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The Santa Sleuth
A little girl's search for Santa brings two lonely people the gift of love.
Reporter Amanda Donnelly hates Christmas - and she's not that fond of kids, either. So when she's assigned a story about kids visiting Santa Claus at the mall, she wants it over with as fast as possible. But when Virginia, the cute little girl she features, becomes a hit, Amanda's producer wants Virginia to visit more mall Santas and pick the best one by Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, Virginia's busy single dad, Kirk, is that rare parent who isn't impressed by the opportunity to have his daughter on TV. Amanda quickly learns if she wants to guarantee that Virginia shows up for a taping, she'll have to drive her. They spend a lot of time together and in spite of herself, Amanda grows fond of the little girl. After Kirk unexpectedly joins them one Saturday, she finds herself drawn to him - and the feeling is mutual. But a workaholic father and a lonely little girl who wants a mommy do not fit in Amanda's life plan. She works crazy hours - once the story is over, she won't have time to spend with them. Christmas approaches and Kirk says he loves her. But does he love Amanda for herself, or is he looking for a mother for Virginia?
Reporter Amanda Donnelly hates Christmas - and she's not that fond of kids, either. So when she's assigned a story about kids visiting Santa Claus at the mall, she wants it over with as fast as possible. But when Virginia, the cute little girl she features, becomes a hit, Amanda's producer wants Virginia to visit more mall Santas and pick the best one by Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, Virginia's busy single dad, Kirk, is that rare parent who isn't impressed by the opportunity to have his daughter on TV. Amanda quickly learns if she wants to guarantee that Virginia shows up for a taping, she'll have to drive her. They spend a lot of time together and in spite of herself, Amanda grows fond of the little girl. After Kirk unexpectedly joins them one Saturday, she finds herself drawn to him - and the feeling is mutual. But a workaholic father and a lonely little girl who wants a mommy do not fit in Amanda's life plan. She works crazy hours - once the story is over, she won't have time to spend with them. Christmas approaches and Kirk says he loves her. But does he love Amanda for herself, or is he looking for a mother for Virginia?
164 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 1994
9 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Heather Allison
37 books7 followersHeather W. MacAllister lives in Texas and is married to her high-school sweetheart. Following the instructions in How to Get a Teen-Age Boy, and What to Do with Him When You Get Him by Ellen Peck, one of her all-time favorite books, she expressed an interest in his hobby — ham radio. He challenged her — learn Morse code and get her license, and he’d take her to the senior prom. She did, and currently sports her call sign, WB5RMA, on her car license plate.
Heather became addicted to romance novels in college, yet still managed to graduate and become a music teacher. And then her sons were born. Within seven months, nine baby-sitters quit, so she took pity on the childcare industry, quit teaching, and began avoiding housework by writing during her sons’ nap time.
Before she was published, Heather won the Romance Writer's of America Golden Heart Award. She published as Heather Allison and as Heather MacAllister. Her published novels have been nominated for the RWA RITA award three times, and eHarlequin.com readers voted LONE STAR SANTA favorite Laugh-Out-Loud book of 2006. In addition to awards for best Harlequin Romance and best Harlequin Temptation, Romantic Times Book Reviews has twice nominated Heather for a Career Achievement Award in Series Love and Laughter. She has published over 40 books with Harlequin. Her award-winning romantic comedies have been translated into 25 languages and published in dozens of countries.
When she's not writing, Heather spends her time collecting vintage jewelry, watching fireworks displays, and killing plants.
Heather became addicted to romance novels in college, yet still managed to graduate and become a music teacher. And then her sons were born. Within seven months, nine baby-sitters quit, so she took pity on the childcare industry, quit teaching, and began avoiding housework by writing during her sons’ nap time.
Before she was published, Heather won the Romance Writer's of America Golden Heart Award. She published as Heather Allison and as Heather MacAllister. Her published novels have been nominated for the RWA RITA award three times, and eHarlequin.com readers voted LONE STAR SANTA favorite Laugh-Out-Loud book of 2006. In addition to awards for best Harlequin Romance and best Harlequin Temptation, Romantic Times Book Reviews has twice nominated Heather for a Career Achievement Award in Series Love and Laughter. She has published over 40 books with Harlequin. Her award-winning romantic comedies have been translated into 25 languages and published in dozens of countries.
When she's not writing, Heather spends her time collecting vintage jewelry, watching fireworks displays, and killing plants.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 4, 2025
Such a Hallmark movie. It was cheesy and wonderful, predictable and exactly what I wanted. Nothing else matters, really.
December 27, 2010
Sweet family-themed story.
This was my first try of this author, and I was quite impressed. She's pulled together so many elements to make a lovely, heartwarming story, including an adorable motherless child, a Scrooge-like character (the heroine), and a handsome single father.
I really liked the character of Virginia, the daughter. She wasn't a caricature like so many kids are depicted in romance. Usually, you'll find that the characters of children are very one dimensional, and they'll either be brats or angels. Virginia was neither--she was a really person with ups and downs just like the rest of us. I felt that the author did a really good job of portraying Virginia, and I just loved her.
The characters of the hero and heroine were also well done. You felt like you knew them by the end of the book. I also liked that they had real-life issues to deal with, instead of silly misunderstandings being what kept them apart. These two really communicated, once they got past their stage of mutual antagonism (which luckily didn't last too long). They felt like real people--flawed, but not so flawed as to be unlikeable. That's a difficult balance to find, so I applaud the author on a job well done.
I just loved watching Amanda learn how to be a mother. She wasn't one of these miracle woman who just magically know how--kids actually made her uncomfortable. But of course, Virginia changed that, and I loved watching it happen. And Kirk had to make some changes, too. If you like stories where the characters grow over the course of the book, then you'll enjoy this one.
Also, this was a completely tame book. If it were a movie, it would probably get a G rating. There's no sex (shown or implied), just some kissing, so this is a story you could let your young daughter read without censorship. And if you want a holiday romance, THE SANTA SLEUTH also delivers in that area. The Christmas aspect felt like an integral part of the story, not something just tacked on to boost sales.
This was my first try of this author, and I was quite impressed. She's pulled together so many elements to make a lovely, heartwarming story, including an adorable motherless child, a Scrooge-like character (the heroine), and a handsome single father.
I really liked the character of Virginia, the daughter. She wasn't a caricature like so many kids are depicted in romance. Usually, you'll find that the characters of children are very one dimensional, and they'll either be brats or angels. Virginia was neither--she was a really person with ups and downs just like the rest of us. I felt that the author did a really good job of portraying Virginia, and I just loved her.
The characters of the hero and heroine were also well done. You felt like you knew them by the end of the book. I also liked that they had real-life issues to deal with, instead of silly misunderstandings being what kept them apart. These two really communicated, once they got past their stage of mutual antagonism (which luckily didn't last too long). They felt like real people--flawed, but not so flawed as to be unlikeable. That's a difficult balance to find, so I applaud the author on a job well done.
I just loved watching Amanda learn how to be a mother. She wasn't one of these miracle woman who just magically know how--kids actually made her uncomfortable. But of course, Virginia changed that, and I loved watching it happen. And Kirk had to make some changes, too. If you like stories where the characters grow over the course of the book, then you'll enjoy this one.
Also, this was a completely tame book. If it were a movie, it would probably get a G rating. There's no sex (shown or implied), just some kissing, so this is a story you could let your young daughter read without censorship. And if you want a holiday romance, THE SANTA SLEUTH also delivers in that area. The Christmas aspect felt like an integral part of the story, not something just tacked on to boost sales.
October 19, 2020
Amanda Donnelly just wants to move to the next level of reporting (the hard stuff! Isn't it always?) but is relegated to fluff. For example, her current assignment of picking a child who will rate the Santas around Houston. She wants a bright child with all their teeth but ends up with Virginia who is missing a tooth and who seems to bedevil her teachers/principal though that was very much a case of Show, not Tell since she doesn't seem unusual except for being fairly precocious and creating a lot of the pivot points for the plot.
Of course, (this is a romance novel, after all) Virginia has a single father, Kirk, who relies on his coterie of assistants to help take care of his daughter but seems to deny it. He also demonstrates questionable decision making when he sends Virginia out on location with Amanda after having met her once (maybe it was twice, but still.)
I did finish the story and if you're looking for something sweet and easy to read, this book will be it. It was just a little too sweet for me.
Of course, (this is a romance novel, after all) Virginia has a single father, Kirk, who relies on his coterie of assistants to help take care of his daughter but seems to deny it. He also demonstrates questionable decision making when he sends Virginia out on location with Amanda after having met her once (maybe it was twice, but still.)
I did finish the story and if you're looking for something sweet and easy to read, this book will be it. It was just a little too sweet for me.
December 6, 2024
Amanda Donnelly a workaholic TV executive producer who is gun-shy of men and relationships after a disastrous marriage.
Kirk McInerney is a single parent and a real estate agent who is hardly ever home.
His daughter, Veronica is cute, precocious, missing a front tooth, and planning ahead.
When Amanda chooses Virginia for a series of short TV clips to find the best Santa in Texas it means all three will be spending time together.
And when the series proves hugely popular they're thrown together even more.
But Kirk doesn't seem to realise how much Virginia needs him present in her life and misses several important events, leaving Amanda to sort out the mess.
The reader knows exactly where “The Santa Sleuth” is going and it dutifully obliges.
The ending is a tad rushed but the journey there is great fun.
It most definitely captures the spirit of the season.
3.5 Stars, raised to 4 Stars.
Kirk McInerney is a single parent and a real estate agent who is hardly ever home.
His daughter, Veronica is cute, precocious, missing a front tooth, and planning ahead.
When Amanda chooses Virginia for a series of short TV clips to find the best Santa in Texas it means all three will be spending time together.
And when the series proves hugely popular they're thrown together even more.
But Kirk doesn't seem to realise how much Virginia needs him present in her life and misses several important events, leaving Amanda to sort out the mess.
The reader knows exactly where “The Santa Sleuth” is going and it dutifully obliges.
The ending is a tad rushed but the journey there is great fun.
It most definitely captures the spirit of the season.
3.5 Stars, raised to 4 Stars.
November 21, 2018
Story: 2.5/5
At least this one was more holiday inclusive than the last one. I like single parent romances. This one was fine. Cute kid. Insta-love was boring. Characters felt two-dimensional. Meh.
Reread? No
Challenges:
2018 Goodreads Challenge
At least this one was more holiday inclusive than the last one. I like single parent romances. This one was fine. Cute kid. Insta-love was boring. Characters felt two-dimensional. Meh.
Reread? No
Challenges:
2018 Goodreads Challenge
October 18, 2011
There's much wisdom in the observation that opposites attract.
In this story, the H/h are so alike in character that they are bound to get on each others’ nerves a month in their marriage. They’re both Type A overachievers with very demanding professions.
To be a consistent top-grossing realtor signifies that the hero Kirk is highly competitive and works 24/7. Same with the heroine Amanda. To be promoted producer of her TV station meant that she too is a workhorse and an ambitious woman. Given their work schedules and work ethics, when will they have time to devote for each other and the family they’ll make in the future?
The warning signal is there: He skipped his daughter’s Christmas pageant for a client meeting. This wasn’t the first time he has done this; he cavalierly misses non-business appointments. He thinks his actions are justified because his work provides for the family. He delegates his fatherly duties to his housekeeper and his office staff because work takes precedence over everything. It’s this mindset that work is top priority that will soon wedge the couple apart. Yeah, he missed that closing at the end of the chapter. That was a babystep toward the right direction. But what happen next when he encounters another must-sell-house-of-the-year?
As for Amanda, she’s too much of a bean-counter to be able to compromise and put up him. She’ll make a careful accounting of who did what, when and where. She’ll be on his case if he fails to live up to his side of the bargain like he did after the Christmas pageant. She’ll scrutinize his actions for infractions, no matter nominal or insignificant, and remember them long afterwards. This was why she couldn’t let go of the Christmas betrayal her ex did on her nine years earlier. She’s not the forgive-and-let-go type.
Then, there’s the 6-year-old-going-on-13, very mixed-up daughter (who he reveals is not his biological child). Sad to say but she has learned to milk the situation to her advantage as displayed by her tantrum in the Dallas hotel and her refusal to pick the best Santa. Will the two self-involved, career-focused adults be able to give her the steady guidance that she needs? Doubtful. Too often, he has fob the child off to other people when she was inconvenient. She, on the other hand, was willing to bribe the child and ride roughshod over the father’s opposition for her TV segment. How's that for putting the child's welfare above her self-interest? Poor kid. I can see therapy sessions in her future.
Thumbs-down. No amount of I-love-you can paper over the inherent flaws. Had their personalities been a tad different from each other, a HEA could be conceivable. As it is, this romance is a divorce-statistics in the making.
In this story, the H/h are so alike in character that they are bound to get on each others’ nerves a month in their marriage. They’re both Type A overachievers with very demanding professions.
To be a consistent top-grossing realtor signifies that the hero Kirk is highly competitive and works 24/7. Same with the heroine Amanda. To be promoted producer of her TV station meant that she too is a workhorse and an ambitious woman. Given their work schedules and work ethics, when will they have time to devote for each other and the family they’ll make in the future?
The warning signal is there: He skipped his daughter’s Christmas pageant for a client meeting. This wasn’t the first time he has done this; he cavalierly misses non-business appointments. He thinks his actions are justified because his work provides for the family. He delegates his fatherly duties to his housekeeper and his office staff because work takes precedence over everything. It’s this mindset that work is top priority that will soon wedge the couple apart. Yeah, he missed that closing at the end of the chapter. That was a babystep toward the right direction. But what happen next when he encounters another must-sell-house-of-the-year?
As for Amanda, she’s too much of a bean-counter to be able to compromise and put up him. She’ll make a careful accounting of who did what, when and where. She’ll be on his case if he fails to live up to his side of the bargain like he did after the Christmas pageant. She’ll scrutinize his actions for infractions, no matter nominal or insignificant, and remember them long afterwards. This was why she couldn’t let go of the Christmas betrayal her ex did on her nine years earlier. She’s not the forgive-and-let-go type.
Then, there’s the 6-year-old-going-on-13, very mixed-up daughter (who he reveals is not his biological child). Sad to say but she has learned to milk the situation to her advantage as displayed by her tantrum in the Dallas hotel and her refusal to pick the best Santa. Will the two self-involved, career-focused adults be able to give her the steady guidance that she needs? Doubtful. Too often, he has fob the child off to other people when she was inconvenient. She, on the other hand, was willing to bribe the child and ride roughshod over the father’s opposition for her TV segment. How's that for putting the child's welfare above her self-interest? Poor kid. I can see therapy sessions in her future.
Thumbs-down. No amount of I-love-you can paper over the inherent flaws. Had their personalities been a tad different from each other, a HEA could be conceivable. As it is, this romance is a divorce-statistics in the making.
January 1, 2016
SUMMARY: Virginia McEnery--All she wants for Christmas is a mommy. Trouble is, Amanda, the mommy she's chosen, doesn't think she's right for the job. But maybe with a miracle--and a little help from Santa--Virginia can change Amanda's mind...
Amanda Donnelly--Her co-workers call her Scroogette...because she hates Christmas. She's not wild about kids, either. Then she's assigned to do a TV story on kids and Christmas. Isn't life wonderful? When Virginia turns out to be a terrific little girl, things begin to look up. If only Virginia's father wasn't so delightfully disturbing...
Kirk McEnery--He doesn't need any more complications in his life. Especially not this close to Christmas. Then he startes to realize that Amanda might be the kind of complication he could get really interested in...
REVIEW: This was a quick, easy to read Christmas story filled with numerous Santas, lots of trips to shopping malls, and an adorable little girl who just wants a mommy for Christmas and is sure the "real" Santa will deliver if she can only find him. Very entertaining with lots of laughter and high jinks. Both the hero and heroine were very real as they muddled their way through their own problems.
Amanda Donnelly--Her co-workers call her Scroogette...because she hates Christmas. She's not wild about kids, either. Then she's assigned to do a TV story on kids and Christmas. Isn't life wonderful? When Virginia turns out to be a terrific little girl, things begin to look up. If only Virginia's father wasn't so delightfully disturbing...
Kirk McEnery--He doesn't need any more complications in his life. Especially not this close to Christmas. Then he startes to realize that Amanda might be the kind of complication he could get really interested in...
REVIEW: This was a quick, easy to read Christmas story filled with numerous Santas, lots of trips to shopping malls, and an adorable little girl who just wants a mommy for Christmas and is sure the "real" Santa will deliver if she can only find him. Very entertaining with lots of laughter and high jinks. Both the hero and heroine were very real as they muddled their way through their own problems.
December 22, 2012
Amanda is assigned to do a story for her news station on finding the real Santa in the Houston-area malls. She goes to a school to find the perfect child to help her with this and finds Virginia, a precocious 6 year old with a workaholic dad, Kirk.
Kirk is married to his work and doesn't seem to want to make time for his daughter. He is unreliable, saying he'll be somewhere and then standing them up, all in the name of work. Amanda is very similar. At one point, she wonders if she even has any friends outside of work, since she's set such high goals for herself and is always working. This isn't really a story of opposites attract, yet suddenly, they're attracted. Virginia often seems older than she is, but is still a tender-hearted, sweet girl.
Although there were elements of the story that bothered me, I still enjoyed it.
Content: nothing that I can think of---clean.
Kirk is married to his work and doesn't seem to want to make time for his daughter. He is unreliable, saying he'll be somewhere and then standing them up, all in the name of work. Amanda is very similar. At one point, she wonders if she even has any friends outside of work, since she's set such high goals for herself and is always working. This isn't really a story of opposites attract, yet suddenly, they're attracted. Virginia often seems older than she is, but is still a tender-hearted, sweet girl.
Although there were elements of the story that bothered me, I still enjoyed it.
Content: nothing that I can think of---clean.
December 16, 2013
This was a fun and cute holiday story. Amanda works for Hello Houston and a story she is working on requires a child to visit all the malls and rate the Santa, then after she has visited them all she would pick the best Santa. Virginia is chosen to accomplish this task and her father Kirk isn't really much of a help. He is a single father. Virginia's mom died and Kirk is struggling to raise her and run his business at the same time. Amanda steps into the mix and finds herself getting closer and closer to both father and daughter. Virginia is asking every Santa for a special gift that she won't tell anyone else about. But it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what she wants, it was the only obvious part of the story.
I enjoyed reading this light holiday tale.
I enjoyed reading this light holiday tale.
November 11, 2013
This was cute story that read like a Hallmark Channel Christmas movie. I think it would be better as a movie since there isn't much meat to the story. The main characters are interesting enough with the little girl, Virginia, being the star of the "show." The story is dated as the two adults, a realtor and a television producer, do not have cell phones which is unheard of in this day and age. Many of the plot points hinge on these two not being able to get in touch with one another which does not seem plausible in 2013. The editing was poor and in one part of the story Virginia's father, Kirk, is called Kyle. I think with a little updating and trimming it could be a decent holiday novella.
November 9, 2012
fun little distracting read )
October 3, 2013
What a sweet and heart-warming Chirstmas story! Virginia is absolutely adorable. If you are a fan of the holidays and love a good romance, then read this book!
Want to read
February 15, 2016a little girl's search for santa brings two lonely
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews