Lucy Macready believes in three things: peppermint cocoa can fix almost anything, tradition matters, and every December deserves a little magic.

But when the town bans pop-up vendors, her beloved cocoa stand is shut down—and with it, the one piece of Christmas that still connects her to her late grandmother.

Determined to keep the magic alive, Lucy sets her sights on the only place left to set up shop: Fir Lodge Tree Farm.

The problem?

It’s owned by Boyd Granger—the town’s resident recluse, all gruff edges and sawdust, whose idea of Christmas spirit is letting the storm shovel his driveway for him.

She shows up with cocoa and carols. He meets her with scowls and silence.

But when a blizzard traps them together, Lucy’s warmth starts melting more than snowdrifts—and Boyd begins to remember what hope used to feel like.

In a town where traditions are sacred and hearts are stubborn, one cup of cocoa might just be enough to rebuild belief in love.

Titles in the Evergreen Hollow Christmas Romance series include: Mistletoe & Motor Oil ~ Yuletide & Yearnings ~ Snowflakes & Sawdust ~

This is a clean, sweet romance with a Grumpy/Sunshine trope, with either closed doors or fade to black.

Title:  Snowflakes & Sawdust
Series:  Evergreen Hollow Christmas Romance #3
Author:  Harper Pugh (Heather C. Myers)
Published:  November 3, 2025
My Rating:  4.5 stars

Snowflakes & Sawdust is the third title in The Evergreen Hollow Christmas Romance series.  This time, we’re about to meet Lucy (definitely sunshine) and Boyd (oh, even more definitely grumpy) as they collide over a pop-up stand location, Christmas celebrations, and falling in love most unexpectedly… and, maybe, finding someone who really sees you, and stays.

Sometimes, a story will come along that lingers with you long after the final page is turned. That’s what Snowflakes & Sawdust will do.  Yes, it’s a delightful sunshine/grumpy trope Christmas Romance with everything beautiful and light that the season encompasses.  But it’s also so much more.  It’s a woman who is holding on to her beloved grandmother’s memory by keeping a Christmas tradition alive, no matter how hard or who she has to fight to make that a reality.  It’s a man who has seen so much loss, been affected by not only PTSD but also unbearable grief.  It’s two people learning that it’s alright to let down those protective barriers for the right person.  That they have permission to let go of the past, accept its reality, while moving on to a more fulfilling life with someone who really sees them, accepts them just as they are.  It’s accepting that they are worthy of being understood, allowing healing to take place, and forging a future together from the ashes of the past.

Snowflakes & Sawdust by Harper Pugh is a moving, emotional story that will touch your heart, make you think, and be grateful for the good things in life.  It’s well-written, with scattered laughter and tears throughout as Lucy and Boyd allow walls to crumble and let in healing love that can stand the test of time.  You may pick up this story as a lovely Christmas Romance (and it is that), but you’ll come away with a much deeper reading experience.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or the author’s team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review, giving my personal opinion about this book.*

This title is available at Amazon (affiliate link)