What do you think?
Rate this book
26 Ways to Come Home for the Holidays
2025 International Book Award Winner, Romance category.
It’s Thanksgiving 1942, and Stella West, the first-ever head of holidays for Hanover's Department Store is left in a bind when her lead window designer runs off days before the grand unveiling of the store’s Christmas windows —a tradition the entire city treasures. Up against the clock, she scrambles to gather together a rag-tag team of store employees to finish the job, including their picky luxury stylist, two flirtatious personal shoppers, a handful of delivery boys, and Stella's best pal, Hector.
As the group races to complete the store's twenty-six 'Home for the Holidays'-themed Christmas windows , Stella is stunned to discover that Hector is newly single and realizes the feelings she’d buried for him long ago may run deeper than she ever imagined. Dodging a baker who's sweet on her , the store kiss-up who's after her job, and the store owner who wants an early preview — Stella has more than enough to worry about without her love life adding to the mix. But with the ribbon-cutting approaching (and the news of Hector's epic bachelor status swirling through the store), Stella realizes that telling him how she feels might be now or never, even if it means risking losing him entirely. "26 WAYS TO GO HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS" was inspired by the author's upbringing in Pittsburgh, where the city's Golden Triangle would come alive each holiday season with themed department store windows, trees, and the sounds of marching bands in Christmas parades. These traditions—still a joyous part of the holiday season—have lasted decades. Cherished trips to "dahntahn" Pittsburgh to see the lights are a must-do for families all over the city during Christmastime.
It’s Thanksgiving 1942, and Stella West, the first-ever head of holidays for Hanover's Department Store is left in a bind when her lead window designer runs off days before the grand unveiling of the store’s Christmas windows —a tradition the entire city treasures. Up against the clock, she scrambles to gather together a rag-tag team of store employees to finish the job, including their picky luxury stylist, two flirtatious personal shoppers, a handful of delivery boys, and Stella's best pal, Hector.
As the group races to complete the store's twenty-six 'Home for the Holidays'-themed Christmas windows , Stella is stunned to discover that Hector is newly single and realizes the feelings she’d buried for him long ago may run deeper than she ever imagined. Dodging a baker who's sweet on her , the store kiss-up who's after her job, and the store owner who wants an early preview — Stella has more than enough to worry about without her love life adding to the mix. But with the ribbon-cutting approaching (and the news of Hector's epic bachelor status swirling through the store), Stella realizes that telling him how she feels might be now or never, even if it means risking losing him entirely. "26 WAYS TO GO HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS" was inspired by the author's upbringing in Pittsburgh, where the city's Golden Triangle would come alive each holiday season with themed department store windows, trees, and the sounds of marching bands in Christmas parades. These traditions—still a joyous part of the holiday season—have lasted decades. Cherished trips to "dahntahn" Pittsburgh to see the lights are a must-do for families all over the city during Christmastime.
164 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2023
151 people are currently reading
11740 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Joy
1 book79 followersJennifer Joy (née Jennifer Fickley-Baker) is the author of "26 Ways to Come Home for the Holidays: A Christmas Season Novella." She has also penned the short story, "The Tiny Kitchen Witch: A Modern-Day Fairy Tale" (5 stars on Amazon reviews); as well as "The Haunting at Darlington Boardwalk"; "Extinct Things"; and "The Blue Book Watchers" in Ground Fiction. She was born in Pittsburgh and fell in love with stories before she could read by listening to books on tape.
Jennifer worked as a writer and editor for Disney Parks for 19 years, and a freelance entertainment and lifestyle journalist prior to that, with her work appearing in newspapers and magazines across the U.S. She earned an MA in Creative Writing from Harvard University and also has a Ph.D. from the University of Central Florida. She is a 2025 International Book Award Winner - Romance category. She lives in Florida with her husband, two children, and golden retriever. Follow her on Instagram @JennFickleyBaker.
Jennifer worked as a writer and editor for Disney Parks for 19 years, and a freelance entertainment and lifestyle journalist prior to that, with her work appearing in newspapers and magazines across the U.S. She earned an MA in Creative Writing from Harvard University and also has a Ph.D. from the University of Central Florida. She is a 2025 International Book Award Winner - Romance category. She lives in Florida with her husband, two children, and golden retriever. Follow her on Instagram @JennFickleyBaker.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
November 23, 2023
A sweet and romantic 1940’s holiday treat, perfect for Thanksgiving today! 26 WAYS TO COME HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS is a quick and easy read telling the story of Thanksgiving 1943, and Stella West is left in charge for Hanover’s Department Store’s holiday window decor. After the lead designer runs off three days before the opening, Stella gathers a team of sales staff to help. With feelings for her handsome co-worker and friend, Hector surprises her that he is single and has feelings towards each other. And maybe that Hanover’s Department Store brought them together for the holiday season. A friends to lovers (co-workers trope) novella that is perfect for this time of year, especially if you’re into the vibes of 1940’s Christmas like I do!
November 23, 2024
26 Ways to Come Home for the Holidays
4.25⭐️
🎄 work place romance
❤️ historical romance
🎄 christmas novella
❤️ slow burn
26 Ways to Come Home for the Holidays is hands down one of the cutest Christmas novellas I’ve ever read! At under 200 pages, it’s a quick, cozy read you can easily finish in a day.
The story kicks off when the department store’s window decorator unexpectedly quits, leaving Stella and Hector to step in and save the day. Their mission? Create 26 festive window displays in just a few days. The time crunch alone is enough to keep you turning pages, but add in a slow-burn romance between two characters who’ve secretly harbored feelings for each other, and you’ve got a holiday gem.
“You are a messy, clumsy, wonderful, beautiful adventure. You are not easy. You’re what I want.”
Swoon. That line had me melting, and the ending left me grinning from ear to ear.
Oh, and let’s not forget the raccoon fiasco—it added the perfect touch of humor to balance the sweetness. Watching the characters navigate being hilariously attacked by raccoons was just the cherry on top of this delightful story.
If you’re in the mood for a heartwarming holiday read with laughs, love, and a touch of chaos, this one’s a must!
4.25⭐️
🎄 work place romance
❤️ historical romance
🎄 christmas novella
❤️ slow burn
26 Ways to Come Home for the Holidays is hands down one of the cutest Christmas novellas I’ve ever read! At under 200 pages, it’s a quick, cozy read you can easily finish in a day.
The story kicks off when the department store’s window decorator unexpectedly quits, leaving Stella and Hector to step in and save the day. Their mission? Create 26 festive window displays in just a few days. The time crunch alone is enough to keep you turning pages, but add in a slow-burn romance between two characters who’ve secretly harbored feelings for each other, and you’ve got a holiday gem.
“You are a messy, clumsy, wonderful, beautiful adventure. You are not easy. You’re what I want.”
Swoon. That line had me melting, and the ending left me grinning from ear to ear.
Oh, and let’s not forget the raccoon fiasco—it added the perfect touch of humor to balance the sweetness. Watching the characters navigate being hilariously attacked by raccoons was just the cherry on top of this delightful story.
If you’re in the mood for a heartwarming holiday read with laughs, love, and a touch of chaos, this one’s a must!
November 27, 2023
This is so adorable. I was just planning to read a couple chapters, but I finished it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. A perfect little holiday read.
November 1, 2023
Cute, short, festive read that's perfect for the holiday season. Would recommend reading this while drinking hot chocolate on a cold rainy day. Stella West is "head of holidays" at a department store and when their professional window dresser quits unexpectedly, Stella and her co-workers have to work together and create memorable windows displays within a few days. The pressure's on to not only create the perfect display (and keep their jobs) but for Stella to finally tell her co-worker/friend/crush Hector how she really feels about him.
December 15, 2024
A short and sweet Christmas story. I was mostly here for the nod to the old Kaufman's department store animated Christmas window displays.
November 21, 2024
A nice, cute, short, Christmas read!
December 4, 2024
This book is simple and easy to read. I loved reading it, and it had me hooked from start to finish. What I loved most is that it’s a Christmas book with romance, but the romance takes a backseat. The main focus is on handling a work crisis and completing the design of the store windows.
The plot takes place over just three days, so there isn’t much room for character development. However, you do see people helping and supporting each other, which was heartwarming. It was funny to see all the obstacles they had to overcome to finish the windows on time, and I also loved how it brought them closer together as friends.
The plot takes place over just three days, so there isn’t much room for character development. However, you do see people helping and supporting each other, which was heartwarming. It was funny to see all the obstacles they had to overcome to finish the windows on time, and I also loved how it brought them closer together as friends.
November 20, 2023
I've never read a holiday-themed romance until now, and this was a fun one. Set during World War II, a department store "head of holidays" and her publicist friend work together with other staff to set up Christmas display windows after the display designer leaves them in the lurch right before the season kickoff. Mostly PG-rated holiday fun and nostalgia!
I received a Kindle copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
I received a Kindle copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2023
A cozy short Christmas read 🫶🏻
November 11, 2023
They say don't judge a book by it's cover, but this cover truly did the story justice. The slow-burn, the vibes, the inside jokes and the plot. I am so glad this was my first christmas book from 2023!
November 24, 2023
Cute and quick Christmas novella! Set during WW2, Emma is the head of holidays and tasked with the annual window display at the big department store. She wrangles the crew and finishes the display just in time - with a little romantic fling. Cozy little read.
November 24, 2023
Es war so vollkommen anders als erwartet 😍 es war super cute mit so vielen süßen Charakteren und diesem vintage Christmas vibe, der einfach so gut gepasst hat 😍
December 10, 2024
This is
exactly
what I'm looking for in a short & sweet holiday novella. This was everything I didn't know I needed. Wholesome characters and content, nostalgic Christmas energy, and a fun romance subplot. Easy and breezy, I'm so glad this was put in my path via Goodreads giveaways. Cheers!
January 7, 2025
A cute and quick holiday novella!
October 23, 2023
In the vein of a Hallmark Christmas movie. What happens when the contractor hired to construct a 26 window Christmas display for a large department store in Pittsburgh walks off the job on Thanksgiving Day? Fortunately it is 1942 and there is no Black Friday, so Stella West grabs a motley crew of co-workers to try and finish the job without telling the store owner. Through a series of misadventures, Stella does her best.
Fans of Hallmark Channel movies will recognize many shared characteristics: two people who like each other but don't think the feelings are reciprocated; an interrupted kiss; a catalyst couple; and of course the miscommunication.
The only thing that left me wanting was the length of the book. By delving into the lives of a few more characters, this could easily be transformed into a full length novel. That is a novel I would gladly read.
Fans of Hallmark Channel movies will recognize many shared characteristics: two people who like each other but don't think the feelings are reciprocated; an interrupted kiss; a catalyst couple; and of course the miscommunication.
The only thing that left me wanting was the length of the book. By delving into the lives of a few more characters, this could easily be transformed into a full length novel. That is a novel I would gladly read.
December 3, 2024
This is a Christmas novella. It takes place in 1942. Stella West works for a department store and is in charge of the window displays. But when the lead window designer runs off, she doesn’t know what to do. She enlists the help of other department store employees to help finish the 26 Christmas windows. One of the employees, and close friend, Hector is newly single, and she’s had feelings for him for quite some time. He’s a good man, and a good-looking man, that he probably won’t stay single long. It’s not or never when it comes to telling him her feelings, even if it does mean risking losing him forever.
This was just okay. I really liked the concept/plot of scrambling to get the Christmas display windows done for the big reveal. I know growing up on Long Island, going to the city to see the Macy’s window displays was always something that I loved to do. So to have to get the employees to come together, to learn the talents of each other in order to make the displays work was really fun. I wasn’t paying close enough attention, but I don’t know if they vividly described all 26 windows, but there were a few that were vividly described.
I understand the author’s choice to make it during the 1940s during the war, but I’m not sure that it added to the story. I also didn’t feel the connection between Hector and Stella. I don’t know if it was because it was a novella, or if it’s the way that the author wrote this, but it never built up for me. I never felt any spark between them. I actually thought to myself at one point “Oh, a Christmas book that is just a Christmas book – no romance!” I think the romance part needed to be fleshed out better. But that’s just MY opinion, and based on reviews, others really loved it.
This was just okay. I really liked the concept/plot of scrambling to get the Christmas display windows done for the big reveal. I know growing up on Long Island, going to the city to see the Macy’s window displays was always something that I loved to do. So to have to get the employees to come together, to learn the talents of each other in order to make the displays work was really fun. I wasn’t paying close enough attention, but I don’t know if they vividly described all 26 windows, but there were a few that were vividly described.
I understand the author’s choice to make it during the 1940s during the war, but I’m not sure that it added to the story. I also didn’t feel the connection between Hector and Stella. I don’t know if it was because it was a novella, or if it’s the way that the author wrote this, but it never built up for me. I never felt any spark between them. I actually thought to myself at one point “Oh, a Christmas book that is just a Christmas book – no romance!” I think the romance part needed to be fleshed out better. But that’s just MY opinion, and based on reviews, others really loved it.
Read
February 3, 2024I wanted to read something cute and light, something I can read fast between more serious series and... I think I got what I expected?
Stella and Hector carry the whole book and even though I saw some reviews complaining about too little romantic scenes, I personally think there was a right amount of them, which felt very fitting for this kind of a story.
What drew me to this book is the "friends to lovers" trope and I must say, the author nailed it. I love this trope to death and seeing the characters actually BEING friends made my reading experience even more enjoyable. Both Stella and Hector are likable too so I had no problems liking them together and as individuals.
That being said... I felt the ending was a little rushed. And I'm not sure how I shoukd feel about the setting (World War 2) since in my experience (me being an European) such theme is reserved for serious and sad books telling stories of suffering. But let's not go there.
The plot itself isn't complicated. Full of silly moments? Yes. Many events and solutions happened too conveniently? Of course. Did I like it? Absolutely. The story takes place around Thanksgiving but it's got Christmasy charm to it and it's perfect for an evening reading after work or during the weekend. I wouldn't say I'm 100% satisfied but I got my friends to lovers short story full of warmth and sweetness.
Stella and Hector carry the whole book and even though I saw some reviews complaining about too little romantic scenes, I personally think there was a right amount of them, which felt very fitting for this kind of a story.
What drew me to this book is the "friends to lovers" trope and I must say, the author nailed it. I love this trope to death and seeing the characters actually BEING friends made my reading experience even more enjoyable. Both Stella and Hector are likable too so I had no problems liking them together and as individuals.
That being said... I felt the ending was a little rushed. And I'm not sure how I shoukd feel about the setting (World War 2) since in my experience (me being an European) such theme is reserved for serious and sad books telling stories of suffering. But let's not go there.
The plot itself isn't complicated. Full of silly moments? Yes. Many events and solutions happened too conveniently? Of course. Did I like it? Absolutely. The story takes place around Thanksgiving but it's got Christmasy charm to it and it's perfect for an evening reading after work or during the weekend. I wouldn't say I'm 100% satisfied but I got my friends to lovers short story full of warmth and sweetness.
April 6, 2025
Sleigh Bells & Swoony Hearts
If you're seeking a feel-good, heartwarming holiday read, look no further! Jennifer Joy's 26 Ways to Come Home For The Holidays is a spellbinding Christmas novella that enchants readers all year round. Set against the backdrop of a feverish race to decorate the 26 Christmas windows at Hanover's Department Store, Stella and Hector’s sparkling romance blossoms with vintage passion and holiday magic. Vivid, cinematic scenes unfurl before your eyes as a thoughtfully drawn cast of endearing characters engages you in playful banter—where swoony passion meets witty repartee. Step into an enchanting, bygone Christmas era, where a 1940s romance sweeps your heart away like a delicate snowflake on a winter breeze.
If you're seeking a feel-good, heartwarming holiday read, look no further! Jennifer Joy's 26 Ways to Come Home For The Holidays is a spellbinding Christmas novella that enchants readers all year round. Set against the backdrop of a feverish race to decorate the 26 Christmas windows at Hanover's Department Store, Stella and Hector’s sparkling romance blossoms with vintage passion and holiday magic. Vivid, cinematic scenes unfurl before your eyes as a thoughtfully drawn cast of endearing characters engages you in playful banter—where swoony passion meets witty repartee. Step into an enchanting, bygone Christmas era, where a 1940s romance sweeps your heart away like a delicate snowflake on a winter breeze.
December 31, 2023
A first for me... a historical fiction romance Christmas novella! I received this in a GoodReads giveaway just in time for the holidays. I loved the plot line and characters of this novella. Stella, FMC, and Hector, MMC, had a slow-burn, co-workers to lovers romance that I ate up! I loved the description of each holiday themed window that Stella, Hector, and the staff of Hanover's decorated. I could almost envision each one! Overall, this was a quick holiday read and something out of my comfort zone.
December 1, 2024
I won this one from Goodreads! Thanks to them for the gifted copy. All opinions below are my own.
This was a fun holiday read. The setting was unique, it's set in the 40's and talks about the war impact back at home. Stella is in charge of decorating the famous department store windows for the holidays. She has a plan and has thought everything out, until her designer disappears on her. She has to find a way to get the project done so that no one loses their jobs. Along the way she realizes the heart of the employees who she works with every day and realizes her feelings for a long time co-worker.
I really loved that this was a fun, hopeful story for the holidays. There is a love story but it's not the center of the story. It reminded me a lot of the movie, A Christmas Story, building a beautiful story of the culture of the time.
This was a fun holiday read. The setting was unique, it's set in the 40's and talks about the war impact back at home. Stella is in charge of decorating the famous department store windows for the holidays. She has a plan and has thought everything out, until her designer disappears on her. She has to find a way to get the project done so that no one loses their jobs. Along the way she realizes the heart of the employees who she works with every day and realizes her feelings for a long time co-worker.
I really loved that this was a fun, hopeful story for the holidays. There is a love story but it's not the center of the story. It reminded me a lot of the movie, A Christmas Story, building a beautiful story of the culture of the time.
October 12, 2023
The 26 Windows of Christmas
Stella and Hector had a not your normal courtship routine during a crisis of preparing 26 windows for Christmas on short notice and with few helpers. Creative thinking to use department store employees plus some delivery boys gave the best results ever and a romantic relationship hit the fast track with the two organizers. A fun story…
Stella and Hector had a not your normal courtship routine during a crisis of preparing 26 windows for Christmas on short notice and with few helpers. Creative thinking to use department store employees plus some delivery boys gave the best results ever and a romantic relationship hit the fast track with the two organizers. A fun story…
October 23, 2023
I enjoyed this book. It was a cute Christmas story and I felt a connection as I grew up in Pittsburgh so was familiar with places that were mentioned in the story. The author did a good job developing the main character in the story.
Thanks for the free book.
Thanks for the free book.
November 22, 2023
Four stars because I really did enjoy this festive, historical romance read. It was such a nice, quick book. Knowing it was a shorter read, I didn’t expect a deep story line. I think the whole plot was well conveyed regardless and it captured the magic of Christmas.
November 9, 2024
2🤷🏻♀️/4🎄
December 12, 2024
I absolutely loved this story. Probably one of my favorite Christmas novella’s I have ever read!
January 1, 2025
A cute little Christmas rom-com in book form. Easy reading.
December 19, 2025
This was such a sweet, throwback of a Christmas Romance and I LOVED the fact that it took place in a department store. Alll the nostalgic feelings.
December 14, 2023
4.8 ⭐️
I LOVED this book! (I’m kind of surprised at the Goodreads rating being as low as it is) It had everything I love— great character development & spice without being raunchy. It did have some mild language hence my 4.8 ⭐️ rating. If not for that, it probably would have been a solid 5 stars from me! Either way, I still thoroughly enjoyed it!
I LOVED this book! (I’m kind of surprised at the Goodreads rating being as low as it is) It had everything I love— great character development & spice without being raunchy. It did have some mild language hence my 4.8 ⭐️ rating. If not for that, it probably would have been a solid 5 stars from me! Either way, I still thoroughly enjoyed it!
October 15, 2023
Such fun read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews