Molasses and Mr. Christmas

by Lindsey Jesionowski

I’m ready to deck the halls.

Just as long as I don’t deck my infuriating colleague first.


Don’t go putting me on the naughty list yet. I swear I’m not normally like this.

I’m the quiet girl who is more than happy to spend her weekends cozied up with her puppy and a good book.

Heck, I’d walk down Main Street, wishing people peace on Earth and goodwill if it didn’t make me sound like I was starring in a claymation holiday special.

But then Austin Mack came to town, the new chemistry teacher everyone adores. Everyone but me, that is, because I know the man beneath that gorgeous smile and phony charm.

At least, I thought I did.

But when the school assigns the two of us to chair the holiday community service project, forcing us to spend way too much time baking up festive treats, I’m not liking what I see…namely, that he might not be a direct descendant of the Grinch like I’d thought.

My grandma always said that cookies have a way of bringing people together.

What if she was right?

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Contemporary, Clean Romance, Novella, Workplace Romance

53 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 9, 2024

About the author

Lindsey Jesionowski is a wife and mom who does most of her writing in her car in the school pickup lot. She’s a native of West Virginia, a lover of coffee, and a fan of books with happy ever afters—so she decided to write one.

Lindsey’s books are full of heart and humor with plenty of sizzle and no explicit content. Just lots of smiles.

Reviews

[Karly · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Rating: 3⭐️⭐️⭐️ Generous, but this was short and kind of sweet!!

I am not going to recap, this is under 60 pages and it was exactly as you can imagine. Enemies to (very quick lovers), Clean romance, with a little bit of a laugh and most people will love that there are cookies and puppies.

It was fine, nothing new and nothing ground breaking but I wasn’t looking for that… it’s a very short circuit breaker and it did what I wanted it to do!!

[Andrea Fleury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caroline and Austin

I enjoyed this heartfelt story. Two teachers who like each other but haven't figured it out yet. An a cookie recipe that will bring them together

[Courtney Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molasses and Mr. Christmas is part of the Christmas Kisses and Cookie Crumbs series, a collection of standalone short and sweet holiday romances written by multiple authors.

This heartwarming story is the perfect festive read! Caroline, a kindhearted English teacher, can’t stand Austin, the charming and confident chemistry teacher at her school. But when they’re assigned to work together on a holiday community service project, her perspective begins to shift. As they spend more time together, Caroline discovers that Austin is far more genuine and caring than she ever realized—and maybe those sparks between them are worth exploring.

Between adorable dogs (hello, Biscuit and Pirate!), a wise grandmother who reminds us all that “cookies bring people together,” and the banter that builds into undeniable chemistry, this story has everything you could want in a holiday romance. Austin’s thoughtful and unexpected personality (seriously, a chemistry teacher who reads sports romance!) paired with Caroline’s sweetness made their connection so fun to follow.

Though it’s a short read, the story felt complete and packed with festive cheer. I didn’t want it to end and would’ve loved just a little more of their romance! This sweet, closed-door love story, full of Christmas cookies, cozy vibes, and adorable pups, might just be my favorite in the series so far.

Thank you to the author for the chance to read and review this charming holiday novella!

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molasses and Mr. Christmas is part of the Christmas Kisses and Cookie Crumbs series. This is a mulyi-author series of short and sweet holiday standalone romances.

What a sweet holiday romance this was! When Caroline and Austin first met (both being teachers at the same school), she absolutely could not stand him... so needless to say when they had to work together on a holiday community service project, she's less than thrilled. But as they get to know each other more, she realizes that perhaps her first impression about him was wrong. These two had a really sweet and easy chemistry between them that I couldn't help but enjoy. Christmas cheer, cute puppies and all the Christmas cookies... what's not to enjoy!? This was a super quick read, easily read in one sitting, but was just the perfect bite sized holiday romance for this busy holiday season!

Molasses and Mr. Christmas is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Ang Hoehner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was super quick, like 50 oages? Was going to go 2.5 but then on the last page Austin says to Caroline, "Cookies bring people together." You get an extra star for that! 3.5

[Kendra Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5☆

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐️

Maybe one of my favorites from this series. It gets an extra half star because there are TWO dogs. Very cute, incredibly short…somehow tells a whole story though. Well done.

[Grace Fadely · Rating 3 out of 5]

I needed something short and easy to pull me from my reading slump.

[Melissa 🌝 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so cute? 😭 I wish it had been longer.

[Tricia Anson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet and swoony Christmas novella between two teachers with some enemies to more vibes! Add in some cute pups and some sentimental moments for a delightful little read.

[January · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molasses and Mr. Christmas by Lindsey Jesionowski (2024)
Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs #5
53-page Kindle Ebook story pages 6-43

Genre: Holiday > Christmas; Romance, Short Story

Featuring: Trigger Warning - Loss of a Family Member Off-Page, Dogs, High School Teachers - Chemistry and English, Enemies-to-Lovers Trope, Pine Grove, Pennsylvania; Community Service, Grandma, Link to Newsletter and FREE Novella, Grandma’s Molasses Cookies, Bibliography with Covers for Christmas Kisses and Cookie Crumbs Series, Link to Mishaps and Mistletoe - When in West Virginia #1.5/#2;
Christmas in July Bonus Scene, Author's Links, Bibliography for Lindsey Jesionowski

Rating as a movie: PG

Songs for the soundtrack: “Grandma Got Run Over by A Reindeer” by Elmo & Patsy, "Silent Night" by Kenny G., "Irreplaceable" by Beyoncé


Books and Authors mentioned: William Shakespeare, Perfect Game by Megan Cousins

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🐕🐕🍪👨‍🔬👩🏼‍🏫🎄

My thoughts: 📘 - It happened again, KU moving the books around. So according to KU Book 8 is next as #5, but I'm just going to stick with the original order.

This story was good, but it felt like it ended just as it was starting to take off. The bonus didn't help take the incomplete feeling away. It felt like we skipped the middle of the story.

Recommend to others: Sure.

Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs
1. Baking Spirits Bright! (2024) Kaci Lane
2. Christmas Tree Connection (2024) Elle Rush
3. Holiday Lights and Cocoa Cookie Nights (2024) Meg Easton
4. Madeleine's Mistletoe Meet Cute (2024) Ellie Hall
5. Molasses and Mr. Christmas (2024) Lindsey Jesionowski
6. Pistachio Craze for the Holidays (2024) Kimberly Krey
7. St. Nick and Me Are Mint to Be (2024) Tamie Dearen
8. Tying the Knot with her Sweet Scrooge (2024) Ginny Sterling
9. 'Tis the Gingerbread Season (2024) Monique Brasher
10. The Cowboy's Chocolate Covered Christmas (2024) Danae Little
11. Second Chance Christmas Cracker Crush (2024) Jessie Gussman
12. The White Chocolate Christmas Wish (2024) Jess Mastorakos


Memorable Quotes: “This is so not what I meant when I said you needed to go out on a Friday night once in a while.” I narrow my eyes at my best friend, squaring my shoulders as I lift my chin high, ready to prove that I’m doing exactly what she said when she commented on my lack of a social life last week. “I’m out of the house, aren’t I? And I’ve got a sweet gentleman on my arm who has agreed to a photo shoot with yours truly. So, I don’t really get how this is any different than what you suggested.” Brooke’s head moves slowly back and forth, eyeing the rows of bagged foods and treats all around us. “Caroline, you’re standing in the middle of a pet store, the gentleman you speak of is a dog, and I don’t think you can call pet photos with Santa a photo shoot.” A rather large dog in line behind us barks, as though he’s agreeing with Brooke’s speech. But what do Marmaduke’s long-lost twin and Brooke know, anyway? Animal House is a lovely store, Biscuit is the bestest boy in the whole world, and if he would just stop swatting at the pom-pom on my ugly Christmas sweater, this will be the cutest photo to hang on my mantel for the holidays. “And nice rack, by the way.”

I look down at my chest to see the dog’s nails caught in my sweater. Seems he was going for the pom-pom Biscuit wanted to attack earlier but got my boob instead. Lovely. I look at my best friend who is once again trying—very unsuccessfully, I might add—to cover her laugh. “A little help here, eh? We’re next in line, and I’d like to look at least somewhat presentable for this photo.” “And you don’t feel like you’ll accomplish this with a strange dog stuck to you?” “No, not really.” I carefully remove the dog’s paw from my sweater, blowing out a relieved sigh. I kind of can’t believe there isn’t a hole. “You really lucked out there.” “Sure,” I say with a snort of laughter. “Lucky me. In the span of twelve hours, a dog got to second base with me, and I found out I have to work with the bane of my existence, Austin.” “Yeah. I hear that guy’s the worst.” Son of a Biscuit. I know that voice. I know it reeeeeal well. That voice has starred in so many of my nightmares that I’d know it anywhere. And right now, its owner is behind me, no doubt smirking, because just when I thought this day couldn’t get any crummier, this day said hold my beer. More like hold my beers—plural. Heck, just hold the whole dang keg at this rate.

[Hannah Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

🍪ARC REVIEW🎄

Molasses and Mr. Christmas is the 6th of 12 books in the Christmas Kisses and Cookie Crumbs series. They are the perfect little bite sized treats that will leave you feeling warm and cozy! ♥️

Star rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Kisses only!

This is definitely my favorite from the series so far! ♥️🎄
Austin, a chemistry teacher and Caroline, an English teacher, are forced to work together for a holiday community service project. Caroline is a sweet and caring person, except when it comes to Austin. To Caroline, Austin is overly charming and he strikes a nerve that she doesn’t like. But, people aren’t always what you see them as.

As Caroline’s sweet grandma said “Cookies bring people together.” Maybe Caroline will see Austin for the caring guy he really is, and maybe Austin can heal her broken heart.

There’s so much to love about this story!! You have adorable dogs, “Biscuit” and “Pirate”, friendship, a great grandma/granddaughter bond, a hot chemistry teacher that reads sports romance, amazing chemistry and bantering, a great storyline, and of course cookies!! 😍

Once again for being super short, this book was such a pleasure to read! I really didn’t want it to end and wish we could’ve seen a little bit more romance! 🥰

Thank you to the author for allowing me to read a copy in advance and share my thoughts.

[Kaci Bonar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know about you but for me nothing makes the holidays brighter than having that signature cookie that I have been eating my entire life, Kringla!  They are a soft, almost cake-like cookie that has been a long-standing family tradition from my mom’s side (she’s 100% Norwegian in heritage)!  This story feels extra special in that way!

Caroline is having a rather hard Christmas season as she’s missing her grandma and while the love of a good puppy is nice, it’s hardly the same thing!  It’s hard to put on a brave face when you’re missing someone that meant so much to you!  She’s now been tasked to work a student volunteer group for her school with her infuriating colleague, YAY… not!

Austin knows there is no love loss on Caroline’s end when they are assigned to co-lead the service group for the school, but he puts a smile on his face all the same!  He even, offers to help Caroline acquire a Christmas tree and bake cookies with her to boost her spirits!  He does and the pair discover that they are more similar they could have imagined! 

Thanks, Lindsey, for this heartfelt novelette and reminding me to hold tight to those special memories!  Cookies [really do] bring people together!  All the love to every one of you this holiday season!

[HEATHER · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this was such a fun Christmas novella. I seriously didn't want this one to end. I fell in love with Austin and Caroline! Austin and Caroline are teachers at the same school and Caroline can't stand Austin. But she's going to have to learn to deal with him because they have to work together on a holiday community service project together. Slowly Caroline starts to realize Austin isn't the kind of person she thought he was and starts seeing a different side of him that she likes.

This is a short novella that will have you smiling like crazy! I devoured this book in a hour because I couldn’t put it down. This book will get you into the holiday spirit and make you want to bake up some yummy cookies! By the way there is a recipe at the end of the book❤️

I would HIGHLY recommend this book. Grab a cup of Cocoa or Coffee and some Cookies and ENJOY!

Thank you Lindsey Jesionowski for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.

[Koren | the_blue_eyed_bluestocking · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet little bite-sized story!

What if the man you love to hate understands you better than you know? What if he has a special surprise that could affect your life in big ways? What if he also just happens to be the perfect guy for you?

All these questions are answered, and more, when Caroline and Austin attempt to put aside their rivalry and bring some Christmas cheer to the service project they have to co-lead for their school. Austin being a science teacher might not be the only thing with chemistry in this story!

I loved the breaking of the ice and thawing of this relationship that includes some very swoony smooches! Add in some cute pups to further melt the relationship between these two, and you have a recipe for sweet success.

Molasses and Mr. Christmas is Book Six in the Christmas Kisses and Cookie Crumbs multi-author series. I received a complimentary copy of the author's story to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my own.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caroline & Austin ❤️

🧬Caroline is the new English teacher, Austin is the new science teacher. She thinks she can help him settle in but instead finds out he is aiming for the grant she’s worked on all summer to apply for.

🎄When the pair are thrown together in a holiday project, Caroline is not happy. But Austin is soon charming her with a visit to get a Christmas tree for her place and baking cookies together.

🍪And could there be a bit of magic in the recipe that was her grandmother’s?

📚This very short, Christmas themed novella is a part of series from different authors. It’s filled with heart and emotion, and a male love interest whose cookie baking skills are right up there with his ability to read romance. What’s not to enjoy?! 🎄

Read an eARC copy courtesy of the author
My rating 4/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing better than lovable puppies and cookies. This little nugget of a story will worm its way right into your heart.

When two teachers, Austin and Caroline, are paired together to work on a holiday community project, Caroline is not happy about her pairing. There is just something about Austin that gets under her skin. He is just a bit too charming. She will soon learn that appearances can be deceiving.

As Caroline's wise grandmother once stated, "baking cookies brings people together." This novella is just the right amount of pages for an evening read before bed so that visions of gingerbread can dance in your head.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Megan | Reads Alotl Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Cookies bring people together."
I loved this novella so much! Who doesn't love a good enemies to more? This story was on of my faves because it's about teachers and the teacher in me loves that!
Caroline is convinced that Austin is the bad guy who stole her grant and the guys everyone loves, except her. The two of them are assigned to work together for a charity event and Austin the chemistry teacher, creates a lot more chemistry with Caroline than in the classroom. Oh, and the dogs....❤️
This is short but sweet enemies to more, don't judge a book by it's cover. I don't know what happened the day I read this story...but I cried when they were making cookies. It was such a sweet little twist and I loved how things turned out.

Thank you for the copy! All opinions are my own.

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molasses and Mr. Christmas by Lindsey Jesionowski is a cute quick read of enemies to lovers in a small town. I love how much the author was able to include in this novella to still make it fun and endearing, while being short enough to be finished in one setting and lighten the day!

Things to love:
School teachers
“Yeah. I hear that guy’s the worst”
Finding similarities
Furry friends
Christmas tree shopping
“You’ve got a little…”
Heart/elf shape cookie cutter
The grant

This is author is new-to-me and I love being able to read series to discover new authors! This book is part of the Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs series, but is a standalone.

Kisses only!

#christmasromance #holidayromance #smalltownromance #closeddoorromance #ku #kindleunlimited

[thisBandherbooks ✨☀️🌻Buffy🌻☀️✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Arc Review✨

💖Austin & Caroline💖

Work place rivals!!! Ahhh, I loved this so much.
Caroline is not used to acting this way but Austin infuriates her!!! She thinks everything about him is fake. That is, until they have to work together on the holiday community service project. They have to spend way too much time together and she starts to see there’s more to him than she thought!
This will definitely be one of my favorites. It was all around a good book, especially with the cute little pups! They had amazing chemistry and such fun banter. One of the reasons why I love enemies to lovers so much. I was wishing this was longer than it was, but I really enjoyed it nonetheless.
Definitely will read more from this author and highly recommend this!

Thank you so much @authorlindseyjesionowski for the advanced copy!

🎄This is part of the Christmas Kisses and Cookie Crumbs Series and it comes with a recipe for Molasses cookies at the end!!!🎄

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has lost a lot of family members these past 3 years, I can relate to Caroline on a deeper level. Holidays are meant to be joyful, but that’s not always the case. I am so happy that Caroline had Austin to bring some of that Christmas cheer back into her life. This story is a reminder to love those near and dear to your heart fiercely and without hesitation. The plot also shows that it costs absolutely nothing to be kind to others, one simple act of kindness could mean the entire world to someone who may be hurting. Molasses and Mr.Christmas deserves a 10 star rating, but I’ll have to settle with 5. I highly recommend reading this novella!

[Angie (mushmysteriesandmore) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caroline has despised Austin Mack since he beat her department to a lucrative grant and now they are being forced together to work on a community service project. Deciding to put together a cookie table at the local hospital so that loved ones visiting can have a little Christmas cheer, they start spending more time together and talking.
I thought Caroline and Austin worked well together once they got to know each other. Caroline started to see Austin in a better light, he helped her by bringing back her good memories of her grandmother, with happy thoughts rather than the sadness attached to her passing. Of course it helps when there are not one but two cute puppies in the mix as well.
I would have loved to have seen a chapter or teo maybe from Austin’s point of view, we only ever get to see what Caroline is thinking and never really see into Austin’s mind, although it’s clear he’s very fond of her from the start.

[Shana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caroline works with Austin who she doesn’t like because she knows what is beneath the charm and who he reminders her of. When they are assigned to work together on a school community project she starts to see the true side of him and realized maybe her first impression of him was wrong.

I really enjoyed this book and the characters. Caroline and Austin just have this cute chemistry. I also enjoyed the school setting!

If you are looking for a work colleague, enemies to lovers clean closed door novella this is for you. This is the third book in the Christmas Kisses and Cookie Crumbs multi author series.

[Ashlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Molasses and Mr. Christmas is just all around a cute, short read. It only took me like 45 minutes to read so it's not a long book full of plots and characters to explore. It's really about Caroline learning to give Austin, someone she previously didn't like at all, the benefit of the doubt. As she gets to know him, she learns there is more there than she realized. There are cute moments involving adorable dogs and yummy Christmas cookies. This makes for a quick read to fit in among your other Christmas reading!

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved getting to read each of these short Christmas Kisses and Cookie Crumbs novelettes. It was a quick and easy way to try some new authors. I loved this one by Lindsey Jesionowski.

This one features Caroline and Austin. The two of them are teachers at the same school. Caroline has a super hard time with Austin because of some things that have happened. The two are brought together, not only by their dogs, but by their jobs.

I loved watching the two of them grow to respect, like and then love each other in this quick Christmas read!

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read. I'm looking forward to reading the other 11 books in the series, by 11 different authors. I liked the way that Austin was always nice to Caroline, no matter what she tossed at him. When she finally realized she was projecting her expectations of how he would act onto him, and not perceiving what he was really like, she could finally realize that she did that a lot in her life, and could start to change. Our perceptions aren't always what we think they are, and this book proved that!

[Amanda Benkendorf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very short Christmas Novella that is a quick read. Caroline is not a fan of Austin, but they're forced to work together on a special project. As they work together, Caroline learns that Austin know about her & knew her grandma. He unknowingly surprises her with an unexpected 'gift' from her grandma.
Get a tissue ready if your grandma is the most special person in your life.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book, this review is my own opinion.

[Oruare Ojimadu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and hilarious! A beautiful short read perfect to accompany some yummy cookies. I enjoyed Caroline and Austin's love story. Short and lighthearted while still passing a message across that everyone needs help, and doing it alone doesn't always give the best results. Caroline learnt how to accept help and Austin helping her as he too expressed the joy of helping others. A perfect read for the season.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Debbie Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a charming holiday story that I didn’t want to end! Caroline and Austin get off to a rocky start, due to them both vying for the same grant for their respective class, but the more she gets to know him, Caroline changes her opinion on Austin and realizes he actually is a really great guy. The surprise Austin has for her at the end is so sweet and meaningful. What a wonderful start to their relationship and they are perfect together!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sweet enemies to lovers trope is a fun read. Caroline's best friend, her grandmother died last year at Christmas time. It has been really hard getting into the season. Austin Mack has been on Caroline's hit list since he beat her for a school grant last year. But when they are put as co-chairs for the same holiday school committee and have to work closely together, Caroline sees that maybe Austin isn't the bad guy she thinks he is. Cute story!