What if where you belong isn’t a place, but a who?
The small town of Santa Junction is a magical place, especially during the holidays.
Sasha Solomon is an award winning investigative journalist that has traveled to all parts of the world reporting on tragedies and righting wrongs. After twenty five years she’s landed in Santa Junction at the local newspaper hoping to find the place she belongs.
Noelle Winters is returning for her family Christmas visit, but the town’s magical cheer no longer works on her. She hopes this is her last Christmas in Santa Junction.
When Sasha is tasked with solving the Great Christmas Tree Mystery Noelle becomes a surprising distraction. Maybe it’s not a place that Sasha belongs, maybe it’s a person. Has Santa Junction’s magic brought these two weary women together for more than just a merry Christmas?
Jamey Moody is a small town Texas girl living her best life with her little terrier Leo, who brings her a toy every time she walks in the house. When she’s not reading or writing her next sapphic romance you can find her on a bike ride, paddle boarding the lake, or in the middle of an adventure. Reach out, she’d love to hear from you.
3.50 Stars. The Christmas holiday part was well done and a very cute premise. However, I wasn't as sold on the romance because it felt very fast, even for a novella. There were three or four sex scenes and I think that's a lot for a shorter story. Not to sound prudish, but I would have preferred at least one less sex scene and instead add that time to more of the "get to know you" faze. Still, this was an enjoyable way for me to end my holiday reads for 2021.
Jamey Moody‘s books are always wonderful, sweet and magical. But the combination of her writing with a Christmas story is even more magical. It‘s pure bliss. And what makes this book extra special is the beautiful message that is hidden in it. It’s about selflessness, kindness, helping others and so much more. Sometimes it doesn’t need much to make someone’s life a tiny bit better and bring a smile to someone else face. And like I already said it’s so much more but that’s what everyone has to discover for themselves.
This story itself is set in a magical small town Santa Junction that is every year extra special during Christmas time. Sasha and Noelle have seen so many things in life and many of them are difficult to describe. At some point Sasha realised she needed to get away from her former job as a news correspondent. And what’s better than this in this small magical town. Noelle on the other hand only comes home for a visit every year to gain back some of the energy she lost in her job. For her coming home is difficult since her mum died.
But when they meet it’s like magic hit both of them and there is this pull that won’t let them go. They have so much in common and are exactly what both need to heal. And like I probably already have said several times their journey to heal is extra magical.
And once more I was reading Jamey‘s book with a constant smile on my face and my heart is full again. So please do us a favour and travel to this magical place and people. You won’t regret it. And to everyone that has already read Jamey’s other stories there is a little surprise in the epilogue that will make you very happy.
I received an advance reader copy from the author and voluntarily leaving a review.
Dnf@ 30% in. I have a confession. Everyone loves Moody's stuff, but I struggle with it every time.
I don't know entirely why. I just feel like the dialogue isn't natural, and the characters flat. Emotion seems forced and there's a lot of 'tell' not show.
It's very conversational, 'slice of life' style. But every one else adores this authors stuff, so please do try it yourself. On KU.
A perfect holiday romance that ticks all the boxes: a magical place, Christmas spirit, the festive atmosphere, charming family, instant chemistry, cozy feel, a prologue, an epilogue and so much more. I liked it very much and I highly recommend it.
This is a sweet Christmas romance surrounded by a mystery. Sasha and Noelle have seen their fair share of tragedy around the world. Sasha wants to find a place to belong and Noelle doesn't feel the Christmas spirit even in her home town. When they meet for the first time something sparks in both of them. They are both such caring people with heavy hearts. The story is full of love and will bring a smile to your face. Jamey Moody really gives you that Christmas feeling of love with family and friends. This is a must read this holiday season or anytime you want a lift in spirit.
I can sum up this delightful story with two words, Christmas magic. Moody delivers a sweet and tender Christmas story that is full of Christmas magic.
For a few years now the small town of Santa Junction has been experiencing an added boost of Christmas cheer in the form of an anonymous person who secretly decorates random trees around town, thus The Great Christmas Tree Mystery was born.
This story centers around Noelle and Sasha two women pulled into Santa Junction. Noelle is feeling disconnected from her hometown since her mother passed away. Sasha is looking for a place to lay down roots and a person to do it with. Both women are seeking and then they find each other.
This book has all the sweet Christmas feels and I love it. A town full of Christmas magic, a holiday mystery, a fluffy romance, this book is sure to brighten your day.
The romance between Noelle and Sasha is sweet and tender. I loved the flirting and teasing. Both women are so fun and had an amazing connection. Their jobs have put them in a lot of the same places at the same times and given them a lot of shared experiences yet they have always just barely missed each other until Santa Junction draws them both in and works its magic.
A story that is equal parts steamy and sweet, full of Christmas fun, romance, magic, and love, The Great Christmas Tree Mystery is a must read this holiday season.
I’ve been in the novella kind of mood so this was great. It felt, and may have been, a bit longer than what I’m used to in a novella. I’ve read one other book by Jamey Moody and of I remember correctly there was a lot of dialogue. I’m usually not a fan of that type of writing. In this shorter story it worked. There was also a lot of repetition, and in a full length novel that would have bothered me a lot more. This was a cute story. I do wish it had more descriptive details and less dialogue but I was entertained and kept reading. I’ll likely read another short by Moody but I’m not sure I’ll be reading a full length novel.
Just seeing Ms. Moody's name attached to another Christmas story made me smile and look forward to an excellent read. At some point we all need a Santa Junction where surprises happen, love and kindness abound and in this particular town there's a dash of annual winter intrigue. Sasha is a world renown reporter on a minor assignment to uncover the mystery of the annual appearance of decorated Christmas trees. Nicole Winters back in her home town for her winter visit is emotionally drained by her job - ensuring funding reaches the needy after devastating events worldwide. The two women meet at the hardware store owned by Nicole's family and a little spark ignites. As time passes, emotions grow (both are weighed down by the despair, raw emotions and devastation seen and experienced in their travels) and find comfort and love in each other. The Christmas Elf remains elusive however. Will the mystery remain unsolved? I read happily buoyed by the storyline, well fleshed out supporting characters in Nick, Lisa, Belle and Rita and wanted a rainbow Christmas ornament for myself. The author takes you on a magical journey that is uplifting, spicy, humorous and warm and you won't regret it. I highly recommend this read which is firmly on my re-read shelf.
I rec'd a copy from the author, however this is a totally voluntary and unbiased review.
Santa Junction has alway held some Christmas magic for the people that live there. Noelle Winters is back in town for Christmas and meets Sasha Solomon at the Winters family hardware store where Sasha is picking out a Christmas Tree. Sasha, a renowned investigative journalist, has moved to town to take advantage of the slower pace after a life spent on the road. Her first task is finding out who decorates the town’s trees in the dark of night each year. Together Noelle and Sasha begin to see the miracles the town holds while solving the great Christmas tree mystery. This was a cute, cozy Christmas romance worthy of a Hallmark movie. It was a quick read for me but heartwarming and got me in the Christmas mood. I’m all ready for my Christmas tree now but it may be a tad too early so I’ll have to hold off my Christmas enthusiasm.
In this great Christmas surprise, we meet Sasha and Noëlle. Add a little Christmas magic at Santa’s Junction. Sasha is a famous reporter who has been all over the World after a disaster struck the location. She wants to take it slow and return to a local newspaper.
Noëlle is a volunteer for organisations whom has been all over the World to help the people after a disaster stuck the location. Her brother Nick has taken over the family business and sells Christmas trees in their hardware store. It has been some time that Noëlle was back in town, because of her mothers passing, she finds it difficult to go back home. In honour of her mother, she and her niece Bella decorate Christmas trees all over town. To spread the Christmas spirit.
Sasha is asked to investigate and report on the Christmas tree mystery. She and Noëlle meet at the Christmas tree lot. Oh yeah, they do meet and like each other.
If you want to know how it ends, please read the book, you’re gonna love it. The characters are full depth and like family. You’re gonna see how a small town, can make a big impact. This should be a new Hallmark Christmas movie.
Very sweet, no-angst, festive Christmas story ❤️ Noelle and Sasha were both great characters, and the mystery of the Christmas Trees added fun to this little sexy romance.
Sweet Christmas short novel. Small town Santa Junction gets a boost of Christmas magic as trees around town are decorated secretly. Noelle hasn’t felt at home in Santa Junction since her mother died. She returns at Christmas time to see her brother and family and to help in his tree lot. Sasha is a journalist looking for a quiet place after covering the world. Noelles jobs have had her in many of the same places as Sasha and there is instant connection. The tree mystery isn’t that mysterious but the women are fun and the book has more passion than I expected in a shorter book. (3.5 stars)
This is such a feel good, warm, sweet book. Also a little bit of a mystery for good measure. Sasha has traveled the world righting wrongs. She wants a place she can finally call home. Noelle was raised in Santa Junction, but lost her spark when her Mother died. There is a immediate connection between them. You can tell how right they are together. But Noelle had decided this would be her last Christmas in Santa Junction. Can their connection convince her to stay? And what about those trees everywhere? I have another book to read when I want to just feel good. I did receive an ARC. But this review is my own.
This is my favorite Christmas themed WLW romance book to date. Reading it was like being wrapped in a fuzzy blanket by a crackling fire while sipping delicious hot chocolate.
I know this will be a holiday re-read for me in the coming Christmases.
This short novella was a charming, heartwarming, no-conflict, magical, fun and easy holiday read. It has some great characters with some good chemistry. The plot and character development wasn't that deep, but that's not required for an enjoyable story. I only gave it three stars because although it was enjoyable it was simplistic and I didn't feel like it really delivered overall. That said, I would still absolutely recommend it as a feel-good read for your Christmas season.
The Good: -This was a delightfully sweet Christmas story. There was a small town, a dash of mystery, some great characters, some light romance, and essentially no angst or conflict. Essentially an easy to digest feel good Hallmark movie. -Spicy: a sizable amount of the page count was spent on spicy scenes so if that's what your looking for this will deliver. -If you want "Christmas Magic" this story delivers in abundance. You get both the realistic and down to earth variety where the magic is the people around you, and also the suggestion of some near-fantastical varieties for those who are looking for fate and guardian angels.
The Not-Quite-As-Good: -Not much (deep) plot. It was a short and simple novella so you don't always expect much, but I would have appreciated more. If they didn't want it to be longer, one or two of the spicy scenes could have been cut and replaced with some more development on the plot or romance, and it would have made for a better novel. -I am personally not a big fan of instalove (maybe it was fate, or divine intervention!) so this wasn't ideal for me. I'm not as invested in the romance or the relationship if they didn't really "earn it" or show it developing in a believable way. Lots of people disagree with me however, so to each their own.
A good mystery that brings life to the town and two special people.
This magical story will fill you with a delightful need to believe in Christmas magic. Noelle and Sasha have traveled the world. Sasha telling the human story and Noelle meeting the needs of humans in the story. Their paths have crossed or perhaps momentarily touched without knowing it for so many years. In Noelle's hometown of Santa Junction, they meet and the magic begins. A spark of connection when they first shake hands. A magnificent heartbeat when they share their stories with each other. A hurt soul still feeling the loss of her mom and a soul looking for home can be so healing when they touch. This story has secrets, in a town where Christmas lights fill the neighbor's houses and trees fill the town square, magic will remind everyone of loves spirit . I love the stories Jamey Moody tells and these two characters are just so lovable. I received an ARC copy but I will be buying a copy for my library to reread during the Holidays. It is so needed in a world where compassion and community seem stressed this story is about both in the most tender way. I enjoyed the mystery and loved the feels that make Christmas magic.
Beautifully written story of Noelle and Sasha finding the missing piece to their lives in each other. Never a better name for a small town filled with the holiday spirit than Santa Junction. It would be a safe, loving, and accepting place to live. Would that it were real. I admire and am inspired by Jamey’s writings. Her novels are amazing and her writing style is beautiful with a clear subject, relatable characters, and build up to the epilogue. I enthusiastically, unequivocally, and whole heartedly recommend this and Jamey’s entire body of work. You won’t be disappointed. Thank you Peace
A sweet holiday romance surrounded by a cute mystery. Sasha, an investigative journalist, has moved to the small town of Santa Junction in hopes of leaving her past stress behind. Noelle grew up there, but only comes to visit the family during the holidays to carry out her mother's traditions. These ladies find this town a magical place as they work together to solve the mystery and find they just may have found "home" in one another. It's sweet, sometimes sexy, and has all the feels of a warm and comforting holiday romance!
Noelle lost the Christmas spirit when here mom passed, but she figured a way to help yourself and the town to still have the Christmas magic. When Noelle would come home for the month of December she would decorate trees for the town but she would be anonymous so The Great Christmas Tree Mystery began, but this was her last year. Sasha a great reporter was going to try and figure out who was the person decorating the trees. The only thing that happened was they fall in love. A great story of Christmas magic. You have to read to see if Sasha founds out.
This novella was awesome just as all the other Jamey Moody books. This one however has got magic, Christmas magic. Sasha and Noelle meet at a time when they are all craving change. Little do they know that they needed each other. Santa junction is just the right town for them to start afresh. I loved and enjoyed it I received a copy of this book free of charge and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Who is a mystery! Who, wants to remain unknown! Or thought she was a mystery. Noelle wants to continue something her mother had done to bring cheer into the town before she died. Sasha is investigative reporter sent to solve it. Sasha also wants someone to retire with as they both get older. So the mystery continues! So starts this short but beginning story. Enjoy!
This is a standard Moody book set around Christmas in a town where magic happens around Christmas time. It’s a no angst, no frills, sweet love story between two women that have a similar past. We all need a little magic and Christmas in Santa Junction delivers just that
✔Sapphic Book Bingo Challenge 2025 🌈✨: Micro-Tropes Board - Mistletoe Kiss
4 stars. Not my favorite by Moody but it was still pretty damn good. I really liked the characters and the plot was definitely different which was cool. The romance is a bit quick and I could've used a bit more chemistry between Sasha and Noelle but that was fine.
I absolutely loved this Christmas themed love story. No aghast, just two women meeting in a town called Santa Junction and falling in love around a mystery of Christmas Trees being secretly decorated. A lovely feel good read, would highly recommend.
A very sweet holiday romance in which Sasha and Noelle, the MCs of the story, meet one another in Santa Junction. After years abroad in separate lives in their roles of news journalist and aid worker, respectively, they are both looking for connection and healing. The story unfolds with Sasha and Noelle sparked by one another's presence and their blossoming relationship. Amidst the backdrop of the Christmas season, surprises await the reader.