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Kiss Me on Christmas

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Single mom Kaitlyn Stafford has never considered Christmas a balancing act, but when her sister calls with the news that she’s getting married in less than two weeks—on Christmas Day—that’s exactly what the holiday looks like becoming. Helping with the out-of-state wedding will be fun. The challenge will be doing so while accommodating her neurodivergent son’s need to keep every single one of their Christmas traditions while they’re away from home. It’ll be tricky, but she can do it.
At least, that’s what she thinks before her son’s favorite YouTuber, Beckett Walsh, shows up on the scene, knocking her world off-kilter with his speaking glances and knowing smiles. How on earth is she supposed to pull off her balancing act when her world’s just tilted on its axis?

174 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2022

15 people are currently reading
292 people want to read

About the author

Sarah Monzon

27 books771 followers
A Carol award finalist and Selah award winner, Sarah Monzon is a stay-at-home mom who makes up imaginary friends to have adult conversations with (otherwise known as writing novels). As a navy chaplain's wife, she resides wherever the military happens to station her family and enjoys exploring the beauty of the world around her.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Sarah Monzon.
Author 27 books771 followers
Read
August 25, 2022
My son gave me permission to use him as inspiration for Liam, so, as you can imagine, this Christmas story has a super special place in my heart.
Profile Image for Amanda (BookLoverAmanda).
717 reviews1,030 followers
December 31, 2022
As an Autism Mama, I am so thankful for this book! My son is almost 4 years old and was diagnosed at 2.5 years old. I could relate to the struggles this Mama goes through and appreciate the representation. I also related with what she was going through with her Mom. I’ve experienced many of the same things as explained here. Loved the authors note too♥️♥️ This book also gave me some hope I needed today.♥️

This book features single mom Kaitlyn Stafford, and her 10 year old autistic son Liam. They have to help with her sister’s wedding last minute for Christmas and she worries about making sure her son’s routines and traditions for Christmas are kept in tact. When they’re on the plane, they meet her sons favorite YouTube star, Beckett Walsh. Beckett, Liam and Kaitlyn all click instantly. Come to find out, Beckett is friends with Nolan, her sisters new soon to be husband. When Kaitlyn and Liam go to see her sister, they run back into Beckett and the story takes off there.

I loved this story. It was SO cure! The Christmas vibes in this were great too. Family get togethers, games, baking etc. so much fun! I also liked seeing them read the Bible and go to church for Christmas. This was my first Sarah Monzon book and I can’t wait to read more!
Profile Image for Alysha (For The Love of Christian Fiction).
481 reviews440 followers
December 4, 2022
Sarah. Is the queen of representation!! 👏🏻

This little Christmas novella was adorable and festive in all the fabulous ways. (It gave me major Hallmark vibes without the cheesy acting) The story felt genuine and heartfelt and cozy! Written from a place of love, fear, and experience.

Healing happened within the pages, and eyes were open, and lessons were learned. It was a great addition to my Christmas reads, and it’s a great addition to my Sarah Monzon shelf!

I loved the slow-burn, but felt like they knew each other their whole lives! Love was shown throughout this story. Love in its TRUE form!

I loved the characters and I want Lizzy & Nolan’s story now!!!

Beckett was…*chefs kiss* A Sarah Monzon hero — perfection! I loved how real he felt. His actions were intentional and he gave everything in all he did. He cared and I loved him!

Kaitlyn was guarded, and rightfully so. But I loved how much she loved. Her son, her family. She gave and gave and was such a good mother! Her hesitation made sense, I’m glad she didn’t listen to it and truly opened her heart to a man who was perfect for her & Liam!

4/5 stars
Profile Image for MJSH.
1,324 reviews74 followers
September 28, 2022
"Romance is someone seeing you for who you are - your dreams, desires, needs and then offering those things to you."

Such a fun Christmas novella! Sarah Monzon once again delivers a fresh and memorable story centered around Christmas, a wedding, and a single-mom of a unique child. Kaitlyn and Beckett's first person present tense voices are honest, down-to-earth, and incredibly lovable. Their romance, found in every day mundane things, is so sweet and tender. Kaitlyn and her mom's heart are so easy to connect with. Beckett and his big creative heart are absolutely swoony. It was particularly touching that Kaitlyn's son Liam is loosely based on the author's son and his challenges with anxiety, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder. It's a quick read that will get you in the mood for Christmas and leave you with a joyful smile.

I received the book from the author and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Bethany Meadows.
172 reviews35 followers
February 2, 2023
I enjoyed this sweet Christmas read SO much. I really connected with the single-mama struggles of the main character. From her interactions within her family, to her personal struggle to do her best as a single mama, this really touched my heart! The romance was sweet. If your looking for a sweet, funny and cute Christmas read that ALSO has depth, this is the story! That’s one reason I love Sarah’s writing; she always brings it home with those deeper themes. She sheds light on issues that a lot of authors avoid. Love it!
Profile Image for Lucy.
1,165 reviews118 followers
November 18, 2023
What a heartwarming Christmas read with great insight into a child on the autism spectrum. Having two grown nephews on the autism spectrum this story helped me understand how they feel and think better. I loved the characters and knowing Liam was based on the authors son made him even more endearing to my heart. Beckett was the perfect hero to walk into Kaitlyn and Liam lives and I loved when he said, Liam doesn’t need to change for the world as He is the kind of person who will change the world. A feel good story that leaves you with all the warm fuzzies and hope. Quickly add to your must read Christmas reads pile.
I was blessed to win a copy of this book. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Profile Image for Becca.
792 reviews48 followers
November 17, 2023
Last minute wedding
Mark Rober
Neurodiverse child
Single mom
Forced proximity
Sweet Christmas novella 🥰🎄
Profile Image for Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review.
2,363 reviews31 followers
September 26, 2022
This is a well-written story. If you have a family member with Autism, you will definitely relate. If you don’t know about Autism, this story is very accurate and worth the read. It is sensitively written and very realistic. It’s a clean romance and part of an anthology. It stands alone.
Profile Image for Jeanne Alfveby Crea.
977 reviews105 followers
October 1, 2022
What a beautiful Christmas novella! I loved it! I was thrilled to read Kiss Me on Christmas by Sarah Monzon. I love her stories and I knew this would be good!

"Confession: I'm thirty-four years old, and I still make a Christmas list every year." From the first line to the last line, we are invited into the lives of single mom Kaitlyn Stafford and her 11-year old son Liam. He is a wonderful boy who is living with being neurodivergent-on the autism spectrum and also with having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and anxiety. His Mom has found ways to accomodate and respect his differences, and help him recognize that his brain just works a little differently. Such a sweet Mother-Son relationship. Not everyone understands these differences, and the author does a beautiful job of explaining what life is like with a neurodivergent family member. I find it so special that she drew inspiration for the character Liam from her own son, with his approval.

Kaitlyn Stafford was looking forward to a Christmas with her son filled with many of the traditions they love, when she gets a phone call from her sister that she is getting married Christmas Day. Kaitlyn comes up with a plan to keep as many traditions alive for her son while on their trip. In line to board the plane, it looks as if the crowds of people are starting to get to her son, when he sees his favorite you-tuber and makes a beeline for him. Beckett Walsh is delightful. You're just going to have to read this marvelous Christmas novella to see what happens next! I highly recommend it!

Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Barbara.
Author 6 books37 followers
October 14, 2022
On a scale of cotton candy to Brussels sprouts, Kiss Me on Christmas by Sarah Monzon is a powdered doughnut. Delicious and messy, every bite is worth it.

Kaitlyn, a single mom, enjoys the Christmas traditions and rituals that she and her neurodivergent son Liam have created together. But this Christmas will be different because her sister has decided to get married on Christmas Day in less than two weeks. It'll be fun, except for the balancing act that Kaitlyn will do between being sister and being mom, keeping Christmas as close to the same as possible for her son. And then, her son's favorite YouTuber shows up, flipping Kaitlyn and Liam's worlds upside down.

I loved this Christmas romance between Kaitlyn and Beckett, but I love the story because of Liam -- he steals the show. The author did a great job of showing the family dynamics, differing opinions around raising a child, and the tensions of balancing responsibilities. I would like to request a full-length novel with these three characters.

If you're looking for a heartwarming, clean Christmas romance, grab Kiss Me on Christmas ASAP.

[book provided. opinions my own.]
Profile Image for Andi Tubbs.
970 reviews82 followers
October 12, 2022
I loved this book! Liam was literally the star of this book.
Christmas can be very stressful for everyone, and children should be enjoying it to the fullest. When Liam's Aunt plans her wedding on Christmas day his little world gets turned upside down. Watching him stress and worry about their Christmas traditions was heartbreaking. His mom, Kaitlyn didn't miss a beat. She knew exactly how to help him through. Running into his favorite You-Tuber at the airport wasn't a bad thing either.
There was sweet romance which I loved. But, I adored the relationship between Kaitlyn and Liam. You could tell Kaitlyn was hyper-focused on him and his needs and made sure they were met.
This is much more than a Christmas romance it is a beautiful story of the love of a mother for her son who battles ADHD, and Autism.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Tara Kolker.
59 reviews5 followers
October 15, 2022
Sarah Monzon has done it again... I *might* have been mourning over the end of her Sewing in SoCal series, but her new novella seriously could not be any sweeter than it already is.

Kaitlyn and Beckett are adorable, and Liam is perfection.

I love that Liam is modeled partially after Sarah's own son, while also giving him his own personality.

These characters are genuine, and their thoughts, feelings, and personalities come through so well. The story is original, and even though I knew where it was going to end up, I didn't know what the path there would look like.

Kiss Me on Christmas is truly a joy, and one that I'll read again.

I think this story is the equivilant of a cozy chai latte on a snowy day. Sweet while also realistic, and just... right.
Profile Image for Vickie Escalante.
197 reviews4 followers
November 16, 2022
Beautifully written! Loved the look into Kaitlyn and Beckett’s worlds and two worlds rarely talked about - one as that of a neurodivergent child and the other of a YouTuber. I could feel the passion and heart of the author who used her own experience with a child on the spectrum of autism to shape young Liam. Sweet and genuine love for her child was on display in this book and pride in the young man her son is becoming. ❤️

I’m usually a bit leery of reading stories where the couple falls madly in love so quickly, but again, I could feel their bond grown from their first interaction and it was mesmerizing. I’ll definitely be recommending this book to lots of people!
Profile Image for Erin.
689 reviews4 followers
October 15, 2022
Single mom, Kaitlyn Stafford, is gearing up for all the Christmas traditions she’s set with her son. But when her sister calls with the news that she’s getting married on Christmas Day, less than two weeks away, Kaitlyn’s plans must change. With the promise that she will try to make as many Christmas traditions happen as possible, she takes her son and heads out-of-state to help her sister plan a wedding. Kaitlyn experiences even more upheaval when her son’s favorite YouTuber, Beckett Walsh, shows up. Even in the whirlwind of wedding planning and Christmas traditions, Kaitlyn can’t ignore Beckett’s knowing glances and sweet smiles. Her world is tilted on its axis and she might just have to let herself fall.
 
I loved this Christmas novella! Such a sweet story of family and Christmas joys and traditions. Great pacing and storyline. The cast of characters was so great. Loved the son, Liam, and all his wonderful, uniqueness. Kaitlyn was so authentic and real with the mom-guilt and so much love for her son, even when it’s hard. Then Beckett. What a guy! So wonderful to both Kaitlyn and Liam. All three of them had a sweet chemistry together. And then that romantic chemistry between Beckett and Kaitlyn. So cute. And all leading up to that kiss we were all waiting for. I wish I could’ve spent more time with these three.
 
Also, isn’t this cover adorable!?
 
If you’re looking for a sweet Christmas novella this holiday season, pick this one up when it comes out October 18.
 
Thank you Sarah Monzon for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Melmo2610.
3,634 reviews
December 19, 2023
I LOVED this story! With a kiddo on the spectrum I definitely identified with Kaitlyn and her feelings etc, and don’t even get me started on Bennett…he was perfect! Liam was scene stealer and totally adorable. This is a charming novella with a lot of heart and Christmas spirit. A top read for me for sure!
Profile Image for Emily.
75 reviews
December 22, 2024
I really enjoyed this novella. I loved how Monzon created a character with neurodivergence - autism and adhd. You couldn’t help but love Liam and his Mom Kaitlyn. It was also kind of fun how Monzon created the love interest, Beckett, around real life YouTuber Mark Rober. I will definitely read more books by Sarah Monzon in the future.

Clean romance
Profile Image for Nari.
1,251 reviews11 followers
October 12, 2022
I really liked this story. It felt very really but with very hopeful and uplifting. I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Martha.
1,944 reviews63 followers
October 28, 2024
Sweet

If you have a desire for a sweet romantic story with a touch of reality, this one is the one for you. The little touches the author puts in, lets you know they experienced it or someone they know had. The struggles of dating and falling in love, while sped up for the story, were so fun.
Profile Image for Stacey Cochran.
596 reviews
December 20, 2022
This book was a treat! The characters were great (loved that Liam is based on the author's son and his experience) and I just loved the story!

I read this as part of the Destination Christmas collection.
Profile Image for Ebosereme Nwamu.
632 reviews70 followers
December 5, 2022
Oh my days! This book should be made into a movie. It was absolutely beautiful. So touching. I almost cried at a particular point. The characters were a delight. Young Liam was the star of this book. This book brings all the feels of Christmas. I loved it!!!

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner.
1,520 reviews91 followers
December 25, 2025
I love Sarah Monzon's books! I love the realism she brings to the table while mixing hope and humor into the story.
I loved the nerdiness of Beckett Walsh and how patient and affirming he was to Liam. Their bond was amazing, and what woman wouldn't fall in love with someone who already loved their son!
Such a sweet story!
8 reviews1 follower
October 19, 2022
I love Christmas and I love a good romance so this is a perfect combination. I couldn’t put it down! I highly recommend it!!
Profile Image for Anna M.
132 reviews10 followers
February 3, 2024
Kiss Me on Christmas was a very cute little Christmas romance. I loved that it wasn't just about the romance, it was also about a single mom with a neurodivergent son. There were some very relatable themes in this book, and I liked that everything wasn't perfect. The characters didn't have the perfect family, or the perfect life and they weren't perfect either. I do think this could have been developed more if the book was longer, but on the other hand, its shorter format was refreshing after reading so many long books this year.

So, if you're like me and you're not ready for Christmas to be over, go pick up this one and cozy up beside your Christmas tree.
Profile Image for Parkland Mom.
788 reviews20 followers
November 1, 2024
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ & 3/4 (3.75 stars)
Read: October 2024

Format: paperback

Book #115 of 2024: This is a novella I won from Kav’s Best Reads. It’s a cute, clean fiction book with a sweet story.

Kaitlyn is a single mom with a young son on the autism spectrum. While each autistic child is different, this book gave some good info to educate the reader.

Beckett and Kaitlyn meet at an airport and there is an energy between them. He engages her son, who is enamoured with meeting his favourite YouTube star. Unbeknownst to either of them, they meet again for the wedding preparations between Kaitlyn’s sister and Beckett’s good friend. The sparks fly and Kaitlyn is unsure how to process feeling seen by a man against her fear of having a relationship.

Kaitlyn is hesitant toward romance because of her husband leaving her and their son. Not only that, she feels she doesn’t have room to have a relationship or can risk her son being disappointed and possibly rejected again. Beckett is smitten and vows to prove to her how much he wants them to see each other romantically. Over the prepping and planning, they draw closer.

This book is better in the second half in my opinion. The information about autism, ADHD, and anxiety is so relevant and important. The mother-daughter relationship and the Christmas gift Liam (Kaitlyn’s son) and Beckett give Kaitlyn are the other highlights of this book, in my opinion. BONUS: the mention of the song that I walked down the aisle to on my wedding day.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,358 reviews164 followers
October 30, 2023
"She laughs, and the sound is unlike anything I've ever heard before. Like the bell on the Polar Express- the sweetest sound on earth, but only for those who believe. . . . . I. Believe."

Too good to be true? Beckett Walsh, her son's online hero, boarding their plane, choosing to sit beside them, conversing with Liam like they were long lost friends . . . . goodness, maybe they were, their creative genius conversation had literally . . . lulled her to sleep? . . . or was it that Kaitlyn Stafford's single mom exhaustion status had been so grateful for someone else, even a virtual stranger, to ease her load. No, that wasn't right. Her extraordinary son was a gift not a "load", but there was no question about the fact that she rarely got much rest. Additionally, the change in their holiday plans was already challenging her son's proclivity for routine, regardless of the fact that Kaitlyn was thrilled that her sister was getting married.

"I have staying power, Kaitlyn, and I'm not afraid of proving that to you."

A larger-than-life story using fewer words than many? This compact powerhouse of a novella may just prove that they do indeed exist. The brief amount of time that it took to read it, in no way diminishes the long lasting impact of its characters. Memorable, emotional, personal; this trio of characters prove that love can, and did, come down on Christmas!

3,933 reviews1,764 followers
November 20, 2023
What a wonderful blend of humour and hope mixed up with a slice of real life…at Christmas time! I was drawn in right from with the very personable 1st person present tense POV, which, is not a favourite, but somehow it worked for me here. Brought me right into every scene, experiencing every emotion and impression. And I love that we are given both Kaitlyn’s and Beckett’s points of view, with young Liam gleefully worming his way into every scene.

The whole story takes place in about a two week time-span amidst the flurry of wedding preparations. Kaitlyn is concerned about keeping routines and traditions for her neurodivergent son in the middle of all the chaos. Loved this glimpse into a mother’s heart and the challenges and rewards of raising a unique child like Liam. He’s funny and personable and often all too literal. And I love the way Beckett fits into the story, his true swoon-worthiness shining in the way he accepts and champions Kaitlyn’s son.

Kiss Me on Christmas is short on length but not in depth — this novella packs an emotional punch. The kind of Christmas story that celebrates the season and leaves the reader with a heartwarming afterglow .

https://kavsbestreads.ca/2023/11/20/k...
Profile Image for Marylin.
1,309 reviews45 followers
September 26, 2022
This is a sweet story about a single mom, with a special needs child, who just wants to do the best she can for her son, and survive the Christmas holidays with her family.
I loved reading this book because it showed a very real example of the struggles some moms face, and how so often they don’t feel like they are doing a good enough job.
This story packed is full of fun parts, there’s an unexpected meeting at the airport, some cute interactions with Liam and his new friend Beckett, sweet moments between Kaitlyn and Beckett, and the crazy activities of helping Kaitlyn’s sister get a wedding together in a short time.
I loved all the relational aspects and moments. Many were so touching, and a few made me want to cry.
Sarah Monzon is a very skilled author. She has given us a wonderfully entertaining book to read. Each of her books holds lessons we can all learn. I truly enjoy reading anything this author writes.
I highly recommend picking up this book, it’s fun and delightful!
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Whitney Garrett.
254 reviews24 followers
December 31, 2025
The book gets bonus points for decent autism representation, but gets them almost immediately taken away for making me feel uncomfortable reading a romance book where the male lead is basically ginger Mark Rober. Not that I don’t like Mark Rober, I do, but he’s not an actor so I’d feel really uncomfortable picturing him in a romance book. 😅

The book was cute, but there was something missing for me, and I’m not sure exactly what that was. Maybe the romance was a bit too easy? Maybe the family tension felt too contrived or too easily resolved? I can’t put my finger on it.

But don’t let any of that put you off the book, if romance is your genre. It’s not my usual fare, so it can be pretty hit or miss for me, and this was closer to a miss than a hit. However, this is certainly worth checking out to see if it’s for you.
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