I read several Christmas Novellas in November, but didn’t a chance to post reviews. Better late than never. One book was an anthology with 3 novellas, and two were individual books. I enjoyed them all, some more than others. They also helped me with my goals during both 20 Books for Christmas and Ho-Ho-Ho Readathon.

On the Way to Christmas by Sheila Roberts, Melissa Ferguson & Amy Clipston

Published October 11th 2022 by Thomas Nelson

4 Stars:⭐⭐⭐⭐

On the Way to Christmas is an anthology of sweet, second chance romances, new beginnings, forgiveness and Christmas magic. They are by authors I enjoy with happily ever afters. If you are looking for something to pick up and read in a few hours, this is the book for you. Each story is just under a couple of hours to read and each left me with a smile on my face and a warm feeling.

A Christmas Do-Over by Sheila Roberts is the story of former mean girl Darby. She has returned to her small hometown after losing her job. People in town have long memories, especially her sister who is not happy that she is back. Running into her ex-friend, who she dumped as she got older, she realizes how handsome and wonderful he is. Is he ready to see the new Darby? Can she make amends? I really liked this story. Darby has grown so much and begins to realize how much damage she did when she was younger. She works hard to make amends and ask for forgiveness. A sweet story that ends in a happily ever after.

Dashing Through the Snow by Melissa Ferguson is Willow’s story of self-discovery. Her boyfriend of seven years has dumped her just before a romantic winter train adventure. She decides to go alone as the tickets are non-refundable. He had planned some romantic activities, which are still in the works, so Willow has to participate in some wonderful activities, but she doesn’t want to do them alone. She invites conductor Oliver, elf Ian, and aging world adventurer Clarence to spend time with her and they help her to heal her heart. This was a fun story. Elf Ian was a hoot and added some humor to this story. Of course love will out, but it was fun getting there. Who does Willow end up with? You will have to read this one to find out.

A Perfectly Splendid Christmas by Amy Clipston shares Kacey’s story of going home to help her sister and remembering what she loved about small town living. Kacey needs to find a new place to live, so heads home to help her sister in the meantime. Her brother-in-law has lost his job, and her sister is trying to take care of their child and keep the bakery open long enough to make money. Kacey offers to help and runs into her old boyfriend, Drew. Kacey left for the big city, while Drew is a small town teacher, who loves his job. As they rekindle their romance, can they find middle ground? Once again, the magic of a small town Christmas shows these two a way. I loved all the characters in this book, except maybe Drew’s father. This was a sweet romance that made me smile.

Resting Scrooge Face by Meghan Quinn, Narrated by Carly Robins & Aaron Shedlock

Published November 29th 2022 by Amazon Original Stories

5 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This was such a fun story. Nola has returned to her hometown of Bright Harbor, Maine after a bad break up. She left years earlier for the bright lights of the big city, leaving her boyfriend, Caleb, behind. Christmas in Bright Harbor is full of festive activities, bright lights and sweetness, all things Nola wants nothing to do with. Caleb is also not a happy Christmas fan, and writes a letter signed “Resting Scrooge Face”. He throws it in the garbage, but the friendly mailman, picks it out and delivers it, to Nola. She replies signing her letter, “Ho Ho No”. Their penpal relationship blossoms with them sharing secrets and stories from their past, which are hilarious. As that relationship grows, so does their in person one. Will Ho Ho No and Resting Scrooge Face meet? What will happen when they realize who they have been writing to?

There is not a lot more to say about this book except that you need to read it. It is good, clean, fun and it had me laughing more than once. The characters are great, including the secondary ones. As Nola and Caleb open up to each other and share their feelings, I just wanted to reach into the book and give them both hugs. I very seldom give a novella 5 stars, but I couldn’t resist with this book. If you are looking for a Christmas romance, one with humor, warmth and love, then pick up Resting Scrooge Face. If you have KU, you can do a read listen. The narration is done in alternating chapters with Nola’s and Caleb’s POVs given. Carly Robins & Aaron Shedlock do a great job with audio and they enhanced my enjoyment of the story. I highly recommend this book.

Naughty but Nice (Hamilton Christmas #3) by Donna Kauffman

Published October 30th 2018 by Zebra

3.5 Stars:

Naughty but Nice by Donna Kauffman is the third novella romance in the Hamilton Christmas series. They were originally published in the The Naughty List anthology but have now been published as individual novellas. Each book in the series can be read as standalone stories, but have an overreaching story involving the Hamilton family to tie them together. This final story in the anthology has Lionel Hamilton’s nephew from Ireland, Griffin Gallagher, coming to the town of Hamilton to develop it and make it bigger and more profitable. Melody Duncastle is perfectly happy running her small town bakery and has no urge to expand, in fact, she wants her quiet town to be left alone and for him to concentrate his efforts on Hamilton Industries. From their first meeting, early one morning in her bakery, there is chemistry and it heats up quickly. Attraction or not though these two definitely do not see eye to eye on their visions for their small town.

Whenever I read a novella length romance, I come to expect a certain amount of insta-love and this one is no exception. There is an opposites attract feeling, even a bit of an enemy to lovers trope happening. I really liked both Melody and Griffin. They had suffered loss in the past and were a bit closed off because of it, but they were good for each other and I wanted them to get together. I did enjoy this story, although, there wasn’t as much of a festive, Christmas feel as the previous two novellas in this series. Having said that, it is a short, cute, romance with a some steam and a happily ever after.

Advertisement