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A Novel Christmas
A prominent romance author has a slump in her love life and book sales, but a chance encounter with a hot firefighter helps her reignite her muse in this swoony holiday romance, perfect for book romantics.
Saira Wright is a prominent Black romance author who has been signed to the most prestigious publisher of African American works, Brownstone Literature. Her career has been successful for the past five years. However, she’s in a slump, and so are her sales and reviews. The romance she has been known for seems to be zapped out of her stories … and her love life.
Eager to get Saira back on top of the charts, her publisher has given her an ultimatum—write a chart-topping holiday romance or be dropped from the publishing house. There’s only one Saira strongly opposes penning holiday books. To her, they are cliché and off-brand, but with her career on the line, she’s forced to give it a shot. To capture the spirit of the holidays, she books a vacation in the most “Christmassy” town she can find.
Sharing the other side of her rented duplex is the owner, Dorian Black, a volunteer firefighter, and the town’s little league football coach. He’s also “Mr. December” in the firefighter’s annual fundraising calendar … and every woman’s dream. Years ago, Dorian was happily married to the love of his life until cancer took her away from him.
Still coping with the loss, a romantic relationship is the furthest thing from his mind.
However, when he encounters his new tenant for the holiday, sparks fly and a fire is ignited that not even he can extinguish.
As the two navigate through various encounters, holiday festivities, and a snowstorm, will the magic of Christmas help them rediscover a long-awaited connection?
Saira Wright is a prominent Black romance author who has been signed to the most prestigious publisher of African American works, Brownstone Literature. Her career has been successful for the past five years. However, she’s in a slump, and so are her sales and reviews. The romance she has been known for seems to be zapped out of her stories … and her love life.
Eager to get Saira back on top of the charts, her publisher has given her an ultimatum—write a chart-topping holiday romance or be dropped from the publishing house. There’s only one Saira strongly opposes penning holiday books. To her, they are cliché and off-brand, but with her career on the line, she’s forced to give it a shot. To capture the spirit of the holidays, she books a vacation in the most “Christmassy” town she can find.
Sharing the other side of her rented duplex is the owner, Dorian Black, a volunteer firefighter, and the town’s little league football coach. He’s also “Mr. December” in the firefighter’s annual fundraising calendar … and every woman’s dream. Years ago, Dorian was happily married to the love of his life until cancer took her away from him.
Still coping with the loss, a romantic relationship is the furthest thing from his mind.
However, when he encounters his new tenant for the holiday, sparks fly and a fire is ignited that not even he can extinguish.
As the two navigate through various encounters, holiday festivities, and a snowstorm, will the magic of Christmas help them rediscover a long-awaited connection?
Audible Audio
First published September 24, 2024
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About the author
Charity Shane'
38 books560 followersCharity Shane’ is a USA Today Best-selling author. She holds a Bachelor degree and a Juris Doctor degree. She’s an Author, Higher Education Leader, Legal Expert., and Creative.
Writing stories that create feelings through her words is her true passion.
To date, she has published many books, traditional and indie, including a USA Today Best Seller and a number of Amazon best sellers. She has been featured in Entertainment Weekly and Woman’s World Magazine for her traditionally published book, A Novel Christmas.
Her soul sings Black romance and Black Women’s fiction.
Authorcharityshane.com
Writing stories that create feelings through her words is her true passion.
To date, she has published many books, traditional and indie, including a USA Today Best Seller and a number of Amazon best sellers. She has been featured in Entertainment Weekly and Woman’s World Magazine for her traditionally published book, A Novel Christmas.
Her soul sings Black romance and Black Women’s fiction.
Authorcharityshane.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 693 reviews
November 14, 2024
3.5⭐️ this was so cute!!!! Honestly really got me in the holiday spirt
November 13, 2024
3/5 ⭐️
- This was a fun quick read that truly felt like a hallmark movie! It gave me all the ooey gooey feelings that you need around the holiday season! Read this book if you’re looking for a feel romance for Christmas.
- This book was a spicy read! Didn’t expect the spice, but overall really loved the connection between the two characters. It felt so real!
- LOVED that this story touched on deeper themes of grief and opening yourself up to love, but it didn’t overtake the fun hallmark vibes of the story. Literally the perfect balance!
- This was a fun quick read that truly felt like a hallmark movie! It gave me all the ooey gooey feelings that you need around the holiday season! Read this book if you’re looking for a feel romance for Christmas.
- This book was a spicy read! Didn’t expect the spice, but overall really loved the connection between the two characters. It felt so real!
- LOVED that this story touched on deeper themes of grief and opening yourself up to love, but it didn’t overtake the fun hallmark vibes of the story. Literally the perfect balance!
November 30, 2024
How it started: 🎶Christmas just ain’t Christmas, without the ones you love 🎶
How it ended:🎶I just want you for my own. More than you could ever know. Make my wish come true. All I want for Christmas is you.🎶
Imagine pouring your heart and soul into your craft only for someone to tell you it’s not good enough and now you have to sit and reflect on whether or not they have a point. Saira has thrived at the top of national best selling lists for most of her writing career however after a few flops has her skills called into question by her publishing company. As we all know, you’re only as good as your last successful project and since it’s been a while, Saira’s name is no longer ringing the bells that it used to. Her publishing company has decided that whatever she was working on is no longer a factor and that her next book needs to be better than ever. She is tasked with finding holiday inspiration so that her next book can deliver on all things Christmas. Being from Miami she won’t get those feels and having never done the simplest of Christmasy activities, Santa Claus Indiana here she comes!
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
For Dorian, he’s experienced his fair share of heartbreak. After expecting forever with the love of his life, cancer came and snatched it away and from that moment forward, he knew that his heart would never belong to another woman. He is bound to Santa Claus Indiana because this is his wife’s final resting place and despite other opportunities that have presented themselves, he can’t see himself ever leaving. So instead he is content volunteering as a firefighter and living a life of solitude dipped in grief. If it’s not about the boys that he coaches or the fires he puts out he doesn’t want to hear it. That was until Saira rented one of his duplexes, he gets a bite of her magical potato salad (and I mean that literally and figuratively🤭) and renews a love that he thought was gone forever.
🎄 It was Dorian buying her books for me 🥹💚
☃️It was the ugly Christmas sweater party for me
🎁 It was naked spades ♠️ for me! If it’s not a thing it should be 😈🃏
🎅🏿 It was the snowman building for me 🩵
🎄It was Dorian hopping on that flight for me because you better go get your woman sir! G
This book was Christmas! From the feelings to the storyline and everything in between. Listening to this audio felt like sitting in front of a big screen wrapped up in the fuzziest blanket with a cup of hot chocolate to match. If this book doesn’t get you in the holiday spirit nothing will.
How it ended:🎶I just want you for my own. More than you could ever know. Make my wish come true. All I want for Christmas is you.🎶
Imagine pouring your heart and soul into your craft only for someone to tell you it’s not good enough and now you have to sit and reflect on whether or not they have a point. Saira has thrived at the top of national best selling lists for most of her writing career however after a few flops has her skills called into question by her publishing company. As we all know, you’re only as good as your last successful project and since it’s been a while, Saira’s name is no longer ringing the bells that it used to. Her publishing company has decided that whatever she was working on is no longer a factor and that her next book needs to be better than ever. She is tasked with finding holiday inspiration so that her next book can deliver on all things Christmas. Being from Miami she won’t get those feels and having never done the simplest of Christmasy activities, Santa Claus Indiana here she comes!
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
For Dorian, he’s experienced his fair share of heartbreak. After expecting forever with the love of his life, cancer came and snatched it away and from that moment forward, he knew that his heart would never belong to another woman. He is bound to Santa Claus Indiana because this is his wife’s final resting place and despite other opportunities that have presented themselves, he can’t see himself ever leaving. So instead he is content volunteering as a firefighter and living a life of solitude dipped in grief. If it’s not about the boys that he coaches or the fires he puts out he doesn’t want to hear it. That was until Saira rented one of his duplexes, he gets a bite of her magical potato salad (and I mean that literally and figuratively🤭) and renews a love that he thought was gone forever.
🎄 It was Dorian buying her books for me 🥹💚
☃️It was the ugly Christmas sweater party for me
🎁 It was naked spades ♠️ for me! If it’s not a thing it should be 😈🃏
🎅🏿 It was the snowman building for me 🩵
🎄It was Dorian hopping on that flight for me because you better go get your woman sir! G
This book was Christmas! From the feelings to the storyline and everything in between. Listening to this audio felt like sitting in front of a big screen wrapped up in the fuzziest blanket with a cup of hot chocolate to match. If this book doesn’t get you in the holiday spirit nothing will.
December 10, 2024
To all yall that say this gives hallmark vibes, come to the front please. What hallmark movies are yall watching?
This book was so bad. I really wanted to like it because the concept was there for real. First of all there is no romance. There is zero chemistry between the main characters. This was literally lust at first sight. And honestly that is OKAY! I’ve read books like that intentionally! However, this wasn’t marketed to be that and the author was obviously trying to pass this off as a romance.
If that’s not enough, she refers to the vagina as “yoni”. If I took a shot for every time she said yoni, I’d be dead. She also says stuff like “vaginal volcano erupted” and “heavenly rod”. So yeah, do with that what you will.
This book was so bad. I really wanted to like it because the concept was there for real. First of all there is no romance. There is zero chemistry between the main characters. This was literally lust at first sight. And honestly that is OKAY! I’ve read books like that intentionally! However, this wasn’t marketed to be that and the author was obviously trying to pass this off as a romance.
If that’s not enough, she refers to the vagina as “yoni”. If I took a shot for every time she said yoni, I’d be dead. She also says stuff like “vaginal volcano erupted” and “heavenly rod”. So yeah, do with that what you will.
November 27, 2024
2.5 ⭐️ // Oh there were so many things I simply noted as “red flags” or “ahhhh help” in this book 😭
But to start out with the positives: I thought the story itself and the setting were v cute, and it definitely put me into a festive mood.
The issues came with the writing and editing. The story was a bit clunky, with a lot of paragraphs that had long, unneeded descriptions of mundane things. There were also sections that clearly hadn’t been updated in the editing process, like when Dorian introduces himself a second time when Saira had already confirmed he was indeed her AirBnb host.
And the worst of all, which is def a personal thing but made the book slide from a 3 star read for me: There were so many weird and/or repetitive and/or borderline toxic comments and red flags!! The amount of times the FMC’s food portions were referenced. Chris Brown being played at a kickback. Dorian himself constantly being praised for being such an alpha male and also just doing/saying things that made my skin crawl. I’m sorry, he was weird a good chunk of the time and not at all attractive to me. (Also he’s a landlord ew.) And all the times the FMC said “yoni” during sex and also her asserting she was a coffee snob because she liked Starbucks 😭😭 If none of this bothers you then I think you would enjoy this as a quick, cute holiday read, but it was def too much for me.
But to start out with the positives: I thought the story itself and the setting were v cute, and it definitely put me into a festive mood.
The issues came with the writing and editing. The story was a bit clunky, with a lot of paragraphs that had long, unneeded descriptions of mundane things. There were also sections that clearly hadn’t been updated in the editing process, like when Dorian introduces himself a second time when Saira had already confirmed he was indeed her AirBnb host.
And the worst of all, which is def a personal thing but made the book slide from a 3 star read for me: There were so many weird and/or repetitive and/or borderline toxic comments and red flags!! The amount of times the FMC’s food portions were referenced. Chris Brown being played at a kickback. Dorian himself constantly being praised for being such an alpha male and also just doing/saying things that made my skin crawl. I’m sorry, he was weird a good chunk of the time and not at all attractive to me. (Also he’s a landlord ew.) And all the times the FMC said “yoni” during sex and also her asserting she was a coffee snob because she liked Starbucks 😭😭 If none of this bothers you then I think you would enjoy this as a quick, cute holiday read, but it was def too much for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2024
Not my favorite. There was no progression in the relationship, they were just BOOM- in it. There was also a strange amount of detail about each house/building that did not fit the story at all.
December 18, 2024
3.75 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
For the last five years, Saira has had a successful career as an author with Brownstone Literature. But, when her last three books fail to make the top ten and her ratings start to plummet, Saira’s publisher takes notice. She’s summoned to the offices of Brownstone Literature to, essentially, be put on notice. They’re pressing pause on her current work in progress and want her to start working on a holiday book ASAP. Now, Saira detests holiday romances and she purposely does not write them. But, if she wants to continue working for Brownstone Literature she betta come up with one expeditiously. Playing Let It Snow on repeat is not helping Saira find the Christmas spirit to write this holiday book. After some research, she lucks up and finds a small town in Indiana called Santa Clause. With no hesitation, Saira books her flight and packs her bags.
Dorian is a widower who’s still struggling with the death of his wife. To keep his mind off of his grief, he stays busy as a volunteer firefighter and an AAU football coach. He also owns and manages rental properties. When Dorian’s new tenant for the next two weeks arrives, he’s shocked at how instantly he’s attracted to her. Saira and Dorian are so relatable. Both are struggling with opening up to new love. She’s fresh off of a break-up and he’s still getting over the death of his wife. But, these two find more than holiday spirit in Santa Clause, IN. Christmas In Spite of You was definitely channeling black Hallmark vibes. The setting of this book was spot on for the holiday season. Break out your hot cocoa, fuzzy socks, and prepare to fall in love with Saira and Dorian as they fall in love with each other. Thank you to Black Odyssey Media and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
For the last five years, Saira has had a successful career as an author with Brownstone Literature. But, when her last three books fail to make the top ten and her ratings start to plummet, Saira’s publisher takes notice. She’s summoned to the offices of Brownstone Literature to, essentially, be put on notice. They’re pressing pause on her current work in progress and want her to start working on a holiday book ASAP. Now, Saira detests holiday romances and she purposely does not write them. But, if she wants to continue working for Brownstone Literature she betta come up with one expeditiously. Playing Let It Snow on repeat is not helping Saira find the Christmas spirit to write this holiday book. After some research, she lucks up and finds a small town in Indiana called Santa Clause. With no hesitation, Saira books her flight and packs her bags.
Dorian is a widower who’s still struggling with the death of his wife. To keep his mind off of his grief, he stays busy as a volunteer firefighter and an AAU football coach. He also owns and manages rental properties. When Dorian’s new tenant for the next two weeks arrives, he’s shocked at how instantly he’s attracted to her. Saira and Dorian are so relatable. Both are struggling with opening up to new love. She’s fresh off of a break-up and he’s still getting over the death of his wife. But, these two find more than holiday spirit in Santa Clause, IN. Christmas In Spite of You was definitely channeling black Hallmark vibes. The setting of this book was spot on for the holiday season. Break out your hot cocoa, fuzzy socks, and prepare to fall in love with Saira and Dorian as they fall in love with each other. Thank you to Black Odyssey Media and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 13, 2024
A Novel Christmas was a "feel-good" read that I enjoyed . It felt like I was reading a Hallmark Christmas movie but better 😜. It will have you feeling in the Christmas spirit. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for an instant attraction, fast paced holiday black romance. Saira and Dorian were just ❤️. The development of their relationship may have been fast but it was unique and different. I loved how he ran up in that house honey and claimed his woman. Yessss.. 😂
Thank you NetGalley, Black Odyssey Media, and Charity Shane for the eARC.
Thank you NetGalley, Black Odyssey Media, and Charity Shane for the eARC.
December 11, 2024
Saira x Dorian 🎅🏿🎄
Take note, everyone—this is how you write a Christmas story! From start to finish, this book was drenched and saturated in Christmas.
Dorian is grieving a broken heart in a small town close to his heart, and his pain was so palpable I felt it through the pages. His quiet, stoic demeanor completely stole my heart. Meanwhile, Saira, searching for inspiration for her next bestseller, ends up in Santa Claus, Indiana—and boy, does she find it. Not just inspiration, though—she finds love, something neither of them expected. But. But Dorian’s grief made it hard for them to truly embrace what they had.
But this is where my love for Dorian grew. Even in the depths of his grief, he was so intentional and thoughtful in how he dated Saira. It was only a matter of time before his walls came down.
This story felt like a Hallmark Christmas movie—but sooo much better, because it was written by us and for us… And the sex. Definitely the sex..
I just knew CS would deliver.
Take note, everyone—this is how you write a Christmas story! From start to finish, this book was drenched and saturated in Christmas.
Dorian is grieving a broken heart in a small town close to his heart, and his pain was so palpable I felt it through the pages. His quiet, stoic demeanor completely stole my heart. Meanwhile, Saira, searching for inspiration for her next bestseller, ends up in Santa Claus, Indiana—and boy, does she find it. Not just inspiration, though—she finds love, something neither of them expected. But. But Dorian’s grief made it hard for them to truly embrace what they had.
But this is where my love for Dorian grew. Even in the depths of his grief, he was so intentional and thoughtful in how he dated Saira. It was only a matter of time before his walls came down.
This story felt like a Hallmark Christmas movie—but sooo much better, because it was written by us and for us… And the sex. Definitely the sex..
I just knew CS would deliver.
July 7, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this one! While Christmas novels can feel redundant, I felt like Charity Shane truly did a wonderful job of adding her own flare to it. This was cozy, steamy, and Christmas worthy! I loved how both of the main characters had previous pain but fit together beautifully. I truly rooted for Dorian! Such a beautiful story. It gave me all of the feels!
I received this ARC from NetGalley and Black Odyssey Media to read/review. All if the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and Black Odyssey Media to read/review. All if the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
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December 18, 2024DNF @ 19%
The writing is so clunky and awkward 😭 I tried to push through hoping it would get better but this is how the whole book was reading:
“He places the items on the table. Then we sit back in our spots on the sofa. I sit up, remove the lid from the platter, then open the crackers. Finished with that, I grab a napkin, then, with the toothpicks in the middle of the platter, I get a few cheese and meat cubes. Then I grab a few crackers out of the sleeve.”
I don’t need every minute detail expressly told to me :/ I came to read the reviews to see if I was the only one who felt that and saw the term “vaginal volcano” and thank god kindle has a search feature. After finding that and reading a snippet of the spice I knew I couldn’t finish this. I’m so sad bc it had so much potential and sounded so cute!!
The writing is so clunky and awkward 😭 I tried to push through hoping it would get better but this is how the whole book was reading:
“He places the items on the table. Then we sit back in our spots on the sofa. I sit up, remove the lid from the platter, then open the crackers. Finished with that, I grab a napkin, then, with the toothpicks in the middle of the platter, I get a few cheese and meat cubes. Then I grab a few crackers out of the sleeve.”
I don’t need every minute detail expressly told to me :/ I came to read the reviews to see if I was the only one who felt that and saw the term “vaginal volcano” and thank god kindle has a search feature. After finding that and reading a snippet of the spice I knew I couldn’t finish this. I’m so sad bc it had so much potential and sounded so cute!!
May 14, 2024
If you are looking for a great holiday romance, A Novel Christmas by Charity Shane should definitely be on your list! This is a slow burn with some killer Christmas vibes. I loved this book & will read it again closer to the holidays.
Thank you NetGalley & Black Odyssey Media for an ARC copy of this book.
Thank you NetGalley & Black Odyssey Media for an ARC copy of this book.
December 2, 2024
These type of books are usually my pallet cleansers between reading high fantasy and sci-fi. Easy to read and cute, but this one…
The writing… 🙃 this book had a lot of potential, but the conversations and the writing just fell flat. Even the spice gave me the ick. I mean yoni?! Why?
I did enjoy aspects of this book. The grumpy firefighter meets big city novelist. The cuteness of Santa Clause town.
The writing… 🙃 this book had a lot of potential, but the conversations and the writing just fell flat. Even the spice gave me the ick. I mean yoni?! Why?
I did enjoy aspects of this book. The grumpy firefighter meets big city novelist. The cuteness of Santa Clause town.
November 11, 2024
This book gave me Christmas time, Hallmark movie vibes!!! All I needed was some hot apple cider. Ya'll just read the damn book.
December 16, 2024
2.5 stars ✨
This was a cute, Christmas read. I liked the small town aspect and side characters. I did enjoy all of the festive activities within the town. I like that this was short, tbh I think it could have been even shorter because there was some repetition (they ate and drank a whole lot in this book).
I’ll admit, it felt like the main characters were telling us about their feelings for one another, but as the reader, I didn’t feel it. The spicy scenes didn’t hit for me…”my yoni” repeatedly or “heavenly rod” and “vagina volcano” were kind of cringe 😬 which is unfortunate, because other spicy scenes I’ve read from this author were excellent.
Publishers name changes from Marle (page 1) to Merle (page 104).
I didn’t love this one but I have given this author 4 stars in the past, so I’d be willing to try out another book by them.
This was a cute, Christmas read. I liked the small town aspect and side characters. I did enjoy all of the festive activities within the town. I like that this was short, tbh I think it could have been even shorter because there was some repetition (they ate and drank a whole lot in this book).
I’ll admit, it felt like the main characters were telling us about their feelings for one another, but as the reader, I didn’t feel it. The spicy scenes didn’t hit for me…”my yoni” repeatedly or “heavenly rod” and “vagina volcano” were kind of cringe 😬 which is unfortunate, because other spicy scenes I’ve read from this author were excellent.
Publishers name changes from Marle (page 1) to Merle (page 104).
I didn’t love this one but I have given this author 4 stars in the past, so I’d be willing to try out another book by them.
December 28, 2025
I love a romance book but then make it a Christmas black romance book! Yes!!
December 19, 2025
Lawwwwd this was hoooooot!!!🔥🔥🔥
so I was low key worried that all that good good had Saira forgetting why she went on the retreat because girlfriend fell HARD! Im like girl!!! your book, remember your book lol.
but seriously this book was too cute! it gave ALL the Christmas vibes, coziness, grown and sexy with a touch of real life challenges that the MCs have to navigate. the balance throughout it all was great and the chemistry was jumping right off the pages. I especially loved how Saira and Dorian found their community in a predominantly white town and supported each other. definitely should be added to your Christmas tbr!
so I was low key worried that all that good good had Saira forgetting why she went on the retreat because girlfriend fell HARD! Im like girl!!! your book, remember your book lol.
but seriously this book was too cute! it gave ALL the Christmas vibes, coziness, grown and sexy with a touch of real life challenges that the MCs have to navigate. the balance throughout it all was great and the chemistry was jumping right off the pages. I especially loved how Saira and Dorian found their community in a predominantly white town and supported each other. definitely should be added to your Christmas tbr!
November 27, 2025
This is a Christmas holiday contemporary romance about Saira Wright a romance author in a slump, both in her career and love life, who is forced to write a holiday romance book and decides to find inspiration in Santa Claus, Indiana. While there she finds more than inspiration with a local volunteer firefighter, Dorian Black aka Mr. December.
I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone I know. It was kind of annoying. First I thought the use of the word Yoni was too much. Why is that word used multiple times in one sex scene? Second, the book is only 250 pages and the font is on the bigger side, so being explained things in full detail just felt like when you’re in high school and had to meet a word count for an essay and also came off like the reader needs things simplified, this is an adult book. Example 1, “because they are gas grills, we turn off the propane tanks first, making sure no more gas is emitted. Then we turn off all the knobs on the grills. They have to be turned until there’s a clicking sound.” Example 2, “first, I drown both bonfires with water. Then we shovel and pile dirt on top of both. With the shovels, we make sure to mix the ashes and embers with dirt. Then we double-check the logs by scraping the partially burned ones. We have to make sure that all the hot embers are off them. Any left behind will continue to burn and possible ignite into another flame.”
I also didn’t like the FMC showing jealousy within 24 hours of meeting the MMC, which I prefer that coming from the MMC not the FMC and then she sleeps with him within 48 hours, which I prefer somewhat of a slow burn. I didn’t read anything beyond their sexual attraction and them having sex.
For me these things can be fine in books if there’s something else to enjoy such as humor, but it wasn’t a Rom-com.
⭐️⭐️.5 stars rounded to 3 because of Dorian.
I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone I know. It was kind of annoying. First I thought the use of the word Yoni was too much. Why is that word used multiple times in one sex scene? Second, the book is only 250 pages and the font is on the bigger side, so being explained things in full detail just felt like when you’re in high school and had to meet a word count for an essay and also came off like the reader needs things simplified, this is an adult book. Example 1, “because they are gas grills, we turn off the propane tanks first, making sure no more gas is emitted. Then we turn off all the knobs on the grills. They have to be turned until there’s a clicking sound.” Example 2, “first, I drown both bonfires with water. Then we shovel and pile dirt on top of both. With the shovels, we make sure to mix the ashes and embers with dirt. Then we double-check the logs by scraping the partially burned ones. We have to make sure that all the hot embers are off them. Any left behind will continue to burn and possible ignite into another flame.”
I also didn’t like the FMC showing jealousy within 24 hours of meeting the MMC, which I prefer that coming from the MMC not the FMC and then she sleeps with him within 48 hours, which I prefer somewhat of a slow burn. I didn’t read anything beyond their sexual attraction and them having sex.
For me these things can be fine in books if there’s something else to enjoy such as humor, but it wasn’t a Rom-com.
⭐️⭐️.5 stars rounded to 3 because of Dorian.
September 25, 2024
I listened to the audiobook for “A Novel Christmas” and the narrators did a pretty good job bringing the story to life. The story itself was sweet and definitely gave me the Christmas spirit. The dialogue was easy to follow and the details were vivid. I could feel the chemistry coming a mile away between the characters, Dorian and Saira. Saira is an author who is tasked with writing a holiday story and Dorian is a widow and volunteer firefighter who is very involved in his community. There was something enticing about Saira that opened a part of Dorian that had been locked inside. And Dorian served as the perfect muse for Saira to write her story. Their close proximity, witty banter, and physical attraction to each other mixed with all the holiday cheer made this a memorable romance story. I enjoyed it.
November 8, 2024
"i expose all 32 of my teeth displaying my pleasure at his quickness." is a real phrase in this book.
"heavenly rod" is also another real phrase in this book. and yes, it is describing exactly what you think it is. these phrases are used back to back.
"heavenly rod" is also another real phrase in this book. and yes, it is describing exactly what you think it is. these phrases are used back to back.
December 21, 2024
A cute Hallmark Christmas read. 3.5 stars
Audiobook listen
Audiobook listen
December 23, 2024
Cute Hallmark worthy story! You have a jaded author who needs a new story to write, a grief stricken bachelor, and they all find themselves in Santa Claus, Indiana! This book does have some spice to it as well!
November 16, 2024
5/5
I love a yearner so bad. This book was so good and really captured the essence of the holidays with grief, relationship drama, and community. I loved the fling turned relationship with Dorian and Saira.
I love a yearner so bad. This book was so good and really captured the essence of the holidays with grief, relationship drama, and community. I loved the fling turned relationship with Dorian and Saira.
December 25, 2024
Saira has lost her writing mojo. Her sales and reviews have taken a nosedive, and her publishing house has taken notice. She is to pen a Christmas read to get things back on track, to her dismay. Needing to find inspiration for this next book, she happens upon the little town of Santa Claus, Indiana, with hopes to boost her creativity. Well, here goes nothing.
Dorian, Mr. December himself, is coasting through life while dealing with his constant grief. The firehouse, and coaching keeps his mind occupied most of the time, however, thoughts of Mya are never far. When he gets a tenant for his duplex on Christmas week, he has one more thing to help distract him. Just not in the way he imagined.
When Saira and Dorian met that chemistry was snap, crackling, and popping!! 😂 Saira thought the calendar pictures did this man no justice, and I get to live next to him for a week. Yeah me! 😘 Dorian was stuck when his eyes met Saira's. Feelings that he had not felt since he lost Mya quickly came to the surface that scared him but damn, she fine! 🤩
I loved the playful banter between these two as they got to know each other. The bonfire really tipped the scales and brought their attraction to the forefront. Dorian couldn't understand why things were so different with Saira, when normally he wouldn't give a woman the time of day. He understood that maybe he was ready to move on past his grief, although guilt did plague him occasionally. Saira was having the time of her life with this handsome man, and her creativity was flowing beautifully. She just hoped he didn't break her heart.
Enjoyed this Christmas read that gave me all the feels. 👍🏾👍🏾
Dorian, Mr. December himself, is coasting through life while dealing with his constant grief. The firehouse, and coaching keeps his mind occupied most of the time, however, thoughts of Mya are never far. When he gets a tenant for his duplex on Christmas week, he has one more thing to help distract him. Just not in the way he imagined.
When Saira and Dorian met that chemistry was snap, crackling, and popping!! 😂 Saira thought the calendar pictures did this man no justice, and I get to live next to him for a week. Yeah me! 😘 Dorian was stuck when his eyes met Saira's. Feelings that he had not felt since he lost Mya quickly came to the surface that scared him but damn, she fine! 🤩
I loved the playful banter between these two as they got to know each other. The bonfire really tipped the scales and brought their attraction to the forefront. Dorian couldn't understand why things were so different with Saira, when normally he wouldn't give a woman the time of day. He understood that maybe he was ready to move on past his grief, although guilt did plague him occasionally. Saira was having the time of her life with this handsome man, and her creativity was flowing beautifully. She just hoped he didn't break her heart.
Enjoyed this Christmas read that gave me all the feels. 👍🏾👍🏾
June 6, 2024
I am a newcomer to Charity Shane's books and this book definitely sealed the deal for me! I am a fan! She has such a way of writing- she is creative yet doesnt over-extend to the point the story feels like a farfetched fantasy, she adds details vivid enough to make the reader really feel and get into what's happening, and most importantly, her words just flow. She created the perfect characters in this novel, along with the perfect storyline, perfect realistic obstacles, and I loved every bit of it!
Saira Wright is a best-selling author and has been writing for Brownstone Literature's black romance division for 5 years. Saira knows she is great! She has had several of her books hit #1, with multiple holding top spots simultaneously. However, her confidence takes a hit one day when her publisher notifies her that her last 3 books have not done as well as her other books and presents Saira with an ultimatum- write a Christmas romance and get back on top or leave Brownstone for good. Saira finds herself booking a flight and airbnb in Santa Claus, Indiana in hopes of finding some Christmas inspiration. What she ends up finding, however, is Dorian Black. He is fine, he is a former football player, now coach of his city's football team, he owns and manages rental properties, he is a volunteer firefighter and Mr. December, but he is also a widower and not looking for a relationship. Saira is tasked with not only writing a top selling Christmas romance (in an environment completely foreign to her, with her being from Miami), but also fighting her feelings for Dorian.
There is so much I loved about this novel! I loved the characters- both Saira and Dorian are very confident individuals however, they are both dealing with hurt. Saira's last relationship failed after 2 years, and Dorian lost his wife unexpectedly to cancer. Needless to say, they both find it hard to open up and trust someone.. until they meet each other and all of that changes. You can literally feel their chemistry through this book! And the steamy moments.. wow! I absolutely loved how they were each other's perfect match - they fit together like a puzzle! There were also other characters that I loved, like Linaya, Saira's best friend and agent, who felt like every black girl's best friend, and Keith, who felt like that one uncle! (If you know, you know!) I also strongly connected with the location being in Indiana. Saira is from Miami, and being in Indiana was a major cultural shock for her, given the lack of diversity. I am originally from the Bronx and I moved to Denver 5 years ago - the change in diversity is drastic! I loved that Saira was able to find community in Indiana, and I felt like it added so much more to each character's traits. I was able to feel how close-knit the other firefighters were, along with Dorian's influence on the kids he coached. It added a lot to his character and had me rooting for him hard! As far as Dorian and Saira, watching their character growth was wonderful! I absolutely loved them and loved their story!
Thank you NetGalley, Black Odyssey Media, and Charity Shane' for this heartwarming ARC!
Saira Wright is a best-selling author and has been writing for Brownstone Literature's black romance division for 5 years. Saira knows she is great! She has had several of her books hit #1, with multiple holding top spots simultaneously. However, her confidence takes a hit one day when her publisher notifies her that her last 3 books have not done as well as her other books and presents Saira with an ultimatum- write a Christmas romance and get back on top or leave Brownstone for good. Saira finds herself booking a flight and airbnb in Santa Claus, Indiana in hopes of finding some Christmas inspiration. What she ends up finding, however, is Dorian Black. He is fine, he is a former football player, now coach of his city's football team, he owns and manages rental properties, he is a volunteer firefighter and Mr. December, but he is also a widower and not looking for a relationship. Saira is tasked with not only writing a top selling Christmas romance (in an environment completely foreign to her, with her being from Miami), but also fighting her feelings for Dorian.
There is so much I loved about this novel! I loved the characters- both Saira and Dorian are very confident individuals however, they are both dealing with hurt. Saira's last relationship failed after 2 years, and Dorian lost his wife unexpectedly to cancer. Needless to say, they both find it hard to open up and trust someone.. until they meet each other and all of that changes. You can literally feel their chemistry through this book! And the steamy moments.. wow! I absolutely loved how they were each other's perfect match - they fit together like a puzzle! There were also other characters that I loved, like Linaya, Saira's best friend and agent, who felt like every black girl's best friend, and Keith, who felt like that one uncle! (If you know, you know!) I also strongly connected with the location being in Indiana. Saira is from Miami, and being in Indiana was a major cultural shock for her, given the lack of diversity. I am originally from the Bronx and I moved to Denver 5 years ago - the change in diversity is drastic! I loved that Saira was able to find community in Indiana, and I felt like it added so much more to each character's traits. I was able to feel how close-knit the other firefighters were, along with Dorian's influence on the kids he coached. It added a lot to his character and had me rooting for him hard! As far as Dorian and Saira, watching their character growth was wonderful! I absolutely loved them and loved their story!
Thank you NetGalley, Black Odyssey Media, and Charity Shane' for this heartwarming ARC!
December 17, 2024
This was too cute! Santa Claus sounds like such a cute place to visit! I might end up like Saira 🥰
December 6, 2024
I really loved this one! 🥰 The romance was there and the Christmas feel was there. Dorian living in the most Christmassy town there is just sealed the deal for me, lol. Very enjoyable.
December 4, 2024
I thought this was going to be cute hallmark vibes but it was smut. Theres nothing wrong with smut, but a cartoon cover and a title like “A Novel Christmas” is catfishing.
The mmc was problematic, said some questionable borderline misogynistic things. The mfc was cringy (the activities with the calendar ). They literally had nothing in common but the bedroom.
The mmc was problematic, said some questionable borderline misogynistic things. The mfc was cringy (the activities with the calendar ). They literally had nothing in common but the bedroom.
December 4, 2024
A sweet story, though it does get a bit boring at times.
Around 3.5 ⭐️’s
Around 3.5 ⭐️’s
December 20, 2024
DNF @40%.
the writing is driving me nuts. i find myself wanting to skim every second page and so i say, what’s the point!!
the writing is driving me nuts. i find myself wanting to skim every second page and so i say, what’s the point!!
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