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The Last Noel
Not yet published
Expected 18 Aug 26Christmas novellas from three award-winning suspense authors
The Last Noel is a riveting Christmas novella collection with suspense, intrigue, and second-chance romance.
"Do You See What I See?" by Sarah Hamaker
Oakleigh Wright's estranged foster sister reappears late one night desperate to hand off her children. Oakleigh agrees to bring them to their aunt out of state, but her travels are intercepted by a ruthless gang. She turns to her ex, Joseph, for help. Will they rekindle their love as they uncover what the gang seeks?
"Do You Hear What I Hear?" by Jayna Breigh
Trial lawyer Elise Sinclair resigns herself to a lonely Christmas reviewing legal documents—until her renegade fiancé, Jack, reappears. He is jobless, broken, and seeking forgiveness. Can two battered hearts overcome secrets and restore their love?
"Do You Know What I Know?" by Kimberley Woodhouse
When Faith Thibodeaux returns to her Cajun-style food truck in Alaska after an accident, the last thing she expects is to find out that her ex-boyfriend is the executive chef of a new restaurant. When they return to their hometown over the holidays to fundraise, will the "friendly" competition restore their love or rip them apart forever?
The Last Noel is a riveting Christmas novella collection with suspense, intrigue, and second-chance romance.
"Do You See What I See?" by Sarah Hamaker
Oakleigh Wright's estranged foster sister reappears late one night desperate to hand off her children. Oakleigh agrees to bring them to their aunt out of state, but her travels are intercepted by a ruthless gang. She turns to her ex, Joseph, for help. Will they rekindle their love as they uncover what the gang seeks?
"Do You Hear What I Hear?" by Jayna Breigh
Trial lawyer Elise Sinclair resigns herself to a lonely Christmas reviewing legal documents—until her renegade fiancé, Jack, reappears. He is jobless, broken, and seeking forgiveness. Can two battered hearts overcome secrets and restore their love?
"Do You Know What I Know?" by Kimberley Woodhouse
When Faith Thibodeaux returns to her Cajun-style food truck in Alaska after an accident, the last thing she expects is to find out that her ex-boyfriend is the executive chef of a new restaurant. When they return to their hometown over the holidays to fundraise, will the "friendly" competition restore their love or rip them apart forever?
- GenresChristmas
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication August 18, 2026
About the author
Kimberley Woodhouse
46 books1,706 followersKimberley Woodhouse is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than forty books. A lover of history and research, she often gets sucked into the past and then her husband has to lure her out with chocolate and the promise of eighteen holes on the golf course. She loves music, kayaking, and her family. Her books have been awarded the Carol Award, Holt Medallion, Reader's Choice Award, Selah Award, Spur Award, and others. A popular speaker/teacher, she's shared with over 2,000,000 people at more than twenty-five hundred venues across the country. Married to the love of her life for three decades, she lives and writes in Colorado where she's traded in her hat of "craziest mom" for "Nana the Great." Connect with Kim at www.kimberleywoodhouse.com www.facebook.com/KimberleyWoodhouseAu...
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 5, 2026
A wonderful collection filled with faith, redemption, and second chance romances.
Do You See What I See? by @sarah.s.hamaker is filled with faith, danger, and romance. Oakleigh is caring, brave, and devoted. Joseph is protective, gentle, and determined. I loved little Desi and Chale, and the amazing connections that Oakleigh and Joseph had with them. The danger following Oakleigh was intense. I loved how she depended on Joseph and trusted him with her full past. I loved that they prayed together and their restored relationship was perfect.
A favorite quote: ❄️ Seventy-two hours for his heart to remind him of all the things he’d loved about Oakleigh. Four thousand three hundred and twenty minutes of falling in love with her all over again. ❄️
Do You Hear What I Hear? by @jaynabreigh is a fun lawyer-y story. Elsie is intelligent and struggling with past hurts. Jack is patient and compassionate. Nana! Nana was the highlight of the story. I loved her independence and how she told Elsie and Jack like it is while shining the love of Jesus. I enjoyed how their past was revealed and their current situations aligned. I loved their honesty and their path forward through forgiveness.
A favorite quote: “Why would I do that?” “Because that boy loves you. Because people make mistakes, Puddin’. Big ones. Little ones. We all need grace.”
Do You Know What I Know? by @kimberleywoodhouse is filled with Louisiana cooking, faith, and friendship. Faith is strong and determined. Gabe is gentle and steadfast. I loved all of the Cajun cooking and the fundraiser/competition. I loved the change God worked in Gabe’s heart! I loved the healing, forgiveness, and restoration Faith and Gabe found.
A favorite quote: 🧑🏻🍳 The only thing that mattered to him at the moment was Faith. Which brought clarity to what he’d been thinking all week. His heart still belonged to Faith Thibodeaux. 👩🏼🍳
This complimentary copy was provided by the authors. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.
Do You See What I See? by @sarah.s.hamaker is filled with faith, danger, and romance. Oakleigh is caring, brave, and devoted. Joseph is protective, gentle, and determined. I loved little Desi and Chale, and the amazing connections that Oakleigh and Joseph had with them. The danger following Oakleigh was intense. I loved how she depended on Joseph and trusted him with her full past. I loved that they prayed together and their restored relationship was perfect.
A favorite quote: ❄️ Seventy-two hours for his heart to remind him of all the things he’d loved about Oakleigh. Four thousand three hundred and twenty minutes of falling in love with her all over again. ❄️
Do You Hear What I Hear? by @jaynabreigh is a fun lawyer-y story. Elsie is intelligent and struggling with past hurts. Jack is patient and compassionate. Nana! Nana was the highlight of the story. I loved her independence and how she told Elsie and Jack like it is while shining the love of Jesus. I enjoyed how their past was revealed and their current situations aligned. I loved their honesty and their path forward through forgiveness.
A favorite quote: “Why would I do that?” “Because that boy loves you. Because people make mistakes, Puddin’. Big ones. Little ones. We all need grace.”
Do You Know What I Know? by @kimberleywoodhouse is filled with Louisiana cooking, faith, and friendship. Faith is strong and determined. Gabe is gentle and steadfast. I loved all of the Cajun cooking and the fundraiser/competition. I loved the change God worked in Gabe’s heart! I loved the healing, forgiveness, and restoration Faith and Gabe found.
A favorite quote: 🧑🏻🍳 The only thing that mattered to him at the moment was Faith. Which brought clarity to what he’d been thinking all week. His heart still belonged to Faith Thibodeaux. 👩🏼🍳
This complimentary copy was provided by the authors. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Last Noel is a collection of three stories by Sarah Hamaker, Jayna Breigh and Kimberley Woodhouse. They are Christian contemporary stories set in the run up to Christmas. The three are similar but different. They all have God at the centre.
We learn about the power of forgiveness. “Forgiveness is the way to healing.” When we forgive, we release ourselves from the prison of bitterness. “Lord, God… Help me to pour out forgiveness. Please help no more bitterness to grow.” Sometimes we cannot forgive in our strength. We need to press into God and forgive in His strength.
Life can be difficult at times. We need to lean on God. “Mummy said you talked to God. How do you do that?” asked a five-year-old. God is literally just a prayer away. He will calm all the storms of life. “She’d had to give it completely over to God so she didn’t worry.” We must worry about nothing, and pray about everything.
In Kimberley Woodhouse’s tale Do You Know What I Know?, there ius a literal storm. We witness the community pulling together.
Within life, we may meet bad people. We know that whatever happens, when we know God, we can know that He is in control.
A character in Sarah Hamaker’s story Do You See What I See?, has little self-worth. “When you come from a bad home life… and… aren’t wanted by anyone, you start to believe no one will want to be with you.” She needs to know that she is loved, and that people will stick around.
All three tales are about faith in God and new beginnings. It is never too late to have a second chance. Prodigals do return, both figuratively and literally.
We learn about what love is. “Committed love protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres.”
There was an eclectic mix of characters who were well drawn, believable and likable.
I thoroughly enjoyed all three stories. Though set in December, they can be enjoyed at any time of year. There are life lessons for us all.
I received a free copy for a promotional tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
We learn about the power of forgiveness. “Forgiveness is the way to healing.” When we forgive, we release ourselves from the prison of bitterness. “Lord, God… Help me to pour out forgiveness. Please help no more bitterness to grow.” Sometimes we cannot forgive in our strength. We need to press into God and forgive in His strength.
Life can be difficult at times. We need to lean on God. “Mummy said you talked to God. How do you do that?” asked a five-year-old. God is literally just a prayer away. He will calm all the storms of life. “She’d had to give it completely over to God so she didn’t worry.” We must worry about nothing, and pray about everything.
In Kimberley Woodhouse’s tale Do You Know What I Know?, there ius a literal storm. We witness the community pulling together.
Within life, we may meet bad people. We know that whatever happens, when we know God, we can know that He is in control.
A character in Sarah Hamaker’s story Do You See What I See?, has little self-worth. “When you come from a bad home life… and… aren’t wanted by anyone, you start to believe no one will want to be with you.” She needs to know that she is loved, and that people will stick around.
All three tales are about faith in God and new beginnings. It is never too late to have a second chance. Prodigals do return, both figuratively and literally.
We learn about what love is. “Committed love protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres.”
There was an eclectic mix of characters who were well drawn, believable and likable.
I thoroughly enjoyed all three stories. Though set in December, they can be enjoyed at any time of year. There are life lessons for us all.
I received a free copy for a promotional tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 stars
What a fun novella collection of Christmas romantic suspense and second chances!
1) "Do you See What I See?" by Sarah Hamaker Her estranged foster sister desperately needs help so Oakley rushes to meet her at the bus station. Her foster sister asks Oakley to take her children to her aunt, soon they are all being hunted by a ruthless gang looking for something her foster sister had taken. Oakley broke up with Joseph 7 years ago, yet he is the only one she trusts to help her. A story of staying alive and sweet second chances.
2) "Do You Hear What I Hear?" by Jayna Breigh. I love Jayna Breigh's excellent writing! I was hooked from the beginning. A beautiful story of forgiveness and second chances. And I love Elise Sinclair's granny and her words of wisdom to both Elise, and Elise's fiancé Jack who has been gone for a year. "A life with her would be a million times more valuable than his name in a research journal. Time to commence Operation Win Elise Back." I thoroughly enjoyed this novella!
3) "Do You Know What I Know?" by Kimberley Woodhouse Excellent inspirational southern "foodie" tale set in Alaska with two former best friends; Faith Thibodeaux and Gabe Rougeau. They grew up together, were best friends, fell in love, went to culinary school together until Gabe blew it. A story of Louisiana Cajun culinary delights, forgiveness, mystery, and second chances are sure to delight readers, I know I really enjoyed it! I really enjoyed all the friends, the competition, the faith, and the community both in Alaska and in Louisiana.
Thank you to the publisher Kregel, and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
What a fun novella collection of Christmas romantic suspense and second chances!
1) "Do you See What I See?" by Sarah Hamaker Her estranged foster sister desperately needs help so Oakley rushes to meet her at the bus station. Her foster sister asks Oakley to take her children to her aunt, soon they are all being hunted by a ruthless gang looking for something her foster sister had taken. Oakley broke up with Joseph 7 years ago, yet he is the only one she trusts to help her. A story of staying alive and sweet second chances.
2) "Do You Hear What I Hear?" by Jayna Breigh. I love Jayna Breigh's excellent writing! I was hooked from the beginning. A beautiful story of forgiveness and second chances. And I love Elise Sinclair's granny and her words of wisdom to both Elise, and Elise's fiancé Jack who has been gone for a year. "A life with her would be a million times more valuable than his name in a research journal. Time to commence Operation Win Elise Back." I thoroughly enjoyed this novella!
3) "Do You Know What I Know?" by Kimberley Woodhouse Excellent inspirational southern "foodie" tale set in Alaska with two former best friends; Faith Thibodeaux and Gabe Rougeau. They grew up together, were best friends, fell in love, went to culinary school together until Gabe blew it. A story of Louisiana Cajun culinary delights, forgiveness, mystery, and second chances are sure to delight readers, I know I really enjoyed it! I really enjoyed all the friends, the competition, the faith, and the community both in Alaska and in Louisiana.
Thank you to the publisher Kregel, and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
All in all, this was a great variety of reads! I loved that it centered around second chance romances. The suspense wasn't as prominent in all stories like I was expecting ... but all in all, a great collection.
Individual ratings/first thoughts:
Do You See What I See
By: Sarah Hamaker
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️
This story was my favorite in the book. It was full of faith, page turning action, and a second chance romance that I truly enjoyed. Add in the sweet children and the history between Oakleigh and Joseph that needed mending, and I was completely invested in their story.
Do You Hear What I Hear?
By: Jayna Breigh
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️
This story focuses on the holiday season and a second chance romance. When Elise’s vacation is canceled, she finds herself working a case over Christmas. When Jack unexpectedly returns to town, he helps her with the case while they also unpack what broke them apart. *I struggled connecting with this one, but I still enjoyed the Christmas setting and Elise and Jack’s journey.
Do You Know What I Know?
By: Kimberley Woodhouse
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a sweet second chance romance with a dash of suspense. Years ago, Gabe and Faith were best friends turned lovers, but their competitive chef careers drove them apart. Now, entering a fundraiser together gives them a second chance they don’t want to ruin. I loved all the delicious foodie moments throughout the story! The suspense wasn’t blended into the story quite the way I would have preferred, but overall this was a great read.
OVERALL RATING for all stories -> 4 stars
✨️I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
Individual ratings/first thoughts:
Do You See What I See
By: Sarah Hamaker
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️
This story was my favorite in the book. It was full of faith, page turning action, and a second chance romance that I truly enjoyed. Add in the sweet children and the history between Oakleigh and Joseph that needed mending, and I was completely invested in their story.
Do You Hear What I Hear?
By: Jayna Breigh
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️
This story focuses on the holiday season and a second chance romance. When Elise’s vacation is canceled, she finds herself working a case over Christmas. When Jack unexpectedly returns to town, he helps her with the case while they also unpack what broke them apart. *I struggled connecting with this one, but I still enjoyed the Christmas setting and Elise and Jack’s journey.
Do You Know What I Know?
By: Kimberley Woodhouse
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a sweet second chance romance with a dash of suspense. Years ago, Gabe and Faith were best friends turned lovers, but their competitive chef careers drove them apart. Now, entering a fundraiser together gives them a second chance they don’t want to ruin. I loved all the delicious foodie moments throughout the story! The suspense wasn’t blended into the story quite the way I would have preferred, but overall this was a great read.
OVERALL RATING for all stories -> 4 stars
✨️I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Christmas already? Yes. This is a great read by three different authors. "Do You See What I See?" by Sara Hamaker is a page turner. Oakleigh Wright's foster sister calls out of the blue and asks Oakleigh to meet her at the bus station. Little does Oakleigh know she now has responsibility for two small children. Her former friend, Joseph, helps her and the kids dodge a killer. See what happens and how they handle everything.
In the second novella, "Do You Hear What I Hear?" by Jayna Breigh is a twisty law story. Elise Sinclair is supposed to be on a cruise, but instead she's working through Christmas on a case that has lots of twists. Enter her former boyfriend who ditched her for a fellowship in Australia. Elise has to find a needle in a haystack of paperwork for the case. Jack is at loose ends and is able to help her look through paperwork. Unknowingly, Jack's situation and Elise's case is tied together. Christmas miracles still happen.
In the last novella, " Do You Know What I Know?" by Kimberly Woodhouse makes your mouth water. Faith Thibodeaux is a sought-after chef of Cajun food. Her life has been changed because of food competitions. First by her former boyfriend who broke her heart in competition and second by a fellow contestant who caused an explosion that landed Faith with bad burns. Faith has a food truck that is doing great but enter the former boyfriend who wants to apologize and who runs a five-star restaurant. Her last competition is the best yet. Highly recommend this book. I was given an advance copy of this novella, but these are my own thoughts and words.
In the second novella, "Do You Hear What I Hear?" by Jayna Breigh is a twisty law story. Elise Sinclair is supposed to be on a cruise, but instead she's working through Christmas on a case that has lots of twists. Enter her former boyfriend who ditched her for a fellowship in Australia. Elise has to find a needle in a haystack of paperwork for the case. Jack is at loose ends and is able to help her look through paperwork. Unknowingly, Jack's situation and Elise's case is tied together. Christmas miracles still happen.
In the last novella, " Do You Know What I Know?" by Kimberly Woodhouse makes your mouth water. Faith Thibodeaux is a sought-after chef of Cajun food. Her life has been changed because of food competitions. First by her former boyfriend who broke her heart in competition and second by a fellow contestant who caused an explosion that landed Faith with bad burns. Faith has a food truck that is doing great but enter the former boyfriend who wants to apologize and who runs a five-star restaurant. Her last competition is the best yet. Highly recommend this book. I was given an advance copy of this novella, but these are my own thoughts and words.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This set of stories is very enjoyable, containing Christian romances with a bit of suspense, some more than others. They all contain very good Christian elements. I highly recommend the set.
"Do You See What I See?" by Sarah Hamaker
Oakleigh is thrust into danger and intrigue when her foster sister entrusts her with her two small children. Joseph, her former boyfriend, comes to the rescue. Is God giving them a second chance at love.
This is an enjoyable Christian romantic suspense.
"Do You Hear What I Hear?" by Jayna Breigh
Elise is an attorney prosecuting a pharmaceutical company for marketing a drug with adverse effects. Jack is her ex-fiancé who crashes on her sofa, thinking she is out of town. He joins Elise in discovering evidence against the company. In the process, will they also rediscover their love?
Very good Christian romance. Very little suspense.
"Do You Know What I Know?" by Kimberley Woodhouse
When Faith is badly burned in a cooking competition, she must learn to forgive the person who caused the fire. She must also learn to forgive her ex-boyfriend who let his ambitions and competitiveness destroy their relationship. Gabe, her former boyfriend, has now moved from New Orleans to Alaska, not knowing that Faith has also started a business there. Can Gabe put aside his competitive nature to win back the woman he loves? Can Faith trust him again?
This is a story with lots of humor, grief, romance, and Christian principles.
I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.
"Do You See What I See?" by Sarah Hamaker
Oakleigh is thrust into danger and intrigue when her foster sister entrusts her with her two small children. Joseph, her former boyfriend, comes to the rescue. Is God giving them a second chance at love.
This is an enjoyable Christian romantic suspense.
"Do You Hear What I Hear?" by Jayna Breigh
Elise is an attorney prosecuting a pharmaceutical company for marketing a drug with adverse effects. Jack is her ex-fiancé who crashes on her sofa, thinking she is out of town. He joins Elise in discovering evidence against the company. In the process, will they also rediscover their love?
Very good Christian romance. Very little suspense.
"Do You Know What I Know?" by Kimberley Woodhouse
When Faith is badly burned in a cooking competition, she must learn to forgive the person who caused the fire. She must also learn to forgive her ex-boyfriend who let his ambitions and competitiveness destroy their relationship. Gabe, her former boyfriend, has now moved from New Orleans to Alaska, not knowing that Faith has also started a business there. Can Gabe put aside his competitive nature to win back the woman he loves? Can Faith trust him again?
This is a story with lots of humor, grief, romance, and Christian principles.
I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Do You See What I See?
Sarah Hamaker
Friends since foster care, an unexpected phone call, a bus ride with an infant and a youngster. Kidnapping, murder and more - would there be a Christmas miracle?
A suspense filled, second chance romance guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Do You Hear What I Hear?
Jayna Breigh
Vacation is cancelled! We need the proverbial ‘smoking gun’ in order to win our case. Add this pressure to a long lost love sleeping on your couch and you are once again reminded that we all need grace and God is in the forgiving business.
Do You Know What I Know?
Kimberley Woodhouse
You need to forgive
A gas leak, slashed tires and a visit from long ago. Will a relationship be restored and part of the past explained? Time and forgiveness will tell.
Chilling suspense, faith, redemption and second chances with plenty of Christmas charm and you have this not to be missed collection. Published by Kregel and made available through NetGalley, these thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.
Sarah Hamaker
Friends since foster care, an unexpected phone call, a bus ride with an infant and a youngster. Kidnapping, murder and more - would there be a Christmas miracle?
A suspense filled, second chance romance guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Do You Hear What I Hear?
Jayna Breigh
Vacation is cancelled! We need the proverbial ‘smoking gun’ in order to win our case. Add this pressure to a long lost love sleeping on your couch and you are once again reminded that we all need grace and God is in the forgiving business.
Do You Know What I Know?
Kimberley Woodhouse
You need to forgive
A gas leak, slashed tires and a visit from long ago. Will a relationship be restored and part of the past explained? Time and forgiveness will tell.
Chilling suspense, faith, redemption and second chances with plenty of Christmas charm and you have this not to be missed collection. Published by Kregel and made available through NetGalley, these thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I enjoyed each of these quick read novellas, and they kept my attention, just wished that they were a little longer!
Each story involves a broken relationship, although for very different reasons.
The first story "Do You See What I See?" at times had my heart in my throat, there is a lot of danger, especially with young children involved!
The second "Do You Hear What I Hear?", a young lawyer awakes to find her ex sleeping in her home! There is so much going on here and she needs help, will they make it in time?
The third "Do You Know What I Know?" and we are in Alaska/Louisiana, and again we are with a broken relationship, but there is a lot more going on here. We are offered betrayal, cooking competition, and danger.
These are great Christian reads, with a theme of forgiveness!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kregel, and was not required to give a positive review.
Each story involves a broken relationship, although for very different reasons.
The first story "Do You See What I See?" at times had my heart in my throat, there is a lot of danger, especially with young children involved!
The second "Do You Hear What I Hear?", a young lawyer awakes to find her ex sleeping in her home! There is so much going on here and she needs help, will they make it in time?
The third "Do You Know What I Know?" and we are in Alaska/Louisiana, and again we are with a broken relationship, but there is a lot more going on here. We are offered betrayal, cooking competition, and danger.
These are great Christian reads, with a theme of forgiveness!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kregel, and was not required to give a positive review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Last Noel is a festive treat for readers who like their holiday romance served with a dash of danger and a generous helping of heart. Sarah Hamaker, Jayna Breigh, and Kimberley Woodhouse deliver three entertaining romantic suspense novellas set against the warmth and wonder of the holiday season. Each story offers romance, suspense, and danger, along with likeable, relatable main characters who are easy to cheer for. I especially enjoyed the second-chance romances and the way faith is thoughtfully woven into each novella, with forgiveness serving as a meaningful thread throughout. While I would have loved the suspense to be ramped up another notch or two, I still found the collection satisfying and engaging. These three romantic holiday suspense tales make for a diverting, faith-filled read that will leave readers reaching for a cozy blanket and one more chapter.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews