Snowy Embrace: Viola Shipman’s ‘The Secret of Snow’ – Book Review @viola_shipman #harlequinaudio @GraydonHouse

The Secret of Snow unveils a poignant tale as SoCal meteorologist Sonny Dunes faces a snowy homecoming, discovering love, healing, and unexpected joy amidst the wintry embrace of Northern Michigan.

From The Publisher:

Sonny Dunes, a SoCal meteorologist who knows only sunshine and seventy-two-degree days, is being replaced by an AI meteorologist, which the youthful station manager reasons “will never age, gain weight or renegotiate its contract.” The only station willing to give the fifty-year-old another shot is one in a famously nontropical place—her northern Michigan hometown.

Unearthing her carefully laid California roots, Sonny returns home and reacclimates to the painfully long, dark winters dominated by a Michigan phenomenon known as lake-effect snow. But beyond the complete physical shock to her system, she’s also forced to confront her past: her new boss, a former journalism classmate and mortal frenemy; more keenly, the death of a younger sister who loved the snow; and the mother who caused Sonny to leave.

To distract herself from the unwelcome memories, Sonny decides to throw herself headfirst into all things winter to woo viewers and reclaim her success. From sledding and ice fishing to skiing and winter festivals, the merrymaking culminates with the town’s famed Winter Ice Sculpture Contest. Running the events is a widowed father and chamber of commerce director, whose genuine love of Michigan, winter and Sonny just might thaw her heart and restart her life in a way she never could have predicted.

My Thoughts:

Viola Shipman’s “The Secret of Snow” is a gem that completely stole my heart. Sonny Dunes, our fearless SoCal meteorologist, takes us on a journey from sunshine to the snowy embrace of Northern Michigan, and it’s nothing short of magical.

What hooked me were Shipman’s characters. Sonny isn’t just a protagonist; she’s a relatable woman with a history of loss and lingering grief. Her return home becomes a soul-stirring exploration of healing, family dynamics, and rediscovering what truly matters.

Snow isn’t just the backdrop; it’s a character in itself, sparking a love-hate dance with Sonny. The winter activities and the community’s zest for celebrating the cold season brought warmth to my heart. Shipman’s storytelling had me laughing one moment and shedding a tear the next – a sure sign of a captivating read.

I enjoyed the slow burn romance, grounded in friendship. It sneaks up when Sonny least expects it, making it all the more heartwarming. But it’s not just about romantic love; the story beautifully weaves in themes of friendship and community, adding layers of joy to the narrative.

The audiobook narrated by Nancy Peterson is wonderful. Her performance gives distinct voices to a range of characters, making it a must for fellow audiobook enthusiasts. “The Secret of Snow” isn’t just a book; it’s an emotional journey, a celebration of life’s unexpected twists, and an absolute must-read for anyone looking to get lost in a captivating story.

Other Books I’ve Reviewed Written by Viola Shipman:

The Wishing Bridge

Famous In A Small Town

A Wish For Winter