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Holiday Hideaway: A Short Story Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars 12,986 ratings
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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.

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  1. Listening Length
    1 hour and 59 minutes
  2. Author
    Mary Kay Andrews
  3. Narrator
    Eva Kaminsky
  4. Audible release date
    October 29, 2024
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Amazon Original Stories
  7. ASIN
    B0DJH6NPVY
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
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Product details

Listening Length 1 hour and 59 minutes
Author Mary Kay Andrews
Narrator Eva Kaminsky
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date October 29, 2024
Publisher Amazon Original Stories
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B0DJH6NPVY
Best Sellers Rank #9,054 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#12 in Christian Romance (Audible Books & Originals)
#25 in Contemporary Christian Romance
#230 in Romantic Comedy (Audible Books & Originals)

Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
12,986 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story easy to read and enjoy. They describe it as a cute, sweet holiday romance with delightful characters that readers can visualize. The humor is lighthearted and makes them smile. Readers appreciate the heartwarming moments and cozy feel of the story. The writing style is described as clever and well-written. Many consider it a perfect Christmas gift for Mary Kay Andrews fans. However, some find the book too short.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
ReadabilityCute readCharacter developmentHumorHeartwarming storyWriting styleGift valueShortness
215 customers mention "Readability"198 positive17 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it an enjoyable holiday story with a great plot and characters that gets them into the spirit of the season. The book is described as a quick, fun read that will put you in the holiday mood.

"You can always depend on MKA to bring her readers a story with a great plot and fantastic characters that will bring a smile to your face...." Read more

"this is literally a short and sweet holiday romcom about a girl who has been squatting at a vacation home, and the owner returning to it...." Read more

"...This was a fun, easy to guess ending, holiday story that was sweet, clean and heartwarming. Five star Christmas goody." Read more

"This one was cute. It was a quick read so the storyline moved along...." Read more

77 customers mention "Cute read"77 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it a sweet, feel-good Christmas romance with an engaging cover that draws readers in. The story is well-written and enjoyable.

"...This was a fun look at two lonely people looking for love...." Read more

"...and there were some really cute moments. and yk what, i actually enjoy that there is no spice in this at all...." Read more

"...This was a fun, easy to guess ending, holiday story that was sweet, clean and heartwarming. Five star Christmas goody." Read more

"This one was cute. It was a quick read so the storyline moved along...." Read more

22 customers mention "Character development"22 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the well-developed characters. They find them likable and sympathetic. The banter between the main characters via text messages is enjoyable.

"...on MKA to bring her readers a story with a great plot and fantastic characters that will bring a smile to your face...." Read more

"This was a sweet little story with fun characters. Fun banter with no spice ok to listen to with others around." Read more

"Super cute and quick holiday read ❤️ I loved both of the characters and the idea of the story. Worth the read." Read more

"...Great little audiobook for a short flight. Loved all the characters, including the little dog smoosh." Read more

21 customers mention "Humor"21 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor and sweet romance in the book. They find it witty, well-written, and cozy. The dialogue is crisp and enjoyable, making it a pleasant read.

"...It will make you smile and maybe even laugh out loud." Read more

"...its sweet, romantic, funny, and well written." Read more

"Nice story to ring in the holidays with good humor, fun, and some romance. You can’t go wrong with this one!" Read more

"...Perfect for an evening to relax with. There are some laughs and some sweet moments. S" Read more

19 customers mention "Heartwarming story"19 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the heartwarming story. They find it cute, with some laughs and sweet moments. It's a cozy holiday story that puts them in a good winter mood.

"...It will make you smile and maybe even laugh out loud." Read more

"...fun, easy to guess ending, holiday story that was sweet, clean and heartwarming. Five star Christmas goody." Read more

"...They put you in a feel good mood especially when you are in the dumps! Thanks 😊 Mary Kay Andrews..." Read more

"...There are some laughs and some sweet moments. S" Read more

16 customers mention "Writing style"16 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the well-written and easy-to-read short story. They appreciate the humor, crisp dialogue, delightful descriptions, sophisticated storyline, and charming characters.

"...its sweet, romantic, funny, and well written." Read more

"...This is a pleasure reading. As are all things written by this wonderful Author💕🎄..." Read more

"...Made me laugh more than once and was very well written." Read more

"A really well written short story that brings together two adults who once attended the same high school...." Read more

7 customers mention "Gift value"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book a nice gift for Christmas. It's a sweet and short story by Mary Kay Andrews.

"this is literally a short and sweet holiday romcom about a girl who has been squatting at a vacation home, and the owner returning to it...." Read more

"I am a huge MKA fan and this short story is the perfect Christmas gift for her readers...." Read more

"...Everything works out well with Tilly and George in a neat little package." Read more

"...The possibilities are endlessly intriguing.” 🤗 I love Christmas short books! A quick and cozy read for sure!..." Read more

14 customers mention "Shortness"0 positive14 negative

Customers find the book too short.

"...It was almost too short for me...." Read more

"Great but too short. The story could go on longer! Let me know what comes next! As if I don’t know!" Read more

"...So much fun, but too short, because I always want more from Mary Kay Andrews!" Read more

"...For a short story, it was almost too short." Read more

Quick Holiday Read
4 out of 5 stars
Quick Holiday Read
Mary Kay Andrews’ Holiday Hideaway is the perfect novella for fans of Christmas reads who don’t have a lot of time to dedicate to reading during the busiest time of year.Recently divorced and evicted from her apartment, Tilly Farriday, finds herself squatting in a rental property she helps manage. While everyone else is enjoying their holiday festivities, Tilly is more concerned with getting through the next few days. Equipped with just enough essentials, she manages to turn the situation into a cozy retreat. That is until the tenet unexpectedly arrives. With no other choice she makes a beeline for the attic. Will Tilly make it out unscathed, or will she be discovered and punished?This was such a cute read! Being that it is a novella, it was short and sweet. It can easily be consumed in under an hour, perfect for fans who are mood readers but limited on time.The plot was hilarious! The squatting element in particular was unlike anything in have ever read. It provided lots of fun/ funny moments that are guaranteed to have you laughing.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Susan Roberts
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Fun
    Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    You can always depend on MKA to bring her readers a story with a great plot and fantastic characters that will bring a smile to your face. This short story has now been added to my list of favorites by her.

    Tilly isn't having a very good holiday. She is recently divorced and out of money. Her new apartment won't be ready until the first of the year and she has nowhere to stay. So she decides to squat in a rental house handled by the company she works for. Why not, the house is a wreck and no one has rented it in ages. But Tilly's bad luck continues when the new owner shows up to start renovations on the house so he can sell it. He just inherited the house and knows that it needs a lot of work plus he needed some alone time so he can try to figure out how to break up with his current and very demanding girlfriend. When George first arrives at the house, he's surprised to find food in the kitchen. Food that Tilly had just bought and abandoned in the kitchen when she ran to hide in the attic with her dog Smoosh (great name for a dog!). As George continues to hear sounds in the house, he's convinced that someone is there and calls the rental agent (Tilly) to try to get her to the house. Well Tilly is hiding in the attic and can't set up a meeting with him. When she finally comes out of hiding to rescue George from a fall, the sparks begin to fly. Will they get the Christmas happily ever after that they both desire or will he report her for trespassing? This was a fun look at two lonely people looking for love. The texts that they sent each other were very funny as was a lot of their banter with each other. Put yourself in a holiday mood and pick up this lighthearted book. It will make you smile and maybe even laugh out loud.
    17 people found this helpful
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  • Yen-Vy Le
    4.0 out of 5 stars this is what i mean when i say i want a holiday romance
    Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    this is literally a short and sweet holiday romcom about a girl who has been squatting at a vacation home, and the owner returning to it.

    they have close encounters and realize theyre were actually hs friends. and there were some really cute moments.

    and yk what, i actually enjoy that there is no spice in this at all. its sweet, romantic, funny, and well written.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Jessica Page
    3.0 out of 5 stars 3.5 Stars
    Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    MKA wrote a Christmas short story, so you know I was going to read or listen to it!

    Holiday Hideaway was a cute short story that could really use being expanded upon! It was almost too short for me. It’s not realistic at all: Hiding in the attic of a house that your company rents while the new owner who inherited it is staying there. And add your dog to the mix? Does this dog not bark… Ever!?!?! Come on. Other than all of that, Tilly and George’s banter and chemistry seeps through the audiobook. You just know what is ultimately going to happen. I was ready to go on this short story and see what ultimately happens. And with MKA you know it’s never really that easy!

    The narrator for this short story is Eva Kaminsky and she did a good job with her narration!

    I did enjoy it an gave it 3.5 stars, but I think MKA needs to stay away from short stories and at a minimum write novellas, like her previous Christmas novellas have been. Which I loved both of those! Those novels are The Santa Suit and Bright Lights, Big Christmas.
    One person found this helpful
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  • LynnS77
    5.0 out of 5 stars Holiday Heartwarmer
    Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Tilly is out of a place to stay until after Christmas, so since she works for a real estate management company, she decided to stay in a house that has been empty a long time. Unfortunately, a car pulled up out front and the man was carrying luggage.

    Tilly and her dog Smoosh retreated to the attic, but was forced to sneak down for food and bathroom breaks. Everything might have been okay, except that the intruder, and old friend from high school fell from a ladder, sustaining a concussion and a broken ankle.

    This was a fun, easy to guess ending, holiday story that was sweet, clean and heartwarming. Five star Christmas goody.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Marissa
    4.0 out of 5 stars cute and quick
    Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This one was cute. It was a quick read so the storyline moved along. Wish it was a bit longer so we actually knew what happened to the main characters.
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  • Marcia Esders
    3.0 out of 5 stars Holiday cuteness
    Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This was an adorable story, but I didn’t like the length of the story….yes, it clearly states that it’s a short story, but I would have liked to have gotten to know the main characters better. It feels like we didn’t even scratch the surface of their personalities, and it was over. As quirky as Tilly was, I would have liked more banter between she and George.
    One person found this helpful
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  • bunnie k
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulously fun read for Christmas or anytime
    Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This is a delightfully fabulously fun story during Christmas time🎄
    Tells & shows that getting through heartbreak using compassion & giving of yourself can turn things around. Tilly needs a place to stay for a few weeks with beloved elderly quiet well behaved shelter dog 🐾Smooch. She works as a rental agent at Piney Point vacation rentals with bestie Ruth who does book keeping. Tilly decides to 'camp' out in an old dilapidated Victorian mansion no one has been visited in over a year & the family about 5.
    Tillly shopped for groceries for her & Smoosh🐾 plus a Christmas tree, she is set to settle in over the Christmas holidays. Then .. Uh Oh ..
    A car drives up to the door, Tilly grabs Smooth runs to the freezing cold attic, listens & waits.
    George has just arrived from Boston, calls the Pinky Point vacation rental company ringing Tully's phone😂😅😂 conversations continue for several day's is marvelous fun as she is in the attic & he eats her food thinking its a welcome package.
    Until a traumatic event requiring Tilly to be brave & step out of the attic to rescue George. The ensuing day's the truth seems to become more clear how they both need to navigate their lives. Her ex husband is George's high school bully and Tilly's😡 now the sheriff. Georges's girlfriend in Boston is an event planner,perhaps social climber needing him for society balls that he dislikes. Tilly is waiting to move into her new place in a few weeks. So many thing's can happen in life.
    This is a pleasure reading. As are all things written by this wonderful Author💕🎄
    5 people found this helpful
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  • MB
    4.0 out of 5 stars Unexpected meeting
    Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Cute holiday story. Really good short story to enjoy while you have a few minutes to spare. I would recommend for readers who have a few minutes to spare. Enjoy your time with George and Tilly.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Jennifer Mclean
    4.0 out of 5 stars All you need is a cuppa cocoa and some sugar cookies & your evening is all set with this Novella.
    Reviewed in Canada on December 2, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This is such a cute Christmas novella! I actually think it should have been longer as the two main characters seem to have lovely chemistry so I wanted more. This is the perfect time of year for a cozy holiday mystery full of flirting and angst. I think the author could explore the two main characters in their own book. They're well written and I found myself wanting to root for them. Hopefully there will be a full length novel in their future. This was well worth the hour or so of time it took to devour. Bring your hot chocolate and cookies, you'll have a lovely cozy evening.
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  • Jing
    4.0 out of 5 stars An enjoyable listen
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 9, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Whispersync this book by Mary Kay Andrews perfectly narrated by Eva Kaminsky. She brought all the characters to life. This was an enjoyable listen.
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  • ZonasMommy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Super Cute Christmas Read
    Reviewed in Canada on November 28, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This was a fun quick read. I love Tilly and her little dog Smoosh. I love the fact that Tilly is squatting in the house and gets surprised by the owner of the house and has to hide in the attic. But as fate would have it Tilly is destined to help George because of some accidents that happen. It is a cute little Christmas novella. It is not spicy just a cute short story.
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  • KatReadsRomance
    4.0 out of 5 stars As sweet holiday treat
    Reviewed in Canada on December 4, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I got this book as part of my Amazon Prime subscription. It’s an odd, quirky little book, but sweet nonetheless!
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  • Pn
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cute Christmas story
    Reviewed in Canada on November 5, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Cute Christmas story. Mary Kay Andrews is one of my author must reads - always enjoyable. Just wish it was longer!
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