Holiday Hideaway by Mary Kay Andrews
When I see something new by an author I like, I click on it! That’s just how it works. And in this case it’s a Christmas short story. Today we’re going to be discussing Holiday Hideaway by Mary Kay Andrews.
I know what you’re thinking. A short story? How is that satisfying? But in this case, it really is. I found Holiday Hideaway by Mary Kay Andrews to be very sweet. And because it’s so short, it’s very to the point. Add in the holiday atmosphere and rom com shenanigans and it’s the perfect story for this time of year.
If you enjoyed today’s discussion, you can read more Christmas reviews here.
What is Holiday Hideaway by Mary Kay Andrews About?
From New York Times bestselling author Mary Kay Andrews comes a charming holiday romance about a newly single thirtysomething whose unauthorized vacation rental turns into a hilarious game of hide-and-seek when the new owner unexpectedly shows up.
Tilly Farriday isn’t feeling very jolly this season. Recently divorced and broke, she’s squatting in one of her rental agency’s properties until her new home is ready. The sprinkles on top of the burnt Christmas cookie that is her life? The new owner shows up early, forcing Tilly to hide in the attic to save her job…and what remains of her dignity.
George Holloway is here to sell his granduncle’s house—and to reconsider whether he and his fiancée are right for each other. Amid home repairs, George notices strange noises and missing food, but as much as he gets his rental agent on the phone, Tilly dodges every invitation to meet. He’s sure that someone’s here with him, and it’s certainly not the Ghost of Christmas Past, Present, or Future.
As Tilly and George circle each other, they both wonder where their lives are headed and if, maybe, meeting each other is just the Christmas miracle they need. (from Amazon.com)
Who is Mary Kay Andrews?
Mary Kay Andrews is a bestselling American author known for her lighthearted, Southern-themed novels that often blend romance, mystery, and humor. Born Kathy Hogan Trocheck, she initially wrote mysteries under her real name before adopting the pen name Mary Kay Andrews for her women’s fiction. Her books frequently explore themes of friendship, family, and second chances, set against vibrant Southern backdrops. Some of her most popular works include The Weekenders, Savannah Blues, and Hello, Summer.
She’s also the author of a couple of Christmas novels including Blue Christmas, Christmas Bliss, The Santa Suit, and Bright Lights, Big Christmas. The most recent addition to her Christmas stories is Holiday Hideaway.
My Initial Thoughts
I have to be completely honest here. My first thoughts when reading this story were oh god, this is my worst nightmare. See, Tilly is happily making herself at home in the vacation property until a car pull up out front. That’s when George arrives. So rather than be a normal person and announce her presence, she runs to the attic (with her dog Smoosh, I might add) to take shelter until she can come up with a better plan.
But it doesn’t stop there. While George is living in the house, Tilly is creeping around in the shadows having breakfast and brushing her teeth. Even taking her dog out. And that just freaks me out. Haha. She does it in a very respectful way and I understand that she had nowhere else to go. Her best friends house is too full and she doesn’t have enough money for a new apartment of her own until she gets paid.
But the creeping around in the shadows thing really scares me. Haha. And that’s probably because I’ve read creepy reddit threads about things like that actually happening!
The Backstory
The funny thing about Tilly and George is that while they are unknowingly sharing a home, but they also have a past together. Tilly was a senior in high school while George was a junior. She realizes who he is first (because she’s hiding in the attic) and then he finds out who she is later on.
I thought this was a sweet part of the story. I’m not a fan of insta-love in stories, I prefer a slow burn more. So when George realized that Tilly was married (and divorced) to her high school sweetheart, that was a blow. And George had a woman who desperately wanted to be engaged to him. Also a blow.
But things come to light when you least expect it. I guess what I’m trying to say is I like how they had a backstory and it was fun to see how that backstory led them to their current, everyday lives.
You Will Enjoy This Story If:
- You’re a fan of Mary Kay Andrews
- You enjoy Christmas stories
- You’re looking for a short and happy read
- You want something Christmas-y to read to boost your holiday spirit
This is a Charming Novella
I really enjoyed this story because I liked both Tilly and George right off the bat. It made me laugh how at first they were strangers, and then they realized that they went to high school together. Their unlikely friendship even turned into more by the end of the time that they spend together. I’m not a fan of insta-love so I appreciated how the main characters liked each other, but they didn’t jump to anything crazy right away. In a word where things tend to happen very quickly, I appreciated how in this short holiday story things happened on the slower side.
In Conclusion
Thank you for checking out my Holiday Hideaway by Mary Kay Andrews book review. This story was so sweet and it’s the perfect mix of festive cheer and holiday hi-jinx. While it definitely threw me off how Tilly was hiding in the attic, I appreciated how the story progressed and how she was able to help George when he found himself in trouble.
The holiday season is the perfect time to read all of the Christmas books and stories, so I hope you get to check out this book. It’s a sweet Christmas story that makes me feel thankful this holiday season.
