Last Chance Christmas

by Lisa Phillips, Michelle Sass Aleckson, Laura Conaway

This Christmas, love is the greatest rescue of all...

Christmas was supposed to be peaceful in Last Chance County—until escaped killers turn their winter wonderland into a deadly hunting ground.

When a catastrophic blizzard causes a prison transport crash, hardened criminals scatter into the frozen wilderness. With roads impassable and temperatures plummeting, Last Chance County's bravest first responders must abandon their holiday plans for the most dangerous manhunt of their lives.

But in the heart of winter's fury, love is the light in the storm…

Firefighter Izan Collins has waited months to win guarded cop Olivia Tazwell's heart, but when a cartel killer targets his family during a church event, their first date becomes a fight for survival.

Officer Anthony Thomas never believed in Christmas magic—until protecting fierce firefighter Della Nixon from a vengeful serial killer shows him that some gifts are worth any sacrifice.

K-9 Officer Cole Stuart has hunted his nemesis for two years, but partnering with determined EMT Kianna Russell in a deadly mountain pursuit teaches him that some battles are meant to be fought together.

Three couples. Three heart-stopping chases through winter's deadliest storm. Three Christmas miracles that prove love conquers all.

Perfect for readers who love pulse-pounding romantic suspense, Christmas magic, and heroes who fight for love.

Discover why readers are calling this "unputdownable" and "the perfect blend of heart-stopping action and swoon-worthy romance."


Enemies to Lovers
Slow Burn
Forced Proximity
Protective Hero
He Falls First
Grumpy/Sunshine
Workplace Romance
Wounded Heroine
Chosen Family
Small Town
Christmas

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Inspirational, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Suspense

333 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2025

About the author

Lisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 80 books that span Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.

Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Lisa is a worship leader, tea aficionado, and dog lover of two crazy Airedales.

Reviews

[Sarita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great collection of novella’s featuring a few of my favourite characters whose story we didn’t get to wrap up in the series.

If you are looking for stories where you keep flipping pages and want to be kept on edge, this collection is what you are looking for.

Each story had me reading just one more chapter, but the second story had my attention and filled my suspense needs a bit more. The plot was just a tiny bit more thrilling and the shorter chapters made the pace feel faster.

A great collection for that shorter reads during Christmas time.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

[DevotedToHope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sirens over snow. Footprints fading fast. Hearts running harder than the wind.
Some Christmases demand every ounce of faith you have. In Last Chance Christmas, danger blurs into devotion as three couples discover that God’s grace doesn’t vanish in chaos or in smoke—it shines brilliantly right through it.

Three stories. One storm. A county caught between terror and redemption. When a prison transport crashes during a blizzard, escaped convicts turn Christmas into a manhunt. In the midst of fear and frozen roads, courage and conviction blaze bright.

Izan and Olivia. Anthony and Della. Cole and Kianna. Each story echoes with adrenaline and awe, living proof that in the fiercest fight, love and faith can stand unshaken and unmoved.

“As we celebrate the Christmas season this year, and every year we have on this earth, let’s remember the best gift we can receive. The Good News, the Gospel of Jesus. That God sent His Son to this earth to save even sinners like us.” This beautiful reminder glows through the pages, turning moments of danger into glimpses of divine rescue.

Last Chance Christmas is full of suspense and mystery yet it carries the sacred reminder that Jesus is not the God of last chances, but of everlasting grace!

High-stakes suspense and holy hope collide in this unforgettable Christmas collection. Last Chance Christmas burns with courage, compassion, and the unshakable truth that grace never runs out. Faith under fire, love under pressure, and the Gospel shining through the storm—this is Christmas in Last Chance County.

Perfect for readers who love clearly Christian romantic suspense that burns with purpose and Christmas hope… and for anyone who needs to remember that redemption doesn’t wait for calm skies. God meets us in the storm—and His light shines, steady and sure.

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

[Jeanne Alfveby Crea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful Christmas Novellas! I loved being back in Last Chance!
"Christmas was supposed to be peaceful in Last Chance County—until escaped killers turn their winter wonderland into a deadly hunting ground."

Rescued Justice by Lisa Phillips
The story of Officer Olivia Tazwell and Firefighter Izan Collins is very good! I enjoyed their self journeys and seeing how their relationship developed. I only wished for an epilogue!

Restored Trust by Michelle Aleckson
Officer Anthony Thomas and Firefighter Della Nixon are the stars in this sweet story! I loved the character development, the teasing & the happy ending! "Hmph. The precinct's Poster boy? I have a serious threat on my hands." Plenty of romance and suspense, loved it!

Rescued Hope by Laura Conaway
K9 Officer Cole Stuart & Tristan, and EMT Kianna Russell find themselves trying to overcome the past while trying to capture a serial killer, facing mortal danger, and in the middle of a snow storm!

The epilogue is a wonderful series finale.

[Brittany Searfoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each of the books in the Last Chance County series has been great, so when I learned there would be a collection of three stories taking place during Christmas, I was excited. If it was not clearly marked, you could not tell that each story was written by a different author. The overarching story introduced in the first section continued seamlessly through all three parts and concluded decisively with no inconsistencies. It was good to see some of the minor characters introduced previously in the series getting their own story. Each character seemed so real that I was sad to reach the ending. While this is the last book in the series, I hope the authors will return to Last Chance County in the future, and hopefully we will see the characters pop up in other stories.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book for the publisher. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Deena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything about this collection! From the gorgeous cover to the intense stories inside, it hits all the right notes for a holiday treat.

The story opens with an accident involving a prison transport—which gave me chills because my son-in-law drives transport! Several convicts escape and each one is extremely dangerous.

But no worries—the heroes and heroines from Last Chance Fire and Rescue are on it. Each of the three stories tackles the capture of one of the three escapees. And nothing is easy tracking them down.

Cases are solved, hearts are healed, and Christmas romance is in the air! I thoroughly enjoyed every page.

I received an advance copy from the publisher. I’m under no obligation and my review has not been solicited. Highly recommend!

[Kelly Bridgewater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last Chance Christmas by Lisa Phillips, Michelle Sass Aleckson, and Laura Conway is three stories that feature a incident that happens in the first story and carries on through the eyes of three different characters. Three prisoners escape and each novella works on the capture of one of the prisoners. There is plenty of action in each story. Each novella could stand on their own. The romance grew as each novella progressed. Nothing too over the top, just a little spark of emotion as they hunt for the escaped prisoners. Overall, Last Chance Christmas was a nice Christmas story with mysteries, romance, and a little bit of Christmas feeling just perfect the Hallmark Mysteries channel.

I received a complimentary copy of Last Chance Christmas by Lisa Phillips, Michelle Sass Aleckson, and Laura Conway but the opinions stated are all my own.

[Cassidy Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Book Review✨

“Instead of acting like everyone else in her life-bosses, teachers, friends-and dismissing her because of where she'd come from.
"I'd love to hear them," he said softly, laying his hand on hers.”

Last Chance Christmas is here and it is one you don’t want to miss. 3 couples, 3 novellas all in one book so there’s no wait to found out next. Lisa Phillips, Michelle Sass Aleckson, and Laura Conaway come together and write about 6 people who have popped up throughout the Last Chance Fire and Rescue series. Which was perfect because I always want everyone who pops up throughout a series to get their own story.

With a blizzard going on this book kicks off with a prison transport crashing and prisoners getting out. Each novellas focuses on a prisoner getting revenge on one of the couple. The first novella is about Firefighter Izan Collins and cop Olivia Tazwell. I’ve been waiting for Izan to get his own story since we first met him! I love Izan and Olivia’s story. Izan definitely fell first which is always one of my favorite tropes. Olivia is some who gets things done but doesn’t let anyone too close. While hunting down a prisoner Izan shows Olivia it isn’t bad to let people in.

The second novella picks up where the first one ends. This story is focused on Officer Anthony Thomas who is in charge of protecting firefighter Della Nixon from a serial killer who escaped and is after Della again. Anthony has never been a fan of Christmas. He starts to second guess his feelings for Christmas as he helps Della look for their missing serial killer. Della starts off in denial about having Anthony follow her around as a protective detail. She has moved past the events that had her dealing with a serial killer. She doesn’t need Anthony who she finds attractive following her around. Her opinion changes as she gets to know Anthony better and as weird life or death situation keeps happening to her.

The last novella is about K-9 Officer Cole Stuart and EMT Kianna Russell hunting down the last escapee in the mountains. Cole doesn’t like sharing his problems, he only needs his K-9 partner for help. Kianna wants to breakdown Cole’s wall and show him it’s better and easier to share your problems and burdens. As they get closer to finding the escapee Cole and Kianna start to work through their problems together.


This book was a quick read. All three authors work well together in making all three novellas flow together. Each couple are relatable and reading about their journey was very enjoyable. Last Chance Christmas is part of a series but you could easily read this as a stand alone.

These thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks Sunrise Publishing for the ARC.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a prison transport van is involved in an accident, dangerous criminals escape, and it's a race against time to catch them. This was a wonderful collection of suspenseful and heart-pounding Christmas stories. Each story focuses on catching one of the fugitives.

Rescued Justice by Lisa Phillips
This was an action-packed read focused on Olivia and Izan as they hunt down a merciless cartel member who has a connection to Izan. I thought the budding romance between Olivia and Izan was really sweet.

Rescued Trust by Michelle Aleckson
Officer Anthony Thomas is on protection duty, trying to keep Firefighter Della Nixon safe from the escaped serial killer she put behind bars. The danger was palpable in this suspenseful tale. Things just kept ramping up and had me glued to the page. I liked grinchy Anthony and enjoyed seeing the developing romance between him and Della.

Rescued Hope by Laura Conaway
EMT Kianna Russell lost someone she cared about to one of the escapees, so, when he escapes custody, she teams up with K-9 Officer Cole Stuart and his K-9 partner, Titan, to catch the guy before he hurts anyone else. This was a great concluding story. It was my favorite of the bunch. My favorite thing was seeing the strong faith of these characters.

This collection can be enjoyed by old fans of the series and new alike. I highly recommend it to fans of faith-filled romantic suspense!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rescued Justice by Lisa Phillips (4)
We’ve been following Olivia and Ivan for some books now, and I’m thrilled for their matchup. This Christian romantic suspense novella takes this FMC cop and EMT MMC and adds the danger of escaped convicts. With our hero having ties to the cartel, this novella gets dangerous in a hurry. It’s a short and sweet read for these two. The romance is just kisses, intimacy level 1.

Rescued Trust by Michelle Aleckson (4.5)
When Della reaches out to the police, they send Anthony to be her protection detail. The problem? He’s a flirt and she doesn’t trust him. With an escaped serial killer on the loose, threatening notes, and a secret, this Christian romantic suspense novella gripped me and engaged me. I didn’t want this story to end. The romance is just kisses, intimacy level 1. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

Rescued Hope by Laura Conaway (4)
This was a sweet Christian romantic suspense novella. The last escaped convict is still on the loose and EMT Kianna has an ax to grind with him because he killed a boy she knew. Cole and his K9 partner are on the trail when Kianna pushes her way into the hunt. Through danger and snow they spend more time together but he’s scared to open his heart. This was a good conclusion to the anthology and the series. The romance is just kisses, intimacy level 1.

I received an eARC of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Jeanloves2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last Chance Christmas wraps up the Last Chance Fire and Rescue series with a nice big Christmas bow.

This three novella anthology follows Last Chance County Fire and Rescue on a wild ride to capture escaped convicts while trying to stay alive.

Rescued Justice by Lisa Phillips follows Izan Collins and Olivia Tazwell as they hunt down killer Alonzo Sosa. The story follows the heart-stopping situations that the pair find themselves in as they track down the killer. This story contains a great balance of suspense and romance.

Rescued Trust by Michelle Aleckson centers around Anthony Thomas and Della Nixon. When Anthony is assigned to keep Della safe from serial killer Jason Vaynes he feels he is being punished for letting Alonzo Sosa get away. As the danger grows, so Anthony and Della’s feeling for each other. This story is definitely a pager turner.

Rescued Hope by Laura Conway features Cole Stuart, his K-9 partner, Titan, and Kianna Russell as they follow, one step behind, escaped murderer Blair Mackey. The pair faces several life threatening moments in the race against danger and the weather to stop Mackey. I loved all of the action and interactions in this story.

All three faith filled novellas are packed with action and romance. This anthology is the perfect ending to the last Chance Fire and Rescue series.

I received an arc of this book from the publisher. My opinions Are my own.

[Spineless In AZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A series is a big commitment but several little stories are a great way to tie in with the Last Chance Fire Crew. The action is hot enough to keep the chill away and the relationships outside of each romantic interest will help you understand why firefighters often call each other brothers and sisters. This won’t be my last dance with this series!
I love that each story begins with people we can identify with. A whole spectrum of holiday attitudes is represented from the joy of decorations, song, gifts, and cookies, to full grinch. If red isn’t your color, you’ll find someone whose experience with the holiday changes. Ultimately, faith guides the crew to lean on each other to stop a fast-moving criminal threat. So perhaps you will follow suit and consider this to be a season for a clean slate where positive experiences seem possible despite the hurts of the past. I walked away with a full heart.
As a series reader, I am happy to report the matches newly made will help you appreciate the cousins to Fire and Rescue as the stories shed more light on how closely cops, their K-9's, nurses, and EMT's work with the fire service. I am looking forward to revisiting the beginning of the series after I resolve my own need for gingerbread and carols.
Thank you to Sunrise Publishing for the ARC. These opinions are my own.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An automobile accident involving a prison transport van turns a silent night into a deadly night as prisoners escape and scatter everywhere putting everyone in Last Chance County at risk.

This consists of three stories starring six heroes who put their lives on the line everyday to protect others.

Izan and Olivia battle a member of a deadly cartel while also battling inclement weather and mudslides, among other things. Anthony and Della are searching for a serial killer who has no regard for human life while also battling a blizzard. Finally, Cole and Kianna are in pursuit of a horrifying killer who does things that will chill you. To make their chase even more dangerous, they are battling inclement weather conditions in treacherous snowy mountains.

Each story was unique, but the thread that connects them is their faith in God and trust in one another, which is vital to their survival. The suspense and treacherous conditions made each one exciting and easy to read. Non-stop action will keep you glued to the pages.

These six heroes and their coworkers risk their lives to make sure Last Chance County is safe again to celebrate a peaceful Christmas.

Thank you to Sunrise Publishing for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last Chance Christmas is a high-stakes, high-octane holiday anthology that will pull you in right from the beginning. Lisa Phillips' story is first and sets the scene for all three stories, and I love the way that this plot arcs over the entire book.

Phillips' book is my favorite, but I enjoyed them all. The characters are fun and make great additions to the Last Chance community. I especially like the lessons they learn as they face down their individual obstacles. While I hope most of us avoid these kinds of dangerous problems, they are relevant to most of us in simpler ways. I love that reading this book gives me new ideas to consider and questions to ponder.

Several of the characters describe themselves as Scrooge-ish, and seeing them view Christmas in a new light gives these stories a fun take on Christmas. They're not over the top in the holiday vein, but here, too, they make good points, and I enjoy that.

So if you like holiday stories that are heavy on the action but will put you in the Christmas spirit, grab a copy of Last Chance Christmas.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Courtney Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three stories. One storm. A county caught between chaos and grace. ❄️

When a prison transport crashes during a blizzard, escaped convicts bring terror to Last Chance County—and its heroes must face both danger and destiny. Amid the ice and fear, love blazes bright in three unforgettable tales of courage, redemption, and Christmas hope.

Each story gripped me from the start! With adrenaline-filled rescues, swoon-worthy faith-driven romance, K-9 teamwork, and Christmas miracles woven through every page, this collection delivered everything I love about Christian romantic suspense. I adored revisiting familiar faces while meeting new ones, and every couple’s journey showed beautiful growth and heart. The stories flow seamlessly together, offering not just thrills but deep meaning—a reminder that God’s light shines brightest in the storm and that His grace never runs out.

Perfect for fans of romantic suspense, small-town heroes, and Christmas stories that blend action, heart, and faith.

📖 I received an advance copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last Chance Christmas is the perfect Christmas anthology for the fans of Last Chance Fire and Rescue. This anthology focuses on one event: a prison transport jail breakout. Each story focuses on finding one of the missing convicts. We get to check in on some of the characters you fell in love with in the Last Chance series while getting to see some of the couples get their Happily Ever After.  I always love tagging along with Last Chance Fire and Rescue for an adventure, and this anthology did not disappoint.

Each romance is sweet and kisses only. Perfect, and clean, just the way I enjoy my romance.

With faith elements sprinkled throughout.  

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author.  A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Betti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Come back to Last Chance as the officers and firefighters take care of business when four deadly convicts escape prison.

Rescued Justice by Lisa Phillips
Izan had spent so long trying to save other people, he’s forgotten that he was the one who needed saving. God wanted to bring peace and favor to the journey he was on.

Rescued Trust by Michelle Aleckson
The boy who was not likely to amount to anything became a law enforcement officer that could be trusted with protection and rescue.

Rescued Hope by Laura Conway
The sinless Son of God entered into our bleak circumstances to bring hope. Will Cole and Kianna find that hope?

This wonderful anthology was received through Sunrise Publishing and BookFunnel. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last Chance Christmas is three novellas wrapped into one book. And each one centers around the plot of escaped criminals at Christmas. This has been a big series, this is book 9! And these novellas take some of the team members from the Fire Department and Police Department that we have met along the way and wrapped up their stories. Each novella is independent while focusing on the escaped criminal plotline. And each novellas packs a wallop as to how the characters are intersected into the criminals. Full of action and some great faith moments. From holiday cheer to those not a fan of all the holiday cheer. I enjoyed this wrap up of the series! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own.

[Joan Arning · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Last Chance Fire and Rescue Anthology:
Rescued Justice by Lisa Phillips: When a catastrophic blizzard causes a prison transport crash, four hardened criminals scatter into the frozen wilderness. Firefighter, Izan, has a crush on police officer Olivia. They end up fighting criminals on their first date.
Rescued Trust by Michelle Aleckson: Officer Anthony Thomas ends up protecting firefighter, Della Nixon, from a serial killer and learns the meaning of Christmas.
Rescued Hope by Laura Conaway: K-9 Officer Cole Stuart partners with EMT Kianna Russell in a deadly mountain pursuit and learns some battles are meant to be fought together.

[It's Sunrise Again · Rating 5 out of 5]

These high-action suspenseful Christmas novellas are the perfect conclusion to the Last Chance Fire and Rescue series. Each novella is linked to an overarching mystery, a prison break and its ensuing hunt.

Each of these three stories is perfectly structured and connected however they are each filled with a different mystery and suspense as well as a sweet romance.

If you enjoy action-packed Christian romantic suspense short novellas set at Christmas then I'm sure you'll enjoy Last Chance Christmas.

I received a complimentary copy from Sunrise Publishing. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

[Naomi Shores · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the characters in Last Chance so it's always fun to read new stories and catch up on them. It's Christmas time and so many people hate Christmas because of issues in their pasts but with the right person by their side and God's help, they can overcome and enjoy it.
This Christmas season starts out with a prison van break and having to track down the prisoners before they can harm anyone else. All three stories were great, lots of suspense (tracking down a killer), plenty of romance and faith, and loads of action.

[Sharon Hughson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three stories set in Lisa Philips’ Last Chance County. These are short stories so the quick resolutions are to be expected. Still, it lowered the suspense element and detracted from the believability of the crime-solving.

I enjoyed meeting all these characters even though I am a new visitor to this fictional world. Readers who especially love romantic suspense that features police and firefighters will find plenty of that here.

There is a strong faith journey in each short story.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ideal for those who appreciate distinctly Christian romantic suspense filled with purpose and the promise of Christmas hope, this is also a wonderful reminder that redemption can be found even amid life’s storms. No matter the circumstance, God meets us where we are, and His unwavering light continues to shine.
I received an advance review copy courtesy of Sunrise Publishing. This is my honest, voluntary review.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last Chance Christmas

This is a wonderful faith based book. It has three short stories that all center around a prison break during a catastrophic blizzard and the brave first responders who work to protect the citizens of Last Chance County by apprehending them before it is too late. In the process the readers get to read of the growing relationships of three different couples in the midst of terror the escaped convicts evoke. I highly recommend you read their stories.

[Joni Truex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired Suspense in these three Last Chance stories, which tie up the loose threads of this series. Great characters and the wonderful setting make this book set at Christmas a good read. Definitely worth the read.

[Lyn Herbohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three great stories!

I really enjoyed these stories. Three escaped convicts posed a threat to everyone, and our heroes had to work together to recapture them. There was lots of danger, some surprises, and encouraging moments of faith. What a great way to end the series!

[Candy gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Novel

Of Lisa Phillips, I don’t think the next one could be better. Wrong again! This one had me on pins and needles until the very end. Take time to read this one and enjoy. I will probably go back and read different section again. Get it today!!!!!

[Kate Gross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great collection of fast-paced Christian filled holiday stories!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed returning to Last Chance, especially at Christmas time! I loved the short stories that all tied together to give us answers to characters stories that were raised earlier in the series!

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome collection of stories

[Zenobia N Jefferson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always enjoyable!

The thing about the characters is that they are so realistic. You remember the characters from one story to the next.