WINDERMERE, FLA. – Sept. 1, 2023 – “26 Ways to Come Home for the Holidays” by Jennifer Joy, is a friends-to-lovers historical romance set in a department store during the holiday season during World War II. The title will be released Oct. 2, 2023 by Foxburg & Stern Books.
DESCRIPTION
It’s Thanksgiving 1942, and Stella West, the first-ever head of holidays for Hanover’s Department Store is left in a bind when her lead window designer runs off days before the grand unveiling of the store’s Christmas windows—a tradition the entire city treasures. Up against the clock, she scrambles to gather together a rag-tag team of store employees to finish the job, including their picky luxury stylist, two flirtatious personal shoppers, a handful of delivery boys, and Stella’s best pal, Hector.
As the group races to complete the store’s twenty-six ‘Home for the Holidays’-themed Christmas windows, Stella is stunned to discover that Hector is newly single and realizes the feelings she’d buried for him long ago may run deeper than she ever imagined. Dodging a baker who’s sweet on her, the store kiss-up who’s after her job, and the store owner who wants an early preview — Stella has more than enough to worry about without her love life adding to the mix. But with the ribbon-cutting approaching (and the news of Hector’s epic bachelor status swirling through the store), Stella realizes that telling him how she feels might be now or never, even if it means risking losing him entirely.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jennifer Joy is the pen name of author Jennifer Fickley-Baker. Prior to jumping into fiction, Jennifer spent nearly 20 years as a writer and editor for Disney Parks. She grew up in Pittsburgh and is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, University of Central Florida, and Harvard University’s Harvard Extension program. She currently resides in Windermere, Florida with her husband, two sons, and golden retriever.
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EARLY PRAISE FOR “26 WAYS”
“Every town has their own cherished holiday tradition. In 26 Ways to Come Home for the Holidays, we journey back to 1942 and follow the character of Stella as she races to save her city’s beloved department store Christmas window unveiling. With time running out, the unexpected news of her best pal Hector’s new single status knocks her off her feet. 26 Ways is a delightful comedic look at the people who bring holiday traditions to life — yesterday, today and tomorrow.”
—David Paul Kirkpatrick, former president of Paramount Pictures and former production chief of Walt Disney Studios
“26 Ways to Come Home for the Holidays is a book that will resonate with fans of romantic comedies and those who revel in the joy of happiness. It encapsulates the very essence of the holiday season and is a reminder that sometimes the most important thing in life is to follow your heart and to trust in yourself. Put away your copy of Love, Actually this year and pivot to this story instead.”
Independent Book Review
“A fast-paced and charming colleagues-to-lovers tale for holiday romance fans.”
Kirkus
“A delightful, nostalgic throwback to the warmth that could be found on even the coldest days of the wartime holiday shopping season in downtown Pittsburgh. The story of Stella and Hector is at turns as lighthearted and heartwarming as their growing friendship. The surrounding cast of quirky and endearing personalities form a team that’s impossible not to root for as they work to give Pittsburgh the holiday traditions they love. [The author’s] scene-setting and dialogue will have readers feeling they’ve been transported to 1942 where they’re surrounded by laughter, love, and just a touch of good chaos.”
Virginia Montanez, Nothing. Everything.
“Jennifer Joy’s 26 Ways to Come Home for The Holidays is a festive Christmas love story about tradition, resourcefulness, home, and knowing how and when to buck the rules. Joy is a magnificent storyteller and researcher who has a knack for bringing stories—especially stories about the past—to life.”
Elisabeth Sharp McKetta, author of Ark and Awake with Asashoryu
ABOUT FOXBURG & STERN BOOKS
Foxburg & Stern Books was established in 2023. It publishes romance, thrillers, and middle-grade fantasy. Learn more at FoxburgandStern.com.
Foxburg & Stern Books 