Headwater Holiday

by Hannah Hood Lucero

Hunting down a terrorist plot isn’t exactly Becky Salazar’s idea of a happy holiday. But duty calls, and if there’s one thing she is committed to, it’s using her exceptional language and analytical skills to stop insurgents and save lives. This time the unknown threat isn’t in the Middle East or a major city but centered on the tiny town of Rosman, North Carolina—and that peculiarity may be the scariest piece of the whole puzzle. With Christmas cheer and holiday romance the furthest things from her mind, Becky tries to ignore the persistently flirtatious deputy sheriff who is her unexpected partner for this mission.

Matt Taylor appears to be a stereotypical small-town deputy. But secrets are stored beneath his laidback exterior, and when a threat comes to his hometown, he is ready to protect and defend those he loves at all costs. His assignment to the emergency task force comes with an added opportunity—a second chance to catch the interest of the woman he’s never been able to forget.


With the clock ticking and thousands of lives at stake, old flames, rogue family members, and an elusive foe complicate an already nuanced operation. Will their personal feelings help or hinder Becky and Matt in their quest? Will this headwater holiday help them find new meaning in life or destroy all they have left?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian Romance, Christmas

140 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 12, 2024

About the author

HANNAH HOOD LUCERO is a wife, mom of three, Army veteran, and self-proclaimed word-slinger. While it is the brackish waters of the Mississippi Sound that flow through her veins, western North Carolina holds her heart. Her love for storytelling is the fruit of a lifetime of cultivation in the vibrant cultures of the Gulf Coast and the Blue Ridge Mountains. She currently resides in South Mississippi with her husband and three children on their ten-acre homestead. They have one dog, thirteen chickens, and at least fifty species of mosquitos, depending on the month of the year. When she isn’t in the garden, at the stove, or homeschooling, she can be found at her computer—just follow the sound of frenetic typing. Her motto is, “Draft, edit, read, repeat.”

Reviews

[Heather Wood]

Come down home to the NC mountains for for a military suspense, Conor cameo, flirty romance, faith-filled Christmas.

[Jennifer Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun, page-turning Christmas read! This hit just right for me—not too dark, but enough intrigue to keep me fully engaged. I laughed out loud at some of the banter and was rooting for Matt and Becky from the very first scene! A few of Lucero’s past characters make cameo appearances too ❤️. I love how all the proceeds from this book are being used to help Rosman recover from Hurricane Helene!

[(Katie) Paperbacks · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐

[Charity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Loved the banter between Becky and Matt, loved their wit. Loved the location, the suspense. I just loved my first Hannah Hood Lucero book!

[Kyliegh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this Christmas romantic suspense novella. If you’ve read Lucero’s ‘Sons of Vigilance’ series, you’ll get to see some characters we’ve met before. I really loved Becky and Matt together. Their banter was fantastic! Matt is a flirty cinnamon roll and Becky the perfect grumpy to his sunshine. I love when the woman is the grumpy in a book because that’s me in real life 😅
Matt was all in from the moment they met, but it took Becky a little longer to get on the same page. They were thrown together to stop a terrorist attack planned for Christmas in Matt’s tiny town in North Carolina. I really loved Matt’s family in this. His cousin and Granny are a hoot!
Headwater Holiday is fast paced and full of flirty banter. It’s lighter on the suspense than her other books, but that’s perfect for a Christmas book.

*I was sent a complimentary eARC of this book with no expectations for a favorable review.

[Jenni Moeller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read Dec 2025
I received an ALC of the audiobook, and it was well worth it! The narrator did a great job, as I was pulled into the story right away. Hannah Hood Lucero is the Queen of balancing military suspense, humor, and romance! If you're looking for a quick Christmas read, this is the book for you. If you have read any of her Sons of Vigilance series, pick this book up NOW for a visit from some of your fav characters ;)

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this Christmas/suspense book

[Kendal Sheldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story! Christmas, military, terrorists, budding romance, and a snarky heroine… What more could you ask for in a holiday romantic suspense!! I laughed several times at the banter between these two military main characters. Chad doesn’t beat around the bush about his attraction to Becky and he pursues her while they both try to stop a terrorist attack. So definitely recommend this one if you like romantic suspense.

I listened to the audiobook for this one and I thoroughly enjoyed it!! Charity did an amazing job and the sound quality is top notch. Definitely check this one out this Christmas or any time of the year!

FMC: Becky - Navy officer
MMC: Matt - cop, marine

What you’ll find:
🔸Dual POV
🔸Military MCs (Navy, Marine)
🔸He falls first
🔸Flirty MMC
🔸He pursues her
🔸Snarky FMC
🔸Hilarious Banter
🔸Small Town
🔸Appalachian Mountains
🔸Novella Length

INFO:
📚: Standalone Novella
📖: 140 pages; 🎧4hr 47min
🌎: Rosman, NC

CONTENT:
🌶️: Kissing only
🤬: None
⚠️: mental illness, terrorists

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t let the holiday setting keep you from picking up this fast-paced novella as a summer read. I bumped it to the top of my TBR because I needed a quick read I knew would keep me in the action while I was traveling, and this was an ideal airport/plane read.

I saw someone describe this book saying “imagine a Hallmark movie but instead of saving the ski lodge, they’re stopping a terrorist attack” and I couldn’t describe it better. It’s pretty much exactly that, with all the signature Hannah Hood Lucero snark, instalove, and side characters you want to see more of. Plus, a few of the Flynn brothers make cameos, and what Lucero fan is going to turn that down?

You don’t have to wait until Christmas to enjoy this one. Get it for a summer Saturday night or poolside read.

[Aline Guedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Headwater Holiday by Hannah Hood Lucero was AMAZING! This criminal rom-com with a Christmas twist took me through every emotion — I laughed, I cried, I sat on the edge of my seat, and I smiled through the sweet and faith-filled moments.

Hannah blends suspense, humor, romance, and the beauty of God’s grace so well. The Christmas setting made it even more cozy and heartwarming, and the characters felt incredibly real.

I listened to the audiobook and absolutely loved the narration — it brought the story to life in the best way.

I’m grateful for the ALC, and all thoughts here are completely my own. I definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys clean Christian fiction with charm, depth, and holiday joy!

[Beckie Burnham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a romantic suspense novel, and when I found that Headwater Holiday was set during the Christmas season in one of my favorite places, I was all in! Hannah Lucero has written two fun main characters. I loved the snark and sass that was exchanged between Becky and Matt. Plus, who can resist a hero who loves rom-coms! The small town Appalachian mountain setting was a winner for me. I liked the investigation into terrorist activity in a very unlikely spot — that made it a bit more chilling to this small-town living and loving reader. The book is a very quick read and checked all my mystery/suspense/romance boxes. It’s perfect for a a long winter’s evening.

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(I borrowed this book from KU. All opinion expressed are mine alone.)

[Myra · Rating 5 out of 5]

As bone chilling as the headwaters of the French broad river in winter comes a military romantic suspense that will both take your breath away with the audacity of the evil minds of men and with the beauty of the love of country, community, family, and the couple that meets in the middle of both.

I held my breath in fear of what would happen next and also laughed so hard I cried all within the pages of a Christmas Novella that I absolutely could not put down.

I have never read a book that so completely crosses genres! Edge of your chair cannot breathe suspense relieved by the Rom/Com nature of the military love story.
Lucero has done it again.

[JJ Samie Myles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hoowee, Headwater Holiday might be a Christmas novella, but this short read packs a punch! Bundle up and step into a winter wonderland filled with romance, snark, suspense, family drama, and a lethal threat.

The two main characters, Matt and Becky, had incredible chemistry, and their banter made me laugh out loud. Can I add how much I appreciate that the Flynn bros had a cameo?

Lucero once again penned a story that had me glued to the pages. We need more epic Christmas novellas like Headwater Holiday.

Pro tip: Make yourself some hot chocolate before you dive in. Your nerves will thank you for it :P

[Phyllis (Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm celebrating! I've found a new-to-me author that I love! This was my first book by the author and I'm excited to try a second one.

For a novella, there was surprisingly great character development. I really loved Becky and Matt - individually, as well as together. Loved their banter! And I loved the setting.

How amazingly generous of the author to donate her royalties to Hurricane recovery efforts in the Appalachians. I was already sold on this author, but that was icing on the cake.

[Cat.Reads (IG thislazycatreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐ Liked it, but not perfect.👍

This was a quick and enjoyable Christmas novella, even though there were serious topics covered (terrorists, mental health, etc.). Loved the banter between the FMC and MMC, I think that's actually what kept me interested the most.

Novellas are not usually my favorite, because they are short and have to move so quickly that I think relationship building and character development get left behind. It's the nature of the beast.

Even so, if you like strong female characters, faith themes, romantic suspense, and fast paced stories this might be for you!

[B.R. Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must Read for this Christmas!

This may be my favorite Hannah Hood Lucero book yet!
I am. HERE. For. A. Lucero. INSTA LOVE, and she did not disappoint in Headwater!

The banter is perfectly flirty and snarky. The characters are complex, despite the shortened page count of this novella, and the storyline is fast-paced and scarily believable. Like, whoa... how does she do this?

I'll now be looking for a Christmas, military, swoon-worthy romance from Lucero every year, thank you very much, and highly recommend to anyone looking for a quick but exciting read this holiday season!

*I received an ARC copy for review. All opinions are my own*

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will probably be the best Christmas story I read this year. This author had an awesome book come out two days before this gem dropped onto Amazon. And wow. It is a novella, so it isn't a very long book, but the author wasted none of the space in the book...it was non stop suspense, entertainment, and humor. I swear I laughed almost every other page. The banter, snark, and sarcasm between Matt and Becky was beyond entertaining. Awesome read.

[Madison Cline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! There is such a sense of pride and happiness knowing that this author is writing about the streets and restaurants and places I grew up in and love! This story was the perfect romantic suspense! Everywhere they went I could picture them there and knew exactly all the little inside jokes they were telling! I loved how she set the characters up and the ending was great!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine a Hallmark movie, but with veteran/active duty as the contrast couple and instead of saving a ski lodge or something, they are trying to stop a terrorist attack. So like a Hallmark movie… but not. Loved this different take on a Christmas book!

[Latisha Sexton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe it took me so long to read this one! Loved this book so much. Action, suspense, flirty banter, and a strong faith thread are all packed into this perfect Christmas novella. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up ASAP!

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another EXCELLENT story written by THE Hannah Hood Lucero—and Charity Henico brought this story to LIFE. Such awesome narration! Love both these women, their hearts for the Lord, and their constant standing upon Truth!

[Sara Hickman · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I wanted to like this one more than I did. As someone with a minor in security studies, the plot of a terrorist attack in rural NC intrigued me. As far as the terrorist plot goes, it was an entertaining one and one that seems plausible

I would have given this book 4 stars, but the quick romance and weirdly placed flirty comments knocked it down to 3.5.

[Gretchen Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this military book. A stellar heroine. A down home hero who has lived an unexpected life. Plenty of suspense and camaraderie. More review to come.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

Really enjoyed this book. The snark was real and the military elements mixed with the budding romance and found family aspects were a nice combination.

[Arielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect Christmas novella!

[Lizzie Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this page-turning, light holiday romantic suspense!

[Kim Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Headwater Holiday by Hannah Hood Lucero is a Christian military romantic suspense novella that drew me in instantly. Hannah knows just how to balance the action, suspense, romance, and faith perfectly. She wove them together in this story in a way that felt realistic.

Becky works for the navy as a cyber intelligence and linguistics specialist and Matt is an officer in the tiny town of Rosman, North Carolina where she finds herself on assignment. Their personalities are fun together with their grumpy sunshine, and I enjoyed the spark that grew between them over the course of the few days comprising most of the story.

The tension in the story as Becky, Matt, and others dealt with insurgents, tried to figure out their plan, and decide how to thwart it felt realistic but never too heavy.

Though I have the paperback, I loved listening to the audiobook version of it. The narrator did a great job with the voices, and I was able to get fully immersed in the story.

If you’re looking for a quick read over the holidays or anytime, you will love this book.