Gift Keepers

by Shade Owens

One gift. One lie. Every year.

Ryan Darser hates Christmas. This year, it gets his best friend vanishes, leaving behind only a note and a set of coordinates to a remote cabin in the mountains. And the timing couldn’t be worse—a brutal winter storm is closing in.

Determined to find him before things turn deadly, Ryan follows the coordinates into the deepening snow. But the farther he goes, the clearer it this place is dangerous.

Because there’s something else in these mountains.
And it’s been waiting for him.

---------

This is a short fast-paced and brutal PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER / HORROR NOVELLA (not a cozy Christmas read and not full-length book).

Genres: Christmas, Horror, Thriller, Fiction, Short Stories

121 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2025

Reviews

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was definitely a rescue mission gone wrong! Fun quick horror novella that held my attention the entire time! When Ryan went to search for Ethan, who has disappeared, he definitely got way more than he bargained for. These 2 lost souls befriended each other during difficult times in their lives, so he is determined to find Ethan by any means necessary. I wish Ryan knew exactly what that means though. Non stop drama after the story went left, and this rescue mission got real scary real fast! Overall I enjoyed this story and would recommend!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Milt Theo · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent folk horror novelette, quite fast-paced and an easy read, engaging and intense from start to finish! It reads a bit like a series of an author's post for Patreon, with very short chapters and cliffhanger endings, very light on characterization (a feature that's reasonable and to be expected in a work of this length) but full of twists and surprising story turns. It's told from the point of view of a man fighting alcoholism, traumatized by an ugly childhood; befriended by another man eager to support him in his fight against alcohol cravings, he soon realizes that with the right kind of support he's capable to overcome his addiction. A year later, having acknowledge the man as his mentor, he feels he has to go and save him from getting stuck in a remote rental cabin during a heavy snowstorm on Christmas. But the rescue soon derails into a freakish nightmare. Non-stop action follows, and the tension escalates till the dread hits the high spot and everything culminates in an explosive ending!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[ChaeLynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

[Melissa (honeybee.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gift Keepers is an eerie, chilling and creepy Christmas thriller novella. Once I started it I knew it would be impossible to put it down, that was its purpose and it served it entirely. This story is told in 3 POV’s Ryan, The Keeper and The Mother making it so easy to keep flipping the pages with the cliffhanger chapter endings. Each chapter is expertly written to uncover secrets and start piecing together what is going on. The atmosphere and setting for this one was absolutely on point, it chilled and creeped me out. The way this mountain town celebrates Christmas is unlike anything I have ever seen !

Shade Owens is a truly talented writer, I've read a few of her books and this was no different. It's well written, cleverly constructed and very well plotted. It gave everything it was supposed to and packed quite a punch. I am honestly sad this isn't a full novel, because I could see her make something absolutely insane with it.

Overall, this is a great Christmas/Winter novella to add to your TBR if you're looking for some thrills and chills.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was definitely a rescue mission gone wrong! Fun quick horror novella that held my attention the entire time! When Ryan went to search for Ethan, who has disappeared, he definitely got way more than he bargained for. These 2 lost souls befriended each other during difficult times in their lives, so he is determined to find Ethan by any means necessary. I wish Ryan knew exactly what that means though. Non stop drama after the story went left, and this rescue mission got real scary real fast! Overall I enjoyed this story and would recommend!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was intense! A quick easy read, GIFT KEEPERS by Shade Owens was not at all what I expected. With a jaw dropping introduction that presented lots of questions, this novella was a fast-paced read told from multiple perspectives. Mostly from the main character's point of view, we follow Ryan's quest to help his friend during a snow storm when some unexpected events occur. There was a lot of action packed into this short story and readers won't be disappointed. With enough backstory to tie the pieces together, this thrill ride kept me turning pages to find out what happened next in Ryan's harrowing adventure. I'd recommend this for anyone seeking a good holiday-themed thriller or non-stop suspense.

[Laura Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

GIFT KEEPERS BY SHADE OWENS.
Release date set for the 1st of December 2025.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
Love the cover for this book.
This is a really great thrilling Novella.
This is my 2nd shade owens book in the space of a couple of weeks.
What a wild crazy ride this one was.
Perfect short Christmas thriller and I recommend this one highly ☺

[Mickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short story, a little under 100 pages, and honestly I wish it was a little longer. It starts with a bang and then doesn't let up until the end. Perfect read for this time of year.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book I've read by Shade and I'm thrilled. I don't know if this is her style of writing, but I'm really pleasantly surprised.

First thing that attracted me was definitely the cover that promised a lot. And that promise was fulfilled.

Ryan is a former alcoholic who got out of hell with the help of his mentor Ethan. It's because of this gratitude toward Ethan for saving his life that Ryan will do anything for him. And when Ethan goes to the cabin in the mountains, and a snowstorm is approaching, Ryan will do anything to find and save him. But what Ryan finds is far from the small cabin where Ethan is. Ryan will soon realize that his former life is nothing compared to the hell that awaits him.

So wow. I'm thrilled. And I don't think I've ever read a story faster, and yet it's about 90 pages.
The book is written very simply in chapters. It's easy to read and very quickly draws the reader into the story, which is the most important thing. There's no room for boring details, and that's commendable. Personally, there's nothing worse than when a book starts dragging on and never comes to an end. This was very concise and fast. I kept waiting for some twist to happen and it actually happened near the end. And I have to admit, I wasn't expecting it. At least not like this.

Big thanks to the BookSirens and Shade for the arc. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Rainbow Goth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novella. The author basically warns you upfront that this is a novella and you shouldn’t expect loads of character development. Fair enough. It’s short. But honestly, I think we actually get a pretty solid sense of who the main character is and why he’s so determined to help his friend. More than I expected, anyway.

The whole thing moves quickly. It’s sharp, tight, and lands its punches without wasting time. I found myself properly tense through most of it, waiting to see where it would go.

It’s the second book I’ve read from this author via Book Sirens and, to be fair, I preferred the other one. But this was still a good, gripping read and I’m glad I picked it up.

I received this book with thanks for free and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Christmas time novella about Ryan, an alcoholic, who meets Ethan at a meeting. Ethan becomes his friend and sponsor. Ethan decides to escape the city for Christmas and leaves to go to a cabin in the mountains. As he left his coordinates with Ryan, Ryan feels compelled to track Ethan down when a severe winter storm is rolling in. Ryan learns things are not as they seem and finds a fresh perspective on his life. I thought it was an original well written story. I would recommend.
Thank you to BookSirens for this advanced digital copy. I leave this review voluntarily.

[Kristen Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan looks for his sponsor and friend, Ethan after he runs off to the mountains to get away for the holidays. Ryan knows that Ethan doesnt fair well around holidays because of the loss of his family. what he didnt expect was what he found once he go to the cabin.

This short novella kept your interest all the way through. The gripping terror starting right at the beginning and not letting up until the last page. This short terror isnt just another holiday surprise, its the whole gift.

[Hannah Nowak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick, horror novella that was actually the perfect length for the story. Rescue-mission gone wrong with a run in with a cult.

[Becky Sipes · Rating 2 out of 5]

The twist was predictable and the plot very underdeveloped even for a novella.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun little messed up ride this was!! Super quick read with a catchy, mindbender story to go with it. This little number is packed with twists and turns that had me guessing until the end! The author notes this is a novella and characters aren't super developed, but i definitely got enough off the main character to feel connected to him and root for him. Really enjoyed this!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Pav S. (pav_sanborn_bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When did Christmas stories become so eerie? I actually enjoy this twist; it's a refreshing change from the usual romcom fare.

Ryan Darser, who hates Christmas, embarks on a quest to find his missing best friend after receiving a note and coordinates to a remote cabin. As a winter storm approaches, he discovers that the mountains hold dangerous secrets and something ominous is waiting for him.

Once you dive into the book, you'll quickly find it hard to put down—after all, novellas are designed to be brief and to the point. Before you know it, the story will sweep you away in a hurry, perfect for a quick read before dinner or right after the Christmas feast.

The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of Ryan, the Keeper, and the Mother. With each chapter, we peel back layers of the story, getting closer to uncovering its secrets. The writing is clever and well-structured; there’s nothing quite like a storyline crafted long ago that comes together so seamlessly.

The atmosphere is chilling and eerie, showcasing some peculiar Christmas traditions. Every community has its quirks, and to see how this bizarre mountain town celebrates Christmas, you'll need to dive in and read for yourself! I won’t give anything away; just make sure this book makes it onto your TBR list.

This is the perfect read for anyone who enjoys short stories with brief chapters and truly creepy cult vibes, just the thing to wrap up your reading goals for the year. Brace yourself for surprises, and get cozy, because this tale might just turn into someone’s Christmas nightmare.

Thank you, Booksirens, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bougie Black Girl Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Gift Keepers by Shade Owens delivers a chilling, atmospheric mystery wrapped in holiday charm—and dread. From the very first chapter, the story pulls you into a snow-covered mountain town where traditions run deep, secrets run deeper, and the line between generosity and manipulation starts to blur.

Owens builds tension slowly and deliberately, using the isolation of winter and the eerie stillness of the landscape to create an unsettling backdrop. What appears at first to be a heartwarming ritual transforms into something darker, and that shift is handled with precision. The writing is immersive without being overly flowery, and every detail feels intentional.

The characters are layered, flawed, and compelling. Each one carries their own emotional weight, and the way their relationships intertwine adds richness to the unfolding mystery. There’s a strong psychological component here—Owens excels at showing how fear, tradition, guilt, and loyalty can shape people’s actions in unexpected ways.

The pacing is steady but tight, with tension that builds chapter by chapter until everything clicks into place. Even without giving away the core twist, I can say that the final reveal is satisfying and earns its impact thanks to the careful groundwork laid earlier in the book.

If you enjoy winter thrillers, atmospheric mysteries, or stories where small-town traditions hide big shadows, Gift Keepers is a gripping read that keeps you thinking long after you’ve closed the book.

[TJ Turns Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gift Keepers by Shade Owens is the perfect novella to get you into the Christmas spirit and give your season a jump start. I tease, of course, but it truly is a fast, engaging read. It begins on an ominous note, then shifts to Ryan, a recovering alcoholic on a mission to find his sponsor, friend, and almost-brother Ethan, who has disappeared for a weekend in a cabin in Maine. With a major snowstorm on the way and growing concern for Ethan’s safety, Ryan sets out to find him.

As the storm worsens, Ryan discovers the cabin where Ethan is supposed to be staying. Inside, a cheerful man and his wife welcome him in, offer a warm fire, and promise to help look for Ethan in the morning. But can you ever trust strangers?

I loved the Maine setting, which felt like a fun treat for me as a native Mainer. I also appreciated the brisk pacing. Shade Owens is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors, and her consistent style shines here. Short chapters, great cliffhangers, and just enough exposition to keep the story moving without weighing it down. I absolutely loved this unusual holiday twist, and the deeper I went, the more pulled in I became. And there was a twist at the end. For a novella that deserves real applause.

Thank you to Shade Owens & BookSirens. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚Gift Keeper
✍🏻Shade Owens
Blurb:
Ryan Darser hates Christmas.

This year, it gets worse: his best friend vanishes, leaving behind only a note and a set of coordinates to a remote cabin in the mountains. And the timing couldn’t be worse—a brutal winter storm is closing in.

Determined to find him before things turn deadly, Ryan follows the coordinates into the deepening snow. But the farther he goes, the clearer it becomes: this place is dangerous.

Because there’s something else in these mountains.
And it’s been waiting for him.
My Thoughts:
This is a psychological thriller, horror thriller, short story and takes place during Christmas. Fun quick horror novella that held my attention the entire time! When Ryan went to search for Ethan, who has disappeared, he definitely got way more than he bargained for. These 2 lost souls befriended each other during difficult times in their lives, so he is determined to find Ethan by any means necessary. I wish Ryan knew exactly what that means though. Non stop drama after the story went left, and this rescue mission got real scary real fast!
Thanks BookSiren, Red Raven Publishing and Author Shade Owens for the advanced copy of "Gift Keeper" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#BookSiren
#GiftKeeper
#ShadeOwens
#RedRavenPublishing
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Cassi (books.and.shh) · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is nothing quite like the bond between a sponsor and their sponsee in an addiction recovery program, and Ryan--the protagonist in Shade Owens's holiday novella, titled “The Gift Keepers,” proves this when he rushes to Ethan's rescue after he leaves an ominous note and rushes off into the wilderness. Concerned for his friend's safety as a huge snowstorm approaches the region, Ryan ventures to the coordinates left behind.

As this high-stakes short story quickly unfolds, things evidently aren't as they appear. Although certain aspects of the plot were predictable, Owens expertly utilized revere--shared from the first-person perspective of multiple characters--to establish character development and foreshadowing. By reading her descriptive imagery, readers can truly feel the horror, cold, and other experiences Ryan experiences. Moreover--and perhaps this will be a warning to some--Owens doesn't sugarcoat addiction, how it develops, or what it truly looks like. Incorporating themes of discovering self-worth and anti-Christmas joy, and establishing just enough backstory to make the reader uncomfortable, this novella answered all of our questions and provides the dark reason why Ryan's venture into the wilderness didn't go as planned.

[Natalie Reads Alot · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this eerie story the Gift Keepers, rather than offering comfort and cheer, Owens delivers a tense, atmospheric story that explores addiction, loyalty, and the devastating weight of unresolved trauma.
When Ethan disappears after leaving behind a troubling note, Ryan’s desperate search through a snowbound wilderness becomes both a physical and psychological journey.
Owens cleverly uses this imagery to connect it to her characters and what experiences they are going thru.
Owens, who writes often about domestic violence, is now writing about the horrors of drug addiction and the effects it takes. WARNING: She does not sugarcoat or gently speak about it. But her harsh words make us readers uncomfortable and it’s brilliant.
Instead of a cheery Christmas novella you get a raw, unsettling and deeply human experience!
This story is told in multiple person PoV which makes everything so much creepier and adds depth and complexity.
This definitely isn’t for anyone sensitive to drug abuse and/or anyone who wishes for a happy Christmas story! I’ve read a handful of books from Owens and they get better each time.
Anyone who likes Frieda McFadden will eat these stories up!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[S Huizenga · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick read so get comfy because you won't want to put it down!

In true Shade Owens style this book is twisty and you never really know what direction the story is taking until you are there!

Ryan is in the middle of a snowstorm in the mountains trying to find his friend Ethan who he thinks is in trouble. All he has is a strange message and coordinates where his friend is staying but something isn't adding up and Ryan is worried so he sets out to help. Ryan has had a complicated life and Ethan came along at a point in time where Ryan really needed him. Now he's trying to return the favor.

Ryan finds the cabin where Ethan is supposed to be staying but finds an older couple there instead. Insisting there's been a simple mix up the couple insists that Ryan stays the night and will help in the morning when the weather is better. Here's where everything goes sideways and the twists begin. It's also where I have to stop before I reveal any spoilers!

I love Shade Owens and her books always leave me entertained. This was no exception!

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ ARC Book Review⭐️

If you love winter thrillers that mix survival, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural… this one delivers chills in every sense of the word. ❄️👀🌲

Ryan Darser hates Christmas—but this year, it’s not just holiday stress he’s dealing with. His best friend disappears, leaving behind a cryptic note and coordinates to a remote mountain cabin. With a massive winter storm closing in, Ryan heads out to find him… and quickly realizes he’s walked straight into something far more dangerous than he ever expected.

As the snow deepens, so does the dread.
The isolation.
The secrets.
The feeling that something out there is watching. Waiting.

This book is:
❄️ atmospheric and perfectly wintry
🏔️ tense, eerie, and full of dread
🔦 a mystery wrapped in survival horror
📖 a one-sitting kind of read

If you’re craving a dark, snowy thriller that keeps your heart pounding—this one is absolutely worth bundling up with.

A chilling, gripping ride from the first page to the last. ❄️🔥

[Iain Batten · Rating 4 out of 5]

An outstanding folk horror novelette, this work is both fast-paced and accessible, offering an engaging, intense experience from beginning to end. This marks my second reading of a Shade Owens novel within just a few weeks, and what an exhilarating journey it has been. True to Shade Owens' style, the narrative is filled with unexpected twists, skillfully keeping the reader guessing about its trajectory until the very conclusion.

The short chapters are masterfully crafted, featuring compelling cliffhangers and an ideal balance of exposition that sustains momentum without overwhelming the reader. I thoroughly enjoyed the unique holiday twist; the deeper I immersed myself in the story, the more enthralled I became. The ending presented a surprise that merits commendation, especially for a novella of this nature.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Book Sirens and Shade Owens.

[VDKeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gift Keepers
by Shade Owen
Available on Kindle Unlimited
🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁 5/5

Y’all! The Gift Keepers is a short, fast, punch-you-in-the-throat novella that had me shivering like I was right there in that blizzard 😅❄️

Ryan Darser—certified Christmas hater—gets a “hey bro, come find me before I die” note from his best friend and a set of coordinates like this is Survivor: Frostbite Edition. The second he steps into that storm, the whole vibe shifts to something’s watching… and it’s NOT Santa. 👀

The cabin? Oh, it’s not abandoned. It’s set up. Waiting. For HIM. Absolutely not. 🚪😳

Shade Owen’s writing is crisp, atmospheric, and so sensory—creaking wood, metallic air, that heavy snow swallowing every sound. Ryan’s stubborn, sarcastic energy kept me hooked, and the tension ramps up fast with zero wasted space.

This novella is icy, snappy, creepy, and SO dang fun.
🎁❄️🔥 A perfect one-sitting winter thriller—don’t miss it.

[Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. I enjoyed the suspense of slowly piecing things together. The first chapter was quite intriguing, though a few chapters in I did wonder how it connected to the rest of the story; until about halfway through, when things began to click into place.

I loved that gradual reveal, and the twist, which I genuinely didn’t see coming. The core idea behind the story felt fresh and creative, too.

The only thing that didn’t fully work for me was the Christmas aspect, though that’s more about preference than anything else. I like more Christmas in my Christmas horror!

For some readers the subtle seasonal touch in the beginning and ending may be enough, but for me, this didn’t feel a lot like a Christmas-time read.

Overall, it’s certainly a solid suspenseful read with a clever twist.

* I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my 2nd book from this author and we're 2/2 really liking them!

This one is just a quick novella, that will leave you wanting more - but in a good way. Sometimes a shorter story can lack a lot and just feel like they cut too much, this one I felt like while we didn't have a ton of time for character development we got enough of it for the story and I want to know so much more about how this all came to be and what happens next while still being satisfied with what was given. It's not one of those where you feel like you got shorted on the story, just because it's a novella.
I do feel like writing reviews for these kinds of books is so hard though, things are revealed quickly and I don't want to ruin any of that for a potential reader! I did feel like some details were very easy to guess, but you were left with a bit of doubt to make you question yourself until the reveal. Also, sometimes short stories just are that way, you only have so much time and can have so many people, it didn't take away from enjoying the read. This easily could have been a 1 sitting read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan Darser receives a message containing coordinates to a secluded cabin in the mountains from his closest friend, Ethan. With a winter storm approaching, Ryan is determined to reach the cabin and assist his friend before the storm arrives.

As he ascends the mountain toward the cabin, the atmosphere grows increasingly unsettling. Ryan senses that something terrifying is unfolding in these hills. Where has Ethan gone? What has transpired? Will Ryan locate his friend before it's too late for rescue?

Gift Keepers is a brief, fast-paced tale that captivates your attention like a full-length novel, filled with numerous twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat as its secrets are unveiled gradually.

I wholeheartedly recommend this quick read, Gift Keepers, to all enthusiasts of horror! Get your copy today to discover what fate befell Ethan and Ryan!

[Christian Domenicci · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short, fast-paced novella that truly kept me on the edge of the unknown, not knowing exactly what was happening. Someone disappears on a mountain, and a snowstorm brings the unimaginable. Ryan surprised me quite a bit in his mission to find his friend."

"I have always said that you don't go to a cabin in the middle of nowhere—that's a hard no—and you especially don't enter strangers' homes; it's called common sense! There were moments when it felt like I was reading the script for a Netflix series. The truth is, I really enjoyed it, and the ending was very unexpected. I give it 5 stars and am very grateful to BookSirens for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC. Excellent work by the author, Shade Owens.

[BookTokReads 📚✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gift Keepers pulls you in from the first page and doesn’t let go. Because it’s a novella, there isn’t a ton of character development; but honestly, that works here. Shade gives you enough information to understand the motivation behind each characters actions. The story moves fast, almost breathless, packed with heart-pounding moments that keep you flipping pages without stopping.
Owens weaves in childhood and family trauma, addiction, and some seriously eerie cult vibes, all in under two hours. The plot unfolds quickly, but the tension is constant, and a few scenes had me holding my breath.
It’s a quick, unsettling, compulsive read that you can finish in one sitting.