Gingersnapped

Elle Rioche has always lived a Hallmark movie-esque life. In the quaint, Christmas-loving town of Glistlemint, she spends her days at home in the family-owned bakery, where she loves nothing more than making memories with family and friends...and Christmas.

However, with her mother's worsening health and most of her friends gone to college, this year threatens to change. With her friends returning for Christmas break, Elle is determined to prove that friendships and having fun don't have to stop when you grow up. The thing is, it doesn't seem like anyone else cares...or even wants that to be true. Her best friend, Zoey Hadassah, spends all her free time now with her boyfriend, and her old goofball friend, Felix Caridad, has changed entirely. Add that to her changing home life and the sudden news that her family will have to relocate, and Elle snaps-overcome with a fear that those fond childhood memories will never be hers to enjoy again.

That nothing will ever be the same again.

In this short little Christmas novella, find out what it means to truly live in the moment as Elle learns how to value the blessing of family and friendship.

Cover art by Brooke Abides 2026