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The Dreaded Christmas Pageant
Sara Grey has faced her share of challenges, but nothing could prepare her for leading the church’s annual Christmas pageant. Between costumes beyond repair, wide-eyed little actors, and wrangling Joseph out of his cowboy hat, she’s already in over her head. The icing on the gingerbread? Having to work with Dr. Noah Thorne—the man who broke her heart years ago and now conveniently attends the same church.
Noah only signed up to “help where needed.” He didn’t expect to be handed a clipboard, a cast of sugar-fueled kids, and a front-row seat to the woman he never stopped loving.
Between miscast shepherds, a blazing fire, and one baby Jesus that gets fought over, the two find themselves laughing, bickering, and maybe—just maybe—rediscovering that God’s timing is worth trusting after all.
Because sometimes, the most dreaded plans lead to the most unexpected miracles.
Noah only signed up to “help where needed.” He didn’t expect to be handed a clipboard, a cast of sugar-fueled kids, and a front-row seat to the woman he never stopped loving.
Between miscast shepherds, a blazing fire, and one baby Jesus that gets fought over, the two find themselves laughing, bickering, and maybe—just maybe—rediscovering that God’s timing is worth trusting after all.
Because sometimes, the most dreaded plans lead to the most unexpected miracles.
- GenresChristmas
112 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2025
12 people want to read
About the author
Katlyn Grace
6 books40 followersKatlyn Grace is a twenty-four-year-old writer residing in a small town in beautiful West Virginia. When she’s not writing, she fills her days with homemaking, being a wife to her husband, Brad, and leading a small group of teen girls in Bible study. She also owns a candle business with her sister and enjoys time with loved ones. Her prayer is to inspire others to follow Christ more intimately through her writings.
Discover more at: www.katlyngrace.weebly.com
Discover more at: www.katlyngrace.weebly.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 27, 2025
I loved this so incredibly much, y'all!❤️❤️
I was a bit nervous at first because this is a second chance romance, and I wondered, how are we going to go from "I don't want to talk to you or see you" to "I love you!"🤔😆 but wow, Katlyn handled it SO well. The pacing was never rushed and always felt natural.
I loved both Sara and Noah, and I adored watching their interactions and the way they slowly opened back up to each other.❤️
The faith content was absolutely amazing. Not only was it centered on Christ and the true meaning of Christmas, but it also beautifully highlighted God's timing, how He's been at work all along, how His timing is perfect, and how He brings everything together to form something beautiful.🥰
It was truly amazing, outstanding, incredible...I could go on. Because honestly, how was a 100-page book this good?! I have no words.
(I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review)
I was a bit nervous at first because this is a second chance romance, and I wondered, how are we going to go from "I don't want to talk to you or see you" to "I love you!"🤔😆 but wow, Katlyn handled it SO well. The pacing was never rushed and always felt natural.
I loved both Sara and Noah, and I adored watching their interactions and the way they slowly opened back up to each other.❤️
The faith content was absolutely amazing. Not only was it centered on Christ and the true meaning of Christmas, but it also beautifully highlighted God's timing, how He's been at work all along, how His timing is perfect, and how He brings everything together to form something beautiful.🥰
It was truly amazing, outstanding, incredible...I could go on. Because honestly, how was a 100-page book this good?! I have no words.
(I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review)
November 21, 2025
This was a sweet Christmas read with all of the heartfelt moments you’d want in a Christian story. There’s a bit of a rom-com flair with a second chance romance and forced proximity.
The church community seems like such a great place to be. There were a lot of characters that may be easier to keep track of if I’d have read the novels first.
If you want a quick Christmas read with a solid Christian theme, you’ll want to pick this one up!
The church community seems like such a great place to be. There were a lot of characters that may be easier to keep track of if I’d have read the novels first.
If you want a quick Christmas read with a solid Christian theme, you’ll want to pick this one up!
November 19, 2025
This Christmas novella was absolutely adorable! I was hooked from the very first page. “The Dreaded Christmas Pageant” has all the best aspects of a Hallmark Christmas movie small-town charm, swoony romance, and festive chaos! The romance was sweet and heartfelt, with chemistry that felt natural and genuinely fun to read. The Christmas vibes were spot-on, giving the story that perfect festive glow. But what truly made this book stand out was its message about God’s timing. Sometimes we may think God is saying no to something, when in reality it’s just “not yet.” God has a way of working everything out just right, sometimes we just have to be patient and trust that He knows what’s best. Definitely the reminder that I needed. I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend!
November 24, 2025
Katlyn Grace is a new author to me, and it was such a delight to read The Dreaded Christmas Pageant. This book is a Christmas novella. I look forward to reading more books by her.
I loved every moment I spent reading this novella. This made me think of the Best Christmas Pageant Ever with a pinch of Hallmark and a spoonful of faith; mix them together and you have the perfect Christmas story, telling the true meaning of Christmas. When Sara volunteers to direct the Christmas pageant, she is not aware that she will be heading it up with her ex, Noah. Noah and Sara are working together to make this pageant work. When costumes need to be remade and a fire breaks out, this pageant might not have a chance.
This second-chance romance was perfect and sweet with kisses only. Finding love again while growing in their faith and putting God at the center of their lives this time.
Katlyn Grace did a great job of intertwining faith throughout the whole story. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of faith content in this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I loved every moment I spent reading this novella. This made me think of the Best Christmas Pageant Ever with a pinch of Hallmark and a spoonful of faith; mix them together and you have the perfect Christmas story, telling the true meaning of Christmas. When Sara volunteers to direct the Christmas pageant, she is not aware that she will be heading it up with her ex, Noah. Noah and Sara are working together to make this pageant work. When costumes need to be remade and a fire breaks out, this pageant might not have a chance.
This second-chance romance was perfect and sweet with kisses only. Finding love again while growing in their faith and putting God at the center of their lives this time.
Katlyn Grace did a great job of intertwining faith throughout the whole story. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of faith content in this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
November 23, 2025
I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this book. This is a Christian romance book. The main characters are Noah and Sara. Noah and Sara used to be in love then they separated. Noah now goes to the same church as Sara and both are helping with the Christmas pageant. The more time they spend together the more they realize they never stopped loving each other. Will this be their second chance? Will they have a future together? I loved Noah and Sara together. They make such a cute couple. There were some funny moments in this book which I loved. I loved the side characters and the town. I loved the Christmas aspects. This book goes to show you that your timing and Gods timing aren’t the same. God has a plan for you just give it all to Him. We may not understand why things happen but God does. I would say more but this is a short book so I don’t want to spoil anything. Overall, I loved this book. If you love Christian romance books with second chances then you may love this book.
November 22, 2025
The perfect sweet Christmas novella!
The faith themes in this novella was absolutely terrific and I loved that one of the main points of the story was the real meaning of Christmas!
I just have to say Katlyn did an amazing job describing all the chaos that can come when planning a Christmas pageant because I feel like a lot of people don’t realize how much work it is for the directors. (speaking from personal experience🤣🤣🤣)
I also really appreciate the themes of dealing with loss around Christmas and how to find hope even when it’s hard.
If your looking for a super sweet romance with the coziest Christmas vibes that still keeps Jesus at the center this is an automatic TBR add!
Thank you @katlyngraceauthor for the ARC!
This review is completely voluntary and all reviews are my own!
The faith themes in this novella was absolutely terrific and I loved that one of the main points of the story was the real meaning of Christmas!
I just have to say Katlyn did an amazing job describing all the chaos that can come when planning a Christmas pageant because I feel like a lot of people don’t realize how much work it is for the directors. (speaking from personal experience🤣🤣🤣)
I also really appreciate the themes of dealing with loss around Christmas and how to find hope even when it’s hard.
If your looking for a super sweet romance with the coziest Christmas vibes that still keeps Jesus at the center this is an automatic TBR add!
Thank you @katlyngraceauthor for the ARC!
This review is completely voluntary and all reviews are my own!
November 23, 2025
A fun, uplifting story of love, “The Dreaded Christmas Pageant” is the perfect, cozy December read. The nostalgic storyline highlights the adventures of Noah & Sara as they navigate their old (& new) feelings for each other while simultaneously managing the planning and production of their church’s Christmas play. This book provides a beautiful reminder of the restoration of hope that the birth of Christ and the Christmas season can bring if we only allow it. A wonderful Christmastime read!
October 30, 2025
Rereadable and surprisingly deep, this Christmas novella checks all the boxes. It's sweet, romantic, cozy, and full of a lot of really well written truth for being a small book. I'm definitely adding this to my recommended Christmas novellas and could see myself revisiting it future Christmases as well.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews