“Holiday Hideaway” by Mary Kay Andrews is a charming novella that brings the perfect mix of festive cheer, humour, and heart. For anyone who’s a fan of Andrews’ holiday stories, this one delivers all the warmth and second chances that are her hallmark. Even though it’s a shorter tale, it feels complete and leaves you with a satisfying glow.

The story follows Tilly Farriday, who’s having a less-than-merry Christmas. Recently divorced and financially strapped, she and her dog have taken refuge in one of her rental agency’s properties, hoping to lie low until her own home is ready. The trouble begins when the property’s new owner, George Holloway, turns up unexpectedly, forcing Tilly into a hilarious game of hide-and-seek to avoid detection. Andrews’ knack for blending comedy and romance shines through as Tilly tiptoes around the house, hiding in the attic, while George remains blissfully unaware—at least for a while.

George isn’t just in town to sell the house, though. He’s also taking some time to reflect on his relationship with his fiancée, unsure whether he’s truly ready to marry her. The collision of these two characters—both at crossroads in their lives—leads to some sweet, funny, and endearing moments. Their growing connection feels genuine, and as they each start to confront their fears and hopes, you can’t help but root for them.

Despite the novella’s brevity, it never feels rushed. Andrews does a wonderful job of developing both Tilly and George’s characters and making their budding romance believable. I found myself laughing at Tilly’s antics as she dodges George’s attempts to meet and warm to her vulnerability as she faces her uncertain future. The festive setting adds a magical backdrop to their story, and while there’s plenty of humour, the underlying theme of second chances is heartwarming.

The Narration:

I listened to the audiobook version, narrated by Eva Kaminsky, who was absolutely fantastic. Her narration brought Tilly and George to life, and her comedic timing was spot on, especially during Tilly’s more chaotic moments. If you’re an audiobook fan, I highly recommend this version—it’s a delightful way to experience the story.

Final Thoughts:

All in all, “Holiday Hideaway” is a delightful holiday read. It’s light, romantic, and perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit. Whether you’re looking for a quick read or something to listen to while wrapping presents, this novella is sure to make you smile.

I received an ARC of this audiobook from the publisher, but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

3.5 - quick hallmark worthy holiday read - I always enjoy Mary Kay Andrew’s holiday works and this one didn’t disappoint! Super cheesy & cute!
Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

Holiday Hideaway is a delightful little short story to get you in the Christmas mood early; the queen of beach reads Mary Kay Andrews never disappoints! I only wish it had been longer, it can be read in an hour, I wish it had been a fully developed novel! I loved the characters it was so cute and charming and really was just what I needed to get ready for Christmas!

Loved this short! Not usually romance gal, but this was really cute. Would absolutely recommend to readers when it debuts.

This is the cutest book! What a great plot line. Tilly is down on her luck and needs a place to stay temporarily. She decides to stay in one of her rental agency’s properties; since it is vacant. However, it’s not vacant for long. Unexpectedly, the owner’s nephew begins staying in the house until he can sell it. Tilly must hide! George, the man who moved in, begins to hear things in the house but can’t figure out what it is.

We usually see this trope in a horror novel and it never turns out well. Using it in a romantic story line is so unique and fun. Great job, MKA! You are kicking off our holiday reading with this fun story! Maybe we’ll see Tilly and George in the future?

Thanks for NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for the ARC of this audiobook.

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁: The perfect holiday Novella, it’s short and sweet and captures the holiday magic. This was the great audiobook listen, I loved the narrator and the way the story came to life.

Tilly lost everything in her divorce and then she was evicted from her apartment because the landlord found out about her dog. So she finds herself squatting at a house for the next few weeks leading up to the Holidays. Tilly works for the rental agency so she knows that the Crows Nest, will be empty during her stay but it still could cost her, her job if anyone found out.

George great uncle recently passed and he and his cousins inherited the Crows Nest. What use to be a family jewel has fallen into disrepair and this holiday season he will be working to flip it so they can sell it. But George didn’t count on finding groceries and toiletries stocked when he got there.

Tilly soon realizes she’s in trouble! Her plan for a place to live just went out the window and to make it more awkward she knows who George is. He was a year younger than her in HS and they were in show choir together. Maybe their history will prevent him from throwing her out and getting her fired… guess you’ll have to read this one to find out.

Check Holiday Hideaway out on Amazon and Audible when it releases on October 29th.

𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅:

* House Squatting for the Holidays
* Friends to Lovers
* Forced Proximity
* Second Chance
* High School Crush
* Divorcee
* Light Hearted & Fun
* Holiday Novella
* Single POV

🌲❄️🎶🌲❄️🎶🌲❄️🎶🌲❄️🎶❄️🎶🌲

3.5⭐️ rounded up

This was a fun holiday short story. The whole story is full of multiple over the top events that require the reader to suspend disbelief. It’s still fun and enjoyable and had me rooting for Tilly! She’s such a quirky character. The romance was a little too insta-love for me, but I guess in a short story it has to be.

The narration was fun and I thought she did a great job bringing the story to life. If you’re looking for a fun, quick read between other books then I recommend picking this one up. Perfect for your December TBR!

the setup…
Tilly Farriday thinks she’s found the perfect solution to her current housing dilemma. Newly divorced and broke since she’s spent her last dollars on a new apartment after being evicted because of her dog Smoosh, Tilly is spending the two weeks in Crowe’s Nest, one of her rental agency’s vacant properties until her new place is ready. The house hasn’t been rented in over a year so what’s the risk? Well…just so happens that the owner’s great nephew, George Holloway has suddenly shown up!

the heart of the story…
What are the odds something like this would happen, especially at Christmas time? It was as funny as it appears as Tilly hides away in the attic, trying to find a way out of the situation, bearing in mind she had nowhere else to go. It was a comedy of errors as George finds evidence that things are disappearing and Tilly is trying to elude him.

the narration…
Eva Kaminsky, one of my favorites, delivered her typical great performance. Loved her as Tilly and she showed her comedic storytelling skills.

the bottom line…
There’s a romance that develops but it’s not the insta love that is implied. I was looking for a light-hearted Christmas story and this was delightful. It’s a gem of a short story, just enough to whet my appetite.

In true Mary Kay Andrews form she remains the Queen of Christmas and Beach Reads that make you feel good.

Her books always have an element of romance and a wholesome happily ever after at the end.

This was a nice story to turn up your holiday spirit… the setting just wanted me to build a cozy fire, light a holiday candle and plug in my Christmas lights (no, they are not up already. Don’t judge me😂🤣😂). I’d even be OK with a blizzard after reading that book.