An Unexpected Christmas

by Meghan Hollie

Frankie Thompson has her December all mapped out. Long shifts at the hospital and a trip to Boston to spend Christmas with her family. The only thing not on her list? The grumpy neighbor across the street who makes it clear he has no interest in holiday cheer.
Sam Nicholas prefers his solitude. After walking away from a life that cost him more than it gave, he’s content to keep his distance from twinkling lights and seasonal fuss. Peace and quiet—that’s all he wants. But when a snowstorm knocks out the power and pushes Frankie into his orbit, his carefully guarded world begins to shift.
Letting her in was supposed to be simple. Instead, the storm brings shared meals, late-night conversations, and sparks that make the walls around Sam’s heart begin to crack.
Frankie knows she should be packing for Boston, not lingering in a house that feels more like home than she ever expected. And Sam knows better than to let himself believe in Christmas miracles.
But the storm has other plans.

Unexpected Christmas is a grumpy/sunshine holiday romance filled with cozy banter, reluctant neighbors, and the kind of love that sneaks up when you least expect it.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Forced Proximity, Novella

160 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2025

About the author

Meghan is a British author living in East England with her husband, two children and their yappy dog.
You can find Meghan reading and escaping into fictional worlds or with her head in her laptop creating brand new ones for you all to enjoy.
She writes adult contemporary romance novels, with happily ever afters, swoony and sexy men and strong capable women with a sprinkle of spice.

Connect with Meghan on her social media:

https://www.tiktok.com/@authormeghanh...

https://www.instagram.com/meghanholli...

Website and newsletter sign up coming soon!

Reviews

[sabrina (on vacation🏝️) · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ Rating: 4⭐️
🫧 Vibes: stay at home christmas
🎶 Song: underneath the tree - kelly clarkson
📖 Favourite Quote: "I made Christmas, for you."
📚 Would I recommend? yes!
💬 tldr thoughts: a sweet and short Christmas novella!

In the package:
📦 grumpy writer x sunshine
📦 she’s obsessed with Christmas
📦 forced proximity
📦 stranded on Christmas

Plot: Frankie’s holiday plans to go home for Christmas get derailed by a snowstorm and she’s forced into close quarters with her grumpy neighbour, Sam, who doesn’t like Christmas.

Thoughts: this was just what i needed on brimstone eve. A cute, short heartwarming christmas novella with all the holiday vibes. A lot of novellas suffer from insta lust but this one didn’t. The characters already knew each other and it developed from there. While Sam is a grump in the beginning, he turns into a total softie when it comes to Frankie. He doesn’t like cookies but will eat the ones she made. He’s not a fan of Christmas decor but tolerates it for her. Oh and he COOKS!!!

✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok and instagram⋆☾✩⁺₊✩

[Olga Rudnitska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Це було дійсно ро-різдвяному.
Френкі, що обожнює Різдво і сусід Ґрінч.
Але все було так дотепно та мило.
а потім і гаряче❤️‍🔥
дуже приємна історія

[Inna ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Легка і можливо трішки передбачувана, але дуже атмосферна різдвяна історія про другий шанс і маленьке різдвяне диво — ідеально для вечора під пледиком, 4⭐

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tis the season to be reading all the cute and cozy Christmas reads.

This was such a cute read, reminds me of those perfect Hallmark movies we all love to watch at this time of the year 🥰 but it's certainly not missing out on the spice 🔥

Frankie is a little ray of sunshine who absolutely LOVES Christmas time. Sam is the grump next door who will do anything to avoid all things Christmas. These two are complete opposites but end up forced together after some cancelled Christmas plans 🤭 the chemistry between them is undeniable.

"𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗿. 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗵."
"𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀."

If you're looking for a fun Christmas novella, filled with lots of sweet, spicy and funny moments, then look no further. I ate this one up and it didn't disappoint. And can we take a moment for the cover, she is CUTE 😍😍

🎄Grumpy x sunshine
🩷Cancelled Christmas plans
🎄Forced Proximity
🩷Neighbours
🎄Snow

[Larareads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating 3.5 ⭐️

[Ana Janevska · Rating 5 out of 5]

SUCH a cute little novella! Frankie is just like me, a Christmas freak 🤣 and Sam the grumpy Grinch writer... they're like two peas in a pod. The story is very cute, so funny and the spice was spicing! I can't wait to read the next one in the series! 🩷

[Kelsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️

Cute, sweet and festive to boot! An Unexpected Christmas was such an amazing read! Two neighbors who couldn’t be more different, slowly find love while snowed in at Christmas, I mean that’s just a story I had to read! And I’m so glad I did because Frankie is the embodiment of Christmas spirit! She’s sweet, a little sassy, and so easy to love immediately! Sam is a grinch through and through, and doesn’t see the need for all the frivolity of loud music and way to bright Christmas decorations but he can’t help but be intrigued by his ball of sunshine neighbor. And when a snowstorm hits from out of the blue Frankie and Sam find that maybe their intrigue runs a little deeper, and feelings may begin to develop under Christmas lights and festive nights! If you’re looking a short read that will get you right in the Christmas spirit, with fantastic characters, plenty of banter, romance and spice not to mention a wonderful happily ever after then be sure to grab a copy of An Unexpected Christmas today!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this… it was funny without being too try-hard. Overall a super sweet (and spicy) little holiday novella! It was my first time reading anything by Meghan Hollie but certainly won’t be my last!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isnt a meet-cute because they know each other for about 6 months. I definitely got Jane Austen after dark vibes from it. Grumpy English author with Ms Christmas neighbor. It was a quick read to help get me in the holiday spirit.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️💫

I was very underwhelmed by this. I know it was a short holiday novella, but I feel like it didn’t really deliver much? The Grumpy/Sunshine trope was what drew me in but it really only lasted for a little bit before it was gone.

Short and sweet, but not my fave.

[Kaity · Rating 5 out of 5]

From (basically inhaling) reading Frankie and Sam’s book in one sitting, it further highlights how much I love everything Meghan writes.

Even a grumpy Englishman who hates Christmas, but slowly falls for his Christmas lights loving neighbour.

Their dynamic was so pure and sweet, even if their spice was anything but - it was steamy as a sauna in the middle of a heatwave!

Thank you Meghan for an advanced copy.

[Mackenziebooknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ ARC Review ✨

Unexpected Christmas by Meghan Hollie

“You know for someone who looks like he stepped out of a hallmark movie, you’re surprisingly grinchy”

Thank you to the @meghanhollie for letting me read an early copy of this cozy Christmas romance! And has now become one of my favourite authors 🤍

Unexpected Christmas is everything I want in a holiday read 🤍heartfelt, funny, and filled with those warm, small-town moments that make you want to curl up under a blanket with a cup of tea. Frankie and Sam’s story was the perfect mix of grumpy/sunshine charm and emotional depth. Their chemistry built so naturally through the snowstorm setting, late-night talks, and quiet shared moments that felt real and intimate.

Frankie is a character you can’t help but love (loved her the second she came on page) she’s kind, determined, and brings light to every page. And Sam… oh, Sam. The classic grump with a soft heart hiding under layers of hurt. Watching him slowly let his guard down and rediscover the magic of Christmas was such a joy.

This book captures everything I adore about holiday romances 🤍 reluctant neighbors, cozy banter, and the kind of unexpected love that sneaks up when you least expect it.

If you’re looking for a story that delivers warmth, healing, and all the festive feels, Unexpected Christmas deserves a spot on your December TBR.

🎄 Rating: 5/5

[Kala Frick · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a quick holiday read then this Novella is exactly what you need! It has fun banter, all the Christmas feels, and even a Grinch!

[CM Neff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delightful read for the Christmas season. Sam and Frankie's story inspires the HEA everyone needs this time of year.

[Lyla Nadeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forced to be close to a hot British man during the holidays…. What’s there to complain about! This was a fun, spicy, heartfelt Christmas novella. They were adorable! I really enjoyed them!

[Mindy Menotti bookishly_mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars — The Perfect Grumpy/Grinch + Sunshine Holiday Treat

Unexpected Christmas is exactly the novella I want in my hands when the holiday season begins. It’s the perfect blend of grumpy/grinchy neighbor meets sunshiney Miss Christmas, wrapped in cozy winter vibes and all the festive warmth you could hope for.

I always devour anything this author writes, and this one was no exception. From the very first page, I was completely hooked. The story delivers everything I love in a holiday romance: sparkling banter, spicy 🥵 chemistry, and that magical feeling only the best Christmassy reads can create.

Frankie and Sam make such an endearing pair—her bright holiday spirit and his determined grumpiness play off each other beautifully. When a snowstorm forces them together, the result is a heartfelt, charming, and quietly tender journey that left me smiling from start to finish. Their shared meals, soft late-night conversations, and unexpected moments of connection were so cozy and intimate (okay, off the charts hot) that I didn’t want the novella to end.

If you’re looking to kick off the holiday season with a sweet, cozy, neighbors-to-lovers romance full of heart, warmth, and just a touch of Christmas magic, this is the one.

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
I woke up this morning wanting something Christmassy to binge in one sitting. As a girl who isn’t the most Christmas loving person I wanted to try getting into the festive spirit. This short novella was perfect for that. I actually LOVED the characters and the story and it was really easy and fun and I liked the quotes and their interactions and the spice. I actually thought it would be a 4 star which it would have been but around the 60% mark I got a bit bored and then it really picked up again so I settled on a 3.5 stars. I do recommend this if you want something short and easy to get into the festive mood.

P.S
The main character Frankie reminded me of my own sunshine, Lucy, which let’s be real…invades every one of my reviews because I can’t help myself. My best friend is very much giving that sunshine girl. I don’t necessarily mean that it’s because she’s smiling and happy all the time because that’s unrealistic. What I mean is that no matter what mood she’s in, she can radiate a room with so much warmth and love.

[Laraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cutesy little Christmas novella and the ultimate cozy holiday escape. A woman snowed in with her grumpy, Grinch level hot British neighbor who ends up taking care of her was such a fun setup, and their banter and humor were absolute perfection. The chemistry sparkles in every interaction, from the forced proximity to the quiet caretaking moments that slowly melt his tough exterior. I flew through this in one sitting and immediately wished there were more pages, which feels like the best compliment a novella can earn. These bite sized reads are perfect during the Christmas rush when your mind is full and your schedule is packed but you still want something joyful, romantic, and comforting. This felt like curling up with a Hallmark style story wrapped in festive warmth, and I have no doubt you will love it too.

[Nicole Milazzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

“An Unexpected Christmas" by Meghan Hollie is a heartwarming holiday romance that's perfect for the Christmas Holidays!

I was blessed to receive this an advanced reader copy. The story follows Frankie, full of Christmas cheer, and her grumpy, Grinchy neighbor Sam, who's determined to avoid the holiday cheer. When a storm strands Frankie on her way to visit family for the holidays, she's forced to spend Christmas alone.

This was a perfect romance with funny banter, spice, humor, and small-town charm that definitely put me in the holiday spirit. I loved both Frankie and Sam, and their story had me in my feels. It's a beautiful, heartwarming romance about finding love when you least expect it.

[🥀Smut Hut 🥀 · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Unexpected Christmas is exactly the kind of holiday read that feels like slipping into a warm blanket with a mug of cocoa. Meghan Hollie delivers all the small-town charm and twinkly Christmas magic you’d expect from a Hallmark-style story, but gives it extra personality with a delightfully grumpy love interest and plenty of playful banter.
The story is light, festive, and easy to fall into—perfect for readers who want something sweet, fun, and heart-warming without the heavy drama. The chemistry is cute, the holiday moments are adorable, and the overall vibe is pure cozy joy. If you’re looking for a quick, feel-good Christmas read to kick off the season, this one absolutely hits the spot.

[Briana Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review ✨
First I would like to say a big thank you to Meghan for letting me be apart of this ARC Team!
Rate: 5/5⭐️
Spice: 0.5/5🌶️

What to expect when reading An Unexpected Christmas;
-Grumpy x Sunhine
-Forced Proximity
-Not so friendly neighbors
-Snow Storm

Welcome to Holly Creek!!! You get to follow Frankie and Sam!!! You NEED this book on your Christmas reads list because Meghan dumped all the Christmas cheer into this book lol Can Frankie convince her Grinchy neighbor, Sam to get into the Christmas spirit and stop raining on her parade? Well they are about to find out😏 Frankie reminds me soooo much of myself when it comes to buying Christmas decor 😅 Grab you hot chocolate and get ready to laugh and have fun with their chemistry 🥰

Fav Quote:
•”my house looks so good right now. It’s like a hallmark movie threw up on it”
•”I’m sorry, I really just climbed on and went for the yeehaw, huh?”

Make sure you get your copy of the book when it releases Nov. 14th🩷
#bookstagram #romance #review

[Celine · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Baby, I want to spend every moment with you for the rest of my life. I have never been so sure of anything. You’re my favorite person… Christmas obsession and all.”

Frankie is very big on Christmas and decorates her house accordingly. Her neighbor Sam is a Grinch and doesn’t enjoy Christmas as much anymore. When a snowstorm doesn’t allow Frankie to fly to her family, she ends up being snowed in together with Sam. Will she infect him with her holiday cheer and maybe even something else? 🎄

This is so sweet, I read it in a day and didn’t want to put it down. Frankie is so bubbly, it‘s so fun to read her POV!
Sam , Mr. Grinch, an Englishman who doesn’t like Christmas anymore. He eats cookies for her, even though he doesn’t like cookies?! 🥹 Such a cute grumpy man.
I really enjoyed this fast and easy read. It is perfect to read with a tea and some cookies by the fireplace! 😍

Thank you Meghan Hollie for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC! 🤍

[Tasha_loves_to_read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely ate this Christmas Novella up, considering I'm the biggest grinch. I adored Sam and Frankie.
Their witty banter, their connection, their chemistry was all perfect.
Thank you @meghanhollieauthor for trusting me with your words.
Another perfect read that will give you all the Christmassy feels!

[Megan Willetts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella made my heart happy. I absolutely inhaled it and read it in one sitting. Definitely one of the best Christmas novellas I've read.
Loved both Sam and Frankie, their banter and chemistry were spot on. I also really appreciated the bit of emotional depth we get from Sam, especially given the length of the book. And Frankie is just all of us Christmas obsessed girls 😏🎄
Overall a quick, cosy and festive read, that will make you laugh out loud but also hits you with some real feelings.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute Christmas romance.
Frankie is a midwife, crazy about Christmas & little miss sunshine. Her neighbour across the street, in comparison is the Grinch. Sam is a reclusive author.
After a snow storm stops Frankie flying to her family for the holidays, they are forced together & find out more about each other & sparks ignite ❤️‍🔥

[Leonnie Diplock · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

Cute, super short Christmas Novella!
I really loved Frankie’s bright personality (and house!) and how she made Mr Hot Grinch come alive and gain some of his happiness back!

Fun, easy read and worth a spot on your Xmas TBR!

[Lisa Van Beersum · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️3.5


This was very cute and cozy!!

I loved their connection and tension. Mr. Grumpy and miss Christmas were the perfect match for each other.

The spice really hits the spot, it was not to much and not to little.

[Kelly (Little.shropshire.reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, cute and a little bit spicy.

I really enjoyed reading this novella. Was it clichéd...yes but it's that time of the year I want to enjoy a festive romance story that's full of all the clichés and a happy ending. This did that.

[Amber H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frankie is absolutely obsessed with Christmas — twinkle lights, hot cocoa, the whole nine yards — while her neighbor Sam is basically Mr. Grinch himself. Sparks fly when their worlds collide, and let’s just say this novella gives Hallmark After Dark vibes in the best way possible!

This story is cozy, funny, and delightfully spicy. It’s the perfect blend of festive cheer and heat. This was my first book by Meghan, and I’m already eager to see what kind of life Frankie and Sam can build together in future stories!

*I received a free copy and chose to leave an honest review.

[Nikki Wesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ somewhere around there!

I enjoyed it, it was a fun easy Christmas read!