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In Love at Christmas

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When a snowstorm rolls through Atlyn City, university Chairman, Dr. Kiyan Ward doesn't expect his quiet evening at home to be interrupted by a running car idling just beyond his gate. Inside, a woman and her young child sit shivering - strangers who clearly don't belong on his private land. His instinct is to send them away, but something about the fear in her eyes and the child's silence makes him hesitate.

Leila Montgomery never imagined her life could unravel in a single night. With nowhere to go and no one to call, she parks on a secluded road, praying for warmth and time to think. When Kiyan discovers she's still out there hours later, his concern outweighs his caution.

What begins as an act of compassion soon becomes something deeper - a connection that challenges them both to confront the walls they've built around their hearts. As the snow continues to fall, two strangers find unexpected refuge in one
another and the possibility of a love that could heal what life has broken.

150 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 24, 2025

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About the author

T'Lyn

60 books729 followers
T’Lyn is a Greenville, South Carolina, native, mother of five, and author with a affinity for writing. She fell in love with reading at the age of fourteen, soon discovering that she wanted to share her own creative ideas.

With a gifted ability of storytelling, T’Lyn crafts love stories mixed with romance and hood. To date, she has published eighteen novels.

T’Lyn has a passion for writing and continues to pen her wild imaginative thoughts, taking readers on a journey with authentic storytelling.

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5 stars
686 (66%)
4 stars
251 (24%)
3 stars
78 (7%)
2 stars
13 (1%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
Profile Image for Annette Williams.
1,229 reviews454 followers
December 30, 2025
Leila never imagined when she woke up that morning, she would find herself divorced, kicked out of her home, and broke. With no family or friends to turn to, she’s forced to figure things out from the front seat of her car with her special needs daughter. When Kiyan approached the car idling at the end of his driveway, he didn’t expect to find a crying woman with a child. With his gut telling him something isn't right and the temperatures expected to drop dangerously low, he couldn’t in good conscious leave them there. So, Kiyan forces Leila’s hand to get them to come into his house out of the cold. She doesn’t know it now but, Aldrick’s trash azz behavior was a blessing in disguise. I like to think divine intervention is what led Leila to Kiyan. The way his family rallied around her and Ava and immediately became their village was a beautiful thing to witness. And, I loved watching Ava thrive and finally experience the love she was missing from Aldrick’s triflin’ azz. Kiyan was exactly what Leila and Ava needed. When he said, “I got you and baby girl for whatever, whenever” he meant that shyt. In Love at Christmas was such a heartwarming holiday read. This book is, by far, the best holiday book I’ve read this month. T'Lyn did her big one with this one.
Profile Image for Erin Rae.
398 reviews34 followers
December 27, 2025
3.75⭐️ Kiyan x Leila + Ava 💓☺️

Sings 🎤 “What a man what a man what a mighty good man” because Kiyan Ward came in and swooped up Leila and her daughter. Loved up on them both when they needed it most. This was a really cute slightly emotional read.

& shoutout to Kiyan’s family! They were so supportive 🥹🥰

I really really wish Kiyan would have beat Aldrick’s ASS. He is scum & never deserved Leila & Ava 😡
Profile Image for ReadnliftwithShar.
1,935 reviews
December 24, 2025
In Love at Christmas was one of the sweetest holiday stories I’ve ever read. It had a good message but also had the holiday feels. I loved everything about the characters and the emphasis on family, tradition and finding a village. It just shows there’s no time frame to fall in love with your soulmate.

Leila and Kiyan met in an unorthodox way, but it was destined for them to cross paths. Leila and Ava’s world was flipped upside down when her husband, Aldrick decided that being a husband and father was too much of a burden for him. Like, how can you throw out your wife and special needs child before the holiday!! I was hoping Santa’s sleigh “accidentally” ran Aldrick off the road – I wanted him to suffer in the worse way! But listen, what is one man’s “trash” is another mans treasure because Kiyan and his family came in and loved Leila and Ava so hard. Ugh, I just couldn’t get over how the family rallied around and made the holiday memorable. The story is so beautiful, but I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t ask for an update on them. A little wedding special, a baby, or something! Lol! Check out this release, it will put you in the holiday spirit!

*arc review
Profile Image for *Ebony I*.
1,478 reviews166 followers
January 4, 2026
Sweet Love

Well this was such a sweet story. Leila was a devoted wife and mother, that was severely unappreciated by her trash husband. He decides that he no longer wants to have the responsibility of being a husband or father. He was a sad piece of shi# because he seemed to resent the devotion she had to her special needs daughter. The ugly ish he was saying about his own daughter let me know he deserved the worst karma. Leila is forced out of their home with no money and nowhere to go. She finds herself on a private road running her car to keep her daughter warm, praying for something to give. 

That something ended up being Dr. Kiyan Ward. Unknowingly she was on his private road to his house. When he sees this beautiful woman and sweet daughter basically homeless, he makes it his mission to take care of them. Love is an action word and he showed his intentions from day one. It was more than just being nice, he was providing for them, and creating a safe environment. Allowing his family to love on them and embrace them as family. Sweet Ava was the highlight of the story. She started off cautious and shy, but the Ward family really opened her up and it was so sweet to see her bloom. 

I enjoyed the slow development of Leila and Kiyan's Christmas love story.
Profile Image for Symone.
121 reviews15 followers
December 27, 2025
Kiyan was exactly what Leila and Ava needed. It was an emotional journey! I adored Kiyan's family for welcoming Leila and Ava so warmly. Watching Ava thrive in such a loving space was heartwarming. Aldrick was a total loser, but I loved how Kiyan dealt with him and his trash friends.
Profile Image for Keiaira Oliver.
141 reviews32 followers
December 27, 2025
🎄✨ Heavy but Heartwarming 💔❤️

4/5 ⭐️
Emotional holiday read 🎄💔
After being abandoned by her husband of 10 years, Leila and her daughter are shown kindness, safety, and love by Kiyan and his family. Heavy, touching, and beautifully written.
258 reviews1 follower
December 25, 2025
Kiyan was just what Leila needed 🥰

Aldrich was the worse kind! To put out his devoted wife and special baby girl, Ava, in the cold… he needed more than what happened to him! That was God who sent Leila to that desolate roadway. He placed her right at Kiyan’s doorsteps basically. She lost her family, but gained a new one almost instantly. Everyone took to Ava and Leila so easily. Aldrich turned their world upside down, but not for long. Kiyan and his family flipped it right back over before the holidays. I enjoyed this one!
Profile Image for Ray.
203 reviews6 followers
January 7, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
I did not expect this story to eat like it did. Leila was a MOTHER and she stood on that no matter what but Kiyun knew what he wanted and went after it. I love the HEA they got. I was rooting for Leila because so many women face situations like this after being a stay at home mom and I’m so glad she benefited from this. I love that she gained an instant family and Ava warmed up and grew from the situation. It showed Leila that her marriage was not helping her daughter grow or be comfortable in her skin at all. This was a great read.
Profile Image for Quiantra  McGhee .
124 reviews4 followers
December 25, 2025
This was the perfect balance of Christmas and Romance. The way T’Lyn wrote the MMC Kiyan, I loved him from the first introduction! My little heart was turning every way for the FMC Leila. I was ready to ride at dawn for her and baby girl mmkay! Definitely will pull on heart strings but I loved how everything came together and I love a good side character and Kiyan cousin was it for me! She didn’t play None!
Profile Image for Shalana.
484 reviews11 followers
February 1, 2026
3.5 ⭐

I am such a sucker for a dad that stepped up.

Leila is thrown out of her home in the dead of winter—right before the holidays—by her useless husband, with only her young daughter by her side. With nowhere else to go, she ends up parked near Kiyan’s home, where a chance encounter changes everything. Kiyan and his family welcome Leila and her daughter Ava with open arms, offering the love, stability, and support she’s never had. Kiyan becomes not only a devoted partner to Leila but also an incredible father figure to Ava, proving that family can be chosen.
Profile Image for Monique McKinney .
292 reviews2 followers
December 25, 2025
Love it

It was emotional. I went through so many emotions. Sometimes, people dont realize what they lost until it is gone.
It was sad what her husband did to her and baby girl. He didn't understand that baby girl was special. Some men dont know how to deal with special needs children.
I was glad that they found a man and his family who would love him. Baby girl came out of her shell once she felt the love.
I love how it ended.
Profile Image for Sincerely_Vash.
35 reviews
December 26, 2025
Its just something about a stepdaddy trope that I just adore! Not only was Dr. Ward sweet on Leila but he adored Ava as well. I loved how Kiyan’s family took to Leila and Ava so fast with welcoming them in for the holidays and into their family. Although Leila’s husband put her out right before , she fell into the arms of the right man and family!
954 reviews
December 25, 2025
Leila and her daughter Ava were dealt a blow right before Xmas by her POS so called husband. The lord don’t like ugly and thank goodness for a generous family that saw their worth! The saying is true don’t block your blessings!
Profile Image for Memrie  J. .
14 reviews
December 25, 2025
👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿 T’Lyn

Such a beautiful story T’Lyn. Kiyan was everything Leila and Ava needed. So glad baby girl got a new daddy because that other one was trash. We no longer saying his name.
60 reviews
December 25, 2025
Loved it

This was a very good read. I didn’t want it to end. I hope to read about these characters again. I’m glad they both got there happily ever after.
Profile Image for Tasha.
685 reviews7 followers
January 14, 2026
Beautiful 😍

I’m at a loss of words, all I can say is this was simply beautiful.
Kiyan and his family were heaven sent.
Aldrick, eww disgusting pos 🤮

Amazing work per usual 👏🏾
Profile Image for Shauntelle (shauntellereads).
661 reviews72 followers
December 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

KIYAN! My man, my man, MY MAN!!

Wow! T'Lyn has a way of pulling all of the feelings out of me. This was such a beautiful, warm-your-heart, “God still be in the blessing business” kind of story. I stayed locked in from the first chapter because life did Leila dirty in the worst way, then tried to break her right before the holidays. The way T’Lyn wrote that moment, I felt that fear, that heartbreak, and that exhaustion sitting on her shoulders. And baby Ava? My heart wrapped around that baby instantly.

Then here comes Kiyan and his family, and listen…when I say that man and his village understood the assignment, I mean they passed with extra credit. He was kind without being savior-y, patient without pitying her, and protective in a way that felt safe, steady, and earned. Watching him show up for Leila while also loving on Ava exactly how she needed had me grinning like a proud auntie. One man’s trash was definitely another family’s answered prayer here.

I loved that this was not just romance, it was community, grace, second chances, and the reminder that sometimes God reroutes you into something better than what you were begging to keep. It gave Christmas feel-good without being cheesy, emotional release without heaviness, and just enough “hallelujah, look at favor working” to make it special.

This was sweet, healing, and full of heart. Kiyan was truly everything Leila and Ava needed, and I closed the book smiling. My eyes teared up multiple times while reading this one.
Profile Image for Stacie H.
171 reviews
January 4, 2026
Emotional but Beautiful Read ☺️

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 All the applause for Kiyan! He truly stepped up in the most selfless way—jumping in to help Leila and Ava without knowing them, their past, or their situation at all 🥹🤍. That kind of compassion and integrity is rare.

Aldrick, on the other hand, was a poor excuse for a man 😤. Who puts their wife and their special-needs child out in the cold ❄️ and then has the nerve to cut off every resource they need to survive? Absolutely heartless 💔.

Kiyan and his family were nothing short of true angels 😇👨‍👩‍👧‍👦. Their kindness, patience, and willingness to help without strings attached changed everything. Leila’s hesitation to accept help was completely understandable—fear and past hurt will do that 😔—but she needed reassurance that the support was given out of genuine care, not obligation 💞.

Once Leila accepted that help, everything started to shift ✨. She was finally able to hold Aldrick accountable and make him pay the support he tried so hard to avoid ⚖️. Even more importantly, she reclaimed her strength, built a fresh start 🌱, and found real love and stability with Kiyan 🥰❤️. Her journey emotional and so her happiness was well deserved.
Profile Image for Q. Moore.
993 reviews41 followers
January 4, 2026
A sweet melody with your heartstrings.....

Ms. T'Lyn yes ma’am this is how you write a holiday novella. The storyline was dope and straight fire. The mere fact that Kiyan's family took Lelia and Ava in like their own was admirable. They treated Ava like a niece and grandchild. I always say that a child or an animal can tell you the character of a person. Ava proved just how loving and accepting Kiyan and his family were. She took to Kiyan quickly, and I loved the snowman scene. It was everything, and she made sure they had hard copies to savor the memory. Miss Ava mother Lelia deserved a real man, not a spoiled brat like her ex-husband in her life. Not only did Kiyan take care of her and Ava. He also rebuilt Lelia self-confidence and self-esteem. His cousin slash assistant had added her helping hand.

Ladies and gents, this work of art is what you need in your life. We are still in the holiday season, and books like this keep your spirits high. I highly advise you to grab your copy today because Miss Ava will play a song with your heartstrings.
Profile Image for Cre8tive Dreamz .
1,819 reviews12 followers
January 5, 2026
Kiyan and Lelia, Stumbling Into Love

This was such a beautiful, heartfelt story!!!…A mother’s strength is one only known to a mother when she goes into protect mode for her child(ren)!!!…Lelia did not hesitate to turn that switch on when it came to Miss Ava!!!…She let Aldrick know, her and Ava were not going to stay where they were not welcomed!!!…Her husband was a bitter and selfish man to act like they were the issue because he was unhappy with himself!!!…
My heart broke when she realized he cut off their means to survive though!!!…A tired and frustrated mother, but one to make sure things still seemed normal for Ava, found herself at the mercy of a gentleman with a family full of ppl to love and support them both!!!…
Kiyan was so sweet and he didn’t hesitate to make sure Ava and Lelia were safe, comfortable and warm!!!…I love how his mother didn’t back down when she said, they needed her!!!…
This book showed just how great life can be when you have a strong village!!!…
Aldrick got the karma he so deserved too!!!…
Profile Image for Kosha.
41 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2025
T'Lyn penned a beautiful love story.

Aldrich was the darkest kind of soul. To cast out his devoted wife and precious baby girl, Ava, into the harsh world... he needed far more than what life had dealt him! That was divine providence that led Leila to that isolated roadway. God placed her right at Kiyan's doorstep, a beacon of hope. She lost her family, but gained a new one in the blink of an eye. Everyone from Kiyan’s family welcomed Ava and Leila with open arms, loving them effortlessly. Kiyan was just whst Santa ordered, he was kind, trustworthy and did things from his heart. He was on his grown man shyt and I loved that for Ava and Leila.

Aldrich shook their world, but the resilience of Kiyan's family restored balance and joy, proving that healing can come before the holidays.

T'Lyn penned a beautiful love story.
Profile Image for Jenae.
180 reviews4 followers
February 16, 2026
The characters lack depth and only serve the purpose of the plot. Who Kiyan or Leila are outside of the goal of getting together is a mystery, especially considering that the book just dives into the “plot” without establishing either character effectively. Also I feel as if some of the characterization of Ava in narration was not written with Down’s Syndrome in mind. On one hand the text says she can’t communicate well but then says she can speak full sentences (which never happens) I was annoyed to the point I looked up development milestones for DS and at age 6 how Ava is written however, mild/severe autism makes more sense. Also yes I get it’s fiction but the whole kicking Leila and Ava out thing was so weird to me. We end up finding out that homegirl is college educated and she just leaves a home she legally is a resident of and willingly chooses to be abandoned by her husband?
Profile Image for Nikenya Rodney.
895 reviews25 followers
February 22, 2026
Finding love after heartbreak

Leila’s husband gives her divorce papers and puts her and her baby girl out of their home. He then drains her account, disconnects her phone and cuts off her credit cards. Kiyan discovers her and Ava in their car near his home on a cold night. He provides shelter and friendship. It’s the holidays so his family pitches in to show Leila and Ava compassion. Leila and Kiyan become friends and eventually more. This was a beautiful book about finding love after unspeakable heartbreak. It’s about finding the family you needed at the time you didn’t expect it. I loved it.
Profile Image for Whit.
3,733 reviews54 followers
December 26, 2025

Absolutely love this captivating story!!!

Dr. Kiyan Ward is the type of man too good to be true. But he is all that and then some!!! He showed Leila what a REAL man looks like. Not that sleazy creep who would kick his wife and daughter, out into the cold winter weather. And then cut off all of her money and leave her stranded on the road. Who does that????? NOT anyone with love, compassion and human decency.

Fortunately, Kiyan and his loving and generous family, were just what Leila and Sweetie Pie, Ava, needed. Goes on the Great Read Again Pile!!!
552 reviews4 followers
December 27, 2025
In Love At Christmas

Yes ma'am Madame T'Cup, you did your Big One with this beautiful holiday story. I'm so in love with Kiyan and his family. It is a beautiful thing to see when people show up for you. He knew that she needed him, and he was determined to help her and baby girl.

And Aldrick, dude can kick rocks and break a toe. I wished Ki would have whipped his ass, but instead he told him about himself.

Leila leveled up and he got to witness it. Don't you just love that girl named Karma.

Such a great story for the holidays!!!!
243 reviews1 follower
December 28, 2025
Loved it

This was probably my most favorite Christmas story ever. It was. Short story but it felt so complete. A family so accepting and loving of a single mother and not only her child but a special needs child. Honestly I know this was a fictional story but if there were more people like the Wards the world would definitely be a better place. I kept a smile on my face from the minute they came into the story starting with Ki and Mel. This was truly a feel good storyline.
Profile Image for KweenBee.
327 reviews3 followers
December 30, 2025
Smiling BIG

When they say God will give you double for your trouble... Baybee, Leila was definitely in that number for a double portion of blessed goodness. Kiyan, nor any of his people played about Leila or Ava right from the start and I loved that for them. This was a short but sweet book about beauty for ashes and being loved and supported properly by not just the man, but his village too. It made me smile BIG.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews