Hurry Down the Chimney: A 1950s New York City Holiday Rom-Com

by E. E. Lawson

In 1953 Manhattan, two unlikely songwriters pen a Christmas tune that shocks the censors, charms the nation—and just might lead them to love.

Judy Jacobs has a knack for witty comebacks and cocktail parties—and disappointing her mother. When she teams up with Ira Silverman, a struggling songwriter from Brooklyn, their flirty, not-so-innocent Christmas song becomes the talk of the town… and the scandal of the season.

From smoky Midtown bars to the gilded halls of the Waldorf-Astoria, Judy and Ira discover that making music in the spotlight is messy, exhilarating, and maybe even romantic. But when family expectations, society gossip, and one very persistent ex-fiancé threaten to drown out their song, Judy must will she play along with the life chosen for her, or follow the unexpected rhythm she’s found with Ira?

For readers who crave the sparkle of Hallmark but long for something sharper, wittier, and full of heart— Hurry Down the Chimney is Music and Lyrics meets The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, wrapped in Manhattan holiday magic.

You’ll fall in love with Judy, Ira, and the song that changed everything.

347 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2025

About the author

E. E. Lawson writes immersive, character-driven women’s fiction where determined heroines redraw the lines that once confined them. Born among Ohio cornfields, she has since lived in Fargo, Seattle, and—today—Rhode Island, gathering stories in every zip code. Her 2025 lineup features Absolution (June) and the 1953 holiday rom-com novella “Hurry Down the Chimney” (November).

Readers praise her writing as “lyrical without losing momentum” and her characters as “people you could bump into at the grocery store.”

When she isn’t coaxing commas into place with an espresso tea in hand, Lawson moonlights as the family chauffeur—shuttling her five sons on the never-ending carousel of school drop-offs and sideline pick-ups.

Visit www.eelawson.com for newsletter extras, free book-club kits, and limited-run signed hardcovers.

Reviews

[Ange Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg omg omg I loved this story! It was so wonderful. I love that we're taking a very well-known holiday song and telling the imagining of how it all came together. I love a good Christmas story, so I was immediately drawn in by the premise. The characters were so easy to visualize, too! You have Judy and Ira, two people who are just desperate to 'make it,' but in different ways. I felt for Judy so much as...

** slight spoilers below? I guess? **

... she's trying to prove to her parents her real talents and just wanting them to take her seriously. And Ira! Oh, I felt for him! Knowing that you have the talent but just not getting the big break you really need. This was just such a good story, and I love the idea. It's very original, and exactly what I was hoping for! It also put me in the Christmas spirit. I'm ready to sit by the fireplace with hot chocolate waiting for Santa to hurry down the chimney, lol. I read this as an ARC, and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book simply must be made into a movie, one that will surely become a Christmas classic.  Hurry Down the Chimney was cleverly written, drawing you into old New York and Christmases past.  The characters are incredibly well-developed, and I felt like I knew them, finding myself rooting for them as the story progressed.  I could imagine Judy in her apartment, living under the expectations of her parents, yet living her life in her own way.  And Ira in his own disheveled apartment, fighting against his self to become what he knew deep down he was capable of.  I loved this book and hope to watch it one day on the Hallmark Channel alongside other holiday classics. 

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hurry Down the Chimney completely drew me in from the very first page. I felt like I was right there with the characters, living out the story behind how this classic song came to be. The writing was so vivid and heartfelt, and I especially loved the author’s notes about what inspired the story, it made the whole experience even richer.

What stood out most to me was how beautifully it showed strong women thriving in times and places where they were often expected to stay in traditional roles. It was inspiring, moving, and full of heart....the perfect holiday read!

[Susan ONeil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t stop smiling - and laughing out loud- as I read E.E. Lawson’s second novel, “Hurry Down The Chimney”. This warm and witty tale, set in the 1950s NYC music world, pairs two struggling young artists and their quest to pen a “new” holiday tune. This lyrical tale, (no pun intended), captured me from page one - and brought to life the Big Apple sights and sounds of a bygone era. It was refreshing to read a “rom-com” unlike any I’ve read before.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! Judy and Ira are from totally different worlds coexisting in 1950s New York. I loved the feeling of stepping back in time to New York Christmases gone by and watching Judy step into her own voice in a family that overlooks the real her in place of who they want her to be. There was even one moment about 3/4s of the way into the book that managed to surprise me when I thought I had it all worked out!

[Rachelle Whynott · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s hard not to fall in love with this book. I was immediately drawn in and invested in these characters. I’m a sucker for the 1950’s already so being able to step back into that time and immerse myself in the story was perfect. Judy, Ira and this story were beautifully written and I’m so glad I got a chance to read it.

I received this book as an arc and am leaving my honest review.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hurry Down the Chimney is a delightful read! It's set in NYC, one of my favorite cities, and captures the romance and spectacle of the holiday season. The characters are well drawn and are easy to identify with.
It's a lovely addition to your holiday reading and I will read it again and again at Christmas time.

[Amanda Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic second book. The story and the way it is brought to life is so good. I feel like I am reading about history (her version) and reading a novel. Totally recommend.

[Barb Niles · Rating 4 out of 5]

thankyou for the early sneak peek!
this book is exactly how you would picture Christmas in the 1950's the world building and characters was perfect!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great fictional story about song writing in the 50s. I easily pictured the scenes in this book like a movie in my head. E. E. Lawson does a great job in her writing.