A Lesbian Novelist Finds Unexpected Inspiration In The Movie, ‘The Christmas Writer’ – Now Streaming

Featured Image: via Tello

“Every time I try to write or think about Christmas, I have this huge grief well up inside, and I can’t write,” says bestselling lesbian Christmas story author, Noel, at the opening of the freshly released holiday romance, The Christmas Writer (2025).

Noel (Shelby Allison Brown) suffers from writer’s block following the death of her mother and a break-up, and lands back in her hometown, when she gets an invite to judge a local Christmas story contest. She also lands in the life of bookstore owner and single mom Callie (Callie Bussell) and her charming daughter, Pepper, in this cute rom-com now streaming on VOD. 

Sparks are abundant. The movie is strong on chemistry between Noel and Callie, with plenty of nuance in the glances. The connection can’t be ignored, even as Noel must reconcile the tug of her big city life against the possibility that her own happy ending might lie somewhere outside her role of “gay lady Christmas writer,” confined to fictional climates of snow. 

Shelby Allison Brown and Callie Bussell deliver convincing performances as the romance builds, but the film suffers from odd timing and questionable believability when lips touch, which might leave some viewers feeling like this is more of a romantic friendship with the promise of a happy family ending if all goes well. Even so, the film gives off warm and cozy vibes and lots of Christmas cheer.

Also, Callie’s daughter, Pepper (June Tess), couldn’t be more adorable and earnest. No wonder Noel finds it hard to resist life in Pinewood! It’s impossible not to root for the trio. Adding to intergen layers, Noel’s grandmother (Karen M. Chan) lives in town, and the character features prominently.

Some of the supporting roles don’t match the performance quality of the leads, though Kendahl Landreth as Noel’s best friend is one of the happy exceptions. Visually, she channels a bit of 1970s actress Kristy McNichol, which doesn’t hurt, and crafts a playful but caring dynamic with Noel.

All in, there is a story to latch on to, and the film earns points for festivity and for being set in a world where queerness is not questioned. It’s taken for granted as being as wholesome as a batch of freshly baked sugar cookies – with icing and sprinkles on top. And there’s a lot to like about that.

Directed by Christin Baker, The Christmas Writer is available to rent on Tello. Trailer here.