What do you think?
Rate this book
Holiday at Home
He left her on Christmas Eve.
Now he’s back—with a plan that’s anything but merry and a heart that never quite moved on.
Winning back Violet Sterling might be impossible… but that’s never stopped Simon Holiday before.
When he steps into her bakery, he’s hit with a one-two punch—the smell of her family’s legendary cinnamon rolls and the sight of the woman who once meant everything to him. Every feeling he’d tucked away comes rushing
the dreams they shared,
the plans they made,
the once-certain belief that his future was intertwined with hers.
But Violet’s eyes aren’t as bright as they used to be.
Her smile doesn’t light up the room the way it once did.
And Simon can tell it isn’t just because he’s come home.
As they reconnect, priorities shift. What was meant to be a few days in Stillwater Bay stretches into weeks as Simon weighs his career against his heart—his past against his future.
He broke Violet’s heart before… at Christmas.
He’s determined not to do it again.
They both see the warning signs flashing red (and green) but sometimes the spirit of the season has a power all its own.
A heart-warming Christmas romance for fans of second chances, stolen kisses, small-town charm, and a hero who falls first.
Now he’s back—with a plan that’s anything but merry and a heart that never quite moved on.
Winning back Violet Sterling might be impossible… but that’s never stopped Simon Holiday before.
When he steps into her bakery, he’s hit with a one-two punch—the smell of her family’s legendary cinnamon rolls and the sight of the woman who once meant everything to him. Every feeling he’d tucked away comes rushing
the dreams they shared,
the plans they made,
the once-certain belief that his future was intertwined with hers.
But Violet’s eyes aren’t as bright as they used to be.
Her smile doesn’t light up the room the way it once did.
And Simon can tell it isn’t just because he’s come home.
As they reconnect, priorities shift. What was meant to be a few days in Stillwater Bay stretches into weeks as Simon weighs his career against his heart—his past against his future.
He broke Violet’s heart before… at Christmas.
He’s determined not to do it again.
They both see the warning signs flashing red (and green) but sometimes the spirit of the season has a power all its own.
A heart-warming Christmas romance for fans of second chances, stolen kisses, small-town charm, and a hero who falls first.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2025
55 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Abby Brooks
55 books908 followersAbby Brooks writes heartfelt contemporary romance with small-town charm, found family, and happily-ever-afters that feel earned. Her stories feature relatable characters, emotional depth, and just the right balance of humor and heat—perfect for readers who love cozy communities, strong connections, and hope-filled love stories.
A lifelong storyteller raised in the Midwest, Abby draws inspiration from close-knit towns and the beauty of everyday moments. She lives in Ohio with her husband and their three cats and believes the best love stories are the ones that feel like coming home.
A lifelong storyteller raised in the Midwest, Abby draws inspiration from close-knit towns and the beauty of everyday moments. She lives in Ohio with her husband and their three cats and believes the best love stories are the ones that feel like coming home.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 27, 2025
Not for me I'm afraid. I thought Simon was a horrible person and couldn't connect at all.
November 26, 2025
Nope. Simon didn’t grovel enough for what he did to Violet. She’s such a doormat and should have made Simon really work for her forgiveness more.
December 8, 2025
I think I have a new favorite Abby Brooks book! An Abby Brooks Christmas story was something I didn't even know I needed...but now I need MORE! Holiday at Home wove the pure joy and magic of Christmas with the tender and heartfelt emotions of an Abby Brooks romance all into one remarkable romance. And don't get me started on the excitement of finding out that there's going to be more love in Stillwater Bay!
December 16, 2025
This was my first book by this author, and since I love second-chance and holiday romances, I decided to give it a try. The story was short but interesting, and it was nice to read about Violet and Simon’s journey after he broke Violet’s heart three years ago.
Violet and Simon were high school sweethearts, and they dreamed of owning a bakery and coffee shop together. Violet stayed in their small town of Stillwater Bay while Simon went to college in New York, but everything changed for Violet when Simon broke up with her over the phone on Christmas Eve and told her he wasn’t coming back. Three years later, Violet took over her parents’ bakery after their passing, and on opening day, her life changed again when Simon suddenly showed up.
Simon was supposed to go on a trip with his family, but he needed to talk to Violet about some business matters, so he visited her in Stillwater Bay for the first time since their breakup. He wanted to rebrand their old idea into a coffee shop, but all his intentions changed when he saw Violet again. I loved how he noticed that Violet was different and how he did everything he could to bring back her old Christmas cheer. It was also nice to read how he decided to stay in town instead of going on his family trip, just so that he could be close to Violet and help her enjoy the holidays again.
Violet didn’t want to fall for Simon and risk getting hurt again, so she tried to simply have fun with him and enjoy the time he was in town. I loved reading about their moments with Violet’s sister and her husband, and how they remembered everything they used to do together. Simon and Violet never truly forgot each other, and it was heartwarming to read about the things Simon did to make Violet happy. The love between them was always there, and I loved how they finally acted on it.
Simon was honest with Violet about his initial intentions, and it was touching to read how he confessed his love for her and explained how everything changed when he saw her again. Violet also opened up about her feelings, and Simon realized he never wanted to leave her again. I loved how they found their way back to each other and were finally able to chase their dream together.
Overall, this story was a nice introduction to the new series. While I usually prefer more steamy scenes, I still enjoyed the story from the start. Now I’m excited to read Nash’s story and see him all grown up.
Violet and Simon were high school sweethearts, and they dreamed of owning a bakery and coffee shop together. Violet stayed in their small town of Stillwater Bay while Simon went to college in New York, but everything changed for Violet when Simon broke up with her over the phone on Christmas Eve and told her he wasn’t coming back. Three years later, Violet took over her parents’ bakery after their passing, and on opening day, her life changed again when Simon suddenly showed up.
Simon was supposed to go on a trip with his family, but he needed to talk to Violet about some business matters, so he visited her in Stillwater Bay for the first time since their breakup. He wanted to rebrand their old idea into a coffee shop, but all his intentions changed when he saw Violet again. I loved how he noticed that Violet was different and how he did everything he could to bring back her old Christmas cheer. It was also nice to read how he decided to stay in town instead of going on his family trip, just so that he could be close to Violet and help her enjoy the holidays again.
Violet didn’t want to fall for Simon and risk getting hurt again, so she tried to simply have fun with him and enjoy the time he was in town. I loved reading about their moments with Violet’s sister and her husband, and how they remembered everything they used to do together. Simon and Violet never truly forgot each other, and it was heartwarming to read about the things Simon did to make Violet happy. The love between them was always there, and I loved how they finally acted on it.
Simon was honest with Violet about his initial intentions, and it was touching to read how he confessed his love for her and explained how everything changed when he saw her again. Violet also opened up about her feelings, and Simon realized he never wanted to leave her again. I loved how they found their way back to each other and were finally able to chase their dream together.
Overall, this story was a nice introduction to the new series. While I usually prefer more steamy scenes, I still enjoyed the story from the start. Now I’m excited to read Nash’s story and see him all grown up.
November 4, 2025
Holiday at Home will just make your heart happy. This is a second chance love story set in Florida, with little angst and lots of swoon. If you just want to read a book without all the drama and game playing, then pick this book up! It’s sweet and soulful and has a hero and heroine you can admire and route for.
Simon Holiday and Violet Sterling were high school sweethearts and they went their separate ways in college. He broke her heart when he moved to New York to chase his dreams, but our girl is strong and resilient and rebranded her parent’s bakery after they passed. I don’t want to give too much away, but he comes back with an ulterior motive, and I pretty much forgave him not long after.
What I like best about this book is that although he is keeping something from her, he’s honest about his feelings and spectacularly tries to win her affections with the swooniest of gestures. I l love how he remembers little details, how he notices when she needs help and steps up without question, and how he puts her first. Violet never stopped loving him but was naturally guarded, and he was patient and respectful, trying to earn her trust back.
At first, I thought the secret he was keeping was going to come to light and he’d be in a bunch of hot water, but he was honest with her and asked for forgiveness! You won’t get frustrated with the lack of communication–this couple gets an A+ in that department. I also like her relationship with her twin sister and her husband, how hopeful yet realistic she was, and how supportive his family was.
Holiday at Home is a sweet, feel-good romance with a charming hero, a hard-working smitten heroine, and just the right amount of tension and steam. This is a closed-door romance but you will without a doubt know from the author’s words their desire and affection for one another.
My first Abby Brooks book was Beyond Words and I have read every book since. Love the ending of Holiday at Home where they made their professional business and personal lives seamlessly come together, and that they got their own HEA.
Simon Holiday and Violet Sterling were high school sweethearts and they went their separate ways in college. He broke her heart when he moved to New York to chase his dreams, but our girl is strong and resilient and rebranded her parent’s bakery after they passed. I don’t want to give too much away, but he comes back with an ulterior motive, and I pretty much forgave him not long after.
What I like best about this book is that although he is keeping something from her, he’s honest about his feelings and spectacularly tries to win her affections with the swooniest of gestures. I l love how he remembers little details, how he notices when she needs help and steps up without question, and how he puts her first. Violet never stopped loving him but was naturally guarded, and he was patient and respectful, trying to earn her trust back.
At first, I thought the secret he was keeping was going to come to light and he’d be in a bunch of hot water, but he was honest with her and asked for forgiveness! You won’t get frustrated with the lack of communication–this couple gets an A+ in that department. I also like her relationship with her twin sister and her husband, how hopeful yet realistic she was, and how supportive his family was.
Holiday at Home is a sweet, feel-good romance with a charming hero, a hard-working smitten heroine, and just the right amount of tension and steam. This is a closed-door romance but you will without a doubt know from the author’s words their desire and affection for one another.
My first Abby Brooks book was Beyond Words and I have read every book since. Love the ending of Holiday at Home where they made their professional business and personal lives seamlessly come together, and that they got their own HEA.
November 8, 2025
All the feels and more! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
What a pleasure it’s to read this heartwarming Holidays book! Violet is a sweet girl that has had a hard life including a broken heart. Simon, I wanted to punch him so hard but then I fell in love with him and just want to hug his pretty self!
Get into the holiday spirit by adding this wonderful book to your must read!
Abby, you are a master of making me feel good books! Well done!
Nanedsmomba- reader and reviewer for Life Reads With Friends!
What a pleasure it’s to read this heartwarming Holidays book! Violet is a sweet girl that has had a hard life including a broken heart. Simon, I wanted to punch him so hard but then I fell in love with him and just want to hug his pretty self!
Get into the holiday spirit by adding this wonderful book to your must read!
Abby, you are a master of making me feel good books! Well done!
Nanedsmomba- reader and reviewer for Life Reads With Friends!
January 27, 2026
A delightful holiday story—I absolutely adored Violet and Simon! When Simon returns home, Violet isn’t exactly thrilled to see him, but the banter between them is absolutely top-notch. I loved watching Simon fall head over heels, and before long, his original reason for coming back takes a backseat. The bond between Violet and Nora was so heartwarming and added so much depth to the story, as did the connection between Simon and Robbie. And little Nash was just wonderful! This story gave me all the feels, and I can’t wait for more visits to Stillwater.
December 26, 2025
This was a really sweet, well-paced holiday novella I happened upon on KU and I’m so glad I did. It offered all the second chance, holiday reunion vibes I could have asked for.
Violet and Simon, the MCs, are immediately lovable and the story was emotional and touching. While there was no spice on page, those scenes were written so poetically, I didn’t miss it at all. Definitely recommend this one for a quick holiday read that’ll warm your heart!
Violet and Simon, the MCs, are immediately lovable and the story was emotional and touching. While there was no spice on page, those scenes were written so poetically, I didn’t miss it at all. Definitely recommend this one for a quick holiday read that’ll warm your heart!
November 6, 2025
Abby Brooks is known for her wonderful storytelling and now that she has added a holiday book you will fall ion love with her even more. Simon Holiday and Violet Sterling might be reuniting over the holidays but their love was destined to be a HEA - that is after they get over the hurt from their past. Filled with the best characters and wrapped up in a warm story this one should not be missed.
November 15, 2025
A perfect ending!
I’m not sure why I doubted myself, but I was sure there was going to be some 3rd party heart break but it never came and it was perfect.
This book, in general, made me happy.
I think a note as to what happened to the parents would have given some insight into how Violet thought about things.
I’m not sure why I doubted myself, but I was sure there was going to be some 3rd party heart break but it never came and it was perfect.
This book, in general, made me happy.
I think a note as to what happened to the parents would have given some insight into how Violet thought about things.
December 30, 2025
Second chance swoon
Simon was wrong but when he realizes the error of his ways…whew he makes it oh so right. Swoon worthy moments abound and Violet and Simon’s connection is sizzling. The love is palpable and sweet. A lovely Christmas love story.
Simon was wrong but when he realizes the error of his ways…whew he makes it oh so right. Swoon worthy moments abound and Violet and Simon’s connection is sizzling. The love is palpable and sweet. A lovely Christmas love story.
November 8, 2025
Wonderful holiday story of second chances.💕💕
November 11, 2025
sweet holiday romance
Super small spoiler! This sweet holiday second chance romance was just right. I enjoyed the character development and that there was no 3rd act break up.
Super small spoiler! This sweet holiday second chance romance was just right. I enjoyed the character development and that there was no 3rd act break up.
November 25, 2025
I loved every single part of this book. A heart warming romance set in a small town in sunny Florida with Violet and Simon’s enveloping love. A must read, to enjoy during this beautiful season.
November 23, 2025
Talk about swoon!! Awe!! Holiday At Home was Abby’s newest release. It was a sweet and heartwarming holiday romance!
Simon and Violet had quite the history. Years ago, he decided they shouldn’t be together and left her on Christmas Eve. Now that he was back in town he was second guessing why he ever left her. Would he be able to right the wrongs of the past?
Oh Simon!!! He really had some groveling to do! Loved getting to see all the little things he did. I am glad they got a second chance because their chemistry was on fire!! If you are looking for a wholesome holiday read with all the warm fuzzies, definitely pick this one up!!
Simon and Violet had quite the history. Years ago, he decided they shouldn’t be together and left her on Christmas Eve. Now that he was back in town he was second guessing why he ever left her. Would he be able to right the wrongs of the past?
Oh Simon!!! He really had some groveling to do! Loved getting to see all the little things he did. I am glad they got a second chance because their chemistry was on fire!! If you are looking for a wholesome holiday read with all the warm fuzzies, definitely pick this one up!!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews