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In My Heart: A Grumpy Sunshine Christmas Novella

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She didn’t sign up for snow-covered trees, twinkling lights, or falling for a Christmas tree farmer.

Sloan Sterling avoids Christmas every year like it’s her full-time job. So when a photography gig lands her in a small town that runs on nothing but holiday spirit, she’s already counting down the days until she can leave.

What’s worse? She’s staying at a charming Christmas tree farm, where the owner, Jonah Holly, is the living embodiment of seasonal cheer. He’s tall, ridiculously attractive, and always wearing the most obnoxious Christmas sweaters. Funny, warm-hearted, and infuriatingly hopeful, he’s everything she doesn’t believe in anymore.

Their mission is work together to bring in more customers to the farm before the season ends. But working alongside him has Sloan catching feelings she didn’t plan on... and Jonah falling hard for the grumpy girl behind the lens.

The only problem? Sloan isn’t staying. She’s only there until Christmas, and then she’s gone.

So, is this just a holiday fling wrapped in fairy lights, or something worth believing in?

162 pages, Paperback

Published October 21, 2025

34 people are currently reading
376 people want to read

About the author

Lauren Flynn

1 book13 followers

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5 stars
80 (24%)
4 stars
133 (40%)
3 stars
87 (26%)
2 stars
22 (6%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for sabrina.
307 reviews520 followers
December 6, 2025
Rating: 4⭐️
🫧 Vibes: hallmark but make it spicy
🎶 Song: christmas love - justin bieber
📖 Favourite Quote: "You've not only caused me to love Christmas again but have found a way to break down my thick walls and made me fall in love with you."
📚 Would I recommend? yes!
💬 tldr thoughts: a short, sweet and spicy novella

In the package:
📦 grumpy x sunshine
📦 she hates christmas
📦 cozy christmas vibes

Plot: Sloan avoids Christmas as much as she can until her best friend asks her to step into a photography gig at a Christmas tree farm. She finds herself drawn to the owner, Jonah Holly and his family, who love Christmas. Sloan and Jonah begin to fall for each other, but she's only supposed to be in town temporarily.

Thoughts: This was a very cute and cozy Christmas read. I thought all the characters were very endearing, especially Jonah and his family and friends. This book is filled with Christmas activities and cozy Christmas settings. It felt a bit too insta lovey but this is usually typical with novellas. I recommend this one if you're looking for s fast-paced, heartwarming, and festive novella!

✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok and instagram⋆☾✩⁺₊✩
Profile Image for Mathilde Guglielmi.
8 reviews
October 25, 2025
This was a fun, cute and sexy Christmas read. The characters were endearing and the setting felt so cozy. I love that it is set in the Ottawa Valley. It’s the perfect book to escape after a couple stressful days at work.
Profile Image for Vanessa Symington.
132 reviews11 followers
November 12, 2025
In My Heart is a perfect holiday read if you enjoy Hallmark Christmas vibes with some spicy romance. It is a quick read that will make you want to run to a Christmas tree farm.

The sweetness. The comedy. The desire. It's all here! I devoured this debut novel by Lauren Flynn.

I was giggling right from the beginning. Sloan is a woman who has had some less than pleasant experiences during holiday seasons past, the last place she wants to be is Tinsel Town. Enter Jonah, the swoon-worthy tree farmer who runs Holly Hills Tree Farm. These Characters had me clapping, laughing, craving hot cocoa, and needing to get some whipped cream (iykyk). The dynamic between the two of them made my heart happy.
With help from Jonah (and the Holly family), Sloan finds herself warming back up to Christmas festivities. While this is a romance, it also touches on internal healing and growth. It is as beautiful as it is cheesy!

This is a story I could read year after year and never get tired of. I am excited to see what else Lauren Flynn writes, and will hopefully see more of Tinsel Town!
Profile Image for Sasha.
565 reviews53 followers
December 14, 2025
The cutest little novella written by local to me & fellow Canadian author Lauren Flynn. I read this so fast because novellas are quick to read but also it was just so cozy! I love Christmas trees and tree farms and also it’s Taylor Swifts birthday and she grew up on a tree farm and how perfect was this read to read on her birthday?!

This novella just made me feel the cozy magic of Christmas and made me crave a peppermint hot chocolate 🤭🎄
Profile Image for ALYCIA ALLAIRE.
8 reviews
November 5, 2025
This book is excellent, I loved it. Spicy, perfect holiday atmosphere, not too cheesy, just the right amount. I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Samantha Armstrong.
9 reviews
November 17, 2025
The perfect quick Christmas read! Such a fun, cute, and light holiday story with just the right amount of spice sprinkled in. If you’re looking for something festive, fast-paced, and feel-good with a little heat, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Profile Image for Athénia.
120 reviews4 followers
October 30, 2025
This book was such a fun read! I loved Sloan and Jonah throughout the entire book. They evolved so well together and Jonah really brought the best out of her. I was surprised by how good the spice scenes were! 🥵 I can’t wait to read whatever Lauren writes next!
Profile Image for Megan.
246 reviews
January 15, 2026
3.25 ⭐️ You really can’t get any more Christmassy than this book! It’s a corny, Hallmark style novella that’s quick, easy, and perfect for a cozy read. Some parts were a tad cringe I would have to say. Sloan was a little extra at times and was a tad naive with some things. Also, popping “I love you” after only a week of knowing eachother is a little wild to me. Insta love trope is not my thing!!!! So this was just okay but I had a really fun time at the beginning and end!!! Some really cutesy moments and super fun that this was set in the Ottawa Valley!! (Yay for local authors and for this being her first book!!)
Profile Image for Hilary Delorey.
127 reviews13 followers
November 26, 2025
Sloane is a grinch, shes been scorned one too many times over Christmas and now well shes not a fan. Next thing shes smack-dab in the middle of a literal Christmas town, Christmas is their entire identity lol.

This book was written so well. Sloan had us rolling our eyes with her in the beginning, but along the way the little moments really warmed your heart. The chemistry with the main characters was incredible, the longing glances had me swooning. Overall the character growth and the healing was incredible.

As a debut novel for Lauren this book really has me excited to see more of her literary future.
Profile Image for Lysa Kingham.
254 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2025
Very cute and quick holiday novella! The writing was a bit simplistic, but still cute. Felt a lot like a hallmark movie storyline and character depth. She seemed so standoffish with the idea of Christmas and the tree farm but was jokey with so many people right away. Seemed out of character. I think I wanted her to be more grumpy instead of just sayinggggg she was grumpy.
Hate that he calls her Grinchy? Fucking weird.
I loved the cute cafe, the free farm, the cottage and the Christmas vibes overall!
3.5⭐️3🌶️
Profile Image for Kelsey.
3 reviews
November 27, 2025
I loved this Christmas novel with Sloan and Jonah. Their chemistry is so charming and makes the story really enjoyable to read. For a first book, it was really captivating from start to finish, and it made me want to read even more!

Thank to Lauren Flynn!
Profile Image for Stephanie.
44 reviews1 follower
December 22, 2025
Cute and spicy little Christmas novella set on a Christmas tree farm! Bonus Ottawa readers, she’s from Ottawa! Loved this one. Jonah was such a green flag!
Profile Image for Christina Holford.
57 reviews
January 5, 2026
This one is for the hallmark Christmas girlies for sure. Super short read for anyone looking for a palette cleanser
Profile Image for Carissa.
11 reviews
October 21, 2025
I gave this book 4.5 stars because it was exactly what I needed to get into the Christmas spirit today. I read it all in one day on my Kindle because I just couldn’t put it down. Sloan and Jonah’s story was so genuine and heartwarming. I loved the idea of Christmas all year round and the cozy small-town setting made it even better.

Lauren Flynn being a Canadian female author made me love it even more. The story had the perfect mix of spice and sweetness. It was sunshiny and grumpy in all the best ways, and Jonah calling Sloan “Grinchy” made me smile every single time. The Christmas tree farm setting was pure magic, and I loved how Sloan helped save the family farm.

Watching Sloan go from not liking Christmas to falling in love on Christmas made my heart so full. The ending was the cutest, and it wrapped everything up perfectly. Such a warm, cozy, and feel-good read that left me smiling. Thank you, Lauren Flynn, for such a beautiful holiday story.
Profile Image for Monica.
3 reviews
October 26, 2025
what a fun Christmas story!! quick read but so good! laughed out loud, cried and with some spiciness! look forward to many more Tinsel Town stories!
Profile Image for Alexandra.
1 review1 follower
September 25, 2025
As an avid thriller and true crime reader, I rarely want to pick up something lighthearted, but In My Heart was a refreshing break from the usual darkness. The story quickly drops you into the holiday rush at Holly Hills Tree Farm, located in Tinsel Town, where cheesy Christmas sweaters, hot chocolate, and real Christmas trees that you can practically smell fill the pages. Even though fall has just started, Lauren's writing has me craving the Christmas season.

In My Heart checks every box you would want in a holiday romance book. It has a cozy small-town feel, holiday traditions, strong community ties, family closeness, undeniable chemistry, playful banter, and, of course, lots of spice. You quickly start to feel a connection to Sloan and Jonah, and while you eagerly flip the pages for that first kiss, you are also invested in their own personal growth.

My favourite part of this book is that while it is a love story wrapped in a holiday bow, it also acknowledges an important truth: not everyone experiences Christmas in the same way. For some people, the season brings lots of grief or painful memories. Sometimes the sparkling lights, perfectly wrapped gifts, and decorated trees can feel more heartbreaking than heartwarming, and that is okay. This story has a good balance between joyful fun and relatable human moments.

If you have a few hours to spare, need a nudge to get into the holiday spirit, or already have your tree up, In My Heart is just what you need. Side note, have some hot chocolate on hand because you are going to want it.
17 reviews
November 29, 2025
Loved the story. Christmas farm love at the spiciest. Looking forward to her next book. #inmyheart #christmaslove #spicybooks #localauthor #laurenflynn
Profile Image for Cruise.
2 reviews
October 3, 2025
If you’ve ever been lied to, cheated on, or let down by someone you love - you will connect with Sloan. If you’ve ever admired someone who was nothing but green flags and green lights - you’ll fall for Jonah. A perfect, quick read to get you in the mood for xmas …. and other things (wink).

This is a biased review because the author has been my partner since 2013. Because of that, I got to witness this town and these characters come to life.

Lauren first shared her outline during a car ride home from Montreal. To be fair, I knew very little about the romance genre - but I’d like to think I know when something is good - and this was. Over the next few months, while the world was still asleep, she rose early every day and breathed life into this book. To finally see it in its full form, is just so incredibly inspiring.

I won’t share any spoilers, instead I want to tell you about the author. She is a true friend and an incredible mother. She is a voracious reader who, not long ago, finished reading a book, put it down in her lap, looked up and said, “I can do this.” And she did. And this is just the beginning.

Here’s hoping you get to meet Lauren in person at a signing or at a Christmas market so you can be inspired first hand. Once you meet her, you’ll make sure everything she writes ends up on your bookshelf.
Profile Image for Kayy Gray.
344 reviews1 follower
December 6, 2025
I'm crying for the little girl who felt unloved, for the young woman who felt abandoned, and for the present me who hasn't been able to see that the man who said he loves her means it.
.
.
I actually really enjoy this book, I thought it was super cute and cozy and a really fun read for the Christmas time. Jonah was like a little golden retriever I don't know how you couldn't fall in love with him he was sweet and had a heart of gold, he was so selfless I adored him so much! Also shoutout Rudy always having the worst timing, couldn't have pictured a better dog if I am honest. Then we had Sloan, I felt so bad for her and I am so glad she got her happy ending, I loved the whole reverse grumpy/sunshine I think it worked really well and I loved how she wasn't totally annoying and bringing everyone down and I did enjoy how she had a terrible history with Christmas but still got stuck in. I really loved the writing of this book, it flowed amazingly and generally worked so well, I would definitely check more out from this author and I am hoping we might get Levi's story or something because I would love to go back to this town!
Profile Image for Elser Moira.
13 reviews7 followers
September 3, 2025
5 ⭐

What to expect:
• Spicy, cozy, Christmas must read!
• She’s a grinch and he’s a Christmas tree farmer
• Opposites attract
• Wholesome (Canadian) small town with found family
• Hot cocoa and whipped cream (iykyk 👀)

In My heart is a must read this Christmas season! It’s fast paced, filled with cozy holiday atmosphere, and swoony romance.

You will totally fall in love with Tinsel Town — a wholesome and festive Ottawa valley small town — and Holly Hills Christmas Tree Farm. This book literally feels like being wrapped up in a warm blanket with a hot chocolate on a snowy December day.

And of course you’ll love the characters too! Sloan is a grumpy photographer who overcomes her complicated history with Christmas and finds magic in the season again. And Jonah is a warm-hearted and sexy Christmas tree farmer, who's farm she has to live at (I love his ugly Christmas sweaters)!

I loved reading this and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!!

Thank you to Lauren Flynn for having me beta and arc read this amazing book!
Profile Image for Bookishkayy.
82 reviews12 followers
October 21, 2025
This is the perfect cozy, spicy christmas novella. It is a must read for the christmas season!
If you have ever been left, abandoned or cheated on by someone you loved, you will definitely be able to relate to Sloan. I loved watching her journey with Jonah unravel throughout this book. They had the perfect chemistry and banter.
Don't tell Jonah, but I have never had a real christmas tree myself due to allergies. However, this book was making me want to go to a farm and chop down a christmas tree as it just sounded so much fun. I personally cannot wait to go back to Tinsel Town in the next book in the series!
Maybe I'm a little biased because I love christmas just as much as the author but highly recommend you give this book a read this holiday season!

Read this if you like:
Grumpy sunshine
Opposites Attract
Forced Proximity
Small Town Romances
Banter
Spice
Whipped Cream
Hot Chocolate
Anything Christmas!
Profile Image for Shannen Green.
5 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2025
Obviously this is a cheesy hallmark grumpy sunshine, can't be mad at that. It just felt like she was running from a good guy, while also cherishing their time together and never wanting it to end?? Like girl don't be stupid. Her flight just made no sense she didn't even have a conversation about her feelings even though SHE FELT THE SAME?!?

She hated Christmas a bit too much at the beginning and it was like... annoying lmao.

In the end it was super sweet I just wished they had saved "I love you" for the epilogue and the author had used a different reason for her to freak out and run away for like 6 hours lmao
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mich.elles_booknook.
151 reviews8 followers
December 24, 2025
Sloan takes a last-minute photography gig when her bestie Joy can’t make it, and suddenly she’s whisked away to Tinsel Town, a small town where it’s Christmas all year long.
But there’s one problem… Sloan doesn’t do Christmas. After two devastating life events, she’s jaded, guarded, and very much NOT in the holiday spirit… until this magical town — and a certain charming tree farmer — start melting those walls.

In My Heart is a cozy, healing holiday romance that feels like a warm Christmas hug — full of festive cheer, heartfelt emotion, and small-town charm. Watching Sloan rediscover hope, joy, and love again was such a treat.


Perfect for a comforting seasonal read!
Profile Image for Morgan Young.
240 reviews12 followers
December 5, 2025
I mean come on - how cute was this??

An insta love spicy romance read where the grinchy FMC falls for the jolly Christmas tree farmer MMC? Sign me up.

I absolutely loved Sloan & Jonah’s story - he is the sweetest most thoughtful MMC and he had me giddy at his little gestures at numerous points. Sloan’s rough exterior but soft heart were relatable and understandable and watching her learn to accept his love was so sweet.

If you’re looking for a super quick festive romance, look no further!
Profile Image for Sabine.
43 reviews3 followers
December 16, 2025
Oh I absolutely loved reading this and meeting the author when I purchased my book at a Christmas market of course! She’s written a really fun Christmas novel that is the perfect length for cozy holiday reading. The characters are hilarious, flawed, but you still rooted for all of them. They were also not one dimensional, even in a short book you can see the different sides to the characters and their development. The fact that it takes places in my beloved city of Ottawa was the cherry on top. Can’t wait for the next book in this series! As in, I hope it’s out soon :p
Profile Image for Rachelle Fisher.
9 reviews
December 29, 2025
The spice level of the book is a 4 to 5. It picks up so quickly once the walls are down, and I love that. I kept on wanting to know why Slone hated Christmas. Once you know it, it breaks your heart. I am so glad that she and Jonah took the leap of faith and made it work. I also need someone to create all of the Christmas sweaters. Finally, this book was a fun and enjoyable book for the holidays. I am so glad that Lauren's TikTok popped up on my FY page. Thank you for making this book full of Christmas joy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Melissa T.
154 reviews6 followers
November 24, 2025
Such a cute read with some spice added. The setting is super sweet and the characters are fun. It reminded me of a Hallmark Christmas movie (plus some spice). I liked the writing style and the chapter lengths were great. This was one I devoured in one sitting and was kind of sad when it ended. I see it says Book 1 so my fingers are crossed for more!! Being from around Ottawa myself, I loved that his took place in the Ottawa Valley.

Definitely recommend this one!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

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