Holly: A Belladonna Novella

If you’ve ever wished you could step back into the Belladonna world to spend a little more time with its characters, Holly is precisely that kind of gift. This festive novella by Adalyn Grace wraps gothic fantasy, gentle mystery, and holiday charm into a cozy seasonal read that feels like coming home.

A Gothic Christmas at Wisteria Gardens

Set during Christmastime, Holly returns readers to Wisteria Gardens, where peace and celebration are supposed to reign. Of course, this being the Belladonna universe, things don’t stay calm for long. Restless spirits begin haunting the estate, threatening to turn holiday cheer into something far more sinister. What follows is a light mystery threaded with magic, ghostly tension, and the warmth of found family.

Character-Driven and Comforting

Rather than pushing the series forward in significant, dramatic ways, Holly focuses on what fans love most: character interactions. Seeing familiar faces together again—sharing banter, quiet moments, and affection—gives the novella its emotional heart. Death’s presence is as compelling as ever, and the relationships feel lived-in and genuine. This is a story that prioritizes atmosphere and connection over high-stakes plotting.

Cozy Vibes with a Dark Edge

What makes Holly shine is its balance. The gothic elements never entirely disappear—there are ghosts, unease, and lingering shadows—but candlelight, winter traditions, and the joy of celebration soften them. The result is a cozy fantasy that still feels true to the Belladonna tone. It’s eerie enough to be intriguing, yet comforting enough to read curled up with a blanket.

A Novella That Knows What It Is

Because Holly is a novella, the plot is intentionally simple. Readers looking for major revelations or long-term consequences may come away wanting more. However, as a seasonal interlude, it succeeds beautifully. This is a story meant to be savored, not rushed—a quiet pause between heavier moments in the series.

Final Thoughts

Holly is a charming, atmospheric addition to the Belladonna world that feels like a holiday bonus for fans. It doesn’t aim to reinvent the series, but instead offers a cozy, character-focused glimpse of life after chaos. Perfect for winter reading, this novella is best enjoyed as a festive treat—sweet, spooky, and full of heart.

Fans of the Belladonna series, cozy gothic fantasy lovers, and readers who enjoy holiday stories with a supernatural twist will want just one more story.

Holly is a charming return to the Belladonna series. Aris returned after decades at the end of Wisteria, and in this novella, we follow the family’s first Christmas since his return. Death and Signa, Blythe and Aris, plus Blythe’s father, Elijah, have all gathered round, determined to make this a holiday to remember. Magical mishaps occur when a whole theater company of spirits haunts the house and must be put to rest before they can truly celebrate.
This novella is a fluffy addition to the series. I used both a digital and a physical copy of the book, and the physical copy is the best way to immerse oneself in the story. Both contain ethereal drawings, but the physical book contains a little extra with green writing and a garland of flowers that grows throughout the book until it wreathes the entire page. The book looks a respectable size, but with the margin allowing room for the wrath décor, it feels like the story flies by.
Fans will love the cozy atmosphere and the mix of haunted, magical spirits, and Christmas fit well to read between September and December. There are a few romantic references made between the couples about bedroom activities, and one steamy scene with Death under Signa’s skirts that may warrant a more mature YA audience.
Overall, this novella is the perfect indulgence to spend some time back with the Belladonna characters. Cozy up to the fire and grab a cup of hot chocolate because this story will help you get in the holiday spirit.