Let It Snow: A Novel

Written by Nancy Thayer

Narrated by Joyce Bean

A Nantucket shopkeeper discovers that Christmas is the perfect occasion to make unexpected friendships, to warm the coldest of hearts--and maybe even to find love.

Christina Antonioni is preparing for the holidays at her Nantucket toy shop, unpacking last-minute shipments and decorating for her loyal Christmas shoppers. But when her Scrooge of a landlord, Oscar Bittlesman, raises her rent, it seems nearly impossible for Christina to continue business on the wharf.

Even so, Christina firmly believes there may be a warm heart underneath Oscar's steely exterior. When she bonds with Wink, his sweet, young granddaughter who frequents the shop, it becomes clear that perhaps he isn't so cold after all. And with the help of Wink's uncle, who happens to be a charming (and extremely wealthy) bachelor, this may be the best Christmas any of them could have ever imagined. Nancy Thayer's enchanting Nantucket setting provides the perfect backdrop for this holiday love story.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Oct 15, 2019
• ISBN: 9781799750956

Nancy Thayer

Nancy Thayer is the New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty novels, including Girls of Summer, Let It Snow, Surfside Sisters, A Nantucket Wedding, Secrets in Summer, The Island House, The Guest Cottage, An Island Christmas, Nantucket Sisters, and Island Girls. Born in Kansas, Thayer has been a resident of Nantucket for thirty-five years, where she currently lives with her husband, Charley, and a precocious rescue cat named Callie.

Reviews for Let It Snow

[chutzpanit · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a fun book! This was a lighthearted and easy read but truly enjoyable.

[bookconcierge · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

From the book jacket: A Nantucket shopkeeper discovers that Christmas is the perfect occasion to make unexpected friendships … to warm the coldest of hearts … and maybe even find love. My reactions:Thayer writes a lovely, quick romance set against a charming backdrop of Christmas in Nantucket. The characters are mostly straight out of central casting: cute-as-a-button, precocious kid; gruff, miserly millionaire; salt-of-the-earth friends who rally round; handsome, scion of wealthy family who just wants to love and be loved for himself; scrappy small business owner with a heart of gold. But I’m not complaining. I read these books because they are comfort food. I know exactly what I’m in for and I’m happy to get it.

[scoutmomskf · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Very sweet story that takes place in Nantucket at Christmas. Christina is a native of the island and owns a small toy store on the pier, one of several "shed shops." She loves her store and usually looks forward to Christmas and its holiday cheer and busyness. It's a little harder this year as she has lost her parents and her grandmother, leaving her alone for the holidays. Fortunately, she has her shop and good friends to ease the pain. One day, as she is unpacking merchandise, she catches a young girl shoplifting a small sticker book. Rather than turn her in, Christina offers nine-year-old Wink a job, giving the bored and lonely girl something fun to focus on.I liked the quick bonding between Wink and Christina. Both were dealing with a tough holiday season, between Christina's losses and Wink's upset over her parents' upcoming divorce. It was fun to see Wink blossom under Christina's encouragement, as she went from sulky and bitter to outgoing and helpful. There were some terrific scenes of their time in the shop together.A side effect of her friendship with Wink was getting to know Wink's bachelor Uncle Andy. Christina and Andy were drawn together from the moment they met. She was reluctant to get involved with him at first, as he was the son of local billionaire and landlord Oscar Bittlesman. But Andy was sweetly persistent and was soon spending as much time as he could with Christina. I liked Andy a lot. He's a nice man who hasn't inherited his father's ruthless streak. He's more interested in using his time and money on things that benefit the area.I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Andy and Christina. They spend time together, with and without Wink, getting to know each other. I liked seeing the little things that he did for her to make her happy or her life a little easier. Christina gives Andy moral support as he works to convince his father to let him leave the family business in New York and move to Nantucket. It's easy to see the feelings growing between them. Things become complicated when the "Shedders" all receive notice from Oscar that he will raise their rents by ten percent after the first of the year. This is a blow to all of them, as their profit margins aren't all that high to begin with. Christina is faced with a dilemma - does she allow Andy to help her with his father, or does she rely on her business sense and intelligence to fight this battle? Decision made, she had to walk a fine line between her struggle with Oscar and her growing feelings for Andy. I loved that Andy respected her wishes and gave her support without taking over. I liked the way things worked out at the end, with everyone remaining true to themselves.I enjoyed Christina's fellow merchants. They had an excellent friendship and support system going. Mimi was terrific with the way she watched over them all and kept them on track when they needed it. Jacob was the geeky guy with the kite and other sciency stuff. Sometimes he seemed like the awkward little brother, and other times he was far ahead of the others. Harriet grated on me through most of the book. She was catty and snobby and came across as a gold-digger. I hated her snide comments. She had a few redeeming moments, such as when she helped Christina at the hospital, but mostly she was a pill. When they all found out about the rise in rent, they looked to Christina to take advantage of her relationships with Wink and Andy to fix the problem, which bugged me. I was happy when they realized that wasn't fair to her, and enjoyed the idea they came up with to try to change his mind. The results were not what they expected.There were a couple of things that disappointed me about the book. One was the lack of heat between Andy and Christina. Their romance was sweet, and I had no doubt about their feelings, but I never felt any sparks between them. The other problem I had was that there wasn't anything told from Andy's point of view. There were places that I would have liked to know what he was feeling or thinking. This would have given a little more depth to his character. This was my first book by Nancy Thayer, so this may be her style.

[kathieintheburg · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A fun Christmas read, filled with love and Christmas magic. A nice way to while away an afternoon during the Christmas season.

[ethel55_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Very much a holiday tale with a cranky landlord wanting to rasie the rents of small shed shops on the wharf on Nantucket. Christina is all about her toy shop and finding the right gift for the right kid. When a lonely young girl named Wink comes in, she get together to provide her with a few Christmas treats. Her handsome and wealthy uncle makes an appearance and Christina is smitten. Nice to see how everyone pulls together during a time of need during the holidays.

[gpangel_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Let it Snow by Nancy Thayer is a 2019 Ballantine Books publication.I have a handful of books written by Nancy Thayer on my Kindle, but unbelievably this is the first book I’ve read by this author. While I’ve heard good things about Thayer, this book was not the best introduction to her work, I’m afraid.The setup involves a troubled and bored child, struggling with the divorce of her parents, a grumpy old man with a Scrooge like persona, a lonely shop keeper with a big heart, hoping to someday find true love, and her quirky friends who each make a small contribution to the story-In other words, practically every the traditional, old school, element required for a holiday love story.Unfortunately, it fell flat. I did enjoy the Nantucket setting and the winter landscape, but the plot employed too many tired clichés, and felt forced. I even wondered if this book was rushed to publication, perhaps hoping for a run at one of those Netflix originals or a Hallmark Channel movie deal.It just had that ‘scripted, ‘shopped’ feel to it- which for me, usually means bland, because it's too careful, never varying from the mold. It didn’t pull on the heartstrings, make me laugh, or sigh, or leave me with the warm and fuzzies.It was okay, but, I’ve read some truly wonderful stories this holiday season and this one didn’t come close to measuring up to the efforts by newer, less seasoned authors this year.

[ladyofthelodge · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

“Let It Snow” provides readers with a joyful look at Christmas on Nantucket. Christina and her fellow shop keepers face a difficult winter if the threatened rent increase takes place. Together they devise a plan to convince the Scrooge-like owner of their shops to rescind the rent increase, so they can keep their businesses afloat. With the help of a child, friends, and some Christmas magic, the “Shedders” find happiness and love in this bright season of joy.I found the characters to be delightfully realistic and described very well. Grandfather Oscar and the child Wink captured first place among my favorite characters. The plot contained enough twists and turns to keep readers interested and guessing at the outcome. I wanted to keep reading to find out how the story would end. While there are hints of romance and intimacy, the author includes nothing overt or descriptive that might offend readers. The novel can be enjoyed by teens as well as adult readers.I received this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

[marquis784-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Let It Snow by Nancy Thayer

Oct 29, 2019
Ballantine Books
Kindle, 288 pages
Fiction, Romance, holiday
Rating: 4/5
8/14/19-8/25/19

I received a digital copy of this ARC from NetGalley and Ballantine Books in exchange for an unbiased review.

This is a delightful, feel-good novel just in time for the holidays. Fans of Nancy Thayer will enjoy yet another story based in her beloved Nantucket.

Christina Antonioni inherited her parent’s Nantucket home where she runs a toy shop in one of the sheds by the shore with her fellow “Shedders”. Mimi runs a souvenir shop, Harriet has a couture shop while Jacob enjoys his interest in science selling kites and other aeronautical items.

As the group prepares for the busy holiday season they are informed that their rent is due to be increased dramatically making it impossible for them to maintain their businesses. Soon they plan and scheme to convince the landowner, Mr Bittleman, that an increase is unreasonable given the present unsuitable conditions.

Coincidentally, Christina develops a friendship with “Wink” a 9 yo girl who Christina confronts when caught shoplifting in her shop. They soon work out a plan for Wink to help out in her shop. That’s when to her surprise she discovers the girl is Winifred Bittlesman Lombard, the granddaughter of a wealthy family. Oscar Bittlesman has retired to his mansion on Nantucket where his family had come to visit and assist him.

Christina begins to have feelings for Andy Bittlesman, Wink’s uncle who lives in Brooklyn running his father’s brokerage firm. Meanwhile, Wink’s parents are going through a divorce leaving her mother Delia preoccupied.

The Shedders are determined to keep their shops open and productive during the holiday season. They also take on the task of spreading their optimism and good cheer to the elder Bittlesman who is dead set in his business decisions.

The group hope that Christina’s budding relationship with Andy will help persuade the curmudgeon to change his mind. Will they be successful in softening the crusty old man’s heart during the season giving?

[bookfanmary · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A frothy, light Christmas romance set on Nantucket. Perfect for fans of Hallmark Christmas movies.

[cindyb29 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

This book was awful. It was basically a short story that the author stretched out for 250 pages. There was very little to it, the dialog was stilted and there was no real plot. The writing seemed to me that of a young adult novel. I kept waiting for something to happen, but nothing ever did. Like Mittens on page 196, I really wasn't interested in Christina's drama. This was an Early Reviewers book that I won.

[willowone_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Let it Snow is a wonderful book to get you into the holiday spirit. Nancy Thayers book is set on the island of Nantucket with Christina Antonioni as the central character that all things revolve around or off of. Christina becomes involved with a young girl who attempted to shoplift from her toy store on the wharf. What she first assumes is a little girl from a poor family turns out to be a young, rich girl acting out. This relationship ends up having good and bad consequences on her friends, her love life and her business. This book is a quick read that will make you start your holiday season with a smile.

[maydacat_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This tale is a good example that a first impression of someone is not always the correct one. When Christina catches a young girl shoplifting in her toy store, she thinks that the girl comes from a poor family. Nothing could be further from the truth! In trying to give the girl some Christmas joy, she soon finds herself enmeshed in a complicated family drama and falling for the girl’s handsome uncle. But the fly in the ointment is the girl's grandfather, owner of the property that Christina and her fellow shop-owners rent. He intends to raise their rent, which will put them all out of business. Christina’s determination to reason with this unreasonable Scrooge while trying hard not to involve his son makes for some interesting reading. This Christmas story is filled with engaging characters and their insightfulness in solving their problems is quite entertaining. This heart-warming story is perfect reading for the Christmas season, or really, anytime.

[dgmlrhodes · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I love Christmas stories and enjoy the whole Hallmark movie watching experience. Let It Snow fits right into that category with a sweet romance and feel good charm. While these stories are always somewhat predictable, that doesn't stop me from enjoying the moment. If you don't enjoy this type of genre then this isn't the book for you. Christina Antonioni is a toy shop owner in Nantucket who forms a relationship with a young girl nicknamed "Wink." She catches Wink trying to shoplift and lets her earn some money to pay for the items she stole. Little does she know, Wink is part of the richest family in town and her her mother doesn't appreciate the relationship. Christina begins a relationship with Wink's uncle that seems to develop quickly. However, his father is the scrooge and Christina finds out he has purchased her building and is raising the rent (which she cannot afford). The characters are all charming and come together during the holiday season. It's an enjoyable and quick read.Reader received a complimentary copy from LibraryThing Early Reviewers in exchange for an honest review.

[bonnie.dewkett · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The perfect read to get you in the holiday spirit. When you're looking for something to get you out of your daily routine and give you a little smile, this book is it. It's easy to read, and perfect for those fast moments you have between everything else you're already doing to prepare for the holidays. It's perfect to remind you WHY you are working so hard for an amazing holiday season and what's really important. The scenes are beautifully depicted and the story will actually make you laugh out loud, right down to the cat.

[linda.marsheells · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Sweet, light, very Christmas-y book to get you in the mood for the holidays. Takes place on Nantucket, a bonus for a wistful Bostonian. Predictable? Sure. But then again , aren't most holiday themed books? Ho Ho HO!

[lewislibrary · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

At Christina Antonioni's toy store, Christmas is one of her busiest times. Her tiny shop is humble, no heat except for a space heater, and since she is the only employee, she has to close the shop for lunch or to run down the wharf to the community toilet. When she receives a notice from her Scrooge-like landlord notifying her of a rent increase that would put her and all of the other business owners out of business, Christina and her friends put their heads together to try to thaw his icy heart.....something that is easier said than done. On top of everything, Christina is falling for Andy, who just happens to be the son of her landlord. It is becoming harder and harder to keep the lines between business and personal seperate.