Back to Us: A Christmas Novelette

by Chassilyn Hamilton

Life had been dealing Malik Johnson an unfavorable hand, and the threat of losing the business he worked hard for changed him for the worst without him realizing it.

Malik’s wife Rayne knew that time with his family away from their problems was just what they needed. She had been counting down the days until their Christmas family vacation … that was until Malik decided to cancel at the last minute. Unable to take another loss, Rayne decided to take the trip alone and use the time to evaluate their marriage and decide the next best step for them. While she’s away, she gets a glimpse of the single life and causes her to question if that was what her future held.

Will the snapshot of a single life propel Rayne to turn the temporary predicament a permanent one, or will it motivate her to do whatever it took to get them back to a place of happiness?

78 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 22, 2021

Reviews

[Annette Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Due to COVID, Rayne and Malik are having some serious financial struggles and this is causing a huge point of contention in their marriage. Instead of leaning on his wife for peace and support, Mailk takes his frustrations out on her every chance he gets. Rayne is growing tired of walking on eggshells and being Malik’s emotional punching bag. She’s hoping their upcoming vacation will help alleviate some of their stress. When Malik abruptly cancels their trip, Rayne has had enough. She leaves the kids at home with him and goes to the mountains alone to reflect and try to figure out where she and Malik go from here. Back to Us was a great read. It give you a realistic view of how financial problems can strain a marriage. Often times, Malik seemed to forget THEY were struggling and not just him. My only issue with this book is that, it was told from Rayne’s POV only. I don’t know how you can write a marriage in distress storyline and we only hear from one character. We really should’ve been able to see Malik’s epiphany moment on page and not talked about second hand. But, other than that, I really enjoyed this book. This couple managed to come out on the other side stronger than ever with even more love for each other.

[Jada Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read. I can’t wait to read more from this author! 😁

[Qiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malik and Rayne are having financial issues, causing trouble in their marriage. When he tries to cancel their Christmas in the cabins, Rayne decides to put her foot down. No one's taking away her White Christmas, even if she has to spend it alone.

Back to Us was such a spot on title for this cute Christmas read. It had all the Christmas feels with a great storyline. Loved it!

[martha fountain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back to Us

I can truly relate to this story. I was on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next because it wasn't faring well for the married couple at first. Kudos for Rayne for drawing a line in the sand letting Malik know that enough was enough. So glad love prevailed and lessons were learned. This was so realistic and hopeful. Loved it.

[Elisha Southern · Rating 5 out of 5]

heartwarming

What started out rocky and icy in the relationship & home of Rayne and Malik transformed into a smooth and heartwarming ending. I thoroughly enjoyed this holiday novel and was glad this couple got their holiday wish in a happy ending.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

lovely Christmas story

I enjoyed this novella so much. It was written in a way that made me think the couples marriage had reached the point of no return, but when a man truly wants you he'll come and get you.

[Toya Davis-Stokley · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a ride! I know that married couples go through some thangs, but Malik was just doin' too much! 🤬 Your spouse is there to stand beside you in good times and bad, but when you are the cause of the bad becoming worse, what are they to do? Rayne had reached the end of her rope, and didn't know what else to do to help Malik! Going on that trip alone, was good for the both of them. Rayne had some time to reflect and gain some peace. While Malik realized that he had been acting a damn fool, and needed to save his marriage! I was a bit nervous for a minute, thinking that Rayne was about to get caught up, but glad that she was looking out for her girl instead. Very relatable read. Good job! 👍👍👍

[Taylor Browne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this story from the chapter titles to the storyline. I really loved the author’s take on the couple’s relationship. A lot of times people equate ups and downs to infidelity and I loved the way the author showed that there can be other bumps in the road that could potentially take a relationship off course. I loved that while Rayne was supportive of her husband, she didn’t allow him to steal her spirit. And in turn, I loved that Malik was able to pull himself out of his funk and realized what mattered most, his wife and children.

With great conflict, came great resolution and the holiday feels was the star on top of the Christmas tree.

['The Book Queen' · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Happy Christmas Ending

The couple in the holiday story had me feeling sad in the beginning. Then, I wanted to be mad at the husband for being a prick. Next, I wanted the wife to be patient. Finally, I prayed this couple would end with a Merry Christmas...

[Kenisha Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

I just knew I wasn't gonna like Malik from the first chapter but my guy redeemed himself. This was a great read on how not to give up on love and remembering what it took to get you there. Rayne was a strong one and I am so glad she stood her ground. Love always win.

[LaTosha Webber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Almost Second Chance

This is my first read by Hamilton. Starting with a Christmas read as your introduction is a risky move and despite this not being the fun, feel good holiday tale I prefer to read I definitely enjoyed it. It mirrored some things that hurt to read but I appreciate that Rayne got her HEA.

[NubianJoí · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Magic of Christmas

Christmas is still the most wonderful time of the year 24/7/365 😍🤩‼️Just what I needed a little Christmas cheer to cleanse, neutralize & declutter my mind 🤭🤷🏾‍♀️‼️”Back to Us: A Christmas Novelette” and the Johnson’s was an endearing story. The ideal clear, concise & no drama read to celebrate traditional values, couples, relationships, family & the magic of Christmas regardless of the calendar date‼️Well done 💐👏🏿👏🏾👏🏽‼️

[Dreka Twanshay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost Love, Found Again

Baby!! I was leaning strongly on not liking Malik but he pulled through. This is different but again the happiness at the end is what I was reading for.
This book was a quick read that did what it was supposed to do!!!
Chass your penmanship is nothing short of amazing and I’m looking forward to more of your work

[Msgonzo10 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding your way back to each other

Loved this sweet novelette about some of the real deal of marriage and how the we can get lost along the way even to each other. It was heartwarming to see Range and Malik find their way back to the love they way after some hard knocks. Loved it!

[NATASHA COLEMAN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

This was a good quick read. Malik's frustration with how his business slowed down due to covid carried over into his home life. It caused a serious strain on his marriage. Rayne going a way for some much needed alone time gave Malik time to think about the things he took for granted. It was good seeing them fall back in love and fix the broken things in their marriage.

[Talena🤍 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short Christmas story brought all the feels. Chassilyn is a NTMA and I was not disappointed. Being a married woman with three children, I felt so connected to this story. I’m so happy Rayne and Malik got their HEA. Marriage is hard work, and it takes two to make it work. Great job.

[Sheena Quilens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

This was a really great story.. I love how they had to find their way back to each other. Rayne and Malik we’re good for each other. Sometimes in life we get so lost we don’t know how to fix it but I’m so glad they did.

[Kim Coleman-Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas cutie! 💫

I loved this novelette! A reminder of how easy it is to become complacent in our relationships and mishandle those we claim to love.
Packaged beautifully in a Christmas setting! 💝

[Enternity Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found a new favorite author!!! This story of ups and downs in a marriage . Showing the real problems couples face and showing that black love can exist and survive and thrive through anything. It was so good I enjoyed their love story and him trying & realizing he couldn’t lose this ( his family).

[Dwinique Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute and sweet. First I was side eyeing Malik but in the end love won like it should. Sometimes things go wrong for them to go right. The point is not letting your pride stop you from getting them right.

[falenatales · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was ready to punch this man like dude what do you mean...
But it took a turn, so we are good 

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this was short, it still felt like a full story that was 250+ pages. Loved this couple.

[BEETHEEBOOKBEAUTY☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

🥰🥰

This was so heart warming and cute! I love the fact that we get to see growing pains through a marriage with a HEA. 🎄🎄

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️

[Crystal Luckey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this...

Malik has a hard couple of years in business and Rayne is tired of what's found on, so when Malik decides they will not be going on vacation for Christmas, Rayne decides she will go alone. Being by herself without her family, they both realize what life would be like without the other and they don't like it. This was my first read by this author and I loved every minute of this story!!! Love for the win...

[Shades N Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is just something about the marriage in distress trope that has a hold on me. I immediately one-click with no questions asked. Just pure vibes. I love it here! Financial struggles create a dark cloud over Malik and Rayne’s marriage. After a stressful year, Rayne needs a Christmas vacation to relieve some of the tension in their marriage. Malik, however, is in his “grinch” bag and decides that the trip is canceled. Rayne, being the diva that she is, says “I’m going ALONE”. I’m going to start by saying Malik’s attitude had me ready to box him up through these pages. Like dude really is having a hard time separating his professional and personal life and I am sick of it. It shows in the way he handles Rayne. His behavior triggered me so much that I had to put the book down for a second. I’m so glad that Rayne decided to ignore Malik’s anti-Christmas behavior. Being married before( thank god I’m free 🤣), I feel the author did great job writing a relatable story about the struggles of marriage. You could feel the anger and tension through the pages. I even got nervous when it came to Rayne’s decision making skills. I found myself thinking “Sis, what is you doing?”. Thankfully, Malik came to his senses and love prevailed. I’m still side eying him though!!! This is my first time reading this author and I adored this story. I will definitely be reading more of her work. If you like a short and relatable story filled with hope, read this book. It’s guaranteed to warm your heart.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is the perfect blend of holiday magic and heartfelt romance. From the very first page, I was drawn into the lives of the main characters, their history, and the undeniable connection that time and distance couldn’t erase. It’s the kind of second-chance romance that makes your heart ache in the best way.

The holiday setting added such a warm and cozy layer to the story. There’s something about Christmas—the traditions, the snow, and the quiet moments by the fire—that makes the rekindling of lost love feel even more special. The author did an amazing job balancing the nostalgia of their past with the hope and excitement of their future.

What stood out most was how real the emotions felt. Every moment of hesitation, every glance filled with longing, every spark of hope—it all came alive on the page. The pacing was just right, and even though it’s a novelette, it didn’t feel rushed or incomplete. It left me with that warm, satisfied feeling that comes from a story well-told.

If you’re looking for a quick holiday read that’s packed with emotion, love, and just the right amount of Christmas spirit, Back to Us is an absolute must. It’s the kind of story that reminds you that sometimes, love deserves a second chance.