A Married Little Christmas

by Abby Jimenez

Bring on the holiday cheer in this delightful collection of three feel-good novellas from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Night We Met —with bonus recipes and full-page illustrations, perfect for gifting! Tis the season to fall in love!Anna thought only the food would be a disaster at her Christmas dinner—until her high school ex shows up and they quickly have to hatch a fake-dating scheme to save face with their families. For Matty, the idea of sitting in a diner all day dressed as a zombie Santa after losing a bet has zero appeal. But his cute and funny server might just make him change his mind. And finally, will Lauren be able to convince her best friend that getting married after a three-day relationship is absolutely ridiculous? Or will the town called Little Christmas pull her in with its happily-ever-after magic once she meets the best man?Within these stories, you'll worst Christmas dinner imaginableA granny determined to dismantle the patriarchyMatching Christmas sweaters (by accident!)A Mission Impossible-style cat rescue (with a saxophone)Mouthwatering recipes from Abby for dishes like Disco PancakesFull-page illustrations throughoutBecause this year, you deserve the perfect holiday gift.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Short Stories, Fiction

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 20, 2026

About the author

Abby Jimenez is a Food Network winner, #1 New York Times best selling author of Just for the Summer, and recipient of the 2022 Minnesota Book Award for her novel Life's Too Short. Her book Yours Truly was the first romance novel in the history of Book of the Month to win the coveted Dolly Award for Book of the Year. Abby founded Nadia Cakes out of her home kitchen back in 2007. The bakery has since gone on to win numerous Food Network competitions and, like her books, has amassed an international following.

Abby loves a good romance, coffee, doglets, and not leaving the house.

Reviews

[levi (starboy) (s.ia)]

Why is Christmas stuff defrosting its only august 💔 I’m not complaining tho

[ଘRory ( semi-hiatus)]

Wait Abbey Jemenez is feeding us again this year and I'm just NOW finding out 🙂??

[Emma Aakre · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I want to share how I got my hands on this ARC!

My husband and I were doing yard work one evening when a couple pulls up to our Little Free Library. The woman comes out and informs me that Abby had posted a video showing her dropping a signed copy in my library! I follow Abby and would have seen it myself but since we were doing lawn work I didn’t have my phone on me! We basically jumped for joy together and shared the excitement. She gave me her phone number and was nice enough to pass the book along to me when she was done. I am giving it back to her so she can pass it along to her friends!

On to the book, I loved it! I prefer romance books to be on the shorter side so I really enjoy romance novellas. All three stories were fun and sweet, the perfect cozy holiday book. I want to visit Little Christmas! I liked the ties between each story.

I will be trying some of the recipes too ❤️

Thank you Abby for sharing your ARCs in the community and shoutout to my neighbor for passing it along to me! A little Christmas spirit in May ☺️

[aira]

I can't believe we're closer to Christmas of this year than New Year's...where is time going?

[Ali Lockhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review TK

[aqsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

guys this was suchhh a cute book 🥹 me and my best friend always watch cringy holiday hallmark movies together in the winter, and this book sooo reminiscent of that.

for those wondering, this book follows 3 different short romance novellas, each with completely new characters. the characters are all connected and related to each other in some way tho so it was really fun seeing those connections between the stories and watching everything come together. I also really liked that each novella had its own romance and storyline while still feeling like part of the same little world.

I personally loved the 2nd novella the best!! it was definitely the cutest one to me. matty was soo shy and awkward and I literally loved him. overall this was such a fun and cozy read, especially if you love holiday romances, hallmark movies, small-town vibes, and a little bit of cheesy romance.

and lastly, I NEED to try some of the recipes in the back. definitely going to be attempting a few of them this winter!!

thank u to Forever & Abby Jimenez for the ARC!!

[Genevieve (GenLikesToRead)]

An Abby Jimenez Christmas Novella may heal me

[AOKayy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and Abby Jimenez for the ARC of A Married Little Christmas.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Abby Jimenez will always be one of my favorite authors, and this book did not disappoint! This collection features three Christmas novellas, each following a different couple.

Abby opens the book with an author's note, mentioning that she wanted to keep these stories light, fun, and free of anything too heavy. She absolutely succeeded! These novellas were laugh-out-loud funny while also giving me all the warm, cozy, giddy holiday feelings. I loved all three couples, and even though the stories were short, I found myself completely invested in each one.

That said, the third story was my all-time favorite! I could have easily read an entire series about that couple. I was cackling the entire time…I couldn't stop laughing!

If you're looking for a fun holiday read, look no further! This collection has everything from a second-chance romance to a meet-cute with a Zombie Santa, plus a reluctant-allies-to-lovers romance set in a charming small Christmas town.

Thank you, Abby, for this special treat. I love everything you write, and this was such a perfect holiday collection. I had already preordered my copy before receiving this ARC, and I definitely plan to reread it when it's released!

[Kristina Nichole]

wait.... what???

This was added under the radar...... three novellas?? I wonder if this will be the three storylines continued on from her prior works or new characters?

[LeserinLu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ich hatte richtig viel Spaß mit diesem Buch! Die Geschichten sind herrlich weihnachtlich, aber erfreulicherweise überhaupt nicht so kitschig, wie man es bei diesem Setting vielleicht erwarten könnte. Stattdessen nimmt sich der Roman selbst nicht allzu ernst. Die Dialoge sind witzig und schlagfertig, und immer wieder gibt es originelle Details, mit denen ich nicht gerechnet hätte. Allein die Ankündigung einer Katzenrettung mit Saxophon macht doch neugierig!

Auch die drei Liebesgeschichten haben mir gut gefallen. Es gibt süße Begegnungen, romantische Momente und jede Menge Situationskomik. Besonders schön fand ich, dass das Buch ganz ohne Spice auskommt und stattdessen auf Humor und sympathische Figuren setzt. Genau mein Ding!

Für mich ist A Married Little Christmas eine wunderbare Lektüre für die Weihnachtszeit: unterhaltsam, charmant und selbstironisch, mit allem, was ich mir von einer romantischen Weihnachtsgeschichte wünsche, nur eben ohne übertriebenen Kitsch. Wer Lust auf gemütliche Lesestunden, witzige Dialoge und mehrere süße Liebesgeschichten hat, sollte sich dieses Buch unbedingt anschauen.

[April Kreiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC.

Only Abby Jimenez has the power to sneak in during the first week of fall and pull me from the deep trenches of planning my spooky season TBR to engage in reading... a Christmas themed collection of novellas.

Admittedly, I am not the usual targeted audience for a novella. I find that it takes me a bit to connect with the characters and I am almost always left with the feeling that the story was either incomplete, or rushed to the ending. Trust when I say that A Married Little Christmas is the exception.

The author has such an innate ability to almost immediately find a way to connect the reader with her characters - a talent that leaves me in utter awe every time I pick up one of her books. I kid you not when I say that I probably care about Anna, Jeremy, Rhiannon, Matty, Lauren and William more than I do some of my own family members. The three stories were super cute and flowed from page to page, always managing to wrap up into quite unique gifts for the reader. And, the biggest surprise for me, personally?? The town of Little Christmas!! It did not make me feel like puking - instead I found myself wishing it was real. Knowing that I can never visit is my ONLY disappointment here.

Abby ... my queen ... you did it again. The only thing that could make me love you more is a Halloween themed novella in 2027. Think about it. Thanks.

[mads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75🌟

these were adorable interconnected christmas novellas!!!! filled with fluff, hallmark vibes, and christmas spirit. I think this will be one of the cutest and coziest holiday reads for many. the 2nd or 3rd novella was my favorite. you will all want to immediately save all of the recipes included at the end!!!

[Angela Hull]

Oh my gosh on my gosh oh my gosh!!!’ 🤗🤗

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy Christmas in July to meeee! This is Abby Jimenez fans that want something a little extra fluffy during the holiday season! Minimal angst upon opening.

What a fun collection of interconnecting novellas! We all know Abby Jimenez has been on an angst kick lately but I promise you, she made sure to make these as funny and lighthearted as she possibly could. There are TWs but only because of things mentioned that happened in the past (a parent’s past illness but nothing happening on page. I’m going to rate each novella individually:

Sweater Weather: 3⭐️
It was cute second chance romance but the miscommunication was too much for me to want to root for the couple. This could have been best left for a full length novel.

Stealing Christmas: 5⭐️
This was my favorite one out of all of them. It was funny, it was lighthearted and it felt like a Christmas movie! I wanted more from this couple and was sad to see the novella conclude.

Marry Little Christmas: 3-4⭐️
This one was so sweet it gave me a cavity. Very insta love, think Hallmark movie cheesy. Very lighthearted.

Overall, this is a perfect read for the holiday season! It also comes with some delicious looking recipes that I can’t wait to try out. I can’t wait to see the cover artwork of it in person! Thank you so much NetGalley, Forever and Abby Jimenez for the eARC!

[Michelle Herzing]

This is like an Abby Jimenez trilogy in a single book! The three novellas that comprise A Married Little Christmas are independently entertaining and serve as standalone romances, yet they are connected through the characters' relationships (brothers or work colleagues). Jimenez fans will enjoy these quick, holiday reads, and for someone who has never read one of her books, this is a great way to experience the joy that her stories bring.

Each story is wonderfully heartwarming and truly romantic. I loved that each story had a different trope, so there is something here for just about any romance fan. The cover is lovely, too, and interior drawings are designed by Abby's daughter. The book includes a recipe section, which would make it a great selection for a holiday themed book club meeting.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Booktrovert and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for my ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be published October 20, 2026.

Abby does it again with this trio of Christmas-themed short stories. You get romance, you get comedy and you get recipes!

Grab a blanket, some hot chocolate and get ready for a fun holiday read! This will be the perfect gift this Christmas!

I was not able to view the illustrations.

[Jillian Wentworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Married Little Christmas is a sweet, fun book of short stories that are all fun, entertaining, cozy and have the Abby Jimenez charm!
They’re all tied together and I love finding/reading little elements that Jimenez rolls into all the stories.


Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Book Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received from Booktrovert! A very cute holiday romance with interconnecting short stories. In typical Abby fashion, there’s the perfect balance of romance, humor, and nods to deeper topics.

[alana ☁️]

So so seated

[maddie's reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the arc!

This was a cute set of Christmas novellas! Abby Jimenez is a very hit-or-miss author for me. but I enjoyed all three of these. I liked how they all featured different tropes, and were all sort of interconnected. The third story was definitely my favourite of the bunch by far!

Sweater Weather - 3 stars
I liked the second-chance romance in this story, but I found the plot kind of boring. I liked the characters, but it felt like there wasn't enough tension between them. The side characters were what made this story for me. The romance was cute, but not very memorable.

Stealing Christmas - 4 stars
This one was super fun! I loved how the characters met, and I had such a fun time with their side quest towards the end. The romance was very cute, but the plot was my favourite aspect of this story for sure. It was a bit wacky, and I had a lot of fun with it.

Marry Little Christmas - 5 stars
This one was the longest of the bunch, which could be why I liked it the most. The characters felt more developed in this story, the side characters were more developed, there was a broader plot, and it just read better than the other two. I thought the plot was very fun, and I adored the small Christmas town setting so much! I really liked the characters as well, and I loved the plot as well. The humour in this was fun, and I had a great time reading it.

[Amanda Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Married Little Christmas by Abby Jimenez is exactly the cozy, full-hearted Christmas read I didn’t know I needed. Three novellas in one, and every single one is packed with holiday spirit the kind that makes you want to string up more lights, bake something, and never let the season end.

I especially loved that the first two stories are connected. That thread between them made the whole collection feel richer, like I was getting to linger in this world a little longer instead of starting fresh each time. By the end I wasn’t ready to leave.

And honestly? I want to move to Little Christmas. Or at least visit and stay through the entire season. Jimenez makes the setting feel so alive and inviting that it reads like a place you could actually drive to, with people you’d want as neighbors.

If you’re looking for something heartfelt, festive, and impossible to put down this holiday season, this is it. Five stars, and thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Aisha Green]

I won a free copy through Booktrovert. I was shocked since I entered at 10:39am and they sent out the emails at 11:01am.

I didn't know what the book was about prior, all I know is it was Abby Jimenez's book and I was excited for its upcoming release.

Three Christmas novellas wrapped up in one. Abby doesn't miss a beat with intertwining the characters. The stories flowed together where it made me think about how people around us all have a different story. Each story was my new favorite and I wanted more! Matty might be my new favorite book boyfriend. Lauren and Williams story, yeah would watch that Hallmark movie!

I also just recently moved to Minnesota, does the town of Little Christmas exist?!? Immediately going! 🎄

[Madeline Church · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars! I never knew how bad I needed an Abby Jimenez Christmas book until this!! This was an absolute wonderful Christmas novella collection. I loved reading all three stories, and it's hard to pick a favorite! I already want to reread during this December. You will fly through this, as the stories are short & the investment in the relationships are high. Super cozy and will get you in the holiday spirit.

Thank you NetGaller & Forever for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. A Married Little Christmas is released on October 20, 2026!

[Maura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abby Jimenez never misses for me. And while I'm not usually a big lover of short story collections like this, I really enjoyed the three stories in the book.

These stories were cozy, festive, and didn't try to capture too big a time period. I liked that they were interconnected, but you didn't have to read one to understand another. This is the perfect Christmas romance for people who are looking for sweet rather than steamy.

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, Thank you Abby and Booktrovert for the ARC!

Three Christmas novellas that are related to each other; yet, are their own separate stories. Each one gives a warm, magical Christmas vibe filled with hope, wonder, and lots of humor. Each character is perfectly witty and seems very relatable.

I LOVE all 3 stories. The included recipes look amazing! I cannot wait to see the artwork in the book and will definitely buy to reread during the holidays.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

These three interconnected short stories gave me allllll the Hallmark feelings, and they were very cute and light and fun to read. We get a second chance romance, a few bits of insta-love, and a whole lot of Christmas cheer.

Personally, I do think I prefer my Abby books on the heavier side emotionally, otherwise these are great for a little holiday treat!

Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Sara Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Booktrovert for the Advanced Reader Copy! Abby’s books are the equivalent of a comfort show/movie for me. This is a collection of 3 novellas set around Christmas time. The stories have the same wit and charm you’ve come to expect with Abby’s books. Abby has also included some recipes at the end that tie into the stories. I can’t wait to give the recipes a try!

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the ARC!

As always, Abby Jimenez knocks it out of the park. Three cozy Christmas novellas full of charm that had me giggling and kicking my feet, with a smidge of almost making me cry at one point. All three were fun, easy reads and very enjoyable, albeit idyllic and 2/3 not really believable. But at always, I had a good time.

[Katie Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three novellas that gave fantastic hallmark Christmas vibes. Zipped through them and enjoyed myself immensely. Pumped I got to read an advanced copy but disappointed I won’t get to read these for the first time next winter.

[Dallas Strawn · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

Abby Jimenez deserves 5 stars always, but these short stories all just each left a little to be desired in my opinion; I still laughed out loud ferociously at times and swooned, but I think Abby’s style of writing just does not lend well to the short story format. It needs more pages for her characters to build emotion and for a full character arc to form. But did I still love it? Absolutely. It’s charming and sweet and very festive. The second story was my favorite of the three and left me craving pancakes!

3.75 ⭐️