As far as I’m concerned, Christmas novellas are the Christmas cookies of the literary world. Small, sweet, and affordable! Since this is the time of year when we love to make favorite old recipes as well as try new ones, I thought I’d share the recipe I used when baking up my Christmas novella, You and Me.
I started with a generous amount of the hero, Connor. I envisioned Connor first as a middle school kid — awkward, pale, redheaded, sweet, shy. I imagined this tongue-tied boy falling head over heels for a girl in his class who was confident, sporty, and outspoken.
Fast-forward sixteen years. Connor’s heart is steadfast and that same girl is still the one for him. The difference? He’s now a grown man who has no idea how appealing he truly is….
Then I added an equal portion of the heroine. Shay’s a stationery shop owner brimming with natural, girl-next-door beauty. She’s bubbly and magnetic and at long last she’s between boyfriends, so Connor sees his chance to win her heart.
Next, I mixed the two together with a proposition. Connor asks Shay if she’ll serve as his dating consultant and help him win the heart of the girl he loves. She agrees, not realizing that he’s kept one important detail secret. Shay herself is the one he loves.
I then added several tablespoons of setting. Namely, a charming mountain town at Christmastime.
I stirred in a Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
And followed that with a dash of ice skating.
I added a pinch of live nativity and some besotted sheep.
Then I seasoned the mix with romance, shopping, peppermint white chocolate popcorn, banter, and hot chocolate.
I put the whole thing in the editing oven and here’s the final result….
I loved writing this story! You can escape to wintry Misty River and Connor and Shay’s love story here. It’s free to read on Kindle Unlimited, $2.99 for the ebook, and it’s also available in print.
What do you enjoy most about Christmas books and movies? Have you read You and Me?
Becky Wade
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I’ve already read my e-book copy, but just ordered the print copy because it is a keeper that I’ll need to share. It’s a wonderful story, a perfect Christmas read! I enjoy Christmas novellas because one can read a complete story in a shorter amount of time when it’s such a busy season. Thanks for writing another beautiful book!
Linda, thank you so much for purchasing both the e-book AND a print copy! I enjoy Christmas novellas for the very same reason. Not only are they festive, but they’re time-friendly during busy December. 🙂 Win win.
It came out perfect! This might just be what everyone expects you to bring to the annual Christmas party now…
Christmas novellas are the sweet spot for my GoodReads goal. And that disclaimer about the ice skating has me laughing!
Excellent point! Right when you need a few books in December to crush your annual Goodreads goal — Christmas novellas to the rescue. 😉
AND this post is why I love you and your writing SO much! This was so creative, witty, and entertaining way to discuss your Novella. I cannot wait to read it!
You’ve been such a wonderful source of encouragement to me through the years, Shelley. I appreciate you!
I, too, love that the Christmas novellas are shorter, easy to read, less expensive to purchase, and just delightful! I have You and Me and plan to read it after the book I’m currently reading.
Thank you!! I hope you enjoy Connor and Shay’s story.
Sounds like a Hallmark movie to me!
Here’s hoping!
I enjoyed “You and Me” very much. Being from a small town myself, I think you captured the small town feel very well.
The photos above work well with the story, except for the skating photo. Connor and Shay’s skating date was fun to read. All the way to the end of the story I kept wondering how Shay was missing the clues. Just like so many of us, it’s sometimes hard to see something clearly that is right in front of us.
Thanks so much for reading You and Me, Ruby! Yes, It’s sometimes hard to see the thing that’s right in front of us — especially when it’s a person that we’ve viewed a certain way for years.
I love your recipe. The pictures are gorgeous! What I enjoy in Christmas books is a romance among the traditions and descriptions of the season. You hit them all!
“What I enjoy in Christmas books is a romance among the traditions and descriptions of the season.” I agree!
This is a lovely description of a wonderful recipe. I have not read it yet.
Glad you enjoyed my “recipe”, Linda. Thanks for stopping by!
Ooh, the dating coach plot reminds me of one of my favorite Hallmark movies, How to Fall In Love.
I had so much fun with the dating coach angle!