Megan and Christian’s reunion in Dublin set the stage for a faux-partnership during the festive season in Catherine Walsh’s “Snowed In”. Megan’s return to Cork marks her first visit since fleeing her wedding, while Christian aims to dodge his family’s well-meaning but intrusive concern about his life’s contentment despite professional success.
Their arrangement was purely strategic—a business pact where Megan needed a partner for her mother’s posh fundraising event, and Christian sought to avoid parental pity during the Christmas dinner. However, a snowstorm unexpectedly strands them in a cabin, prompting both to reassess their relationship dynamics before returning home under the guise of being pretend partners.
Walsh, in this sequel to “Holiday Romance”, delves into the story of Andrew’s younger brother, Christian, navigating familial misunderstandings and personal struggles, alongside Megan’s journey to muster the courage to confront her town’s gossip after being known as “the runaway bride”.
The narrative’s dual points of view offer an engaging peek into the minds of both protagonists as they grapple with the challenges at hand. Though I have a love-hate relationship with dual POVs, it served the story well here, granting insights without detracting from the element of surprise.
“Snowed In” skillfully addresses unhealthy relationships, emphasizing the perils of control within a partnership and the challenges of overcoming addiction amidst adversity.
While I enjoyed the presence of Molly and Andrew from the preceding book, I felt their prominence overshadowed the primary narrative. Nevertheless, their inclusion contributed a lively touch to the Fitzpatrick Christmas scenes.
Personally, “Snowed In” intrigued me more than “Holiday Romance” possibly due to my affinity for Christian’s character from the first installment. This anticipation spurred my interest in witnessing the developments between him and Megan.
In essence, “Snowed In” serves as a captivating Christmas-themed read, combining elements of snow-clad landscapes, yuletide cheer, cabin seclusion, childhood acquaintances, and faux romance without delving into the overused third-act breakup trope. It’s an ideal pick for a holiday indulgence or a cozy addition to your January TBR pile.
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