What do you think?
Rate this book
Silent Night
Overwhelmed by her life as a country-pop singer, Brooke Carston is back to see her small-town family for Christmas in Mountain Crossing, and nothing more—until she runs into her childhood best friend, Nicole Livingston.
Nicole’s happy in Mountain Crossing, but deep down, she knows all the girls who come into her life end up leaving. She knows better than to give in, even when her old best friend shows up in town again—and they have the same spark as ever.
Of course, it doesn’t help that Brooke is bisexual, single, and the entirety of Mountain Crossing is intent on the two of them getting together.
Silent Night is a 35,000-word sweet small-town childhood-friends-to-lovers Christmas romance novella, following a musician with auditory processing disorder who just wants some peace and quiet, and her childhood best friend who’s a happy small-town baker and painter. Features meddling family who tries to push the two together, constantly running into one another, and cute Christmas fluff for days. Content warnings for open-door sex scenes, queer girls trying their best not to get together, loving family who are really obvious in their attempts to get them together, and Daniel always talking about food.
Nicole’s happy in Mountain Crossing, but deep down, she knows all the girls who come into her life end up leaving. She knows better than to give in, even when her old best friend shows up in town again—and they have the same spark as ever.
Of course, it doesn’t help that Brooke is bisexual, single, and the entirety of Mountain Crossing is intent on the two of them getting together.
Silent Night is a 35,000-word sweet small-town childhood-friends-to-lovers Christmas romance novella, following a musician with auditory processing disorder who just wants some peace and quiet, and her childhood best friend who’s a happy small-town baker and painter. Features meddling family who tries to push the two together, constantly running into one another, and cute Christmas fluff for days. Content warnings for open-door sex scenes, queer girls trying their best not to get together, loving family who are really obvious in their attempts to get them together, and Daniel always talking about food.
139 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2021
About the author
Lily Seabrooke
38 books344 followersLily Seabrooke is a lesbian, trans woman, and author of sapphic romance that stars food, because odds are, at any given time, she's hungry.
Her interests include eating food, thinking about food, writing novels about food, and drinking coffee.
Her interests include eating food, thinking about food, writing novels about food, and drinking coffee.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
November 16, 2021
Coming home means different things. There’s the obvious, like Brooke Carston coming back to Mountain Crossing for a month, after being gone for over a decade and only back for a weekend here and there. The whole town is happy to see its very own celebrity again, but no one, not even Brooke’s parents and her numerous siblings, is happier than Nicole Livingstone, Brooke’s childhood best friend and fellow rascal. And that’s another meaning of coming home, when you realise who the right person is for you.
Brooke and Nicole are very likeable, as are the secondary characters. The whole town playing matchmakers made me laugh. It’s not subtle, but it’s heartwarming. I also like how the author gave Brooke sensory issues and the way Nicole always seems to know how to make things better.
Sweet is probably the word I use most often when writing about Lily Seabrooke’s books. The writing isn’t flawless but there’s an energy to it that makes it very enjoyable. This novella is my first Christmas book this year, and it’s so perfectly Christmas-y that I hope I’ll feel the same warmth in my next ones.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Brooke and Nicole are very likeable, as are the secondary characters. The whole town playing matchmakers made me laugh. It’s not subtle, but it’s heartwarming. I also like how the author gave Brooke sensory issues and the way Nicole always seems to know how to make things better.
Sweet is probably the word I use most often when writing about Lily Seabrooke’s books. The writing isn’t flawless but there’s an energy to it that makes it very enjoyable. This novella is my first Christmas book this year, and it’s so perfectly Christmas-y that I hope I’ll feel the same warmth in my next ones.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 11, 2021
I received on ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a super sweet novella. I'm not really all that into novellas (I much prefer massive novels) but I enjoyed this!
Brooke is a singer with auditory processing issues, which I thought were done well. She returns to her family home for Christmas. Nicole is her childhood friend, who owns a bakery in town has had a string of women leave her. Since they both think Brooke is leaving again after the holidays, she tries not to get too involved.
I enjoyed both characters and their romance! Both where good individually and as a couple. The side characters were also good. Another sweet novella from Lily!
This was a super sweet novella. I'm not really all that into novellas (I much prefer massive novels) but I enjoyed this!
Brooke is a singer with auditory processing issues, which I thought were done well. She returns to her family home for Christmas. Nicole is her childhood friend, who owns a bakery in town has had a string of women leave her. Since they both think Brooke is leaving again after the holidays, she tries not to get too involved.
I enjoyed both characters and their romance! Both where good individually and as a couple. The side characters were also good. Another sweet novella from Lily!
November 14, 2021
So it's almost time for the holidays, and that usually means a lot of winter and holiday themed books coming out, and I'm here for it. And I have a soft spot for Lily Seabrooke's books, and have enjoyed several others she has written focused around Christmas, particularly the Christmas Ball series The Christmas Ball. So I was excited for this book!
Silent Night follows Brooke Carson and Nicole Livingstone. Brooke and Nicole were best friends growing up and both wanted out of their small town of Mountain Crossing. But Nicole found her way back and lives there full time, and Brooke is a popular pop singer visiting home for the holidays for the first time in years. And when they see each other again the vibes come soring right back between them.
This was a fun little novella that times was sickeningly sweet. The interactions between Brooke and Nicole were fun and could easily make me smile, And the meddlesome parents were entertaining to see always putting Brooke and Nicole in little traps to get them together.
I also like how Brooke's auditory sensitivity issues was handled and watching Nicole instantly know what Brooke always needed was touching.
This was a very quick read, especially for a novella. And if anyone is in the mood for a very sweet Christmas themed release, this book might be what you're looking for. 3.75/5
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Silent Night follows Brooke Carson and Nicole Livingstone. Brooke and Nicole were best friends growing up and both wanted out of their small town of Mountain Crossing. But Nicole found her way back and lives there full time, and Brooke is a popular pop singer visiting home for the holidays for the first time in years. And when they see each other again the vibes come soring right back between them.
This was a fun little novella that times was sickeningly sweet. The interactions between Brooke and Nicole were fun and could easily make me smile, And the meddlesome parents were entertaining to see always putting Brooke and Nicole in little traps to get them together.
I also like how Brooke's auditory sensitivity issues was handled and watching Nicole instantly know what Brooke always needed was touching.
This was a very quick read, especially for a novella. And if anyone is in the mood for a very sweet Christmas themed release, this book might be what you're looking for. 3.75/5
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 17, 2025
I liked this. It was what I expect from a Christmas novella: enjoyable to experience and then a little forgettable. The same way I describe Hallmark movies (which I consume in December like M&M’s). I would recommend for any prolific readers who love Christmas content.
This story had immaculate small-town vibes. The best friend chemistry was sooo sweet and delightful to read. There was some great representation for neurodiversity, which is always a good thing. The romance was sweet, and exactly what I wanted. Rosa, the ten year old, was an unexpected delight.
On the other hand, there were some details that were a bit much. The relentless matchmaking from everyone was fun for a bit and then a little bit too much. Same with a few inside-jokes that were run into the ground. Overall though, it was all good. Nothing was bad, there simply wasn’t the right stuff to make it a 5-star-favorite.
Original review:
It’s fine 🤷
This story had immaculate small-town vibes. The best friend chemistry was sooo sweet and delightful to read. There was some great representation for neurodiversity, which is always a good thing. The romance was sweet, and exactly what I wanted. Rosa, the ten year old, was an unexpected delight.
On the other hand, there were some details that were a bit much. The relentless matchmaking from everyone was fun for a bit and then a little bit too much. Same with a few inside-jokes that were run into the ground. Overall though, it was all good. Nothing was bad, there simply wasn’t the right stuff to make it a 5-star-favorite.
Original review:
It’s fine 🤷
December 11, 2022
Sweet Christmas friends to lovers read 💕
I really enjoyed Brooke and Nicole’s story.
Great supporting characters too.
I really enjoyed Brooke and Nicole’s story.
Great supporting characters too.
December 30, 2022
3.5 - A sweet, sapphic Christmas romance where childhood best friends reunite in their small town and fall in love. Brooke has become a country star in her years away from home while Nicole returned years earlier to open a bakery. When Brooke is back in town for the first time in a long time it seems like the entire town is set on getting her and Nicole together.
I really did enjoy all the commentary and nudging from their families and the rest of the townspeople trying to jump start their romance. There were also a bunch of great atmospheric wintery and Christmas-y moments.
This novella is only around 140 pages and at times I think certain parts of the story felt rushed. Like the romantic/sexual chemistry between them, sometimes it felt a bit too instant instead of growing. Also, it was so repetitive. There was a running joke about one of them kidnapping the other that was brought up in almost every scene for the first half of the book. It just got to be too much.
Overall it was an enjoyable read but not a new holiday favorite.
I really did enjoy all the commentary and nudging from their families and the rest of the townspeople trying to jump start their romance. There were also a bunch of great atmospheric wintery and Christmas-y moments.
This novella is only around 140 pages and at times I think certain parts of the story felt rushed. Like the romantic/sexual chemistry between them, sometimes it felt a bit too instant instead of growing. Also, it was so repetitive. There was a running joke about one of them kidnapping the other that was brought up in almost every scene for the first half of the book. It just got to be too much.
Overall it was an enjoyable read but not a new holiday favorite.
November 20, 2021
A delightful Christmas read!
A great, small town holiday romance about two childhood friends, meddling parents and an adorable brother. Silent Night provides warmth and comfort and is a perfect read for snuggling up by a crackling fire with a hot cocoa. Well written and I can definitely recommend it.
A great, small town holiday romance about two childhood friends, meddling parents and an adorable brother. Silent Night provides warmth and comfort and is a perfect read for snuggling up by a crackling fire with a hot cocoa. Well written and I can definitely recommend it.
November 24, 2021
3,5 stars
It was cute, well written and holiday-themed. I couldn't really see much chemistry between the main couple but I enjoyed it nevertheless.
It was cute, well written and holiday-themed. I couldn't really see much chemistry between the main couple but I enjoyed it nevertheless.
November 14, 2021
I loved this!
Second-chance/return to hometown set during the holidays. Brooke, a singer with sensory issues comes back home and runs into her old best friend Nicole who she lost touch with. Their history and re-acquaintance ignites feelings they both try to avoid. The chemistry and banter between these two is done really well (something Seabrooke excels at). Mountain Crossing, the town it’s set in creates the perfect holiday cozy feel to the story as well. Me, a Christmas avoider, wanted to spend time there and have a coffee with this ladies.
This book is perfect for anyone who loves holiday romances or someone who needs a holiday spirit lift.
Second-chance/return to hometown set during the holidays. Brooke, a singer with sensory issues comes back home and runs into her old best friend Nicole who she lost touch with. Their history and re-acquaintance ignites feelings they both try to avoid. The chemistry and banter between these two is done really well (something Seabrooke excels at). Mountain Crossing, the town it’s set in creates the perfect holiday cozy feel to the story as well. Me, a Christmas avoider, wanted to spend time there and have a coffee with this ladies.
This book is perfect for anyone who loves holiday romances or someone who needs a holiday spirit lift.
November 14, 2021
This is one of the most beautiful and sweetest stories I have read in a long time. First of all the title is just perfect for this book. The song and the word silent play such a huge role in this book and Lily describes the meaning of both in the most wonderful way.
Brookes auditory processing reminded me so much of my own and it’s one of the reasons that when she comes home for Christmas she is totally overwhelmed. And at first it seems that her family just continues what she left by overwhelming her with noise.
But like so many times before and later in the book her childhood friend Nicole is there to rescue her. Nicole just knows what Brooke needs and gives her exactly that. They always fit together and had the best time as partners in crime. Not everyone else had the same fun when they were at the receiving end of course. ☺️
Both know that Brooke will leave again after the holiday so they don’t wanna give in to that they feel. But that’s easier said than done especially when the whole town seems to want them getting together and does everything they can to make that happen (the subtleness of it is hilarious).
Of course at some point the pull is too strong and oh my god how Lily leads them to their first kiss is just amazing or maybe magical would be the better word for it.
I fell in love with both characters and was cheering for them. Both have so much depth and I was able to relate to both of them. Brooke the one that can’t stand too much noise and Nicole the one that never asks for something for herself. I‘m sure many others will feel the same and fall in love with them as well. They are just so lovable. And then there is this whole little small town including their families that melted my heart.
Last but not least Lily packed something so wonderful in the story. There is something like an homage to every indie artist that probably includes a lot from Lily‘s own experience. I totally loved that and the whole book of course.
If you need to get into the Christmas spirit this story definitely is the perfect way to start with. I had such a wonderful time and can’t thank Lily enough for bringing me so much joy.
I received an ARC of this book via booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Brookes auditory processing reminded me so much of my own and it’s one of the reasons that when she comes home for Christmas she is totally overwhelmed. And at first it seems that her family just continues what she left by overwhelming her with noise.
But like so many times before and later in the book her childhood friend Nicole is there to rescue her. Nicole just knows what Brooke needs and gives her exactly that. They always fit together and had the best time as partners in crime. Not everyone else had the same fun when they were at the receiving end of course. ☺️
Both know that Brooke will leave again after the holiday so they don’t wanna give in to that they feel. But that’s easier said than done especially when the whole town seems to want them getting together and does everything they can to make that happen (the subtleness of it is hilarious).
Of course at some point the pull is too strong and oh my god how Lily leads them to their first kiss is just amazing or maybe magical would be the better word for it.
I fell in love with both characters and was cheering for them. Both have so much depth and I was able to relate to both of them. Brooke the one that can’t stand too much noise and Nicole the one that never asks for something for herself. I‘m sure many others will feel the same and fall in love with them as well. They are just so lovable. And then there is this whole little small town including their families that melted my heart.
Last but not least Lily packed something so wonderful in the story. There is something like an homage to every indie artist that probably includes a lot from Lily‘s own experience. I totally loved that and the whole book of course.
If you need to get into the Christmas spirit this story definitely is the perfect way to start with. I had such a wonderful time and can’t thank Lily enough for bringing me so much joy.
I received an ARC of this book via booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 15, 2021
Silent Night by Lily Seabrooke is what I wish Hallmark movies were like. But they aren't anywhere near as charming or inclusive. Lily Seabrooke has brought us a Christmas novella we should strive to read each year. I know I will make it a holiday tradition and will look forward to spending time with these wonderful characters like I do visiting family and friends I don't get to see very often.
Music star Brooke Carston returns to her hometown on Mountain Crossing to spend the month of December with her large family. Brooke just wants some peace and quiet and to escape the pressures of her career for a while. She doesn't count on running in to her childhood best friend, Nicole Livingston and having her life disrupted by an undeniable chemistry.
For Nicole it's not easy being the only lesbian in her small town. She owns the local bakery and the moment Brooke comes back it feels like her world is just as it should be. She doesn't want to fall for her because she's going to leave. Just because Brooke is openly bisexual and the whole town wants them to get together it doesn't mean it's meant to be but it certainly feels like there's a Christmas miracle happening.
Nicole and Brooke are wonderful characters. Both strong in their own rights but better together. Nicole has had a few girlfriends but they all leave and she knows getting attached to Brooke will only bring her heartbreak. Brooke has an auditory processing disorder and really loves the quiet that she finds in Mountain Crossing. She also feels like reconnecting with Nicole, her heart has truly come home as Nicole was always that person who she could just be herself with.
I'm a big Lily Seabrooke fan and this is another perfect example why. She writes with such heart and brings us characters that have such charm and humor. I love how the entire town is invested and meddles in Brooke and Nicole's blossoming romance, how Nicole's brother Daniel makes insightful comments with food analogies and how Brooke and Nicole really are each other's missing piece. This is a delightful Christmas novella that I highly recommend.
ARC received from the author via Booksprout for an honest review
Music star Brooke Carston returns to her hometown on Mountain Crossing to spend the month of December with her large family. Brooke just wants some peace and quiet and to escape the pressures of her career for a while. She doesn't count on running in to her childhood best friend, Nicole Livingston and having her life disrupted by an undeniable chemistry.
For Nicole it's not easy being the only lesbian in her small town. She owns the local bakery and the moment Brooke comes back it feels like her world is just as it should be. She doesn't want to fall for her because she's going to leave. Just because Brooke is openly bisexual and the whole town wants them to get together it doesn't mean it's meant to be but it certainly feels like there's a Christmas miracle happening.
Nicole and Brooke are wonderful characters. Both strong in their own rights but better together. Nicole has had a few girlfriends but they all leave and she knows getting attached to Brooke will only bring her heartbreak. Brooke has an auditory processing disorder and really loves the quiet that she finds in Mountain Crossing. She also feels like reconnecting with Nicole, her heart has truly come home as Nicole was always that person who she could just be herself with.
I'm a big Lily Seabrooke fan and this is another perfect example why. She writes with such heart and brings us characters that have such charm and humor. I love how the entire town is invested and meddles in Brooke and Nicole's blossoming romance, how Nicole's brother Daniel makes insightful comments with food analogies and how Brooke and Nicole really are each other's missing piece. This is a delightful Christmas novella that I highly recommend.
ARC received from the author via Booksprout for an honest review
March 25, 2023
This was a cute and sweet childhood friends to lovers romance. The residents of Mountain Crossing were silly and fun, but the matchmaking shenanigans of every person got a bit old. I didn't need everyone saying variations of "there's a queer girl in town, you should marry her" quite so many times. The pacing overall was on the slower side, but the story was enjoyable. This was a cozy little Christmas read.
Thank you Charlotte for the author recommendation! #TransRightsReadathon
Content warnings from author: open-door sex scenes, queer girls trying their best not to get together, loving family who are really obvious in their attempts to get them together, and Daniel always talking about food.
Thank you Charlotte for the author recommendation! #TransRightsReadathon
Content warnings from author: open-door sex scenes, queer girls trying their best not to get together, loving family who are really obvious in their attempts to get them together, and Daniel always talking about food.
December 12, 2023
2.5 ⭐️
Well i am glad to be done with this, it took me 3 days to finish it
Anyway I didn’t like the way the whole town kept pushing Brooke and Nicole to be together! You don’t know wither they’re together because they really want to be or because everyone kept saying you should be together literally from the first chapter! Just because they’re both queer doesn’t mean they’ve to be together 😒
I didn’t feel the mind blowing chemistry everyone in this book kept talking about! And honestly i think they’re better off as friends
And the way everyone kept pushing Brooke to stay in town even though she have a career somewhere else just made me MAD! It isn’t realistic at all
Well i am glad to be done with this, it took me 3 days to finish it
Anyway I didn’t like the way the whole town kept pushing Brooke and Nicole to be together! You don’t know wither they’re together because they really want to be or because everyone kept saying you should be together literally from the first chapter! Just because they’re both queer doesn’t mean they’ve to be together 😒
I didn’t feel the mind blowing chemistry everyone in this book kept talking about! And honestly i think they’re better off as friends
And the way everyone kept pushing Brooke to stay in town even though she have a career somewhere else just made me MAD! It isn’t realistic at all
July 3, 2023
3,75/5
I'm so glad i finally had read a book written by Lily Seabrooke,it certainly not going to be the last time.
I had such a great time reading this,just fluff and sweet moments, it felt like my heart was being healed from something.I was shipping and waiting for them to be together the same way the whole village was.
I loved the characters individually too,even tho it was a short book,the characterisation was well done.
This book was just good vibes,loved it👍
I'm so glad i finally had read a book written by Lily Seabrooke,it certainly not going to be the last time.
I had such a great time reading this,just fluff and sweet moments, it felt like my heart was being healed from something.I was shipping and waiting for them to be together the same way the whole village was.
I loved the characters individually too,even tho it was a short book,the characterisation was well done.
This book was just good vibes,loved it👍
November 9, 2021
Move over, spooky season, it's time for the togetherness and comfort of coming holidays such as Thanksgiving, Hannakuh, Kwanza and Christmas. Lily Seabrooke's newest title, "Silent Night," brings with it all the warmth, love, and comfort one might expect from a holiday romance.
Brooke Carston is burnt out. Being a musician, dealing with record labels, producers, personal assistants, and all of the elbow rubbing and socializing is much more than she ever expected it to be, especially when she can struggle with sensory overload in many of those situations. The remedy? A month-long visit to her hometown in Mountain Crossing. Time spent with her family, among those who know her best, would be the best medicine. That and perhaps reminiscing about (or getting into) the trouble she used to get into with her best friend, Nicole Livingston.
Nicole is happy in Mountain Crossing. She tried the big wide world, learned the lessons that it had for her, and came home, yearning for the comfort of her hometown. Of course, when she hears Brooke will be back, she can't wait to see her friend. Of course, with the entire town reminding Nicole that she's a lesbian and that Brooke is bisexual, it's hard to find an organic moment between the population's attempts at matchmaking between the two of them. Nevertheless, the two are connected at the hip again in no time, and soon sparks begin to light up between the two of them.
Honestly, this is a low-stress holiday romance that I would recommend to anyone who is looking for a book to cuddle up with and pass a cold night. It has all of the love, hilarity, and quiet moments that Seabrooke does so well, weaving a blanket of warmth that the reader can't help but cozy into and come along for the ride. Definitely pick this one up. You won't be disappointed.
Note: I received a complementary copy of this book via BookSprout and am leaving a voluntary review.
Brooke Carston is burnt out. Being a musician, dealing with record labels, producers, personal assistants, and all of the elbow rubbing and socializing is much more than she ever expected it to be, especially when she can struggle with sensory overload in many of those situations. The remedy? A month-long visit to her hometown in Mountain Crossing. Time spent with her family, among those who know her best, would be the best medicine. That and perhaps reminiscing about (or getting into) the trouble she used to get into with her best friend, Nicole Livingston.
Nicole is happy in Mountain Crossing. She tried the big wide world, learned the lessons that it had for her, and came home, yearning for the comfort of her hometown. Of course, when she hears Brooke will be back, she can't wait to see her friend. Of course, with the entire town reminding Nicole that she's a lesbian and that Brooke is bisexual, it's hard to find an organic moment between the population's attempts at matchmaking between the two of them. Nevertheless, the two are connected at the hip again in no time, and soon sparks begin to light up between the two of them.
Honestly, this is a low-stress holiday romance that I would recommend to anyone who is looking for a book to cuddle up with and pass a cold night. It has all of the love, hilarity, and quiet moments that Seabrooke does so well, weaving a blanket of warmth that the reader can't help but cozy into and come along for the ride. Definitely pick this one up. You won't be disappointed.
Note: I received a complementary copy of this book via BookSprout and am leaving a voluntary review.
December 13, 2021
Brooke and Nicole grew up in Mountain Crossing. They've known each other at least since Kindergarten. They were inseparable growing up - until Brooke left at age 19 and set off to become a pop star. Now she's back for Christmas for the first time in 12 years or so, and both soon realize that maybe, just maybe, both of them had always had eyes just for the other?
This is a return to home town, friends to lovers (or is it second chance?), holiday (Christmas) romance, and I loved it. It's got all the feels. And, like any friends-to-lovers, it has (low) angst while the two women realize that yes, each is in love with her childhood best friend - but is it reciprocated? Considering the obvious chemistry, I roll my eyes, a bit, but it works.
I really enjoyed this. I was looking for a feel good holiday romance, and this was exactly what I wanted.
And there was a nod to Port Andrea - Ooh!
So far, Lily Seabrooke has never disappointed me.
This is a return to home town, friends to lovers (or is it second chance?), holiday (Christmas) romance, and I loved it. It's got all the feels. And, like any friends-to-lovers, it has (low) angst while the two women realize that yes, each is in love with her childhood best friend - but is it reciprocated? Considering the obvious chemistry, I roll my eyes, a bit, but it works.
I really enjoyed this. I was looking for a feel good holiday romance, and this was exactly what I wanted.
And there was a nod to Port Andrea - Ooh!
So far, Lily Seabrooke has never disappointed me.
November 6, 2021
Brooke Carlton has come back to her hometown of Mountain Crossing after a 12 year absence while maintaining her career as a country pop singer. Nicole Livingston is excited to see her best friend come back to town for an extended visit but wishes her family and the rest of the town would stop trying to play matchmaker since Brooke will be heading back home after Christmas. As the two of them are continually being thrown together they fall back into their easy friendship, each wondering if it could be more.
This was a cute Christmas romance perfect for a cold night and a cup of tea. As always Lily Seabrooke created a wonderful cast of characters and an adorable mountain town. I liked the first person narrative told by both MCs in alternating chapters. I loved all the side characters getting together and conspiring to bring Brooke and Nicole together. I do wish there was more explanation on why Brooke hadn’t been home in so long though, 12 years is pretty excessive without any explanation and the side characters made no comment on how that long of an absence made them feel. I would think there’d be at least a hint of anger in the beginning about that. Otherwise this was a lighthearted Christmas novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.
This was a cute Christmas romance perfect for a cold night and a cup of tea. As always Lily Seabrooke created a wonderful cast of characters and an adorable mountain town. I liked the first person narrative told by both MCs in alternating chapters. I loved all the side characters getting together and conspiring to bring Brooke and Nicole together. I do wish there was more explanation on why Brooke hadn’t been home in so long though, 12 years is pretty excessive without any explanation and the side characters made no comment on how that long of an absence made them feel. I would think there’d be at least a hint of anger in the beginning about that. Otherwise this was a lighthearted Christmas novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.
December 16, 2022
This was a sweet, feel-good, small town, dual POV, F/F Christmas romance between two former best friends (one a lesbian and one bisexual). I liked it but overall it was just an okay read for me. Quick and entertaining if you're looking for something fast and light-hearted. Lots of Hallmark Holiday movie vibes. The standout for me was the Auditory Processing disorder rep - I thought that was handled really well and not something I read about a lot. Recommended for fans of Alexandria Bellefleur or Courtney Kae's In the event of love.
December 22, 2024
A quick Christmas read where a pop singer returns home. It kept the cozy Christmas vibes and added the Hallmark movie tradition of meddling townspeople.
The pacing was a bit too quick for me, with the characters reconnecting and falling in love in a short time span despite being apart for 8 years.
The banter was a mix between playful and nerdy, that classic Seabrooke style, and there was enough chemistry that I was rooting for the characters.
If you're looking for a return to hometown that isn't so broody, just literally a person coming home and enjoying it, this might be for you.
The pacing was a bit too quick for me, with the characters reconnecting and falling in love in a short time span despite being apart for 8 years.
The banter was a mix between playful and nerdy, that classic Seabrooke style, and there was enough chemistry that I was rooting for the characters.
If you're looking for a return to hometown that isn't so broody, just literally a person coming home and enjoying it, this might be for you.
December 24, 2021
A sweet, cozy, small town FF holiday romance complete with meddling family/townspeople and plenty of snow. It’s well-written and exactly as cheesy as you’d want your low angst, low stakes Christmas novella to be.
Overall rating: 3.5
Hannah Angst Scale™️ Rating: 0
Content notes: MC has sensory “issues” (described as being easily overloaded by too much sensory input, especially sounds), on page sex
Overall rating: 3.5
Hannah Angst Scale™️ Rating: 0
Content notes: MC has sensory “issues” (described as being easily overloaded by too much sensory input, especially sounds), on page sex
December 11, 2024
4.5 Stars
I really enjoyed this!! It was so cute and funny. Small town, Friends to Lovers, Auditory Processing Disorder Rep. Home for the holidays. 1 spicy scene (not over descriptive but still really good). 133 pages on KU. 100% recommend giving this on a read over the holidays.
I really enjoyed this!! It was so cute and funny. Small town, Friends to Lovers, Auditory Processing Disorder Rep. Home for the holidays. 1 spicy scene (not over descriptive but still really good). 133 pages on KU. 100% recommend giving this on a read over the holidays.
December 9, 2021
3.5 Stars.
December 10, 2022
4 stars. Really should’ve reviewed this yesterday after I finished reading it but it was my besties birthday and we went out for drinks and I genuinely don’t remember anything about this book. Just know that I enjoyed it when I read it.
That’s it. That’s the review.
That’s it. That’s the review.
December 4, 2021
“Isn’t that what it’s like? Silent, holy. The rest of the world falls away, and it all goes quiet, like the universe is maintaining a moment of silence just for you and that moment… holding its breath in reverence for you.”
3.5 stars. So freaking sweet, I almost couldn't stand it. Except the sweetness was absolutely part of the charm, and I liked this so so much!! An adorable, cosy, childhood friends to lovers romance that takes place over Christmas. Brooke is a moderately famous country-pop music artist who returns to her remote home town to spend Christmas, where she meets and connects with her childhood best friend, Nicole. Things between them end up clicking into place super easily, and their friendship picks up right where it left off. They're also being nudged along by their parents, siblings, and almost the entirety of their small town, who seem to assume that the only two queer girls around should obviously get together. But it works, because they fit so well with each other. Brooke gets a kind of sensory overload around crowds/noise, and I love how Nicole knows how to instinctively cocoon her from that. Their little coffee dates and ornament painting sessions were just so freaking adorable. I love the way Seabrooke talks about attraction and the intensity of the way they feel about one another. It was honestly super precious. I love all the quips and wittiness in her writing too (though I must admit, the recurring jokes about eloping/kidnapping got a little stale). And I adored the role that music and the title song have to play. It set the perfect tone, and I could just hear the music in certain scenes, and it swept me away.
Truly the perfect cosy holiday read; just what I was craving.
It felt like skydiving, a terrifying sensation but finding deep down it was safe and secure the whole way through. Learning to trust her through the freefall.
January 1, 2024
It was light and cute but way too simplistic for me. I could not tell the difference between the two povs. Brooke and Nicole had the same voice, which made it hard to connect with their love story.
December 21, 2023
It’s sapphic. It’s Christmas. It’s all the things you want it to be. Go read it or else you’re a scrooge.
November 14, 2021
Silent Night, one of my favorite carols (and the book title) plus the author made this a must read. A well written romance with humor that intrigued from the start and tugged me along with a lulling ease much like the carol itself. Small town Mountain Crossing serves as the back drop in this storyline with leads Nicole and Brooke. The former is the owner/proprietor of Smokey Mountain Bakery having returned home some years prior. The latter left small town life and thrives in Charlotte as a famous singer/lyricist and is adored and celebrated in her little home town. The two women and Nicole's brother Daniel were the trio of trouble back in the day with everyone thinking Brooke and Nicole would eventually get together. Now Brooke is back for a fleeting visit and darn it, the whole town is a pulsing matchmaking hive that wants a Mountain Crossing HEA, but is a long distance romance possible? I liked the clever intertwining of the sensory problems that Brooke suffers, the mini nod to Port Andrea, foodie descriptions, supporting characters such as Mrs. Wilbury, Mr. Graham and both large, rambunctious families. Another lovely hit from Ms. Seabrooke that I highly recommend. Firmly on my re-read shelf.
I rec'd a copy through Booksprout and this is a totally unbiased, voluntary review.
I rec'd a copy through Booksprout and this is a totally unbiased, voluntary review.
December 28, 2021
A perfect Christmas f/f romance. Second change, very sweet, well written. Kick back and enjoy.
November 12, 2023
sweet, cozy, and simple~
my only issue is I had a hard time distinguishing the narration of the main characters, but overall it was the cute and low stakes read that I wanted
my only issue is I had a hard time distinguishing the narration of the main characters, but overall it was the cute and low stakes read that I wanted
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews