Not Home for the Holidays is the reverse-Hallmark Christmas movie where the country girl finds her city HEA.

The week before Christmas, quirky, country girl Emma Lopez is in New York City, aiming to win a social media contest for small-business owners. Minutes before her high-stakes interview, an impulsive, sizzling kiss under the mistletoe with a handsome businessman turns into an even bigger surprise

She goes all-in enjoying the holiday excitement of the city and shaking up a certain dapper businessman. Thanks to a snowstorm, her phone, and a couple more kisses, she counts herself a winner. Then, her high-spirited attitude leads to an unexpected opportunity of a lifetime, one she’s certain she can’t accept.

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"I loved the secondary characters and the almost instant bond that the contestants found among themselves. I think the most important thing here is that everything felt very real like it could easily happen, and that is the type of story that will draw me in and keep me engaged until the final page. I had fun with NOT HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS and would not hesitate to recommend it to readers who love a good Christmas Romance."

--Marsha, KeeperBookshelf

"One thing I enjoyed about this book is how positive it is. We need more of this in our crazy divided world right now. It shows people in competition working together as friends."

--Amazon Reveiwer

Dear Santa,

As you know, this past year has been a rough one.

If I ask you for an extra special Christmas this year, you might start imagining glittering snow, cozy family gatherings, sweet-faced children making cookies, and feisty senior citizens getting into everyone else’s business. You might start thinking I want a holiday season like one of those Christmas romance movies featuring a crazed workaholic woman who needs to learn how to slow down and appreciate life. You know, set aside her own dreams and replace them with someone else’s. That someone else being a steady small-town man who knows the value of family.

You know I live in that small town, like the ones in the movies. There are barns and cozy houses, there are generations of traditions, there are football games and parades, and yes, there are many sturdy small-town guys who know about animals and can work with their hands and have loads of country charm. I even had that flannel-shirted, small-town guy. Had. Past tense.

The point is, I’d like a different sort of holiday romance. I’m not the sort of person to give up on my dreams just because some handsome guy tells me I should slow down and appreciate the little things. Like if I do, then he’ll find me worthy. And I’m not the kind of girl who fits into that stereotypical, small-town, feel good about giving up on a successful career so you can start an apron collection scene.

If you’re cool with all of that, I’m open for what you have stashed in your bag.

If not, well, I guess it’s the naughty list for me.

With hope and thanks,

Emma