Review: Snowflakes and Coffee Cakes by Joanne DeMaio

From New York Times bestselling author Joanne DeMaio comes an enchanting novel about love, family, and the delicate power of snowflakes.

Reluctant to leave her cherished New England hometown after her sister's winter wedding, former journalist Vera Sterling makes a sudden decision. She takes what's left of her severance pay and invests it in real estate ... in one particular drafty colonial home and old timber barn set upon the pretty banks of Addison Cove. In that rough-hewn barn, she discovers a secret treasure left behind by the previous owner, the proprietor of the long-forgotten Christmas Barn gift shop.

While restoring her rundown, wood-sided home--its creaking floors, broken bannister, and neglected widow's walk--that secret slowly unfolds like a bit of snowflake wonder, crystallizing hopes and dreams for many in this small Connecticut town. But mostly for Derek Cooper whose own tragic story has headlined Addison's news. And whom Vera has come to love.

When the first snowstorm hits during Derek's annual Deck the Boats Festival at the cove, residents become stranded. It is then up to Vera to not only bring the town together, but to mend one man's heart she fears she may have lost.

Snowflakes and Coffee Cakes is a heartwarming story, one that reminds us to look to winter's stars. Because snowflakes can grant very special wishes ... if only we believe.

This is such a darling Christmas book about the power of snowflakes and coffee cakes....but also about grief, honor and the power of love and friendship. Loss can make the heart grow weary, but love and the holiday spirit can bring the heart back to life. The Christmas spirit transforms a town when a snowstorm hits. So many people step forward and go to great lengths in order to honor one of their own. There is so much charm in this story...it is a feel good kind of story. I loved the beautiful descriptions of snowflakes and snowfall so much so that I am ALMOST looking forward to seeing the snow fly here in Wisconsin. This a great story to start off your Christmas reading. 4.5 stars!

Joanne DeMaio is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary fiction. She enjoys writing about friendship, family, love and choices, while setting her stories in New England towns or by the sea. Her novels include the New York Times bestseller BLUE JEANS AND COFFEE BEANS, WHOLE LATTE LIFE, which was named a Kirkus Reviews Critics' Pick, and most recently SNOWFLAKES AND COFFEE CAKES. In addition, her music essays have appeared in literary journals, celebrating her passion for song. Currently at work on her next novel, Joanne resides with her family in Connecticut.

To learn more, visit Joannedemaio.com. She also enjoys hearing from readers at Facebook.com/JoanneDeMaioAuthor.