A Holly Jolly Romance: A Novella

by Allie Samberts

Nothing says Christmas like a heart ready to crack open.

Lo Carson thought the nutcrackers her Grams sent every Christmas would stop after Grams passed—yet four years later, they still arrive on schedule. This year, the latest comes with urgent letters from beyond the grave and a lot of questions about the family bookstore Lo thought was sold long ago.

Determined to find answers, Lo returns to Riverbend Springs, Iowa—the hometown she swore off—and promptly runs into Liam White, her former best friend turned resident grump…now a single dad to a glitter-loving five-year-old.

As Lo follows Grams’s clues, she uncovers more than small-town secrets. There’s Liam’s unexpected sweetness, a pint-sized matchmaker, and a town eager to pull her back into its twinkle-lit embrace.

With gingerbread lattes, bookshop revelations, and one meddling, ghostly grandmother nudging her along, Lo must decide if home is where you run from—or the place (and the person) you’re meant to return to.

Genres: Christmas, Novella

104 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 8, 2025

About the author

Allie Samberts is a romance writer, book lover, and high school English teacher. She was voted funniest teacher of the year for 2023 by her students, which is probably her highest honor to date. She is also a runner, and enjoys knitting and sewing. She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, two kids, and a very loud beagle. You can follow her on Instagram @alliesambertswrites, read her blog at alliesamberts.substack.com, and get other updates at www.alliesamberts.com.

Reviews

[Taylor Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most perfect surprise chaos holiday novella! This was just what I needed. It’s like Allie knew!

As always, Allie has a way with words. I found myself getting lost in the story and devouring it in a single sitting (yes I know it’s a novella, but being able to consume a book in a single reading with a 5-year-old is an accomplishment). Lo’s Grams pulling strings from beyond the grave was so well done. The story just had the best small-town, Hallmark movie feel.

[Meghan W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

How cute was this!! I loved it so much!

[Ty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is exactly what I want in a Christmas novella.

[Holly Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was FANTASTIC! As we all know I love a holiday novella! And I ALSO love a surprise book release!!! And Allie Samberts is the queen of a surprise release. I’m so glad I snagged a copy early because this was exactly what I needed!

This has everything I love! A woman coming home to the place she left, to the best friend - the goth person wrong time - she left. Everything about Lo and Liam was absolutely DELIGHTFUL! I was very emotional over two people who I knew for only 100 pages?? And truly I loved every single second!

Everyone go read this and all of Allie’s books while you’re at it, they’re a wonderful place to be!

[Caitsbooknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gave me the warm and fuzzies I loved it so so much! Full RTC🎄

[Mary Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

Do you love Christmas? Do you have a healthy fear of nutcrackers? Boy oh boy do I have the holiday novella for you!

A Holly Jolly Romance is an absolutely delightful story about a woman who wants nothing more than to leave the past behind her…and a sassy Granny interfering from beyond the grave to make sure that is impossible. So, back to her small town roots she goes.

Lo and Liam are absolutely precious together, and the small town vibes are immaculate. This story is full of Christmas cheer, terrifying nutcrackers, and yearning. I loved each piece of it and giggled my way through Lo’s awkward return home. A Holly Jolly Romance is heartwarming, funny, and a fantastic time. Allie continues to master the craft of the chaos novella, and I already can’t wait for the next one she surprises us with!

[Hope (boba.nbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
Spice Rating: 🌶️.5 / 5

•••••••••••••••

𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙖 𝙛𝙖𝙣 𝙤𝙛…
‣ Christmas novellas
‣ Contemporary romance
‣ Dual POV
‣ Small town hijinks + magic ✨
‣ Childhood best friends to lovers
‣ Single dads with adorable kids
‣ Feel-good stories
‣ Just a *bit* of spice
‣ Nutcrackers 😜

𝙈𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨…
Cute, feel-good Christmas novella? Check. Creepy, yet somehow sweet, nutcrackers? Also check. 𝐀 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐉𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 is full of contemporary romance tropes you love and adds in a little extra magic for the holidays.

Gloria, Lo, has been receiving letters (and nutcrackers *shudder*) from her Grams on her birthday every year. The thing is, they’re still showing up even years after Grams passed away. But this year, Grams implores Lo to return to her small hometown of Riverbend Springs, Iowa and visit the bookstore her Grams owned. Of course, right when she arrives, Lo runs into her former childhood best friend, Liam (they haven’t spoken since high school), who surprisingly has a spunky five-year-old daughter. Now that Lo is back and she sees everything (and everyone) she missed about this town, she’s contemplating her life path. Will Lo embrace the Christmas magic of her hometown or scamper back to Illinois as fast as she can?

Lo and Liam are such a sweet couple! Even in just a short 100+ pages, Samberts is able to convey their unique personalities and hearts. I felt so connected to each of their characters and was fully invested in their story.

I highly recommend 𝐀 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐉𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 for lovers of sweet novellas and romancIf you haven’t read an Allie Samberts book yet, what are you waiting for?! Go pick one up now or add them to your 2026 TBR!

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

This was such a cute, cosy, Chrismasy read!!

Lo and Liam hadn’t seen each other in over a decade, after Liam confessed his feelings for his best friend and she freaked out and ran away to college, never to return home to their small town. But now, something strange is happening and she is forced to face the town and the people she left behind all those years ago. Of course, what was supposed to be a quick visit to check on her grandmother’s old bookshop, turns into a second chance that Lo might just not want to miss.

What I loved about this story:

Lo and Liam: they had incredible chemistry. Their easy banter proved they still had the ease that comes from knowing someone for almost a lifetime and the way they fit together was just adorable.

Liam’s daughter Mia: she was the sassiest 5-year-old!! She was so cute and smart and just a little firecracker!

The magic of Christmas and of a meddling grandmother: Lo’s granny was central to the story and I love a granny with a touch of whimsy and a great sense of humour, which she had in abundance!

I’m just under 120 pages, you get a cute, small town, second chance romance, with a single father, a bookshop and a FMC who finds happiness when and where she least expected.

[Spice: 1.5-2/5]

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

OKAY. The queen of chaos has done it again! As soon as this book was available, I snatched it up and started reading. This book is full of nostalgia, a sweet second chance romance and creepy nutcrackers. There's even a single dad with the cutest little girl! If you're looking for a cute, quick holiday read.....RUN and grab this book!

[Ashley McGuire · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect holiday novella to add to your reading list this holiday season!

Thank you to the author, Allie Samberts, for the gifted e-arc. All opinions are my own!

Short Synopsis:
Lo Carson thought the nutcrackers her Grams sent every Christmas would stop after her Grams passed—yet four years later, they still arrive on schedule. This year, the latest comes with urgent letters from beyond the grave and a lot of questions about the family bookstore Lo thought was sold long ago. Determined to find answers, Lo returns to Riverbend Springs, Iowa—the hometown she swore off—and promptly runs into Liam White, her former best friend turned resident grump…now a single dad to a glitter-loving five-year-old. Is she ready to give herself over to every pull that seems to be bringing her back to Riverbend?

My Thoughts:
I loved this sweet holiday novella that felt like a complete story and had me smiling from start to finish. I loved the deep connection between the characters and the oh so swoony (and grumpy) Liam! This story had the perfect mix of romance, friendship and comedic timing that only a five-year-old could deliver! I highly recommend this sweet holiday romance, especially if you’re looking for a quick read that you can devour!

Read this if you like:
🎄 Holiday romance
🎄 Small town romance
🎄 Second chance romance
🎄 Friends to lovers
🎄 Single dad
🎄 Just a little magical realism

[kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gloria, aka Lo, receives a nutcracker and letter from her grandma every year, even though her grandma has passed away. This year, the letter strongly encourages her to go back home and check out The Nook. Lo hasn’t been back in ages and she’s pretty sure The Nook is long gone as it’s been sold. With some encouragement, Lo decides to go back for a day, but she’s nervous that she’s going to see the love of her life, that never happened, Liam.

When Lo travels back home, she seems some of the town folks and eventually bumps into Liam, who has a young daughter named Mia. Once Lo sees this, she realizes that he’s probably married, but in actuality, he’s not. Even though Lo says she’s just staying the night and leaving the next day, that changes soon after she starts to talk to Liam. One more day turns into another day, which turns into another day, etc.

What happens with Lo and Liam? What does Lo decide to do with her life? Does she go back home or stay in her hometown? What happened to The Nook? More importantly, are there are nutcrackers??

I absolutely loved this novella, but I love it more because Allie had shared a funny story about nutcrackers to her street team and we were all just begging Allie to write a book with nutcrackers. Love this book and the banter between Lo and Liam. I also love how the small town setting was captured so well in a novella. I wish this book would be turned into a Hallmark holiday movie!

[Tay_is_reading_again · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another slam dunk novella from Allie Samberts! This is the perfect, timely novella during the holiday season.

Lo, short for Gloria, is a teacher who recently lost her Grandmother. Grandma sent Lo a nutcracker each year for Christmas and even posthumously ensured Lo received her yearly nutcracker. However, this nutcracker came with encouragement for Lo to visit her hometown where her grandmother resided. Grandma also owned a bookstore and somehow arranged for multiple letters to be delivered to Lo even in Grandma’s death.

Lo travels back to the small town and runs into Liam, her childhood best friend. Liam is now a single father but still pining over Lo, the one who got away.

This book packed such a punch for being just over 100 pages. Read this if you like:

🎄 holiday/Christmas novella
🎄 small town
🎄 childhood friends to lovers
🎄 found family
🎄 touch of Christmas magic

Available now in Kindle Unlimited! Thank you Allie for the eARC!

[scribsbookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Allie Samberts and I love her writing, maybe there’s also a stronger attachment because she’s also a high school English teacher but if it’s something she writes, you know I’m going to read it!

Real talk though? A Holly Jolly Romance surprised me. I didn’t know I was getting a whole novella out of it but if there’s a small holiday novella every year, then sign me up because I love them and I appreciate them so much! The holiday novellas are like the small healing balms to get me through the rest of the days before I can finally be on Winter break.

If you want a quick holiday read with plenty of holiday charm and in a small town, you’re definitely going to want to read this!

Thank you for the surprise read, Allie Samberts! All opinions are my own.

[Tiffany W · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great surprise book! This was such a cute and quick holiday read. I literally checked to see how far I’d read so I could plan a break and I was already 80% in.

I loved how Lo’s Grams was still pulling strings even after passing, and how she managed to rope everyone in one way or another. Her connection with Liam was especially touching, and I almost cried when I read the contact, I also really appreciated that there was barely any spice.

What I truly wanted more of was Maisey, I get the impression she’s a real troublemaker, and I would’ve loved to see more of her and her antics( because let’s be honest, none of us believed something was wrong with that toilet lol)

Overall, definitely add this one to your list!

[Erika Ankeny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love these holiday novellas by Allie so much!

Lo & Liam’s rekindling was done so perfectly, their relationship was just so precious. What really sold me for this story was the incorporation of Lo’s grandma & the Christmas spirit! It was so cute for the season and such a cozy read.

Liam being such an amazing father has my heart all warm and fuzzy! ❤️

Now everytime I see a nutcracker, I’ll think of this beautiful story.

I just love being on Allie’s street team! Helping to be apart of her sporadic decision to write on a whim, was so funny to see in real time. Knowing such an amazing story was only written in a week’s time, is mind blowing. 🤯

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

[Sukriti · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Holly Jolly Romance by Allie Samberts is a cozy, festive holiday novella filled with warmth, second chances, and Christmas magic. The story follows Lo Carson, who returns to her hometown after mysterious nutcrackers and letters from her late grandmother stir up old memories — and long‑buried questions about her family and past. She reunites with Liam White, a former best friend turned grumpy‑single dad (and a little girl matchmaker at that). Small‑town charm, gingerbread‑lattedate nights, ghostly grandmother nudges, and tentative rekindled feelings make this story feel like a warm holiday hug. Perfect for fans of feel‑good, small‑town romance with holiday vibes

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Allie Samberts announces she’s written a new Christmas novella, I don’t ask questions—I immediately start reading. And A Holly Jolly Romance did not disappoint.

This was such a fun, cozy, and incredibly bingeable holiday read. I flew through it and loved every bit of the festive atmosphere and holiday magic woven throughout the story.

If you enjoy romcoms with a little spice, second-chance romance, a charming single dad, and a small-town setting, this novella checks all the boxes. It’s the perfect quick read for getting into the holiday spirit.

Highly recommend—especially if you’re looking for a festive romance you can devour in one sitting. 🎄✨

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good for what it was… a quick, surface level holiday novella. It had Christmas magic and a second chance (although underdeveloped and slightly confusing) romance, but it was fun enough to sit and read in one sitting. I liked Jesse a lot and kind of hope he gets a book at some point.

My biggest issue was Liam’s five year old daughter who acted like she was a teenager. I understand that it makes the MMC “desirable” (maybe?) to have a younger child, but it makes zero sense to make a five year old act like a thirteen year old. The “young kid being overly mature” micro trope always pulls me out of a story.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly could’ve read a whole book of this story rather than a novella. I loved the whimsical Christmas magic and the cute little festive town. The romance/relationship portion could’ve been a little more fleshed out a bit in my opinion, I think that was the only thing that was slightly lacking. I wanted more background / depth between the two main characters which is why I want a whole book! I needed more yearning! The MMC’s child was also 5 but acted more like a teenager which I also think threw me off a bit. This kids level of scheming definitely seemed above the level of a 5 year old haha.

[Karen B · Rating 5 out of 5]

A second chance romance novella packed with sweetness and holiday magic. Lo returns to her hometown after letters and ominous nutcrackers from her late grandmother arrive, years after her passing. There she encounters her past love, Liam, who, along with his bubbly, festive daughter, helps her unearth the secrets as to why her grandmother wanted her back in the town. Their story is cute, sweet, just a little bit spicy, and so full of holiday charm and magic. A quick, charming read that will warm your heart during this busy time. 4.5 stars
Thanks to the author for the eARC.

[Ashley Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a quick holiday romance novella check out this one. It is full of Christmas magic and is heartwarming.

Lo has been away from her home town for 10 years and even though her grandma passed away a few years earlier she still receives a nutcracker each year on her birthday urging her to go home and check on the bookshop. When Lo goes back she realizes how much she misses the town and her life there. She realizes she needs a change.

This book is full of love, magic, and friendship. It is a cozy read for when it is cold outside and you just need some Christmas magic.

[April | Aprilsbooknook_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking to add one more holiday romance to your reading wrap up this year, I have the perfect novella for you!!

A Holly Jolly Romance by @alliesambertswrites is available now on KU & paperback. And it's sooooo fun, cute and the perfect sized holiday novella. 🤭

Lo left her small town, never looking back. Until beyond the grave her grandma insists she returns home. Filled with holiday magic, mysterious nutcrackers and the hot single dad she left behind-- I truly think you will adore this little romance! 🤍

[Alexis Conley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allie has a knack for turning my TBR on its head, but I couldn’t wait to dive into this little novella. This was everything you love about Hallmark Christmas movies in a book. It was short, sweet and full of Christmas magic. I am a sucker for friends to lovers, so I was rooting for Lo and Liam from the get go. I also adored Liam’s little girl, she was so cute! Lo’s Grams made me smile, with her yearly nutcracker tradition! If you want a quick, feel good Christmas story, this is it!

[Melissa | itsabookvibe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I look forward to holiday novella reading and I have loved each of Allie's.

this was full of holiday cheer, fast paced, and had so many elements to get you in the christmas spirit.

I wish there was more of Liam & Lo. Second Chance always makes me swoon and there is something about a man with few words

throw in a hard at work meddling grandma from beyond, a small town, and a bookstore! little Mia is adorable and who doesn't love glitter

[Kyla VanParker · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎄A Holly Jolly Romance 🎄
✍🏼 Allie Samberts
🌟 5/5

This year I’m leaning hard into the Christmas books and @alliesambertswrites delivers! This novella had all the Christmas Hallmark charm I crave every year. And long lost best friends to lovers is one of my absolute favourite tropes! Throw in a meddling grandma, some excellent best friend side characters, a sassy little gal and you have everything to create a magical Christmas romance! I hope Allie continues to write the perfect holiday novellas so I can keep eating them up 😍😍

PS. I also feel like I now need a decorative nutcracker. IYKYK.

[Shana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for a holiday novella…then look no further. I absolutely loved this short story. So many great things about this book…small town, single dad, best friends to more. While I loved Lo and Liam my favorite character was Mia, Liam’s daughter. I just loved her sweet sass. I also loved Gram and her yearly presents to Lo…the nutcrackers and letters.

Totally recommend this book. Allie is one of my auto read authors. I have read all her books and enjoyed every single one of them.

[tammys_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute Novella

4.5⭐️ Lo receives a nutcracker and a note from her dead grandmother every year asking her to return to her hometown and check on the bookstore her grandmother owned. When she shows up, she’s reconnected with her best friend, Liam, who professed his love to her before she left for college. He’s now a single parent and is keeping secrets about the bookstore. This is short and sweet with some spice.

[Beth Grossmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allie decided to surprise us with another Christmas novella and my friends, you NEED to read this.

It reads like a Christmas in the best way. You’ll suspend your disbelief. You’ll enjoy the love story. And you’ll laugh A LOT. This whole town meddles and I’m obsessed with it. So so so many nutcrackers. (WHY isn’t there a nutcracker emoji??)

[Emilie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this novella! It was the perfect quick holiday read, full of heart and magic. I loved the story around the nutcrackers, this sweet small town setting, and the history between Lo & Liam. I highly recommend to get you in the holiday spirit!


Read if you like:
- Holiday novellas
- Second chance / ex best friends to lovers
- Small town
- Single dad
- Hint of holiday magic