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The Christmas Clue to Finding You
After five years away, Piper Dawson returns home to Kedgewick Creek and is pulled into a Christmas Scavenger Hunt that resurrects a heartbreak from Christmas past she’s not quite ready to mend. Will a matchmaking granny, a little Christmas magic, and a cute guy in a kilt make all the difference to her Christmas yet-to-come?
104 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2022
17 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
Pepper Basham
44 books3,010 followersPepper D Basham has been telling tales ever since she was a little girl. When her grandmother called her a “writer” at the age of ten, Pepper took it as gospel and has enjoyed various types of writing styles ever since. A native of the Blue Ridge Mountains, mom of five, speech-language pathologist, and lover of chocolate, Pepper enjoys sprinkling her native Appalachian culture into her fiction wherever she can. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of the New River Valley in Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
December 22, 2024
This Christmas novella is filled with faith, friendship, coming home, second chances and sweet romance. Perfect read for the most wonderful time of the year.
December 24, 2023
A sweet short story that features a town decked out In Christmas and is complete with multiple Christmas festivities. One of which is a cute Sweetheart Santa Scavenger Hunt, hence the book’s name!
The main character was sweet and relatable. I always appreciate the way Pepper writes the faith in her books - it’s clearly featured and genuinely portrayed.
A quick read that will leave you with a sweet feeling and a reminder of the faithfulness of God.
“Christmas proved one of the biggest clues to the world of how much God loves His children. A baby born from Heaven to save and heal a broken world. The entire story brimmed with joy and hope and wonder, but underneath, the echoes of underserved mercy, forgiveness, and grace pealed a melody even deeper and sweeter.”
The main character was sweet and relatable. I always appreciate the way Pepper writes the faith in her books - it’s clearly featured and genuinely portrayed.
A quick read that will leave you with a sweet feeling and a reminder of the faithfulness of God.
“Christmas proved one of the biggest clues to the world of how much God loves His children. A baby born from Heaven to save and heal a broken world. The entire story brimmed with joy and hope and wonder, but underneath, the echoes of underserved mercy, forgiveness, and grace pealed a melody even deeper and sweeter.”
December 31, 2023
This was the perfect Christmas novella! It had the optimum amount of Christmas cheer, humor, faith, romance, character development, and just overall fun! I loved all of the characters they were so sweet and wholesome especially Gabe and Piper. This was my first book by Pepper Basham, and it most assuredly will not be my last! I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I will be looking for more books by this author.
December 14, 2022
Such a sweet, perfectly Christmassy story. Filled with snowflakes and tree lightings, hot cocoa, graceful moments, and even a Santa scavenger hunt. It’s there that Piper Dawson finds herself returning home to Kedgwick Creek after 5 years away, jobless and untethered, and seeking out clues from an unknown secret Santa. There’s Bobby, the local plumber who has always seemed shyly sweet on her, her sister’s ex-boyfriend Lance, who seems to be leaning toward starting something new with her, and Gabe, her once best friend who went through a catastrophic loss in high school from which their friendship never quite recovered—but who now cavorts around the local supermarket wearing a kilt and showing off his remarkable knees. As Piper follows the clues to her secret Santa, she discovers that things are not always what they seem and some forgiveness is called for so Piper can make peace with herself. She also begins to run head first into the clues that God is leaving for her, and she begins to see exactly where she belongs.
December 15, 2023
I'm soaking up all the Christmas books right now, so when I heard about this one, I had to check it out.
It's so sweet and refreshing! The characters are believable, respectful, adorable, and ones you just really want to root for. And that HUG. *sighs happily* The Christian themes were something I needed too.
I'll definitely be reading more by this author. 🤍🤍
CW: mentions of a car crash and suicidal ideation in the past.
It's so sweet and refreshing! The characters are believable, respectful, adorable, and ones you just really want to root for. And that HUG. *sighs happily* The Christian themes were something I needed too.
I'll definitely be reading more by this author. 🤍🤍
CW: mentions of a car crash and suicidal ideation in the past.
December 10, 2024
Sweet friends-to-more & second-chances Christmas novella with depth, faith, banter, humor, and swooniness! Piper returns to her small town to help her Gran at the Inn, and is leary of running into her former best friend Gabe. She follows clues in a local Christmas tradition, as well as clues God leaves as she's searching for what to do next in her life. I thoroughly enjoyed Piper and Gabe's story.
December 29, 2023
This novella was simply adorable! The Christmas scavenger hunt is such a darling idea. Everything came together in a very smooth way, unlike most novellas that go slow and then rush you into the ending. I got serious Check Inn to Christmas (Hallmark movie) vibes from this one!
August 26, 2024
Another beautiful, tearful, joyful story by Pepper Basham. This is a must read for all!!! Enjoy!!!
December 15, 2022
Follow the clues...
A glorious town with vivid descriptions, friends who were deeply impacted by grief, a scavenger hunt, and a surprising reveal...This book has everything...even kissing. It is a Basham book after all!
A glorious town with vivid descriptions, friends who were deeply impacted by grief, a scavenger hunt, and a surprising reveal...This book has everything...even kissing. It is a Basham book after all!
December 18, 2022
I love this super fun story! Piper and Gabe were excellent main characters, and I love them both! I could very much relate to Piper. This story has all the witty banter, and small town charm that are trademarks of Pepper Basham's writing. Plus, there's a guy in a kilt! Another thing I love about this story is the faith message, it is so beautifully written, and totally touched my heart! This story has total Hallmark Christmas movie vibes, but with depth as well, love it! Be sure to check out this enchantingly delightful novella! Highly recommend!
July 8, 2023
A little Christmas in July, anyone? This sweet novella kept me company while I held a croup-y baby in the hospital and I enjoyed how the ending was not easy or cliche. I look forward to rereading during the holiday season!
December 4, 2024
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ & 1/4 (4.25 stars)
Read: December 2024
Collection: A Christmas in Mistletoe Square, #1
Format: Kindle e-Book
Book #132 of 2024: This novella is light and fun yet it tackles how debilitating grief can be. Sometimes we really get in our own way and that affects our confidence and outlook. This novella also shows us that we sometimes make some detours before we find our way home. Home is where we fit and we are surrounded by those we love and who care about us as well.
I enjoyed the friends-to-more development in this story. I'm *not* entirely convinced that kneecaps are attractive, but I'll go along with it for this story, and because I enjoy reading this author so much.
Read: December 2024
Collection: A Christmas in Mistletoe Square, #1
Format: Kindle e-Book
Book #132 of 2024: This novella is light and fun yet it tackles how debilitating grief can be. Sometimes we really get in our own way and that affects our confidence and outlook. This novella also shows us that we sometimes make some detours before we find our way home. Home is where we fit and we are surrounded by those we love and who care about us as well.
I enjoyed the friends-to-more development in this story. I'm *not* entirely convinced that kneecaps are attractive, but I'll go along with it for this story, and because I enjoy reading this author so much.
December 8, 2024
Piper returns to her small town roots of the Blue Ridge Mountains after years away, just in time for Christmas.
This novella was sweetened with Southern charm and notably features a guy in a kilt. Add to that a Christmas scavenger hunt with a secret admirer and you’ve got some Christmas magic waiting to happen. Heart tempers humour as Piper & Gabe, childhood best friends, are reunited after grief separated them years ago. For a minute I was scared this was a love triangle (err, love square? there were three interested fellas…), but I stuck with my gut instinct and all was well.
A short, afternoon read perfect for the holidays!
This novella was sweetened with Southern charm and notably features a guy in a kilt. Add to that a Christmas scavenger hunt with a secret admirer and you’ve got some Christmas magic waiting to happen. Heart tempers humour as Piper & Gabe, childhood best friends, are reunited after grief separated them years ago. For a minute I was scared this was a love triangle (err, love square? there were three interested fellas…), but I stuck with my gut instinct and all was well.
A short, afternoon read perfect for the holidays!
January 1, 2025
I managed to fit in one more Christmas read before the end of the year! This is a cute little Hallmark-with-faith storyline about a girl returning to her hometown to help her grandmother—and just so happen to reconnect with her best friend. There's a scavenger hunt and all kinds of Christmas fun.
This was my first time listening to something read by an AI program, and though it was better than I expected, that did make it harder to follow. I also wondered how anyone could be as oblivious as the main character seems to be, but as the story finally comes together there are some real moments of depth. If you're looking for something full of Christmas cheer, this might be one for you!
This was my first time listening to something read by an AI program, and though it was better than I expected, that did make it harder to follow. I also wondered how anyone could be as oblivious as the main character seems to be, but as the story finally comes together there are some real moments of depth. If you're looking for something full of Christmas cheer, this might be one for you!
July 11, 2023
Fue una historia pequeña pero perfecta. Me encantó.
December 25, 2022
This is a wonderful story with lovable characters and all things Christmas. I felt like I was actually READING a Hallmark Christmas movie.
When Piper returns to her hometown for the Christmas season, the first person she runs into at the store is Gabe – her former best friend, and the one person she hoped to avoid. But, of course, that was not possible, considering he was shopping in full Scottish attire, right down to the kilt!
Gabe and Piper have each suffered loss and hurt and have each grieved the loss of their special friendship. Pepper Basham tells this story of healing and restoration with just the right amount of humor, love, grace, and faith. I love the strong reminders (without being overly preachy) of God’s goodness and guidance and how we find it when we are looking for it. And sometimes even when and where we least expect it.
When Piper returns to her hometown for the Christmas season, the first person she runs into at the store is Gabe – her former best friend, and the one person she hoped to avoid. But, of course, that was not possible, considering he was shopping in full Scottish attire, right down to the kilt!
Gabe and Piper have each suffered loss and hurt and have each grieved the loss of their special friendship. Pepper Basham tells this story of healing and restoration with just the right amount of humor, love, grace, and faith. I love the strong reminders (without being overly preachy) of God’s goodness and guidance and how we find it when we are looking for it. And sometimes even when and where we least expect it.
December 23, 2022
sweet 2nd chance romance
They were best friends in school, but it’s been 5 years. They both had hurts to heal when Piper came back home. Can God heal the hurts? Clues given in a scavenger hunt lead…to whom? I enjoyed this novella. Tears lead to joys and of course, love.
They were best friends in school, but it’s been 5 years. They both had hurts to heal when Piper came back home. Can God heal the hurts? Clues given in a scavenger hunt lead…to whom? I enjoyed this novella. Tears lead to joys and of course, love.
November 19, 2024
How did I miss a Pepper Basham Christmas novella two years ago?! My stealthy bibliophile spidey senses must have been waaaay off. Glad I ‘discovered’ this sweet novella this year when I went on a hunt for more indie Christmas reads.
We were just talking about favourite tropes and I’m adding ‘cute guy in a kilt’ to my list! Bwahaha! And this is also a second chance , friends to more romance. Eeeeppp! Plus it’s Christmas! Written by Pepper Basham which means we’re not only going to get a swoonalicious love story, we’re going to get an insightful inspirational message as well. And the author has out done herself with this poignant look at how the Christmas story can affect the way we live our lives all year round.
So, Piper’s returning home a to place she thought she needed to leave in order to find herself. Only that didn’t work as well for her as it did for her sister. So she’s back helping out at her grandma’s inn (I do so love a holiday inn story!) and getting reacquainted with the town and all the folks she’s missed…including some she wasn’t sure she ever wanted to see again – like Gabe.
They have such an interesting backstory that includes some tragedy which led to their estrangement and, well, you’ll just need to let them tell you their story. This quote sums it up quite nicely:
“Sometimes the wrong road helps our hearts appreciate the right one when we find it.”
Love the thread of redemption woven throughout and the quest to find a place to belong. And there’s an intriguing Christmas scavenger hunt that propels the plot forward in a delightful way (provides a clever title tie in too.) Makes for some sublime holiday reading!
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2024/11/19/t...
We were just talking about favourite tropes and I’m adding ‘cute guy in a kilt’ to my list! Bwahaha! And this is also a second chance , friends to more romance. Eeeeppp! Plus it’s Christmas! Written by Pepper Basham which means we’re not only going to get a swoonalicious love story, we’re going to get an insightful inspirational message as well. And the author has out done herself with this poignant look at how the Christmas story can affect the way we live our lives all year round.
So, Piper’s returning home a to place she thought she needed to leave in order to find herself. Only that didn’t work as well for her as it did for her sister. So she’s back helping out at her grandma’s inn (I do so love a holiday inn story!) and getting reacquainted with the town and all the folks she’s missed…including some she wasn’t sure she ever wanted to see again – like Gabe.
They have such an interesting backstory that includes some tragedy which led to their estrangement and, well, you’ll just need to let them tell you their story. This quote sums it up quite nicely:
“Sometimes the wrong road helps our hearts appreciate the right one when we find it.”
Love the thread of redemption woven throughout and the quest to find a place to belong. And there’s an intriguing Christmas scavenger hunt that propels the plot forward in a delightful way (provides a clever title tie in too.) Makes for some sublime holiday reading!
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2024/11/19/t...
November 5, 2025
I love Christmas stories!
I love stories written by Pepper Basham!
I love stories that are in small, quaint towns with sweet characters and crazy community events!
I’m delighted to say, This Is One Of Those Books!
I’m not sure why it’s taken me so long to read this fun book, but I’m now glad that I did. It was easy to read and just what I needed.
Pepper Basham has become an author I will always seek out! Her writing style is smooth, and her storytelling is full of imagination and charm. Her characters and their relationships are sweet and full of life. I love how she painted everything so beautifully with her word choices. It's as if I’m walking around with these characters and really part of their lives.
If you love crazy, fun adventures, beautiful scenery, delightful dialogue, and swoon-worthy romantic moments, this book is definitely for you. You might find yourself dreaming of Christmas and all the wonderful things that will or could happen at this time of year.
I love stories written by Pepper Basham!
I love stories that are in small, quaint towns with sweet characters and crazy community events!
I’m delighted to say, This Is One Of Those Books!
I’m not sure why it’s taken me so long to read this fun book, but I’m now glad that I did. It was easy to read and just what I needed.
Pepper Basham has become an author I will always seek out! Her writing style is smooth, and her storytelling is full of imagination and charm. Her characters and their relationships are sweet and full of life. I love how she painted everything so beautifully with her word choices. It's as if I’m walking around with these characters and really part of their lives.
If you love crazy, fun adventures, beautiful scenery, delightful dialogue, and swoon-worthy romantic moments, this book is definitely for you. You might find yourself dreaming of Christmas and all the wonderful things that will or could happen at this time of year.
December 20, 2024
This book was so charming! It's exactly everything you'd love about a Hallmark movie but with actual substance! After 5 years, Piper returns to the small Christmassy town of Kedgewick Creek, and the first person she runs into is her used-to-be-best-friend Gabe. In a kilt.
I absolutely loved all the warm and cozy feelings I got from this book. From Gran's B&B to the town Christmas lights, everything was so festive and delightful! I adored Piper and Gabe's relationship as they tried to find what they had before the heartbreak and maybe turn it into something more. I appreciated that they actually had deep conversations about their feelings and how that helped lift the burdens they were each carrying. I also enjoyed the faith threads and the uniqueness of the "God clues." I highly recommend this sweet Christmas read!
I absolutely loved all the warm and cozy feelings I got from this book. From Gran's B&B to the town Christmas lights, everything was so festive and delightful! I adored Piper and Gabe's relationship as they tried to find what they had before the heartbreak and maybe turn it into something more. I appreciated that they actually had deep conversations about their feelings and how that helped lift the burdens they were each carrying. I also enjoyed the faith threads and the uniqueness of the "God clues." I highly recommend this sweet Christmas read!
January 3, 2023
I read this sweet, Christmas romance in the novella collection, Love in Mistletoe Square. Pepper Basham is always a favorite!
Here is my review of Love in Mistletoe Square novella collection:
This is a fun, sweetly romantic set of inspirational Christmas novellas by four different Christian authors, but set in the same town. The collection is a great way to sample authors you may know, as well as, new authors you haven't tried yet. Personally, I can see this becoming a Hallmark Channel miniseries!
Here is my review of Love in Mistletoe Square novella collection:
This is a fun, sweetly romantic set of inspirational Christmas novellas by four different Christian authors, but set in the same town. The collection is a great way to sample authors you may know, as well as, new authors you haven't tried yet. Personally, I can see this becoming a Hallmark Channel miniseries!
February 18, 2024
The cover and premise were so cute, I had high hopes for this story. Unfortunately, there were gag-worthy physical-focused moments for the leading lady with two of the three men she reconnected with in the first two chapters. There was also a random “I mean” comment from the author (rather than the leading lady) in the narration, which jerked me from the storyline. I’m bummed I didn’t make it to the promised scavenger hunt.
The graphic design thread was shaping up to be a fun aspect of the story. I rather enjoyed Piper’s grandmother in a brief early scene. I also liked the name Piper.
The graphic design thread was shaping up to be a fun aspect of the story. I rather enjoyed Piper’s grandmother in a brief early scene. I also liked the name Piper.
July 25, 2024
I settled in for a Christmas 🎄 in July read this evening! It was all I wanted it to be!! If you know me then you know I adore Christmas hallmark movies. This felt like that!! It was a very short 90 pages but it was perfect! Pepper told a beautiful story that flowed well, didn't feel rushed, and wrapped up beautifully just as you want and need in a Christmas story!! I highly recommend 👌 ☺ 👍. Pepper is an auto buy author for me and I look forward to continuing to work on her backlist! Happy Wednesday friends! We are getting closer to Christmas 🎄 🙌 😀!
December 10, 2023
All a holiday story should become
The. Christmas Clue to Finding You is a delightful and engaging story. I fell in love with Piper and Gage. Watching God reveal his clues and guide them together was awe inspiring. I enjoyed the message of grace and forgiveness woven within. Perfect story for the season. It is short and so sweet.
The. Christmas Clue to Finding You is a delightful and engaging story. I fell in love with Piper and Gage. Watching God reveal his clues and guide them together was awe inspiring. I enjoyed the message of grace and forgiveness woven within. Perfect story for the season. It is short and so sweet.
December 22, 2023
This story pulls at your heartstrings. Strong lessons of friendship, FAITH and forgiveness and the message of how important it is to seek out God’s plan for your life. When we take time to listen to the “God clues”, you may be surprised at what you find.
The sweetest grandmother character, a life changing small-town scavenger hunt, heart connections, battles with grief, twin sister chaos, crazy boys and yes…kilts! This book has it all!
For a more comprehensive review, follow me on Bookstagram at: aliciasbooksanctuary
The sweetest grandmother character, a life changing small-town scavenger hunt, heart connections, battles with grief, twin sister chaos, crazy boys and yes…kilts! This book has it all!
For a more comprehensive review, follow me on Bookstagram at: aliciasbooksanctuary
December 17, 2024
Such a fun, sweet Christmas novella!
This romance is all about coming home and mending broken fences. A beautiful story of forgiveness and redemption, finding one's self in the place God has designed for you. With the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop and winter baking scenting each scene, this ex-best friends romance will touch your heart and delight your senses.
This romance is all about coming home and mending broken fences. A beautiful story of forgiveness and redemption, finding one's self in the place God has designed for you. With the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop and winter baking scenting each scene, this ex-best friends romance will touch your heart and delight your senses.
December 19, 2024
Very sweet Christmas novella. I realized after that it's originally part of a multi-author collection. I may go back and read the other ones too. Likeable characters, charming setting, Christmas cheer, and characters who live their faith. A quick and enjoyable read. I always enjoy Pepper Basham's writing, and this was no exception.
December 29, 2024
sweet and heartwarming
I enjoyed this Christmassy read so much! Full of the holiday spirit and the perfect small-town winter aesthetic, the characters were also so endearing and I loved watching their arcs play out. Piper especially is so relatable. I recommend this to anyone who love Christian fiction with swoony, clean romance, heart and humor, and everything Christmas!
I enjoyed this Christmassy read so much! Full of the holiday spirit and the perfect small-town winter aesthetic, the characters were also so endearing and I loved watching their arcs play out. Piper especially is so relatable. I recommend this to anyone who love Christian fiction with swoony, clean romance, heart and humor, and everything Christmas!
December 31, 2024
Love this Christmas novella! It has the perfect elements that make a novella work: main characters that have history but are somewhat estranged, many common friends and family and a location that can be a character in and of itself. For this particular story, I appreciated the emotions Piper was feeling and how her Gran and others helped her to see the Godwinks happening around her.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews