The Christmas Door

by Christy Barritt

Closed doors protect. Open doors invite. This Christmas, one door will change everything.

Influencer Amayah Harper is known for finding beauty in forgotten places—especially in weathered doors and the stories behind them, which she shares with her fast-growing audience. When a journalist arrives to feature her work, Amayah feels an unexpected pull toward him, even as she senses he’s hiding carefully guarded secrets.

Luke Cross needs a career-making story, not a connection. Instead, he finds a woman whose kindness disarms him and whose faith challenges everything he thought he understood—leaving him caught between ambition and truth.

As unsettling events begin to disrupt Amayah’s peaceful life, Luke is drawn into far more than a simple exposé. Together, they’re forced to confront past wounds, unexpected truths, and the possibility that God sometimes opens doors they never knew existed.

A cozy Christmas romance with a touch of suspense—filled with warmth, hope, and the quiet miracles that happen when hearts dare to open.

Genres: Christmas, Contemporary

185 pages, Paperback

First published December 11, 2025

About the author

Christy Barritt is an author, freelance writer and speaker who lives in Virginia. She’s married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious—but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. She’s only won one contest in her life—and her prize was kissing a pig (okay, okay… actually she did win the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery also). Her current claim to fame is showing off her mother, who looks just like former First Lady Barbara Bush
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.

Reviews

[Amanda Tero · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the perfect Christmas weekend read! It’s very different for a Christy Barritt book—just a tiny hint of suspense. But it is very heartfelt and sweet.

I loved both of the characters. Amayah was very sweet and genuine and Luke definitely had the inner turmoil that made the book interesting.

But my absolute favorite were the kids. Be still, my heart. Wanting to know what was going on with them made me keep turning pages!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this story! It was such a heartwarming and faith-filled Christmas romance. I enjoyed the touch of suspense too.

Amayah was a very likable character. She had such a kind soul. I loved seeing her strong and steady faith and her total and complete trust in God. It was so inspiring! I thought her Door Project was a neat idea. The symbolism of the doors was moving and really left me thinking.

I didn’t know what to think of Luke at first. I knew he meant well with his assignment, but I was worried about the damage he could do with it. I enjoyed getting to know him, though. It was good seeing his character growth.

The Crump kids were a handful, to say the least, but my heart went out to them. They were trying their best.

This might be a quick read, but it packs a lot of goodness into it! If you’re looking for a quick, faith-filled Christmas story, grab a copy of this book. You won't be disappointed. I loved it!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was a little bit hard for me to get into, not a typical Christy Barritt story. Amayah Harper is an influencer on YouTube, but she is trying to influence people in a good way, seeing the world through God's eyes. She is earnest in her efforts to help people and when she sees a need she does her best to help meet that need.
Luke Cross works for a magazine, of which one of their members was influenced in a terrible and deadly way, and now they are out to prove that Amayah is of the same ilk - even if they have to twist things to take her down. Luke can't see what his editor is seeing and wants to print the truth about the good that Amayah is doing, but his editor uses threats of losing his job to get him to find something!
Then there is the man who keeps watching Amayah, always on the side lines, what's he up to?
You'll have to read the story to figure that one out! This is a clean read, not as suspenseful as many of Christy's stories, but a good read nonetheless!

[Parkland Mom · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars
Completed: Dec. 17/25
Format: ebook borrow (KU)

Book #177 of 2025: I want to note that this is 185 pages and not 252, as Goodreads states.

I wanted to really like this book but I found my mind drifting off so often. I just never really got into the story or felt connected.

I appreciated the children. Amayah, however, was felt a little contrived as some sort of flawless female. Luke felt more realistic.

I am not a fan of influencers but there is the odd one wanting to do good. It was nice to see a positive spin to it all.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a complex, yet sweet story for the Christmas season. Christy Barritt presents a unique, fresh take on the holiday genre, with faith as the threadline running through mystery, secrets, schemes and joy.

I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t read many books by Christy Barrit before but I am glad I did. The Christmas Door was full of light, love, peace and learning how to forgive. I read this short little book in a few hours. I can’t wait for more books by her now.

[Deena Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best holiday reads of the year. Jam packed with heart, hope, peace, and joy.

[Pamela Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars Quick, feel-good, but not realistic Christmas read. The Crump children reminded me of the Herdmans, from The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.