Description
Beneath the twinkling lights and neatly wrapped packages, lay bitter memories and carefully-kept secrets . . .
Three decades have passed since Marx last set foot in his family’s Georgia home. The house has faded over the years, but the haunting memories contained within its walls remain crisp and unforgettable. If not for the girl asleep in the passenger’s seat of his car, Marx would turn his car around and head back to his life in New York City. But it’s time to face his demons. This novella is a Seeking Justice Christmas novella that falls between “Injustice for All” and “Imperfect Justice.”
At this time, I can only ship within the US
Cindy’s Book Corner –
I always have a hard time putting down C. C. Warrens books, and this one was no different! While Holly Jolly Christmas could be read as a stand-alone Christmas novella, I would not read it without first reading the Holly series. The series will help you understand what Holly has gone through when Marx talks about how difficult her past has been. Plus, I just LOVED the series. They were all 5 star reads for me. My only regret is that I did not get to this book sooner.
First of all, this is a novella, but it does not read like one. Second, it is 245 pages which to me, is a full-size novel. Third, I loved this story. I enjoyed seeing Marx’s family and Holly’s awe of Christmas through the eyes of Marx’s family. I loved that even though they went to Marx’s family’s house for Christmas, Holly still managed to get herself in trouble, staying true to her character. I loved the hint of mystery, the thread of redemption and forgiveness, and the complex nature of family. I appreciated seeing how traits are passed from generation to generation, yet we can make different choices from those who have gone before us.
Holly Jolly Christmas is a beautiful story and one you do not want to miss. I would also recommend reading the Seeking Justice series to understand Marx better.
R –
Beautiful story
I really loved this story! Such a sweet Christian story of Holly learning to be loved by those around her. While there is still suspense and intrigue in this story, it is not as intense as the others. Yet it still holds you captive and keeps you turning pages. I love seeing the dynamics of Marx’s family as well.
Erin L. –
Fun Christmas novella!
As a member of this author’s street team, I was blessed to beta read this fun little Christmas novella. If you have followed the Holly Novels and Seeking Justice novels, you won’t want to miss this one! This takes place in the Seeking Justice series, right after Injustice for All. (this series is a continuation of the Holly novels, but is a 3rd person perspective instead). If you’ve not read any of the prior books, you will probably still enjoy this story line, but you really wouldn’t grasp the dynamics of the characters and their relationships, so I would strongly advise reading the earlier books, but it’s probably not essential. One thing I will say for these books – when I read a new book with Holly and Marx, I feel like I’m visiting old friends. There have been plenty of series books that I’ve been anxious for a new book to see what shenanigans the characters find themselves in this time…. but this is probably the only time I’ve ever wanted the next book to come so I could see how the characters are doing. It’s like catching up with an old friend.
For those of you who have loved these series and have wondered a little bit more about Marx’s background, this novella helps a lot! Marx takes Holly “home” for Christmas and we meet his parents and learn about his upbringing. While this one does not have the intense suspense the other books have, it does have a mystery and Holly (as usual) lands herself in a precarious situation while trying to help. Learning about Marx’s history helps us to better understand him and how he relates to Holly. We also see some very redemptive themes and breaking the cycles of abuse. In C.C. Warrens style, there is humor interlaced throughout the book and I loved seeing Holly interact with new people and seeing the joy of Christmas through her eyes. My favorite part was her Christmas gift to Marx.
If you enjoy quirky characters, with strong character-driven themes, gritty human elements and mystery/suspense, I would strongly recommend this series. This book was a very fun addition and overall I LOVED it!
Erin L. –
As a member of this author’s street team, I was blessed to beta read this fun little Christmas novella. If you have followed the Holly Novels and Seeking Justice novels, you won’t want to miss this one! This takes place in the Seeking Justice series, right after Injustice for All. (this series is a continuation of the Holly novels, but is a 3rd person perspective instead). If you’ve not read any of the prior books, you will probably still enjoy this story line, but you really wouldn’t grasp the dynamics of the characters and their relationships, so I would strongly advise reading the earlier books, but it’s probably not essential. One thing I will say for these books – when I read a new book with Holly and Marx, I feel like I’m visiting old friends. There have been plenty of series books that I’ve been anxious for a new book to see what shenanigans the characters find themselves in this time…. but this is probably the only time I’ve ever wanted the next book to come so I could see how the characters are doing. It’s like catching up with an old friend.
For those of you who have loved these series and have wondered a little bit more about Marx’s background, this novella helps a lot! Marx takes Holly “home” for Christmas and we meet his parents and learn about his upbringing. While this one does not have the intense suspense the other books have, it does have a mystery and Holly (as usual) lands herself in a precarious situation while trying to help. Learning about Marx’s history helps us to better understand him and how he relates to Holly. We also see some very redemptive themes and breaking the cycles of abuse. In C.C. Warrens style, there is humor interlaced throughout the book and I loved seeing Holly interact with new people and seeing the joy of Christmas through her eyes. My favorite part was her Christmas gift to Marx.
If you enjoy quirky characters, with strong character-driven themes, gritty human elements and mystery/suspense, I would strongly recommend this series. This book was a very fun addition and overall I LOVED it!
Sue (verified owner) –
What I love about this particular C.C. Warrens book is that Holly is healing, and is now actively helping others through their own healing journeys.