The Holiduel

The Holiduel by Hailey Gardiner is a sweet, clean romantic comedy set during the Christmas season in Nashville. The story follows Ava, a pastry chef whose holiday plans are disrupted when her old rival from pastry school, Finn Calloway, returns to the local food scene. Forced to share a commercial kitchen and compete for the same gigs, their rivalry reignites alongside unresolved feelings from a kiss Finn left Ava wondering about five years earlier. Told from both Ava and Finn’s perspectives, the novella explores themes of second chances, forgiveness, and the warmth of holiday spirit. This prequel to the Falling for Franklin series offers a cozy, family-friendly read filled with humor, holiday cheer, and heartwarming moments. Fans of rivals-to-lovers stories and gentle romantic tension will appreciate the engaging characters and their journey toward understanding and connection. The Holiduel captures the joy of festive competition and the possibility of new beginnings without any explicit content.