Snowball Unwrapped is a light romantic read set in a perfect Christmas backdrop.

There are earlier books about Snowball and her matchmaking. I haven’t read them but this one is certainly a standalone story.

Ilse is the host of a TV show called Home and Hearth that features cooking and craft segments. Her fiancé is double timing her, so she convinces her identical twin sister Jocelyn to stand in for her while she sorts her personal problems.

Not only do they have vastly different personalities, but Jocelyn also lacks the craft and culinary skills of Ilse.

The episodes are to be filmed in the grand Victorian building Weber Haus that has been converted to a up market B&B.

Ilse is always at odds with her male co-host, Ben, who she thinks is trying to take over the show. Whereas there is a romantic spark between Ben and Jocelyn. Snowball recognises the signs and sets out on her matchmaking endeavours.

Ilse’s career is on the line but will Jocelyn’s lack of talent and friendship with Ben completely destroy Ilse’s future.

Many amusing moments threaten to expose the secret Jocelyn is trying to hide and foil Snowball’s matchmaking between Jocelyn and Ben, all set in a picture-perfect winter wonderland.

The story is so much fun it is easy to forget you are reading a romance novel. I loved the intrigue surrounding Jocelyn’s deception and the comical moments it produced.

Living in Australia we don’t get to experience the perfect white Christmas (or even a cold one) but we can dream. The Christmas themed setting with snow falling Christmas lights and holiday shopping is beautifully portrayed around the Victorian.

The story line moves along smoothly with no slow patches. The dialogue is believable. For the most it is told in the 3rd person with a scattering of 1st person paragraphs by Snowball.

Characters are relatable and well portrayed. The nice ones are fun and easy to like, and the nasty ones perfectly depicted.

Snowball, the resident cat is very sweet and makes you want to pick her up for a cuddle but be warned there is an evil look alike lurking.

I rarely read romance these days but love animal stories. It is a book I was happy to relax and ignore problems around me while being transported to a Christmassy winter wonderland.

I loved the characters and the delightfully different storyline.

Highly recommended for romance readers.

Even though I’m not a great romance reader I’ll be keeping an eye open for books by this author.

My rating 4* as a light holiday read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the advance reader copy.

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