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I'll Be Home For Christmas by Fern Michaels
The perfect holiday surprise is a yuletide treat from the beloved pen of #1 New York Times bestselling author Fern Michaels. . .Comfort And JoyFor Angie Bradford, this holiday season her miracle under the mistletoe arrived gift wrapped in a tall, handsome package called Josh Eagle. . .The Christmas StockingFocused on the gift of giving, Amy Baran wasn't expecting anything under the Christmas tree this year. Luckily Gus Moss decided to stop resisting her. . .A Bright Red RibbonFor two years, Morgan Ames has promised to wait for Mr. Right. In a sudden snowstorm, she discovers the joys of keeping her word.Merry, MerryPeter King doesn't have struggling veterinarian Andi Evans's best interests at heart--until he falls in love with her. . .
Mass Market Paperback
First published September 30, 2006
218 people are currently reading
826 people want to read
About the author
Fern Michaels
426 books6,526 followersFern Michaels isn’t a person. I’m not sure she’s an entity either since an entity is something with separate existence. Fern Michaels® is what I DO. Me, Mary Ruth Kuczkir. Growing up in Hastings, Pennsylvania, I was called Ruth. I became Mary when I entered the business world where first names were the order of the day. To this day, family and friends call me Dink, a name my father gave me when I was born because according to him I was ‘a dinky little thing’ weighing in at four and a half pounds. However, I answer to Fern since people are more comfortable with a name they can pronounce.
As they say, the past is prologue. I grew up, got a job, got married, had five kids. When my youngest went off to Kindergarten, my husband told me to get off my ass and get a job. Those were his exact words. I didn’t know how to do anything except be a wife and mother. I was also a voracious reader having cut my teeth on The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Cherry Ames and the like. The library was a magical place for me. It still is to this day. Rather than face the outside world with no skills, I decided to write a book. For some reason that didn’t intimidate me. As my husband said at the time, stupid is as stupid does. Guess what, I don’t have that husband any more. Guess what else! I wrote 99 books, most of them New York Times Best Sellers.
Moving right along here . . . Several years ago I left Ballantine Books, parted company with my agent, sold my house in New Jersey that I had lived in all my married life and in 1993 moved to South Carolina. I figured if I was going to go through trauma let it be all at one time. It was a breeze. The kids were all on their own at that point. The dump was a 300 year old plantation house that is listed in the National Registry that I remodeled. Today it is beyond belief as are the gardens and the equally old Angel Oaks that drip Spanish moss. Unfortunately, I could not get my ghost to relocate. This ghost has been documented by previous owners. Mary Margaret as we call her, is “a friendly”. She is also mischievous. It took me two weeks to figure out that she didn’t like my coffee cups. They would slide off the table or counter or else they’d break in the dishwasher. I bought red checkered ones. All are intact as of this writing. She moves pillows from one room to the other and she stops all the clocks in the house at 9:10 in the a.m. at least once a week. When the Azaleas are in bloom, and only then, I find blooms on my night stand. I have this glorious front porch and during the warm months I see my swing moving early in the morning when the air is still and again late in the day. She doesn’t spook the dogs. I always know when she’s around because the five of them line up and look like they’re at a tennis match. As of this writing we’re co-habiting nicely.
Most writers love what they do and I’m no exception. I love it when I get a germ of an idea and get it down on paper. I love breathing life into my characters. I love writing about women who persevere and prevail because that’s what I had to do to get to this point in time. It’s another way of saying it doesn’t matter where you’ve been, what matters is where you’re going and how you get there. The day I finally prevailed was the day I was inducted into the New Jersey Literary Hall of Fame. For me it was an awesome day and there are no words to describe it.
I’ve been telling stories and scribbling for 37 years. I hope I can continue for another 37 years. It wasn’t easy during some of those years. As I said, I had to persevere. My old Polish grandmother said something to me when I was little that I never forgot. She said when God is good to you, you have to give back. For a while I didn’t know how to do that. When I finally figured it out I set up The Fern Michaels® Foundation.
READ FERN MICHAELS' FULL BIOGRAPHY HERE: http://www.fernmichaels.com/biography/
As they say, the past is prologue. I grew up, got a job, got married, had five kids. When my youngest went off to Kindergarten, my husband told me to get off my ass and get a job. Those were his exact words. I didn’t know how to do anything except be a wife and mother. I was also a voracious reader having cut my teeth on The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Cherry Ames and the like. The library was a magical place for me. It still is to this day. Rather than face the outside world with no skills, I decided to write a book. For some reason that didn’t intimidate me. As my husband said at the time, stupid is as stupid does. Guess what, I don’t have that husband any more. Guess what else! I wrote 99 books, most of them New York Times Best Sellers.
Moving right along here . . . Several years ago I left Ballantine Books, parted company with my agent, sold my house in New Jersey that I had lived in all my married life and in 1993 moved to South Carolina. I figured if I was going to go through trauma let it be all at one time. It was a breeze. The kids were all on their own at that point. The dump was a 300 year old plantation house that is listed in the National Registry that I remodeled. Today it is beyond belief as are the gardens and the equally old Angel Oaks that drip Spanish moss. Unfortunately, I could not get my ghost to relocate. This ghost has been documented by previous owners. Mary Margaret as we call her, is “a friendly”. She is also mischievous. It took me two weeks to figure out that she didn’t like my coffee cups. They would slide off the table or counter or else they’d break in the dishwasher. I bought red checkered ones. All are intact as of this writing. She moves pillows from one room to the other and she stops all the clocks in the house at 9:10 in the a.m. at least once a week. When the Azaleas are in bloom, and only then, I find blooms on my night stand. I have this glorious front porch and during the warm months I see my swing moving early in the morning when the air is still and again late in the day. She doesn’t spook the dogs. I always know when she’s around because the five of them line up and look like they’re at a tennis match. As of this writing we’re co-habiting nicely.
Most writers love what they do and I’m no exception. I love it when I get a germ of an idea and get it down on paper. I love breathing life into my characters. I love writing about women who persevere and prevail because that’s what I had to do to get to this point in time. It’s another way of saying it doesn’t matter where you’ve been, what matters is where you’re going and how you get there. The day I finally prevailed was the day I was inducted into the New Jersey Literary Hall of Fame. For me it was an awesome day and there are no words to describe it.
I’ve been telling stories and scribbling for 37 years. I hope I can continue for another 37 years. It wasn’t easy during some of those years. As I said, I had to persevere. My old Polish grandmother said something to me when I was little that I never forgot. She said when God is good to you, you have to give back. For a while I didn’t know how to do that. When I finally figured it out I set up The Fern Michaels® Foundation.
READ FERN MICHAELS' FULL BIOGRAPHY HERE: http://www.fernmichaels.com/biography/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
October 13, 2012
I bought this book today because I was looking for some romance, some Christmas (Oh, hush, I like sappy Christmas romances, even in October), and I was waiting on my prescription at the Safeway pharmacy and it was going to take me a good 1/2 hour to wait. So I got this book. I'll admit, I only read part of it. The rest I skimmed. Clearly I didn't like it.
There are two main reasons. First, the stories read more like scripts than fiction. I just don't feel the depth of the setting/characters/emotions that I wanted. The second reason was that the coming together of the hero and heroine were basically skipped over without any real emotional buildup or crescendo of emotion. Sort of the way Bones totally skipped over Booth's and Bones' relationship coming together (which still pisses me off). So these stories may be good for someone else. But they just weren't any good for me. This is the first Fern Michaels I've read. I'm doubting I'll be picking anything else up.
There are two main reasons. First, the stories read more like scripts than fiction. I just don't feel the depth of the setting/characters/emotions that I wanted. The second reason was that the coming together of the hero and heroine were basically skipped over without any real emotional buildup or crescendo of emotion. Sort of the way Bones totally skipped over Booth's and Bones' relationship coming together (which still pisses me off). So these stories may be good for someone else. But they just weren't any good for me. This is the first Fern Michaels I've read. I'm doubting I'll be picking anything else up.
December 8, 2023
The first story I didn't like , The second was much better I gave up on the third and the fourth story I didn't start it at all.
Not my cup of tea. Very simple, short Christmas romance.
Not my cup of tea. Very simple, short Christmas romance.
January 5, 2021
I'm not sure this author is for me ... I was hoping for cute and heartwarming Christmas feels but I can't make it past the 1st story. I RARELY DNF but I just can't with this one.
The writing is choppy and the entire "romance" is rushed and annoying. The "adults" talk and act like they are pre-teens which shows in the dialogue.
There were so many unnecessary scenes thrown in that didn't make sense (like the ex trying to sabotage things) and then after being introduced as part of the story...absolutely no conclusion...
I'm sure there are some out there who would love this author but they just aren't for me.
The writing is choppy and the entire "romance" is rushed and annoying. The "adults" talk and act like they are pre-teens which shows in the dialogue.
There were so many unnecessary scenes thrown in that didn't make sense (like the ex trying to sabotage things) and then after being introduced as part of the story...absolutely no conclusion...
I'm sure there are some out there who would love this author but they just aren't for me.
December 24, 2024
Honestly, this was horrible writing and cringy stories, but it got me out of my reading slump. 3 stars!
August 17, 2012
as seen on walrus publishing
I don’t need to remind anyone how hot it has been during the summer of 2012. In order to combat the heat, especially after a night at the MUNY, I raided my bookcase to find a book set in cool location. Christmas always brings thoughts, and hope, of snow, ice, and dropping temperatures.
I settled on an anthology, I’ll Be Home for Christmas, by New York Times bestselling author, Fern Michaels. Between the cover I found four delightfully romantic novellas.
The first, “Merry, Merry,” had struggling veterinarian Andi Evans trying to save her family property. She and her thirty-five animals take on Perry King of King Cosmetics when Perry wants to buy her land for a new factory. It’s boy versus girl as usual, but the way Andi has her animals trained always made for a great laugh. I can’t imagine getting thirty-five animals to walk in line anywhere without total chaos.
In “A Bright Red Ribbon,” Morgan Ames is expecting an engagement ring for Christmas. Instead, her boyfriend Keith tells her he’s not quite ready to take the big step. He asks her to wait, and she does. Well the two years have gone by, but Morgan hasn’t heard a word from Keith. Her friends try to tell her that he has dumped her; however Morgan has faith that he will show up and sweep her off her feet. Perhaps too much faith. As Christmas Eve approaches, she isn’t sure what will happen.
“The Christmas Stocking” Amy Baran has returned to Fairfax, Virginia, to help her mother raise money for a new senior center. Her plans include making a deal with Old Man Moss for his Christmas trees. When she arrives, Moss has neglected the farm. Any hope of a tree crop this year is out of the question. When the farm’s sorry state reaches Moss’s son Gus in Los Angeles, he goes to back to see how he can save what so many people depend on. However, Gus and Amy have vastly different views on how the problems should be handled.
Finally, there is “Comfort and Joy,” which pits Angie Bradford against Eagle Department Store owner Josh Eagle. Angie has taken over her mother’s gift-wrapping business, located inside Eagle’s. The store is in trouble with sales plummeting every month. If something doesn’t change soon, both Josh and Angie are going to be looking for new careers.
Michaels is always an easy read and a great way to ward off the summer heat or spend a quiet winter afternoon. My favorite of the four is “Merry, Merry” because of the hilarity of the animals. It closely reminds me of James Herriott’s novels.
I don’t need to remind anyone how hot it has been during the summer of 2012. In order to combat the heat, especially after a night at the MUNY, I raided my bookcase to find a book set in cool location. Christmas always brings thoughts, and hope, of snow, ice, and dropping temperatures.
I settled on an anthology, I’ll Be Home for Christmas, by New York Times bestselling author, Fern Michaels. Between the cover I found four delightfully romantic novellas.
The first, “Merry, Merry,” had struggling veterinarian Andi Evans trying to save her family property. She and her thirty-five animals take on Perry King of King Cosmetics when Perry wants to buy her land for a new factory. It’s boy versus girl as usual, but the way Andi has her animals trained always made for a great laugh. I can’t imagine getting thirty-five animals to walk in line anywhere without total chaos.
In “A Bright Red Ribbon,” Morgan Ames is expecting an engagement ring for Christmas. Instead, her boyfriend Keith tells her he’s not quite ready to take the big step. He asks her to wait, and she does. Well the two years have gone by, but Morgan hasn’t heard a word from Keith. Her friends try to tell her that he has dumped her; however Morgan has faith that he will show up and sweep her off her feet. Perhaps too much faith. As Christmas Eve approaches, she isn’t sure what will happen.
“The Christmas Stocking” Amy Baran has returned to Fairfax, Virginia, to help her mother raise money for a new senior center. Her plans include making a deal with Old Man Moss for his Christmas trees. When she arrives, Moss has neglected the farm. Any hope of a tree crop this year is out of the question. When the farm’s sorry state reaches Moss’s son Gus in Los Angeles, he goes to back to see how he can save what so many people depend on. However, Gus and Amy have vastly different views on how the problems should be handled.
Finally, there is “Comfort and Joy,” which pits Angie Bradford against Eagle Department Store owner Josh Eagle. Angie has taken over her mother’s gift-wrapping business, located inside Eagle’s. The store is in trouble with sales plummeting every month. If something doesn’t change soon, both Josh and Angie are going to be looking for new careers.
Michaels is always an easy read and a great way to ward off the summer heat or spend a quiet winter afternoon. My favorite of the four is “Merry, Merry” because of the hilarity of the animals. It closely reminds me of James Herriott’s novels.
January 7, 2011
This book is made up of 4 stories, something I didn't know when I started or I wouldn't have picked it up. You can't develop very much plot or character in 1/4 of a paperback romance. So I found the 1st story to be so fast paced as to leave me breathless and wondering if the author was on a speed-writing drug when she composed it. I'd give that story 1 star. But when I realized what I was in for I was able to enjoy the remaining stories a little more. I'll have to be even more careful choosing my holiday romances in the future. My favorite of the 4 stories involved the Christmas Tree farm.
December 20, 2010
This is a collection of (4)short Christmas Stories by Fern Michaels. I've never read any of her books before so this was a new experience. Overall, the stories were pleasant because I'm in the Christmas Spirit and who doesn't like a Holiday story? The writing style in the first two stories was very choppy and was mostly dialogue back and forth which irritated me. The last two stories flowed more smoothly and were cute.
November 13, 2012
I always love a good Christmas book, and Fern Michaels really knows how to write fun, inspiring, and romantic Christmas stories! My favorite in this collection is "A Bright Red Ribbon" - I'd actually read it in another book before, but it was just as good the second time around. All four short stories were clever, well-written, and festive. Definitely a fun holiday book to relax with!
December 8, 2012
The first two stories were good the second one I read in about an hour last night just could not put it down, am getting ready to start the third story
December 31, 2017
I love a cheesy Christmas story and I'm not usually one to care too much about the quality of the writing but this was terrible!! I wonder how it gets published!
October 20, 2012
Fun Christmas stories to get you in the spirit!
Read
August 16, 2020COMFORT AND JOY
Ever since Angie Bradford took over her mother's gift wrap business in the Eagle Department Store, she and handsome store chief Josh Eagle have been at odds. When Josh threatens to give up on the business it's time for a miracle under the mistletoe...
THE CHRISTMAS STOCKING
Amy Baran is determined to raise money for a new seniors' center by harvesting Christmas trees from the small-town Virginia farm she remembers from her childhood. Trouble is, Gus Moss has his own ideas about saving the farm his father has neglected. Neither wants to give up, but when attraction turns to romance, they just might have to give in ...
A BRIGHT RED RIBBON
Being dumped by your boyfriend on Christmas Eve has got to be the worst. Still, Morgan Ames promised she'd wait two Christmases for his return - tonight - and she always keeps her promises. But a sudden snowstorm has other ideas, including a romantic turn Morgan never imagined ...
MERRY, MERRY
If cosmetic king Peter King thinks he's going to buy struggling veterinarian Andi Evans' family property out from under her, he's got another thing coming. This Christmas, she's ready for war ... or would that be love?
OMG, I cannot believe how bad the writing is in this book. And, I don't know what order the stories run in but the last one is first in the book. It's SOOOO bad that I only struggled to halfway through page 6. Yep, that bad. Here's the paragraph that did me in:
"A beagle named Annabelle pawed Andi's leg. "I know, time for supper and a little run. Okay, everybody SIT! You know the drill, about face; march in an orderly fashion to the pen area. Stop when you get to the gate and go to your assigned dishes. You know which ones are yours. No cheating Harriet," she said to a fat white cat who eyed her disdainfully. "I'm counting to three, and when the whistle blows, GO! That's really good, you guys are getting the hang of it."
She then told someone that there were 36 dogs and cats in this "trained" group. She'd earlier said they were all strays that people had dropped off on her property because she's a vet. I'm sorry but my imagination doesn't stretch that far. It's so stupid it isn't even funny.
Not recommended, ever, ever, ever.
Ever since Angie Bradford took over her mother's gift wrap business in the Eagle Department Store, she and handsome store chief Josh Eagle have been at odds. When Josh threatens to give up on the business it's time for a miracle under the mistletoe...
THE CHRISTMAS STOCKING
Amy Baran is determined to raise money for a new seniors' center by harvesting Christmas trees from the small-town Virginia farm she remembers from her childhood. Trouble is, Gus Moss has his own ideas about saving the farm his father has neglected. Neither wants to give up, but when attraction turns to romance, they just might have to give in ...
A BRIGHT RED RIBBON
Being dumped by your boyfriend on Christmas Eve has got to be the worst. Still, Morgan Ames promised she'd wait two Christmases for his return - tonight - and she always keeps her promises. But a sudden snowstorm has other ideas, including a romantic turn Morgan never imagined ...
MERRY, MERRY
If cosmetic king Peter King thinks he's going to buy struggling veterinarian Andi Evans' family property out from under her, he's got another thing coming. This Christmas, she's ready for war ... or would that be love?
OMG, I cannot believe how bad the writing is in this book. And, I don't know what order the stories run in but the last one is first in the book. It's SOOOO bad that I only struggled to halfway through page 6. Yep, that bad. Here's the paragraph that did me in:
"A beagle named Annabelle pawed Andi's leg. "I know, time for supper and a little run. Okay, everybody SIT! You know the drill, about face; march in an orderly fashion to the pen area. Stop when you get to the gate and go to your assigned dishes. You know which ones are yours. No cheating Harriet," she said to a fat white cat who eyed her disdainfully. "I'm counting to three, and when the whistle blows, GO! That's really good, you guys are getting the hang of it."
She then told someone that there were 36 dogs and cats in this "trained" group. She'd earlier said they were all strays that people had dropped off on her property because she's a vet. I'm sorry but my imagination doesn't stretch that far. It's so stupid it isn't even funny.
Not recommended, ever, ever, ever.
April 18, 2021
Nice lite feel-good stories. I enjoy reading some of Ms. Michaels' series (Sisterhood, Godmothers, Men of the Sisterhood, etc.) so I thought I would pick up one of her non-series books. This is a collection of 4 love stories with plenty of emotional conflict thrown in. The thoroughly enjoyed the read
July 9, 2022
There are 4 stories in this book. Once I started the book I realized I had already read two of those stories previously. I don't mind compilations but I dislike when stories are printed more than once in several books. I feel like I pay twice for those stories.
The two stories I hadn't read were enjoyable. I liked the characters though I would have liked to see them fleshed out more.
The two stories I hadn't read were enjoyable. I liked the characters though I would have liked to see them fleshed out more.
May 3, 2021
Warms Your Heart & Tickles Your Funny Bone
I loved this book. I found myself laughing out loud at times and tearing up at other times. I wish the world was more like the end of this book. Merry Christmas.
I loved this book. I found myself laughing out loud at times and tearing up at other times. I wish the world was more like the end of this book. Merry Christmas.
December 22, 2016
The Season of Giving
I loved each one of the stories in this book. Christmas is a wonderful time of year. A time of peace, love and family.
I loved each one of the stories in this book. Christmas is a wonderful time of year. A time of peace, love and family.
December 9, 2017
Great story about the true Christmas spirit of caring for others before oneself. I wish the language had been squeaky clean, hence the 4 stars over 5.
January 19, 2019
I really liked the stories.
There are 4 in total.
Each one different but fun
There are 4 in total.
Each one different but fun
December 20, 2020
If you need just a good down to earth happy book to lift your spirits this is the one for you! I loved it and will definitely read it again!
May 11, 2021
(Library copy) Satisfactory short Christmas romance stories. A little low on character and relationship development - characteristic of such short novels. But sweet and happy.
January 28, 2022
This book was a little sexist and boring. The last story was especially ass
December 23, 2022
Not the best writing
There were many stories in this book. Each one was better than the first. But none one was that good. I was disappointed!
There were many stories in this book. Each one was better than the first. But none one was that good. I was disappointed!
December 19, 2024
Finished the first story within the book but won’t read any further. Poor writing, very unrealistic. Luckily, it came from a FLL. Maybe the next reception will enjoy it more.
December 29, 2024
Four cute holiday stories with happy endings.
February 19, 2025
4 different heart warming stories in one book. Loved them all…
November 12, 2025
Wonderful book full of short stories all dealing with Christmas
December 24, 2025
Great Christmas stories. Heart warming.
December 31, 2025
I love the last two stories a lot more, they have a nice flow for short stories. I would loved the first two but they were all over, although the stories were lovely, wish it had a better flow!
December 19, 2016
Cute story lines but a lot of the storyline and dialogue between characters felt rushed.
December 19, 2021
This book actually had three separate stories. They were all good. I realized I like watching Xmas movies better than reading about them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews