Ashley Manley’s The Holiday Club is a delightful novella that blends charm, emotional depth, and holiday magic into a compact, satisfying read. It’s the kind of story that warms your heart like a mug of hot cocoa in front of a crackling fire—and whether you’re a longtime fan of Christmas romances or simply someone who enjoys character-driven stories, there’s a lot to love here.

Now this is how a novella should be done! I'll read novella's occasionally, but honestly, my expectations typically reside alongside grubs, earthworms and the dead.

It's gotta be hard to pull off, to pack a full fledged story in such a pinched parcel. Shaved corners, rushed scenes, gurn-worthy-insta love, shallow characters and janky banter all vying for space and attention.

But not here. This book has likely ruined me for all future novella's. Incredible storytelling. A swoon-worthy cast with depth I imagine is difficult to attain in a short novel setting.

The MC's were fully fleshed out, as was the riotous side character, Marv, and all his wonky conspiracy theories, with his shirts firmly secured inside the waistband of his sweatpants. I mean this dude was somethin' special, lmfao!

The text convo's interspersed throughout were chef's kiss. There's even coded text (S/O to Marv again!), which I'm proud to say I figured out ~ (I mean.... once I knew they weren't just mad ravings brought to the page via Ashley bangin' & clangin' on her keyboard)! It was crazy clever and entertaining and absolutely hilarious! *(Call me if you need help with that, wink wink!)*

It truly was the perfect merry novella. Well rounded and fully balanced, if your emotions had checkboxes next to them, none would be left hanging.

Pqrsmno dmnomnt abde pqrsttupghid! (Ayo again to Marv, my good buddy, lmao!) READ. IT!

Thank you again, Ashley, for the early access! I’m always grateful!

Pubs 10/30, y’all!🥳