Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Unexpected Side Effects of Christmas Spirit: An Advent Book

Rate this book
For fans of Good Spirits, The Christmas Cure, and Second Chances, comes a sweet, clean romance overflowing with holiday magic. What happens when the handsome stranger on your doorstep is the literal embodiment of Christmas spirit?

After eleven months and twenty days of collecting enough joy to fill the world with Christmas spirit, Chris Spiorad has one job ring the bell and let the magic loose. Then he’s free to escape to Stowe, Vermont, and live out his White Christmas dreams—snow-covered mountains, skiing, hot cocoa, and a roaring fire.
At least, that’s the plan.
But when his magic malfunctions, he finds himself stranded in a small town, standing on the doorstep of a woman who wishes the holidays would just skip her this year.
Healing a broken heart and drowning her sorrows in a dozen cookies with a head full of what-ifs, Holly is completely unprepared when a handsome Scottish stranger shows up in the middle of a freak winter snowstorm. She can't very well leave him outside to freeze, so she opens her door—unknowingly welcoming the literal spirit of Christmas into her home.
Holly knows two things for certain. One, this could go one of two a cozy holiday rom-com or a holiday horror movie. And two, there's something about this man that feels strangely familiar.
But the longer the snow falls, the closer Holly and Chris become, and somewhere between the cookies, cocoa, and Christmas magic, they discover that even the best-laid holiday plans can have unexpected side effects..

Kindle Edition

Published November 2, 2026

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Jessica Dodge

6 books417 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
37 (74%)
4 stars
10 (20%)
3 stars
1 (2%)
2 stars
1 (2%)
1 star
1 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for TheSpeedyReader.
327 reviews8 followers
October 13, 2026
The Unexpected Side Effects of Christmas Spirit
Author: Jessica Dodge

Tropes: Christmas- Short story

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌟Review🌟
First of all I want to thank Jessica Dodge for allowing me the opportunity to read her new Christmas ARC.

What a super cute Christmas short story!! Snow, cookies, hot chocolate, a kitten and a super hot Scottish guy who’s willing to decorate and watch Christmas movies?!? What more could you ask for! This is the perfect book to start the holiday season with, because it definitely gets you in the Holiday Spirit! Highly recommend adding this one to your Holiday TBR!
Profile Image for Karen Zimmermann.
5 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 12, 2026
I received this advanced reader copy from the author, Jessica Dodge, and was so excited to read it. It is like living in a fantasy hallmark world. I could smell the hot chocolate I could feel the snow swirling around me. I could hear the laughter of Chris and Holly. Jessica‘s books are always captivating, sweet, don’t want to put it down. If you have a free afternoon during the cold winter months I suggest picking this up with a cup of tea or hot chocolate, and a warm blanket, and you too, will want to be transported to this world.
Profile Image for Javierthearcnovice.
383 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 12, 2026
Thank you to Author Jessica Dodge for providing me with an eARC.

This is a wonderful holiday story. It’s short and cute. Just the way I prefer a cozy read. If you enjoyed Good Spirits, it has those vibes for sure.
Profile Image for Natalie Banks.
Author 7 books311 followers
November 2, 2026
You know that feeling of holiday magic we felt as children? I don't know about you but now that I am an adult, I am always searching to capture that feeling again during the holiday season. With all of the busyness and activity, it's hard to stop and feel that magic. BUT...here comes Jessica Dodge and this precious magical story of love and hope and Christmas spirit. It literally swept me off my feet and gave ALL of those holiday magical feels again. I would HIGHLY recommend this as a gift to yourself this season AND for the sweetest gift for stockings, Secret Santa exchanges, and neighbors/friends baskets! If you don't do anything else for yourself this holiday season, at least stop and treat yourself with this book.
Profile Image for Gail.
133 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
November 2, 2026
❓️❓️QOTD: when you hear the term Christmas spirit, what are the first thoughts that come to your mind?

🎁Words that come to my mind first are joy, laughter, a warmth in your heart. . . .and you'll experience each of these when you read Jessica Dodge's new novella titled:

🎄🎄🎄THE UNEXPECTED SIDE EFFECTSOF CHRISTMAS SPIRIT: AN ADVENT BOOK🎄🎄

Grab a snuggly blanket and some fresh baked cookies to settle in for this cozy warm story. 


🎵Don't forget to put on background music of All I Want For Christmas Is You.

🎄The best way I know to describe this book is to tell you this is a perfect story for a Hallmark movie!!!!! No tears though. . .unless you count happy tears. This begins with a heartbreaking realization for Holly, that Ben, the guy she'd spent the last year getting to know, the one she thought she had a future with. . .well he had other girls on the side. This is when Chris pops into the story. . .literally.  Oh and along the way, a little white kitten. I won't tell you anymore than that so that I don't spoil it for you.

Other than to say, as a bonus, the author includes a recipe at the end for Holly's Pity cookies (Gingerbread cookies)

I read the ebook and loved it. . . and tomorrow, I'm looking forward to getting the audiobook version 🥰

For fans of Good Spirits, The Christmas Cure, and Second Chances, comes a sweet, clean romance overflowing with holiday magic. What happens when the handsome stranger on your doorstep is the literal embodiment of Christmas Spirit?
Profile Image for Jennie Good.
16 reviews
October 9, 2026
The Unexpected Side Effects of Christmas Spirit.

I received an advanced copy from the author. Thank you for including me.

The meet cute was precious with Chris wondering what was going on and being drawn by a quiet invisible thread to Holly. Her ability to see him was unexpected and brought an excitement that he had not anticipated.

The story gave me all the feels and brought in the familiar buoyancy of Christmas traditions that lifted my spirits.

The language and turn of phrase in the novella was like fairy lights leading the reader to Christmas magic. I highlighted so many phrases that spoke to my heart. Side effect is the perfect description. The reader runs the whole Christmas gamut in a subtle magical way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Stacy Grierson.
117 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 24, 2026
I received an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

This is a beautifully written short story perfect to get you feeling that warm Christmas glow. Designed to be read over the 12 days of Christmas, with a bonus epilogue. I'm not sure anyone will make it last that long though. Once I got started I read the whole thing in one sitting. It flowed really well & even although a short story, it had enough world building to allow me to visualise their surroundings. The Christmas Spirit has been missing in our house since my daughter decided she'd rather do Halloween. This has injected a little bit of it back into me, I plan to take full advantage of it & the gingerbread men recipe. Maybe getting my spark back will re-ignite my daughter's. This story celebrates the small things, the moments of joy between the breaths, the smiles & the laughs & leaves you with a sense of longing to go back to a time where it was never about the presents, but about choosing to be with those you love.
Profile Image for Scott Good.
Author 1 book68 followers
October 5, 2026
A short and sweet holiday romance that will warm your heart and make you want gingerbread.
Profile Image for My_Books_In_Nooks.
395 reviews17 followers
October 28, 2026
ARC Review ‘The Unexpected Side Effects of Christmas Spirit’

Awww what a lovely feel good, believe in Christmas Magic and Love book this is!
The storyline brings you in total Christmas feels.

Chris is a wonderful character that works hard to collect those Christmas joys, but he is missing something. And as he ventures to collect, he ends up where Holly is. And he will finally find the true meaning of Joy.

Holly is heartbroken, a Christmas girl at heart.
The holidays usually is the time where she truly blossoms. But this year has a shadow cast over that. When Chris ends up at her doorstep, will she find Joy again?

Their chemistry is so sweet and adorable and I loved them!
No 🌶️ so it is nice for our YA readers🥰

This was well written and gave me a warm feeling inside. I can’t wait to start decorating this year and feel that Christmas joy myself!
Lovely pick me up book.
5/5⭐️
Profile Image for Alicia Birdie and the books .
343 reviews20 followers
November 2, 2026
First, I'd like to thank the author Jessica Dodge for sending me in the arc in exchange for an honest review
What happens if you literally run into a handsome Scottish man on your front step. Holly is trying to recover from a heartbreak. What happens if you literally run into the male embodiment of the Christmas spirit? If you've ever thought about that. You should definitely pick up, The unexpected side effects of the Christmas Spirit by @jessicadodgeauthor
Happy release day!
Profile Image for Cheryl Hanzidiakou.
245 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 28, 2026
Review of advance copy received from author

Festive vibes aplenty in this cozy magical novella. The atmosphere is brilliant and the description of all things Christmas is lovely. This will definitely put you in a Christmas mood. Don’t love the title.

Thank you to @jessicadodgeauthor for the arc.
Profile Image for Julia Reitzer.
107 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 27, 2026
This book was exactly what I needed to get into the holiday mood! It provides a sweet love story of Chris who cannot seem to find the Christmas spirit he needs until he meets Holly and Joy. The build up to the realization of what Holly gives Chris is truly special. Of your needing a cute holiday read this is one for you to choose!
Profile Image for Morally UnBound.
87 reviews
November 2, 2026
We were given an advanced reader copy of The Unexpected Side Effects of Christmas Spirit by Jessica Dodge in exchange for an honest review.

Firstly: thanks a lot, Chris! Apparently, you’re the reason I turn into Martha Stewart the second Thanksgiving is over. 😂

This story was as beautiful as a perfectly decorated Christmas tree, and I am absolutely not okay with how much I adored it, because yes I read it before Halloween had passed. 😫😍

Christmas spirit with a Scottish accent? A woman who needs a little holiday magic? A snowstorm, a kitten, gingerbread cookies and a universe that apparently has a sense of humour? SIGN ME UP.

First of all, Ben can take a long walk off a short pier. Nothing good comes from a Ben. 🤦‍♀️😂 And Chris? Quality over quantity, sir! Also, a Scottish accent is ALWAYS a plus. 😏

I absolutely loved the magical chaos of this story. The universe providing a meet cute when it decides you’re ready, the cat distribution system doing its thing, rescuing a kitten and a Scotsman in one day, and the absolute AUDACITY of Christmas magic to have a mind of its own. 😂

But underneath all the hilarity, this story has such a beautiful little message about love, rediscovering joy and finding Christmas spirit in the most unexpected places.

The banter had me cackling, the gingerbread shenanigans were EVERYTHING, and that gingerbread P[Redacted Spoiler]?! EXCUSE ME?! 😫❤️ I was kicking my feet like an absolute fool. And don’t even get me started on the mistletoe!

Jessica, you cannot just casually give us the gingerbread recipe AND Joy’s gorgeous artwork at the end without expecting us to become emotionally attached AND not have baking plans upon completion. 😂😍

This was the literary equivalent of a warm blanket, a comfy chair, a warm cup of tea and Christmas lights glowing in the background. Sweet, whimsical, hilarious and ridiculously heartwarming.

If you need a little Christmas magic, a swoon worthy Scotsman and a reminder that sometimes the universe has better plans than you do, PICK THIS ONE UP.

Now excuse me while I go make gingerbread cookies 🍪❤️
Profile Image for glubglubimafish_2.0.
17 reviews
October 23, 2026
Thank you Jessica Dodge for letting me get to read The Unexpected Side Effects of Christmas Spirit!
🔔🔔🔔
Looking for a Christmas love story or an advent book to read leading up to Christmas??
I gave this 5 stars! This is going to be that perfect read for Christmas time! It already has me in the spirit. Whether you want this to be a quick read or read it advent style; I read this as a mix of both. Normally my advent book for Christmas I would be reading another book as well, and I spread this read over the course of 3 days. I was able to keep up with the story, so I have confidence if you choose to read this over the course of 13 days (a chapter a day) you will be able to keep pace.
Though this is such a sweet, warm and cozy read you’ll find it hard to put down.
🔔🔔🔔
For fans of Good Spirits, The Christmas Cure, and Second Chances comes a sweet, clean romance overflowing with holiday magic. What happens when the handsome stranger on your doorstep is the literal embodiment of Christmas spirit? After eleven months and twenty days of collecting enough joy to fill the world with Christmas spirit, Chris Spiorad has one job ring the bell and let the magic loose. Then he’s free to escape to Stowe, Vermont, and live out his White Christmas dreams-snow covered mountains, skiing, hot cocoa, and a roaring fire. At least, that’s the plan.
But when it’s magic malfunctions, he finds himself stranded in a small town, standing on the doorstep of a woman who wishes the holidays would just skip her this year.
Healing a broken heart and drowning her sorrows in a dozen cookies with a head full of what-ifs, Holly is completely unprepared when a handsome Scottish stranger shows up in the middle of a freak winter snowstorm. She can’t very well leave him outside to freeze, so she opens her door- unknowingly welcoming the literal spirit of Christmas into her home.
38 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 27, 2026
Received this book as an ARC from the author and it’s the first book I’ve read of hers. I had a feeling I would love her writing style and I most certainly do and this was the perfect book to read to be introduced to her!!
It’s a little novella about the Christmas spirit, and how one family is has been appointed to gather it each year and fill a Christmas bell with the spirit.
But this year something odd happens, Chris , who has taken over the family business, decides to take a week off for a vacation in Vermont, suddenly with a snap of his fingers he ends up in a tiny town in the middle of nowhere.
He finds himself starring at a beautiful woman through a window and she is singing, he hides but he knows he can’t be seen by humans.
But as he is standing there she walks out her door and straight into him and he can’t figure out how she can see him… his magic is gone!
This is the beginning of him finding the true Christmas spirit in himself and how others find it too, it is also how he meets Holly and her wonderful gingerbread cookies and how he helps her get her Christmas spirit back.
Together, they find the true Christmas spirit, and fill the bell full of joy and love and Christmas!!
This is such a feel good Christmas read, I loved every page , and wanted to start baking cookies and decorating a tree as soon as I finished it!!
Well done Jessica Dodge , such a wonderful gift this early in the season!! Thank you for the chance to read it early!!
Don’t miss out on this one!!
1 review
November 4, 2026
What a delightful holiday read! The Unexpected Side Effects of Christmas Spirit is a charming tale of love, romance, taking a chance on love, and a little Christmas magic. A Scottish man falling in love? Yes, please! The chemistry between the characters, the Scottish charm, and the way their romance unfolds make this story even more enjoyable. It's such an easy, enjoyable read that I found myself not wanting to put it down.

The book is written to be enjoyed Advent-style, reading a little each day leading up to Christmas, but I dare you to stop at just one chapter! It's the kind of story that makes you want to curl up, get cozy, and keep turning the pages to see what happens next.

A wonderful holiday escape filled with love, Christmas spirit, and a sweet reminder that sometimes the best things happen when we take a chance on love, especially when we least expect it. I absolutely loved it and highly recommend adding it to your holiday reading list!The Unexpected Side Effects of Christmas Spirit: An Advent Book
Profile Image for Nikki P. Ngo.
7 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 24, 2026
✨ BOOK REVIEW: The Unexpected Side Effects of Christmas Spirit ✨
Thank you @jessicadodgeauthor for this ARC.

If you are looking for the ultimate literary equivalent of a warm hug, a soft blanket, and a giant mug of hot cocoa, look no further. The Unexpected Side Effects of Christmas Spirit is officially my new favorite way to get into the holiday mood!

☕️❄️From the very first page, the atmosphere wraps around you like a favorite sweater. It is local festive charm at its absolute finest. It is light, it is charming, and it genuinely leaves you with that warm, fuzzy feeling that makes the holidays so special. I really did wish it was longer. Read it in one sitting with a nice cup of London Fog to make it complete. The characters are absolutely adorable and let's not forget the cat that made it all happen.

It is the perfect choice for a slow December morning or a cozy night in by the tree. Consider this your official sign to move this right to the very top of your winter TBR! 📖❤️
Have you added any holiday books to your reading list yet? Let me know your favorites below! 👇✨
Profile Image for Darlene.
83 reviews4 followers
October 25, 2026
“Mistletoe reminds us that love can still grow even in the middle of winter.”

Holly is struggling in the love department, while Chris is on a mission to collect happiness. Along the way, he finds Holly… and brings a little Christmas magic with him. Chris is basically the Christmas spirit himself, complete with a Scottish accent! 🥰

When Holly invites Chris to stay, a little Christmas magic begins to grow. ✨

As an advent book, you can either read it all at once or enjoy one chapter a day! I absolutely loved this format. ❤️ I paired each day’s reading with some soothing Christmas music, which made the experience feel extra cozy and really brought the story to life. 🎄✨

This is a lovely reminder to live in the moment, enjoy the Christmas spirit around us, and remember that sometimes all we need is a little reminder to help that festive feeling grow inside our hearts. ❤️🎄

A slow burn that takes twelve chapters… but trust me, it’s worth the wait! 🎁📚 This book deserves a spot on your Holiday TBR!

Thank you to Jessica Dodge for the opportunity to review this ARC! It was a pleasure.
Profile Image for Joey Krupocin.
6 reviews2 followers
October 29, 2026
🎄The Unexpected Side Effects of Christmas Spirit by Jessica Dodge 🎄

I was lucky enough to receive an Advance Reader Copy of this book, and let me tell you… I LOVED it! ❤️

This was meant to be read advent-style, but 1️⃣ I didn’t want to stop reading, and 2️⃣ I wanted to share my review before release day. So here we are!

Indie authors seriously don’t get enough credit, and this book is such a perfect example of why! It was filled with love, joy, and all the Christmas spirit you could ask for. It gave me ALL the holiday feels!

I absolutely adored Chris and Holly. Their characters were so well-written, and I loved watching their story unfold. It was cozy, cute, and funny,…with cookies, snow, kittens, Christmas music, and a story I just couldn’t get enough of. 🐱🍪☃️

If you’re looking for a book that feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket with a cup of hot chocolate (with mini marshmallows) and Christmas music playing in the background, add this one to your holiday TBR! ❤️ RELEASES NOVEMBER 2nd.

Joey’s Book Nook rates it: 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
Profile Image for _jolb.85_.
42 reviews
November 1, 2026
I was lucky enough to receive an Advance Reader Copy of this book, and I loved every minute of reading it. The Unexpected Side Effects of Christmas Spirit is a beautifully emotive holiday story written by Jessica Dodge.
The story follows Holly, who is struggling with love and all the heartbreak, trials, and joy it brings, and Chris, who is determined to find some Christmas spirit in time for the holidays. Written from dual perspectives, this tale perfectly draws you into the thoughts, feelings, and actions of the characters, leaving you smiling long after you finish the final page.
Whether your countdown to Christmas starts on November 1st or you simply love a cozy read sprinkled with a bit of magic, this book is definitely for you. It is bursting with festive cheer and is uniquely structured so it can be enjoyed advent-style—reading one chapter a day for the 12 days of Christmas—or binged all in one sitting if you are impatient like me!
This was the absolute perfect read to kick off my holiday season, and it will no doubt be my go-to festive book for many years to come.
Profile Image for Alie.
90 reviews2 followers
November 4, 2026
A cheeky Scotsman with an Ewan McGregor-esque charm, an adorable kitten and a sentient bell. Really, how could I resist?

I loved the wonderfully imaginative concept of Christmas spirit being something tangible, collectable and essential to Christmas itself. The sentient bell was a particularly clever and beautifully thought-out touch.

Holly was sweet, somewhat naïve and surprisingly relatable, especially in her approach to relationships. After being catfished, she certainly deserved a little magic, preferably in the form of a handsome Scotsman with a Scottish brogue and a mischievous streak!

What makes this novella even more charming is its format. Written as a 12-day advent calendar, with one chapter to enjoy each day, it’s a lovely way to squeeze a little reading into the busiest time of year. Unfortunately, I lacked the self-control to stop at one chapter a day!

Beautifully written, with charming prose, thoughtful character development and buckets of Christmas spirit. A delightful little festive escape that I thoroughly enjoyed. 🎄
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Marie Girulat.
745 reviews13 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 25, 2026
A huge thank-you to @jessicadodgeauthor for the wonderful #gifted e-book! I was thrilled to receive an advance copy and couldn’t wait to dive in.

This novella is the perfect blend of magic and holiday sweetness. Written like an Advent calendar, Chris and Holly’s story unfolds over twelve chapters, one for each day as Christmas approaches. Although I read it in one sitting and loved how each chapter brought the story together.

Told from both Chris’s and Holly’s perspectives, the story draws you into their thoughts and emotions. I adored the magic woven throughout and its heartwarming celebration of Christmas spirit. The beautiful writing and bonus gingerbread recipe at the end were the perfect finishing touches.

Cozy up with this book and experience a little Christmas magic for yourself! It’s available November 2, 2026.
Profile Image for Sheila E.
11 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
November 1, 2026
The Unexpected Side Effects of Christmas Spirit by Jessica Dodge
What an absolutely beautiful, heartwarming Christmas romance!

This is my third book I've read by Jessica Dodge, and once again, her storytelling did not disappoint. She has such a wonderful way of immersing readers in her stories, making you feel every emotion alongside the characters.

This sweet, magical, slow-burn romance is proof that you don't need spice to create incredible chemistry. The characters, the tender moments, and the Christmas magic made this 121 page novella an absolute delight.

And that ending?! My heart! I genuinely wanted to cry happy tears.

If you love cozy Christmas romances with beautiful storytelling and all the holiday feels, this is an absolute must-read!

Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Profile Image for Meg.
Author 2 books3 followers
November 3, 2026
A sweet, cozy story of two people who meet under magical and mysterious circumstances.

Chris has lost his Christmas spirit, which is kind of a big deal in his line of work.

Holly is a romantic who has been hurt by heartbreak and disillusioned dreams, struggling to regain her own Christmas spirit.

When a snowstorm brings them together, they must decide whether to take a chance on friendship and love, or let Christmas magic pass them by.

...

This was my first introduction to Jessica Dodge (though she's been on my mental TBR for awhile) and I'm eager to read another of her books.

I found The Unexpected Side Effects of Christmas Spirit to be a charming, cozy Christmas story, told in bite-sized chapters for the purpose of slowing down this Advent and savoring intentionality, finding joy in the everyday, and discovering kindness in unexpected places.

...

ARC Review
34 reviews
November 3, 2026
🎁Thank you Jessica Dogdes for sending me this ARC!!!

🎄Do you want a book that will be as cozy as the fluffy blanket above your little feet, as warm as the sweetest tea right next to you and as peaceful as the snowflakes flying around your little window? Then you are in the right stop as Jessica Dodge will make all of that magically written in the most themed holiday romance book you need in your life!!!

👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨We have a heartbroken girl, Jessica and the most romantic Scottish man Chris meet and the ship starts to sail on the first moment!!! My sweet lovelies, they are so perfect for each other!!! I also enjoyed how there are no spicy scenes because it wouldn't be sto beautiful as it is now!!!

🍪PS: I will definitely try the gingerbread cookies receipt and I will tell you if it works!!!

📖It is my first but surely not my last book I will have by Jessica!!!
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 25, 2026

❄️🎄☕ This sweet little holiday story feels like a warm hug on a snowy winter afternoon. It’s the perfect book to curl up with beside a crackling fire and forget about the world for a minute.

With a charming Scottish stranger, a snowstorm, Christmas cookies, and a sprinkle of unexpected magic, this story has all the ingredients of a delightful holiday romance. Beneath all the festive sweetness is a tender reminder of the real joy and magic of the spirit of the season.

I adored the whimsical atmosphere, gentle romance, and heartwarming touches of Christmas magic throughout.

If you’re looking for a short, sweet Christmas escape, grab your fluffiest blanket, your favorite holiday drink, and maybe a cookie or two. This is the perfect little book to spend a chilly afternoon with! 🎄🍪❤️
Profile Image for Amanda.
180 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
October 10, 2026
Book: The Unexpected Side Effects of Christmas Spirit: An Advent Book
Author: Jessica Dodge
Stars: 4.5⭐
**ARC**

ARC Review: I received an advanced copy from the author. Thank you for including me.

We get to meet Chris & Holly

A short and sweet holiday romance that will warm your heart and make you want gingerbread.

This will most definitely put you in a Christmas spirit and I am all for it.. I got the Holiday (the movie) vibes from it when Chris ends up on Holly's doorstep.

I absolutely loved the illustration that each chapter has..

prompt
121 pages
Release date: 2 November 2026
4.18⭐ on GoodReads
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jami | within.this.midwest.library.
69 reviews2 followers
October 30, 2026
If you are looking for a short and sweet Christmas read that feels like you’re being hugged by a cozy blanket accompanied by a cup of hot cocoa, this is it!

Jessica Dodge gets you into the Christmas spirit with this clean, slow-burn holiday romance. The atmosphere, the characters, and wee little kitten! Gosh! 🥰

This was actually my first ever Christmas read and I loved it! It was truly heartwarming and written beautifully!
I absolutely loved how Jessica wrote it to be enjoyed as its own little advent calendar. Twelve chapters, Twelve days of Christmas!

But honestly, it was so hard for me to put it down! There was no way I could only read one chapter a day!

Chris and Holly are so easy to love right from the start. It was such a joy getting the experience their love unfolding as the story continued. They had me swooning, giggling, and genuinely excited for the Christmas season to arrive.
Profile Image for Caroline.
77 reviews
November 1, 2026
I want to give a big thank you to Jessica Dodge for writing this book and giving me the opportunity to read her Christmas short story ARC.

I loved this book! Imagine a super cute, cozy whimsical holiday movie in book form. Written like an advent calendar, it can be read as a chapter a night leading up to Christmas. While I read it in one sitting, I love this idea and will be returning to it during the holidays. Full of charm it put a smile on my face and warmed my heart. As I have a few holiday movies I rewatch every year, this is a book I will reread each year. I highly recommend adding it to your holiday reads.
Profile Image for Tanner McCandlish.
99 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
November 2, 2026
4/5⭐️ What a delightful jolt of Christmas spirit! This novella is adorable and cozy! Chris and Holly are a perfect match, and the twist of magic here only adds to its charm. My only complaint is that we didn’t get enough! I loved this tiny slice of holiday cheer and wish we had more time with this cute couple and their event cuter rescue kitten ❤️ Absolutely give this a read if you want something extra short and sweet; speaking of which, I will absolutely be trying Holly’s Pity Cookies asap! 🎄
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews