The Christmas Favor
(2026)(The first book in the Christmas in Willow Creek series)
A novel by Melissa Alyse
She'd gotten good at making Christmas beautiful for everyone else. Believing it could still be beautiful for her was another story.
Vanessa has a gift for transforming houses into warm, welcoming homes where Christmas memories come to life. Hiding behind twinkling lights and evergreen garlands has always been easier than letting anyone truly know her.
When her best friend Lauren calls in a long-overdue favor and asks Vanessa to decorate her brother Caleb's home for Willow Creek's beloved annual Christmas House Tour, Vanessa agrees.
Ever since his fiancée ended their engagement three years ago, firefighter Caleb has kept his heart safely out of reach. Opening his home for the holidays is one thing. Trusting the woman who fills every room with warmth, laughter, and the spirit of Christmas is something else entirely.
As Christmas decorations go up and cherished traditions unfold, Vanessa begins to wonder if the life she's always longed for has been waiting on the other side of her fears. Caleb can't help wondering if God is gently answering the prayer he stopped praying years ago.
But as the Christmas House Tour draws near, they'll have to decide whether they're willing to trust the One who makes all things new... and the unexpected love growing between them.
Because sometimes the greatest Christmas gift isn't waiting beneath the tree—it's discovering you're loved more deeply than you ever imagined.
Perfect for readers who love Hallmark-style Christmas romance, small-town charm, heartfelt faith, and happily-ever-afters filled with hope and faith.
Genre: Inspirational
Vanessa has a gift for transforming houses into warm, welcoming homes where Christmas memories come to life. Hiding behind twinkling lights and evergreen garlands has always been easier than letting anyone truly know her.
When her best friend Lauren calls in a long-overdue favor and asks Vanessa to decorate her brother Caleb's home for Willow Creek's beloved annual Christmas House Tour, Vanessa agrees.
Ever since his fiancée ended their engagement three years ago, firefighter Caleb has kept his heart safely out of reach. Opening his home for the holidays is one thing. Trusting the woman who fills every room with warmth, laughter, and the spirit of Christmas is something else entirely.
As Christmas decorations go up and cherished traditions unfold, Vanessa begins to wonder if the life she's always longed for has been waiting on the other side of her fears. Caleb can't help wondering if God is gently answering the prayer he stopped praying years ago.
But as the Christmas House Tour draws near, they'll have to decide whether they're willing to trust the One who makes all things new... and the unexpected love growing between them.
Because sometimes the greatest Christmas gift isn't waiting beneath the tree—it's discovering you're loved more deeply than you ever imagined.
Perfect for readers who love Hallmark-style Christmas romance, small-town charm, heartfelt faith, and happily-ever-afters filled with hope and faith.
Genre: Inspirational