A Christmas to Remember

by Penny Zeller

When Otis MacCallum agrees to deliver much-needed food and medicine to the remote town of Hawthorne, Montana, he knows there's a real possibility he'll again see the woman who broke his heart.

Belinda Finnigan had reasons for declining Otis's proposal, but it still hasn't lessened the pain of losing his friendship. When Otis arrives on her doorstep one wintry December day with food and medicine in hand, can two broken hearts be reconciled? Will theirs be a Christmas to remember?

Full description to come.

Tropes:

Second chance
Friends to more
Happily ever after


A Christmas to Remember can be read as a standalone but is better enjoyed subsequent to A Heart of Courage.

Please note: A Christmas to Remember is a faith-filled Christian historical romance.

Genres: Christmas

151 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 9, 2025

About the author

Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith-filled happily ever afters and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. Her books feature tender romance, steady doses of humor, and memorable characters that stay with you long after the last page.

While she has had a love for writing since childhood, Penny began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics.

Today Penny is a multi-published author of over two dozen books and is also a fitness instructor, loves the outdoors, and is a flower gardening addict. In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, kayaking, biking, birdwatching, reading, running, and playing volleyball.

Penny resides with her husband and two daughters in small-town America and loves to connect with her readers at her website at www.pennyzeller.com, her blog, www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com, and her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pennyzellerbooks where she posts faith, funnies, writing updates, and encouragement. All of her socials can be found at https://linktr.ee/pennyzeller.

Reviews

[DevotedToHope · Rating 4 out of 5]

Snow carries sound differently in Montana … softer, nearer, almost as if every breath and footstep is held close to heaven. That is how this story felt to me. A quiet snowfall of grace … small moments of tenderness … the kind of love that grows because two hearts keep offering themselves to the Lord while the snowfall thickens and the horizon fades.

Otis steps back onto those winter roads with a prayer already forming in his soul: “Lord, please watch over my family, give me safe travels, and please help me not to be too late for those in need.” That one line told me everything about the man he is. Steady. Servant-hearted. Willing to carry comfort into a hurting town and willing to face the woman whose absence once left an ache he never truly forgot.

Belinda’s heart, shaped by Scripture and stretched by her family’s sickness, carries its own kind of beauty. The way she tends to the weary. The way she keeps turning to the Lord when exhaustion tries to speak louder. The way she listens when Doc gently reminds her, “… we have to remember this is in the Lord’s hand.” I found myself pausing there, because how many times have we each had to live out that same, absolute truth?

Then there is the sweetness of seeing friendship find breath again … not rushed, not polished, simply two people rediscovering what God preserved beneath the years. Otis whispering, “Lord, please guide my way,” felt like a quiet turning point in the story, a moment of surrender to the wisdom and sovereignty of God.

There is a sacred gentleness woven through these snowy pages … a warmth that lingers when you have poured yourself out past exhaustion, chosen love through uncertainty, and waited for hope when all you can see is a blizzard ahead. The closeness of this family moved me … not perfect, but beautifully real, their love as steady as falling snow. Even in the hush of heartache, there are small lights along the way: a dog’s playful joy, the unspoken sharing of burdens, and prayers rising like breath in winter air, each one heard and held by the Lord who draws near in quiet moments.

A tender frontier Christmas … a gentle reconciliation … a story stitched with faith.

Readers who would love this book: those who long for historical romance shaped by Scripture… those who cherish stories where prayer is woven naturally into daily life … those who find joy in acts of service and second-chance love… and those who want a short Christmas read that lifts the heart toward Christ.

I received a digital ARC of this book from the author. Additionally, I preordered the Kindle version. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

[Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story! This book is a sequel to “Heart of Courage” but works as a standalone. I loved seeing Otis all grown up. He is a great character, very caring and helpful to others. Belinda, rejected Otis’s proposal but now regrets that decision. Her family is ill, as is a lot of the townsfolk. Otis, travels to bring much needed aid to the town and reconnects with Belinda. I liked this story a lot, I liked watching them work together to help the town. And I liked watching them reconnect. Great Christian content. Overall, a great Christmas story and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Madisyn Carlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet and heartwarming novella about Christmas and second chances, A Christmas to Remember is a perfect book to curl up with on a cold and/or snowy afternoon. There are scenes that will make you laugh (like Cow and the sisters), scenes that will draw emotion (I think we all know what it's like to almost lose a loved one), and scenes that will make you want Christmas goodies.

Otis and Belinda are darling main characters, and the host of secondary characters adds much to the story. Zeller conveys the setting in such a way that you feel like you're riding through the snowstorm with Otis, or traveling through the woods with Otis and Belinda.

There is also the usual faith content that you find in all of Zeller's books, with reminders that God is always in control no matter how desperate the situation.

Those who enjoy Christian historical romance should add A Christmas to Remember to their list.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher for promotional purposes. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are my own.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas to Remember is a heartwarming read. Set in Montana in 1906, it covers a period when the influenza pandemic was at its worst. I loved the caring and ability to put families first in their time of need. The community of Hilltop's gracious giving to others was inspiring.

The story is about love, forgiveness, and second chances. I enjoyed the ending. Belinda and Otis drifted apart over a misunderstanding, and neither has moved on. I highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary ARC from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the chance to revisit the characters from Hilltop, Montana. I loved Heart of Courage by Penny Zeller, which released earlier in the year. I was thrilled when I realized she was publishing a sequel for the holiday season. It was so cool to see young Otis all grown up in A Christmas to Remember. He was such a cute little boy in the first book. And to learn that there was going to be a puppy named Cow again (offspring of the original Cow) was awesome.

Times are hard during this book, however. There has been an influenza outbreak in Hilltop and it is an even worse situation in nearby Hawthorne. A town where the lady Otis once proposed to, Belinda, was now living with her family. He volunteers to take needed supplies to this town in need, but he is unsure of what is going to happen when he sees the woman who broke his heart.

Belinda is a lovely young woman who is just getting over the influenza herself, and is desperately trying to care for her family, while praying that help will come before it is too late. She regrets that she had to hurt Otis, and wonders if she will ever see him again.

I love this sweet second chance romance. I love the way neighbors help each other. I love the surprises the characters have for each other. And of course, I love how the author infuses the story with faith and prayer and the importance of trusting God.

Definitely a book I recommend.

I received an e-copy of this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you are looking for a book to get you into the Holiday spirit then this is the one for you. This is a heartwarming frontier Holiday novella that will surely have in in awe with the characters.

[Jeanette Durkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful holiday novella! It's a reminder to always be willing and ready to help others.

Otis is wonderful! He's a strong Christian, compassionate and caring. Belinda is amazing! She takes care of her sick family without ceasing. She's compassionate and she also has a strong faith in God. Cow, the dog is adorable and always seems to know who needs to be comforted.

Watching the love story unfold was sweetness itself. Otis and Belinda gave gifts from the heart and repaired past hurts. I truly believe that cinnamon rolls can heal anything! I liked how the characters prayed about everything from difficult situations to safe travels. It reminded me that God listens to all of our prayers.

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Anna Marie Leffew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas to Remember by Penny Zeller

A Christmas to Remember by Penny Zeller is a must-read love story that will linger in your heart long after the last page. Otis and Belinda's timeless romance takes you on an emotional journey of love, rejection, and forgiveness, capturing the essence of heartfelt devotion. I was instantly drawn to the characters, feeling Otis's deep pain and unwavering love even years after Belinda rejected his proposal. His dedication to his parents, community, and Belinda's family is truly inspiring. Belinda's quiet longing for Otis, despite her rejection, kept me captivated and eager to see what would happen next. This beautiful story is sure to warm your heart and tug at your emotions. Don't miss out on experiencing this touching, heartwarming tale—I highly recommend it.

Pre-order now https://a.co/d/d8EgGDT

[Shonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this Christmas story!
Wonderful characters —fun to see characters from the previous book, including Cow (a pup of the prior Cow). How the communities stepped up and took care of their own and neighboring towns reminded me of how sweet life was long ago. With Christmas on the horizon and weakness from influenza Belindas love shines brightly for her family. The beauty of family and love makes all the Christmas festivities humble and beautiful. A sweet romance standing the test of time kept me glued to the pages anticipating the outcome! A perfect sweet story of love and Christmas.

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this heartwarming trip back to Hilltop, Montana, to catch up with Otis MacCallum, who stole my heart as a young boy in Heart of Courage, the first book of the Hilltop series. Otis is grown up now and takes on a selfless task to help the citizens Hawthorne, in the throes of an influenza epidemic, who desperately need food, medicine, and other supplies. Thus begins the tender second chance love story as he has an opportunity to renew his relationship with Belinda Finnigan who once broke his heart. Set in the early 1900s against the backdrop of Christmas, the story blends romance with the warmth and joy of the season. Otis and Belinda's selfless service in helping their families and neighbors embodies the Christmas spirit. They are precious together and are now on my list of favorite fictional couples. I always appreciate the Christian values and trust in God that Ms. Zeller so naturally weaves throughout her stories. I loved this quick, uplifting holiday read of rekindled love and reconciliation and highly recommend it.
I read an early copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review.

[Michelle Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet and clean historical romance.

Otis was working and living at his family's farm. In his small town, people are still struggling from an influenza pandemic. They are in better health than those in a nearby town - Hawthorne. Hawthorne needs help with food and medicine. In Hawthorne is where Otis's ex girlfriend lives. The one he is still in love with. Belinda, his ex girlfriend, is worried for her family and the town. They are all sick. She is starting to get better as well as her mom. But one of her sisters and her father are not. an Otis get the medicine and food there safely and soon? Will the snowstorm stop him? Will Belinda break his heart again?

This was a good story and I enjoyed reading it. It is always interesting how long it actually takes to get from one town to another by horse and sled. We don;t think about that in modern times with our cars. I enjoyed the story and how the characters try and figure things out.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Denise A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming, lovely story set at the turn of the twentieth century. This well written story is full of characters who will have you wanting to pray for them as they fight a severe case of influenza, struggle to survive in the snow and cold, and wrestle with feelings of the heart. This book is chock full of emotion, keeping you reading late into the night, unable to put it down until you reach the end! This book is a standalone but is tied to Heart of Courage as the MMC was a young child in that book. I loved getting to see Otis as a grown man making a life for himself! I read an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are honest and my own. I definitely recommend reading this book!!

[Ivonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a charming story! Just perfect read for the season. It gives you all the feels. With the simplicity of a Christmas celebration of times past it surely makes you smile how everything unfolded. Truly a fabulous read you wouldn’t like to miss if you like family Christmas traditions, tender romance, and faith all woven into a story. Love it from beginning to end! The title of this novella is perfect for it 😉

A few quotes I loved…

“Be Jesus’ hands and feet…”

“Mighty wise of a man to think of his future, but he ought not to let that get in the way of him living in the present.”

“Books always make things better.”

-A received a complimentary copy of this book by the author but a positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.

[Shuvai · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas to Remember by Zeller Penny

A Christmas to Remember is a charming and heartfelt Christian historical novella.

Belinda once turned down her dear friend Otis’s proposal during a difficult season in her life—a choice she deeply regretted, believing she had lost her chance at love.

But when influenza devastates her small town, Otis arrives with much-needed medicine and supplies. Forced to stay and help her family, the two are given an unexpected second chance. As they work side by side, old wounds heal and hope is rekindled.

This beautiful story of redemption and renewed love carries echoes of the COVID-19 pandemic, reminding us of resilience, compassion, and the gift of second chances. With its tender romance and uplifting message, it’s a perfect holiday read.

✨ Highly recommended!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.

Belinda and Otis grew up together. Last year he proposed, and she declined. Maybe he can pop in, drop off his deliveries, and go home without seeing her or having to talk to her. Of course, that wouldn't make for as great a story as this is. It was thoroughly enjoyable.

[Patti Whitaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet historical romance that is an awesome story! While it is the second book in the series it can be read as a stand alone. I loved the way Zeller tells the story of Otis and Belinda as she weaves their story of faith and hardships. Otis and Belinda have grown up together and Otis has loved Belinda for many years and thought she felt the same for him. Belinda and her family move to a neighboring town and Otis is left heartbroken. When illness strikes the town that Belinda has moved to Otis volunteers to take medicine and supplies hoping to be able to see Belinda one last time. Will they be able to have a second chance? Does Belinda still have feelings for Otis or has she found someone else? You will need to read to find out - you will not be disappointed.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Michele Kerlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Otis MacCullan was a good God fairing man who loved his family and friends and would do anything for them. The influenza is spreading in his community and others in Montana. The preacher of his town received a plea for food and medicine for a nearby town. Of course Otis volunteered to deliver the items. Belinda Finnigan is the love of Otis’s life and lives in the town he was going to. Will Belinda and Otis find love?

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for promotional purposes. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Terri Harr · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I enjoyed visiting Hilltop again. Earlier this year, I read Heart of Courage and met Otis as a little boy. In this book we see him all grown up.

This is a shorter story but a good length since this is about second chances and they have known each other almost their entire lives.

Otis is a man of integrity and serves the people in his community and the surrounding towns when in need. He volunteers to take supplies and meds by sleigh to a nearby town when influenza hits and they can’t get them by train because of the weather. Most of the people in Hilltop had it or still do. Otis volunteers to take it by sleigh even though he could see the woman he loves who rejected his proposal.

Belinda is a caring daughter whose whole family is sick and she is struggling to recover fully so she can help take care of them. Her father is the sickest but his responsibility to care for his family runs deep in him. He refuses to stay in bed.

When Otis arrives with the supplies, they are nothing but kind to each other. There is no hatred but there is regret on her part and we find out shortly the why behind the no.

As they spend the next several days together, a life-long friendship comes back to life, as if no time has passed at all and certainly no riff.

Things such a sweet Christmas story. If you’re looking for something a bit light (if you don’t count the sickness storyline)this is a great one to add to your collection. Join Otis and Belinda as they bring a bit of that Christmas spirit into the lives of those around them.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

[Angela Brannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sweet little Christmas story about second chances. It was nice to see a romantic story done primarily from the male main character's viewpoint. The Christian references were also nicely done. Otis and Belinda are cute couple that deserved their second chance at happily-ever-after.

The storyline is very compelling with the outbreak of influenza and the effect it had on communities before modern medicines were available. The plot was very realistic and quite dramatic. I really felt for Doc watching his patients suffer first from flu, then from hunger because the community was so hard hit that supplies were not available for any of the families. The outreach from other communities was very heartwarming.

I recommend this for any lovers of Christian romances looking for a feel-good Christmas story to brighten the holidays. It certainly put a little cheer in my day.

I read an advance copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful Christmas story of second chances. It was easy to read and had great characters. It’s a great story for those who enjoy Christian historical Christmas romance. So it’s definitely cozy reading material. I received a copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

[Ausjenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for my review copy, (I do have this book on preorder)

I love this book. It is the sequel to Heart of Courage which came out last Christmas. I would help if you have read this book, but you would still follow this book as a standalone. It may be short but there is a lot packed into it.

This is Otis's book. The book starts in the middle of an influenza outbreak. With so many sick there are only a few at church when the pastor mentions that a nearby smaller town is in need of medicine and food. Otis volunteers to go. He is recovered from influenza and it's the logical person to go. His one concern is seeing Belinda his best friend who broke his heart when she turned down his proposal.

In Hawthorne Belinda is starting to recover but her family are still quite sick. when Otis arrives, he and Belinda help deliver medicine and food to the locals. I read half of this book at the local clinic waiting to see my dr. and I have it irony wasn't lost on me. While I am reading about how sick some of the people are and what goes with influenza, shaking, fevers, coughing I could picture it all to well. At times I was almost reacting with the patients.

I can't forget Cow (a collie crossed with mixed bred dogs) who tends to insist on being front and centre in many scenes. This book is an easy read and although short has a strong storyline that makes it feel like a much longer book.

If you enjoy Heart of Courage, I think you will be satisfied with Otis's story. It can also be read on its own and you will find it encouraging and engaging. I haven't met a Penny Zeller book I haven't enjoyed. Great Christmas read.

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Belinda and Otis's story!! Otis has loved Belinda for a long time. He even asked her to marry him, thinking she'd say yes. He was devastated when she turned him down. Belinda has regretted every day that she turned Otis down. She wishes she'd get a second chance with him, but since her family moved to Hawthorne, she hasn't seen him. Now, an influenza outbreak has kept their town shut down, and no supplies are being brought in, and the mercantile is closed. When Otis volunteers to take needed medical supplies and food to Hawthorne, he knows he may see Belinda again. He's not too sure how he feels about that. When Belinda finds out that Otis is the one who brought supplies, she knows she needs to apologize to him, and hopes that maybe he can forgive her, and just maybe he'll ask her again. Love how everything comes together!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Otis and Belinda have known each other for years but when he proposed she said no with no explanation. A few years later they have the chance to reconcile, what happens during that time is sweet and caring.

Influenza struck the town the Otis lives and the town that Belinda lives, really hard. Her family is having a hard time healing. Her town has no medicine and is low on food. Otis volunteers to go to deliver food and medicine to the families.

I enjoyed how the town came together to help another town near Christmas, even though they don’t have too. The blizzard that was described made me feel like I was really there in the cold and snow and wind.

I received an advanced reader copy but this review is voluntary.

Otis creates a magical Christmas for Belinda after her family members get better from the influenza. But will he propose to her again after she broke his heart? You’ll have to read the book to find out.

[Gwendolyn Plano · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas to Remember is a tender frontier Christmas story set in a small Montana town during the 1906 influenza pandemic. The disease left towns and communities struggling to care for the afflicted and to bury the deceased. People had limited food and even less medicine.

This historical novel is a story of love in action. A sweet romance accompanies the story, but the deeper narrative is about how the townspeople came together to help one another during a devastating pandemic. Christian values abound, as do the characters’ simple prayers. I found the book to be inspirational and thought-provoking—perfect for the Christmas season.

[AugustRose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical novel is about Otis and Belinda, set during a devastating flu pandemic beautifully highlights the power of faith, compassion, and community. I loved how the characters leaned on one another, giving generously even in the midst of uncertainty and loss. The story reflects the heart of Christian fellowship, love in action, forgiveness, and second chances. It’s a touching reminder that even in dark seasons, hope can grow when people choose to care for each other. A heartfelt and inspiring read.

[Denice · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming story for Belinda and Otis that took place when there was a huge outbreak of influenza. Otis and Belinda had been friends for years, but when he proposed marriage, she refused. She then moved with her family to another very small town. When they need help in the small town to get medications and food, Otis volunteers. Will Otis and Belinda get their second chance? A beautiful story of the strength of family, love and support. Wonderful story.

[Erin Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas to Remember was such an easy read! The book just flew by! I have always loved historical romance stories, and a Christmas theme makes it even better!

I loved the family atmosphere in the book between Otis and Belinda's families. Penny always creates such a warm and homey feeling between the main characters and their families that I love.

A Christmas to Remember is a clean read loaded with real-life faith. A must-read for historical romance fans!

[Brooke Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remember Otis from A Heart of Courage (you'll love him if you haven't read it), well he's ask grown up. And heartbroken. And racing to deliver much needed medicine to the neighboring town. The town that also happens to be the home of the woman who brings his heart.

What could possibly happen?

Looking for a cozy read with a sweet story right before Christmas? This one fits the bill.

I received an ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sickness, second chances, a dog named Cow (second generation), Christmas and warm fuzzies are all part of this wonderful story! It also features a couple communities working together through rough times, which I absolutely loved!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. The review is my honest opinion of it.