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Mary Christmas

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I saw her through the melee of holiday shoppers, decked out in an ugly Christmas sweater with an elf hat atop her strawberry curls. Her emerald eyes sparkled. Her smile dazzled. Mary Christmas, the girl who stole my boyish heart and years later sent the man packing. I vowed there and then to rekindle the fire in her heart.

I could have married Christopher Northbrook. When he popped the question, I hadn’t said no—I didn't say yes. Like my father and grandfather, I was charged with keeping the Christmas secret safe. Leaving Forest Falls was out of the question. So, I watched the love of my life walk away. Now he’s back, a handsome widower with twin boys in tow. Fa La La La La.

In Forest Falls, second chances come wrapped in holiday magic!

130 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 28, 2024

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About the author

Hanna Park

20 books62 followers
I began my writing career in the pre-dawn of a winter morning while my husband snored like a train. We could call my husband the catalyst. If it weren’t for him, I would never have gone to the kitchen to make a pot of coffee, feed the cat, and sit on the loveseat in front of the fire. It was there, in those moments of wondrous quiet, that I did something I had never thought possible. I opened my laptop, and while the coffee went cold, I wrote a story. My husband had no idea that these sojourns to the loveseat in front of the fire would become a daily occurrence, that writing would become an obsession, but the cat knew. She knows everything.
I write stories that make you laugh, make you cry, and make you love. Thank you, friends, for reading!
In the beginning, there was an empty page.
I am a writer who lives in Muskoka, Canada, with a husband who snores, a hungry cat, and an almost perfect canine––he’s an adorable little shit.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Cynthia’s Shelf Indulgence.
155 reviews5 followers
December 28, 2024
This was such an easy and quick read. The magic of Christmas was definitely felt throughout the book, really heartwarming to see how it all came together in the end! Reading the other reviews I did get the sense there would be a lot of steamy scenes.there was like half a steamy scene right at the very end and that was it lol all in all still a great, short read
Profile Image for Vicky.
Author 29 books74 followers
January 12, 2025
Thoughts: This was a cute, magical Christmas story. The story itself is told in first person from the POV of both Christopher and Mary. Fortunately, the author kept them in separate chapters so there’s no confusion. The characters were well done, and there is beautiful imagery. Although promoted as steamy, there is very little of this until the end. Yes, there is attraction and tension, but they are not sexual in nature.

Mary is a character who has a secret—actually several secrets. One of which is that Santa and his reindeer are real and she hosts them in her barn. And keeps the secrets of the Fey to herself. Her magic helps keep the Christmas spirit alive. And she has to convince Christopher that it is all real. It’s much easier to convince his little boys.

What I had an issue with was that this would have worked better as a much longer story. Sometimes, the brevity made it hard to follow what was going on. Still, this was a quick read and a good holiday story.

Recommended.

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
369 reviews5 followers
June 10, 2026
There’s something undeniably charming about a good second-chance romance, and Mary Christmas delivered exactly the kind of heartwarming escape I was hoping for.

From the very beginning, I was drawn to the chemistry between Mary and Christopher. Their shared history adds so much emotional depth to the story, making every interaction feel meaningful. You can sense the lingering feelings, the missed opportunities, and the hope that maybe some love stories deserve another chance.

One thing I especially enjoyed was the small-town atmosphere. Forest Falls feels cozy, welcoming, and full of holiday spirit without becoming overly sentimental. It provides the perfect backdrop for a romance centered on family, forgiveness, and rediscovering what truly matters.

Christopher's return to town with his twin boys adds another layer of warmth to the story, and I found myself rooting for everyone involved. The emotional moments felt genuine, while the lighter scenes kept the story fun and engaging.

Despite being a shorter novel, it never felt rushed. The romance develops naturally, and the holiday setting gives everything an extra touch of magic and nostalgia.

If you're looking for a festive romance filled with second chances, small-town charm, family dynamics, and plenty of heart, this is a wonderful book to curl up with during the holiday season.

A sweet, emotional, and thoroughly enjoyable romance that left me smiling.
Profile Image for Carolee.
938 reviews15 followers
September 16, 2026
What a festive treat! Mary Christmas by Hanna Park is exactly the kind of holiday romance that feels like curling up with a cozy blanket, a mug of cocoa, and a plate of cookies you absolutely meant to share. From the very first glimpse of Mary in her ugly Christmas sweater and elf hat, the story glows with charm, warmth, and just the right sprinkle of Christmas magic.

Christopher and Mary’s second-chance romance has that delicious mix of sweetness, longing, and playful holiday energy that makes small-town romances so fun to read. I especially loved the setup: a guarded Christmas secret, a love that never quite disappeared, and a widower returning with twin boys in tow. It all adds up to a story that feels merry, hopeful, and wonderfully easy to root for.

Hanna Park writes with a bright, inviting touch, balancing heartfelt emotion with a playful sense of holiday fun. The writing is vivid without feeling overdone, and the characters pop off the page with personality. The author clearly knows how to create a festive atmosphere and pair it with emotional stakes that keep the reader smiling and turning pages.

If you enjoy small-town charm, Christmas cheer, second chances, and a romance wrapped in sparkle, Mary Christmas is a five-star holiday delight. It is cheerful, cozy, and full of feel-good frolic—an adorable start to the Forest Falls Frolic series!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for N.N. Heaven.
Author 6 books2,248 followers
November 30, 2024
Mary Christmas must keep her family’s secret, even if it means pushing her one true love away. This Christmas, Mary has a chance to open her heart to Christopher but is he ready for the truth? Unlock the magic of Christmas and second chances with Mary Christmas.

This book has everything I’ve come to expect from Hanna Park: a heartfelt romance with sweet and steamy moments, characters that leap from the page, and a bit of magic thrown in. Hanna Park pens holiday romances adult want to read. Drop whatever you’re doing and pick up Mary Christmas.

What makes Mary Christmas a holiday romance worth reading are the characters. Mary is the star of this story, and I connected with her right away. She’s full of the holiday spirit and rightfully so. I won’t give anything away, but I will give you a hint. It has to do with her name. She’s got a secret and it’s a big one. When the only guy she’s ever loved returns to town for good, Mary is conflicted. Is this a second chance? Can she risk her heart again? So many questions for Mary but you’ll have to read Mary Christmas to discover the answers.

Hanna Park has written a flawless romance with plenty of steam. I read it in one sitting and couldn’t put it down. Neither will you.

My Rating: 5+ stars

Reviewed by: Nancy

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Profile Image for AC.
69 reviews1 follower
July 18, 2026
I know it might be strange to read Holliday themed books in the middle of the summer, but hey, heart wants what it wants 😂...and since the weather wasn’t hot enough, now I’m craving hot coco 🤦‍♀️...anyways, back to the task at hand 😊, this book is sweet, heartwarming, and full of festive charm, from the holiday traditions to the seasonal setting in a small town (Santa’s town), everything felt warm and inviting 🎁❄️🎅

The romance was cute, however, I believe the main characters jumped back into the romance a bit too quickly, considering 10 years passed, and without fully clarifying their past misunderstandings (second chance kind of situation). I think this would have worked better as a longer story where the characters had enough time to rediscover each other and rekindle their love as the new people they've become over the 10 years they didn’t see each other. He’s even been married and has two kinds now, which is perfectly fine plot wise, but without showing the growth he went though, it felt a bit like a betrayal to his passed wife, like he married her for all the wrong reasons (although I don’t think it was entirely the case considering how much he loves his kids).

All things considered, this is still an enjoyable, quick read that's perfect for getting into the holiday spirit🎄❄️🎅
Profile Image for PelicanFreak.
2,373 reviews
August 3, 2026
It looked cute, and opened as though it’d be cute, and to be fair, I think it’s trying to be cute, but unfortunately, it’s riddled with ‘telling’ instead of showing, so I found it hard to stay tuned in.

Written in third-person POV.
Past tense.

About 2 hours into a 3-hour book, the hero confesses his entire motivation. It was enough time for the town and the heroine to have grown on me enough to read this far … so no major complaints. It’s just … weak writing.

Winter / holiday vibes.
Second chances.
Retail setting.
Small town vibes.

Overall:
Conceptually cute. Reads more like an outline being dictated, than an actual novel, due to poor writing, lots of ‘telling’, and the audio format lacking voice-acting.

Not terrible, just needs a lot of help.

2 / 3 stars, depending on the platform for “it’s okay”.

🎙️ Audiobook:
This was … okay. Not good, but I’ve heard worse. The overall sound quality was odd—it wasn’t crisp or clear like a professional production, there’s a lot of static and ‘fuzz’. There’s no voice-acting. Just robotic-style dictation. (If I could stand this style, I could just have Siri or Alexa dictate my much cheaper eBooks to me, sadly I cannot.) So it was a tough listen—I recommend eyeball reading if you’re considering this one. 2 stars.
Profile Image for Catrina.
569 reviews92 followers
August 17, 2026
Sometimes you don't want a complicated story full of twists and emotional turmoil. Sometimes you just want to sit back, relax, and enjoy a sweet romance, and Mary Christmas was exactly that kind of listen for me.

This short holiday romance packs quite a few favorite tropes into one story, including second-chance romance, small-town charm, and a bit of steam. Despite its shorter length, the story moves at a comfortable pace and delivers a satisfying romantic journey. It was easy to settle into and provided exactly the kind of lighthearted escape I was in the mood for.

The characters were likable, the Christmas setting added plenty of festive charm, and the romance kept me invested from beginning to end. While it may not be a story that requires a lot of deep thinking, that's part of its appeal. It was a fun, uncomplicated listen that allowed me to unwind and simply enjoy the ride.

Veronique Ludique's narration complemented the story well and helped bring the characters and holiday atmosphere to life.

If you're looking for a quick, steamy Christmas romance filled with familiar tropes and cozy small-town vibes, Mary Christmas is a delightful way to spend a few hours.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
1,665 reviews
July 21, 2026
Mary Christmas is a delightful Christmas story that brings Mary and Christopher back together for a second chance at love. They were childhood sweethearts who planned for a life together but when Christopher popped the question, Mary said "I can't leave." Thinking that was as good as "no," he left and moved forward. His wife died and he was left with his 6-year-old twin boys, Alfie and Dash. He's come back to Forest Falls to give them their best life and with hopes of getting the love of his life back. Once they see each other, there's an immediate reaction and realization that their feelings never changed. Mary keeps Christopher slightly at a distance because she has that all-important secret that directed her to tell Christopher that she couldn't leave. When Christopher learns the secret it's breathtaking and now everything makes sense. Mary, Christopher, Alfie, Dash and Tinsel all get a wonderful happy ending.
Véronique Ludique does a tremendous job with the narration. Her clear, dynamic, well-paced voice perfectly brings each of the characters to life.
Profile Image for Vickie Chaisson.
1,316 reviews11 followers
January 27, 2025
This is a very quick read about Christmas magic, second chance with your only love, misunderstandings, and secrets that must be kept. First let me say character development is very rich and fulfilling. You will fall in love with the main characters and the secondary characters are also vital to the story. Mary has a very big secret and was never able to leave her hometown because of it. When both of them fell in love in high school he went off and never looked back and Mary stayed. Mary is so likeable and when Chris comes back to town you will smile at this very rewarding Christmas love story.
2,364 reviews13 followers
July 15, 2026
Audiobook: This was my first experience with this author's work. I appreciated the small-town setting which was the perfect backdrop for this tale. I was entertained by the creative twist on who guarded the secret of Christmas. I enjoyed the second chances trope which ran through this story as I thought it was fitting for the season. I liked Mary and Christopher and their romantic story. I thought Véronique Ludique's narration was great as her performance kept my attention. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
722 reviews10 followers
January 5, 2025
This is such a lovely magical and heartwarming story about Christmas, second chances and life in a small town community. Mary Christmas said no to the love her life when he popped the question and then he went away. Christopher is now back but a widower with two sons. Can they have a second chance at love and will Mary share the Christmas secret that stopped her from saying yes all those years ago? This has a bit of everything including the chemistry between the two main characters. I found it easy to read and thought that it flowed through out. Very enjoyable.
Profile Image for Raeleane.
705 reviews28 followers
July 7, 2026
A great start to a new series A Forest Falls Frolic series by Hanna Park. It is a fun and easy fast paced read and sure to reach all the feel goods. The characters were well written and the two MC'S, Mary Christmas and Christopher Lothbrook have more depth and a history and chemistry that sizzles. The amazing world building weaves and blends beautifully, vividly and magically throughout the story. I absolutely enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more of the series. I recommend reading this Christmas story!
Profile Image for Rebecca.
1,270 reviews39 followers
January 1, 2025
A wonderful story of second-chance love, holiday magic, and a small-town setting.

I loved how the magic of Christmas was woven through this book. It was a short read for sure but kept me smiling with the festive cheer. Though tagged as a steamy romance there wasn't a lot of steam throughout but it was sweet and I did enjoy it.

Overall a wonderful quick read for the holiday season.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jennifer Walker.
Author 13 books535 followers
December 9, 2024
Years ago, in the cozy town of Forest Falls, Mary had no choice but to watch the love of her life walk away in order to keep her family's secret.

But now, he has come back into her life, and she has a second chance at love--if she can find the courage to tell him the truth.

A delightful Christmas novella filled with holiday magic!
457 reviews12 followers
January 5, 2025
A delightful Festive romance

The main characters (Mary & Christopher) are charming without being trivial. Mary obviously has a secret (that, to be fair, can be guessed pretty quickly) as well as a back-story with Chris that adds depth to both of them.

Sweet, occasionally steamy (especially in the cafe!), and an enjoyable read.

Profile Image for Barbara.
19.7k reviews8 followers
March 12, 2025
Mary Christmas and Christopher Northbrook's second chance story. He asked her to marry him years ago but her secret keeps her tied to Forest Falls, so he left town and now he is back with his twin sons. I found their story to be well worth reading. This is a new Author to me. I received a copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.
736 reviews
March 21, 2025
I absolutely loved the idea of this story. I mean how can you not when it includes the biggest secret possible!

I did struggle with the writing quite a bit, which is the reason for 3 star. I found it very disjointed at times. All of a sudden a coverstaion started with someone I didn't know was present or the transitions between
Paragraphs were not smooth leaving confused for a moment or two.
1,922 reviews23 followers
July 18, 2026
A very nice second chance, small town, Christmas novella. Mary and Christopher get their second chance, along with Chris' twin boys. The narrator does an excellent job at presenting this story. She has different voices for each character. 5 stars for her as well.
I was gifted this audio book from the author through Story Origin.
Profile Image for The Book Ssirren.
7,597 reviews187 followers
August 9, 2026
This was such a cute and very Christmas like fun. I really enjoyed the second chance for these two. They definitely made me feel the love and the holiday spirit

I absolutely loved being able to listen to this right along with reading it. The narration was done so well. It really brought this story to life.
241 reviews1 follower
November 7, 2026
This is a lovely second chance story with a bit of fantasy added. Character and world descriptions were written so you feel like you are right there. If you don't believe in second chances and the magic of Christmas, you will after this story.
The narration was done well. Audiobooks always make a book come to life.
378 reviews9 followers
January 7, 2025
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am reviewing it voluntarily voluntarily

This was a delightful magical story young loves finding each other after years apart of course the Christmas magic of Santa etc helped the story
Profile Image for BookwormSally.
308 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2026
Tinsel saves the day

This is a cute second chance holiday romance where the doggo saves the day. I found it to be quite difficult to get into and it didn't hold my attention, but I did manage to finish it.

I'm not sure if I would recommend this book to friends
1,985 reviews25 followers
January 13, 2025
magic
I admit I´m a stickler for christmas magic, second chances, small towns and cute kids, so this book was just my thing!
168 reviews1 follower
August 25, 2025
Christmas magic is real!! Sweet, easy read with great characters

Arc reader
588 reviews7 followers
August 12, 2026
Mary Christmas by Hanna Park was such a fun holiday romance! I really enjoyed the small-town setting and the festive atmosphere. It has that cozy Christmas feel, but with plenty of spice to keep things interesting.

The chemistry between the characters made the story especially entertaining, and I liked watching their relationship develop. It’s a light, easy listen when you’re in the mood for romance, Christmas vibes, and a little heat.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Véronique Ludique, and she did a great job. Her narration brought the characters to life and made the story easy and enjoyable to follow. She really captured the playful and steamy tone of the book.

If you’re looking for a fun small-town Christmas romance with plenty of chemistry and spice, Mary Christmas is a cute one to add to your holiday reading, or listening list!
930 reviews24 followers
August 20, 2026
This is a short interesting twist on a Christmas story. Mary has to keep the family secret and loses her sweetheart. Now he is back and it makes for an interesting story.
Profile Image for Amber.
21 reviews
January 5, 2025
This was an interesting read. Got through it really fast and enjoy the intentions here.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews