It’s been seven years since Ellie left her sheltered life behind in Vermont. But when work lands Ellie back in her hometown, she is forced to face the past—especially when snowed in with childhood love Theo. 

The chronic illness representation, including the strain it can put on family relationships, was really honest and explored well through Ellies character. The story is told in both the past and present and I think the way this was utilised in the story helps build the depth to Ellie & Theo and gives the reader the chance to connect with them and their relationship which makes the second chance aspect of this work really well because you're invested in them. 

However the pacing was a bit off, the build up to the reveal of the past conflict dragged on too long for me and I reached a point where I was rolling my eyes because they just needed to have a conversation both back when the conflict occurred and now in the present and none of the heartbreak would have been necessary. It was a little juvenile, which, given their ages in the past, is understandable, but in the present timeline, it was just irritating. It had some good Christmas vibes and a good sprinkle of spice too. The audiobook was available to me with my Everand subscription, and both narrators were great to listen to. 🌶🌶