320 pages Publisher Forever Publication date October 7, 2025
ABOUT THE BOOK
Sometimes the best gifts aren’t under the tree.
Everyone has a story to tell. And for Mallory Blue, her grandmother Nan’s community theater and annual Christmas play has been a beloved tradition for as long as she can remember. But this year is different. With Nan losing her memories to dementia, Mallory has taken on more than she can handle—including directing this year’s show.
Two things are keeping Mallory going: A journal that tells the story behind each handmade ornament on Nan’s tree. And Hollis, who volunteers to play Santa to spend time with Mallory and prove he’s no longer the rebellious boy she knew growing up.
As Mallory reads through Nan’s entries, she realizes there’s so much she never knew about her grandmother. And when Mallory has big decisions to make in both her personal and professional life, it’s Nan’s wise advice and Hollis’s steadfast support that will hold the key to this year’s holiday magic.
MY THOUGHTS
Heartwarming small-town romantic read.
This is a lovely story, an emotional read.
This is Mallory Blue’s grandmother’s story, Nan. Nan is the driving force behind the annual Christmas play that the community looks forward to and loves.
Mallory is having a hard time going on this Christmas season because Nan has developed dementia. It’s tough reading about this subject though because a family member of mine went through it. It’s hard for the granddaughter. She wants to things to be the same as in past years with the holiday play, but things will never be the same with Nan.
Her memory has faltered and she thinks Mallory is her caretaker at the memory living home.
Nan has a journal that she has written about her favorite handmade Christmas ornaments with the ornaments correlating with different times of importance in her life.
We get to see flashbacks of Nan’s life as a young woman and the hardships she has endured but also, she perseveres and has many happy moments like the building that has housed her theater that she’s had a lifelong interest in.
Sweet and emotional well written story.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Annie Rains is a bestselling author of contemporary fiction, full of hope and heart. After years of dreaming about becoming an author, Annie published her first book in 2015 and has been chasing “plot bunnies” and deadlines ever since. When she isn’t writing, Annie is spending time with her family, caring for her numerous pets, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.
Have a wonderful day. Keep on keeping on!
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