26 Ways to Come Home For The Holidays

ROMANCE

26 Ways to Come Home For The Holidays

A Christmas Season Novella

By Jennifer Joy

GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT WITH ’26 WAYS TO COME HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS,’ A FRIENDS-TO-LOVERS HOLIDAY ROMANCE

PAPERBACK

E-BOOK

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.

Inspiration for ’26 Ways’

“26 WAYS TO COME HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS” was inspired by the author’s upbringing in Pittsburgh, where the city’s Golden Triangle would come alive each holiday season with themed department store windows, trees, and the sounds of marching bands in Christmas parades. These traditions—still a joyous part of the holiday season—have lasted decades. Cherished trips to “dahntahn” Pittsburgh to see the lights are a must-do for families all over the city during Christmastime.

ISBN: 979-8218213664

Publish Date: August 15, 2023

Pages: 162 pages

Size: 5.25 x 0.41 x 8 inches

Weight: 6.7 ounces

A fast-paced and charming colleagues-to-lovers tale for holiday romance fans.
Kirkus

“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

“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

“This novella is utterly charming. Stella is so relatable, and the Christmas windows tradition reminds me of my favorite holiday trips to New York. This story put me in the holiday spirit, and I can’t wait to make reading it part of my annual traditions! Thank you, Jennifer Joy, for a wonderful story. If you’re on the fence–gove yourself an early present and take the leap! You won’t regret it!”

— Kimberly M Barron on Amazon

Put away your copy of Love, Actually this year and pivot to this story instead. This novella is a heartwarming gift to readers, wrapped in the festive spirit of the holidays.
Independent Book Review

Full Review

“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.

“I’m not usually into romance novels, but this one was full of wit. Each character had their own quirks that brought them to life; as a reader, you felt like they were your friends by the end. Not to mention, having Christmas window displays being the main setting was so unexpected and unique. A feminist angle coming from a period piece was also incredibly welcome! Check this one out if you need some warm, fuzzy feelings during the winter. I’ll definitely explore Jennifer Joy’s other books.”

— crankycarrot on Amazon

Meet the Author

Jennifer Joy

Jennifer Joy (née Jennifer Fickley-Baker) is the author of 26 Ways to Come Home for the Holidays: A Christmastime Novella. She was born in Pittsburgh and fell in love with stories before she could read by listening to books on tape.

Jennifer worked as a writer and editor for Disney Parks for 19 years. She earned an MA in Creative Writing from Harvard University in 2022. She lives in Florida with her husband, two children, and golden retriever.

26 Ways to Come Home For The Holidays