What do you think?
Rate this book
Fate with a Helping Hand #1
All I Want for Christmas is You
"Christmas magic is right anytime - highly recommended." C Penn, WordWeaving"All I Want For Christmas is You is a heartwarming Christmas story that will put you in the mood for the holiday season." Debra Holland - Author of Wild Montana Sky"This romance is heartwarming and sweet..." Reading Romance Reviews"This was a cute little Christmas story...it was heartwarming to watch them become a family together." The Book GardenSometimes fate needs a little hand…Santa Claus is going to have a rough season... Lauren Alexander is raising her daughter alone. Abandoned by her family for her decision to keep her daughter Kristen, she has done a pretty good job for the last six years. Or she thought she had. That's why she is crushed when little Kristen gives up her wish for a toy or goodie and instead asks Santa for a present for her mother. She wants Santa to bring a Daddy. Delivering Daddies isn't Santa's bag. But this Santa has a plan... Kyle Preston knows what it is like to be abandoned too. Luckily he found the support of loving adoptive parents and has turned himself into one of the most successful Real Estate developers in town. Building a house is easy. Building someone's trust is a whole other story. But with a little helping hand, a little Christmas magic can make all the difference in the world.Fate with a Helping Hand Series Book 1 ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOUBook 2 THE MARRIAGE CONTRACTBook 3 THE KNIGHT AND MAGGIE'S BABYBook 4 MY LUCKY CHARM THE GIFT
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 1999
1212 people are currently reading
3431 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Mondello
106 books544 followersUSA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR, Lisa Mondello, has held many jobs in her life but
being a published authors is the last job she'll ever have. She's not retiring!
She blames the creation of the personal computer for her leap into writing
novels. Otherwise, she'd still be penning stories with paper and pen. Her first
book, All I Want for Christmas is You won Best First Book in the Golden Quill.
Her books have finaled in the HOLT Medallion, and the Colorado Award of
Excellence contests. In 2011 she re-released her award winning book All I Want
for Christmas is You along with a re-issue of her romantic comedy, The Marriage Contract, with a new contemporary romance called The Knight and Maggie's Baby.
In 2012 she reissued the first 3 books of her popular Western Romance Series
TEXAS HEARTS including Her Heart for the Asking, His Heart for the Trusting and
being a published authors is the last job she'll ever have. She's not retiring!
She blames the creation of the personal computer for her leap into writing
novels. Otherwise, she'd still be penning stories with paper and pen. Her first
book, All I Want for Christmas is You won Best First Book in the Golden Quill.
Her books have finaled in the HOLT Medallion, and the Colorado Award of
Excellence contests. In 2011 she re-released her award winning book All I Want
for Christmas is You along with a re-issue of her romantic comedy, The Marriage Contract, with a new contemporary romance called The Knight and Maggie's Baby.
In 2012 she reissued the first 3 books of her popular Western Romance Series
TEXAS HEARTS including Her Heart for the Asking, His Heart for the Trusting and
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 562 reviews
December 3, 2016
3.25 stars.
A delightful and heartwarming read just right for the holiday season. It felt wonderful reading the story of love, hope, supporting, giving, and sharing. Although this one wasn't as sweet as I expected, it is still worth a read.
This was my first read by this author but it certainly won’t be my last.
A delightful and heartwarming read just right for the holiday season. It felt wonderful reading the story of love, hope, supporting, giving, and sharing. Although this one wasn't as sweet as I expected, it is still worth a read.
This was my first read by this author but it certainly won’t be my last.
November 10, 2019
3,75 stars - English Ebook ☘️☘️☘️☘️
Enjoyed the read. Getting in the Christmas spirit. It can all be good after a difficult period. Just keep believing positive. It all will work out at the end. 🌹🌹🌹
Enjoyed the read. Getting in the Christmas spirit. It can all be good after a difficult period. Just keep believing positive. It all will work out at the end. 🌹🌹🌹
November 24, 2012
Oh God no don't read this book There is a lot of spoilers going here because I can't be bothered to hide these..
...The female heroine uh..well heroine isn't really a word I would choose to describe her to be honest..she has no personality...other then a stubborn idea that she can't be involved because of her daughter....she still feels guilty because she almost gave her up for adoption when she was first born seven years ago...she was 18 at the time....You did catch the fact ALMOST so no she did NOT give her up so why the guilt?
The hero? is a foster child that got adopted at the age of 18 so of course he knows everything...and understand how it feels...her parents cut al contact with her when she declared she was keeping her child and haven't spoken to her since...she tried to contact them several times but is met with the cold shoulder...but the hero being adopted and all think that family is the most important thing and that she really should try again because everything can be solved..OMG are you deaf....she tried every year since the thru her out they wont listen...
oh but I forgot *facepalm* he is the hero so when he calls her parent of course they listen to HIM a complete stranger....
They visit on Christmas day and she's crying happy tears and yes oh mom and dad I love you..and her father goes where is my beautiful granddaughter..what the hell!!!! they kicked her out and refused to have anything to do with them and she's not even angry and he get the right to call her child beautiful grandchild....what the hell is this crap...
And yes...the hero is a millionaire at a young age because..well he is the hero and God forbid that a formal foster child would be anything then extremely successful...a common carpenter would simply not do...
...The female heroine uh..well heroine isn't really a word I would choose to describe her to be honest..she has no personality...other then a stubborn idea that she can't be involved because of her daughter....she still feels guilty because she almost gave her up for adoption when she was first born seven years ago...she was 18 at the time....You did catch the fact ALMOST so no she did NOT give her up so why the guilt?
The hero? is a foster child that got adopted at the age of 18 so of course he knows everything...and understand how it feels...her parents cut al contact with her when she declared she was keeping her child and haven't spoken to her since...she tried to contact them several times but is met with the cold shoulder...but the hero being adopted and all think that family is the most important thing and that she really should try again because everything can be solved..OMG are you deaf....she tried every year since the thru her out they wont listen...
oh but I forgot *facepalm* he is the hero so when he calls her parent of course they listen to HIM a complete stranger....
They visit on Christmas day and she's crying happy tears and yes oh mom and dad I love you..and her father goes where is my beautiful granddaughter..what the hell!!!! they kicked her out and refused to have anything to do with them and she's not even angry and he get the right to call her child beautiful grandchild....what the hell is this crap...
And yes...the hero is a millionaire at a young age because..well he is the hero and God forbid that a formal foster child would be anything then extremely successful...a common carpenter would simply not do...
January 29, 2013
I read it because good reviews - I wonder if everybody is just so nostalgic over the Christmas theme or are people really satisfied with so little nowadays?!
I would give it 1.5 stars if I could - I cannot say I did not like it - it was waste of time. Just a sweet little novella: modern Cinderella with a child saved by a "from rags to riches" prince, but even Cinderella tale had more substance to it. This book has no plot, no depth of characters. 25% of the 160 page book contain excerpts of her other books. People who never read and have just a moment to spend over Christmas may be satisfied by a Christmas story like that. I feel life is too short to waste on books like that.
I would give it 1.5 stars if I could - I cannot say I did not like it - it was waste of time. Just a sweet little novella: modern Cinderella with a child saved by a "from rags to riches" prince, but even Cinderella tale had more substance to it. This book has no plot, no depth of characters. 25% of the 160 page book contain excerpts of her other books. People who never read and have just a moment to spend over Christmas may be satisfied by a Christmas story like that. I feel life is too short to waste on books like that.
May 31, 2015
I really love Christmas, and have so many on my TBR pile I happily decided to read them outside of December.
This was an easy feel good read with a struggling single mum and her bright and bubbly 7 year old daughter. She meets Mr Right but is too scared of rejection to show interest. He understands her fears as he's been there done that.
Its a Christmas book - so I expect miracles, it is also a romance so I expect a HEA (happy ever after) ending. I got both!!
Loved the dog too!
This was an easy feel good read with a struggling single mum and her bright and bubbly 7 year old daughter. She meets Mr Right but is too scared of rejection to show interest. He understands her fears as he's been there done that.
Its a Christmas book - so I expect miracles, it is also a romance so I expect a HEA (happy ever after) ending. I got both!!
Loved the dog too!
December 24, 2012
I have to say that I love Christmas, so I think any book with a Christmas theme, would get a good rating from me. I liked the characters in this one. While I understod the the plotline, I also want to say that this was super fast, but very cute, and comforting. I think anyone who wants to pick up a feel-good story for the holiday season would enjoy this one. There one thing that I have to comment on is the fact that this book is a bit dated, but the overall story was really sweet, great to curl up with under the Christmas tree, kinda wish I saved it for that. lol.
June 18, 2022
4,25 stars - English Ebook
Sometimes fate needs a little hand…Santa Claus is going to have a rough season... Lauren Alexander is raising her daughter alone.
Abandoned by her family for her decision to keep her daughter Kristen, she has done a pretty good job for the last six years. Or she thought she had. That's why she is crushed when little Kristen gives up her wish for a toy or goodie and instead asks Santa for a present for her mother. She wants Santa to bring a Daddy.
Delivering Daddies isn't Santa's bag. But this Santa has a plan... Kyle Preston knows what it is like to be abandoned too. Luckily he found the support of loving adoptive parents and has turned himself into one of the most successful Real Estate developers in town.
Building a house is easy. Building someone's trust is a whole other story. But with a little helping hand, a little Christmas magic can make all the difference in the world.
This is the first book that I've read by Lisa Mondello and I wonder why I waited so long. I grabbed a copy of this book off of Amazon in 2012 and I just read it. The book is fast paced and I found it easy to get absorbed in the story. The author did a great job with the character development and world building. We have to have enough of the back story for Lauren to understand her behaviors in the present day. We also need Kyle's back story to put him in perspective, too.
This story is sweet and hopeful. It's full of love and tenderness but also skepticism and uncertainty. Lauren's ex and her family have done a number on her and she's unable to look past the hurt until she meets Kyle. Their connection is instant and written realistically. I was able to connect to the characters on an emotional level because they were written so well.
Their relationship moves along pretty fast over the holiday season so if you're not into insta-love then this probably isn't the book for you.
The book, story, and timeline work for me because I met my husband online in July, we met face-to-face in August and went on several dates, and I moved in by September. We waited a year to get engaged, however, and another year to get married. We've now been together for just over 9 years and married for just over 7 years. It can happen people!
Sometimes fate needs a little hand…Santa Claus is going to have a rough season... Lauren Alexander is raising her daughter alone.
Abandoned by her family for her decision to keep her daughter Kristen, she has done a pretty good job for the last six years. Or she thought she had. That's why she is crushed when little Kristen gives up her wish for a toy or goodie and instead asks Santa for a present for her mother. She wants Santa to bring a Daddy.
Delivering Daddies isn't Santa's bag. But this Santa has a plan... Kyle Preston knows what it is like to be abandoned too. Luckily he found the support of loving adoptive parents and has turned himself into one of the most successful Real Estate developers in town.
Building a house is easy. Building someone's trust is a whole other story. But with a little helping hand, a little Christmas magic can make all the difference in the world.
This is the first book that I've read by Lisa Mondello and I wonder why I waited so long. I grabbed a copy of this book off of Amazon in 2012 and I just read it. The book is fast paced and I found it easy to get absorbed in the story. The author did a great job with the character development and world building. We have to have enough of the back story for Lauren to understand her behaviors in the present day. We also need Kyle's back story to put him in perspective, too.
This story is sweet and hopeful. It's full of love and tenderness but also skepticism and uncertainty. Lauren's ex and her family have done a number on her and she's unable to look past the hurt until she meets Kyle. Their connection is instant and written realistically. I was able to connect to the characters on an emotional level because they were written so well.
Their relationship moves along pretty fast over the holiday season so if you're not into insta-love then this probably isn't the book for you.
The book, story, and timeline work for me because I met my husband online in July, we met face-to-face in August and went on several dates, and I moved in by September. We waited a year to get engaged, however, and another year to get married. We've now been together for just over 9 years and married for just over 7 years. It can happen people!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2015
I read this as my "book set during Christmas" for the Popsugar reading challenge.
Suspension of disbelief was definitely needed. There is a very short turnaround from distrustful single mom to ready for long term relationship. Also, the ending was so rushed I honestly wouldn't have known it was the end except for the words THE END. But Amber, didn't your Kindle tell you the %? Wasn't that a clue? Well, you would think that. However, there are two sample chapters from other books included, so the actual end of this is at 80-some%. I keep thinking of teachers admonishing students not to put "The End" at the conclusion of stories and reports, because "The reader knows it's the end. They don't have to be told." Well, sometimes we do need to be told.
Suspension of disbelief was definitely needed. There is a very short turnaround from distrustful single mom to ready for long term relationship. Also, the ending was so rushed I honestly wouldn't have known it was the end except for the words THE END. But Amber, didn't your Kindle tell you the %? Wasn't that a clue? Well, you would think that. However, there are two sample chapters from other books included, so the actual end of this is at 80-some%. I keep thinking of teachers admonishing students not to put "The End" at the conclusion of stories and reports, because "The reader knows it's the end. They don't have to be told." Well, sometimes we do need to be told.
December 4, 2011
Cute, quick and easy Christmas story wherein a little girl asks Santa for a daddy. And wouldn't you know it, Santa is a good-looking single guy who happens to find the little girl's mommy irresistible and wants to make all their Christmas wishes come true. Another cute and fun Christmas book to add to my holiday reading marathon.
January 13, 2015
This is one of those sweet, uncomplicated romances set during the Christmas season. It's a story about a single mom, who finally finds love with a good, kind, and caring man. The book is nicely written, and IMO, the author does a nice job with the development of the characters. I particularly liked Kyle, who is a big softie. Kyle, abandoned by his father at the age of twelve, has had some major obstacles to overcome in his life. Finally finding love and acceptance with his adopted family, Kyle is now a successful real estate developer, who is looking for the right woman to settle down with. Lauren, single mom of adorable six year old Kristen, is not looking for love at all. She just wants to be able to continue to take care of herself and her little girl. Lauren too has had her share of difficulties to overcome, not the least of which is being abandoned by her teenage boyfriend when he discovered she was pregnant, and then later being turned out of her home by her parents who were against her decision to keep her baby. Now almost seven years later, Lauren is struggling and doing the best she can to eek out a life for herself and Kristen.
Kyle first becomes aware of Lauren, when he meets Kristen while playing Santa Claus at shopping mall that he owns. Kristen wants a daddy, not for herself so much, but for her mother, who she believes could use the help. Later, Lauren and Kyle meet when he comes to her aid in the parking lot after her car refuses to start. From there the story quickly progresses to its conclusion, complete with a very satisfying HEA. Kyle is immediately attracted to Lauren, but before he can win her, he must convince her that love is worth taking the risk. Kyle has his work cut out for him, because Lauren doesn't trust men, who in her experience inevitably abandon you when you need them the most--prime examples being Kristen's father, and her own. But Kyle is nothing, if not determined, and with the aid of his adopted family, envelops Lauren in such a warm, loving embrace that she soon succumbs.
I really liked this story. I enjoyed it very much and would recommend it as a worthwhile read. My only complaint is that I didn't think Lauren's father's explanation of why he'd had nothing to do with her in the last seven years was even close to being acceptable. IMO, he got off to easy--him and his wife. But alas for my vindictive spirit, this is a feel good Christmas story, so in the end everyone is happy and in sync with one another. LOL FYI, there is sex in the book but the reader is given minimal details, it doesn't involve any crude language, and it is very easily skipped. Happy reading!
Kyle first becomes aware of Lauren, when he meets Kristen while playing Santa Claus at shopping mall that he owns. Kristen wants a daddy, not for herself so much, but for her mother, who she believes could use the help. Later, Lauren and Kyle meet when he comes to her aid in the parking lot after her car refuses to start. From there the story quickly progresses to its conclusion, complete with a very satisfying HEA. Kyle is immediately attracted to Lauren, but before he can win her, he must convince her that love is worth taking the risk. Kyle has his work cut out for him, because Lauren doesn't trust men, who in her experience inevitably abandon you when you need them the most--prime examples being Kristen's father, and her own. But Kyle is nothing, if not determined, and with the aid of his adopted family, envelops Lauren in such a warm, loving embrace that she soon succumbs.
I really liked this story. I enjoyed it very much and would recommend it as a worthwhile read. My only complaint is that I didn't think Lauren's father's explanation of why he'd had nothing to do with her in the last seven years was even close to being acceptable. IMO, he got off to easy--him and his wife. But alas for my vindictive spirit, this is a feel good Christmas story, so in the end everyone is happy and in sync with one another. LOL FYI, there is sex in the book but the reader is given minimal details, it doesn't involve any crude language, and it is very easily skipped. Happy reading!
November 30, 2011
Giving this book three stars is generous and is strictly because I liked the characters so much. The idea of a child wanting a parent and conspiring to get one has been done and re-done. This book steps away from that a bit, leaving the child in the story, but past the original letter not using her too much. I think more could have been made of the conflict between the main character, Lauren, and her parents. Loved the character of Kyle. He saved the story for me. But again, I think their relationship needed more conflict to make the story work. The sex scene, though generalized and not over-the-top in language, which I appreciate, could have been left out even more for my personal taste as the story is more about Lauren finding trust again - in herself and others. Several point of view problems along the way as well. One minute it's Lauren speaking and then it switches to Kyle without any breaks. Not as much a Christmas story as I wanted it to be either. Overall I ended with a good impression.
December 8, 2015
All I Want For Christmas is the first book in Lisa Mondello's Fate With a Helping Hand Series.
This is a sweet Christmas story that has everything that reminds me of Christmas in one story. It starts with a visit to Santa Claus where an adorable little girl tells Santa she wants a daddy for her mom so she doesn't have to work so hard. It has a small town Christmas Tree Lighting, Hot Chocolate and Ice Skating, sleigh Rides and Christmas music not to mention gingerbread cookies and sledding. It also has a dog, a big family with a "Brady Bunch" mom, a patient father with good advice, fun siblings and loud noisy family dinners. If this doesn't remind you of Christmas and get you in the spirit nothing will.
The characters are pretty one dimensional and the romance happens at light speed. It's only days between the first meeting and the engagement. Still it's a cute story with a wonderful Christmas back-drop that is fun to read for the season. I won't remember for long but I enjoyed reading it.
This is a sweet Christmas story that has everything that reminds me of Christmas in one story. It starts with a visit to Santa Claus where an adorable little girl tells Santa she wants a daddy for her mom so she doesn't have to work so hard. It has a small town Christmas Tree Lighting, Hot Chocolate and Ice Skating, sleigh Rides and Christmas music not to mention gingerbread cookies and sledding. It also has a dog, a big family with a "Brady Bunch" mom, a patient father with good advice, fun siblings and loud noisy family dinners. If this doesn't remind you of Christmas and get you in the spirit nothing will.
The characters are pretty one dimensional and the romance happens at light speed. It's only days between the first meeting and the engagement. Still it's a cute story with a wonderful Christmas back-drop that is fun to read for the season. I won't remember for long but I enjoyed reading it.
November 14, 2011
Two-haiku review:
She has little girl
But disowned by family
His family's great
Of course there's romance
Everything is too easy
I didn't feel it
She has little girl
But disowned by family
His family's great
Of course there's romance
Everything is too easy
I didn't feel it
November 15, 2017
Reviewed by Jen
Book purchased on Amazon
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
This was a cute Christmas romance that tugged on my heartstrings. I picked this read up a couple years ago since it was free on Amazon and I love Christmas stories. But for some reason, I just now read the book. It was a pretty quick read and didn’t feel like 200 pages. In fact, I didn’t want to put it down and read it in one sitting.
From page one when little Kristen is asking Santa for a daddy for Christmas, I was hooked. I’ll admit, I’m not a huge fan of romances with kids or dogs in them. All too often they feel more like a prop than a true character. This book has both, and while the dog was mostly there for some comedic effect, Kristen was a scene stealer. Yes, in many ways Kristen was a prop as well (I mean, she was the catalyst for getting Kyle and Lauren together), it didn’t feel as forced as it generally feels to me.
Kyle is just one of those characters that I’d love to meet. He had a rough past, but has moved on and is stronger for it. He knows what and who he wants and goes after it. He’s successful in business and loves his adopted family and can’t wait to meet that special someone to share his life with. Then along comes Lauren and Kristen and he’s a goner.
Lauren on the other hand is a bit of a loner since she was disappointed by her father and boyfriend when she got pregnant. She’s afraid to trust in the feelings Kyle is stirring up, and yet she so intensely longs for that family that he’s holding out on a silver platter.
It was fun watching Kyle break through her defenses as their relationship developed. Add in the fact that it’s the Christmas season and I was hooked. From the small town setting, to the eclectic cast of characters, to the Christmas season… I just flat out enjoyed this book. And I’ll even admit, I shed a couple tears at the end.
Book purchased on Amazon
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
This was a cute Christmas romance that tugged on my heartstrings. I picked this read up a couple years ago since it was free on Amazon and I love Christmas stories. But for some reason, I just now read the book. It was a pretty quick read and didn’t feel like 200 pages. In fact, I didn’t want to put it down and read it in one sitting.
From page one when little Kristen is asking Santa for a daddy for Christmas, I was hooked. I’ll admit, I’m not a huge fan of romances with kids or dogs in them. All too often they feel more like a prop than a true character. This book has both, and while the dog was mostly there for some comedic effect, Kristen was a scene stealer. Yes, in many ways Kristen was a prop as well (I mean, she was the catalyst for getting Kyle and Lauren together), it didn’t feel as forced as it generally feels to me.
Kyle is just one of those characters that I’d love to meet. He had a rough past, but has moved on and is stronger for it. He knows what and who he wants and goes after it. He’s successful in business and loves his adopted family and can’t wait to meet that special someone to share his life with. Then along comes Lauren and Kristen and he’s a goner.
Lauren on the other hand is a bit of a loner since she was disappointed by her father and boyfriend when she got pregnant. She’s afraid to trust in the feelings Kyle is stirring up, and yet she so intensely longs for that family that he’s holding out on a silver platter.
It was fun watching Kyle break through her defenses as their relationship developed. Add in the fact that it’s the Christmas season and I was hooked. From the small town setting, to the eclectic cast of characters, to the Christmas season… I just flat out enjoyed this book. And I’ll even admit, I shed a couple tears at the end.
December 28, 2017
Sweet Christmas romance about a girl wishing for a daddy; and getting her wish come true with a heavy dose of Cinderella mixed in.
The couple both have had to overcome trust issues in their past and find their HEA.
The characters are sympathetic (although a bit bland / one dimensional) and the little girl (thankfully) isn’t as prominent as the premise may suggest (not obnoxious either), the HEA is much too soon but that seems to be the thing in Christmas romances. The downside: the quality of writing wasn’t consistent and suffered from overexplaining at times. All in all: sweet with a little depth.
The couple both have had to overcome trust issues in their past and find their HEA.
The characters are sympathetic (although a bit bland / one dimensional) and the little girl (thankfully) isn’t as prominent as the premise may suggest (not obnoxious either), the HEA is much too soon but that seems to be the thing in Christmas romances. The downside: the quality of writing wasn’t consistent and suffered from overexplaining at times. All in all: sweet with a little depth.
November 8, 2018
This was an incredibly heart filled book and perfect to get into the Christmas spirit. It was great to see Kyle and Lauren fall in love and heal each other after past difficulties. I'd consider it a sweet contemporary romance that had me tearing up. I'll definitely be reading more from Lisa Mondello, love her writing style.
December 21, 2020
This is a sweet Christmas romance. I loved it. I read it on my Kindle.
December 28, 2022
YIKES. She is supposed to be wary of men and everyone, yet she lets this man she has known for a handful of days take her daughter to his house so she can sleep off being sick? FUCK NO.
And as if that's not enough, they have sex once (and it's not even described which kind of defeats the purpose of a romance novel in my opinion) and then get engaged, and all of this happens barely two weeks after they met?
And he hunts down her parents and invites them to Christmas and she is somehow happy that her parents who abandoned her are now showing up like they didn't do anything wrong???
Uh, no.
And as if that's not enough, they have sex once (and it's not even described which kind of defeats the purpose of a romance novel in my opinion) and then get engaged, and all of this happens barely two weeks after they met?
And he hunts down her parents and invites them to Christmas and she is somehow happy that her parents who abandoned her are now showing up like they didn't do anything wrong???
Uh, no.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2018
Only at Christmas
I thought I'd give another FREE Christmas ebook from Pixel of Ink a chance. For some reason at this time of the year the Hallmark Christmas movie type romance is what I "need". It's most likely because these are "easy" reads and my mind is too busy at this time of the year. This book did much better at meeting my expectations than the last one but it still was not quite as "innocent" as "Hallmark".
I thought I'd give another FREE Christmas ebook from Pixel of Ink a chance. For some reason at this time of the year the Hallmark Christmas movie type romance is what I "need". It's most likely because these are "easy" reads and my mind is too busy at this time of the year. This book did much better at meeting my expectations than the last one but it still was not quite as "innocent" as "Hallmark".
November 20, 2012
I got this book for free last year on my kindle. Basically it's just a quick romance read. Sometimes you just need to read something that isn't too serious. Plus, I was feeling in the holiday spirit a little.
Lauren is a single mother who learns that her six year old daughter asked Santa to give her a father for Christmas. Little does Lauren know that Kyle (playing the mall Santa Claus) would be happy to fill that role, his only problem now is to convince Lauren he's serious.
One of the things that kind of bothers me about romances in general is the really quic development of relationships. This book takes place over the course of maybe a couple weeks (at most) and by the end (and even sooner) the characters are prfessing their love for one another. It just always seems so soon to me. I understand that there is a limited page time that the author can go into and unless they are writing a series of books then the romance has to happen over the time limit set forth in the book. I have read romances where by the end of the book the fact that the main characters have fallen in love doesn't seem rushed at all. So it is possible. I wish it would have happened here. I think constricting the book to a Christmas theme really put the pressure on because if you start the book sooner you run into other holidays and then the whole Christmas season is overshadowed.
Regardless, it was a quick, easy read. Something I could possibly see myself reading again if the mood hits.
Lauren is a single mother who learns that her six year old daughter asked Santa to give her a father for Christmas. Little does Lauren know that Kyle (playing the mall Santa Claus) would be happy to fill that role, his only problem now is to convince Lauren he's serious.
One of the things that kind of bothers me about romances in general is the really quic development of relationships. This book takes place over the course of maybe a couple weeks (at most) and by the end (and even sooner) the characters are prfessing their love for one another. It just always seems so soon to me. I understand that there is a limited page time that the author can go into and unless they are writing a series of books then the romance has to happen over the time limit set forth in the book. I have read romances where by the end of the book the fact that the main characters have fallen in love doesn't seem rushed at all. So it is possible. I wish it would have happened here. I think constricting the book to a Christmas theme really put the pressure on because if you start the book sooner you run into other holidays and then the whole Christmas season is overshadowed.
Regardless, it was a quick, easy read. Something I could possibly see myself reading again if the mood hits.
November 25, 2012
All I Want For Christmas Is You was a really sweet holiday tale. It helped get me into the holiday spirit. The characters were likable and I was pulling for a happy ending for this couple.
The whole time I was reading this, I kept thinking that it would make a perfect Lifetime Holiday movie. It really felt like one to me. Lauren is a single mom who works hard to support her daughter. She's estranged from her family and Kristen's, her daughter, father is not in the picture. So, she doesn't have a whole lot of support. Kristen recognizes that her mom works hard and just might be a little lonely. When the time comes to see Santa, Kristen asks for a daddy.
Kyle has become an established and successful guy within the community. He owns the shopping center that Lauren and Kristen visit to see Santa. Kyle is actually playing Santa, so he gets to her Kristen's wish for a dad. Circumstance or fate has put these two together at just the right time.
While the story wasn't a literary masterpiece, I appreciated it for what it was. It gave me a story of hope, faith, and a very sweet love story. If you are looking for a quick read to get you in the holiday spirit, check this one out.
The whole time I was reading this, I kept thinking that it would make a perfect Lifetime Holiday movie. It really felt like one to me. Lauren is a single mom who works hard to support her daughter. She's estranged from her family and Kristen's, her daughter, father is not in the picture. So, she doesn't have a whole lot of support. Kristen recognizes that her mom works hard and just might be a little lonely. When the time comes to see Santa, Kristen asks for a daddy.
Kyle has become an established and successful guy within the community. He owns the shopping center that Lauren and Kristen visit to see Santa. Kyle is actually playing Santa, so he gets to her Kristen's wish for a dad. Circumstance or fate has put these two together at just the right time.
While the story wasn't a literary masterpiece, I appreciated it for what it was. It gave me a story of hope, faith, and a very sweet love story. If you are looking for a quick read to get you in the holiday spirit, check this one out.
own-need-to-read
October 10, 2013Free! All I Want for Christmas is You (Fate with a Helping Hand #1)
Start stocking up for your holiday reading!!
3.61 Stars with 1,821 ratings
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Conte...
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/all-...
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Santa Claus is going to have a rough season... Lauren Alexander is raising her daughter alone. Abandoned by her family for her decision to keep her daughter Kristen, she has done a pretty good job for the last six years. Or she thought she had. That's why she is crushed when little Kristen gives up her wish for a toy or goodie and instead asks Santa for a present for her mother. But delivering Daddies isn't Santa's bag.
But this Santa has a plan...
Kyle Preston knows what it is like to be abandoned too. Luckily he found the support of loving adoptive parents and has turned himself into one of the most successful Real Estate developers in town.
Building a house is easy. Building someone's trust is a whole other story. But a little Christmas magic can make all the difference in the world.
November 10, 2011
Single mom Lauren Alexander has struggled the last six years to raise her daughter. She doesn't regret anything about choosing to keep her child except the estrangement from her parents. But her daughter's Christmas wish for a father makes her doubt herself. For most of his life, Kyle Preston distrusted the notions of family and unconditional love. Fortunately, his foster parents never gave up on him. With their help he grew into a man that he hopes makes them proud--a man that believes in giving back even if that means dressing up in a stuffy Santa suit to do it. When Lauren's daughter approaches with her single Christmas wish, his actions set forth a series of events that makes everyone's wish come true.
All I Want For Christmas Is You is a book brimming with the true meaning of the holiday. Lisa Mondello does a wonderful job of bringing Kyle, Lauren and her daughter to life with the smallest of actions that matter most. If you're looking for a read that exemplifies love and forgiveness, with the delightful hint of gingerbread and Christmas carol or two, look no farther than All I Want For Christmas Is You.
All I Want For Christmas Is You is a book brimming with the true meaning of the holiday. Lisa Mondello does a wonderful job of bringing Kyle, Lauren and her daughter to life with the smallest of actions that matter most. If you're looking for a read that exemplifies love and forgiveness, with the delightful hint of gingerbread and Christmas carol or two, look no farther than All I Want For Christmas Is You.
November 20, 2012
My Thoughts:
I have never read a Lisa Mondello story that I didn't love. She creates strong characters who are easy to invest in. The world she puts those characters in is always well thought out and the plot is clever.
I opened this book planning to love it - but...I got a little worried at the start where a little girl is wanting a daddy for Christmas. Lisa Mondello created the perfect Christmas scenario -
As a single mom, my heart bled for both the mother and the child with the opening scenes of the book. I was all in from there and read the book through in one sitting.
The characters are fantastic. There isn't a character in this book that I didn't connect with. The storyline is remarkable and wonderfully done. The level of emotion is the story is incredible. The themes running strong throughout the book are family, love and belief. Every person should have the kind of family that Kyle is offering to share with Lauren and Kristen. Fantastic read filled with love, laughter, dedication, forgiveness, and hope.
I have never read a Lisa Mondello story that I didn't love. She creates strong characters who are easy to invest in. The world she puts those characters in is always well thought out and the plot is clever.
I opened this book planning to love it - but...I got a little worried at the start where a little girl is wanting a daddy for Christmas. Lisa Mondello created the perfect Christmas scenario -
As a single mom, my heart bled for both the mother and the child with the opening scenes of the book. I was all in from there and read the book through in one sitting.
The characters are fantastic. There isn't a character in this book that I didn't connect with. The storyline is remarkable and wonderfully done. The level of emotion is the story is incredible. The themes running strong throughout the book are family, love and belief. Every person should have the kind of family that Kyle is offering to share with Lauren and Kristen. Fantastic read filled with love, laughter, dedication, forgiveness, and hope.
December 13, 2012
I love a good holiday story. Every Christmas season I look for some good holiday themed books that really bring out the meaning of the season. This book definitely lives up to my strict criteria. Lisa Mondello has done a wonderful job bringing in the feelings and emotions of the season along with just that of daily living. As most people will agree emotions during this time of the year tend to be more sensitive. That’s why when I find a good Christmas romance I latch on. The romance between Lauren and Kyle drew me in and had me sighing with every page turn. It’s not just their romance though that makes this such a must read for the season. It is definitely the element of family and the importance of trying to mend fences during this time of year that really solidifies this as a fantastic holiday novel. I would definitely suggest anyone who loves Christmas, romance and family to pick this up and read it. You won’t regret it.
October 23, 2011
I have always been such a sucker for a good m/f romance. I have gotten away from them lately. I am so glad that I found this book.
I had every intention of giving it 4 stars and then I got to the ending. Being the total sap that I am, I found my eyes tearing up (that rarely happens) over the way everything came together. Any book that will have me in tears (in a good way) is a good one. And the ending was just perfect. It wasn't too rushed and there was nothing unresolved. Everything played out perfectly. That has not been the case with most of the books I've read recently. Most are rush, rush at the end. This wasn't.
This is my first by this author and it most definitely will not be my last.
I had every intention of giving it 4 stars and then I got to the ending. Being the total sap that I am, I found my eyes tearing up (that rarely happens) over the way everything came together. Any book that will have me in tears (in a good way) is a good one. And the ending was just perfect. It wasn't too rushed and there was nothing unresolved. Everything played out perfectly. That has not been the case with most of the books I've read recently. Most are rush, rush at the end. This wasn't.
This is my first by this author and it most definitely will not be my last.
March 27, 2015
Published: 30/08/2011
Author: Lisa Mondello
Recommended for: readers who like christmas time sweet novels
Edition: Kindle
This is a rather short novel by Lisa Mondello, I found it on the Kindle Store for free and despite quite a few bad reviews I thought I would give it a go... however I wish I hadn't done. I really didn't enjoy reading this book at all, I found it rather dull and predictable. I normally love a good christmas book for them snowy days. It is a sweet novel, but I found the storyline to be rather poor and there wasn't much depth to the characters you don't really get to know them or get to relate to them.
Author: Lisa Mondello
Recommended for: readers who like christmas time sweet novels
Edition: Kindle
This is a rather short novel by Lisa Mondello, I found it on the Kindle Store for free and despite quite a few bad reviews I thought I would give it a go... however I wish I hadn't done. I really didn't enjoy reading this book at all, I found it rather dull and predictable. I normally love a good christmas book for them snowy days. It is a sweet novel, but I found the storyline to be rather poor and there wasn't much depth to the characters you don't really get to know them or get to relate to them.
February 8, 2016
A Christmas gift
This book has everything that makes Christmas special. A lonely single mom that just wants the best for her little girl and a little girl they wants a daddy for Christmas.
Kyle is finishing his shift as Santa at the mall when krissy comes with her Christmas wish list. Kyle finds himself wanting to make this wish come true for her.
Lauren us not very trusting so she keeps pulling back not realizing what a wonderful man she is seeing.
Christmas books like this make me very happy. I loved this book. Very well written filled with heart.
This book has everything that makes Christmas special. A lonely single mom that just wants the best for her little girl and a little girl they wants a daddy for Christmas.
Kyle is finishing his shift as Santa at the mall when krissy comes with her Christmas wish list. Kyle finds himself wanting to make this wish come true for her.
Lauren us not very trusting so she keeps pulling back not realizing what a wonderful man she is seeing.
Christmas books like this make me very happy. I loved this book. Very well written filled with heart.
December 29, 2011
Was looking for a quick Christmas read, not only did I find a quick read but a very heart-touching story. Kyle Preston and Lauren had trust issues for various reason. Kyles go back to childhood, Lauren's to a mistake she made as a teenager. Can these two very giving giving adults learn to love and trust again? The secondary characters give the story the right touches. Krissy and Julie speak straight from the heart. A free Kindle book, one of the best. Thanks Lisa and Kindle.
October 22, 2013
It was a good distraction and as Christmas Romances are my not so guilty pleasure, I enjoyed it. But again, the story was short, it could have been fleshed out a bit. I didn't really get a chance to like the characters. They were acquaintances, not my friends by the time I finished the book. Made me feel a bit like being a voyeur. I like that they hung gingerbread cookies on the tree...great tip, almost makes me want to bake.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 562 reviews