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Greyridge #1

Holiday Heartstrings

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I thought I had everything I wanted when it came to love.

The wedding I've been waiting for is quickly approaching. I should be spending this time in premarital bliss.
So why does everything feel... off?

Jamie has been my best friend for years. My rock. The person I can rely on.

He sees me.

Lately it's been...different between us. I'm feeling things I shouldn't feel about him.

Every touch makes my skin feel like it's on fire.

I thought my future husband would be the best thing I ever had.

What if there's something else just waiting to me? Penny doesn't know that I've been in love with her since the moment I first saw her.

I've never had the courage to admit my feelings. Until now.

I'm her Secret Santa this year, and I'm making sure this gift will be memorable.

The holidays are the perfect time to spring something like that on your best friend, right?

Especially when she's getting married. But if you had the chance to have the love you deserve, would you take it?

Holiday Heartstrings is a heartwarming, steamy romance novella inspired by The Office . If you love best friends to lovers and characters with personal growth you'll love your time in Greyridge, PA.

127 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2023

15 people are currently reading
162 people want to read

About the author

Lauren Greene

11 books131 followers

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5 stars
61 (28%)
4 stars
59 (27%)
3 stars
65 (30%)
2 stars
23 (10%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Devons book corner.
1,423 reviews40 followers
November 8, 2023
Holiday Heartstrings was such a sweet, adorable short story that is perfect for kicking off your holiday reading season. Penny and Scooter have been together for quite some time, and finally are getting ready to tie the knot. Scooter doesn't treat her the best, but his mother is horrible to her as well. Penny is starting to realize that, especially when she is starting to realize that maybe she is in love with the wrong man. Jamie and Penny have been friends forever, and Jamie is secretly in love with her. Watching her get ready to marry Scooter is killing him. But when he comes up with the perfect secret Santa gift for Penny, his thoughts and feelings are about to be heard. I cheered so damn hard for Jamie and Penny. I was already wanting them to be together after reading the first note that kicks off the book with his gift. He was so in love with Penny, and he was so sweet and thoughtful of her feelings. They were absolutely perfect for each other. I loved how Penny finally stood up to Scooter and his family. I honestly could not stand them!!! I loved this book so much and read it in a couple of hours. It gives you the warm fuzzies and totally put me in the holiday mood.
23 reviews
October 21, 2023
I was lucky enough to be able to Join Lauren’s ARC team and read this book. It was another easy five stars for her. I love the way she writes and I love her attention to detail when it comes to the small things in her books. She is easily becoming a top writer for me.

I so enjoyed this book. It was a quick and very romantic read. She definitely pulled at my heartstring (😏) with this one! In my humble opinion she has a way with words and setting the scene to imagine yourself actually inside of the places she describes. I’ve felt totally immersed in all the books I’ve read from her.

I’ve always loved the office it’s very much a comfort show and I loved seeing her take on Jim and Pam as Jamie and Penny.

10/10 and my new comfort read
Profile Image for Caitlin G..
55 reviews4 followers
October 22, 2023
ARC Review:

From the very beginning of this story I was hooked; Penny is just days away from her Christmas wedding to her high school sweetheart Scooter when she realizes that a life with him might not be what she wants.

With a little help from the magic of Christmastime, and a game of secret Santa Penny’s plans are quickly being turned on their head.

Holiday Heartstrings was such a cute read that it was hard to put down, I just know if you like seasonal romances you’ll love reading this one. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to get lost in a love story with a side of cozy Christmas goodness.
Profile Image for Suzanne Farrell.
61 reviews
October 27, 2023
Huge thank you and shout out the Lauren Greene and her PR team for providing an eARC in exchange for a review!

Summary
Holiday Heartstrings is a The Office inspired Christmas special. It follows Penny as she prepares for her holiday wedding to fiancé Scooter. She will rediscover a relationship with herself and make choices for her own happiness, and not the happiness of her long-time fiancé and his family. It has epistolary elements in terms of the Secret Santa present from Jamie.

Follow along with Penny in her friends-to-lovers, coworkers, and a pining love interest romance! Beware: there is a future mother-in-law who makes you want to throttle her and a future brother-in-law who shouldn't be allowed to have a wife as he's a sleezebag--looking at you Russell.

Thoughts
This is such a cute read! I give it one chili pepper (🌶) in terms of spice because there is just a scene it with mentions of it later.

I loved the story because I love the Jim/Pam romance from The Office. Jamie is a swoon worthy guy who has a way with words. My favorite part was the last letter of his gift because he put himself on the altar for sacrifice if it meant Penny being happy.

Another scene I LOVED was the Santa and Mrs Claus scene with the riding crop (if you know you know 👀). I howled with laughter when she woke up the next morning and couldn't believe she did that because I would be the same way and it's not even a fraction of what Scooter deserved as punishment.

One thing I wished happened was the wedding aftermath. SPOILER::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I wish we got to see a little bit of Scooter and his family's reaction that Penny was seriously not going through with the wedding because I feel like it would be comedic gold and an opportunity for Jamie to punch the crap out of him.

Anyways, this was a good mindless read if you are looking for a cozy holiday read with references to The Office and a friends-to-lovers quick read! I did give it 4 stars because I had a few things I wanted more of (like the aftermath and whether Emmy actually got with the owner at the Christmas party), but I will definitely be revisiting this when it's freezing and the holiday carols are blasting!
Profile Image for Tara Fioriello.
11 reviews
December 26, 2023
This book was excellent! As always, Lauren Greene knows how to take you to a place both physically (in the new location of Greyridge) as well as within the character’s experiences so you feel like you’re in the world with them! I very easily could’ve been answering the phones at the hotel or crafting the perfect secret Santa gift from Jamie, too!

The book made me laugh, cry, and curse out loud - all for good reasons 😂 The dynamic between the cast of characters, the descriptions of loss, and the road our main lady Penny must take to find true love kept me going from page one all the way to the end, in practically one sitting. The romance is swoon worthy and adorable (and has some spice worth waiting for!), and the setting is so cozy! Plus, who doesn’t love something that’s inspired by The Office?! Even for someone like me who isn’t a mega fan, I was able to follow and be amused by the references made. It was, pardon the pun, the total Christmas package!

The title truly stands up to the novella’s contents as your heartstrings really do get pulled on, for the genuine love story that is such a comfort, the descriptions of a family who is grieving at one of the most joyful times of the year, and the nervousness of knowing if our main character will actually get the happy ending she deserves! I can’t wait to come back to Greyridge and another Lauren Greene story, she never lets me down!
Profile Image for Robin ferguson.
212 reviews6 followers
October 24, 2023
Love is worth the wait
For fans of The Office, Holiday Heartstrings is a short novella about a second chance at love
when time is running out. Penny and Jamie have been circling each other for years, but as
Penny is preparing to get married. Will Jamie be able to step in to win back her heart?
❄️Second Chance
❄️Office Inspired
❄️Letters to a Lover
❄️ He’s all in
❄️ Secret Santa

I thought this was such a cute short novella. Really loved how much Jamie was into penny. He really paid attention to all the little things that matter. He enjoyed the simple things with her. Super sweet love story. she is engaged to a douch who doesn't appreciate her and doesn't really show her any attention. It's all about his needs and what he wants out of their relationship. His family is not very nice to her after 10 years of them being together. She struggled with the death of her mother around Christmas, and it's hard for her to get in the spirit, but Jamie was the only one trying to be there for her through all of this. I would definitely recommend this book. I got it as an ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mrs Moa.
496 reviews29 followers
October 31, 2023
When the love of your life is not who you thought it was.

Our FMC Penny is marrying her teenage (not so) sweetheart, Scooter on Christmas Day in three days time.

Scooter is an absolute tool, as is his mother. Unfortunately, while Penny is an intelligent woman, she’s been with Scooter for years and he was with her during a traumatic time in her life, he’s her safe blanket.

Enter her best friend and colleague, Jamie. Jamie has secretly been in love with Penny since the day he first met her and he decides he is going to declare his love for her by presenting her wee tokens he has accumulated in their time together via the office’s secret Santa.

A great story of a woman discovering her self worth and claiming back her pride and opening her eyes to what has been in front of her all along.

✨received as an ARC
Profile Image for Cecily Bonney.
1,048 reviews5 followers
November 3, 2023
This is a cute read and it is perfect for this time of year.

Jamie is so stinking cute!!!!

Now, please do not come for me but I have never watched The Office. BUT I am going to start because of this read.

There are lots of The Office references and I did not get them. Shame on me.

But this book was delightful and so sweet. With that being said, yes I have a 3.5 star. I would of totally given 4 stars.

I was not happy how Penny let her life just pass her by for so long before she actually woke up!

Overall this is an adorable short story. I hope you grab it, read it, and love it!


Thank you so much Lauren Greene for letting me read this book!
Profile Image for Reilly AS.
270 reviews7 followers
October 29, 2023
Lauren Greene has written another amazing book.

This The Office-inspired holiday book is absolutely amazing. Penny has been in a relationship for the last ten years and she is only a couple of days away from her wedding. Slowly she realizes that Scooter may not be the man she should be with or his family she wants to be part of. Jamie and Penny have been friends for the last five years. This is his last chance to tell Penny how he feels before it is too late.

Why I loved this book: single pov, holiday romance, quick read, friends to lovers, slow burn
Profile Image for Bianca Valiente.
134 reviews5 followers
November 1, 2023
Jamie and Penny

This was such a heartfelt book. Short and perfect for the holidays. Penny is a sweet character, and she deserves better than Scooter. Jamie is such a genuine guy. The way he leaves a certain note for Penny was so sweet. And how he's always there for her when she needs help.
(spoiler) The ending was so beautiful and I'm glad they ended up together!!

If you're someone who wants an office inspired romance novella this one's for you.


Tropes:
-Secret Santa
-Office Inspired
-Second Chance
Profile Image for Ktsues_booknook.
143 reviews4 followers
November 2, 2023

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶��🌶️
What a cute holiday Novella. It’s got all the warm cozy vibes you love for Christmas. we follow penny journey of Christmas love. She’s engaged and miserable about per upcoming wedding. She is trying to find the light and happiness of it all by Jamie her coworker and best friend is the only one who helps. Her journey of ending one relationship and starting made your heart squeeze. This was a great balance of all the themes, The Office, Christmas, and most importantly choosing happiness. It was so cute and cozy but I wish there was more to it.

711 reviews8 followers
November 2, 2023
I loved the comfort it gave. I felt like I was experiencing what they felt being part of the holiday. It’s like a cozy feeling.

Even with the warm feeling, annoyance cane really quick with Scooter and his family. Just the way Penny was being treated. It took her some time to stand up for herself and when she did, I cheered!

Her relationship with Jamie was adorable. He only had eyes for her and always wanted the best for her. I loved the way he was open minded about how to tell Penny how he felt for her. I thought he was genius!

Overall, it’s a cute story.
35 reviews
November 6, 2023
Holiday Heartstrings is an “The Office” inspired book! Just imagine all the feels from the Christmas “The Office” episodes in one book! ❤️

Penny FMC and Jamie MMC have worked on in an hotel for years and have been best friends. During this time, Penny had been in a relationship with Scooter. Penny is set to get married on Christmas Day, and what better way for Jamie to express his feeling for her than through a secret Santa gift!

This book was so adorable! It’s a short read but definitely gets you in the Christmas feels!!

Lauren, another great book!!
Profile Image for Carissa Riggs.
397 reviews5 followers
November 7, 2023
This was such a cute little pull at your heartstrings book. Jamie pines for his best friend for years, but she’s engaged so what’s a man to do? Jamie has the patience of an absolute SAINT! Penny was a little clueless but it was understandable given the timing of her relationship with Scooter. I have a few other choice names for him and his mother but I won’t mention them here. Overall it was a cute friends to lovers Christmas story that will leave you wanting more. Looking forward to Holiday Hookup coming soon!
80 reviews1 follower
December 2, 2023
4.75 ⭐️

This Jim and Pam inspired workplace Christmas romance was such a treat. In this case, Penny, our Pam, stayed with Roy/Scooter because he was with her when grief came into her life in the worst way.

I read it in a night, and cried at the end? I dare say that Jamie is a better human than Jim Halpert, although there will always be the questionable morals of kissing when she’s about to marry someone else. However, like on The Office and in life, things are messy and sometimes questionable morals have to happen for true love to blossom.
215 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2023
📚Book Tour & Review📚
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Who doesn't love a cozy Christmas romance. They characters were so sweet and often funny. Jamie's letters had ms melting they were so sweet and adorable. Seriously, I want someone to write me a letter like that.

I liked that it was a quick read but I wish Penny's and Scooter's confrontation was dragged out a little more. It wrapped up a little to swiftly and conveniently for me but it didn't take away from the plot.

Thank you @laurengreene for the ARC!
Profile Image for Kate Krizanek.
150 reviews1 follower
November 2, 2023
Cute and fun holiday read, especially if you’re a super fan of The Office like I am. All the little random connections made to the show and characters made me smile. Especially Gary..and his nonstop calling reception pretending to have a new crisis of a Christmas movie plot. And high five to the author who included Die Hard in his gags because Die Hard is a Christmas movie and I will die (hard) on that hill!

But it’s still a cute read even if you didn’t watch or aren’t a fan of The Office.
Profile Image for Jill.
606 reviews60 followers
November 2, 2023
What a fun, sweet novella. I enjoyed this one very much plus I really enjoy a second chance at love storyline. I really love this Authors style of writing. Plus the characters of Penny & Jamie were so relatable. I’m a sucker for a good old fashion romance story and this one definitely made me as a reader feel like I was in this story with the Characters. Penny & Jamie will definitely stick with me as a reader for quite sometime. Cannot wait to read more books again from this author.
Profile Image for Tara.
224 reviews2 followers
November 4, 2023

Penny and Jamie are best work friends. Penny is engaged to someone else but sometimes she feels stuck in her relationship. Jamie has been her rock. As Christmas approaches Jamie decides to tell Penny how he feels.

If you love The Office this book will become a favorite holiday read. With references and laughs throughout you will also want to re-Watch the series.

Loved this super fun quick read.
Profile Image for Delaine (NovelReadingNanny).
165 reviews3 followers
December 1, 2023
I need Lauren to continue writing book, especially novellas, forever and always. This book was DEVOURED, to the point I told my husband he had ten minutes than I was ignoring him until it was finished.

Penny and Jamie... I just... AHHH!!!! The emotions alone had me sobbing on my couch. My heartstrings were definitely pulled at and I was left wanting more. If you love The Office, trust me when I say you'll want to read this book. Just do it.
Profile Image for Jolene L..
137 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2023
4.5 STARS!!

I absolutely loved Holiday Heartstrings. I'm so happy that I chose this book to start off my Holiday Rom-com in December book series.

Holiday Heartstrings had the right about of Christmasy feels with a dash of spice and a sprinkle of a twisty surprise. The characters were lovable, well expect for Scooter and his pretentious mother.

Profile Image for Pandora Reads.
81 reviews16 followers
December 7, 2023
I adored this short and sweet novella. Penny is engaged to her long time boyfriend who is honestly just so-so and pretty selfish. She thinks she should be content with her life and go through with her Christmas wedding. Little does she know that her co-worker / best friend is in love with her, and he plans to tell her in the sweetest Christmassy way. A holiday must read!
Profile Image for Shan ~A~.
3,404 reviews66 followers
September 19, 2025
Penny & Jamie

The thing I loved the most about this book are the letters between the chapters. I think this may have suffered from the fact that I am tired of women being willfully ignorant when their significant others are showing them who they are, and they stay because they are either comfortable or desperate for companionship.
Profile Image for Courtney.
164 reviews
December 23, 2025
A short romance holiday story that’s a play off of The Office.

Oh this was super cutesy! I love The Office, so this was an unexpected treat. Quick paced and lovely holiday vibes. Perfect combo of reading, Christmas & everyone’s favorite TV couple, Jim & Pam… well here it’s Jamie & Penny.

Definitely going to read book 2 next
1,010 reviews10 followers
November 1, 2023
Precious

This high quality tale is heartwarming and precious, also modern and realistic. Hopefully this story will find the young lady who needs to take a step back and rethink if she's actually happy or not. Lovely!
Profile Image for Mary Ann Kapacs.
256 reviews8 followers
November 23, 2023
Office fans rejoice!

I loved this story! Cute take on the Office. It made me laugh with the Scranton references. Being from Scranton, I never found some of those spots. Not that I would be looking for them. Looking forward to next books.
Profile Image for ThatBookishWriter.
389 reviews18 followers
December 28, 2023
Perfect book for those who enjoy The Office!! I totally see Pam and Jim with Jamie and Penny. I loved them so much! Their friendship is just so sweet and you can truly see that they both had feelings with one another from the beginning. I love seeing all the notes that was written throughout the book.

I definitely couldn’t stand Scooter from the beginning. He definitely remindered me a bit of Roy but of course there were so many difference. I kept wanting to yell at her to dump his butt and go to Jamie.

I loved this book so much, perfect read for the holiday season!!
Profile Image for Katherine Tedder.
218 reviews5 followers
December 31, 2023
Holiday wedding gone rouge. I didn't love the main female character in this book, but I LOVED her best friend Jamie. The Office references were a little strange all things considering but I guess in a way the main character was Pam and Jamie was her Jim.
Profile Image for Heather Christopher.
11 reviews
November 7, 2023
Loved this cute holiday read! Lauren always writes the greatest love stories! Can’t wait for the second book to come out!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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