Christmas Exodus

by Jessica Williams

A fresh, friends-to-lovers romance: Cozy, Lighthearted, Nostalgic, Romantic, Sensual, Hopeful, Reflective, and Emotional.

That’s the reality of being a woman in the military—always surrounded by guys, and they pretty much dominate the conversation.

But Staff Sergeant Wilson was different.

“Standing there in just his brown T-shirt, BDU pants, and boots, I noticed his strong silhouette, the soft moonlight outlining his handsome features. We stood there, both of us laughing and grinning in the cool, crisp night air. It felt easy, comfortable, like time had slowed down for a moment. Talking about books with a fellow soldier wasn’t something I was used to. Movies, sure. Music, of course. But never books.”

Kiera Roberts, a 26-year-old Sergeant in the U.S. Army, was ready to tackle whatever came next. She’d lived overseas, faced challenges, and come out stronger. Fear wasn’t something she carried anymore—if anything, her confidence sometimes bordered on reckless.

Scott Wilson was a 29-year-old single dad who fell for Kiera instantly and invited her to spend Christmas with his family in Helen, Georgia.

Helen is straight out of a dream: sprawling land, horses, warmth, family chaos, laughter. And Scott’s daughter, Dee, who captures Kiera’s heart instantly.

What began as a quiet escape quickly turned into a rollercoaster of adventure, secrets, and a spark of unexpected romance—one that just might change everything she thought she wanted.

Genres: Christmas, Romance

238 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2025

About the author

Motherhood had me imagining that someday, when they were old enough, my children would look to me as a source of information and wisdom. That they’d come to me looking for advice about life. I imagined us having long conversations where I’d share what I’ve learned along the way. But that moment never really happened. Instead, the Internet became their source of information and I wondered how my lived experience could possibly compete with that.

So, I chose a different path.

I began turning my life lessons into stories. Narratives layered with meaning, written with the hope that one day they might read them.

My books are my gift to them. A love letter of sorts, filled with the wisdom and hope I wish for their lives.

I write stories where women’s fiction, historical fiction, and a touch of sensual romance come together. My novels explore women’s lives with emotional depth, historical authenticity, and just enough sizzle to keep things exciting—without being explicit. Set in 20th- and early 21st-century California, Chicago, Minnesota, and Georgia, my books follow bold, resilient women as they navigate love, change, and self-discovery.

If you enjoy the heartwarming charm of Katherine Center or the drama of Marie Bostwick, you’ve just found your next go-to author.

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, Christmas Exodus, by Jessica Williams, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Kiera Roberts is 26 and is a sergeant in the US army, and has nobody special in her life until she meets Staff Sargent Wilson. This was a nice Christmas story.

[Samantha✨ [reads everythinggggg] · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive a copy of Christmas Exodus by Jessica Williams, and it was an absolute treat to read. Before I even get into how much I enjoyed the story, I want to say that—as a female veteran and a military spouse, similar to the author—I really appreciated this read. It not only made me feel proud, but also sentimental.

I don’t often read books that center a female point of view in the military, and this one did it so well. I loved the friendship and strength displayed among the women in these roles. I also found the military details to be spot on. I’ve read books in the past where things just didn’t make sense, and as someone who’s lived this life, that always pulls me out of the story. But here, everything felt accurate and true to experience.

Now, onto this wonderful friends-to-lovers romance. I thought the pacing was great, the flow was engaging, and the length was perfect. The descriptions throughout the book painted such a vivid picture in my mind. As someone who has visited Helen, GA, and the other areas mentioned in the story, I felt like I was right back there.

Thank you, Jessica Williams, for allowing me to read your book!

[Ashley]

I had to stop reading due to higher focus on lust and fade-to-black sexual scenes.

[Barbara Selman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica Thank you for gifting me an ebook. This is my first book by her and I hope i have the opportunity to read another one of her books. I really enjoyed this quick great read. The story is centered around Military life and how females deal with that life. Kiera is a strong female in the Army surrounded by males and her bestie roommate. Right before the holidays she and her boyfriend break up. So she decides to take up an offer to go away for the holidays with Scott to his family’s home. Little did she know what she would discover about herself and the lifelong decisions she would make. I absolutely loved this story and Kiera’s journey to finding happiness. And I loved the characters I this story, especially the females.

[Sydney Ely · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This review contains minor spoilers related to tropes but no specific details.

The author is a very strong writer, I was able to feel enveloped in this story and understood the characters fairly well. However, this book was not a hit for me, I simply could not connect with it.

I felt like the story moved way too fast with too little development, there was a lot of technical language that your average, non-military personnel would not know, and some of the “side characters” weren’t as developed as I would like them to be. I’m also not a huge fan of the concept of the third-act breakup, it almost ALWAYS puts me off a story.

That being said, the story may fit a movie fairly well. The epilogue in particular felt like something you’d see in a historical fiction piece, which I did like, it just isn’t something I enjoy in my books.

This book simply wasn’t my cup of tea, but language and storytelling ability is there! The if you love a quick, closed-door/fade to black military romance, you may enjoy this book!

[Francesca ⭒₊ ⊹ ☾ ₊ ⊹⭒ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky to receive an e-book copy of Christmas Exodus from Jessica Williams!
Although this is not my reading style, I really enjoyed the book!

Military life is central to the book, and I think/hope she portrayed it in the best way (as I do not know much about military life 😅).
I loved the romantic relationships of the book, maybe a bit cliché, but who doesn't love a chiché thrope?? I think she portrayed the feelings and thought process of Kiera amazingly throughout the entire book.

For me, the most important theme of the book was the representation of the female characters: They were members of the army, fearless, powerful, strong, life-saving women, as well as mothers, daughters, friends, and lovers! I'm sure that's one of the aspects Jessica wanted to show most in the story!

[Jamie Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a lucky lady to receive an e-book copy of Christmas Exodus by the author and i highly enjoyed reading it.
Its not my usual genre to read but romance is romance after all and this one was so sweet and had me giggling like a school girl.
The depth of description the author went into really made me feel like i was there myself and who doesnt love the Christmas feeling.
I also loved the depth of knowledge about the US military, especially as a UK girlie, but it wasnt so deep that i had no idea what was being talked about.

**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily**

[K Mayo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Exodus is a sweet friends to lovers/co-workers to lovers military romance set in the charm of the late 90s. With the main character Kiera being at a crossroads in her life, she needs to decide if she wants to reenlist in the military, living a life she’s grown accustomed to, or pursue a college education with a dream in journalism, along with a surprise proposal, and an unexpected new romance. I found my emotions being taken along for a ride in this beautiful story, and I loved the warmth of the holiday setting.

[Read, Run and Rescue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a different genre then I typically read, however I did enjoy this story very much. The dynamics of the relationship of our FMC and MMC was so genuine dare I say heart felt but it wasn’t overly done in a sappy sentimental way . The crossroads of life is often a very uncomfortable place but helps create depth in a story. That book did this.

[Mariah Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great holiday read. It was well written with very relatable situations. This is a great add to your holiday tbr if you love unexpected romance. I definitely recommend it!

[Mari Sim]

NEW REVIEW
I just received a second, edited book from the author. Out of the blue. With a personal note, thanking me for the constructive feedback. I’m stunned, honestly. I didn’t expect that for sure!
Moreover, the book is actually edited. I compared two chapters I’ve mentioned in my old review, and they are rewritten!
HUGE respect to Jessica Williams! Thanks for reading my review!
________________
OLD REVIEW
I don’t want to give any rating: I think the story is good and deserves attention, but the editing is absent. Sometimes it feels like AI was used to rewrite the sentences: they have the same structure and tone, not much of a personal style in there.

Also, I almost DNFed the book after the second chapter- the amount of abbreviations is so overwhelming it’s impossible to follow the story. I get that the author knows what she’s writing about, but to put everything she knows in one chapter - it’s just too much.

I like the romance part, I felt good for Kiera to find someone who gets her as she is. But the history lesson on the hotel was dropped on us like a bomb. The two of them is about to get involved, and here we are, reading that this building was built by some businessman in 70s etc. (you get the impression).

I got this book from Goodreads Giveaways, and Im grateful to Jessica Williams for personally signing it - it’s a pleasant touch. Honestly, that’s what stopped me from dropping the book. But she really needs to stop using AI to rewrite sentences. I’d better read a humanly grammar, with mistakes and personal touches.

[Mathea Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received via NetGalley
The Setup

It's Christmas 1999 at Fort Gordon, Georgia. SSG Scott Wilson has just been stationed there, and SGT Kiera Brown is already part of the Signal Corps unit. When both their units head to the field for two weeks, Scott and Kiera end up working the night shift together—and those long quiet hours turn into real conversation and a genuine friendship. Nothing more than that. Just two soldiers getting to know each other. The Army has a way of forcing: close quarters, little to do but talk, and nowhere else to be.
When they return, Kiera's boyfriend Alan Kearney suddenly suggests they get married—for the benefits, and so she could follow him to Colorado. It's the wrong proposal at the wrong time for all the wrong reasons, and Kiera knows it. She puts things on pause. Her plan for Christmas break is to stay in the barracks and wait it out. Then Scott shows up and asks if she wants to come home with him for the holidays. She says no. Then she says yes.
Meeting his family is where everything shifts. Friendship starts looking like something else entirely—for both of them. They share a night together, and the next morning Kiera tells him about Alan's proposal. The fallout isn't what she expects.

What Worked

The Military Authenticity is Exceptional
The Signal Corps setting, the field exercises, the barracks life, the rhythm of Army Christmas break when most of the unit disappears and the rest stays behind—it all rings completely true. The author handles the military jargon well, spelling out the acronyms and then explaining them so readers who haven't lived it can follow along without feeling lost. For those of us who have lived it, the descriptions are a genuine pleasure of recognition.
The Friendship Foundation
Two weeks of night shift conversation is a surprisingly effective slow burn setup. There's something about that particular military experience—the enforced proximity, the odd hours, the nothing-else-to-do—that creates real intimacy without any romantic pressure. By the time Scott shows up at her door with a Christmas invitation, you already believe in them as people who genuinely like each other.
The Holiday Setting Earns Its Place
Going home with someone for Christmas is inherently intimate and inherently revealing. Meeting the family, navigating someone else's traditions, seeing who they are outside of work—it's the right catalyst for Kiera's feelings to clarify. It feels earned rather than convenient.
Sweet and Comforting This is a warm book. Closed door, character-driven, focused on two people finding each other in a specific time and place. The 1999 setting adds a layer of nostalgia that works in its favor.
What Didn't Quite Work

The Ending Wraps Too Quickly
The final section tries to tie up everything at once and feels compressed compared to the careful pacing of the rest of the book. The information is appreciated—knowing where everyone lands matters—but it reads more like a summary than a conclusion. A little more room to breathe at the end would have served the story well.

Final Thoughts
Christmas Exodus is a sweet, grounded military romance that gets the details right and builds its central relationship the honest way—through time, conversation, and the particular closeness that comes from serving alongside someone. The 1999 Army world is rendered with genuine authenticity, and Kiera and Scott are worth following. A satisfying holiday read with real heart behind it.

Best for: Readers who love military romance, holiday settings, closed-door slow burns built on friendship, and stories that feel lived-in because they clearly are.

[Julianne Harkleroad · Rating 3 out of 5]

She values independence and self respect. Two men are vying for her heart. Which one, if any, will she choose?

Kiera Roberts is a 26-year-old Army Sergeant at the end of her contract facing an open world with endless possibilities and uncertain future. Her long time boyfriend, Alan, technically proposes, but she immediately wants to run from him. And run she does! Straight into single daddy Staff Sergeant Scott Wilson's welcoming arms. He invites her to come home with him to Helen, Georgia for Christmas. Scott knows just how much Kiera loved and misses her time spent serving in Germany and his hometown is the closest he can come to providing that for her. Kiera agrees to go, claiming she needs to clear her head so she can figure out what she wants her future to look like.

In Helen, Kiera is welcomed into Scott's family with open arms and delights in the small town activities. She feels like she's found a family she's missed for years, uncovers a fascinating story she feels connected to and plans to develop further, and even serves the community by giving back to the residents of a senior citizen facility. All of that love and warmth doesn't even address the easy connection she feels with Scott and his daughter Dee that she never felt with Alan. Is this what she's been missing in that relationship? Could this feeling be love?

Unfortunately for Kiera and Scott, unforeseen issues arrive that pull Kiera back to base early. Torn, Kiera falls into old, destructive habits that nearly ruin her future plans. Does Kiera have the strength and courage to face reality even when it's hard?

Christmas Exodus makes us civilians feel incredibly thankful for the liberties and excess we have while recognizing the many sacrifices Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, and Sailors all give for our ability to live free!

SPOILER ALERT! PERSONAL OPINION-
Everyone in this love triangle was lying to someone else smh: Scott, fraudulently to the government to get more money illegally, Alan, also fraudulently to the government via his marriage of convenience, Kiera by hooking up with Scott when she never officially broke up with Alan AND by agreeing to a fraudulent marriage with Alan! And she was mad Scott wasn't officially divorced from his wife? That's a frustrating double standard, but I guess Kiera believes Ross and Rachel were also on a break 🤣

Troupes: Y2K throwback, military setting and jargon, Christmas break, small town, single father, he falls first, lgbtq, slow burn, friends to lovers, requisite break-up, love triangle, finding yourself, HEA
Spice: 2/5 🌶️
Gore: 0/5 🩸
Language: 2/5 👀
Triggers: messy relationships

Thank you to Jessica Williams and NetGalley for this ARC!

[Eunice Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Exodus is the kind of holiday romance that feels tender, reflective, and quietly transformative. It doesn’t rush love or decisions,instead, it allows space for uncertainty, growth, and the kind of connection that forms when two people meet at exactly the right moment, even if neither of them realizes it at first.

Kiera’s crossroads felt incredibly real. Her struggle between duty, independence, and the longing for a different kind of life is handled with so much care. You feel the weight of every option she’s considering, and that emotional honesty makes her journey deeply relatable. Meeting Scott during a winter training exercise might seem like chance, but the slow, natural way their bond forms especially during long night shifts, feels grounded and authentic.

Helen, Georgia, is beautifully portrayed, not just as a festive setting, but as a place of warmth and possibility. Scott’s family, the horses, the laughter, and especially Dee, bring a sense of home that contrasts perfectly with Kiera’s uncertainty. The way Kiera connects with Dee is especially touching and adds an emotional depth that elevates the romance beyond just attraction.

This is a friends-to-lovers story filled with heart, gentle tension, and the quiet magic of Christmas the kind that doesn’t shout, but stays with you. Christmas Exodus is about choosing what truly matters, even when it’s unexpected, and trusting that sometimes the path forward begins with a simple invitation to stay.

[David Carriere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Exodus is one of those romances that sneaks up on you with its quiet emotional power. Kiera is relatable from the very first page a soldier standing at a turning point, pulled between expectations, comfort, and the life she secretly wants but hasn’t found the courage to choose yet. The late ‘90s setting gives the story a nostalgic warmth that makes the holidays feel even more tender and meaningful.

Her connection with Scott is slow, intimate, and beautifully grounded. Their conversations feel real, their chemistry is subtle but undeniable, and their growing bond has that perfect friends to lovers sweetness. The Christmas setting, the military backdrop, and the swirling questions about identity, love, and direction all blend into a story that feels heartfelt and deeply human.

This is the kind of romance you finish with a full chest and a soft smile, cozy, emotional, and quietly transformative.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Exodus by Jessica Williams is a straightforward fictional story of 26-year-old Sergeant Kiera Roberts at a turning point in her life. Should she reenlist in the Army or pursue a personal dream? During this time of decision she meets Staff Sergeant Wilson then spends Christmas with his family in Helen, GA. This character driven story has wonderful main and supporting characters. The day to day military life is especially interesting since I personally know very little about what life is when stationed on base. I especially loved the women that Kiera listened to stories of their time in service. Then it is also a Christmas time story which was just a delight, particularly reading about snow falling in GA which is a big event. All together this is a bright military romance where the characters are proud to serve and dedicated to their jobs

[Mary Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

I enjoyed the story. It's a new author for me and I don't often read near contemporary. This book is set before 2000. I agree with another review that said there is a lot of army vocabulary which for me didn't add anything to the story.

I almost said NOOoo when our heroine goes off to do something that I thought was mighty foolish. Interesting moral dilemna from the hero's actions but what is lovely the couple do talk to each other. They both are experienced military personnel which when I consider they are relatively young 26/29

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas military romance

This is a good book about a Sergeant in the U.S.Army trying to make up her mind about what she wants to do in the future - stay in the military, go to college, or get married. Decisions, decisions, decisions.

The book started out full of military acronyms to the point I almost didn't want to finish it but it leveled off with those and got to the story and then I was able to enjoy Sergeant Kiera Roberts' decision-making process.

Great woman in the military story. I especially like how the book ended and gave an epilogue tying up all the loose ends.

I received this Digital Review Copy from the author through NetGalley. Thank you.

[Maria Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Exodus weaves together military duty, personal crossroads and unexpected romance in a way that feels thoughtful and uplifting. Kiera’s conflict between reenlisting, college dreams, and a surprise proposal is grounded and relatable, while her nightshift assignment and the Christmas-day invitation bring just the right dose of serendipity. The holiday setting adds warmth without holiday clichés, this isn’t sugar-coated, it’s honest.

[Kathleen Ryder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christmas Exodus was an okay read. The story had some enjoyable moments and a festive atmosphere, but it didn't quite capture my attention as much as I'd hoped. While the characters were likeable enough, I found it difficult to fully connect with them, and parts of the plot felt a little slow.

Overall, it was a pleasant holiday read, but not one that will stay with me long after finishing.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing an advance review copy.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Military industry is prominent role in this book but it is also about being at a crossroads and unexpected romance with a little bit of Christmas cheer without being over the top. I felt like my emotions were at a standstill until they weren't and they all came bursting out at the most unexpected moment.

[LizNReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a breeze to read. It was quickly paced and kept me engaged all throughout. There’s a lot to the story, but what I loved most was that the FMC was a military woman who was able to meet and get to know a lot more military women (veterans) during her Christmas vacation. Hearing their stories was enchanting, but seeing the FMC grow and improve her life was the icing on the cake.

Thank you NetGalley && Jessica Williams for this eARC.

[Jessica Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This friends-to-lovers festive romance explores women in the military, the power of friendship, and the value of knowing yourself.

Helen, GA is straight out of a dream: sprawling land, horses, warmth, family chaos, laughter. And Scott’s daughter, Dee, who captures Kiera’s heart instantly. During a visit to Scott’s grandfather in a veteran’s home, Kiera connects with a feisty retired woman vet. What begins as a simple visit turns into a mission of joy, as Kiera, Scott, and the entire Wilson clan come together to bring the residents a Christmas they’ll never forget.

"Christmas Exodus" is cross genre book: Women’s Fiction, Historical Fiction (1999), and Holiday Romance (heat level 3 - sensual).