Returning to You: A Sweet XF Holiday Romance

by Rochelle Wolf

Dana Shosten is back in Toronto looking for their next career move. Best known for playing a supporting role in Aurora Skies, they would consider their acting career C-list at best so it’s no surprise that they need some time to regroup in their hometown.

Leaving London to escape their first love was hard enough, but they did not anticipate running into her at their mother’s infamous Chanukah party. Though they’d prefer to avoid Miriam Klein, they need her help to get their next gig. But as they reunite, will they run away from their feelings again or run towards them?

Returning to You is an ownvoices contemporary romance set in Toronto around Channukah, featuring a non-binary protagonist, some light angst, no spice and a happily ever-after.

This novella

cozy holiday read that isn’t Christmas (it’s Channukah!)second chance romancemild angst, lots of pininglow stakes romance, no spicenon-binary protagonistdemisexual love interestToronto setting

Genres: Romance

63 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2024

About the author

Rochelle Wolf is a Toronto-based queer writer, interested in warm love stories and books that feel like a hug. They have perfected the art of making their special interest (books) their entire career. Formerly a librarian, they now run their own book editing business. When they’re not reading or writing, they enjoy watching reality TV shows and traveling. To learn more, please visit their website, www.rochellewolf.com.

Reviews

[Marta · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5
This was a lovely, heartwarming novella. I usually don’t enjoy reading shorter stories, because I always want to know more after them, but this one was enough.

Coming back home, starting over, a bit of miscommunication, meeting a childhood crush and what comes after - that is what Dana’s story is about in this little book.

The Holiday theme wasn’t overpowering here, and a kind of second chance at love was a nice touch. I liked a non-binary and a demisexual rep.

It is a good read before the Holiday season.

[vrstal · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5. Highlights may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Content Warnings for book: N/A

Kink: N/A

Short, cute little sapphic Hanukkah romance. I enjoyed Dana and Miri’s character both. I think what I loved best besides the cuteness was the author’s strength in writing, where I really felt the pang of hurt Dana was feeling initially, the anxieties, and then the hope. When it’s this short a novella without much time for characterization, that’s skill!

[Jennifer MD Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

For once I was NOT an ARC reader! Which I'm pointing out to show that I enjoyed everything else that I read by this author so much I went out of my way to get my hands on the one story I hadn't been able to ARC read.

Like this novella I'll keep this review short and sweet. This story asks you to remember what the most innocent of crushes feels like. Every emotion dialed up to eleven, trying to read into every unspoken cue, making decisions based on the fear of rejection, impulsive urges to take the plunge into love. At least, that's what the book meant for me. And I'm glad to see a story that is meant to highlight that specific form of affection; the butterflies, second-guessing, heart-in-my-throat innocence of a crush on the person who truly understands you.

It fell short of a higher rating for me because, while I know I am going to remember these characters, I'm afraid I couldn't begin to tell you much of anything that would hold the story to memory. That's not to say it's a bad story. It's just a very brief one. In a way, it feels a bit like seeing the snapshot of a stranger's love story when you're sharing the same train car with them for a couple stops. Sweet, caring, and then gone from view.

I recommend this novella as a cozy read for your holiday crush.

[Robin Clairvaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute Sapphic Story

After their acting career in London starts to fizzle, Dana returns home to Toronto just in time to celebrate Chanukah with their family and maybe even reconnect with the girl who got away.

Returning to You is a short, sweet sapphic novella that captures the complicated joy of reconnecting with family and community. In many ways, this aspect of the story supersedes the romance, but the second chance reunion between Dana and Miri is nevertheless quite charming. Dana’s struggle not to overthink while getting to know Miri again is particularly relatable, but the story provides a nice payoff. It was fun to read a sapphic story with diverse representation, including characters who are nonbinary and demisexual, and the Chanukah setting was also refreshing for a holiday romance.

[Barbara Kellyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This delightful holiday novella starts at a Channukah party, bringing together Dana, a non-binary actor who’s returned home to Toronto after success in a cult-favorite series, and Miri, the one who has long had a stronghold on their heart. Gently pushed back together by their families, it isn’t long before Dana and Miri pick up where they left off, rekindling their relationship.

Heartwarming and festive, Returning to You is everything you want in a sweet, second time around romance, angst free and charming, with a final chapter that will leave you smiling.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply adorable

I absolutely loved this sweet and endearing nonbinary holiday romance! It's so rare to find well-written nonbinary characters, let alone see them take center stage as the lead in a romance. This story is fun, heartwarming, and cozy. Low angst, no spice, childhood friends to lovers. Highly recommend!

[Dave and Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title reveals a multifaceted theme. Home, mom,family, best friend and a feeling in the main character's heart. They may be lost from being a busy actor to coming home to a potentially lonely new life. They do get to slowly fill her heart with family and friends.
Things get brighter and bright for this dimly lit star.

[Jamie (TheRebelliousReader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. This was precious. Dana and Miri were both really adorable with great chemistry. This is kind of a second chance which was great. There's no drama, no angst, just a sweet love story. Fun read.

[Karyn Defoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly the little holiday romance I wanted. And I always love a good Demi sexual rep. 5 stars.

[Tiffany Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet

I enjoyed this sweet novella, which says a lot as usually I find novellas leaving me wanting more. I enjoyed that it was holiday themed without being overly holiday-ish. I quickly fell in love with Miri and Dana, as well as the "supporting" characters. Will definitely be reading more by this new to me author!

[Heidi H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolutely adorable second chance holiday romance! Quick and lighthearted, it's a perfect, fast read. Wonderful queer representation as always!

[karenbee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet story, but I didn't vibe with Wolf's writing style.

[Alice Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an incredible book, I truly enjoyed every second!!

Rochelle never disappoints, their books are always absolutely incredible.

[Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Returning to You is a cozy, sapphic Chanukah novella that blends second-chance romance with themes of identity, belonging, and queer joy. Following Dana, a nonbinary actor returning home to Toronto, and Miri, the person they never stopped caring for, the story unfolds with gentle warmth as family helps nudge them back together. While the romance is tender and genuine, the novella shines in its heartfelt representation, relatable introspection, and refreshing holiday setting. The result is an inclusive, comforting, feel-good read that leaves a lasting glow long after the final page.