HOLIDAY STORIES
EVER SINCE SHE WAS A LITTLE GIRL in rural maine…
Leah Bonnema has been obsessed with Christmas. No, seriously: obsessed.
Now an award-winning, multi-hyphenate talent, Leah is channeling her love of Christmas into original, engaging holiday stories, books, videos, and screenplays.
First up? The Holiday Breakdown. What started as an original and independently published novel now has an audiobook version, adapted film manuscript, and two additional stories to create a trilogy that follows Mae's continued adventures (from saving the town and getting married to a murder mystery inspired by her novels).
the Holiday breakdown
Written by Leah Bonnema
When delightfully disheveled detective novelist Mae Robards receives a message from her parents that they’re going to close the x-country ski center in New Hampshire she decides to pack up her life in LA and move home to help keep the family business afloat. Mae wonders if she’s making a big mistake as she starts her December drive cross country with her dog Scarpetta. Her latest novel is already past due and there’s a new editor who dislikes Mae’s unconventional style of writing. Mae is fully aware of how like the plot of a holiday romcom movie the current circumstances of her life seem to be and can’t help but laugh when her Jeep breaks down and a handsome stranger shows up with a tow. Could this be a Christmas romance? (Why yes, yes, it is!) With the help of her friends, family and a little spirit of the season, can Mae make it all work or has she taken on more than she can handle in The Holiday Breakdown?
AVAILABLE FORMATS
KINDLE (285 pages - published November 23, 2020)
PAPERBACK (283 pages - published August 15, 2022)
AUDIOBOOK (~5 hours - published on November 1, 2024)
THE TONE: Leah is an award-winning writer, comedian, and Christmas Movie fangirl so the material is self-referential with easter eggs for fellow holiday movie lovers. Even within the context of a traditional holiday romcom (Big City Girl moves home to save the family business and falls in love with a Heroic Hunk) this story proudly features progressive values, humor writing from a seasoned comedian, and inclusive characters – including LGBTQ+ characters, female friendships, and women’s empowerment.
AMAZON REVIEWS:
Five Stars: ‘A fun, easy, witty romantic must read! I tend to know in the first few pages whether I am going to finish and book and let me just tell you The Holiday Breakdown was a hit. I could not put it down, quick read, romantic, witty and a great read for you and anyone you love.’
Five Stars: ‘Adorable, funny and heartwarming!’
Five Stars: ‘A Perfect holiday read! I love a sweet romance and this one is perfectly witty. I can’t wait to read more. Is there a sequel?!’
Five Stars: ‘A fun and cheerful holiday delight! If you need something to make you feel all warm and cozy this holiday season, The Holiday Breakdown is perfect! The sweet message and fun storyline are exactly what you need to get some Christmas cheer.’
Five Stars: ‘A great holiday read. Loved this book, still thinking about the characters. Would love more from this author!’
LIVE READ
In November 2024, writer Leah Bonnema staged a star-studded live read of The Holiday Breakdown in Los Angeles to celebrate the release of the audiobook (narrated by the author). Enjoy some clips from the show - featuring Leah Ruddick as Mae, Aparna Nancherla as Mitzey, and more!
MORE HOLIDAY JOY
In addition to the Holiday Breakdown series, Leah is proud to share a suite of other festive projects in the works.
1. Rescue My Heart: An original romantic comedy script combining holiday joy, a headstrong heroine, a hot, workaholic vet, and a love of rescue animals
2. Bringing in Santa: When an old man skips bail after getting busted for breaking and entering, two rival bounty hunters must compete to track him down -- until they realize the burglar is actually Santa. Can they team up to save Christmas...and their lonely hearts?
3. A Potter's Christmas: Melody Winters grew up moving from care home to care home. Now, as Melody is starting her own pottery studio, local teacher Mr. Reese (hello handsome) asks if she’d be willing to help out with a project for some local foster children for Christmas. Stressed by the opening of her store combined with her aversion to the holidays, will Melody let her guard down and welcome Mr. Reese into her kiln?
4. Lunging Into Christmas: Teale, a dance student who has her heart set on working at a fancy studio while applying to get her MFA, begrudgingly accepts a job at a local retirement community during winter break. She is paired up with oh-my-goodness-he-is-hot activities instructor Nathan. Will the two re-invigorate their spirited community and their hearts?!
Leah as a celebrity judge on ABC’s The Tamron Hall Show - weighing in on the proper timeline for holiday decorations (2025)
CONTACT
Contact the author, Leah Bonnema: leahbonnemacomedy@gmail.com
For press or production, contact Jess Agi:jess@greenolivecreative.com