Trying to Save Christmas

by Dawn Kinzer

A JOYFUL CHRISTMAS SEASON has just begun, but as the new teacher taking over a fourth-grade class, Kellie Winters discovers a student is grieving the loss of his adoptive parents. Heartbroken for the boy who is hurting and withdrawn, she’s determined to help him find some holiday spirit.

Jude Turner’s life changed overnight when he discovered his parents named him guardian for the child they’d fostered and adopted. Now the talented graphic artist is struggling to mourn his own loss and still connect with a kid he barely knows. Project deadlines loom ahead, and when the young boy insists they carry on the family’s Christmas traditions, Jude doesn’t know how he’ll manage it all.

While trying to save Christmas for Jude and his brother, Kellie risks losing her heart to them both. She’d never want to come between them, so what will she do if one isn’t ready to welcome her into their lives?

*This novella was originally included in Finding Love at Twelve Heartwarming Christian Romance Novellas for the Holidays, published in 2024.

102 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2025

About the author

Dawn Kinzer writes fiction because she believes in the power of story to comfort, challenge, and inspire.

Her work has been published in the Christian Fiction Online Magazine, Backyard Friends magazine, The One Year Life Verse Devotional, A Joyful Heart: Experiencing the Light of His Love, and featured on the radio ministry, The Heartbeat of the Home.

Dawn’s historical romance series, The Daughters of Riverton, takes place in the early 1900s. The setting and some of the characters were inspired by her rural Wisconsin hometown. Sarah’s Smile is the first story in the series, Hope’s Design is the second, and Rebecca’s Song completes the trilogy. "Maggie's Miracle," is a historical short story that takes place in Riveron. By All Appearances is her contemporary romance set in Seattle, which is followed by the sequel, A Night Divine. The historical romance, With a Trusting Heart, was inspired by events that took place at the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Expo—Seattle’s first world’s fair.

A mother and grandmother, Dawn lives with her husband in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Favorite things include dark chocolate, cinnamon, popcorn, strong coffee, good wine, the mountains, family time, and Masterpiece Theatre.

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was privileged to read an advance copy of Dawn Kinzer's "Trying to Save Christmas. I enjoyed this story so much. It kept me up at night! The romance is clean and has a faith component. The characters were engaging, and when it was over, I found myself wishing for more story! if you are looking for a romance set at Christmas, you will enjoy this. If you are looking for a nice Christmas gift idea, I highly recommend this book!

I received an advanced copy of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

[Donna Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trying to Save Christmas by Dawn Kinzer is perfect for readers of inspirational fiction looking for a short Christmas read to warm the heart.


Jude Turner’s parents adopted a child they fostered long after he’d grown up, but when they lose their lives in a tragic boating accident, Jude becomes an instant guardian of the young boy, Aaron, who he barely knows. Jude has some challenges in his new role. Kelly, Aaron’s fourth grade teacher, is big-hearted and determined to do all she can to help.


A sweet, short contemporary Christmas romance with a bit of depth. While this story deals with grief in a real way by having the characters grow and come to terms with loss, it is a balanced read that kept me turning pages. Easy to read. Dual POVs. Wholesome, sweet, and charming. Love the romance and the Christmas vibes. (Kelly loves Christmas!) All in all, I thought this was a perfect, quick Christmas romance read.


I was gifted a copy of this story. All opinions are my own.

[Mary Albers Felkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A shining star by Dawn Kinzer, Trying to Save Christmas puts the reader into the skin of a heroine and hero facing pithy situational challenges. The heroine is a 4th grade teacher who’s determined to bring joy to one of her mourning students, while the hero is thrown into his unexpected role as big brother AND guardian to said student. The way they interact with one another as they work toward a common goal to bless the boy is touching. Of course, their hearts are on the line—everything I love about romance. This story delivers enjoyable sensory feels of the season and a beautifully wrapped happy ending. Highly recommend this story!

[Gail Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trying to Save Christmas is a sweet story filled with holiday spirit. I enjoyed getting to know Kellie, Jude, and Aaron as they became better acquainted during a school break.

Kellie is a warm-hearted fourth-grade teacher concerned about her troubled student. Jude is an overwhelmed graphic artist trying to work and care for his younger brother, who is struggling with grief after losing their parents. 

Kellie and Jude must work together to help Aaron navigate his heartbreak and loneliness during the holiday season. This holiday offering is a must-read if you like relatable characters, cozy settings, and happy endings.

I received an advanced copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

[BrendaLee · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Trying to Save Christmas” by Dawn Kinzer touched my heart and made me think of my own parents and what a blessed childhood I had. I loved the compassion the teacher Kellie had for her student, of course it didn’t hurt for him to have a handsome brother named Jude either. This inspirational and romantic novel will have you thinking. This book will also bless you while they are “Trying to Save Christmas”.
I received a complimentary copy but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kellie Winters is a new fourth grade teacher whose student suffered the loss of his adoptive parents and is now under his adopted brother, Jude Turner’s care. Kellie lives just down the street from them, and tries to befriend them both and help ease their grief. An uplifting story about keeping Christmas traditions, and developing community.

[Julie Blakeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was immediately drawn into the characters and their individual circumstances. Their feelings and conflicting situations felt very real, and I was hoping for their resolution. But then, as shorter stories go, when it comes to a conclusion – I wished that their tales could go on longer!! I definitely recommend giving it a read.

[Ruth Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet short story

I enjoyed the story but it moved so quickly no real time to anticipate what might be. I loved both Aaron and Jude, I know how hard it is to lose parents but poor Aaron was only 6 and lost two sets of parents. I felt like to much of a story that could have been expanded on.

[PAMpublish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and clean Contemporary Christmas story about a teacher who has a foster child in her classroom who lost his foster parents in an accident and the adult son in the family is given guardianship. Not having any idea what to do, he depends on his teacher's suggestions until a snag interferes with their growing relationship. A good bedtime read for those who enjoy this genre.

[Mary Mccauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book worthy of a reread. A wonderful Christmas story of 2 brothers struggles with grief and a teacher neighbor who reaches out to help.
What can possibly go wrong?
Will love bloom?
I enjoyed this story and hope you will as well.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

Two brothers trying to survive after their parents death.
The elementary teacher helps them to find a bit of hope & a path to a better way.

[Sandra Arbeni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

Oh, what a delightful story about loss and moving on. It's a warm and heartfelt story.
I highly recommend it and you won't be disappointed.

[Patti Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of compassion, healing, and unconditional love is found in Trying to Save Christmas. Also, a lovely tale of forgiveness during the Christmas season.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, but great read

[Caitlin Nikolai · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect sweet, Christian novella that shows the strength of family, with themes of healing in grief and forgiveness.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surviving Grief

I really liked this book. The story was well written and the characters were believable and developed. I was pleased with the caring and kindness that was shown.