Sleigh Bells in the Snow by Sarah Morgan

December 16th, 2013 Kimberly Review 62 Comments

16th Dec
Sleigh Bells in the Snow by Sarah Morgan
Sleigh Bells in the Snow
by Sarah Morgan
Series: O'Neil Brothers #1
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarOne Star

USA Today bestselling author Sarah Morgan heats up the season with the O'Neil brothers in a brand-new holiday series!
Once upon a time, Christmas was Kayla Green's favorite time of year. Now all the workaholic wants for Christmas is for it to be over—as fast as possible! So when duty calls her to snowy Vermont to close a deal with a new client, Kayla is grateful for an excuse to avoid the holidays for another year. Jackson O'Neil left a thriving business behind to return home and salvage his family's resort—it's in his blood, and he can't let it fail. Now that he's got marketing whiz Kayla Green working with him to put Snow Crystal on the map, success is on the horizon. The fact they strike enough sparks off each other to power all the Christmas lights in Vermont is just an added bonus. Kayla might be an expert at her job, but she's out of her depth with Jackson—he makes her crave the happy-ever-after she once dreamed of, and it's terrifying. As the snowflakes continue to swirl, will the woman who doesn't believe in the magic of Christmas finally fall under its spell?

I love holiday themed books and was excited to crack open Sleigh Bells in the Snow by Sarah Morgan. I was expecting a heart-warming romance filled with holiday magic, but this novel was so much more. It turned out to be my favorite read of the holiday season! It introduced me to a new author and perhaps the greatest gift of all the O’Neil Brothers and a new series to swoon over. Mini review: Wonderfully fleshed out characters and small-town charm. This left me yearning for a holiday in Snow Crystal, Vermont.

Kayle Green avoids Christmas and all the hopeless feelings and memories that it brings to the surface. She demands complete control of her emotions at all times. She immerses herself in business and this has made her a successful PR agent. Jackson O’Neil has made a name for himself and built a successful empire. When his family’s business in Snow Crystal is in danger of going under, after the death of his father, he immediately steps in to save the business. Dealing with stubborn family members in fear of change can be harder then facing a crowded board room. He needs a PR firm, and personally requests Kayle Green who has earned the reputation of being the best in the business. Looking to avoid all things, “Christmas” Kayle agrees to spend a week in Snow Crystal the week of Christmas. Her efforts to avoid Christmas might just have her taking risks and enjoying life. The tale that unfolds held me spellbound as holiday magic, gingerbread men and moose stole my heart.

Sarah Morgan is a new to me author, and I could just Squee with joy after meeting the characters in Sleigh Bells in the Snow. I love small town romances and family tales. Not since Robyn Carr and Belle Andre have I been this excited about a series, place and family. The O’Neil brothers stole my heart, as did their family and the folks who work at their resort. Jackson is the oldest O’Neil brother and downright yummy. Ladies, you will have to get in line behind me. He is a family man, smart, and funny with the deepest blue eyes and half smile. Did I mention- facial scruff? Trust me he will turn your knees to jelly. I love confident woman, but typically do not connect with powerhouse business woman. Kayle though is flawed, funny, sweet and so passionate about her job that I easily connected with her. I felt for the emotional, disconnected, thirteen year old living inside her. I needed wanted her to find her happy. Grandparents, a moody teenager , a French chef and more are introduced to us . Each has a unique voice and I cannot wait to learn about them. We also meet Jackson’s brothers. Sean is a successful orthopedic surgeon who works in New York, and Tyler the youngest is a former Olympic skier. Both are completely swoon worthy ladies and I for one cannot wait for their stories.

In, Sleigh Bells in the Snow,  Morgan not only gives us a couple to root for, she introduces us to a family that is wonderfully fleshed out. The resort and town of Snow Crystal, Vermont, sprang to life on the pages. I personally want to book a week in the secluded cabins that offer. Morgan’s writing style is descriptive, and I could practically feel the snow beneath my feet and taste the hot chocolate. Skiing, horse drawn sleigh rides and a midnight ride on a dog sled delivered delicious holiday magic. The O’Neil family was wonderful from the teasing to the bickering.  I felt like I was right in the kitchen with them. Someone please, pass me the mashed potatoes. Every time I had to set this book down I craved to pick it back up. The romance was sweet, and while it occurred over one short week, it built slowly. we had to wait for the heat but when Morgan brought it I all but melted.

Fans of small-town romances, siblings and swoon-worthy moments need to grab a copy of Sleigh Bells in the Snow. It is the perfect holiday read and the start of a magical series. Suddenly Last Summer is the second book and is set to release in June of 2014. I cannot wait to get back to Snow Crystal. Hmm, I wonder if there will be skinning dipping in the lake?

Five cups of chocolate cocoa out of five
One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarOne Star

Photo of kimbacaffeinate
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

62 Responses to “Sleigh Bells in the Snow by Sarah Morgan”

  1. Lindy

    Kim,

    I loved this story so much, and fell in love with Jackson and his amazing family! Ms. Morgan write’s beautifully and totally hooked me! I can’t wait for Tyler’s story!!!! It will be so fun to discuss it with you 🙂 Lovely Review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Squee!! I am so glad you loved this as much as me, and yes I cannot wait for Tyler’s story. 🙂

  2. Stephanie

    This holiday read sounds like so much fun! I have never read anything by this author, but reading a good holiday read is just what I need right now! Perfect! Great review and thanks for sharing. 🙂

  3. Cyn

    Wonderful review Kim! I’m such a sucker for siblings series. I wouldn’t mind spending sometime in a lovely cabin for the holidays either 😉 I will definitely be trying to read this guy over the break. Thanks for sharing!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Squee! I am so excited for you to meet the brothers. Be sure and let me know what you think 🙂

  4. Ginny

    I am grabbing this one today! I know if you loved it then it is definitely one that I will love too. This will be my read all night book on Christmas Eve will hubby is at work. 🙂

  5. Andrea

    Ha! The O’Neil brothers are a great gift indeed! I really loved this story too. I don’t remember, did you read Ripped by Morgan? It was great too.
    Nice review, Kim!

  6. Lauren

    I’m such a big fan of small town romances, and add in holiday charm, and I’m sold! I know this one is a definite must for me because it had you wanting to pick it up every time you had to put it down. I love when a book makes me feel that way. Awesome review!

  7. Michelle

    I adore this review! I haven’t read a xmas book yet this year and I’m not sure I will be able to. I have been spending time watching the hallmark channel making up for my lack of xmas reads but this one I might have to read after xmas.
    Your review really makes me want to read it!!!
    Aweosme review!!!

    Michelle
    Because reading is better than real life

  8. Heidi

    Your fav holiday book of the season, sounds like a must for me. I finally dug into my first holiday read last night. Better late than never, right?

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes we have nine days to enjoy them still. Sadly I am reading books for January..all dark, paranormal etc. LOL

  9. Mariana

    She is really great and I need to read this book, for some reason(huge TBR) didn’t got a copy from NetGalley but it sounds perfect for me.
    Loved your review!

  10. Mishel

    You’re favorite you say?? Well that definitely has me interested.
    I, unlike everyone else under the sun, haven’t even heard of Sarah or her books. For shame lol Now that I know about her though I’ll definitely look more into her work =)

  11. Braine Talk Supe

    I’m reading a holiday novel and it’s a little heavy. This sounds like a more uplifting story, something I’m in the mood for. I think I’ll shelf my current read & read something fun for the meantime.

  12. Emily

    Just one clicked this, after seeing it a bargain price, and your review, well, i need some more festivities in my bones!xx

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Woot! Enjoy Emily, would love to hear your thoughts when you finish.

  13. aurian

    Lovely review Kimba, I really want to read this one. I have seen other reviews rave about her books before.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It was wonderful with all the elements I love in a small-town/sibling series!

  14. Sharlene Wegner

    I read this a couple of weeks ago & loved it! I can’t wait for the rest of the series & plan to reread this one, too! Great review!

  15. Jenny

    Well clearly I need to read this Kim! Also, I want to move to Vermont and live in secluded cabin:) Just for a week or two though, after that I’d likely get bored. I love finding new authors that quickly cement themselves on the favorites list, I can’t wait to give Sarah a try!

  16. Nick

    I love that there’s a wide range of characters with unique personalities.
    Your excitement over this book is contagious, Kim. I must check it out so I can read it during the holidays.
    Lovely review!

  17. Silvia

    Wow, sounds like you really had a blast with this book! Finding the perfect romance during this holiday is particularly great, isn’t it? Glad you had a wonderful time! 🙂

  18. John

    I have done no holiday reads….especially around Christmas! I resolve to have this done for next year 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I am addicted to them and read them from mid-Nov till Christmas day 🙂

  19. Sam

    I STILL haven’t picked up any holiday reads yet. Though you have me very curious about this one now! Especially as it’s your favourite book of the season so far. I’m glad you enjoyed it! 🙂 And I’ve got to say, that cover is super cute. Thanks for sharing!

  20. Mary

    I generally avoid all Christmas stuff until a week or two before the event but not because I have a tragic backstory. Nah. I’m just a Grinch. Maybe I need to read some sweet holiday-themed books to help combat this condition!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Ooo well yes we need to de-Grinch you with this one, and even though it takes place around Christmas it will be a series you will want to continue in July!

  21. Jan

    I’m so glad you liked this book! This was one I read during your Ho-Ho-Ho Read-a-Thon and I was totally ready for Christmas! I want to visit Snow Crystal, Vermont, too! Great review.