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Noche Buena: a holiday novella
Camila Morales is a hopeless romantic. Not that she thinks every couple is meant to be—she is a divorce lawyer, after all. But when her happy, married-thirty-years parents announce their own separation three weeks before Christmas, Cami’s world is turned upside down, especially since she’s been trying to feel her way through her own marital slump for months.
Sutton Davies is an imposter. At least, that’s what her therapist says. Or was it that she may have imposter syndrome? Same difference. With a promotion she’s not sure she deserves, a wife who’s definitely too good for her, and a best friend who’s always been in her corner, she should be fine. Perfect, even. But maybe that’s the problem—this unattainable quest for perfection—which is why she’s decided to focus on something she can control. Proving to Cami that this bout of spotty communication and dwindling intimacy is nothing but a blip.
Every couple goes through it, right?
Will Sutton’s attempts to reconnect over the holidays reignite sparks, or is it all too little too late?
Snuggle up with this heartfelt holiday romance where love is boundless, desires blaze, and family is cutthroat—at least for the annual cookie-decorating contest.
Sutton Davies is an imposter. At least, that’s what her therapist says. Or was it that she may have imposter syndrome? Same difference. With a promotion she’s not sure she deserves, a wife who’s definitely too good for her, and a best friend who’s always been in her corner, she should be fine. Perfect, even. But maybe that’s the problem—this unattainable quest for perfection—which is why she’s decided to focus on something she can control. Proving to Cami that this bout of spotty communication and dwindling intimacy is nothing but a blip.
Every couple goes through it, right?
Will Sutton’s attempts to reconnect over the holidays reignite sparks, or is it all too little too late?
Snuggle up with this heartfelt holiday romance where love is boundless, desires blaze, and family is cutthroat—at least for the annual cookie-decorating contest.
136 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 13, 2023
59 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
December 20, 2024
If there was ever a story that reminded me of my childhood holidays, it is this book. Camila and Sutton have been married for five years and are very much in love. But when Camila’s parents announce a pending divorce after 30 years of marriage, it unsettles Cami. She wonders if recent issues in her own marriage are a sign of doom as well.
Noche Buena is jam packed with the sounds and smells of a Latino home celebrating Christmas where familia, amigas, everyone is invited, where Luis Miguel holiday tunes and home made Rompope could be the theme. Bonus is when the family owns a bakery and we get to see atole and buñuelos as the December indulgences.
As for the two mains, Sutton and Camila are an incredibly passionate, sexy power couple who just need to sit down and talk. There’s fire on the page when they are together. The story has some angst but in the end, warm holiday fuzzies prevail.
Noche Buena is jam packed with the sounds and smells of a Latino home celebrating Christmas where familia, amigas, everyone is invited, where Luis Miguel holiday tunes and home made Rompope could be the theme. Bonus is when the family owns a bakery and we get to see atole and buñuelos as the December indulgences.
As for the two mains, Sutton and Camila are an incredibly passionate, sexy power couple who just need to sit down and talk. There’s fire on the page when they are together. The story has some angst but in the end, warm holiday fuzzies prevail.
December 18, 2024
Something’s wrong with Cami and Sutton’s couple. Sutton comes home smelling of a perfume Cami knows is not hers, she goes to secret doctor’s appointments… The fact that her parents have announced their decision to get a divorce isn’t helping Cami keep her faith that everlasting love is a thing.
I missed this Christmas novella last year but Clare Ashton, who is one of my absolute favourite authors, mentioned it on social media, and then a few days ago, it was part of Jae’s Sapphic Book Advent Calendar, and it felt like fate. I apologise (once again) to all the authors whose books are on my ARC list, but I had to move things around and read Nochebuena right away. I mean, it’s December, and I need some Christmas spirit.
I think what I liked most about this novella (set in the author’s Gia, San Francisco universe) is the fact the MCs are already married. It’s very much a romance, it just takes place after they come together. They’re both very busy professional women—Cami, 28, is a family law attorney, Sutton, 33, was recently appointed director at the company she works for—and they’re struggling to find time for each other and their couple. Sparks need to be fed by more than love, and I enjoyed seeing them reconnecting to themselves, to each other, to their desires, their dreams, their priorities.
It’s a very tender book, full of humour and sweetness, with adorable MCs and loving and funny secondary characters.
Video review: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDo1-s...
Read all my reviews on my website (and please get your books from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
December 30, 2024
This holiday novella is a notch above the average holiday romance. I love when I get to know the two main characters with all their strengths, fears and phobias enough to care deeply for them both.
The focus is on a marriage on the brink of collapse which makes it all the more poignant during this festive time of year. More than miscommunication, Sutton and Camila are muddling through a serious lack of communication. Sometimes life with all its stressors gets in the way of love. Will they find that love or drift apart?
Available on KindleUnlimited. A quick and enjoyable read
The focus is on a marriage on the brink of collapse which makes it all the more poignant during this festive time of year. More than miscommunication, Sutton and Camila are muddling through a serious lack of communication. Sometimes life with all its stressors gets in the way of love. Will they find that love or drift apart?
Available on KindleUnlimited. A quick and enjoyable read
December 29, 2023
Oh, this story! So many feels. This isn’t your average lighthearted holiday read. It’s an emotional and deep and heartfelt story that will pull you in at the start and keep you invested until you turn that final page. Camila and Sutton are an established couple, married 5 years, but experience some rocky times and disconnection in their marriage. And to top it off, Camila’s parents, the reason she is the romantic she is and believes in love as strongly as she does, are getting divorced after 30 years of marriage. Through quality time over special dates and holiday traditions, Camila and Sutton are trying to reconnect and reignite those sparks. Their journey is not without obstacles and miscommunications, but you can tell through all of it that these two have what it takes to make it work and truly love each other. It really is incredible how much story and character development, and just…everything Stephanie Shea packed into these 127 pages. There is so much heart and soul in this novella that it reads more like a novel. Each of the characters, including side characters, are beautifully fleshed out with unique voices and personalities. I loved every second of this story. I am officially hooked on Stephanie Shea’s writing and need to read every book she has written now!
December 18, 2023
4.5 stars. I don't think I've read a romance book where the couple is already married, but I really liked this! I need to read more.
This was a short and sweet novella. I loved Cami and Sutton, both felt real and I just wanted them to get back to their happy life. The secondary characters were well done, too. Everyone felt like distinct people with unique voices.
The reason it lost half a star was the excuse Sutton gave for the lack of communication/not telling her wife about her therapy. I know every marriage is different, but I tell my wife everything, and I can't even conceive of lying to her about seeing a therapist.
Other than that niggle, though, I really loved this. I need to read the author's other works now!
This was a short and sweet novella. I loved Cami and Sutton, both felt real and I just wanted them to get back to their happy life. The secondary characters were well done, too. Everyone felt like distinct people with unique voices.
The reason it lost half a star was the excuse Sutton gave for the lack of communication/not telling her wife about her therapy. I know every marriage is different, but I tell my wife everything, and I can't even conceive of lying to her about seeing a therapist.
Other than that niggle, though, I really loved this. I need to read the author's other works now!
December 14, 2024
4.5 stars
Enjoyed this holiday novella a lot! It was unusual in that it was about a married couple drifting apart and desperate to reconnect. Most stories are about new loves.
Sometimes readers can feel shortchanged by stories that aren’t novel length, but that wasn’t the case here. It’s just the right length and very well written. And what a breath of fresh air that it was a racially diverse couple!
If you don’t have time for a full length novel - or even if you do - this is an enjoyable read!
Enjoyed this holiday novella a lot! It was unusual in that it was about a married couple drifting apart and desperate to reconnect. Most stories are about new loves.
Sometimes readers can feel shortchanged by stories that aren’t novel length, but that wasn’t the case here. It’s just the right length and very well written. And what a breath of fresh air that it was a racially diverse couple!
If you don’t have time for a full length novel - or even if you do - this is an enjoyable read!
December 16, 2023
Anything Stephanie Shea writes is an auto read for me. She is easily one of my favorite authors. If I have one complaint about this book, it's that I wish it were longer. Yes, I know it's a novella, but I want what I want. lol
Cami and Sutton are married but things are off and neither has the courage to bring it up because what if things aren't fixable? These two characters stole my heart. The love they clearly have for each other, yet the insecurities that are so much at the core of who they are as individuals, I just wanted so badly for them to find their way back to each other.
This book is filled with so much emotion, it's the perfect read for the holidays. And bonus, some of the characters from Shea's Gia San Francisco series make appearances. It really is a wonderful gift for the holidays.
An ARC was provided by the author for an honest review.
Cami and Sutton are married but things are off and neither has the courage to bring it up because what if things aren't fixable? These two characters stole my heart. The love they clearly have for each other, yet the insecurities that are so much at the core of who they are as individuals, I just wanted so badly for them to find their way back to each other.
This book is filled with so much emotion, it's the perfect read for the holidays. And bonus, some of the characters from Shea's Gia San Francisco series make appearances. It really is a wonderful gift for the holidays.
An ARC was provided by the author for an honest review.
December 20, 2023
4.5⭐ I usually don't round up but I wanted to do it for this one.
This novella though short managed to make me invested with both characters. It means the writing is really good. I think it's the first time I read about a married couple, Cami and Sutton, having couple issues but still loving deeply each other. Shea shows it's possible to write interesting stories with established couple, that keeps readers hooked. Sweetness and chemistry are not forgotten. Side characters are endearing and bring the perfect amount of support and colorfulness to the story.
I only wanted one thing : read Camila and Sutton's whole story.
This novella though short managed to make me invested with both characters. It means the writing is really good. I think it's the first time I read about a married couple, Cami and Sutton, having couple issues but still loving deeply each other. Shea shows it's possible to write interesting stories with established couple, that keeps readers hooked. Sweetness and chemistry are not forgotten. Side characters are endearing and bring the perfect amount of support and colorfulness to the story.
I only wanted one thing : read Camila and Sutton's whole story.
December 11, 2024
I found refreshing the fact that this novella is about an already married couple. It shows you that anything can happen after a HEA and you need to communicate to keep your relationship alive and healthy.
Quick read, perfect for the holidays.
Quick read, perfect for the holidays.
December 30, 2024
Noche Buena: A Holiday Novella by Stephanie Shea is an absolute gem of a read that had me hooked from start to finish. I devoured this heartfelt story in one sitting on Christmas Eve, and it’s safe to say it’s going to become a yearly holiday tradition for me.
Camila Morales and Sutton Davies are not your typical romance leads—this story beautifully centers on a married couple with years of love, history, and connection between them. Watching them navigate a rough patch in their relationship was refreshing, real, and deeply moving. Relationships aren’t all rainbows and cookies (though the annual cookie-decorating contest had me grinning ear to ear), and this novella does a fantastic job of showing that love is a continuous journey of effort, empathy, and communication.
Shea packed so much into this short read, making every word impactful. The BIPOC representation is wonderful, and the family dynamics in Camila’s life add warmth, humor, and just a little bit of holiday chaos that makes the story feel incredibly relatable. Seeing the Morales family’s closeness, even as they dealt with their own struggles, was a beautiful reminder of the strength and love that families can provide—even in tough times.
Camila and Sutton’s love for each other is palpable on every page. Once they begin to communicate openly, the story blossoms into something both sweet and steamy. Their journey to reignite their spark is filled with tender moments, genuine vulnerability, and a lot of heart. It’s not just about romance—it’s about choosing each other every day and putting in the work to make a relationship thrive.
Stephanie Shea’s writing is so warm and inviting, perfectly capturing the magic of the holidays while tackling deeper themes of love, growth, and resilience. For a novella, it feels incredibly rich and satisfying, proving that sometimes, less really is more.
If you’re looking for a holiday story that balances sweetness and steam with emotional depth and relatable characters, Noche Buena is a perfect pick. It’s heartfelt, impactful, and everything a holiday romance should be. Highly recommend this as a cozy holiday read—it’s a short but beautiful reminder of what love and the holidays are all about!
Camila Morales and Sutton Davies are not your typical romance leads—this story beautifully centers on a married couple with years of love, history, and connection between them. Watching them navigate a rough patch in their relationship was refreshing, real, and deeply moving. Relationships aren’t all rainbows and cookies (though the annual cookie-decorating contest had me grinning ear to ear), and this novella does a fantastic job of showing that love is a continuous journey of effort, empathy, and communication.
Shea packed so much into this short read, making every word impactful. The BIPOC representation is wonderful, and the family dynamics in Camila’s life add warmth, humor, and just a little bit of holiday chaos that makes the story feel incredibly relatable. Seeing the Morales family’s closeness, even as they dealt with their own struggles, was a beautiful reminder of the strength and love that families can provide—even in tough times.
Camila and Sutton’s love for each other is palpable on every page. Once they begin to communicate openly, the story blossoms into something both sweet and steamy. Their journey to reignite their spark is filled with tender moments, genuine vulnerability, and a lot of heart. It’s not just about romance—it’s about choosing each other every day and putting in the work to make a relationship thrive.
Stephanie Shea’s writing is so warm and inviting, perfectly capturing the magic of the holidays while tackling deeper themes of love, growth, and resilience. For a novella, it feels incredibly rich and satisfying, proving that sometimes, less really is more.
If you’re looking for a holiday story that balances sweetness and steam with emotional depth and relatable characters, Noche Buena is a perfect pick. It’s heartfelt, impactful, and everything a holiday romance should be. Highly recommend this as a cozy holiday read—it’s a short but beautiful reminder of what love and the holidays are all about!
February 28, 2025
4.5 stars. Loved this so much! Stephanie Shea did a great job making me feel alllll the swoony feelings for this already-established couple. 🥰
December 29, 2023
I had no expectations.. this was a short, really nice, fluffy book.
It's a friendly reminder about how communication is so important in any type of relationship.
It's a friendly reminder about how communication is so important in any type of relationship.
January 1, 2024
i love love! love is real! (4.5)
December 24, 2023
A lovely Christmas tale from the Gia universe
It‘s nearly Christmas Eve and I just finished this lovely Christmas novella set in the Gia universe. Cami and Sutton are married and although still in love, something is off in their relationship: life, a bit of miscommunication, life again, some high expectations - all have conspired to get them off track. But nothing like Christmas time, the ever helpful bigger sister and some serious chemistry to get things right again.
I really loved the vibe of this story, the characters and the pinch of life-lessons added to the mix. As a recent member of the recovering perfectionists‘ club I very much approve.
It‘s nearly Christmas Eve and I just finished this lovely Christmas novella set in the Gia universe. Cami and Sutton are married and although still in love, something is off in their relationship: life, a bit of miscommunication, life again, some high expectations - all have conspired to get them off track. But nothing like Christmas time, the ever helpful bigger sister and some serious chemistry to get things right again.
I really loved the vibe of this story, the characters and the pinch of life-lessons added to the mix. As a recent member of the recovering perfectionists‘ club I very much approve.
December 21, 2023
Instead, the soft give and take of their lips, tickle of fingertips along her nape, relief in every breath carried the weight of emotions too big for words. The simplicity and grandeur of I love you.
I'm so glad that novellas like this exist, to remind me that when I get picky about other novellas, it's not without reason. A great romance CAN be written in under 200 pages. This is just about 125 pages, a sweet little marriage-in-trouble romance about wives struggling with different things in their personal lives, and how that has come between them, and how they need to put in the work to solidify their bond. And it was sooooo cute, so well-written, so full of chemistry and romance. It can be really hard writing a convincing romance in so few words, and in some ways, it's even harder with an established romance, because I have to believe that there's something here that's worth fighting for. Cami and Sutton were absolutely wonderful together. We see how their foundation is a little shaky, but ultimately super solid, and they're both so willing to fight for each other. Shea made me fall for this relationship in so few words, and they had a beautiful romantic and physical connection that made me melt. I loved all the Christmas activities and all the family scenes. Sutton puts her whole chest into wooing her wife again, and it made me so happy.
Lovely little holiday novella all in all. Marriage in trouble isn't my favourite trope, but it worked so well here. I need to remember to get back into reading Shea's backlist.
December 17, 2023
“Falling in love, falling hard and fast… That’s the easy part. It’s everything between that makes a marriage. Knowing someone at their best and worst, navigating everything that makes life as fucking tedious as it is beautiful, and still choosing, wanting, that person at the end of it all. That’s marriage.”
Reading about marriage troubles is way out of my comfort zone, I don’t like it at all
But this was so good, I didn’t expect to like it as much as i did
December 4, 2024
As much as I ENJOY the stories where love is new and the characters are falling for each other, I absolutely adore the ones where it's more of an after the happily ever after stages. No one goes into love expecting it to not last a lifetime but it happens and sometimes it's not even a bitter parting just an end of an era. And I think this beautifully written novella captures the work involved in love and the end of an era love really well. Easily 5 stars from me.
December 14, 2023
Loved it
Such a feel good novella, it put a big smile on my face. Loved it and the Gia San Fran MCs was the cherry on top
Such a feel good novella, it put a big smile on my face. Loved it and the Gia San Fran MCs was the cherry on top
July 7, 2024
*4.5 stars*
It is not an exaggeration to say this is the best novella I’ve ever read. Usually novella’s leave me feeling so unsatisfied (even if it’s a novella contributing to a pre-existing world i.e. the heartstopper novellas etc), but this was spectacular. The character and relationship development was better than some full length novels manage.
This novella has us meeting a fully established couple, five years into marriage who are struggling to connect due to the weight of life. However, despite the fact that we don’t see them meet, fall in love, get married (as this has all already happened, it’s amazing how invested I was in their relationship.
Truely hats off to Stephanie, she achieved something amazing with this book and did it so beautifully. Definitely keen to check out her other work.
It is not an exaggeration to say this is the best novella I’ve ever read. Usually novella’s leave me feeling so unsatisfied (even if it’s a novella contributing to a pre-existing world i.e. the heartstopper novellas etc), but this was spectacular. The character and relationship development was better than some full length novels manage.
This novella has us meeting a fully established couple, five years into marriage who are struggling to connect due to the weight of life. However, despite the fact that we don’t see them meet, fall in love, get married (as this has all already happened, it’s amazing how invested I was in their relationship.
Truely hats off to Stephanie, she achieved something amazing with this book and did it so beautifully. Definitely keen to check out her other work.
January 1, 2026
Finally, a Stephanie Shea book that I could connect with! I love her ideas but have not had the best of luck. Also! Finally, a story about an established couple reconnecting after a rough patch.
There was not a lot of angst in this one, some tension as the couple realigns with one another but nothing too crazy.
If you are looking for something a little more slice of life, this might be of interest.
There was not a lot of angst in this one, some tension as the couple realigns with one another but nothing too crazy.
If you are looking for something a little more slice of life, this might be of interest.
December 17, 2024
have to say i thoroughly enjoyed reading this one....
its the old classic tale of walking into a bar late one night and meeting someone.... this is their story
and with the added bits of christmas throughout....
will be keeping an eye out for more of this authors books she certainly can write a good storyline and characters that are believeable
its the old classic tale of walking into a bar late one night and meeting someone.... this is their story
and with the added bits of christmas throughout....
will be keeping an eye out for more of this authors books she certainly can write a good storyline and characters that are believeable
January 4, 2024
4.5 stars
z-dnf-2024
December 27, 2024DNF 57% I liked it but it’s now the day after Christmas so this ship has sailed for me, personally. 😅
December 22, 2024
I really enjoyed the experience of the ups and downs of an established couple.
The writing was beautiful and the chemistry between the characters was beyond sexy and steamy, even before the spicy scenes.
I loved the family dynamics of both characters and how their lives interwove together and how everyone was so real and detailed. You knew they loved before the book and a long time after.
A great read.
The writing was beautiful and the chemistry between the characters was beyond sexy and steamy, even before the spicy scenes.
I loved the family dynamics of both characters and how their lives interwove together and how everyone was so real and detailed. You knew they loved before the book and a long time after.
A great read.
December 14, 2023
Nochebuena is the perfect warm hug, slightly angsty, Christmas magic book for the holidays. The book follows wives, Camila and Sutton, as they navigate through a rough patch in their marriage that hits another bump when Camila’s parents announce they are divorcing. What I love about this book is how realistic it is. No matter how strong a relationship might be, there’s bound to be a time where you run into a rough patch. And a sucker for Christmastime magic, I adored how Camila’s holiday traditions played a huge role in getting Camila and Sutton to actually talk about their feelings, wants for the future, and how to save their marriage. Camila and Sutton are extremely cute together and I would love a prequel of how they got together (hint hint nudge nudge). If you’re a fan of Stephanie Shea, like I am, then you won’t be disappointed.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 13, 2024
Love can conquer it all, even if you lose track of the path. A sweet holiday romance about a married couple finding their way back to each other.
December 29, 2023
This novella by Stephanie Shea ended up being one of my favorite reads of the year. Camila Morales and Sutton Davies have been married for five years, and have a seemingly perfect life. Cami is a successful divorce attorney, but despite dealing with couples breaking up constantly, she is a hopeless romantic at heart. Her parents have been married for thirty years and have been a constant for Cami–and her goal for what every relationship should look like. When they announce their divorce, her world is shaken to its core. Sutton is a successful director at her company, but still maintains a constant need for perfection. She has been achieving her whole life, and it’s still not good enough for her father. With Cami and Sutton hitting a rough patch in their marriage, both wonder if the other is starting to slip away.
Let me first say that I absolutely adored this novella. It’s a rarity that we meet a couple that is already a couple, and I have to say it was refreshing. I love watching people fall in love, but there is something to be said for meeting a couple that has been together five years. Because those relationships have different hurdles, and it’s always fun to see what comes after happily ever after. If you’re wondering if you miss anything coming into an established relationship, the answer is no. At least for me. Stephanie did an amazing job of sprinkling in parts of Cami and Sutton’s past so we do feel like we know their story and we know what drew one to the other. I think that’s hard to do, and she absolutely nailed it. Because not once did I feel taken out of the present story as we learned about their past. She wove it in in an incredibly natural way.
In the legal field, writing a shorter contract is often harder than writing a longer one. Every word is at a premium, and there can be none that are wasted. I feel like that’s what Stephanie accomplished with this novella. She didn’t waste a word, or a page. She gave us a full story in a novella, and had me invested in Cami and Sutton, and their families, despite not being a “full length” novel. (Though, if Stephanie ever wanted to write a full length novel for them, I don’t think I would be the only one that would jump at the chance to read more about them!) I think it is no easy task to create such a rich story in that shorter format, but she did.
What comes across in this story is that these two people absolutely love and adore each other. But, as in any relationship, things come up–life, family, work, insecurities–and it can be easy to lose sight of each other and the marriage. It takes work to maintain that, and it’s no fault of either of them that it slips a little. What matters is that both Cami and Sutton want this marriage to succeed, and they are willing to put in the effort. It can be a scary thing when you feel like something has been lost, so you understand that Cami is nervous and begins questioning certain things.
Sutton is a perfectionist, and that can often be exhausting. Especially when you have a father that thinks anything other than being a doctor is a waste. There is a constant need to prove herself, and that focus can become singular. Sutton, though, is self aware enough to know that. It’s clear she loves Cami, but she also knows that in order to love her even more fully, she has to work on herself. That’s not an easy realization, so I understood why Sutton kept her therapy sessions a secret at first. It’s one thing to admit to yourself you may need help, but it’s hard to admit to your wife that you’re not totally OK. Especially when you don’t want her to see you as not having it all together. We know Cami wouldn’t judge, but for Sutton I saw why she was scared. And in the end, it had nothing to do with Cami.
This novella was heartfelt, and Stephanie captured the chemistry between Cami and Sutton so well in this story. I was rooting for them the whole way. Each had their own journey, and that journey led them down an even better path as a couple. I think it's an important message that you do not have to be the people that came before you. And that your own path can be forged, while still honoring what is important to you. Cami’s family adds chaos and charm, and I loved every second. Even though this is a Christmas novella, I think it could be read any time you needed to re-affirm your belief that love continues after that happily ever after begins, if you’re willing to work for it. This was my first work by Stephanie Shea, but it won’t be my last. I highly recommend this novella!
Let me first say that I absolutely adored this novella. It’s a rarity that we meet a couple that is already a couple, and I have to say it was refreshing. I love watching people fall in love, but there is something to be said for meeting a couple that has been together five years. Because those relationships have different hurdles, and it’s always fun to see what comes after happily ever after. If you’re wondering if you miss anything coming into an established relationship, the answer is no. At least for me. Stephanie did an amazing job of sprinkling in parts of Cami and Sutton’s past so we do feel like we know their story and we know what drew one to the other. I think that’s hard to do, and she absolutely nailed it. Because not once did I feel taken out of the present story as we learned about their past. She wove it in in an incredibly natural way.
In the legal field, writing a shorter contract is often harder than writing a longer one. Every word is at a premium, and there can be none that are wasted. I feel like that’s what Stephanie accomplished with this novella. She didn’t waste a word, or a page. She gave us a full story in a novella, and had me invested in Cami and Sutton, and their families, despite not being a “full length” novel. (Though, if Stephanie ever wanted to write a full length novel for them, I don’t think I would be the only one that would jump at the chance to read more about them!) I think it is no easy task to create such a rich story in that shorter format, but she did.
What comes across in this story is that these two people absolutely love and adore each other. But, as in any relationship, things come up–life, family, work, insecurities–and it can be easy to lose sight of each other and the marriage. It takes work to maintain that, and it’s no fault of either of them that it slips a little. What matters is that both Cami and Sutton want this marriage to succeed, and they are willing to put in the effort. It can be a scary thing when you feel like something has been lost, so you understand that Cami is nervous and begins questioning certain things.
Sutton is a perfectionist, and that can often be exhausting. Especially when you have a father that thinks anything other than being a doctor is a waste. There is a constant need to prove herself, and that focus can become singular. Sutton, though, is self aware enough to know that. It’s clear she loves Cami, but she also knows that in order to love her even more fully, she has to work on herself. That’s not an easy realization, so I understood why Sutton kept her therapy sessions a secret at first. It’s one thing to admit to yourself you may need help, but it’s hard to admit to your wife that you’re not totally OK. Especially when you don’t want her to see you as not having it all together. We know Cami wouldn’t judge, but for Sutton I saw why she was scared. And in the end, it had nothing to do with Cami.
This novella was heartfelt, and Stephanie captured the chemistry between Cami and Sutton so well in this story. I was rooting for them the whole way. Each had their own journey, and that journey led them down an even better path as a couple. I think it's an important message that you do not have to be the people that came before you. And that your own path can be forged, while still honoring what is important to you. Cami’s family adds chaos and charm, and I loved every second. Even though this is a Christmas novella, I think it could be read any time you needed to re-affirm your belief that love continues after that happily ever after begins, if you’re willing to work for it. This was my first work by Stephanie Shea, but it won’t be my last. I highly recommend this novella!
January 11, 2025
This was my first story from Stephanie Shea, and it most certainly will not be my last. I LOVE the Holiday/festive/Christmas season; stories set during that time period absolutely have to do it justice to score highly. That doesn’t necessarily mean that I need to drown in a bath of Christmas cheer, but either the story or the scene setting needs to hit the time of year home – Shea does this really well throughout Noche Buena.
Whilst the story is only 136 pages long, there is a wealth of plot and character development in that condensed format; I actually would have loved for it to have been a full length novel, I was so into it!
Noche Buena is an unusual version of the much loved second chance romance trope. The main character’s: Camila Morales and Sutton Davies, are already married, and thus the second chance concept is centered around the desire for re-connection in this established couple.
Camila Morales is a romantic who holds her parents marriage in high esteem, but as a divorce lawyer she knows all too well that happily ever after is not always set in stone. Sutton Davies meanwhile is floundering under a mountain of imposter syndrome, and whilst she secretly takes steps to work on that, she unknowingly fuels the well of doubt growing inside of Camila about their marriage and Sutton’s fidelity. When Camila’s parent’s announce the end of their thirty year marriage three weeks before Christmas, Sutton knows she has her work cut out convincing Camila that true love and happily ever afters do still exist.
I enjoyed the focus of a story being on a married couple rather than new love for a change. It allowed for an exploration of what happens when both parties notice and feel the disconnect in their marriage, but each shy away from bringing it into the light for fear of their issues being unfixable. With the pressures of marriage and everyday life, Camila and Sutton’s journey back to each other serves as a reminder to readers of what’s important in any relationship. That maintaining true love, outside of the heat of passion and shiny newness, is a journey. One of continuous stoking of embers and re-fueling the fire to allow the flame between two people to forever burn bright.
I loved that Shea doesn’t just suddenly have Camila and Sutton fix all their issues in one fell swoop, there is a depth of communication, openness and raw vulnerability to their discussions that many authors either never aim for or indeed miss. It creates a tender richness to their struggles and insecurities in a way that makes their story all the more heartfelt.
It would be remiss of me not to point out the BIPOC diversity and representation that can be found throughout Noche Buena; yet another reason to check out this holiday story for yourself.
Whilst the story is only 136 pages long, there is a wealth of plot and character development in that condensed format; I actually would have loved for it to have been a full length novel, I was so into it!
Noche Buena is an unusual version of the much loved second chance romance trope. The main character’s: Camila Morales and Sutton Davies, are already married, and thus the second chance concept is centered around the desire for re-connection in this established couple.
Camila Morales is a romantic who holds her parents marriage in high esteem, but as a divorce lawyer she knows all too well that happily ever after is not always set in stone. Sutton Davies meanwhile is floundering under a mountain of imposter syndrome, and whilst she secretly takes steps to work on that, she unknowingly fuels the well of doubt growing inside of Camila about their marriage and Sutton’s fidelity. When Camila’s parent’s announce the end of their thirty year marriage three weeks before Christmas, Sutton knows she has her work cut out convincing Camila that true love and happily ever afters do still exist.
I enjoyed the focus of a story being on a married couple rather than new love for a change. It allowed for an exploration of what happens when both parties notice and feel the disconnect in their marriage, but each shy away from bringing it into the light for fear of their issues being unfixable. With the pressures of marriage and everyday life, Camila and Sutton’s journey back to each other serves as a reminder to readers of what’s important in any relationship. That maintaining true love, outside of the heat of passion and shiny newness, is a journey. One of continuous stoking of embers and re-fueling the fire to allow the flame between two people to forever burn bright.
I loved that Shea doesn’t just suddenly have Camila and Sutton fix all their issues in one fell swoop, there is a depth of communication, openness and raw vulnerability to their discussions that many authors either never aim for or indeed miss. It creates a tender richness to their struggles and insecurities in a way that makes their story all the more heartfelt.
It would be remiss of me not to point out the BIPOC diversity and representation that can be found throughout Noche Buena; yet another reason to check out this holiday story for yourself.
December 4, 2023
‘Nochebuena’ is a fresh take on a second chance romance, at christmas, by Stephanie Shea; what more could you want from a sapphic novella???
Camila has a lot going on on the run up to the holidays. Her work as a divorce lawyer is busy as ever and her parents, the couple that helped her be the romantic that she is, have just announced they'll be separating. All of this on top of the feeling that her wife Sutton is drifting away from her. Sutton is dealing with her own doubts unbeknownst to her wife, but there are more to do with herself than their marriage.
The Christmas lights are twinkling and the family traditions that used to pull them together seem to be driving them apart but if they can’t reconcile at the happiest time of the year, when can they?
One thing that I adore about Shea’s writing style is the way she can always take a trope and give it an original spin and she accomplishes this with characters you instantly feel bonded to. ‘Nochebuena’ is a holiday gem and a beautiful take on how the holidays are the time of year where love will always prevail and daily stresses can melt away when we focus on what truly matters.
Shea ties Camila and Sutton’s story into the ‘Gia’ series for her fans, but this novella can also be read as a gorgeous standalone for anyone who loves all the sapphic, holiday feels.
Camila has a lot going on on the run up to the holidays. Her work as a divorce lawyer is busy as ever and her parents, the couple that helped her be the romantic that she is, have just announced they'll be separating. All of this on top of the feeling that her wife Sutton is drifting away from her. Sutton is dealing with her own doubts unbeknownst to her wife, but there are more to do with herself than their marriage.
The Christmas lights are twinkling and the family traditions that used to pull them together seem to be driving them apart but if they can’t reconcile at the happiest time of the year, when can they?
One thing that I adore about Shea’s writing style is the way she can always take a trope and give it an original spin and she accomplishes this with characters you instantly feel bonded to. ‘Nochebuena’ is a holiday gem and a beautiful take on how the holidays are the time of year where love will always prevail and daily stresses can melt away when we focus on what truly matters.
Shea ties Camila and Sutton’s story into the ‘Gia’ series for her fans, but this novella can also be read as a gorgeous standalone for anyone who loves all the sapphic, holiday feels.
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