What do you think?
Rate this book
Last Christmas in NOLA (A Novella)
Christmas hadn't been the same for Starlah ever since her mother went away when she was a little girl. By the time she got older all of her holiday spirit had disappeared altogether. That was until she ran into Tahj Bellamy again. He gave her a reason to believe in the magic of Christmas day again. But are Christmas miracles too good to be true? Find out in Last Christmas in NOLA. (This is a Novella!)
- GenresHoliday
87 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2020
159 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
December 20, 2025
It was three because no matter how you frame it Tahj was a shitty person, good deeds hold no weight if they rooted in something less than good will. He was a liar because he withheld info just because. It also felt a tiny bit predatory on his part like you know you’re attracted to her and you do wanna care for her, but you also have sexually charged feelings toward her and she’s essentially solely relying on you. That gave me a huge ick but the fact that star ain’t play the radio is what helped this earn more stars. I felt for Colley truly and wish she would’ve gotten some help or better examples set for her.
March 16, 2022
Baby girl couldn’t catch a break
I was skeptical about finishing this story because Star was going through it bad in the beginning. Then, I got caught up and couldn’t put my iPad down! I was so happy there was a part 2!!
I was skeptical about finishing this story because Star was going through it bad in the beginning. Then, I got caught up and couldn’t put my iPad down! I was so happy there was a part 2!!
May 21, 2021
Quick read
3.7 \3.6. Oh just give us half stars already. Well this was a quick read an well written story about a young girl whom had had is rough and the holidays not being the same . Enter a true wolf in sheep's clothing and you got yourself a read. I will say that in the end she was winning from her life lesson. Some parts felt rushed or maybe I was looking for a bit more in some areas but not did enjoy the end.
3.7 \3.6. Oh just give us half stars already. Well this was a quick read an well written story about a young girl whom had had is rough and the holidays not being the same . Enter a true wolf in sheep's clothing and you got yourself a read. I will say that in the end she was winning from her life lesson. Some parts felt rushed or maybe I was looking for a bit more in some areas but not did enjoy the end.
December 10, 2021
Short read!
OMG, this was actually my first read by Cion Lee and I really enjoyed it. This book was well written and flowed well. Star endured a lot n her young life, but her spirit was never broken. Tahj really cared about her, but he wasn’t quite hones with her. I would love to read more about Star and see where she ended up.
OMG, this was actually my first read by Cion Lee and I really enjoyed it. This book was well written and flowed well. Star endured a lot n her young life, but her spirit was never broken. Tahj really cared about her, but he wasn’t quite hones with her. I would love to read more about Star and see where she ended up.
December 27, 2020
Give Us Star !!!!!
First of all the book was bomb !!!! Had no clue Tahj would be a pt2 of pops. I wanna see Star flourish, I want Coley to get some healing. I’d like to know more about Diamond, he’ll everybody except the Aunt. Unless she jumping off a building
First of all the book was bomb !!!! Had no clue Tahj would be a pt2 of pops. I wanna see Star flourish, I want Coley to get some healing. I’d like to know more about Diamond, he’ll everybody except the Aunt. Unless she jumping off a building
December 18, 2021
Enjoyed this read
This was such a quick cute Christmas read My heart hurt for star so much she deserved better and even when I thought she was getting better the author proved me wrong.
This was such a quick cute Christmas read My heart hurt for star so much she deserved better and even when I thought she was getting better the author proved me wrong.
December 29, 2021
2.5 ⭐⭐💫
December 27, 2020
Omg so good
I need more please it can't end like that. I need to know what happened to star. I knew I shouldn't have read this book. It just drew you in from the beginning till the end. Good job just give me part 2.
I need more please it can't end like that. I need to know what happened to star. I knew I shouldn't have read this book. It just drew you in from the beginning till the end. Good job just give me part 2.
December 17, 2021
Too too much
I wasn't sure what to expect with this one. It took a minute to get into the dialogue in the story. The characters had a narrow focus which was off-putting. See what you think.
I wasn't sure what to expect with this one. It took a minute to get into the dialogue in the story. The characters had a narrow focus which was off-putting. See what you think.
December 14, 2022
3.75/5⭐
My first book by Cion Lee and it did not disappoint. This novella was WILD!!! 80-something pages of CHAOS.
This follows Star and y’all, this girl couldn’t catch a break. When she lived with her mother and brother, though they didn’t have a lot, her mother always made sure that birthdays and holidays like Christmas were always special. But that all changed when she went to live with Fee. Sis been fighting to survive since she was sent to live with her Aunt Fee. My girl deserved better. Star was about her business though. When she became old enough, she got her own job and started saving her money to move out of Fee’s funky ass house.
Talking about Aunt Fee, I hate this woman with a PASSION! Like, this woman made be want to cuss and I don’t do that. The way she treated Star was uncalled for. She really got on my nerves. I’m happy Star got out of that funky ass house.
Now on to Tahj. This boy….
I liked him at the beginning, the way he treated Star when they were younger and the way he helped and cared for her in her time of need. However, as the story progressed, he got on my nerves too. I still think her cares for Star but he comes with too much drama and Star doesn’t deserve to be a part of that mess. His decision to not tell Star everything really pissed me off and she was right to leave him and take the furniture too.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novella and can’t wait to read the next book.
My first book by Cion Lee and it did not disappoint. This novella was WILD!!! 80-something pages of CHAOS.
This follows Star and y’all, this girl couldn’t catch a break. When she lived with her mother and brother, though they didn’t have a lot, her mother always made sure that birthdays and holidays like Christmas were always special. But that all changed when she went to live with Fee. Sis been fighting to survive since she was sent to live with her Aunt Fee. My girl deserved better. Star was about her business though. When she became old enough, she got her own job and started saving her money to move out of Fee’s funky ass house.
Talking about Aunt Fee, I hate this woman with a PASSION! Like, this woman made be want to cuss and I don’t do that. The way she treated Star was uncalled for. She really got on my nerves. I’m happy Star got out of that funky ass house.
Now on to Tahj. This boy….
I liked him at the beginning, the way he treated Star when they were younger and the way he helped and cared for her in her time of need. However, as the story progressed, he got on my nerves too. I still think her cares for Star but he comes with too much drama and Star doesn’t deserve to be a part of that mess. His decision to not tell Star everything really pissed me off and she was right to leave him and take the furniture too.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novella and can’t wait to read the next book.
December 27, 2025
KARMA IS A BIH 🤷🏽♀️
I’M SO GLAD I DON’T HAVE TO WAIT IN BOOK 2
TAHJ WAS MORE LIKE HIS FATHER THAN HE WANTED TO ADMIT AND IT WAS JUST SAD. HE WAS A SUPER HEAUX. HE HAD THE POTENTIAL TO BE A GREAT BUT IF HIS AZZ WASN’T A LYING AZZ PHUCK BOY🙄. HE DID STAR DIRTY AND SHE LEFT HIM STUCK LIKE CHUCK NOT KNOWING WHAT TO DO🤣🤣🤣
HEATHER WAS A MESSY BIH
STAR WAS DEALT A BAD HAND AND DESPITE THE MENTAL AND PHYSICAL ABUSE SHE RECEIVED FROM HER AUNT SHE STILL TURNED OUT BETTER THAN ALL HER AUNTS CHILDREN. SHE FINALLY LET HER GUARD DOWN WITH THE ONE PERSON WHO SEEMED TO ALWAYS HAVE HER BACK AND THAT ISH BACKFIRED. I WAS SO PROOF SIS STOOD ON BUSINESS AND DIDN’T ALLOW THOSE GIFTS OR THAT TOXIC🍆 DETER HER FROM LEAVING HIS HEAUX AZZ WHERE HE HAD HER EFFED UP
I’M SO GLAD I DON’T HAVE TO WAIT IN BOOK 2
TAHJ WAS MORE LIKE HIS FATHER THAN HE WANTED TO ADMIT AND IT WAS JUST SAD. HE WAS A SUPER HEAUX. HE HAD THE POTENTIAL TO BE A GREAT BUT IF HIS AZZ WASN’T A LYING AZZ PHUCK BOY🙄. HE DID STAR DIRTY AND SHE LEFT HIM STUCK LIKE CHUCK NOT KNOWING WHAT TO DO🤣🤣🤣
HEATHER WAS A MESSY BIH
STAR WAS DEALT A BAD HAND AND DESPITE THE MENTAL AND PHYSICAL ABUSE SHE RECEIVED FROM HER AUNT SHE STILL TURNED OUT BETTER THAN ALL HER AUNTS CHILDREN. SHE FINALLY LET HER GUARD DOWN WITH THE ONE PERSON WHO SEEMED TO ALWAYS HAVE HER BACK AND THAT ISH BACKFIRED. I WAS SO PROOF SIS STOOD ON BUSINESS AND DIDN’T ALLOW THOSE GIFTS OR THAT TOXIC🍆 DETER HER FROM LEAVING HIS HEAUX AZZ WHERE HE HAD HER EFFED UP
October 9, 2021
Cliffhanger....
I am answering the question in the first sentence, yes Star should get her own novel. She deserves that much. I am really not a fan of Tahj right now, he was dirty in how he went about things. He was doing the most with too many people.
The life that Star endured made her mature at an early age. I was glad when she didn't just accept being one of the side chicks. She stacked her money, inquired about a new place, and took what was brought for her. I am hoping she is able to further her studies and become a "boss" herself if she gets a novel.
This is the first book I have read by Ms. Lee, hopefully Star gets her novel. I will happily indulge in it.
I am answering the question in the first sentence, yes Star should get her own novel. She deserves that much. I am really not a fan of Tahj right now, he was dirty in how he went about things. He was doing the most with too many people.
The life that Star endured made her mature at an early age. I was glad when she didn't just accept being one of the side chicks. She stacked her money, inquired about a new place, and took what was brought for her. I am hoping she is able to further her studies and become a "boss" herself if she gets a novel.
This is the first book I have read by Ms. Lee, hopefully Star gets her novel. I will happily indulge in it.
March 31, 2022
I’m late but I loved it!
Here I am, reading yet another book late in the game haha! But this one was kind of a breathe of fresh air. I’m so used to certain things happening in all of your books, Cion. But this one was pretty light and makes me wanna finish Wishing On A Star today! Tahj’s character was all right; I say that because despite all the good he’d done, some of his actions were still disappointing. I end of loving the male characters eventually anyway. Great job, Cion ♥️
Here I am, reading yet another book late in the game haha! But this one was kind of a breathe of fresh air. I’m so used to certain things happening in all of your books, Cion. But this one was pretty light and makes me wanna finish Wishing On A Star today! Tahj’s character was all right; I say that because despite all the good he’d done, some of his actions were still disappointing. I end of loving the male characters eventually anyway. Great job, Cion ♥️
January 26, 2024
Good read!
Yes , I am so proud of Star for not falling for the trappings of Tahj because she would forever be on the sideline when it comes to him and she really hadn’t experienced life without hurt, emotional pain and feelings of abandonment. I am glad that she kept in contact with her brother and mom. She also had self worth which was the best trait she could have. Yes she deserves her own story and for some reason I believe in that story she probably got pregnant on Christmas. I am curious to know what happens next.
Yes , I am so proud of Star for not falling for the trappings of Tahj because she would forever be on the sideline when it comes to him and she really hadn’t experienced life without hurt, emotional pain and feelings of abandonment. I am glad that she kept in contact with her brother and mom. She also had self worth which was the best trait she could have. Yes she deserves her own story and for some reason I believe in that story she probably got pregnant on Christmas. I am curious to know what happens next.
December 24, 2020
Great Read !!!!
I haven’t got around to leaving reviews for any of the books I’ve read this year, but I just had to leave one for this novella! I loved everything about this story. Love how strong Starlah was despite the circumstances she was given. I could relate to her resilient character in a plethora of ways. I hope there’s more to come with her story. I just came across Cion Lee’s books a few months ago and I have not been disappointed once. Keep doing your thing!
I haven’t got around to leaving reviews for any of the books I’ve read this year, but I just had to leave one for this novella! I loved everything about this story. Love how strong Starlah was despite the circumstances she was given. I could relate to her resilient character in a plethora of ways. I hope there’s more to come with her story. I just came across Cion Lee’s books a few months ago and I have not been disappointed once. Keep doing your thing!
October 28, 2021
Cute story.
I’ve read a few of Cion Lee’s book and this was a good read. Star was dealt a bad hand and i was happy to read she was able to somewhat bounce back academically & from her aunt. I also really liked that when it came to Tahj, although she was 18, she was mature enough to see through his trifling ways and deaded that situation. Looking forward to reading the next book!
I’ve read a few of Cion Lee’s book and this was a good read. Star was dealt a bad hand and i was happy to read she was able to somewhat bounce back academically & from her aunt. I also really liked that when it came to Tahj, although she was 18, she was mature enough to see through his trifling ways and deaded that situation. Looking forward to reading the next book!
November 11, 2021
Star’s confidence is BEYOND! She’s my favorite character by far.
Women like star give me hope! If we must read about downtrodden females being left by their mom, almost molested by some cruel male and cheated on by their men then at the very least make these women tenacious, smart and intelligent. That’s what Cion Lee did with Star. She never felt like a victim just a survivor and I love the treatment. Kudos to you Cion. You managed to hold my cynicism at bay.
Women like star give me hope! If we must read about downtrodden females being left by their mom, almost molested by some cruel male and cheated on by their men then at the very least make these women tenacious, smart and intelligent. That’s what Cion Lee did with Star. She never felt like a victim just a survivor and I love the treatment. Kudos to you Cion. You managed to hold my cynicism at bay.
January 9, 2024
This was a prequel and the main reason I read it was to get the backstory for the book I really wanted to read. Cion Lee is one of my auto buy authors. The family in this book was terrible, and took in a family members daughter and mistreated her. One of the neighborhood boys took a liking to her, he was a little older so I was skeptical cause I didn’t want to have to press charges. No feelings were explored until tile were adults though. MMC was a liar and a cheater at least in this book.
August 31, 2024
More Please
I need more Tahj and Star. After reading all of the other NOLA books it was nice to hear Tahj's story. The other books make him look like the responsible oldest brother, but he has quite the life he's juggling. I knew about his 2 women from the other books but now that his soul mate has entered I can't wait to see how it plays out. Tahj is a good guy with some dog tendencies but I'm hoping for a happy ending for him.
I need more Tahj and Star. After reading all of the other NOLA books it was nice to hear Tahj's story. The other books make him look like the responsible oldest brother, but he has quite the life he's juggling. I knew about his 2 women from the other books but now that his soul mate has entered I can't wait to see how it plays out. Tahj is a good guy with some dog tendencies but I'm hoping for a happy ending for him.
December 21, 2025
standing on business
Star had it in her for real. Yeah, Tahj came through and showed up, but lies of omission are still lies. Star let it be known she wasn’t taking scraps from anyone anymore and just when Tahj thought she would fold like a cheap lawn chair, she showed him that he wasn’t about to make a fool of her…no matter how she felt about him. Merry Christmas Tahj. I can’t wait to run to the next book. Happy Reading Y’all!💋
Star had it in her for real. Yeah, Tahj came through and showed up, but lies of omission are still lies. Star let it be known she wasn’t taking scraps from anyone anymore and just when Tahj thought she would fold like a cheap lawn chair, she showed him that he wasn’t about to make a fool of her…no matter how she felt about him. Merry Christmas Tahj. I can’t wait to run to the next book. Happy Reading Y’all!💋
January 14, 2026
🎄🍪🎭
Hmmm 🤔 yeah… I don’t like Tahj. Throwing what you did for someone back in their face is a big no for me. Star already had enough on her plate emotionally, mentally, all of it, and here he comes adding stress instead of peace. Immediate side-eye.
This is perfect if you want a short, drama-filled, slightly spicy holiday read that still has depth. Omw to part 2 because I need to see how this story turns out.
Hmmm 🤔 yeah… I don’t like Tahj. Throwing what you did for someone back in their face is a big no for me. Star already had enough on her plate emotionally, mentally, all of it, and here he comes adding stress instead of peace. Immediate side-eye.
This is perfect if you want a short, drama-filled, slightly spicy holiday read that still has depth. Omw to part 2 because I need to see how this story turns out.
December 23, 2020
Best Christmas Story of 2020
Star is really a STAR! After everything she’s been through I’m just happy to see her happy. I’m glad her spirit wasn’t broken. I loved Tahj but the h** that runs in his blood is too deep. I hope these two find their way back to each other in a full length novel.
Star is really a STAR! After everything she’s been through I’m just happy to see her happy. I’m glad her spirit wasn’t broken. I loved Tahj but the h** that runs in his blood is too deep. I hope these two find their way back to each other in a full length novel.
December 23, 2020
Holiday Choas
Star was such a strong individual. She endured a lot of trauma and her younger years of living. However sis did not fold or break. Yes she bended but never broke or failed. She was always a go-getter. Star deserves her full story to be told and then some! Please read this short story. It’s full of surprises !!
Star was such a strong individual. She endured a lot of trauma and her younger years of living. However sis did not fold or break. Yes she bended but never broke or failed. She was always a go-getter. Star deserves her full story to be told and then some! Please read this short story. It’s full of surprises !!
December 23, 2020
A Very Merry Christmas Indeed.!!!
I loved this short. It embodied all the things Cion brings on the regular. Star deserved so much more bt Tahj definitely served his purpose and I think my girl gone give’em hell in the full length story. (Wishful thinking) A great read.. if “Ain’t no fun when the rabbits got the gun.” was a person.
I loved this short. It embodied all the things Cion brings on the regular. Star deserved so much more bt Tahj definitely served his purpose and I think my girl gone give’em hell in the full length story. (Wishful thinking) A great read.. if “Ain’t no fun when the rabbits got the gun.” was a person.
December 23, 2020
As usual....Couldn't stop reading. LOOOOVED IT!
What can I say? Cion lee does not disappoint, I loved the characters and I enjoyed the story line. The female lead was strong in character and I loved her fierceness and independence. She knew herself and what she could not allow in her life. Please Cion Lee, Starlah needs her own book!!
What can I say? Cion lee does not disappoint, I loved the characters and I enjoyed the story line. The female lead was strong in character and I loved her fierceness and independence. She knew herself and what she could not allow in her life. Please Cion Lee, Starlah needs her own book!!
December 23, 2020
Good for him
That’s good for him don’t play with people’s heart ! You can be a family man even if you co-parent. I am proud of Star and I would like to know what happens in future for her. I also know old boy didn’t get it together cause other book he lived with two and a bunch of kids
That’s good for him don’t play with people’s heart ! You can be a family man even if you co-parent. I am proud of Star and I would like to know what happens in future for her. I also know old boy didn’t get it together cause other book he lived with two and a bunch of kids
February 15, 2021
Full length story needed
Star definitely needs her own full length story. I would love to see her secure her degree and career, then meet up with Taji. I would love for him to recognize she’s the one and only for him and for him to know, he can chose to be better than his father.
Star definitely needs her own full length story. I would love to see her secure her degree and career, then meet up with Taji. I would love for him to recognize she’s the one and only for him and for him to know, he can chose to be better than his father.
October 27, 2021
last and best XMas
Great read from a home town girl. I love reading about all the New Orleans events like Bayou Classic!!!!
This was short and sweet. I definitely want to hear more from these characters. Star gave Tahj’s actions the appropriate response. How dare he think he can have his cake and eat it too 😂😂😂🤣!!
Great read from a home town girl. I love reading about all the New Orleans events like Bayou Classic!!!!
This was short and sweet. I definitely want to hear more from these characters. Star gave Tahj’s actions the appropriate response. How dare he think he can have his cake and eat it too 😂😂😂🤣!!
December 26, 2021
Bright as a Star and smarter than the norm.
Star did not let her circumstances dictate her future. From the beginning Star was dealt a bad hand, but she was not only bright as a Star and smarter than the norm. She wasn't going to let another person cause her pain. This is a good read about young love, hard choices but a dedicated plan to make it. A must read!!
Star did not let her circumstances dictate her future. From the beginning Star was dealt a bad hand, but she was not only bright as a Star and smarter than the norm. She wasn't going to let another person cause her pain. This is a good read about young love, hard choices but a dedicated plan to make it. A must read!!
December 22, 2020
So freaking good!
Yes! Yes! Yes! Star should get her own novel or at least pop up in another one so we can see how she is doing. She was such a strong girl! I already liked Tahj from the other books but man o man their daddy did a number on all of them. This was so freaking good!
Yes! Yes! Yes! Star should get her own novel or at least pop up in another one so we can see how she is doing. She was such a strong girl! I already liked Tahj from the other books but man o man their daddy did a number on all of them. This was so freaking good!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews