Amber in December: A Christmas Novella

by Gavin Eyers

With his mother going on the holiday of a lifetime, his best friend busy, and his brother living on another continent, Dan is approaching his first ever Christmas alone. He’d usually be excited about the festive season, but this year he hasn’t even bothered buying a tree or hanging the decorations in his flat.

As office parties, shopping trips and gatherings with friends swirl around him, Dan is thinking of all the things that have led him to this soon-to-be solitary Christmas. But there’s a feeling in the wind, as though something extraordinary is just around the corner...

Genres: Christmas, Fiction, Novella

128 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2024

About the author

Usually told around the beginning or end of relationships, his fiction sometimes has a ghost or two peering in, somewhere... His flash fiction story 'Shubunkin' was shortlisted for the 2021 Farnham Flash Fiction Award, and his short story 'Here Too' was recently published by The Fiction Desk in the anthology New Ghost Stories IV. His debut novel, The Deceit Birds, published in 2016, his second, The Garden of Longing, in 2020. His latest book, Amber in December: A Christmas Novella, is out now. He lives in Bracknell, England.

Reviews

[StitchnmommaReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a charming book! It was refreshing to read a story written by a man with his perspective family, friends and romance.

Thank you to both the author and publisher for the Kindle copy I won in a giveaway.

[Margaux · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, Gavin Eyers, and Goodreads for the opportunity to read this short Christmas novella thanks to winning it in digital format in a giveaway. This was very heartwarming and sweet, perfect for a Christmas/holiday story. It doesn't take too long to read, which is also great for the holiday season as it tends to be busy and stressful, and reading short stories is the perfect way to get your reading in while getting into the holiday spirit. This story is very motivating and inspirational, and reminds me of a Hallmark-type Christmas movie. Fans of cozy Christmas/holiday tales will enjoy :)

[Ally · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ebook through a Goodreads giveaway and Gavin Eyers.

This was my first Christmas novella for 2024.

Amber in December was a cute, quick read. We followed Dan throughout his childhood, teenage years, and adulthood in the book. Even though this is a Novella, the connections to the side characters were established well. My favorite is Mr. Silver, of course. My only wish is that we had more time with Dan's brothers family and Amber. We only had the last two chapters to connect with her, and the ending was a little abrupt.

All in all, 4 star read for the Christmas feels.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free kindle copy of “Amber in December” from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you. I really enjoyed this cute, feel good, read set around the Christmas holiday.
The characters were relatable and I thought the storyline was well developed for a novella.

All in all, a sweet, heartwarming Christmas story.

[Katilipops · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I have approached my goodreads as a place for me just to write honestly for my own record, there are certain circumstances where I think refraining is better. I'm not sure if this is that situation, but just in case, I'll just say that this was too slowly paced for me but appreciated the window into this persons life and particularly the relationship with Mr Silver.

[Jennifer Berry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story

This was a festive little Christmas book. It was fun to read about Dan's life and his holidays, where he and Amber started. Though the book does just end, you can mostly surmise where the story was supposed to go.

[Lynn Bloch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This warm and fuzzy English Christmas story will leave you feeling ready for the season. It follows Dan’s Christmas, current and past. Dealing with his first ever Christmas alone and meeting Amber. Very cute story. Was a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you I enjoyed reading this.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay, just not really my thing. Classed as a romance, and it does have a little, but I would consider it more of a slice of life novella.

[Lindsey Ness · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story

Was a nice holiday christmas read :) enjoyed the book. I liked how Dan reopened the community center and gave back to his community

[Angela Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an enjoyable Christmas novella. It was fun, quick read.

[Louise Wardell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book on Goodreads. I certainly could identify with Daniel, relationships and the way you thought your life would go change.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book on Goodreads.
This was a nice Christmas read, I enjoyed the journey the author took me on.

[Carolina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isto simboliza a novela de Natal de Chestnut Springs que não está no Goodreads!
Que saudades destas personagens, soube a pouco 🥺

[Diana Wolff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute holiday read - would make a great Christmas movie :)

Grateful for the Goodreads giveaway win!

[Joanne Bandfield-Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in Goodreads giveaway and it came at the perfect time for the holidays. It was a very well written book and I adored the characters.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cozy story. Engaging. Nice easy read.

[Kim Thomas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Won this through Goodreads. While there wasn't a strong or intriguing plot and not a lot to keep my interest, it was a quick, easy read to pass the time.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I should have read this novella in December to get the full impact of this lovely Christmas story. Loved Dan and liked where this story was taking him. A quick and easy read that made me smile.

[Jayme Raffauf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, quick read. Takes place in the UK so some of the lingo is unfamiliar for me, but it was a cute story. I really enjoy the last 1/3 of the book.