to run into Wes Kenner...

Moving back home is the last thing K9 law enforcement officer Wes Kenner ever wanted. It’s where he fell in love with Hannah—and where an accident changed his mother’s life forever. But when his grandfather needs a helping hand, he can’t say no. It’s the perfect opportunity for him and his beloved K9, Kodiak, to recover. Still, seeing Hannah again fills him with regret—and hope.

After all this time, Hannah still represents all of the joy and light Wes pushed out of his life. Everything he’s desperate to get back. And as Hannah brings much-needed holiday magic to Morgan—and her kids—he realizes this is his chance. Because this Christmas, all he wants is her.

A cozy and uplifting reunion romance about two exes who work together at the holidays to help a family in need—and realize their Christmas wish is for a second chance with their first love.

Perfect for readers who Holiday feels Reunion romance Second chance Forced proximity Longing Small town setting

Audio Review: Cursed Luck by Kelley Armstrong

 

Cursed Luck (Cursed Luck #1) by Kelley Armstrong

Publication Date: April 13th 2021 by Tantor Audio

Pages: 364

Audio Book Length: 12 hrs 20 min

Narrators: Carly Robins

Source: Publisher

Rating: ★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Kennedy Bennett and her two sisters come from a long line of curse weavers and Kennedy’s specialty is uncursing valuable objects and then reselling them. When she’s approached by Aiden Conolly, a luck worker, to uncurse the infamous Necklace of Harmonia, they butt heads, and she refuses to work for him.  However, when Kennedy’s sisters are kidnapped and the evidence points to it being related to Aiden’s request, she hunts him down and they team up to find her sisters. Kennedy and Aiden quickly get over their differences and form a complimentary team and there are hints of an attraction growing between them.  

This was a fun magical story! I’ve seen a few reviews calling it a cozy Urban Fantasy, and I totally agree with that description. It reminded me of the The Guild Codex series by Annette Marie in that it’s a lighthearted adventure/mystery with a lot of silly humor. Urban Fantasy-Lite in a way. I thought the magical world Ms. Armstrong presented was an original and interesting concept: humans with a variety of magical talents based on Greek Mythology. I will say that I did get a little lost on some of the roots because there are so many variations of names in the Greek Mythos, but I just went with it, and it didn’t hamper my enjoyment of the story.

The mystery wraps up, but the relationship between Kennedy and Aiden is just starting with a possible romance to come. Kennedy is left with a “souvenir” from this caper, and I wonder how it will impact the story going forward. I look forward to the next story!

Carly Robins narrated the story, and I thought her voice represented Kennedy perfectly. Fun and sarcastic, she had great comedic timing! I’d like to continue the series by audio with her as the performer. I listened at 1.4x normal speed.

4 Stars

Book Description:

Kennedy Bennett comes from a long line of curse weavers. For centuries, her family has plied their trade in Unstable, Massachusetts, a quirky small town that’s welcomed paranormal practitioners since the dawn of spiritualism. Kennedy has recently struck out on her own, opening an antiques shop in Boston, where her speciality is uncursing and reselling hexed objects.

Then Aiden Connolly walks into her life with an offer she really should refuse. The scion of a wealthy family of luck workers, Aiden has a scheme to get his hands on the most famous cursed object of all: the mythical Necklace of Harmonia. He’s not the only one after the necklace, though. And he’s not the only one looking for a curse weaver to fix it. Kennedy’s sisters are kidnapped, she finds herself plunged into the underbelly of the magical world where even Aidan soon finds himself in over his head.