A Christmas Affair by Jodi Thomas: Novella Review

At only 90 pages, A Christmas Affair is a swift, heartwarming read that beautifully addresses the emotional gaps present in Indigo Lake, providing readers with deeper insight into Maria Anne’s narrative.

Synopsis: A Christmas Affair

In the heart of a small Texas town dusted with December snow, two unlikely souls find themselves on the brink of something extraordinary.

Maria Anne Davis once dreamed of dazzling diners as a rising star in Dallas’s culinary scene. But after a tragic car accident left her blind, Maria’s life veered off course. Fiercely independent, she’s rebuilt her world with quiet strength—launching a thriving home business selling handmade jams and jellies, and filling her kitchen with spice, sugar, and determination.

Yet behind Maria’s capable façade lies a secret yearning—for the kind of sweeping romance she devours in books, the kind where passion overcomes all odds. Still, she suspects such love may never be hers, especially in a town where she’s already had to fight to prove she belongs.

Wes Whitman is the local grocer—reserved, thoughtful, and content in his solitude. But Maria’s radiant spirit and unstoppable drive have captivated him from the start. He’s proud to stock her products, even if he’s too tongue-tied to say how much she means to him.

As Christmas approaches, the town twinkles with promise, and Wes begins to realize that Maria might be the missing flavor in his life. But love requires risk—and courage. And if Wes wants a future with Maria, he’ll have to show her that the quietest hearts can hold the fiercest love.

A Christmas Affair is a heartwarming holiday tale about finding joy after hardship, trusting in connection, and letting love rewrite the future.

Review: A Christmas Affair

A Christmas Affair by Jodi Thomas is a short novella in the Ransom Canyon series—technically book 6.5—taking place alongside the events of Indigo Lake, which focused on Blade and Dakota’s romance. Here, the spotlight shifts to Dakota’s sister, Maria Anne Davis, who lost her sight in a car accident, and Wes, the owner of the local store.

At just 90 pages, A Christmas Affair is a quick, heartwarming read that fills in the emotional gaps left in Indigo Lake, offering readers more insight into Maria Anne’s story.

Honestly, I can imagine these two books being combined into a single edition—though that would create a hefty volume of around 500 pages, which be much for the genre.

That said, this novella is a welcome addition to the Ransom Canyon universe. Maria Anne Davis always came across as kind and endearing in the main series, so it was satisfying to be able to follow her, journey more deeply.

The character arc did not disappoint being a real pleasure to follow. While her blindness is part of her identity, it never defines her completely. And though I can’t speak to the accuracy of the representation, it felt respectful and balanced—never overplayed or used solely for emotional weight.

One of the more delightful touches is her love of spicy romance novels, which added personality and even a bit of humor to her growing relationship with Wes. It made me wonder if Jodi Thomas was subtly commenting on how our reading preferences influence real-life expectations in relationships.

As for Wes, his story—of an ordinary man falling in love with an extraordinary woman—was especially enjoyable to read, particularly from a male perspective. Perhaps Maria Anne’s blindness helped shift the romance away from physical appearances, allowing Thomas to focus more on emotional connection and compatibility.

The subplot involving a young child who comes to live in town was also a smart narrative choice. It allowed readers to see Wes interacting with someone other than Maria Anne, reinforcing the sincerity of his kind-hearted nature.

Conclusion

Whether you’re following the Ransom Canyon series or simply looking for a quick holiday-themed read, A Christmas Affair by Jodi Thomas is a charming, feel-good novella. It works beautifully as a companion to the 6th novel in the series, Indigo Lake. However, it also stands strong on its own offering a story filled with warmth, connection, and quiet romance.

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