One Very Awkward Thanksgiving: A Totally Normal Thanksgiving Romcom Novella

by Cassandra Joelle

Mandy Swenson Hates Thanksgiving.She hates change even more. And this year, her family has decided to spring several surprises on her when she goes home to Dust Creek, Wyoming, for the holiday.

Mom invites her high school sweetheart, Luke, who somehow got cuter. Dad invites Brody, her lifelong enemy, who is still an infuriating cowboy—and now obnoxiously hot. And Grandma shows up with a brand-new boyfriend named Gary.

Now they’re all trapped under one roof, four feet of snow is piling up outside, the turkey is on fire, and Mandy is pretty sure “love thy neighbor” was never intended to apply to Brody Miller.

Genres: Autumn, Romance

160 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 6, 2026

Reviews

[Schlabach Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did I gobble this story up in one day, like a total turkey? You bet your poultry I did! 🤣 Sorry, had to start with that to give you a taste of the writing style. Cassandra never ceases to write funny, cute stories that feel real and wholesome. The faith content feels actual factual, never forced, and the romance always leaves one feeling good. Thank you Cassandra Joelle for the ARC. This is my honest review.

[Klara McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this novella AND Gary! 🥹 So funny and so so sweet. Chaotic in all of the best ways. 🫶🏼

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first book by Cassandra, and I would try another by her, perhaps a longer one. If you like rivals to more, Thanksgiving antics, and a bit of a love triangle, this is worth a try. It definitely has a rom-com feel with lots of crazy Thanksgiving antics!

Mandy and Brody are childhood rivals, but when Mandy heads home for Thanksgiving, she is in for quite a time! She ends up snowed in with not only Brody but also Luke, her ex. Her family means well with their matchmaking, but Mandy isn't so sure. With a little forced proximity, Mandy discovers that her happily ever after might not be too far away.

This was my first try at sampling this author's work, and I'm on the fence. She is clearly talented, and I liked the premise, but the execution just didn't work for me. I struggled with Mandy's behavior...she often felt younger than expected, making it hard for me to connect with her. Sadly, even a talented author and a promising premise couldn't quite make this one click for me. I'd still like to try another book by Cassandra and see if this one was just a fluke!

[Leila Heikkinen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m obsessed with everything about this book. I think I’m Cassandra’s biggest fan at this point, I just ADORE her writing. Her characters are always so perfectly quirky and adorable and sweet and fun! I loved Mandy, and I loveddddd Brody! This story was hilarious, it had the sweetest, most dysfunctional family dynamics, and I truly felt like part of the fam. What an incredible holiday read, 1,000 stars from me!

[ChristyW · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wild, crazy ride this is! And I’m here for every minute!! The comedy is spot on! Mandy(FMC)is giving the adult version of Junie B. Jones from the book series by Barbara Park. She is a hot mess, but she knows that Jesus is her help! Her Thanksgiving goes from bad to worse to downright embarrassing, but has a happy ending. I loved the non-stop craziness throughout the whole book!

[DeannaReadsClean · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

This book y’all! I was cackling and tears were coming down from the laughter! Cassandra always includes humor in her books but I think this one takes the turkey 🤣 Mandy was an ADHD spirit animal and it was hilarious to hear of all the family antics! It’s such a fun quick read, you gotta grab it!

[Bookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious! Gary! Great novella.

[Jessica Leigh Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never highlight passages in books, but I highlighted several in this one because they were so hilarious. What a zany and funny story! Perfect for the holidays!

[Shonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story! Had me laughing!