Cheer: A Christmas Horror Novella

by Becca Chambers

Krissy inherits her late aunt’s bed and breakfast in the town of Ivywood in Upstate New York. Though sadden by the recent passing of her aunt, she is excited to run the business she grew up in and had always wanted. What helps her enthusiasm is that it’s almost Christmas, and she has the fondest memories of the bed and breakfast being decorated at Christmas time and being the go-to place to stay while in town.

While Krissy begins to prep the bed and breakfast for guests that are coming on the first of December, strange things start to happen and stranger things come to light. Krissy learns that the ghost stories she grew up hearing about the place may actually be true. Hidden truths also come to light that Krissy wishes she never discovered.

Will Krissy be able to make sense of everything and get through it to keep her childhood dream and her aunt’s legacy alive? Or is everything ruined and Krissy’s life in danger?

Genres: Christmas

109 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2025

Reviews

[Zane · Rating 5 out of 5]

CHEER by Becca Chambers is a wonderfully sinister slice of Christmas horror that takes the warm, cozy aesthetics of the holidays and twists them into something chilling. The small-town atmosphere is instantly immersive, and Chambers wastes no time layering festive cheer with creeping dread.

The novella is tightly paced, the tension builds quickly, and the unsettling scenes land with real impact. It’s the perfect read if you want something dark, fast, and atmospheric to break up all the sweet holiday romances dominating December.

I loved the blend of folklore, suspense, and seasonal terror. Chambers knows exactly how to keep a reader hooked, and the final act delivers a punch that lingers long after the last page.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A creepy, memorable Christmas horror treat — highly recommend to fans of short, sharp indie horror

[Literary · Rating 4 out of 5]

While you can read Cheer as a standalone, I would highly recommend reading the first book, Harvest, beforehand as this book contains a slight spoiler. They are part of an interconnected series, called the Ivywood series. Cheer is the second installment and takes place after Harvest. It is set in the same universe.

Cheer centres on the life of Kristina "Krissy" Liewood who moves to Ivywood after inheriting a bed and breakfast, following the death of her aunt. She hopes to get everything ready in time for the opening on the 1st December.

I had the absolute pleasure of reading the first book, Harvest, and just had to sign up to read this one! Krissy was a very relatable character, especially with how she hates anything that crawls. What really resonated with me was how she constantly doubted and second guessed herself. But what I really loved was her sense of humour!

Stepping back into the world was chilling. The first book left me traumatised... in the best way. I thought by reading Harvest, I would be ready for what would unfold. Spoiler: I was not. Not in the slightest.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was a well written, sinister read. Very spooky. It was fast paced, intense and filled with so many jump scares. And creepy dolls. DOLLS. And a mannequin. I did tear up at the ending. I think this book brought me back to life after Harvest finished me off, only to destroy me again. I LOVED IT!!

Favourite quote:

“My first instinct is to call the police. But what am I going to say? Hey, I have a bed and breakfast filled with dolls I hate, I’m having stress dreams, and I think I have a journal made of human skin. Do you think you could come help out with my demons under the bed?”

[Benjamin Lund · Rating 5 out of 5]

A haunted bed and breakfast, holiday spirits, and creepy dolls. What happens when you mix these things together? You get this perfectly blended, sinister horror Christmas novella by indie author Becca Chambers!

While this is book two in the Ivywood series, it can be read as a standalone. Just keep in mind that there is a returning character from book one, Harvest. Which, side note, if you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend it!

Cheer gave me everything I love in a holiday story. The festivities, the spirit, and… the cheer. But what takes things up several notches is the horror twist. I’ve never been a fan of dolls, so when our MC Krissy inherits her aunts bed and breakfast and finds the dolls, I immediately got nervous and worried. Especially once supernatural happenings start to unfold and the dolls begin to move and… talk? Either that, or Krissy is losing her mind and going crazy. I guess you’ll just have to read the book for yourself to find out!

All I’m gonna say beyond that is this was such a fun and scary holiday read. And the way things ended? Well… I’m certainly more than a bit unsettled now. Shivers down my spine at the realization of what exactly just happened.

I definitely won’t forget this story anytime soon, and I’m so ready for the next book in the Ivywood series!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becca has done it again!!

Krissy inherits a bed and breakfast from her aunt who has recently passed away. Krissy is excited to take over and plans to have the place ready for opening by December 1st. Strange things start to happen and Krissy doesn't know if anything is real. A guest appearance by Emmy from "Harvest" throws in more twists to the plot.

I could not put this book down! The dolls! omg! It creeped me out. I read this in one sitting as I had to know how it ended. Becca's writing draws you in and keeps you on your toes. If you're looking for a quick and intense horror/thriller read you should definitely read "Cheer". Christmas came a little early :)

I received an ARC copy of this book from the author. "Cheer" will be released in December 2025.

[Katie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becca Chambers wrote yet another captivating tale. I’m so lucky that I got the chance to ARC read yet another one of her tales!

So great reading another tale set in Ivywood, and so exciting to see Emmy again!

This story follows Krissy who inherited her aunts Bed & Breakfast after her passing a month prior. As Krissy is cleaning and fixing up the b&b for the in coming guests, things keep happening that makes her question her reality.

The dolls are so creepy and the description of them are perfect! I can see each and every doll described.

This was the perfect bite size horror Christmas tale to dig into. I’m so excited to read the next installation of the stories set in Ivywood!

[mrnuina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Becca, I just love your books and your writing style! Another amazingly well written book!
I admit, I was actually scared few times. But that just made this book so good! I felt like I was in this story. You really capture me into this book. Ah!
I just loved every second of this!
Now I’m just waiting here for more… And I mean it, I need more! (Shelftrophy)
You want little horror for your christmas? Read this!
Oh and the dolls, i don’t like dolls, they are creepy! And this book has them! *chills* I’m scared… They will probably come to my dreams…

[SeveredTherapy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dolls. Ghosts. Predictable twist.

I quite enjoyed the first one and I was hoping for the same here, but was disappointed. This lacked the cozy feel of the first one and instead felt like a "Goosebumps" story or something along that line.

The story kind of plodded along, without much happening, seeming to build up to an ending that was meant to shatter expectations. Maybe I read too much, but I found this to be rather lackluster compared to the first one.

2.25 out of 5 severed thumbs-up.

[Nicole Sapriken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghah!!! This book is so creepy, I love it! The end though. I have so many questions that my mind is reeling. I hope they will be answered in the next book.

If you are looking for a quick read that will make you jump at random noises in the house, this is a great one.
Also, I hate dolls now.

It is highly recommended to read Harvest before this one, and you will understand why after you finish that one.

What happens in a Bed & Breakfast stays in the B&B apparently. Very Hotel California. You will understand after you read it 🤣

[Nadine Smiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'VE ALWAYS HATED DOLLS 🫠

A short very unsettling story that if I could read over again for the first time.. I would!

This might be a short read but it is a mighty one and feels like it's right out of a goosebumps book!

After reading Harvest, I made sure to read this one first thing in the morning so I can forget about it before I sleep at night 😵‍💫

Well done Becca... The vibes be vibing and I want to hug and smack you at the same time cause what in the hell 🫣❤

[Hooterbby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the creepy horror themes with the hallmark Christmas movie setting. It's short, but it I did not feel like it slacked on unsettling scenes. This is honestly what those movies are missing (;

Concerned about reading it as a standalone? I read this before Harvest, no regrets.
[I'll be reading Harvest asap, though!]

Thank you again for the ARC. All reviews are my own.

[Jolena Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

****ARC REVIEW****
4.0
First off Thank you so much for letting me be a part of the ARC team.
This book gives off major goosebumps' vibes. With creepy Christmas feels with every twist and turn. Even though this is a short novella if you have a fear of dolls rituals and demons, be mindful of reading it as it does contain such topics. Overall, I really enjoyed this book!

[Taylah Guttormsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was gifted this book as an ARC for my honest review. I loved this creepy little Christmas novella. So many twists, very spooky and i loved every second of this story. Perfect for a quick read to break up the jolly Christmas stories! Can’t wait for the next from Becca. (Releasing just in time for a Christmas cosy read- 15 DEC 25)

[Jessica Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very creepy christmas horror story. I have never really liked dolls because they just creep me out. It seems like they are always watching you, no matter where you go. I really liked the idea of the bed and breakfast being decorated for Christmas but the dolls definitely became the main characters for me. Becca did an amazing job again.

[Pauline Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becca delivers (again) a short and scary story that hits right into some basic fears we all have...
Perfect if you want to add a bit of horror to your Christmas this year!!
Also loved meeting an old friend from The Harvest 🤫

[kellyjo walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never trust someone who has dolls in their bedroom! They are creepy as fuck!! This proves it!!

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A creepy Christmas novella? Yes please. 🎄👻This is book 2 in an interconnected series, and it’s just as creepy as the first.
If you want a spooky pre-Christmas read, this one has it all:
✔️ Creepy bed & breakfast
✔️ Family secrets
✔️ Ghosts? Demons??
✔️ …maybe even a serial killer 👀

Perfect for anyone who wants their holiday cheer with a side of nightmares.