Under a Christmas Star

by Tammy L. Grace

Return to Snow Valley this Christmas where amid the snow and festive lights, hope shines brightest.

Jake Bennett fled Snow Valley after graduation, thriving in Seattle’s fast-paced journalism world. A quick holiday visit to his snowy mountain hometown turns into a heartfelt journey of healing and unexpected surprises. Stranded by his father Curt’s stroke, Jake wrestles with the grief of recent losses, while his six-year-old daughter, Ruby, masks her heartache with tearful outbursts.

First-grade teacher Harper Wagner, with her lavender-scented kindness, steps in to soothe Ruby’s pain and bring order to their chaotic home, her warmth kindling a deeper sense of family. As Snow Valley’s twinkling lights and festive traditions wrap them in holiday magic, Ruby blossoms and Jake’s guarded heart softens.

Can the wonder of Christmastime in this cozy town mend a father and daughter’s broken hearts, offering the gift of a new beginning? Brimming with small-town charm and tender moments, Under a Christmas Star is a heartwarming tale of love, second chances, and the Christmas magic that lights the path home.

Join USA Today bestselling author, Tammy L. Grace, as she delivers a touching holiday story, filled with heartwarming characters, furry friends, and small town traditions.

Read more from USA Today bestselling author Tammy L. GraceHOMETOWN HARBOR SERIES

Hometown The Beginning (Prequel Novella)Finding HomeHome BloomsPromise of HomePieces of HomeFinally HomeForever HomeFollow Me HomeLong Way HomeCome Home for ChristmasFeels Like HomeCOOPER HARRINGTON DETECTIVE NOVELS

Killer MusicDeadly ConnectionDead WrongCold KillerDeadly DeceptionDeadly PursuitGLASS BEACH COTTAGE SERIES

Beach HavenMoonlight BeachBeach DreamsSISTERS OF THE HEART SERIESGreetings from Lavender ValleyPathway to Lavender ValleySanctuary at Lavender ValleyBlossoms at Lavender ValleyComfort in Lavender ValleyReunion in Lavender ValleyCHRISTMAS BOOKS

A Season for Hope (Christmas in Silver Falls)The Magic of the Season (Christmas in Silver Falls)Christmas in Snow Valley (Hometown Christmas Series)One Unforgettable Christmas (Hometown Christmas Series)Christmas Sisters (FREE PREQUEL to Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge)Christmas Wishes (Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge)Christmas Surprises (Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge)Christmas Shelter (Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge)Christmas Hearts (Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge)OTHER TITLESThe Wishing TreeWish AgainOverdue WishesOne More WishPick of the LitterHearts UnleashedWelcome AboardUncharted WatersWRITING AS CASEY WI

128 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2025

About the author

Tammy L. Grace is a USA Today bestselling and award winning author who writes women's fiction, mysteries, and sweet Christmas stories. She also writes about the bond we have with dogs using her pen name, Casey Wilson. Tammy is known for creating perfect escapes, unforgettable characters, and binge-worthy series.

When Tammy isn't working on ideas for a novel, she's spending time with family and friends or supporting her addiction to books and chocolate. She and her husband have one grown son and a spoiled golden retriever.

Tammy enjoys connecting with readers.
Website: http://www.tammylgrace.com
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/tammylgrace....
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/tammylg...
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tammy...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authortammy...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tammylgrace/

Reviews

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read and loved all of Tammy L. Grace’s other novels, so I had high expectations, and this novel did not disappoint! Under a Christmas Star is book three in the Hometown Christmas series set in the small town of Snow Valley by Tammy L. Grace. Get ready to snuggle up with your favorite warm beverage and enjoy the sights and warmth of Snow Valley.

In it you will meet Harper Wagner, a first-grade teacher at Snow Valley Elementary, and her Golden Retriever Duncan. Harper has a new student (six-year-old Ruby) from out of town whom she takes under her wing when she notices little Ruby seems to be very sad and a little disheveled.

You will soon learn Ruby and her father Jake Bennett returned to her dad’s hometown of Snow Valley to help Jake’s father Curt after a stroke, all the while dealing with feelings of loss after losing Ruby’s mom and her grandmother. Harper makes it her mission to help Ruby and Jake navigate life after such tragic loss, and with caring for Curt when they return to Snow Valley where they will spend their first Christmas without them.

Tammy Grace is a wonderful author and writes stories that obviously come from her heart. Under a Christmas Star is an uplifting story of Christmas hope, second chances, and sweet romance that will warm your heart and leave you yearning for the holidays in Snow Valley! Her love of Golden Retrievers has rubbed off on me and we now have three of our own!

Also, a fun tidbit, if you’ve read Tammy Grace’s One Unforgettable Christmas you may remember Harper! So fun to see crossover of characters from different stories. Grab your hot cocoa and a warm blanket and dig in to this wonderful new book!

[Margaret Osmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful Christmas story of heartbreak and how one person can change the lives of a lonely family.
Harper is a teacher in Snow Valley who has a new student join her class. Ruby is in town with her Dad, Jake after losing both her Mom and Grandma in the past year, they’re struggling and staying with her Grandfather Curt after he suffers a stroke. Harper takes a liking to Ruby and helps her and her Dad to start to heal. I read this book on a cruise in the middle of a hurricane in August, it was a very needed break from the heat and humidity. It’s a lovely story about how putting effort in can bring peace and love to everyone.
I have officially read everyone of Tammy‘s books and can say with confidence that none will disappoint you

[Victoria Bahnsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under a Christmas Star is a heartwarming read that will put you in the mood for a cozy fire and a cup of Christmas cheer. This author has a talent for creating places and characters that you’ll want to revisit.

When an unexpected event draws Jake Bennett back to his hometown – the place he was only too happy to leave after graduating from high school - he thinks it will be a quick visit. The timing is bad – he’s busy with work and he and his young daughter are still recovering from recent losses. Little does he know that returning to Snow Valley is just what they needed.

An easy-to-read, feel-good story.

[Marta Ratliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

My last Christmas read for 2025

Under a Christmas Star by Tammy Grace is the best book for me to end my Christmas books for 2025. I've read the first two books in this series and all 3 of them are great! This was a perfect book to end my Christmas reading till next year.

[Denia Teeters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under a Christmas Star, Tammy L. Grace

Charming and as sweet as warm cinnamon rolls this book set in Snow Valley sweeps you up in the magic of the season. Be prepared to turn page after page while reading as it will be hard to stop.

[Carol Ardeeser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read and a great story of new beginnings in Snow Valley. Who can't relate to the need for a new beginning and a fresh start and furry friends make it even better!

[Nancie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet story that continues the first two.

[Bill Rech · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snow Valley

This was a happy Christmas series. I enjoyed reading about Snow Valley families. Tammy, I love all your books. Thank you!

[Chris Corkell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas wishes come true

This was a great book, loved it can't wait for the next book! Loved the characters and the hometown setting.

[Valerie J. Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice cozy Christmas story! All of Grace's books are excellent.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Christmas Story!

I'm so glad Harper got her HEA! This book makes you want to live in Snow Valley. A well written story. You can't go wrong with a Tammy L Grace book!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper and Ruby

This was a great book about a teacher and a new student who had lost her mom and grandma within a few months.

[Patty Guerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful Christmas story, as always, by Tammy L. Grace. Harper Wagner is a First Grade teacher, who along with her golden retriever Duncan, live in the quaint village of Snow Valley. A new student, Ruby, arrives in her classroom, a little disheveled looking, and Harper is a little concerned for this shy child. She discovers that Ruby’s father, Jake, is the town newspaper editor’s son, who had came home to take care of the paper while his father recovers from a recent stroke. Harper learns that Ruby’s mom passed away a year ago, and knew that her grandmother passed not long ago too, leaving Ruby without a female presence in her home life. So heartwarming and inspiring, about looking out for others and taking second chances in life. A great book to curl up with for the holiday or anytime you want to read a real feel-good story.

[Phyllis Jones Pisanelli Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under A Christmas Star by Tammy L. Grace is the third book in the Hometown Christmas series. It is my second Christmas book of the year and my favorite one so far! There are a few reasons for that, so let me tell you why.

First of all, I am a huge fan of anything by Ms. Grace. She always makes me yearn for my hometown. She writes mostly about small towns and the wonderful people that inhabit them. Life is different in a small town. More like things were when I was growing up. We lived in a small town during my high school years and I loved the freedoms that I was able to have. You behave differently in a town where everyone knows your name, your parents, and all your business.

Second, if you’ve read the first two books, you have already met some of the characters in this book. Harper is the main character in this book and I was hoping she would get her own story told. She is a new elementary school teacher at the local school and lives in her grandmother's old home.

Third, she always includes dogs in her books who are always faithful companions. I have a couple myself and know how much comfort they can be if you are down or not feeling well. They are the best!

Fourth, Tammy offers us a wide variety of books to read. She has a few different series out including a detective series that is really good. She has also started a new thriller series that promises to be awesome.

If you have not read anything by Tammy L. Grace yet, I strongly encourage you to give her a try. Whenever a new book by her comes out, I’m ready to get a drink and snuggle into my recliner for a good read. Her books always bring me a feeling of well being and peace when I am done reading. Check out her work and pick something for the tbr pile on your nightstand. You won’t be sorry. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Pam Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

A super sweet Christmas read. Elementary school teacher Harper, gets a new student Ruby, before the holidays. Ruby and her dad, Jake came to town after her grandfather had a stroke. The past year has been hard after the loss of Ruby’s mother and her grandmother. Jake is drowning, trying to be a single dad, adjust to life in Snow Valley, and managing the local newspaper for his dad.

Harper can’t help but step in to help Ruby adjust to her new situation, including encouraging Ruby to take a role in the local Christmas pageant. As feelings begin to develop between Harper and Jake, what will the future bring?

Is it possible for Christmas magic to take place? So many sweet emotions surround the characters as the holidays approach

Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very touching story! Harper, who was introduced in One Unforgetable Christmas, is now a first-grade teacher. During December, a little girl named Ruby becomes a new student for her. Ruby has lost her mother in an accident and her grandmother all in the same year. Her dad, Jake, is struggling as he tries to care for his dad who had a stroke and his daughter while juggling two jobs. This is a feel-good story as the characters come together. Love the dog, too!
Thank you to the author for the ARC; all opinions are my own.