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Secret Santa
Dumped by her boyfriend just in time for the Christmas holidays, Indianapolis Star reporter Rebecca Campbell heads for nearby Hamden to investigate the story of Secret Santa, a benevolent stranger who appears every holiday to bestow a gift on a less fortunate soul, never expecting to find her life transformed by the joyful spirit of Hamden. 35,000 first printing.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2003
68 people want to read
About the author
Robert Tate Miller
8 books34 followersRobert Tate Miller was raised in the North Carolina mountain town of Hendersonville and began writing at an early age. He began his writing career with homespun essays of small town life that were published in such publications as Reader's Digest, The Christian Science Monitor and the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. He moved to Los Angeles in the late 1980s and wrote hugely successful family-oriented telefilms for NBC, ABC Family and the Hallmark Channel. Robert lives in Northridge, CA..
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 12, 2010
Easy reading and predictable but with a surprising conclusion, at least as to the identity of the Secret Santa... not who you would expect
November 21, 2019
Typical predictable but heartwarming Christmas read.
January 9, 2010
Also By ROBERT TATE MILLER!
December 19, 2025
Definitely a hallmark movie in book form. But also I liked it.
However, didn't remember I had read this before so there is that. Absolutely no memory of my previous read
However, didn't remember I had read this before so there is that. Absolutely no memory of my previous read
December 17, 2024
**Minor spoilers ahead**
Cute story, but could have been better written.
The characters felt flat and undeveloped. For example, we get the background on why Rebecca doesn't want to spend Christmas with her sister, but what about other family members? Are there no parents, aunts, cousins, etc. in the picture?
Speaking of the sister, the math doesn't math. Rebecca seems to be in a fairly entry-level position (so I was assuming in her 20s), yet her YOUNGER sister has 3 children all of whom are school age (we're told they get straight As), play two instruments, and speak a foreign language. So Rebecca is more likely in her 30s.
There was never any real explanation given for why Rebecca has been stuck in an entry-level role for so long.
Most characters in the story are referred to (primarily) by their first name name even if we learn their surname. One exception is John Martin Carter who is always referred to as "Carter". Why?
The cover of the book notes that it is "Also an NBC movie for television". I can't help but wonder whether the movie came first, and when the story was converted to book form, it failed to capture the feeling and context that the visuals in the movie would have provided.
The book is a very quick read. I read the first half during a single bubble bath. If it had been longer, I think I would have abandoned it over the poor writing. But I wanted to know how it ended, and that didn't involve a big time commitment, so I read the rest.
Cute story, but could have been better written.
The characters felt flat and undeveloped. For example, we get the background on why Rebecca doesn't want to spend Christmas with her sister, but what about other family members? Are there no parents, aunts, cousins, etc. in the picture?
Speaking of the sister, the math doesn't math. Rebecca seems to be in a fairly entry-level position (so I was assuming in her 20s), yet her YOUNGER sister has 3 children all of whom are school age (we're told they get straight As), play two instruments, and speak a foreign language. So Rebecca is more likely in her 30s.
There was never any real explanation given for why Rebecca has been stuck in an entry-level role for so long.
Most characters in the story are referred to (primarily) by their first name name even if we learn their surname. One exception is John Martin Carter who is always referred to as "Carter". Why?
The cover of the book notes that it is "Also an NBC movie for television". I can't help but wonder whether the movie came first, and when the story was converted to book form, it failed to capture the feeling and context that the visuals in the movie would have provided.
The book is a very quick read. I read the first half during a single bubble bath. If it had been longer, I think I would have abandoned it over the poor writing. But I wanted to know how it ended, and that didn't involve a big time commitment, so I read the rest.
September 8, 2018
I enjoy books about small town life and the simplicity and goodness that a small community can offer. Of course, it all depends on the kind of people who reside there. In this story the people love and look after one another, especially the town’s “Secret “Santa.” The book was short and the message was strong. I gave it 4 stars because I think it was a bit too short. I would have liked to see more development in the character’s relationships, but perhaps the author felt that was something we, as the readers, could imagine for ourselves.
May 1, 2023
Yup! Maybe aside from its lack of a strong emphasis on romance (not a downside, in my book), this short Christmas novel is pretty much what you'd expect its Christmas-TV-movie material to be.
A bundle of humor and a gradual, heartwarming change of heart. What it doesn't have in surprises, it makes up for in its "curl up on a cozy couch with a hot cup of cocoa" feel—along with a wonderful climax and conclusion.
The stuff that turning a frown upside-down and rediscovering the spirit of Christmas is made of.
A bundle of humor and a gradual, heartwarming change of heart. What it doesn't have in surprises, it makes up for in its "curl up on a cozy couch with a hot cup of cocoa" feel—along with a wonderful climax and conclusion.
The stuff that turning a frown upside-down and rediscovering the spirit of Christmas is made of.
November 19, 2017
2.5 stars but I rounded up. More like a short story than a book. This was like most Christmas Hallmark movies, sappy and simple.
November 24, 2020
Easy to get lost - in story with a lovely twist at the end. Would have given it 4 stars if it had been longer.
December 2, 2023
Heartfelt Christmas story , easy quick read!
December 27, 2023
Sort of a Hallmark Christmas movie in novella form.
November 18, 2025
4.5 stars. A nice heartwarming Christmas book.
January 23, 2015
Secret Santa by Robert Tate Miller and Beth Polson. The copyright date is 2003.It is a fiction book. Rebecca Chandler has been giving an assignment to do a report about Secret Santa(a mysterious stranger who gives gifts to the people in need) Rebecca finds the true meaning of Christmas: "Giving in its purest form expects nothing in return."
The story focuses on a young newspaper reporter for the Indianapolis Sentinel, Rebecca Chandler as she finds out who the real Secret Santa is. The plot is Rebecca can't find out who the real Secret Santa is. The reason why this book is Fiction because you could've had to do a report on Secret Santa, you never know. This book really keeps the action moving in fast pace, like when Rebecca thinks Secret Santa is John martin Carter, and Miss Ruthie. But turns out the person she didn't expect. Everybody needs to read this book during Christmas time and if they are doing a project on Giving!
These are the things I can relate to Rebecca :1. Even though Rebecca doesn't like Christmas, I still do.2. In TREK last year, we went to a nursing home and sing Christmas Carols(NOTE: we did not stay there like Rebecca did in the book)3. Rebecca kept lying to get into John Martin Carter's Mansion. Rebecca should've told the truth about who she was and what she wanted. I need to do same ,tell the truth all the time.4. At my church .they do a Christmas Pageant, but it's not similar to the one in Secret Santa.5. We receive presents from the church kinda like in this book. Ours is Atonement Lutheran Church and theirs is Russell Washington, a man that works at Corapeake Cove.
Secret Santa is heartwarming, in it you will learn about love, sacfrice, and the true meaning of Christmas. Tucked away in a tiny shed , a light would still burn giving hope to hungry hearts and Secret Santa would remain just that - a Secret. If you don't know the true meaning of Christmas and need it in a funny way to understand ,I suggest you read this book, your're going to like it Guranteed.
The story focuses on a young newspaper reporter for the Indianapolis Sentinel, Rebecca Chandler as she finds out who the real Secret Santa is. The plot is Rebecca can't find out who the real Secret Santa is. The reason why this book is Fiction because you could've had to do a report on Secret Santa, you never know. This book really keeps the action moving in fast pace, like when Rebecca thinks Secret Santa is John martin Carter, and Miss Ruthie. But turns out the person she didn't expect. Everybody needs to read this book during Christmas time and if they are doing a project on Giving!
These are the things I can relate to Rebecca :1. Even though Rebecca doesn't like Christmas, I still do.2. In TREK last year, we went to a nursing home and sing Christmas Carols(NOTE: we did not stay there like Rebecca did in the book)3. Rebecca kept lying to get into John Martin Carter's Mansion. Rebecca should've told the truth about who she was and what she wanted. I need to do same ,tell the truth all the time.4. At my church .they do a Christmas Pageant, but it's not similar to the one in Secret Santa.5. We receive presents from the church kinda like in this book. Ours is Atonement Lutheran Church and theirs is Russell Washington, a man that works at Corapeake Cove.
Secret Santa is heartwarming, in it you will learn about love, sacfrice, and the true meaning of Christmas. Tucked away in a tiny shed , a light would still burn giving hope to hungry hearts and Secret Santa would remain just that - a Secret. If you don't know the true meaning of Christmas and need it in a funny way to understand ,I suggest you read this book, your're going to like it Guranteed.
December 6, 2011
I GAVE THIS BOOK 5 STARS BECAUSE IT REALLY PUT ME IN THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT. IT IS REALLY HITS CLOSE TO HOME IN INDIANA BECAUSE THAT IS MY HOME STATE!!
IT'S CHRISTMAS, AND INDIANAPOLIS SENTINEL REPORTER REBECCA CHANDLER HAS JUST BEEN DUMPED BY HER BOYFRIEND. TIRED OF COVERING THE USUAL FLUFF-AND IN NO MOOD FOR WARMTH AND SENCERITY-SHE RELUCTANTLY ASSEPTS HER EDITOR'S ASSIGNMENT TO TRAVEL NEARBY HAMDEN AND COVER THE STORY OF SECRET SANTA, A BENEVOLENT STRANGER WHO APPEARS MYSTERIOUSLY EVERY CHRISTMAS EVE TO BESTOW A GENEROUS GIFT ON SOMEONE ELSE FORTUNATE.
ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL STORY OF A REPORTER WHO FOUND THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT IN A LITTLE TOWN OF HAMDEN, INDIANA AND THE OUTCOME IS JUST FANTASTIC!!! A MUST READ!!
IT'S CHRISTMAS, AND INDIANAPOLIS SENTINEL REPORTER REBECCA CHANDLER HAS JUST BEEN DUMPED BY HER BOYFRIEND. TIRED OF COVERING THE USUAL FLUFF-AND IN NO MOOD FOR WARMTH AND SENCERITY-SHE RELUCTANTLY ASSEPTS HER EDITOR'S ASSIGNMENT TO TRAVEL NEARBY HAMDEN AND COVER THE STORY OF SECRET SANTA, A BENEVOLENT STRANGER WHO APPEARS MYSTERIOUSLY EVERY CHRISTMAS EVE TO BESTOW A GENEROUS GIFT ON SOMEONE ELSE FORTUNATE.
ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL STORY OF A REPORTER WHO FOUND THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT IN A LITTLE TOWN OF HAMDEN, INDIANA AND THE OUTCOME IS JUST FANTASTIC!!! A MUST READ!!
December 24, 2013
A cute little read that has actually done more for my Christmas spirit than anything else this season. Sure, it was hokey and sappy and a bit predictible, but I sort of expected that when I started it. The characters were likable, (even Rebecca) despite being a bit like caricatures.
Recommended to anyone looking for something simple and Christmas-y to enjoy. :D FYI: This was made into a TV movie, with Jennie Garth as Rebecca. I was hoping that I could find it on DVD via Netflix, but no such luck. :(
Recommended to anyone looking for something simple and Christmas-y to enjoy. :D FYI: This was made into a TV movie, with Jennie Garth as Rebecca. I was hoping that I could find it on DVD via Netflix, but no such luck. :(
November 21, 2013
When Richard Paul Evans recommends a Christmas book, you expect depth, sincerity and quality...right?
Well, I don't anymore.
Secret Santa read more like an introduction than a full novel - just when the story is taking off, it ends. Very abruptly. Without delving into the overly sarcastic and unlovable, brisk heroine.
It had nothing to it, but sap, unfulfilled plots and one too many one liners.
(also, my rating is actually one and a half stars - the half for the potential this story had.)
Well, I don't anymore.
Secret Santa read more like an introduction than a full novel - just when the story is taking off, it ends. Very abruptly. Without delving into the overly sarcastic and unlovable, brisk heroine.
It had nothing to it, but sap, unfulfilled plots and one too many one liners.
(also, my rating is actually one and a half stars - the half for the potential this story had.)
January 15, 2014
I really liked this book. A reporter is tired of doing fluff pieces, so she decides to expose the "Secret Santa" in the town of Hamden. She does discover who the Secret Santa is. This is like the story of "The Gift of the Magi". It is a very good book with a great message.
This is the second time that I have read it.
This is the second time that I have read it.
December 12, 2015
Rebecca Chandler is going to find out who is the Secret Santa for the little town of Hamden because she is such a good investigative reporter. When she goes to the small town, she does not expect to find it so hard to get her answers, nor to make a few friends along the way. Will she find out the answer to her questions?
October 19, 2015
I enjoyed this 'gentle' read, examining the ability of someone to truly demonstrate the spirit of Christmas - generosity without expectation, other than the joy of knowing someone has received a gift which will make a huge difference in their life.
December 26, 2011
A cute little Christmas story. Nothing fantastic but just light and quick enough, also with a touch more realism than a lot of this fare, for the joyous Christmas season.
December 28, 2011
Short, but sweet. Makes you want to live in a small town during the holidays, especially if the residents are as cute as those living in Hamden.
December 21, 2014
2.5 stars...nice message but just a so-so story
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews