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One Night, Two Holidays
A romantic and heartwarming holiday novella from USA Today bestselling author Ali Brady.
This year, Christmas and Hanukkah come together—and for two neighbors stranded in a snowstorm, one magical night could change everything.
Please While this may seem like a Hallmark movie set-up, it does contain SPICY content. Listener discretion is advised so please gift thoughtfully. (In other words, Grandma better be real cool.)
Jack had big plans for fly home to see the family he misses like crazy, eat his weight in holiday cookies and enjoy plenty of forced-family fun in matching pajamas. Instead, a record-breaking snowstorm leaves him stranded alone in Chicago.
Meanwhile, Nessa's Hanukkah plans were nonexistent. With her roommates off on their own adventures and her family busy elsewhere, she was ready to spend the holiday binge-watching TV alone.
When a power outage takes things from bad to worse, the two neighbors join forces to help each other find the holiday cheer they've both lost. As they attempt to make latkes out of whatever ingredients they can scrounge up, and stuff each other's stockings with improvised gifts, the two stumble upon the unexpected joy of blending their own holiday traditions into something entirely new.
While the storm rages outside, sparks begin to fly between Jack and Nessa. But will the magic they found last beyond this one special night?
This year, Christmas and Hanukkah come together—and for two neighbors stranded in a snowstorm, one magical night could change everything.
Please While this may seem like a Hallmark movie set-up, it does contain SPICY content. Listener discretion is advised so please gift thoughtfully. (In other words, Grandma better be real cool.)
Jack had big plans for fly home to see the family he misses like crazy, eat his weight in holiday cookies and enjoy plenty of forced-family fun in matching pajamas. Instead, a record-breaking snowstorm leaves him stranded alone in Chicago.
Meanwhile, Nessa's Hanukkah plans were nonexistent. With her roommates off on their own adventures and her family busy elsewhere, she was ready to spend the holiday binge-watching TV alone.
When a power outage takes things from bad to worse, the two neighbors join forces to help each other find the holiday cheer they've both lost. As they attempt to make latkes out of whatever ingredients they can scrounge up, and stuff each other's stockings with improvised gifts, the two stumble upon the unexpected joy of blending their own holiday traditions into something entirely new.
While the storm rages outside, sparks begin to fly between Jack and Nessa. But will the magic they found last beyond this one special night?
Audible Audio
Published April 18, 2025
129 people are currently reading
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About the author
Ali Brady
6 books1,445 followersAli Brady is the pen name of writing BFFs Alison Hammer and Bradeigh Godfrey. They are the USA TODAY Bestselling authors of romantic, heartwarming, funny novels including The Beach Trap, The Comeback Summer, Until Next Summer, and Battle of the Bookstores. Their books have been “best of summer” picks by The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Parade, and Katie Couric Media. Alison lives in Chicago and works as an advertising creative director. She’s also the Founder and Co-President of The Artists Against Antisemitism, and the author of You and Me and Us and Little Pieces of Me. Bradeigh lives in Utah with her husband, four children, and two dogs. She works as a doctor and is the author of psychological thrillers Imposter and The Followers.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AliBradyBooks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AliBradyBooks/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 515 reviews
January 29, 2026
4⭐
Genre ~ holiday romance
Setting ~ Chicago, Illinois
Publication date ~ book ~ December 10, 2024, audio ~ April 18, 2025
Est Page Count ~ 144 (19 dated & timed chapters)
Audio length ~ 2 hours 23 minutes
Narrators ~ Teddy Hamilton, Julia Whelan
POV ~ dual 1st, present tense
Featuring ~ snowed in, forced proximity, strangers to lovers, insta~love, minimal steamage
Jack & Nessa live in the same apartment building, but never really talked before. Then a snowstorm hits.
His flight is grounded and he can't get home for Christmas. He's already stressed being a medical resident, and all his wants is his mama's cookies, so he takes his frustrations out on a snowman.
She was planning on spending Hanukkah alone this year because her roommates are out of town and parents are on a well deserved vacation. But when the power goes out he comes a knocking at her door and now they're spending the holidays all cozied up together.
This was an enjoyable quick romp. I really liked how they learned about each others holiday traditions, and made some of their own. Can't really say much more since it was a super quick listen/read.
Narration notes:
Both sounded fine.
Genre ~ holiday romance
Setting ~ Chicago, Illinois
Publication date ~ book ~ December 10, 2024, audio ~ April 18, 2025
Est Page Count ~ 144 (19 dated & timed chapters)
Audio length ~ 2 hours 23 minutes
Narrators ~ Teddy Hamilton, Julia Whelan
POV ~ dual 1st, present tense
Featuring ~ snowed in, forced proximity, strangers to lovers, insta~love, minimal steamage
Jack & Nessa live in the same apartment building, but never really talked before. Then a snowstorm hits.
His flight is grounded and he can't get home for Christmas. He's already stressed being a medical resident, and all his wants is his mama's cookies, so he takes his frustrations out on a snowman.
She was planning on spending Hanukkah alone this year because her roommates are out of town and parents are on a well deserved vacation. But when the power goes out he comes a knocking at her door and now they're spending the holidays all cozied up together.
This was an enjoyable quick romp. I really liked how they learned about each others holiday traditions, and made some of their own. Can't really say much more since it was a super quick listen/read.
Narration notes:
Both sounded fine.
December 22, 2024
(4.5 stars)
This was an absolutely delightful romance novella, melding the two winter holidays of Christmas and Hanukkah, dealing respectfully with each of them. Jack and Nessa are neighbors in a Chicago apartment building who get snowed in together and unexpectedly find love.
Jack is a stressed-out medical resident who is desperate for a few days of Christmas holiday warmth with his family in Denver, but a major snowstorm has closed down O’Hare in Chicago, stymieing his plans. Nessa is alone for Hanukkah, her roommates having headed out of town and her parents having traveled to celebrate their anniversary. They don’t know each other but have seen each other around. Their “meet cute” involves Jack taking out his anger on some snowmen! And then the power goes out.
Premised on the two holidays occurring together as they are doing this year, the story is sweet and funny. It was wonderful to see how Jack and Nessa shared each other’s holiday traditions, while sparks start to fly between them. There’s a terrific “strip dreidel” game that should not be missed!
It was so much fun to read this via Ali Brady’s substack, but it’s also available from Amazon (paid or included in Kindle Unlimited). There’s even an audio version narrated by two of my favorites: Julia Whelan and Teddy Hamilton!
This was an absolutely delightful romance novella, melding the two winter holidays of Christmas and Hanukkah, dealing respectfully with each of them. Jack and Nessa are neighbors in a Chicago apartment building who get snowed in together and unexpectedly find love.
Jack is a stressed-out medical resident who is desperate for a few days of Christmas holiday warmth with his family in Denver, but a major snowstorm has closed down O’Hare in Chicago, stymieing his plans. Nessa is alone for Hanukkah, her roommates having headed out of town and her parents having traveled to celebrate their anniversary. They don’t know each other but have seen each other around. Their “meet cute” involves Jack taking out his anger on some snowmen! And then the power goes out.
Premised on the two holidays occurring together as they are doing this year, the story is sweet and funny. It was wonderful to see how Jack and Nessa shared each other’s holiday traditions, while sparks start to fly between them. There’s a terrific “strip dreidel” game that should not be missed!
It was so much fun to read this via Ali Brady’s substack, but it’s also available from Amazon (paid or included in Kindle Unlimited). There’s even an audio version narrated by two of my favorites: Julia Whelan and Teddy Hamilton!
December 6, 2025
Short. Christmasy. Cute.
January 2, 2025
A perfect short and sweet holiday novella with fantastic Jewish rep. 💙 Highly recommend listening to the audiobook narrated by Julia Whalen and Teddy Hamilton!
December 29, 2024
When two neighbors find themselves stranded in a snowstorm things get heated.
I adored this novella. A little spice, humor, romance and blending traditions together creates a cozy story.
I adored this novella. A little spice, humor, romance and blending traditions together creates a cozy story.
December 22, 2024
the manic rush in the last few days of december where you start reading novellas to hit your reading goal
November 9, 2025
“Finding light in the darkness,” she says. “Hope even in the worst of times. Like a baby born in a barn can grow up to change the world.”
I love a good holiday novella and this one was such a quick, enjoyable read! It combines both Christmas and Hanukkah which I loved! It went deeper with the traditions of both holidays which was unexpected for a novella, but I appreciated it so much. The whole story takes place on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day so it is FULL of the holiday vibes I long for in my holiday reads. 🎄🕎
The one thing I didn’t love was that it got pretty spicy for such a short read, but it would be easy to skip. It’s definitely open door, but it was just one (ish) scene.
🔥: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (one scene)
🤬: one explicit word
I love a good holiday novella and this one was such a quick, enjoyable read! It combines both Christmas and Hanukkah which I loved! It went deeper with the traditions of both holidays which was unexpected for a novella, but I appreciated it so much. The whole story takes place on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day so it is FULL of the holiday vibes I long for in my holiday reads. 🎄🕎
The one thing I didn’t love was that it got pretty spicy for such a short read, but it would be easy to skip. It’s definitely open door, but it was just one (ish) scene.
🔥: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (one scene)
🤬: one explicit word
January 12, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
It’s really hard to write romance short stories and novellas because due to the short length, the chemistry and climax usually has to come pretty quickly and unfortunately it just didn’t totally work for me with this one. I wanted to gag when the FMC asked if the MMC wanted to “stuff her stocking.” But I did enjoy the meshing of the holidays and the snowed in vibes! Ending was cute. Narrators (Julia Whelan and Teddy Hamilton) amazing as always.
It’s really hard to write romance short stories and novellas because due to the short length, the chemistry and climax usually has to come pretty quickly and unfortunately it just didn’t totally work for me with this one. I wanted to gag when the FMC asked if the MMC wanted to “stuff her stocking.” But I did enjoy the meshing of the holidays and the snowed in vibes! Ending was cute. Narrators (Julia Whelan and Teddy Hamilton) amazing as always.
February 4, 2026
Well that was perfect. Extra love to Julia Whelen and Teddy Hamilton for the awesome narration.
December 22, 2024
This was a spur of the moment holiday novella from a fav author duo, Ali Brady. I love them and was really excited to read this but sadly it felt like more of a rushed cash grab and I thought it lacked any substance. There was a fun strip dreidel scene but that's honestly the only memorable bit for me other than the great narration by Teddy Hamilton and Julia Whelan (however the audiobook version is only available for purchase through Juila's new app). I did appreciate the interfaith romance rep and the way the couple blended their respective holiday traditions.
December 12, 2024
This is going to be a short and sweet review for a short, and equally sweet, story. Until now, I've only read one other novel by Ali Brady (Until Next Summer, which I will be reviewing soon) and I definitely need to read their other ones!
One Night, Two Holidays: A Christmas and Hanukkah Novella centers around only two characters for the majority of the story. Jack ends up stuck in Chicago during a snowstorm when he's supposed to be with his family for Christmas. Nessa just happens to be home because it's Hanukkah and her roommates left for more glamorous holiday experiences. When a power failure affects the building, Jack and Nessa end up spending Christmas and Hanukkah together and trying to make the most with what they have available. Soon the heat isn't coming from the candles or the fireplace...
I really enjoyed this story the entire way through and kept telling the authors how invested I was. There were a lot of heartwarming moments, as well as a really steamy one. I especially enjoyed the gift exchange and thought it was really creative and well thought out. All in all, it's just a lighthearted rom-com that gives readers reasons to enjoy both holidays!
Movie casting suggestions:
One Night, Two Holidays: A Christmas and Hanukkah Novella centers around only two characters for the majority of the story. Jack ends up stuck in Chicago during a snowstorm when he's supposed to be with his family for Christmas. Nessa just happens to be home because it's Hanukkah and her roommates left for more glamorous holiday experiences. When a power failure affects the building, Jack and Nessa end up spending Christmas and Hanukkah together and trying to make the most with what they have available. Soon the heat isn't coming from the candles or the fireplace...
I really enjoyed this story the entire way through and kept telling the authors how invested I was. There were a lot of heartwarming moments, as well as a really steamy one. I especially enjoyed the gift exchange and thought it was really creative and well thought out. All in all, it's just a lighthearted rom-com that gives readers reasons to enjoy both holidays!
Movie casting suggestions:
Nessa: Sofia Black-D'Elia
Jack: Chandler Massey
December 17, 2024
The queens of some of my favorite summer reads have come out with a winter holiday read and I am in loooooove. The writing and the characters are always my favorite. I’ll be expecting more winter reads now!!
October 24, 2025
Short novella but cute 🥰 read by Teddy Hamilton 😍
December 27, 2025
Short and sweet!
December 6, 2025
Cute, heartwarming and exactly what I wanted from an holiday novella. I’m still smiling ❤️
January 3, 2026
3.75⭐️
This was a really cute, snowed-in holiday romance that mixed Christmas and Hanukkah for a fun and festive little treat of a novella. Nessa and Jack had great chemistry and the writing was really easy to get into.
This was a really cute, snowed-in holiday romance that mixed Christmas and Hanukkah for a fun and festive little treat of a novella. Nessa and Jack had great chemistry and the writing was really easy to get into.
December 15, 2024
When a freak snowstorm in Chicago leaves Jack stranded at home in Chicago and unable to go see his family for Christmas, he cozies up with his neighbor to keep warm during a power outage and sparks ensue as she teaches him about Hanukkah traditions....
It's a brief novella but it's full of heart, humor, and so much joy... and since it's written by Ali Brady, a little bit of naughty spice 😈🙊
I loved it!
It's a brief novella but it's full of heart, humor, and so much joy... and since it's written by Ali Brady, a little bit of naughty spice 😈🙊
I loved it!
February 6, 2026
Super cute - fun Christmas read.
November 23, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ Two hours of delightful holiday happiness that I’d sign up for in a heartbeat!
Nessa and Jack may have noticed one another around their Chicago apartment complex, but it isn’t until a Christmas Eve blizzard cancels all flights that they get their meet cute (RIP to those snowmen who were in the wrong place at the wrong time!). Nessa had resigned herself to spending Hanukah alone, with her roommates out of town and her parents traveling for their anniversary, and Jack, a stressed out medical resident desperate for the comfort and warmth of a family-filled Christmas, is now snowed-in. Fortunately for him, the power outage doesn’t affect Nessa’s gas fireplace and their encounter emboldens him to seek that comfort and warmth in her cozy apartment. What follows is an emotionally intimate night full of deep conversations and playful flirting, a fun day of snowy date activities, and a Christmas/Hanukkah to remember. With the winter weather as their matchmaker, can they make lemonade out of lemons? “Or in this case, latkes out of frozen potatoes”?😜
Spoilers incoming…
This was pretty perfect and that is quite an accomplishment in only two hours! Good character development, a fun holiday setting, believable chemistry, and a sweet finale.
The holiday history 🕎 🎄woven into the story was done delicately without being overkill and it tied their emotional connection together like a prettily wrapped bow. Nessa and Jack communicate so well and the absence of angst was the right choice to keep the focus on the way they are just what the other needs. The stocking scene and strip dreidel were two highlights - one heartwarming and one heated! 🥰😉
The beautiful message you’re left with is: “The best things come when you let go of expectations and stay open to whatever life brings your way… That even when the path feels uncertain, it might lead you exactly where you need to be.”
Highly recommend the audiobook - Teddy Hamilton and Julia Whelan shined and brought that extra spark to a story that already had a double dose of holiday charm.
Nessa and Jack may have noticed one another around their Chicago apartment complex, but it isn’t until a Christmas Eve blizzard cancels all flights that they get their meet cute (RIP to those snowmen who were in the wrong place at the wrong time!). Nessa had resigned herself to spending Hanukah alone, with her roommates out of town and her parents traveling for their anniversary, and Jack, a stressed out medical resident desperate for the comfort and warmth of a family-filled Christmas, is now snowed-in. Fortunately for him, the power outage doesn’t affect Nessa’s gas fireplace and their encounter emboldens him to seek that comfort and warmth in her cozy apartment. What follows is an emotionally intimate night full of deep conversations and playful flirting, a fun day of snowy date activities, and a Christmas/Hanukkah to remember. With the winter weather as their matchmaker, can they make lemonade out of lemons? “Or in this case, latkes out of frozen potatoes”?😜
Spoilers incoming…
This was pretty perfect and that is quite an accomplishment in only two hours! Good character development, a fun holiday setting, believable chemistry, and a sweet finale.
The holiday history 🕎 🎄woven into the story was done delicately without being overkill and it tied their emotional connection together like a prettily wrapped bow. Nessa and Jack communicate so well and the absence of angst was the right choice to keep the focus on the way they are just what the other needs. The stocking scene and strip dreidel were two highlights - one heartwarming and one heated! 🥰😉
The beautiful message you’re left with is: “The best things come when you let go of expectations and stay open to whatever life brings your way… That even when the path feels uncertain, it might lead you exactly where you need to be.”
Highly recommend the audiobook - Teddy Hamilton and Julia Whelan shined and brought that extra spark to a story that already had a double dose of holiday charm.
December 17, 2024
lovely holiday romance
This such a lovely holiday romance, proving that even in the darkest times, there is hope and light and love. I loved Jack and Nessa—two strangers brought together by a storm, who turn a dismal holiday season into the best they’ve ever had. Their banter is delightful, their honesty with each other is poignant, and the sparks flying between them are sizzling! I loved that they embraced each other’s holiday traditions and customs, as they shared their memories of Christmas and Hanukkah, and starting new traditions of their own! This is a heartwarming story that is also spicy—I’ll never see a dreidel and not think about Jack and Nessa’s version!! There are so many emotions and feelings packed into 145 pages!
This such a lovely holiday romance, proving that even in the darkest times, there is hope and light and love. I loved Jack and Nessa—two strangers brought together by a storm, who turn a dismal holiday season into the best they’ve ever had. Their banter is delightful, their honesty with each other is poignant, and the sparks flying between them are sizzling! I loved that they embraced each other’s holiday traditions and customs, as they shared their memories of Christmas and Hanukkah, and starting new traditions of their own! This is a heartwarming story that is also spicy—I’ll never see a dreidel and not think about Jack and Nessa’s version!! There are so many emotions and feelings packed into 145 pages!
December 10, 2024
An adorable holiday novella! In 2024, Hanukkah starts on Christmas, so perfect for a book that brings both holidays together. It’s set in Chicago where Nessa and Jack live in the same apartment building and have admired each other from afar but never met. Nessa is alone for Hanukkah with her parents and roommates away; Jack is supposed to fly home for Christmas but then his flight is cancelled because of a snowstorm. And when the power in the building is out, these two finally meet cute. They share their holiday traditions with each other, and of course make a love connection while they’re at it.
My only problem with this book is that it’s too short, because I could and would read a whole novel about these characters! A fun holiday read.
My only problem with this book is that it’s too short, because I could and would read a whole novel about these characters! A fun holiday read.
January 8, 2026
1.5 stars ✨
Very insta-lovely with nothing special about the leads or their romance.
In terms of the writing, the educational bits about Hanukkah were cool. However, I did NOT like hearing about characters using ChatGPT 🥴
Overall, this was a drag. I only read it because the audiobook had two of my favorite narrators.
Audiobook side note: I always love Teddy Hamilton and Julia Whelan’s narrations. If it weren’t for their voices, I probably wouldn’t have been able to finish reading it.
Very insta-lovely with nothing special about the leads or their romance.
In terms of the writing, the educational bits about Hanukkah were cool. However, I did NOT like hearing about characters using ChatGPT 🥴
Overall, this was a drag. I only read it because the audiobook had two of my favorite narrators.
Audiobook side note: I always love Teddy Hamilton and Julia Whelan’s narrations. If it weren’t for their voices, I probably wouldn’t have been able to finish reading it.
October 28, 2025
What I liked: Cute holiday “meet cute” of a couple stranded in a snowstorm, when the 1st night of Hanukkah fell on the same day as Christmas
What I disliked: Book is so short, just a novella. I would enjoy a full novel with this plot and characters
What I disliked: Book is so short, just a novella. I would enjoy a full novel with this plot and characters
November 7, 2025
One Night, Two Holidays is a novella with lots of friendship, sharing, holiday fun and some romance, even a bit steamy at times. Nessa is spending her Hanukkah alone this year. Her family are all away and her roommates are off spending time with others. A snowstorm hits, closing airports and causing a major power outage. Jack was supposed to be flying home, but is left stranded and cold in Chicago. Jack shows up at Nessa's door with the plan that they spend the time together rather than be alone. Sharing their holiday traditions with one another, getting to know more about each other, and letting that chemistry grow, this is a cute story with lots of festivity. I really enjoyed this story, and loved how they celebrated their holiday traditions with each other. The making of latkes with what they had in their apartments was hilarious, but, they turned out. When they finally give in to their feelings toward one another, there is some steam, but it actually fit into this story well. It has a wonderful happy ending. Teddy Hamilton and Julia Whelan voice this story wonderfully. Each giving one of the characters a unique voice as we hear from each of their POVs. If you are looking for a quick read this holiday season, pick up One Night, Two Holidays, it is delightful.
November 19, 2025
Super cute!!
Okay I usually don't love insta love - but this was actually a super cute story!! Maybe it wasn't truly instant, but the way their forced/welcomed proximity had them get to know each other was done so well! Definitely recommend!!
Okay I usually don't love insta love - but this was actually a super cute story!! Maybe it wasn't truly instant, but the way their forced/welcomed proximity had them get to know each other was done so well! Definitely recommend!!
October 7, 2025
Audiobook. Library. Super short holiday novella with Teddy Hamilton narrating. Can’t go wrong. (Less than 2.5hrs on audio).
December 25, 2025
“The decision to stay, to hope, to love… that’s what keeps the light alive.”
Yeah I’m sorry we don’t read The Night Before Christmas anymore this is now our Christmas Eve tradition.
I love a snowed-in story so much. What a sweet, short novella at just over 2 hours. Happy holidays bbs ♥️🎄🕎✨
Yeah I’m sorry we don’t read The Night Before Christmas anymore this is now our Christmas Eve tradition.
I love a snowed-in story so much. What a sweet, short novella at just over 2 hours. Happy holidays bbs ♥️🎄🕎✨
December 16, 2025
3.75⭐️ rounded up. Cute little novella.
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