My dad is a charge nurse, and my mom’s a doctor. And me? I’m their disappointing daughter who faints at the sight of blood and can never imagine wearing scrubs to work every day.
We spend every Christmas at the hospital because injuries and illnesses don’t take a day off, and every year I feel bad for the people there.
So this year, I’m going to do something about it.
I’m raising money for care packages for every patient and their family.
But so far, I'm off to a terrible start. People walking past my booth act like I’m one of a million snowflakes falling from the sky. Nothing special and practically invisible.
Until Paxton.
He’s a pro snowboarder my age heading for the Olympics. The first person to treat my goals like more than a cute Christmas hobby.
With him at my side I’m feeling like this is actually possible–making a difference at the hospital and maybe even getting my first mistletoe kiss.
I’m so excited to share about "Curvy and Bright," part of the "A Curvy Girl Christmas" series! I absolutely love this series because it’s such a delightful read that promotes girl empowerment and body positivity, reminding us that girls of all shapes and sizes can shine and capture the attention of the guys they like. This Christmas installment is an extra special treat! Kudos to Courtney Encheff and Patrick Jean-Jacques for their fantastic narration that brings the characters Sera and Pax to life. As they team up to spread holiday cheer to kids in the hospital, they also get to know each other better. Pax teaches Sera how to snowboard and reveals his secret hot chocolate spot—how sweet is that? I hope you have as much fun listening as I did! Happy listening or reading, and happy holidays!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
ARC copy of Curvy and Bright. - Curvy and Bright is such a delightful and heartwarming holiday read! From the very first chapter, I was completely pulled into this festive world. The Christmas city setting is so charming and vivid—it practically sparkles off the page and makes you wish you could experience it in real life.
The characters are lovable, relatable, and full of personality. I really enjoyed their banter, warmth, and growth throughout the story. Kelsie Stelting has such a gift for creating fun, uplifting romances that celebrate confidence, self-love, and finding joy in who you are.
This book is full of cozy holiday vibes, sweet moments, and the perfect dose of humor and heart. It’s a feel-good Christmas story that will leave you smiling long after you’ve turned the last page.
Okay, so I've just finished all 5 of these short (novellas?) Christmas stories by Kelsie Stelting. Cute, cozy, YA romances, set in a fictional Maine town that is Hallmark-movie-worthy, as far as Christmas goes. I would definitely read these again as a Christmas read, although maybe not every year. They all got a solid 4 stars from me, because the writing is not quite 5-star, and there were some plot holes along the way, and a few continuity issues. But clearly not enough to keep me from finishing them all!
This was a short and sweet Christmas romance that will definitely get you in the Christmas spirit! This was my first snowboarding romance and I loved it! It wasn’t too fast but it wasn’t slow either, it was just the right pace. It definitely shows what Christmas is truly all about: giving.
What if the most magical part of Christmas wasn't the twinkling lights or the snowy streets, but the moment two very different teenagers realise they don't have to face the world alone? Curvy and Bright, the newest addition to Kelsie Stelting's young adult festive novella series, leans into that idea beautifully, and it absolutely delivers.
Set in the charming, Hallmark-style town of Garland, the story brings together a plus-sized girl trying to carve out space for her own identity and an Olympic-level snowboarder quietly suffocating under the weight of expectation. Both are used to being defined by the people around them, and both are far lonelier than they let on. Their meeting, while unplanned, becomes the quiet turning point each of them didn't know they needed.
Their mission to bring festive cheer to a local hospital is a lovely thread running through the novella, offering plenty of heart-warming scenes without ever tipping into sentimentality. Their friendship develops with a natural charm, full of small moments of vulnerability and gentle humour. What's particularly refreshing is how their struggles are presented with sincerity rather than melodrama. Instead of relying on high-stakes conflict, Stelting focuses on the quieter, everyday pressures that shape young people: body image, parental expectations, self-doubt, and the fear of falling short.
The message that it's perfectly acceptable to ask for help is one of the book's strongest qualities. At a time when teenagers often feel pushed to appear confident and capable at all times, seeing characters admit their weaknesses and let someone in feels both timely and reassuring. Stelting's trademark focus on body positivity and self-worth comes through clearly without overwhelming the story. The dual point of view adds depth, allowing readers to understand each character's private worries and the small victories that help them grow.
Garland itself is an absolute treat, cosy, festive, and brimming with the kind of warmth that makes a Christmas story shine. From snowy streets to well-meaning townsfolk, the setting supports like a soft blanket rather than stealing the spotlight. It's the sort of place readers will happily revisit year after year.
Overall, Curvy and Bright is a delightful, uplifting festive read, ideal for anyone craving a gentle Christmas story with sincere emotion and a positive message at its core. Whether you're after a sweet seasonal palate cleanser or looking for a wholesome introduction to holiday romance for a younger teen, this novella fits beautifully. With no spice, plenty of heart, and an easy, comforting charm, it's the perfect companion for a quiet evening during the busiest time of the year.
Thank you to Kelsie Stelting for an ARC review copy in exchange for an honest review
*ARC Review* Thank you to Kelsie Stelting for sending me a copy!
Intro: This book is an FM Christmas story between Sera, a teen girl trying to be independent and raise money for a Christmas fundraiser for the hospital and Paxton, a teen snowboarding competitor trying to help Sera achieve her fundraising dream.
Tropes/Highlights: -FM -Dual POV -YA, No Spice -Opposites Attract -Small Town -Secret Crushes -Grumpy/Sunshine -Cozy Christmas Story -HEA
Likes: -MCs never give up on their vision, even when discouraged -Cute Christmasy business names -Short read -Funny/playful banter -Snowboarding scenes were well done and entertaining
Dislikes: -Some of the dialogue felt weird -The dad was super pushy, just to immediately be fine with everything after a video meeting. The resolution of that character development felt rushed.
Curvy and Bright is a short, YA Christmas story perfect for those who are looking for a sweet and cosy read for the holidays. This story does not focus on romance and centrals around two teens trying to raise money for a good cause. There are many challenges the MCs face along the way, but in the end the holiday spirit prevails.
This was such a sweet holiday romance! It had all the cozy, cute, and warm vibes I loo for in a short holiday story. Sarah is encouraged to do something meaningful for the holidays and she decides to put together something for those stuck in the hospital on the holidays, which is such a wonderful thing to do. Problem is, nobody seems to want to help raise funds for her project until.....Paxton. For a guy raising to athletic stardom, he was so down to earth. His crush on Sarah was adorable and even though he was dealing with pressure and scrutiny, he put his all into helping Sarah and wanting to do more than snowboard. I absolutely loved Paxton 😍 He taught Sarah that it's okay to ask for help sometimes, especially if the cause is bigger than us. And she taught Paxton that fighting for a fuller life is okay, one goal doesn't have to consume you. It was honestly such a well told and wholesome story, remaining cute and cheery, while so dealing with series things such as self discovery, confidence, pressure, and parental control. Super happy I received this wonderful audiobook. It was perfect!
I absolutely love reading Kelsie’s books — they always feel like a breath of fresh air from my usual reads, and sometimes you really need that!
This story was such a quick, heartwarming read. Sera and Paxton are adorable together, and I loved how he took the time not only to teach her but to help her improve at the same thing. That level of care and encouragement was so sweet to see.
The town of Garland was such a cozy, inviting setting — I’d love to visit a place like that one day! Paxton’s dad definitely wasn’t my favorite, especially with how much pressure he put on Paxton. But I appreciated that by the end, he realized it’s not just about being the best on the slopes, but about being the best version of yourself overall.
Sera completely stole my heart. Her determination to help those in the hospital brought tears to my eyes. I admired how she wanted to do it on her own, and even though she struggled, once she accepted Paxton’s help, they absolutely knocked it out of the park!
Such a beautiful, feel-good story that left me smiling long after I finished it. ❤️❤️
Hooray! Sera gets her turn! I am so grateful that I got to be an ARC reader for this wonderful new release. I absolutely loved the first three curvy girl Christmas books last year but was so sad not to get to see the other two get their turn. I've read the newest instalments and they are just as good as the rest. These books show these amazing girls getting their HEA but even more important getting to learn how to love themselves for who they really are. I myself was an above average girl from my early teens (and still am) and the curvy girl and curvy girl Christmas series have helped heal a bit of my (formerly) teenage heart.
This book is the perfect seasonal read for every young adult (or young at heart 😉, but especially those beauties with a little extra curve. Ten out of ten would recommend!!!!
One of 5️⃣ YA holiday romance novellas by @kelsiestelting 🎁 Sera wants to step out of her medical parents’ shadow in their small Maine town and be seen for something else. Since she spends Christmas at the hospital with her parents, this year she decides to raise money to give gifts to all the patients. While trying to get donations, Olympic snowboard hopeful Paxton, is roped into a TV interview where he says he’s helping her with the project. Now the two are pushed together trying to raise the funds they need. Will they be able to give others a happy holiday? 💝 This series was gifted to me last Christmas, but I didn’t get to it before the 25th. I’m bummed I waited so long to start it. These belong in every middle & high school! It’s the perfect Hallmark young adult Christmas romance and promotes body positivity as well. I’m heading to read the rest now!
**ALC READER REVIEW** I love any and all Kelsie Stelting book and this book was no exception. Kelsie makes such fun YA novels and this christmas story was a great one too. Since all CGC was all set in the HS setting a faster paced Christmas book was fun! Since this whole book happened over christmas break I truly enjoyed Pax and Sera’s journey. The two of them working together and focusing on a goal to help others is always the way the curvy girls work! Kelsie makes sure you know that any girl can do anything and I always love the message of her books. Pax and Sera have a cute warm christmas love story that is lighthearted and I’d recommend to anyone!
Curvy and Bright is a sweet Ya novella about a young girl searching for something to make hers in life and in that search finding young love. Sarah wants to do something special during Christmas break this year. All of her friends are busy with plans and her parents are busy working at the local hospital. Paxton is on route to being an Olympic snowboarder, but the constant training is starting to get to him. Due to an unfortunate accident, Sarah and Paxton team up to make Sarah's plan of making Christmas brighter for those stuck in the hospital over the holidays a reality! We are along for the ride as they raise funds and get to know each other in a real way.
This may be my favorite of the Garland series. (I’d have to go back and read the first three to know for sure!) I love the element of competition and performance that comes with competitive snowboarding. Having that featured in this story partnered with finding yourself while helping others made for a twist I wasn’t expecting when I jumped into this book. I thought the story was going to go one way and it delightfully went another. It also reminded me to keep trying and doing the things I love and want to experience, regardless how I may feel about my body. Way to go, Kelsie! You captured another story perfectly. I can’t wait to reread it again next Christmas!
Super cute story! Asking for help is hard sometimes, but you can accomplish so much more when you do, a lesson that Sara had to learn. Sara always wanted to stand out for herself, for who she is and not be in the shadow of her successful parents. She wants to help, and create care packages for patients and their family. It’s an uphill battle, but she wants to do it with no help! Until a cute Olympic snowboarder trainee enlists to assist her. Their friendship grows and feeling arise. He must train for the next Olympics without any distractions, but the more time he spends with Sara, the more difficult this task is. Another insta love cute story!
If you love the spirit of the giving season then Sera and Paxton are the couple for you. Sera is searching to be seen as an individual out from under her parents, who are like local celebrities as a head doctor and charge nurse.. Paxton is becoming a celebrity in his own right as a snowboarder, but he feels like he's missing life. Then there's a crash and a news story and the next thing you know these two mostly strangers are running a fundraiser together and becoming friends. Not only that but they are discovering the gift of giving and helping others. Great addition to this series. I have voluntarily left this review.
Sera is looks just like her mom, a well-known doctor in her small town. Plus her dad is just as popular in his role as a charge nurse at the local hospital. When Sera realizes how many kids at the hospital will be stuck there at Christmas, she decides to raise money to give each kid a basket of Christmas gifts.
Paxton is a pro snowboarder just looking to get sponsors and qualify to compete in the Olympics. When he meets Sera, he decides to help her with her fundraiser.
Can they raise the money needed in time? Will they act on their growing feelings?
A fun, quick read. I quickly became invested in the characters and enjoyed their story!
This was such a sweet Christmas story. This story shows us what happens when we meet the right person. How someone can change for the better with the right person. I always find these short Christmas stories written by Kelsie Stelting so refreshing especially around Christmas time. Its not about love and smut. It is about 2 young people feeling a little lost and together they find their worth. It also shows how each of them are slowly shaping and their friendship makes them feel complete. Beautifully written story especially around the Christmas.
Curvy and Bright left me feeling bright. The characters were so sweet, with both main and side characters experiencing significant growth and development. The chemistry between Sera and Paxton was instantaneous. As a novella, I was able to (almost) read it in one sitting. Kelsie's writing has always been a favorite to consume.
Thank you to Kelsie's team for letting me review this story as an ARC.
~Curvy and Bright~ This book gave me all the warm, cozy Christmas feels! I loved following Sarah as she tries to brighten the holidays for families stuck in the hospital. It was such a sweet reminder of how powerful a little kindness can be. And Paxton? Total swoon. He believes in her mission, and cheers her on. 🎁💋 It’s fun, light-hearted, and just made my heart happy. A new fave Christmas read for sure! 🎄✨
This story truly captures the spirit of Christmas. Sera and Paxton truly remind us of what is important about the holidays - giving back to the community and making everyone’s Christmas just a little brighter.
From the very first page, I could not put this book down.
It’s full of cozy Christmas vibes and the true spirit of Christmas.
Kelsie has done it again with capturing a strong, curvy fmc character. Sera is proof that even curvy girls are bright and beautiful.
These books are so pleasant & full of Christmas Joy x Sera & Paxton's story was quick and sweet, having found each other due to an accident at one of Paxton's snowboarding competitions x Such a nice palette cleanser x Only thing I was sad about with this series as a whole was getting to read about the girls' friendship & them all meeting up at the New Years Eve party to discuss what amazing Christmas' they had xxxxxx
When I saw Kelsie announce two new books in this novella series I had to read them! I enjoyed the three from last year, so I knew these next two would be just as cute. They were! Sera & Paxton had a cute storyline. I loved being back in Garland Maine with all the cute Christmas joy and cozy vibes. Everything about this story was just cute and sweet. I do like that these are short novellas, but I always find myself wanting more!!
A fitting conclusion to the Curvy Christmas Collection!
The last of the friend group, Sera, gets her Christmas wish in this book. She just wants to raise enough money to buy gifts for all the kids stuck in the hospital on Christmas.
Snowboarding prodigy Paxton joins her cause. Watching the two of them navigate his career with their project was heartwarming. A story about what matters most for sure.
This was the cutest and most heartwarming story. I enjoyed the snowboarding theme and how it tied into the story. I also really liked Sera’s character and found her to be very sweet and relatable. The ending was super cute too.
This is such a sweet book! Sera and Paxton are complete opposites but that just makes it easy for them to truly see each other. I love how they work together to bring some holiday joy to their community. And the snowboarding was really fun too! If you like heartwarming holiday romance, then this book is for you. I definitely recommend it!
This is a quick Christmas read. Finding your place while blending winter wonders such as sleigh rides, snow boarding and Christmas magic.
Being a teen is hard, dealing with being different is harder. Trying to find where you fit in and what gives you joy is a rite of passage. And giving back is such a good way to make the world better.
Kelsie has done it again. Sera & Paxton’s determination to help those enjoy Christmas while being stuck in the hospital is really heartwarming. It shows that it doesn’t matter if you are complete opposites can work together for the right reason. Makes the story even better when they see each other for who they really are and love blooms.
Once again, Kelsie has written wonderful stories that are relatable, romantic, and in good taste. Both Curvy and Bright and Curvy All the Way feature characters that you root for as a reader, and events and dialogue that evoke real emotion. I love being able to recommend these books to everyone- students and adults!
*ARC Review* I love all of Kelsies curvy girl series! And Curvy and Bright is just as amazing as the rest. Sera story gave me that happy, gooey feeling you get when you watch a Christmas movie. These are the perfect quick Christmas reads to get you in the spirit.
I love that she found value within herself and proved she can be whoever/do whatever she wanted and not be dictated by her size.
ARC review. This is my first ARC review for any of Kelsie's books and I am happy to say I absolutely loved this book! The romance growth between Sera and Paxton was so cute! I love Sera and Paxton's persistence to reach their goal! I thoroughly enjoyed this Christmas romance and am excited to read more of Kelsie's books!