Let it snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle

Penguin, 2015. ISBN 9780141349176
(Age: 13+) Recommended. Short stories. Winter. Romance. Christmas. A blizzard stops a train carrying Jubilee to her grandparents in Florida and results in her walking through the snow to a Waffle House where she meets a stranger who gives her a delicious kiss. Meanwhile, three friends struggle through the snow to the Waffle House to see the cheerleaders who have also alighted from the train and this results in old friends discovering that they are more than friends. Addie's early morning shift at Starbucks is the beginning of her realisation that not everything is about her and brings her back to her true love.
These three highly popular and skilled authors ensure that these stories are not only very readable - I finished the book in a couple of sittings - but also give insights into the meaning of love and friendship. Maureen Johnson's The Jubilee Express provides the initial winter setting of a blizzard that is so bad that the train has to stop. It also introduces Jubilee Dougal, who finally comes to terms with the fact that her boyfriend is not especially caring when she meets Stuart who takes her home to make sure she is OK during the storm. On the train, Jubilee also meets Jeb who is desperately trying to make a meeting with his girlfriend, Addie and his story is told through Addie's eyes in The patron saint of pigs by Lauren Myracle. Of course, fans of John Green will immediately pick up this book, just to read a story by him and A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle is funny and touching and very memorable.
This is a heart-warming and thoughtful collection of short stories about teen love. While each story can be read as a stand-alone the interweaving moments add to its appeal. The strong characters, humour and touching moments make it a great read and a lovely prelude to the Christmas season.
Pat Pledger