Review - - The Christmas Keepsake

The Christmas Keepsake

by Annie Rains

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: October 7, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

Sometimes the best gifts aren’t under the tree.

Everyone has a story to tell. And for Mallory Blue, her grandmother Nan’s community theater and annual Christmas play has been a beloved tradition for as long as she can remember. But this year is different. With Nan losing her memories to dementia, Mallory has taken on more than she can handle—including directing this year’s show.

Two things are keeping Mallory going: A journal that tells the story behind each handmade ornament on Nan’s tree. And Hollis, who volunteers to play Santa to spend time with Mallory and prove he’s no longer the rebellious boy she knew growing up.

As Mallory reads through Nan’s entries, she realizes there’s so much she never knew about her grandmother. And when Mallory has big decisions to make in both her personal and professional life, it’s Nan’s wise advice and Hollis’s steadfast support that will hold the key to this year’s holiday magic.

PJ's Thoughts:

Annie Rains has crafted another holiday novel that will surely tug at your heartstrings, as it did mine. 

Using threads of family, romance, and self-discovery, Rains gradually and thoughtfully rolls out two stories, one in present day (Mallory and Hollis) and the other told through entries in Nan's diary. Both are interwoven to give readers a poignant, at times heartbreaking, but ultimately hopeful story that even though it contains some sadness, left me smiling at the end. 

Rains paints a realistic portrait of dementia and its effects on loved ones with both highs and lows along the way but the bond of love never wavering. I really enjoyed the nursing home scenes and the sweet friendship between Mallory's grandmother and Hollis's grandfather. And I loved the close bonds between Hollis and his grandfather and Mallory and her grandmother. 

While the romantic relationship journey for Mallory and Hollis is an important part of the book, each of them also has an individual growth arc. There's a substantial amount of emotional baggage to unpack for both. I was in their corners the entire way, cheering them on. 

If you're looking for a heart-tugging holiday story of family, romance, forgiveness, self-discovery, and hopeful new beginnings, I recommend The Christmas Keepsake by Annie Rains.