Behind the Scenes: Lighting Up Christmas Novella Collection

Christmas is a season filled with hope, joy, and maybe even a little unexpected romance! Step behind the stories of Lighting Up Christmas: Four Faith-Filled Christmas Romance Novellas as two of the collection’s authors share what inspired their Christmas tales, the messages of faith and hope woven into their stories, and a few of their favorite moments from bringing these festive romances to life.

Hear from Amy:

What inspired your novella in this collection?

I had this idea about what would happen if a girl loved to decorate for Christmas but she lived on the other side of a duplex from a guy who didn’t. How would they clash? It was loads of fun to explore the different scenarios of her lights infringing his space.

What do you hope readers will enjoy or take away from your story?

There is a lot of joy and hope at Christmas-time, especially. The thing is, as Christians, our joy should last through the whole year because it’s based in Jesus as our savior. It’s more than a temporary emotion. It’s something deep within us that we can find even in the hard times. My character Holly shows that and her neighbor starts to want to know more.

What was one favorite character, scene, research detail, or behind-the-scenes moment from writing your novella?

Favorite scene? This is hard because I love so many of them. Definitely the scene with the roof. I won’t say more because it would ruin the fun, but there may or may not be some … issues with her hanging lights up above. 😉

Hear from Regina:

What inspired your novella in this collection?

I love writing Christmas stories, and when Amy Anguish put the idea out there, I jumped at the chance!

What do you hope readers will enjoy or take away from your story?

Christmas is a time of hope, even when faced with the impossible. Nothing is impossible with God! He gives us His love through the people who come alongside and help smooth out the rough spots.

What was one favorite character, scene, research detail, or behind-the-scenes moment from writing your novella?

My favorite character(s) are the 10-year-old twins, Luke and Evie. It’s hard on kids when their entire life is turned upside down, but it doesn’t stop them from being kids, and their bickering was my favorite thing to write. They notice when their sister is overwhelmed, and they hatch a plan to help her make Christmas a success – and they might just have another plan up their sleeves!

Lighting up Christmas by Amy R. Anguish, Heather Greer, Mary Pat Johns, and Regina Rudd Merrick

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release date: September 29, 2026

Read the first chapter of each novella for FREE here.

The Bright Side of Christmas (by Amy R Anguish)—Living in a duplex should be easy, but when Robert’s neighbor starts Christmas decorating before Thanksgiving, he draws the line. Holly adores all holidays, especially Christmas, and the lights are her passion. When her grouchy neighbor won’t allow lights on his side of the duplex, she plots to bring holiday joy to the grinch. But Christmas may not be the only thing he ends up falling for.

The Light of a Christmas Star (by Heather Greer)—Elena Bell must ensure Tannenbaum’s Festival of Lights is the town’s most successful. Families who lost their jobs are counting on it. When rising Hollywood star, Trenton Wills, arrives at her B and B, Elena believes he’s the answer to the town’s needs. Trenton’s willingness to help is just one reason Elena finds herself falling for the handsome leading man. But Trenton has secrets. As truths surface, are Elena’s Christmas romance and the festival’s success both broken dreams? Or will God show Elena a different Christmas star to follow?

‘Twas the Light Before Christmas (by Mary Pat Johns)—He’s lost his joy. She’s fighting for hers.

When Cooper enters the region’s biggest Christmas lights competition, he expects fierce rivalry—not the spark he feels with Mandy, the determined woman fighting to save her family’s beloved park. As dazzling displays and high-stakes dreams bring them closer, the line between competition and love begins to blur.

But only one can win the prize. Will they risk losing their hearts—or discover a bright future together?

A Little Light Music (by Regina Rudd Merrick)—When Holly Shepherd faces her family’s first Christmas after loss, creating joy for her young siblings feels impossible. But when author Paxton Hollis returns home—and quietly helps revive her father’s beloved light display—hope begins to shine again. This Christmas, Holly discovers love may be the brightest gift of all.

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