- [Bria] Everyone has that time in their life.

The time they look back on and remember as this

easy, happy, wonderful existence.

It's a time you want to document and cherish

because deep down, you know one day

it will be just a fond memory.

♪ Every heart has a story inside ♪

♪ Every soul sings a melody ♪

♪ Every night I feel the life inside the air I breathe ♪

For me, high school in the 2000s with my best friends

was like a fairytale.

And as a teen who dreamed of being a bestselling author,

what better story to write than my own?

The story of Taylor, Autumn, Ella, and of course, Jake.

My masterpiece, "The Story of Us."

You guys, it's finished.

- I'm so proud if you!

♪ Something to hold onto ♪

(all cheering)

- They loved my book!

I got into Chicago!

It's a story of friendship, laughter, big dreams,

and unfailing love.

♪ Something to hold onto ♪

(singer vocalizing)

♪ Something to hold onto ♪

(singer vocalizing)

♪ You give me something to hold onto ♪

But eventually, that story ends and a new one begins.

(music continues)

(whimsical music)

- Book blogger Megan here.

Let's talk the best-selling "Story of Us" author

Bria Lewis's newest novel, "Mistletoe Memories."

I tried to like it, but the heartless ending

makes it just another Lewis flop.

My thoughts were mirrored in over a hundred reviews

that have poured in since its midnight release.

We want happily ever after.

It's like she's forgotten how to write for her fans

and just keeps churning out these depressing stories

disguised as romance.

- Ho ho ho, Merry Christmas!

- I'm ready for the "Happy New Year" part.

- And miss out on all the presents?

- What's this?

- Happy release day.

I come bearing gifts of good tidings and joy

and all that jazz that should have been here

about two weeks ago.

- Ah, well, we may not have gotten my ARCs on time,

but it doesn't mean the rest of the world didn't.

- These look great.

I mean, it's screams holidays and fun and romance.

- Have you been online today?

- Well. - It's a disaster.

They hate it.

- Who hates it?

- I don't know, everyone?

- Let's see, from EJ Mommy.

"Missile Memories?"

More like "Mistletoe Misery."

- Apparently, it's not happily ever after enough.

Why does everyone think that romance books

have to have a happy ending?

Have my readers never actually experienced romance?

It ain't that happy.

I just wanted to write something real.

You know?

I mean, "The Story of Us" was just-

It was all fluff.

"Mistletoe," it's raw, it's realistic.

- Well, hey now.

I love "The Story of Us."

That's sweet, romantic tale-

- Yeah, you and 1.3 million other people love "Story of Us."

But everything I've written since then

has been in the two-for-one bin at the dollar store.

- Well, there are hundreds of reviews here.

- Are you trying to rub it in?

- No, ma'am, not at all.

You see, over 200 people have read

and reviewed "Mistletoe Memories,"

and it was just only officially released today.

These are readers.

These are sales.

Deep within all the poorly written reviews

and the hate mail is success.

- And that's why I pay you the big bucks.

But seriously, Jayla, all of this just confirms that

it's time for me to go home to Tennessee.

- Home?

Bria, it's a couple bad reviews.

I mean, there's no need to throw in the towel and move back-

- No, no, nobody's moving anywhere.

I love Chicago.

My mom is selling my childhood home after the holidays.

That's where I wrote "Story of Us."

Life in high school was just so simple and pure.

It was easy to write happily ever after

'cause that's how everything felt.

- Well, we must have had completely

different experiences in high school.

You didn't have like social media, cyberbullies,

and influencers back then.

- Back then?

I'm not that old.

- How long has it been?

- 15, 16 years?

Okay, okay.

Maybe it's a little "back then."

- You should go.

You worked hard all year.

You deserve to spend Christmas in your happy place.

Speaking of holidays, I have to go grab a gift

for the Secret Santa party tonight with my sorority sisters.

Are you gonna be okay here?

- Yes. - Are you sure?

- I'm fine. - Okay.

- Hope you have an incredible time back home.

And who knows?

Maybe you'll be inspired to write

"The Story of Us" part two.

- Yeah, I think I would need a couple of

rewrites on the ending to make that sequel work.

Oh, hey.

Take some books if you need some free Christmas presents,

but no reviews allowed.

- Okay, under one condition.

- Yeah?

- You stay off the internet.

- Merry Christmas. - Bye.

I heard that click.

(melancholy music)

(computer chimes)

(phone buzzes)

(hopeful music)

♪ I'm coming home ♪

♪ Oh, oh ♪

♪ I'm coming home ♪

♪ I want to be home for the holidays ♪

♪ Because home is only home when I'm with you ♪

(music continues)

♪ I want to be home for the holidays ♪

♪ Because home is only home when I'm with you ♪

♪ When I'm with you ♪

- It's only a summer internship.

Just three months and you could come visit.

- Three months isn't nothing, Bria.

It's our last summer together before college

and you want to spend it away from me?

- Of course not, but this is a huge opportunity for me.

They liked my book, Jake.

It could lead to a job and a publishing deal.

- And I'm happy for you.

I really am, it's just-

- We'll make it work.

I promise.

I love you.

- I love you, too.

(melancholy music)

- Hello, hello.

- Hey.

Oh.

Welcome home.

Well, what's left of it, anyway.

- I still can't believe you're selling.

- It's long overdue.

Ron's place is closer to the office

and it'll be so much easier to maintain.

- Oh, I understand.

I am so happy for you, Mom.

And Dad wanted me to tell you congratulations.

- Well, that's very nice.

Tell him I said thank you.

You know, I'd planned to spend this weekend

getting settled in at Ron's place.

My new place.

But since you are here, I am happy to stay.