─ 𝟑.𝟓 ★ 🐾🎄 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲.

ℋ𝑜𝓁𝒾𝒹𝒶𝓎 ℋ𝒾𝒹𝑒𝒶𝓌𝒶𝓎 by Mary Kay Andrews is a delightful and witty short story that I thoroughly enjoyed. What immediately drew me in was the cute little backstory between the two main characters—they share a history that made up for a sweet reunion, once they recognized each other from their past.

Adding to the charm of the story is the adorable dog named “Smoosh,” who steals the spotlight in many scenes, adding a playful and heartwarming element. The fact that the story is told from both the female and male main characters’ points of view makes it feel well-rounded, allowing us to connect with each of their perspectives.

The humor throughout is spot-on, especially in the text message exchanges between the two leads. These moments are sharp, funny, and add a modern touch to the romance. The witty banter between them kept me smiling, making this a light, feel-good read that’s perfect for the holiday season.

I only felt that the first 70% of the book was flowing very well, with a good pace, but then the author rushed it and I would’ve loved to get more of the backstory of the FMC and MMC during their school years and during the glee club, which is where they met.

Overall, Holiday Hideaway is a charming story that balances humor, romance, and a touch of nostalgia. Mary Kay Andrews packs a lot of heart into this short tale, making it a cute and quick escape.

Thanks to Netgalley, Amazon Short Stories and the author for the ARC! 🎄

3.5 Stars
One Liner: Cute!

Tilly Farriday (with her dog, Smoosh) has camped in one of the properties her company deals with. Being recently divorced, broke, and out of home doesn’t help with Christmas around the corner.
George Holloway wants nothing to do with the house inherited from a dead uncle. He arrives at the house to see what needs to be done to sell it. Moreover, George needs time away from his successful girlfriend, Vanessa, who is ready for a grand engagement.
Tilly becomes the hidden resident of the house as George plans to stay back for a few days. What kind of Christmas miracle can help them?
The story comes in the third-person POV of Tilly and George.

My Thoughts:
I’ve wanted to read the author’s works for a while, so this short story seemed like a good start. The main characters have some depth, which makes it easy to empathize with them.
The story is split into day-wise chapters, with some development occurring each day.
Since everything takes place in less than 50 pages and the initial setup takes around 35% of the book, the ending feels rushed.
It appears to be a standalone, but I won’t be surprised if there’s a series with the setting. If there isn’t, it's time to write one, author!
There is not much to say except that the story does what it should do. No romance as such, though. Just some banter. Squeaky clean.
To summarize, Holiday Hideaway is a short and cute story about two people becoming unexpected housemates, even if one of them doesn’t know of the other’s presence.
Thank you, NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

What a cute story and now I want more George and Tilly!!!

I love everything MKA writes and this short story is just what I needed. Sweet, funny with the typical MKA wit!!!

Thank you Netgalley and Amazon Original Stories for the chance to read and review this cute cute story!!!

A short holiday romance to get you in the Christmas mood. Tilly and George were comfortable characters that you hoped would get together. Add in a cute dog and you goer a good story.

I love a good holiday story The author has several holiday novels that are my favorites. I found this book lacking, it was cute, but lacked the it factor . The first 70% is a great pace and sets up for a potentially great story, then it just gets super rushed and ended. I

A cute short story!! I think the plot could’ve been more believable even in the short amount of time if the characters would’ve recognized each other right away? Why would George be like “it’s always been you” 😂 when it seems like they didn’t really have a history. Easy to read writing and quirky characters tho!

A fun, feel-good holiday tale.
The romantic tangles all get resolved as neatly as a gift-wrapped holiday package!
And who doesn't luv a happy ending.

With thanks to NetGalley & Amazon Original Stories for this e-ARC.

“Holiday Hideaway” is a short story by Mary Kay Andrews. In typical Andrews fashion, this is a cute little romance - with a different take on a meet-cute. Just because one knows how it’s going to end, doesn’t mean that the ride to get to the conclusion is a bad one. I found myself wondering, a few times, how things were going to happen and being surprised by the direction Ms. Andrews took - always a good sign. It was a quick, fast, and enjoyable read!

Tillie who is homeless over the holidays moves into an empty house Enter George there those’ll his house and you have a charming Christmas story. Great reading!

Christmas is coming and here’s Mary Kay Andrews gift to readers. A crumbling seaside mansion, an unhappy tech magnate and a briefly homeless real estate property manager are wrapped up and delivered with a bow. Tilly Faraday is the newly divorced, unlucky realtor, camping out in the empty house until she and her charming rescue dog can move into her new rental. After the new owner George Holloway appears, she’s forced to hide out in the attic until he leaves. But he doesn’t leave and after an accident the two meet for what turns out to be the second time. High School was a long time ago but feelings linger and soon Tilly and George realize what is really important in their lives. This is a short, sweet story that will leave you with a smile. Thank you, Mary Kay Andrews! 5 stras.

Thank you to NetGalley, Amazon Original Stories and Mary Kay Andrews for this ARC.

Mary Kay Andrews NEVER disappoints ~ this is a short story with all of the pieces required for
an hour in front of a fire with a cup of cocoa. When you’re done reading, you can put the story
in order in your own head, and then have a lovely afternoon or evening.

I know this is a short story and all, but I feel like it needed just a handful of extra pages to really seal the deal on the love story between Tilly and George. The first 80% or so of this story was so good and the pace was wonderful, but it seemed like the ending was rushed and there wasn’t anytime for there to really have a bond formed between the two characters. Despite that, it was still an adorable clean Christmas romance that I’d recommend for just about any age.

I enjoyed this, it was very cute. The first 70% is a great pace and sets up for a potentially great story, then it just gets super rushed and ended. There wasn't much time for them to build a connection actually being together, I know it's a short story, but just a handful more of pages could have really given them a better bond to make their interest in each other feel believable.

Thank you, Amazon Original Stories, for the ARC.

Such a good adult wholesome romance!

Expect no strings attached (no, not talking about spice here!). The main characters were involved with their respective partners. However, issues get resolved and communication well executed as adults are supposed to do so.

Such a short delightful story.

I love the dog so much!

The ending is perfect!

And that cover has my heart!

MKA writes the best holiday stories! Short, sweet, and put you in a festive mood! So excited to get this one for this holiday season. Thank you!