The Witch's Christmas Catastrophe: A Nocturne Falls Novella

Nocturne Falls #16.5

by Kristen Painter

Welcome to Nocturne Falls, the town where Halloween is celebrated 365 days a year. The tourists think it's all a the vampires, the werewolves, the witches, the occasional gargoyle flying through the sky. But the supernaturals populating the town know better.

Living in Nocturne Falls means being yourself. Fangs, fur, and all.

Witch Holly Winters is ready for a peaceful, magical Christmas in her family’s cozy mountain cabin in Nocturne Falls. She plans to do some knitting and watch all the best holiday movies. But when ancient dark magic begins to stir in the snowy forest, peace and serenity quickly disappear. With danger lurking at every turn, Holly teams up with Demetrius Voss, a brooding and irresistibly handsome vampire neighbor, to unravel the mystery menacing their beloved supernatural town.

As they work together to contain the rising threat, Holly finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Demetrius’s quiet strength and unexpected charm. Between Christmas lights, snowball fights, and quiet moments by the fire, sparks begin to fly—proving that even in the midst of chaos, the holiday spirit has a way of bringing people together.

With two quirky cats, a dash of romance, and an epic battle against ancient forces, Holly and Demetrius must rely on each other to protect the town they love. Will they restore the magic in time for Christmas—and discover that the greatest gift of all is the one they never saw coming?

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Vampires, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Holiday, Christmas

174 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 30, 2024

About the author

Kristen Painter likes to balance her obsessions with shoes and cats by making the lives of her characters miserable and surprising her readers with interesting twists. She currently writes award-winning paranormal romance, paranormal women's fiction, and cozy mysteries. The former college English teacher can often be found on twitter @Kristen_Painter, Facebook at www.facebook.com/KristenPainterAuthor where she loves to interact with readers and her blog: http://kristenpainter.com/blog/.

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Witch’s Christmas Catastrophe by Kristen Painter
A Nocturne Falls series novella. Paranormal holiday romance novella.
Nocturne Falls is a magical town that celebrates Halloween every day allowing the vampires, shifters, gargoyles, fae and others to walk openly among the tourists that visit.
Vampire Demetrius Voss gets stuck in a massive snowstorm on the way up the mountain above Nocturne Falls. He’s able to make it to Holly Winters small cozy cabin where they talk among her Christmas lights and get to know each other. The next morning they trudge through the snow to town. They find an ancient dark magic stirring in the forest and since Holly is from the family that originally set the protection spells, she knows she has to help fix it and prevent the evil from entering the town. Demetrius helps protect Holly and the town.

The story felt like it had at least three places it could have easily ended. And then another chapter started of wrap up. The added content was cementing their relationship, feelings, and safety of Nocturne Falls.
Short, sweet, defeat the evil, and hea. Magical romance.

🎧 I listened to an audiobook version narrated by B J Harrison who performs the full series. There are distinct voices for the two main characters and a few secondary. The narrations is engaging and emotional and a great way to catch up with the series.
I increased the playback to 1.5 for closer to reading and conversational comfort.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is just a novella, but there really isn't any story here.

[Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Series: Nocturne Falls #16.5
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it

Holly Winters is ready for a peaceful Christmas in her family’s cozy mountain cabin. But when danger threatens Nocturne Falls, Holly finds herself teaming up with her vampire neighbor Demetrius Voss to defeat it. Will they save the town before Christmas and will they get an unexpected gift they never saw coming?

This was a great Christmas novella set in the outskirts of Nocturne Falls. Holly and Demetrius’ relationship was enjoyable but it wasn’t the main focus of most of this book. The focus was on the danger lurking in the forest and Holly and other witches from town trying to contain it. While this is all going on, Demetrius and Holly are constantly together and realize that they like what they see and in the end, they admit it to each other. This was basically the very beginning of their relationship and the events that pushed them together, which I didn’t mind.

Nocturne Falls continues to become a town that is accepting of everyone but also constantly in danger. I really love this town and the characters within it. I do wonder if we will see this danger appear again in future books or if it is completely contained now. Overall, this was enjoyable though and a great little Christmas story.

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

2024 bk 166. What a lovely quick read for the holiday season. When a lonely witch meets a lonely vampire, years after growing up together, love doesn't come right away. First there is an evil and ancient being to defeat, a time for a vampire and a witch to realize they need other people in their lives, and a heavy snowfall that keeps them indoors. Loved the hot chocolate vibes.

[Kathy Davie · Rating 2 out of 5]

A novella, 16.5? in the Nocturne Falls cozy, romantic, paranormal mystery series and revolving around a town, a safe haven, for supernaturals. The couple focus is on Holly Winters and Demetrius Voss.

My Take
Well, the setting is wonderful, and I want to sit in front of that fire. But, there is a distinct lack of show in The Witch's Christmas Catastrophe. Nor is it believable in Holly’s approach to the catastrophe. It could be so disastrous but they don’t approach other witches until way later. What??? If it could be that dangerous, why wouldn’t they be alerting every witch in town?

There’s a time conflict between that barrier the Winters family erected in return for Voss favors. At first it sounds like a recent construction and then it sounds like it was done years and years ago — “something that threatened . . . the magic her family had protected for generations”, and then it bounces back again. It really was done relatively recently with permission granted by Holly’s father.

I wish that there had been more interaction between the cats, as they get to know each other.

Painter uses a third person dual protagonist point-of-view from the perspectives of Holly and Demetrius, so we know what they’re each thinking and experiencing.

There’s quite a bit of chat about the magic in, around, and below the town as well as the worry about the new intrusive magic.

Holly and Demetrius both have character arc growths with Holly gaining confidence and Demetrius realizing true happiness.

On the whole, I found the story boring and had a hard time getting through it. I suspect Painter was on contract and needed a Christmas novella. Quick.

The Story
Demetrius needs to be alone with his feelings and retreats to the family manor outside Nocturne Falls. Arrival there is not meant to be and he’s forced to take refuge with a friendly witch.

Luckily, since an interference appears in the all-important magical barrier. A threat that could imperil the town of Nocturne Falls.

The Characters
Holly Winters is an unmarried witch who is not confident in her family inheritance of magic. Hexi is her cat. She lives with her parents who have gone to Oregon to visit her married brother for Christmas.

Demetrius Voss is a centuries-old born, daywalking vampire whose family has a house, Voss Manor, up in the mountains of Nocturne Falls. Moonshadow is his easygoing silver cat. Esme is the mean girl with whom he broke up.

Nocturne Falls is . . .
. . . a haven for supernaturals where Halloween is celebrated 365 days a year. Alice Bishop is a centuries-old witch who set a spell to protect Nocturne Falls and who lives with the Ellinghams who own the town. Elenora Ellingham is the family matriarch.

Flavia Heath owns The Enchanted Apothecary and is the coven membership liaison. Mattie Sharpe makes honey. Bridget Merrow, a werewolf, owns Howler’s. Charisma Williams, a witch, is a life coach. Two new witches have moved to Nocturne Falls: Morgana and Neeva.

The Cover and Title
The cover is a colorful graphic with a log cabin wall with a fire in the stone fireplace with garland framing the mantel and candles and cats atop it and a couple of red Christmas stockings hanging below. There's a red-curtained window on the left and a Christmas tree on the right. In front of the fireplace is a low, round wood pedestal table holding two red cups of hot chocolate with marshmallows and peppermint sticks. On the left is the brown-haired Holly in a green turtleneck and jeans sitting on the floor and holding a purple-wrapped gift, glancing over to the right where the dark-haired Demetrius stands, in a black crew-neck and pants, holding an armful of wood. Lower to the right is the series logo of a grinning pumpkin atop a wooden sign with the series info. At the top is the title in white. At the bottom is an info blurb and the author’s name in white.

The title truly is about The Witch's Christmas Catastrophe.

[Jillian · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Witch's Christmas Catastrophe is a holiday novella and book 16.5 in the Nocturne Falls series. I have listened to all of the Nocturne Falls books, all of the Jayne Frost books, and all of the Frost & Crowe mystery books. I love this world and all the characters in it, so anytime a new book comes out for any of these spin off series, I buy it immediately without a thought. This is the first Nocturne Falls book I have regretted buying. I am really disappointed. I feel a bit duped. This book fell flat and was not what I am used to getting from this author. It didn't have any of the usual depth or town presence. One of my favorite things about these books is how the town always comes together to help each other out. The issue in this book was huge. The town itself was literally in danger. The fact that the MCs decided to handle it themselves until they finally got two lower level witches involved didn't make sense. It doesn't matter if Alice Bishop was on vacation with the Ellinghams, it was her original magic so she should have at least been called and notified. After that, the Sheriff, Hank, should have been notified. It was just weird. Maybe a different plot would have been better for the Novella and this issue should have been saved for a full length book that could be totally fleshed out. I didn't even care about either of the MCs by the end of the book and that is not my experience with this author typically. The whole thing was just bleh. It won't stop me from reading the next book, but I hope this is only a one off and not indicative of how her future books will be written. The narration was wonderful as always. BJ does a great job with these characters.

[Heidi Bourbeau · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.0

Holly & Demetrius

This was cute sorta cozy mystery. I thought it would have more romance. It didn't really. But it was fine for a holiday read.

"Welcome to Nocturne Falls, the town where Halloween is celebrated 365 days a year. The tourists think it's all a the vampires, the werewolves, the witches, the occasional gargoyle flying through the sky. But the supernaturals populating the town know better.

Living in Nocturne Falls means being yourself. Fangs, fur, and all.

Witch Holly Winters is ready for a peaceful, magical Christmas in her family’s cozy mountain cabin in Nocturne Falls. She plans to do some knitting and watch all the best holiday movies. But when ancient dark magic begins to stir in the snowy forest, peace and serenity quickly disappear. With danger lurking at every turn, Holly teams up with Demetrius Voss, a brooding and irresistibly handsome vampire neighbor, to unravel the mystery menacing their beloved supernatural town.

As they work together to contain the rising threat, Holly finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Demetrius’s quiet strength and unexpected charm. Between Christmas lights, snowball fights, and quiet moments by the fire, sparks begin to fly—proving that even in the midst of chaos, the holiday spirit has a way of bringing people together.

With two quirky cats, a dash of romance, and an epic battle against ancient forces, Holly and Demetrius must rely on each other to protect the town they love. Will they restore the magic in time for Christmas—and discover that the greatest gift of all is the one they never saw coming?"

[Amberly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This novella felt a little off in places to me. The threat felt very high to be dealing with in a novella, something massive that was a potential threat to the whole town if not contained. But on the flip side, the characters didn't deem it necessary to contact the well established and powerful witch coven in town or even at least call the super powerful, old witch whose magic protected the town.

So is it super dire, towns is going to get destroyed? Or is it low stakes enough that because its Christmas lets not bother anyone with the end of the world??

Lets not call the well established coven in town who would definitely want to know about old dark magic, but lets definitely trust this creepy new lady in town. The town is immediately buzzing with rumors about magic issues or that they defeated the big bad, but not a single senior member of the coven comes around asking questions?

Its Christmas, so no one can be bothered except the two lonely singles it seems.

I liked the characters and their cute cats, but the plot of this one just didn't hit. I did like she was a knit witch who woven magic into her knitting. As an avid knitter/crocheter, I wish I could do the same.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two individuals who very much expect to spend the holidays alone end up cohabiting thanks to a winter storm and it's VERY good they had one another to rely on. You know, since something dark and dangerous is stirring in the woods and seems to be targeting Holly's cabin.

Like I said, it's a good thing the winter weather sent Demetrius looking for a warm place to hunker down. While they're both generally solitary (with the exception of their respective cats), they are much stronger together than they are alone. And Holly needs all the strength she can get when something big starts testing the wards around the mountain.

Soon she and Demetrius are working together to figure out what's out there. And the more time they spend with one another, the more they find themselves wondering how they went so long without. A little detective work, a little gentle prodding, and a few meals together is only the start. GOOD STUFF!

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The two main characters decided to spend Christmas in Nocturne Fall each with his own reason. They just want to be alone in an environment that offers peace and quiet. Demetrius Voss, vampire and his cat Moonshadow get caught in a winter storm forcing him to get shelter on what it turns out to be Holly Winters cabin who he has not since in a while. She's there with with her cat Hexie. Not related to the book I was so happy to know the name because I'm not the only one to give the cat odd names since mine is named Hocus.
Problems occur on the barrier that keeps Nocturne Fall safe from evil and both are trying to figure out what it is. My first thought was to get Alice Bishop but she's not available. From here on you need to hear the audiobook so you can figure out if they resolve the problem and how. Also what ends up happening between Demetrius and Holly, I don't want to spoil it for you.

[Elyse Cady · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know it’s just a holiday novella, but the ones in this series are normally much more interesting and exciting than this one was. I didn’t really feel the development of the chemistry or even the compatibility between the two main characters, the villain could have been made much more interesting (lots of questions left unanswered) and there could have been more hints at romantic feelings between the two MCs before the last three chapters. There was almost no indication to me that they should be anything kore than friends. Unlike most of the books in this series, I also found myself in the last chapters rolling my eyes at how cheesy the lines were between the two MCs. It felt rushed and cliché. Finally, the magicalness of Nocturne Falls is alluded to but not used to enhance the story as it could have been. Overall, 3 stars because it was good enough to finish but still a disappointment compared to almost every other book I’ve read in the series.

[horse gal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Feels More Like an Outline

I love the Nocturne Falls series and have read every one.

This Novella, and other more recent Nocturne Falls. editions have not been fleshed out. The Witch’s Christmas Catastrophe has zero character development or background on the characters. The plot feels sketched out with little suspense. Perhaps it would have been better to return to characters from previous novels to face the threat of dark magic , so character development would not have been needed.

[Gabby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not one of my favourite Nocturne falls books, I have loved the series for years but there are so many more people coming in that the old favourites feel like they are being left on the sidelines. Part of what made this series special is the interplay and growth of a community. Why did this need to be two new characters, why not bring in old favourites or make this more of a community saving?
Don't get me wrong the fact that they knew each other years ago and had a backstory helped with the brevity and that the relationship came about. It was a cute and fun story with some interesting characters and adorable cats. It had depth as well as a reason for all of this coming about. I enjoyed the story just didn't get as invested in the characters as much as I have in the past.

[Aleta Boyce · Rating 2 out of 5]

disappointing

Just read two other Nocturne Falls stories and they were lovely, with good character building and a few surprises along the way in a plot that was decent, if not overly complex. This one has so many repeated lines - yes, the MC is supportive and brooding, the cabin is cozy, etc. No backstory for either character, the secondary characters are very 2-dimensional and the plot is non existent.
Doesnt seem like Painter’s writing, honestly. Not up to her standards.

[Dot Morrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to another book from the Nocturne Falls and a short story about a witch (Holly) and a vampire (Demetrius). They end up in a cabin together because of a snowstorm. Then trouble starts. They help each other when the time calls for it. It took time for them to get to know each instead of jumping right in. I love the town and all the characters that live there. A short read or listen but a great little cozy.
I love the Nocturne series and ready for another story from the town.

Narrated by B J Harrison who performs the full series and is great.

[Lisa Guertin · Rating 4 out of 5]

While traveling to his family’s mountain top home in Nocturne Falls, Demetrius finds himself stranded at a neighbor’s cabin. Expecting to have a quiet, lonely Christmas, Holly welcomes her unexpected guest. It’s a good thing too because something dark is stirring in the woods and everyone’s help will be needed to survive. I especially enjoyed the fact that Holly and Demetrius have such different personalities but mesh perfectly together.

[Suzanne C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kristen always knocks it out if the park

Nocturne Falls is a particular favorite of mine. I enjoy all of the books, although I prefer Kristen Painter’s. The concept is creative and each of her books is clever in carrying out the main theme while adding specific details with the new characters. I fully recommend this book as well as the entire family of books, no matter which authors.

[Twila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kristen Painter is an amazing author. Another great story with introductions of new characters that also included some Nocturne Falls characters that aren't often included. I just wished there had been more interactions with the Nocturne Falls regulars. I missed the interactions with certain characters that I have fallen in love with and eagerly await their updates. Can't wait for the next Nocturne Falls book!

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paranormal romance and adventure. Brooding vampire Demetrius and his cat are on their way to his isolated cabin to spend Christmas hiding from the world. A blizzard forces him to seek shelter in the cabin of witch Holly and her cat.
An evil spirit takes a team to combat, with Holly in the lead.
Holly and Demetrius decide they enjoy each other's company.
Things wrap up at the end, then again, and again, etc. It just didn't know when enough was enough.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Kristen Painter is one of my favorites. It's short and sweet but still great. You can read or listen without having read any of the rest of the series. It would be a lot better if you read some of the other books as that really gets you into the feel of the town. I loved the characters and especially liked Holly and Demetrius. I hope we see more of them in the future. I'm so happy we saw a small scene with Bridget.

[Dee Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s always a treat to get to go to Nocturne Falls!! Such an amazing place and this time we met new people as well as getting to visit a few of our regulars!
I really liked Holly and Demetrius!! And their cats were too cute!!
The story was really interesting and I really enjoyed them all working together to make sure all was good! I don’t want to give any spoilers but I really enjoyed this book and you will too!

[Stephanie Mauk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchanting!

What a great story! The characters, Holly and Demetrius, as well as the side characters are so well written. I loved the bits with the cats as it was so very relatable. The story moved so well that it never felt rushed or that it dragged. Just flowed effortlessly. The conflict was innovative and had just the right amount of twists to keep me unsure who to trust at first. All together a well written book.

[Heidi L · Rating 3 out of 5]

not quite plausible

Unfortunately, although I do like this author, this story consistently annoyed me because I felt like it didn’t follow the Nocturne Falls world. Fantasy authors can obviously make their own worlds however they want, but in order to be believable, it needs to be consistent. The protagonist in this story doesn’t feel real to the setting because she keeps making choices that don’t really make sense. Not my favorite of hers.

[ChristiLovesBooks_smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Witch’s Christmas Catastrophe was so good!

The Witch's Christmas Catastrophe, book 16.5 of the Nocturne Falls series by Kristen Painter @kristen_painter. I forgot how much I enjoy visiting Nocturne Falls!

I adored this book about Holly & Demetrius! Tropes: Contemporary, Paranormal, Cozy Romance, Vampire, Witch, Kitty named Moonshadow nicknamed Moonie (Moonie was my kitty’s name! 😭), Another Kitty named Hexi, Snowed In, Ancient Dark Magic & HEA!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back to Nocturne Falls. A place where they celebrate Halloween all year long. When Holly takes in a stranded motorist Demetrius she never dreamed she would fall in love with him. Even while they have to fight to fix the magic that runs through the town.

Another great book in the Nocturne Falls series. It will grab your attention page one and keep it until you finish this great book.

[Susan Quinland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet. And predictable.

KP is one of my favorite writers, but this novella could have been so much better with some judicious editing. There was a lot of repetition and the ending dragged on, as though there were several endings and she couldn't decide which one to use, so just left them all in.
Still a nice read. And I really want a cabin in the snow!

[Samantha Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet Christmas story

Holly and Demetrius meet under unusual circumstances and they don’t entirely understand each other. Reading through their story and knowing that they’re both trying to get to know one another is heart warming. I hope the next book when it comes out is just as fun to read as this book was!

[Kat Klein · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly far from her best. The BBEG was so nebulous as to be nonexistent, and the romance was forced and not believable. It made me sad because I really enjoy Nocturne Falls. They're a fun easy read, and very enjoyable. This one didn't cut it. It felt like she was trying to write a Christmas book, with no real plan. Just so she could put in the feels.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

I thought the storyline in this book of the series was more just the story rather than a building romance. I felt the romance part of it fell a little short but I still thought it was very good and I'm looking forward to the next one because the Nocturne Falls story is fantastic!

[Monica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ah this one. Usually I'm super game for anything with nosferatu as featured characters but for this novella Ms. Painter appears to have tossed the lore Bible from her other nocturne falls books. That's a peave of mine. The romance is just a breezy and fluffy ... But the cannon on how the creature works ... Completely off bass from her other novels from the same world. Ick