Meet Ghosts of Christmas Presents: A Cozy Holiday Novella

Last week, I shared my new(ish) release, Ghost Writing, here on the blog. Today, I wanted to share Ghosts of Christmas Presents, the holiday novella sequel that came out almost two weeks ago now. I love this sweet little story so much, and I hope you will, too!

It's the day before Thanksgiving, and I need to go make some pies, so I'm just going to paste the press release here from Astralumen Press, my books' publisher. If you have any questions about Ghost Writing or Ghosts of Christmas Presents, don't hesitate to reach out to me!

Get to Know Ghosts of Christmas Presents

Some stories stay with you long after the final page, and for many readers, Ghost Writing, the award-winning debut by Danielle Smyth, was one of them. Callie and Will’s slow-burn love story resonated deeply — equal parts tender, nostalgic, and hopeful. Now, Astralumen Press is thrilled to return to their world with a brand-new holiday novella: Ghosts of Christmas Presents by bestselling author Danielle Smyth.

If you’ve ever faced the holidays carrying both joy and grief, or wondered whether magic could coexist with real life, this follow-up is just right.

A season of love, uncertainty, and second chances

Callie has always adored Christmas — soft lights, holiday movies, family traditions. But this year, something is different. She and Will are hosting their first Christmas together, and the house should be filled with joy… yet Callie can’t shake the feeling that something is off.

Unexpected guests arrive. Will seems distracted. And while she tries to make the season bright, Callie finds herself haunted by memories, what-ifs, and the fear that she might lose everything she’s finally gained.

At the same time, she’s holding onto a quiet, impossible hope: she’s still waiting to hear back about the book deal that could finally make her dream of becoming a published author come true.

What follows is a holiday filled with surprises — some painful, some beautiful, all transformative. Secrets come to light, relationships deepen, and the past returns in ways Callie never expected. Through it all, she learns that Christmas magic isn’t loud or perfect… it’s found in honesty, forgiveness, and the people who choose to love us even when it’s hard.

A cozy story for the holidays

This novella is perfect for anyone who enjoys:

• Romance that feels real and grounded

• Characters who love deeply and imperfectly

• Found family dynamics and heartfelt conversations

• A balance of warmth, humor, and emotional depth

• Christmas comfort reads that stay with you long after December

Ghosts of Christmas Presents continues Callie and Will’s story while standing firmly on its own — equal parts hopeful, romantic, and healing.

Available now wherever books are sold

Readers can order the novella in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats from:

• Astralumen Press

• Amazon

• Barnes & Noble

• Walmart

• Independent bookstores online

Leaving a review or recommending the book to a friend is one of the most meaningful ways to support a small press and a working author.

A new holiday tradition begins

Whether you're reconnecting with characters you loved in Ghost Writing or discovering Callie and Will for the first time, Ghosts of Christmas Presents is the kind of story that invites you to slow down, get cozy, and believe — even cautiously — in love and wonder again.

Here’s to a new kind of Christmas magic.