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Last Christmas I Love-Spelled Us Apart
Ten years ago her best friend left.
This Christmas, he’s back.
Will this spell love or disaster?
Birdie Hawthorne has spent her entire life at her family’s magical bakery, infusing pastries and dessert with an extra special spark. At twenty-eight, she isn’t certain she wants this life; to stay in her small Ontario hometown and eventually inherit the bakery. Not when she’s never experienced anything beyond the Bruce Peninsula.
When her best friend Charlie Singer comes home for Christmas after ten years away, Birdie’s life turns upside down. Ten Decembers with zero contact. He said he’d be home for Christmas. He lied. Now he’s back and he’s so different from who he was in high school, but he still has a touch that literally sends sparks through her veins. Soon, Birdie discovers she botched the silly love spell she performed at eighteen, driving Charlie away instead of bringing them together. Fear and regret have kept her at the bakery all these years. With five days left until Christmas, Birdie must summon her courage and reverse the spell or risk losing Charlie for good.
This Christmas, he’s back.
Will this spell love or disaster?
Birdie Hawthorne has spent her entire life at her family’s magical bakery, infusing pastries and dessert with an extra special spark. At twenty-eight, she isn’t certain she wants this life; to stay in her small Ontario hometown and eventually inherit the bakery. Not when she’s never experienced anything beyond the Bruce Peninsula.
When her best friend Charlie Singer comes home for Christmas after ten years away, Birdie’s life turns upside down. Ten Decembers with zero contact. He said he’d be home for Christmas. He lied. Now he’s back and he’s so different from who he was in high school, but he still has a touch that literally sends sparks through her veins. Soon, Birdie discovers she botched the silly love spell she performed at eighteen, driving Charlie away instead of bringing them together. Fear and regret have kept her at the bakery all these years. With five days left until Christmas, Birdie must summon her courage and reverse the spell or risk losing Charlie for good.
135 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2025
1 person is currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Madeline Nixon
32 books55 followersMadeline Nixon has been a dog walker, a nanny, a baker, a shoe saleswoman, a chocolatier, and an editor, but the title she’s most fond of is author. She’s published two nonfiction short story collection about her paranormal experiences, Feathers and Robins, several educational children’s books series, and the Like A Love Song romance series. Her most recent romance is a magical Christmas novella, Last Christmas I Love-Spelled Us Apart. When she’s not writing, you can find her hunting ghosts, planning elaborate theme parties, and baking new recipes. She lives in a suburb outside of Toronto.
Find her on Instagram, Threads, TikTok @markedwithanm!
Find her on Instagram, Threads, TikTok @markedwithanm!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 20, 2025
4.5 ⭐
When I tell you this book has been a comfort in my rather shitty month I mean it. Nothing like a freaking ADORABLE, low drama, witchy Christmas romance to ease your soul when life hands you curve balls. Loved the romance and the characters so much 🥺
I will admit I'm a little biased, we STAN Madeline Nixon in this household so when I had the opportunity to get on the ARC team for this I jumped to the chance! It's such a cute little book, the vibes are vibing and I loved every second! We can all admit that Caitlin was right we need more witchy Christmas romance books.
Thank you again Madeline for giving me comfort this month (and for the e-arc!). Keep up the incredible work 💖
When I tell you this book has been a comfort in my rather shitty month I mean it. Nothing like a freaking ADORABLE, low drama, witchy Christmas romance to ease your soul when life hands you curve balls. Loved the romance and the characters so much 🥺
I will admit I'm a little biased, we STAN Madeline Nixon in this household so when I had the opportunity to get on the ARC team for this I jumped to the chance! It's such a cute little book, the vibes are vibing and I loved every second! We can all admit that Caitlin was right we need more witchy Christmas romance books.
Thank you again Madeline for giving me comfort this month (and for the e-arc!). Keep up the incredible work 💖
June 2, 2025
A Deliciously Sweet Read – with Extra Sprinkles of Canadian Charm! 🇨🇦🍰
Have you ever read a book where the characters are always talking about bakery treats—and suddenly you want all of them? This book did that and more—it’s deliciously sweet in all the best ways! I wanted all the bakery sweets and the sweet Charlie, too.
Set against a backdrop of heartfelt Canadian charm, I absolutely adored all the Ontario and Canadian references sprinkled throughout the story. It gave the whole book a warm, familiar vibe that made it feel even more special.
Birdie is a wonderfully relatable character—she may fumble her way through some messy situations, but her heart is always in the right place. You can't help but root for her.
I ended up enjoying a bit of Christmas magic in late May/early June, and honestly? I loved it. I’m already planning to reread this one during the actual holiday season with a cup of cocoa and a plate of cookies!
If you're in the mood for romance, laughter, baked goods, and a bit of festive spirit—no matter the season—this indie gem is for you.
Have you ever read a book where the characters are always talking about bakery treats—and suddenly you want all of them? This book did that and more—it’s deliciously sweet in all the best ways! I wanted all the bakery sweets and the sweet Charlie, too.
Set against a backdrop of heartfelt Canadian charm, I absolutely adored all the Ontario and Canadian references sprinkled throughout the story. It gave the whole book a warm, familiar vibe that made it feel even more special.
Birdie is a wonderfully relatable character—she may fumble her way through some messy situations, but her heart is always in the right place. You can't help but root for her.
I ended up enjoying a bit of Christmas magic in late May/early June, and honestly? I loved it. I’m already planning to reread this one during the actual holiday season with a cup of cocoa and a plate of cookies!
If you're in the mood for romance, laughter, baked goods, and a bit of festive spirit—no matter the season—this indie gem is for you.
December 31, 2025
Cute, fast-paced novella read that is filled with magic and delicious baked goods, there are even recipes in the back! Sweet family, fun friends and lots of love that has to find its way back.
May 31, 2025
I was thrilled to be chosen to receive the ARC for Last Christmas | Love-Spelled Us Apart! It’s the heartwarming love story between Birdie and Charlie, a story of second chances; both in love and life. Loved the small town Ontario setting and with the matching playlist and recipes, it’s easy to be transported into the magic of the story. Bravo Madeline!
June 6, 2025
Last Christmas I love-spelled us apart by Madeline Nixon is an adorable twist on a romantic Christmas story.
Birdie Hawthorne has spent her entire life at her family's bakery. She loves what she does but is unsure if that's what she wants for the rest of her life.
Suddenly Charlie Singer comes home after being away for ten years. The two used to have a spark between them, they still do, there's just one problem...Birdie discovers she had messed up the love spell she tried to perform when she was 18.
Instead of a spell that was supposed to bring them together she wedged them apart. Now Birdie must figure out how to reverse the spell or risk losing Charlie forever.
Huge thank you to Madeleine Nixon for sending me an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review. Overall I really liked the book, I was a bit confused how Birdie has witchy vibes and literal sparks. I wish it was explained a bit more as it felt I was reading a book in a series when I hadn't read the ones that came before it. That part was minor however and didn't detract from the overall vibe of the book.
This book premieres June 25th 2025
Birdie Hawthorne has spent her entire life at her family's bakery. She loves what she does but is unsure if that's what she wants for the rest of her life.
Suddenly Charlie Singer comes home after being away for ten years. The two used to have a spark between them, they still do, there's just one problem...Birdie discovers she had messed up the love spell she tried to perform when she was 18.
Instead of a spell that was supposed to bring them together she wedged them apart. Now Birdie must figure out how to reverse the spell or risk losing Charlie forever.
Huge thank you to Madeleine Nixon for sending me an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review. Overall I really liked the book, I was a bit confused how Birdie has witchy vibes and literal sparks. I wish it was explained a bit more as it felt I was reading a book in a series when I hadn't read the ones that came before it. That part was minor however and didn't detract from the overall vibe of the book.
This book premieres June 25th 2025
December 24, 2025
AUDIO REVIEW
This was the perfect Christmas novella sprinkled with not only Christmas magic but a little bit of real magic too!
I loved Birdy and Charlie they were so cute if not a little clueless. This book really got me in the Christmas spirit. the perfect quick read. Dani and Brandon were amazing I loved that even though the book was a single POV we still get a duet narration which really brought the story to life.
This was the perfect Christmas novella sprinkled with not only Christmas magic but a little bit of real magic too!
I loved Birdy and Charlie they were so cute if not a little clueless. This book really got me in the Christmas spirit. the perfect quick read. Dani and Brandon were amazing I loved that even though the book was a single POV we still get a duet narration which really brought the story to life.
December 22, 2025
It’s not every day that your friend turns your silly book rec question into a whole ass book… and then dedicates it to you… BANANAS!!! (Like seriously, look at the acknowledgements!! That’s me!! In a book!!)
I feel like I cannot remain impartial in my review because of the above, but regardless I loved this book. I asked for witchy Christmas recs, and I got a witchy Christmas rec! It was cozy and soft and delightful. The characters were fun, and the story was sweet (both the romance and allll of the baking recs 🤤).
Reasons to read this book:
✅ Indie author
✅ Canadian author/setting
✅ A quick Christmas read to finish off your 2025 reading goal
✅ Free recipes at the end of the book
I feel like I cannot remain impartial in my review because of the above, but regardless I loved this book. I asked for witchy Christmas recs, and I got a witchy Christmas rec! It was cozy and soft and delightful. The characters were fun, and the story was sweet (both the romance and allll of the baking recs 🤤).
Reasons to read this book:
✅ Indie author
✅ Canadian author/setting
✅ A quick Christmas read to finish off your 2025 reading goal
✅ Free recipes at the end of the book
December 20, 2025
this was such a cute, witchy holiday novella! 🥰🎄
June 7, 2025
Hi! I wrote this book and I just finished the final read through so I’m adding it to my reading challenge for the year.
I normally take this space to list anything that might be potentially triggering while reading, but this book was written with pure Christmas magic. I’ve never had a more joyful experience writing than I did with this. So I hope you enjoy Birdie and Charlie’s story.
I normally take this space to list anything that might be potentially triggering while reading, but this book was written with pure Christmas magic. I’ve never had a more joyful experience writing than I did with this. So I hope you enjoy Birdie and Charlie’s story.
June 22, 2025
5/5 stars
This book was a short and sweet, cozy, witchy Christmas story. I had over 50% of this book read in about an hour. Though it was a short novella, it really grabbed my attention and I was super engaged in the story.
I've got to say the low drama/angst was a nice refresher with the way things are in life currently. I loved all of the characters, and I felt that the story and relationships were really well developed in less than 150 pages.
If you're looking for a sweet short story, I 100% recommend this.
Tropes:
✨️ Childhood friends to lovers
✨️ Small town
✨️ Christmas magic
✨️ Second chance
✨️ Low drama
✨️ Meddling family members
✨️ Sparks fly (literally, because, magic)
This book was a short and sweet, cozy, witchy Christmas story. I had over 50% of this book read in about an hour. Though it was a short novella, it really grabbed my attention and I was super engaged in the story.
I've got to say the low drama/angst was a nice refresher with the way things are in life currently. I loved all of the characters, and I felt that the story and relationships were really well developed in less than 150 pages.
If you're looking for a sweet short story, I 100% recommend this.
Tropes:
✨️ Childhood friends to lovers
✨️ Small town
✨️ Christmas magic
✨️ Second chance
✨️ Low drama
✨️ Meddling family members
✨️ Sparks fly (literally, because, magic)
May 29, 2025
A holiday hug in book form!
This cozy Christmas second-chance(ish) romance (with a magical twist!) was just so heartwarming. Full of witches, whimsy, humor, and just the right touch of small-town wintry charm, it’s the perfect festive escape. Watching Birdie and Charlie find their way back to each other will totally make you believe in fate and soulmates.
**happy sigh**
P.S. Including the recipes at the end was such a fun and sweet touch. There are definitely some spell-breaking brownies in my future!
This cozy Christmas second-chance(ish) romance (with a magical twist!) was just so heartwarming. Full of witches, whimsy, humor, and just the right touch of small-town wintry charm, it’s the perfect festive escape. Watching Birdie and Charlie find their way back to each other will totally make you believe in fate and soulmates.
**happy sigh**
P.S. Including the recipes at the end was such a fun and sweet touch. There are definitely some spell-breaking brownies in my future!
November 16, 2025
5⭐️
Who knew I needed a witchy holiday novella?! Not I! And I loved the back story of how this book came to be!
Honestly, what a fun concept! A love spell gone awry isn’t a new trope by any means but come on. That title and how it ties into the story?! Genius!
Charlie and Birdie being in love since high school is so sweet. I’m not a huge second chance romance person, but this one was done so well it didn’t even fully register until closer to the end.
Loved this! You absolutely need to add this to your holiday TBR!
Who knew I needed a witchy holiday novella?! Not I! And I loved the back story of how this book came to be!
Honestly, what a fun concept! A love spell gone awry isn’t a new trope by any means but come on. That title and how it ties into the story?! Genius!
Charlie and Birdie being in love since high school is so sweet. I’m not a huge second chance romance person, but this one was done so well it didn’t even fully register until closer to the end.
Loved this! You absolutely need to add this to your holiday TBR!
December 27, 2025
Magical
Soulmates
Clean romance
Single POV - 1st person
Duet narration - Dani Staro & Brandon Francis
Great narration! They were fantastic.
A short and sweet witchy holiday romance. Tho this is single POV the duet narration elevates the audiobook to another level.
A young Birdie feeling lonely and wanting love casts a love spell that back fires. Years later she is determined to break that dark spell and get the man of her dreams, the one she has loved for years when he finally returns to their hometown.
Soulmates
Clean romance
Single POV - 1st person
Duet narration - Dani Staro & Brandon Francis
Great narration! They were fantastic.
A short and sweet witchy holiday romance. Tho this is single POV the duet narration elevates the audiobook to another level.
A young Birdie feeling lonely and wanting love casts a love spell that back fires. Years later she is determined to break that dark spell and get the man of her dreams, the one she has loved for years when he finally returns to their hometown.
December 29, 2025
This story had a lot of potential but it felt extremely flat to me.
The main character basically stopped her life for ten years when the guy she liked left town. Then some stuff happens and then she BEGS HIM to not stop talking to her. This woman is 28 y/o.
I’m 19 and I felt like this woman was a bit pick me, kind of? Like why are we begging a MAN to not stop talking to us? Especially after 10 years of no contact?
As I said, I think the story had a lot of potential but it was not for me. I still wish the author all the best and I’m sure that her other books are amazing.
The main character basically stopped her life for ten years when the guy she liked left town. Then some stuff happens and then she BEGS HIM to not stop talking to her. This woman is 28 y/o.
I’m 19 and I felt like this woman was a bit pick me, kind of? Like why are we begging a MAN to not stop talking to us? Especially after 10 years of no contact?
As I said, I think the story had a lot of potential but it was not for me. I still wish the author all the best and I’m sure that her other books are amazing.
June 5, 2025
I absolutely love the fact that this book is a Christmas witch story. This book is about Charlie and Birdie. They were best friend s that lost touch and suddenly after ten years Charlie is back and old feelings that were dormant reappear. If you want to know that happens next, well you will just have to read the book. I will not spoil the fun that this book is. Thanks Madeline Nixon for an amazingly fun read!!
June 25, 2025
I received this book as an ARC! I recommend reading this book now, and then again at Christmas! This was just the greatest witchy Christmas story. I absolutely loved the name of the bakery in this story, and the humour was amazing! If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to either pick up some bakery treats before you read this book to have on hand, or make one of the recipes included in the back of the book! I had some serious cravings while reading.
July 11, 2025
I received an ARC of Last Christmas I Love-Spelled Us Apart, and it has completely won me over.
It’s a cozy, feel-good romance full of bakery treats, second chances, and the sweetest small-town Canadian charm.
Birdie’s perfectly imperfect, and Charlie? Total cinnamon roll.
The festive vibes hit just right—even in the middle of summer.
Can’t wait to reread this one with cocoa and some of those delicious recipes that were included, when the holidays roll around.
It’s a cozy, feel-good romance full of bakery treats, second chances, and the sweetest small-town Canadian charm.
Birdie’s perfectly imperfect, and Charlie? Total cinnamon roll.
The festive vibes hit just right—even in the middle of summer.
Can’t wait to reread this one with cocoa and some of those delicious recipes that were included, when the holidays roll around.
December 19, 2025
Cosy and wholesome Christmas romance!
This was just what I needed this Christmas. A soppy romance with witchcraft and baking, what more could a woman want?
It was a perfect short read that left me feeling warm and fuzzy. I'm so glad the author popped up when I asked for book recommendations because this fit the bill entirely.
I also really love the cover, it's perfect for the book!
This was just what I needed this Christmas. A soppy romance with witchcraft and baking, what more could a woman want?
It was a perfect short read that left me feeling warm and fuzzy. I'm so glad the author popped up when I asked for book recommendations because this fit the bill entirely.
I also really love the cover, it's perfect for the book!
December 31, 2025
*ALC REVIEW*
Last Christmas I Love-Spelled Us Apart
By Madeline Nixon
Birdie is a witch who made a small mistake back in high school—one she doesn’t even realize until an old flame 🔥 re-enters her life. When Charlie comes back, the sparks ⚡️ are instant and Birdie is forced to face the magic that pulled them apart.
This was such a cozy, whimsical, and heartfelt story filled with charm, second chances, and holiday magic. The romance was sweet, the chemistry was undeniable, and the story felt like a warm hug.
Perfect for readers who love magical realism, second-chance romance, and festive vibes ✨🎄💖
Last Christmas I Love-Spelled Us Apart
By Madeline Nixon
Birdie is a witch who made a small mistake back in high school—one she doesn’t even realize until an old flame 🔥 re-enters her life. When Charlie comes back, the sparks ⚡️ are instant and Birdie is forced to face the magic that pulled them apart.
This was such a cozy, whimsical, and heartfelt story filled with charm, second chances, and holiday magic. The romance was sweet, the chemistry was undeniable, and the story felt like a warm hug.
Perfect for readers who love magical realism, second-chance romance, and festive vibes ✨🎄💖
January 10, 2026
ALC REVIEW
Narrated in duet by Dani Staro & Brandon Francis.
The narration was absolute perfection!! This felt like curling up with a cup of hot cocoa and listening to a heartfelt Christmas story with a witchy twist about love, timing, and second chances. Short, emotional, and wonderfully cozy, this audiobook is perfect if you’re in the mood for a cute holiday romance with a little bittersweet sparkle. 🎧❄️💖
Narrated in duet by Dani Staro & Brandon Francis.
The narration was absolute perfection!! This felt like curling up with a cup of hot cocoa and listening to a heartfelt Christmas story with a witchy twist about love, timing, and second chances. Short, emotional, and wonderfully cozy, this audiobook is perfect if you’re in the mood for a cute holiday romance with a little bittersweet sparkle. 🎧❄️💖
May 25, 2025
Love this Christmas book! Finished it in one sitting. Loved the witchy/Christmas thing since it is my two favorite holidays. Would recommend for a short Christmas read. Favorite quote “I know it’s hard when you’ve hurt someone by accident. But humans are limitless. We have the capability to understand, grow, and forgive.”
June 25, 2025
Three words to describe this book:
Witchy Christmas Treat
Out of 5⭐️:3⭐️
I love Madeline Nixon’s stories! This one scratches the itch for Christmas in July! There is a love spell, a reunion, self discovery, and joyful moments throughout. It’s a super quick read sure to leave a smile on your face.
Witchy Christmas Treat
Out of 5⭐️:3⭐️
I love Madeline Nixon’s stories! This one scratches the itch for Christmas in July! There is a love spell, a reunion, self discovery, and joyful moments throughout. It’s a super quick read sure to leave a smile on your face.
July 6, 2025
I LOOOVED this story! Birdie and Charlie were adorable from the very first page until the last. I also loved that the story was set in Wiarton, Ontario. I really enjoy stories set in places I’ve been!
I also really love it when authors include the recipes mentioned, and I can’t wait to try them out. They sounded so delicious on page.
I also really love it when authors include the recipes mentioned, and I can’t wait to try them out. They sounded so delicious on page.
December 27, 2025
4 ⭐ 0 🌶️ 5 🎧
This was so so cute! The perfect holiday and winter novella filled with magic, charm and second chances. I loved watching Birdie and Charlie find their way back together.
The audio was fantastic too. Dani Staro and Brandon Francis were wonderful in this DUET narration and I loved this listen. Thank you so much to Dani for the advanced copy!
This was so so cute! The perfect holiday and winter novella filled with magic, charm and second chances. I loved watching Birdie and Charlie find their way back together.
The audio was fantastic too. Dani Staro and Brandon Francis were wonderful in this DUET narration and I loved this listen. Thank you so much to Dani for the advanced copy!
December 29, 2025
I loved listening to this quick witchy romance! The story is so sweet, and I loved the charming setting. It’s a little funny and full of family, love, and fun moments where happiness shines brightly.
The narration is fantastic, I love Dani Staro and Brandon Francis together.
This is an excellent comfort/pick-me-up read.
December 29, 2025
This was a cute little story following a story line of childhood crushes Bird and Charlie. It has a magic background in it. The dual narration was perfect! Dani and Brandon did a fantastic job! Highly recommend!
January 6, 2026
I really loved this short but cozy, witchy Christmas book. I really enjoyed the names of the characters and places. Dani Staro and Brandon Francis brought so much love and natural warmth to these characters that reeled me in. I will definitely read this again.
May 29, 2025
This was such a treat!
I love Charlie and Birdie so much 💜💜
Thank you Maddi for the gifted earc I can’t wait for everyone to meet them in June 😍😍😌
I love Charlie and Birdie so much 💜💜
Thank you Maddi for the gifted earc I can’t wait for everyone to meet them in June 😍😍😌
June 5, 2025
its cute and funny
perfect small town christmas story
perfect small town christmas story
June 9, 2025
4 ⭐ 1 🌶️
Super cute story with some angst. Loved every character. Always love 🇨🇦 rep.
It also includes recipes! 🧁
Super cute story with some angst. Loved every character. Always love 🇨🇦 rep.
It also includes recipes! 🧁
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews