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Evergreen Lane #1
Do You Believe in Santa?
Miracles don’t just happen on 34th Street. They can happen right in your living room—if you’re willing to believe…
What grown woman claims to have seen Santa Claus? Mandy Reese, for one—on a very special Christmas Eve when she was eight years old. These days, Mandy works at a year-round Christmas store in Tall Pine, California, where customers love to hear about her childhood encounter with Saint Nick. But when Jake Wyndham arrives in town—charming, gorgeous, extremely practical—Mandy faces a dilemma. Deny what she saw, or let Jake think she’s sugarplum crazy?
Jake scouts hotel locations all over the country, but he’s never met anyone quite like Mandy before. Her warmth and sparkle are irresistible, but…meeting Santa? Really? Jake’s no Scrooge but he’s definitely skeptical. Then again, there are all kinds of things Jake never experienced until he came to Tall Pine. Like autumn snow. Mind blowing kisses. And the magic of falling head-over-heels, madly in love…
What grown woman claims to have seen Santa Claus? Mandy Reese, for one—on a very special Christmas Eve when she was eight years old. These days, Mandy works at a year-round Christmas store in Tall Pine, California, where customers love to hear about her childhood encounter with Saint Nick. But when Jake Wyndham arrives in town—charming, gorgeous, extremely practical—Mandy faces a dilemma. Deny what she saw, or let Jake think she’s sugarplum crazy?
Jake scouts hotel locations all over the country, but he’s never met anyone quite like Mandy before. Her warmth and sparkle are irresistible, but…meeting Santa? Really? Jake’s no Scrooge but he’s definitely skeptical. Then again, there are all kinds of things Jake never experienced until he came to Tall Pine. Like autumn snow. Mind blowing kisses. And the magic of falling head-over-heels, madly in love…
312 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 29, 2015
12 people are currently reading
665 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
December 27, 2017
This is one of those stories that would make a perfect Hallmark movie. There is a small town, a beloved if not eccentric main character, someone new to town, a situation that needs to be overcome and of course romance. The plot in the story was very well paced and I was pulled in right from the start.
Mandy Reese loves all things Christmas. As a child, she saw Santa Claus, the real one, and has been in love with the season ever since. She is jokingly called "Mandy Claus" in the small town of Tall Pine in the mountains of southern California. She works in the local Christmas Shop called The North Pole. Her mother has died so she is all alone. She wants to find a man to fall in love with, but her claim to fame seems to have prevented that from happening. When Jake Wyndham comes to Tall Pine to see if this is a place where the hotel chain he works for might want to locate, he meets Mandy. He feels an instant attraction to her and wants to get to know her better. Mandy wants to get to know Jake without him finding out about her Santa sighting. She and Jake really hit it off and date for the short time he is there. When the town council balks at the thought of a chain hotel moving in, Mandy and Jake work together to make it possible. They have just met, they do not want to lose each other already. What will Jake think when Mandy reveals the truth about herself? This is an imaginative, romantic, sweet, touching story about love, belief and of course Christmas. The characters feel real, they made me root for them. This is a clean romantic read. I enjoyed it and I am sure you will too.
Mandy Reese loves all things Christmas. As a child, she saw Santa Claus, the real one, and has been in love with the season ever since. She is jokingly called "Mandy Claus" in the small town of Tall Pine in the mountains of southern California. She works in the local Christmas Shop called The North Pole. Her mother has died so she is all alone. She wants to find a man to fall in love with, but her claim to fame seems to have prevented that from happening. When Jake Wyndham comes to Tall Pine to see if this is a place where the hotel chain he works for might want to locate, he meets Mandy. He feels an instant attraction to her and wants to get to know her better. Mandy wants to get to know Jake without him finding out about her Santa sighting. She and Jake really hit it off and date for the short time he is there. When the town council balks at the thought of a chain hotel moving in, Mandy and Jake work together to make it possible. They have just met, they do not want to lose each other already. What will Jake think when Mandy reveals the truth about herself? This is an imaginative, romantic, sweet, touching story about love, belief and of course Christmas. The characters feel real, they made me root for them. This is a clean romantic read. I enjoyed it and I am sure you will too.
September 6, 2015
This is so cute it should be a Lifetime TV movie! I, for one, never feel it's too early for Christmas and neither does Mandy Reese, cause she works at a year round Christmas store in Tall Pines, CA. Her whole life changed when she saw Santa -- really saw him -- in her living room when she was eight years old. It wasn't about the presents or the jolliness or the bright red suit -- it was just the wonderfully understanding look in his eyes that said, "believe." So she has, even though it's caused her no end of embarrassment over the years with the adults in town. But she's always willing to share her story when a child asks,
When she first sees Jake Wyndham, he's in town to scout sites for a new hotel and he's just the kind of guy she's longed to meet. He's good looking, kind, attentive, sweet, has a great job and, best of all, he doesn't know why people call her "Mandy Claus" and she'd like to keep it that way until they get a chance to know each other. And Jake hopes the people of Tall Pines can accept his company's plans for a hotel that just might change life in their small town.
This is an enchanting story about the magic of the Christmas season and I loved it!
Received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.
When she first sees Jake Wyndham, he's in town to scout sites for a new hotel and he's just the kind of guy she's longed to meet. He's good looking, kind, attentive, sweet, has a great job and, best of all, he doesn't know why people call her "Mandy Claus" and she'd like to keep it that way until they get a chance to know each other. And Jake hopes the people of Tall Pines can accept his company's plans for a hotel that just might change life in their small town.
This is an enchanting story about the magic of the Christmas season and I loved it!
Received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.
August 1, 2015
This was a cute Christmas story about a girl who saw Santa when she was 8. Now as an adult she still believes. Since she lives in a small town everyone knows her and her story. It isn't easy to find a date. When Mandy meets Jake who is there on business she doesn't want to tell him about her seeing Santa.
These two were a cute couple and I love how their relationship progressed as a reasonable pace. Although I thought their engagement was a little fast but it worked.
The author did a wonderful job at describing the scenery and the characters. She actually made me want to visit this town and meet these people.
I didn't really like the ending. So Jake sees Santa and then the book is over. I was just expecting more like him telling Mandy that he saw Santa as well and he actually believes her. I wish it just ended differently or the story had more.
Overall it was a cute romantic read that got me in the mood for Christmas time.
These two were a cute couple and I love how their relationship progressed as a reasonable pace. Although I thought their engagement was a little fast but it worked.
The author did a wonderful job at describing the scenery and the characters. She actually made me want to visit this town and meet these people.
I didn't really like the ending. So Jake sees Santa and then the book is over. I was just expecting more like him telling Mandy that he saw Santa as well and he actually believes her. I wish it just ended differently or the story had more.
Overall it was a cute romantic read that got me in the mood for Christmas time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2015
I really LOVED this story! I am a sucker for a good holiday story and this one did not disappoint. I received an advanced copy of this book in e-reader form from NetGalley for an honset review. The story flows well and pulled me in from the get-go.
It is an imaginative, romantic, sweet, touching story about Mandy Reese. Mandy loves ALL things Christmas. She had an interesting experience as a youngster that made her a local “legend” in her small town of Tall Pine, in the mountains of southern California. While working at North Pole, a local small business, she meets a young businessman. Jake Wyndham has come to the town scoping it out for a possible future site of a new hotel, for the chain he works for. When he meets Mandy he feels that she is special and would love to get to know her better. Mandy thinks, finally, someone that hasn’t heard about her “claim to fame”. She and Jake really hit it off and date for the short time he is there. Can she ever hope to keep her secret? Should she want to? What will Jake think when Mandy reveals the truth about herself?
It is an imaginative, romantic, sweet, touching story about Mandy Reese. Mandy loves ALL things Christmas. She had an interesting experience as a youngster that made her a local “legend” in her small town of Tall Pine, in the mountains of southern California. While working at North Pole, a local small business, she meets a young businessman. Jake Wyndham has come to the town scoping it out for a possible future site of a new hotel, for the chain he works for. When he meets Mandy he feels that she is special and would love to get to know her better. Mandy thinks, finally, someone that hasn’t heard about her “claim to fame”. She and Jake really hit it off and date for the short time he is there. Can she ever hope to keep her secret? Should she want to? What will Jake think when Mandy reveals the truth about herself?
October 17, 2016
This is a charming keeper overflowing with the wondrous magic of the season.
When Mandy Rose was eight years old, she saw Santa Claus.
She slipped out of her room on Christmas Eve after her mother went to bed. As Mandy tiptoed down the hall, trying to be silent, she thought of the poem: ‘Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…’
The Christmas tree was still lit up in the living room, as if it, too, were waiting. The nighttime cold of the house bit through her flannel nightgown, and Mandy wished she’d grabbed her robe and slippers. But she didn’t want to risk going back down the hall and waking her mother. So she pulled a heavy blanket down from the back of the sofa and curled up under it. She laid her head on the arm of the couch to get a good view of the tree at the end of the room near her head, and the fireplace at the other end, down by her feet.
Barely daring to breathe, she waited…
DO YOU BELIEVE IN SANTA? By Sierra Donovan is the cute, heart-warming debut installment in her Evergreen Lane series. As I was reading it, I kept thinking it should be one of those Hallmark Christmas movies! It would be perfect! The story is mostly set in lovely Tall Pines, California, a small town with a homely feel where everyone knows everyone else. Small business still rule in this haven surrounded by gorgeous mountainous scenery and loads of pine trees. I would swear I could smell the pines as I immersed myself in the story.
This is the story of Mandy Reese and Jake Wyndham. After seeing Santa Claus in her living room when she was eight – REALLY SEEING HIM – Mandy is a true believer, even though she’s all grown-up now. She works in a Christmas store and Christmas plays a big part in her life year-round.
On the other hand, Jake is a realist and, while he believes in the spirit of Christmas, he hasn’t believed in the red-suited figure since childhood. I mean, everyone knows that Santa isn’t real, right? He works for Regal, a large hotel chain, and his job is to scout possible new sites for their inns. While the sleepy, quaint town of Tall Pines certainly appeals, the townsfolk aren’t exactly welcoming.
Mandy and Jake certainly have chemistry, but will pragmatic Jake walk out of her life once he discovers that Mandy’s a fervent believer? This romance is light and sweet with a plethora of smokin’ hot kisses.
Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from this read:
“You don’t think I’m Satan, do you?”
“Of course not.” She smiled across the table at him. “Snidely Whiplash, maybe. But not Satan.”
---
He reached up and traced her cheek with the outside of his fingers. “Guys like me look for reasons. We look for explanations. I’ve been trying for hours to make sense out of this, and I only know two things. When it comes to you and Santa Claus, ‘sense’ doesn’t work. And I love you.”
---
Jake looked down at Mandy’s face in the firelight. He didn’t know if he believed in Santa Claus, but the soft glow of those blue eyes made it a lot easier to believe in peace on earth, good will toward men.
I discovered this author when I picked up and read Sierra’s NO CHRISTMAS LIKE THE PRESENT, another endearing Christmas read. I enjoyed it so much that I had to pick up this one. AND this certainly won’t be my last as I already have the second book in this series, WE NEED A LITTLE CHRISTMAS, on my reader.
I love to read Christmas romances year-round. This is a charming keeper overflowing with the wondrous magic of the season. If you enjoy fun, cozy and clean holiday romances with loads of Christmas enchantment and cheer, I highly recommend that you pick up DO YOU BELIEVE IN SANTA?
My full review is posted at Reading Between The Wines Book Club. Please check it out there: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
When Mandy Rose was eight years old, she saw Santa Claus.
She slipped out of her room on Christmas Eve after her mother went to bed. As Mandy tiptoed down the hall, trying to be silent, she thought of the poem: ‘Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…’
The Christmas tree was still lit up in the living room, as if it, too, were waiting. The nighttime cold of the house bit through her flannel nightgown, and Mandy wished she’d grabbed her robe and slippers. But she didn’t want to risk going back down the hall and waking her mother. So she pulled a heavy blanket down from the back of the sofa and curled up under it. She laid her head on the arm of the couch to get a good view of the tree at the end of the room near her head, and the fireplace at the other end, down by her feet.
Barely daring to breathe, she waited…
DO YOU BELIEVE IN SANTA? By Sierra Donovan is the cute, heart-warming debut installment in her Evergreen Lane series. As I was reading it, I kept thinking it should be one of those Hallmark Christmas movies! It would be perfect! The story is mostly set in lovely Tall Pines, California, a small town with a homely feel where everyone knows everyone else. Small business still rule in this haven surrounded by gorgeous mountainous scenery and loads of pine trees. I would swear I could smell the pines as I immersed myself in the story.
This is the story of Mandy Reese and Jake Wyndham. After seeing Santa Claus in her living room when she was eight – REALLY SEEING HIM – Mandy is a true believer, even though she’s all grown-up now. She works in a Christmas store and Christmas plays a big part in her life year-round.
On the other hand, Jake is a realist and, while he believes in the spirit of Christmas, he hasn’t believed in the red-suited figure since childhood. I mean, everyone knows that Santa isn’t real, right? He works for Regal, a large hotel chain, and his job is to scout possible new sites for their inns. While the sleepy, quaint town of Tall Pines certainly appeals, the townsfolk aren’t exactly welcoming.
Mandy and Jake certainly have chemistry, but will pragmatic Jake walk out of her life once he discovers that Mandy’s a fervent believer? This romance is light and sweet with a plethora of smokin’ hot kisses.
Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from this read:
“You don’t think I’m Satan, do you?”
“Of course not.” She smiled across the table at him. “Snidely Whiplash, maybe. But not Satan.”
---
He reached up and traced her cheek with the outside of his fingers. “Guys like me look for reasons. We look for explanations. I’ve been trying for hours to make sense out of this, and I only know two things. When it comes to you and Santa Claus, ‘sense’ doesn’t work. And I love you.”
---
Jake looked down at Mandy’s face in the firelight. He didn’t know if he believed in Santa Claus, but the soft glow of those blue eyes made it a lot easier to believe in peace on earth, good will toward men.
I discovered this author when I picked up and read Sierra’s NO CHRISTMAS LIKE THE PRESENT, another endearing Christmas read. I enjoyed it so much that I had to pick up this one. AND this certainly won’t be my last as I already have the second book in this series, WE NEED A LITTLE CHRISTMAS, on my reader.
I love to read Christmas romances year-round. This is a charming keeper overflowing with the wondrous magic of the season. If you enjoy fun, cozy and clean holiday romances with loads of Christmas enchantment and cheer, I highly recommend that you pick up DO YOU BELIEVE IN SANTA?
My full review is posted at Reading Between The Wines Book Club. Please check it out there: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
December 22, 2016
First reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
When you believe in something with your heart and soul, and every fiber of your being – it’s going to change you, and how others see you as well. One Christmas Eve a young Mandy saw Santa by her Christmas tree. She did. She knows it, it wasn’t her imagination or a grownup pretending – she saw the real, true Santa right in her living room. And she has never, ever to this day changed in that truehearted belief.
As an adult, Mandy works at a year round Christmas shop, The North Pole. She’s taken a lot of abuse, teasing, mocking and taunting for her steadfast belief that Santa is truly real. The nickname, the stories they all have made her who she is today. A woman in love with Christmas and one who will not back down from her firsthand knowledge. Yet, she would love to meet someone who doesn’t know her history, a man who just might take the time to know Mandy before he hears about that Mandy Claus nickname.
Jake has come to Tall Pine, California in search for the perfect location for a chain hotel. If he gets the land and everything falls in place it will change this sleepy small town forever. Not everyone wants that kind of change. As he’s walking through town he discovers The North Pole and the charming, sparkling person who loves Christmas any time of the year. Mandy.
Do You Believe In Santa? is so… gosh, I really don’t have the words to explain the love, spirit and warmth of this story. Jake is not too sure about all this Santa stuff, sure he celebrates Christmas but at some point we all put aside our hold on Santa, right? His feelings for Mandy are strong and he wants to be with her but… Santa, really? He’s going to need some time to process that form of reality that Mandy holds so dear. Mandy wanted to be loved for herself, her belief in a real Santa aside – to be loved just as she is. She believes that Jake could be that man, she wants him to be that man. Can love really conquer all?
If you are looking for a Christmas Romance that holds all the charm, wonderment and belief that Christmas deserves, then you’re going to want to find Do You Believe in Santa? for your own bookshelf. I’m betting you’ll be re-reading this one for years to come.
*I received an e-ARC of Do You Believe In Santa? from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
When you believe in something with your heart and soul, and every fiber of your being – it’s going to change you, and how others see you as well. One Christmas Eve a young Mandy saw Santa by her Christmas tree. She did. She knows it, it wasn’t her imagination or a grownup pretending – she saw the real, true Santa right in her living room. And she has never, ever to this day changed in that truehearted belief.
As an adult, Mandy works at a year round Christmas shop, The North Pole. She’s taken a lot of abuse, teasing, mocking and taunting for her steadfast belief that Santa is truly real. The nickname, the stories they all have made her who she is today. A woman in love with Christmas and one who will not back down from her firsthand knowledge. Yet, she would love to meet someone who doesn’t know her history, a man who just might take the time to know Mandy before he hears about that Mandy Claus nickname.
Jake has come to Tall Pine, California in search for the perfect location for a chain hotel. If he gets the land and everything falls in place it will change this sleepy small town forever. Not everyone wants that kind of change. As he’s walking through town he discovers The North Pole and the charming, sparkling person who loves Christmas any time of the year. Mandy.
Do You Believe In Santa? is so… gosh, I really don’t have the words to explain the love, spirit and warmth of this story. Jake is not too sure about all this Santa stuff, sure he celebrates Christmas but at some point we all put aside our hold on Santa, right? His feelings for Mandy are strong and he wants to be with her but… Santa, really? He’s going to need some time to process that form of reality that Mandy holds so dear. Mandy wanted to be loved for herself, her belief in a real Santa aside – to be loved just as she is. She believes that Jake could be that man, she wants him to be that man. Can love really conquer all?
If you are looking for a Christmas Romance that holds all the charm, wonderment and belief that Christmas deserves, then you’re going to want to find Do You Believe in Santa? for your own bookshelf. I’m betting you’ll be re-reading this one for years to come.
*I received an e-ARC of Do You Believe In Santa? from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
December 3, 2015
Do You Believe in Santa is a very sweet and charming clean holiday light romance that will get you in the mood for the Christmas season and is more about having faith than about whether Santa truly is real.
Mandy has been teased since she was a young girl and publicly shared her tale of seeing Santa Claus and asserting that he truly is real. Though as she's grown up, her small town really sees her as endearing-though if you ask her she probably wouldn't see it that way. When Jake comes into town for work, he doesn't know about all of this and the two of them start dating...while Mandy keeps this a secret from him.
But you all know what happens when you keep secrets-sooner or later they come out and that's when things usually get interesting. And Mandy's little secret...well, it is kind of unusual, so the bit of conflict comes from Jake's reaction and how things go from there. The deeper into their relationship that they get, the more impact we start to see, mostly on Mandy's side as she internally debates on whether to tell Jake her secret.
I found it easy for me to identify with Jake, with his affinity for numbers and need for scientific evidence in order for him to believe in something (this is SO me...so very, very me). In this he and Mandy are opposites, but then again Mandy does have that special experience when she was a young girl to help bolster her belief that Santa is real--and for her that event was very real, even if no one else believes it.
There was not a ton of drama here, the story feels more like a cozy holiday tale of two people who fall for each other and learn to accept what the other believes is true-even if it's not what they believe themselves. It's a feel-good story, and would probably make a really nice Lifetime-type holiday movie. This was a 4-star read for me, and is a clean holiday romance that everyone can enjoy.
Mandy has been teased since she was a young girl and publicly shared her tale of seeing Santa Claus and asserting that he truly is real. Though as she's grown up, her small town really sees her as endearing-though if you ask her she probably wouldn't see it that way. When Jake comes into town for work, he doesn't know about all of this and the two of them start dating...while Mandy keeps this a secret from him.
But you all know what happens when you keep secrets-sooner or later they come out and that's when things usually get interesting. And Mandy's little secret...well, it is kind of unusual, so the bit of conflict comes from Jake's reaction and how things go from there. The deeper into their relationship that they get, the more impact we start to see, mostly on Mandy's side as she internally debates on whether to tell Jake her secret.
I found it easy for me to identify with Jake, with his affinity for numbers and need for scientific evidence in order for him to believe in something (this is SO me...so very, very me). In this he and Mandy are opposites, but then again Mandy does have that special experience when she was a young girl to help bolster her belief that Santa is real--and for her that event was very real, even if no one else believes it.
There was not a ton of drama here, the story feels more like a cozy holiday tale of two people who fall for each other and learn to accept what the other believes is true-even if it's not what they believe themselves. It's a feel-good story, and would probably make a really nice Lifetime-type holiday movie. This was a 4-star read for me, and is a clean holiday romance that everyone can enjoy.
September 30, 2015
Sierra has done it again...I truly enjoyed this book..Mandy Reese works year round in a shop that is detailed with Christmas..most would be sick of it, but not Mandy. It's magic to her...
It makes her the happiest ever, well that's until her secret catches the town of Tall Pine, California..She becomes well known as the Santa lady..
Some even call her Mandy Claus.
When she meets Tall, Dark and Hansome Jake Wyndham is is blown away. The only thing is she finds out why he's really in her town.
The more time they spend together she see's a side maybe he'll accept her secret. She scared to tell him. It would be better hearing from her then someone
else.
Jake came to town for one reason, and one reason only..that reason to scout out some land for his company and a new hotel. He finds something else..
Her name is Mandy. She is so different. Things become really nice between them..
Well buy the book to see what that is...
True Christmas, and so heart warming story. Sierrra really knows how to get to your heart.
If you have not read No Christmas Like the Present oh you should. I couldn't put it down..
It makes her the happiest ever, well that's until her secret catches the town of Tall Pine, California..She becomes well known as the Santa lady..
Some even call her Mandy Claus.
When she meets Tall, Dark and Hansome Jake Wyndham is is blown away. The only thing is she finds out why he's really in her town.
The more time they spend together she see's a side maybe he'll accept her secret. She scared to tell him. It would be better hearing from her then someone
else.
Jake came to town for one reason, and one reason only..that reason to scout out some land for his company and a new hotel. He finds something else..
Her name is Mandy. She is so different. Things become really nice between them..
Well buy the book to see what that is...
True Christmas, and so heart warming story. Sierrra really knows how to get to your heart.
If you have not read No Christmas Like the Present oh you should. I couldn't put it down..
November 26, 2016
This was a quick and fun read. The ending was perfect!! Mandy Reese is a woman who believes in Santa because she saw him when she was 8 years old. She now works in a Christmas store in her home town of Tall Pines in southern California, in the mountains. Jake arrives in town to convince the town to build a Regal Hotel. He meets Mandy when he stops at the store. They start seeing each other. He eventually finds out she has seen Santa but he doesn't believe her. They fall in love but he is still skeptical. He isn't sure if they can make it work with his job and she doesn't know if she can be with someone who doesn't believe in her. I loved all the characters in the book but the ending is what made it a 5 star rating for me.
September 15, 2015
A very cute sweet read that will definitely get you into the holiday spirit. Mandy Reese believes in Santa. Doesn't matter that she's and adult, she knows what she saw when she was eight. That one event has shaped her life but her belief is unwavering. Jake Wyndam is in town scouting locations for a new hotel. He's handsome, charming, and definitely interested in Mandy. Should she hold on to her belief and possibly scare him off or hide her past??
I recommend this one!
I recommend this one!
December 28, 2018
3.5* (rounded up)
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked this one. Mandy saw Santa when she was a kid and it's a story she tells when asked. Mandy had a sweet innocence around her that I don't think would have worked on any other character. I thought Jake was a good fit for her and wasn't too judgmental.
I would have liked more at the end; I thought it was a bit too abrupt. It left me wanting just a little bit more.
Also of note, for anyone looking for a sweet (and clean- there is no sex or even the presumption of sex- no sleep overs, separate rooms when visiting family) holiday romance, this might be a good fit. I know not everyone likes smex in their books. This has none. Kissing only.
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked this one. Mandy saw Santa when she was a kid and it's a story she tells when asked. Mandy had a sweet innocence around her that I don't think would have worked on any other character. I thought Jake was a good fit for her and wasn't too judgmental.
I would have liked more at the end; I thought it was a bit too abrupt. It left me wanting just a little bit more.
Also of note, for anyone looking for a sweet (and clean- there is no sex or even the presumption of sex- no sleep overs, separate rooms when visiting family) holiday romance, this might be a good fit. I know not everyone likes smex in their books. This has none. Kissing only.
December 17, 2017
Love Sierra Donovan’s Christmas books! Jake and Mandy turn up in some of her other books too. It was fun to read their story.
December 11, 2015
Originally posted on Book-o-Craze, on a tour hosted by Tasty Book Tours.
If you're looking for a story full of Christmas, look no further! "Do You Believe in Santa" is just the novel for you!
Right from the very beginning, a nice Christmas mood settles in with a guest appearance of the real Santa Claus!
More specifically, Mandy, a young girl, determined to see Santa, stays up all night waiting for him! When she suddenly sees the mysterious and calm aged man, she doesn't believe her eyes! And neither does her mother, or everyone else that finds out about this incident. And, that includes her whole town!
As a grown woman now, Mandy is known to everyone as Mandy Claus, the woman that still believes in Santa. She has devoted her life to Christmas, even working on a store that sells this time of year's ornaments, even in the middle of the summer! She has never had the chance to go out and socialize like the rest of the people her age, as the conversation tends to always revolve around her belief of meeting the real Santa when she was young.
Until Jake, who has come in order to determine whether his company would profit from building a hotel in this little town, shows up. He doesn't know anything about Mandy's past, and he is her first real chance of personal interaction without the burdens of her past!
This is a chance Mandy is very willing to take! But for how long is Jake going to stay in the town? Will the strict Town's Council accept his offer, or he will soon have to go and go back to working in his area?
A perfectly nice Christmas novel, that didn't lack the natural feel and the struggle a new relationship might go through!
Mandy is an adorable character, totally misunderstood and teased throughout her whole childhood for admitting she believed in Santa Claus!
The rest of her life wasn't exactly easy, as well, with the divorce of her parents and later the loss of her mother! All these events have forced her to take refuge in Christmas, with her being unable to put down the decorations even after the holidays have long passed!
She was a very real character! Just like Jake!
He was very professional and loved his job, in a way that bothered his previous girlfriends! But, I love the way he was willing to try and change this fact once he realized his attraction for Mandy!
The way the author wrote this story, it flowed so easily, with all the everyday struggles mingling with the festive Christmas spirit, making everything so sweet!
All in all, 5 stars for an amazing Christmas story, that featured even the Santa himself! Just lovely!
If you're looking for a story full of Christmas, look no further! "Do You Believe in Santa" is just the novel for you!
Right from the very beginning, a nice Christmas mood settles in with a guest appearance of the real Santa Claus!
More specifically, Mandy, a young girl, determined to see Santa, stays up all night waiting for him! When she suddenly sees the mysterious and calm aged man, she doesn't believe her eyes! And neither does her mother, or everyone else that finds out about this incident. And, that includes her whole town!
As a grown woman now, Mandy is known to everyone as Mandy Claus, the woman that still believes in Santa. She has devoted her life to Christmas, even working on a store that sells this time of year's ornaments, even in the middle of the summer! She has never had the chance to go out and socialize like the rest of the people her age, as the conversation tends to always revolve around her belief of meeting the real Santa when she was young.
Until Jake, who has come in order to determine whether his company would profit from building a hotel in this little town, shows up. He doesn't know anything about Mandy's past, and he is her first real chance of personal interaction without the burdens of her past!
This is a chance Mandy is very willing to take! But for how long is Jake going to stay in the town? Will the strict Town's Council accept his offer, or he will soon have to go and go back to working in his area?
A perfectly nice Christmas novel, that didn't lack the natural feel and the struggle a new relationship might go through!
Mandy is an adorable character, totally misunderstood and teased throughout her whole childhood for admitting she believed in Santa Claus!
The rest of her life wasn't exactly easy, as well, with the divorce of her parents and later the loss of her mother! All these events have forced her to take refuge in Christmas, with her being unable to put down the decorations even after the holidays have long passed!
She was a very real character! Just like Jake!
He was very professional and loved his job, in a way that bothered his previous girlfriends! But, I love the way he was willing to try and change this fact once he realized his attraction for Mandy!
The way the author wrote this story, it flowed so easily, with all the everyday struggles mingling with the festive Christmas spirit, making everything so sweet!
All in all, 5 stars for an amazing Christmas story, that featured even the Santa himself! Just lovely!
November 19, 2015
Do You Believe in Santa – my first holiday book of the season and I suppose I set my expectations a bit too high. I was hoping for a story that would bring on the Christmas cheer, make me giddy to drag out my tree with all the trimmings. Instead, while it did make me anxious for December…I ended up feeling more than a little frustrated.
The story is centered around a sweet character by the name of Mandy who saw Santa Claus when she was eight years old. After telling a local reporter all about her encounter with the man in red, she was ridiculed for being a true believer all through school. “Mandy Claus” then became a town entity and a role that Mandy was never able to shake as she carried that firm belief into adulthood. When Jake, a VERY practical man arrives in town and becomes enamored with our sweet Mandy…she is faced with the sticky task of keeping Jake in the dark until she is ready to tell him her holiday secret.
Okay, so Hallmark quality stamp for this one. Nothing wrong with that if you are looking for a book of the cute and innocent variety. No steamy bits. Chaste kisses. Little dusting of romance here and there. Now with that being said, I felt like the “Santa” crux of the story is what bothered me. The fact that Mandy is a believer is not the point…it’s that she placed so much of her anxiety around her secret that it made the relationship seem less real. I was looking for that magic to be what kept me hooked while Jake worked on getting his proposal for a chain hotel in Tall Pine approved. Instead I felt myself yawning through town council meetings and missing the magic, as that was a point of stress for the couple.
And speaking of couples…I have no issue with romances that happen in the third person. None. However, I found myself constantly jarred (like one of those well placed “hip bumps” from a best friend that throw you off guard when you are strutting about) with how frequently the author switched from Mandy to Jake with no proper transition. It was a mid-chapter thing and maybe that just goes against my reading preferences.
Okay. Rant over. But I did see that ending happening from a mile away. Just saying.
I will not say, however, that there weren’t beautifully written passages sprinkled throughout the book. I think my favorite part was how well Donovan constructed the town of Tall Pine. She made me want to come for a visit and have a cup of coffee at the Pine-N-Dine. So I give this one 3 stars.
Received ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story is centered around a sweet character by the name of Mandy who saw Santa Claus when she was eight years old. After telling a local reporter all about her encounter with the man in red, she was ridiculed for being a true believer all through school. “Mandy Claus” then became a town entity and a role that Mandy was never able to shake as she carried that firm belief into adulthood. When Jake, a VERY practical man arrives in town and becomes enamored with our sweet Mandy…she is faced with the sticky task of keeping Jake in the dark until she is ready to tell him her holiday secret.
Okay, so Hallmark quality stamp for this one. Nothing wrong with that if you are looking for a book of the cute and innocent variety. No steamy bits. Chaste kisses. Little dusting of romance here and there. Now with that being said, I felt like the “Santa” crux of the story is what bothered me. The fact that Mandy is a believer is not the point…it’s that she placed so much of her anxiety around her secret that it made the relationship seem less real. I was looking for that magic to be what kept me hooked while Jake worked on getting his proposal for a chain hotel in Tall Pine approved. Instead I felt myself yawning through town council meetings and missing the magic, as that was a point of stress for the couple.
And speaking of couples…I have no issue with romances that happen in the third person. None. However, I found myself constantly jarred (like one of those well placed “hip bumps” from a best friend that throw you off guard when you are strutting about) with how frequently the author switched from Mandy to Jake with no proper transition. It was a mid-chapter thing and maybe that just goes against my reading preferences.
Okay. Rant over. But I did see that ending happening from a mile away. Just saying.
I will not say, however, that there weren’t beautifully written passages sprinkled throughout the book. I think my favorite part was how well Donovan constructed the town of Tall Pine. She made me want to come for a visit and have a cup of coffee at the Pine-N-Dine. So I give this one 3 stars.
Received ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2015
What a fun, holiday read this was! I hadn't read anything by this author before but I'm always looking for new authors to discover. This was such a sweet book, as others have mentioned. I immediately fell in love with Mandy. She fiercely sticks by her experience of seeing Santa when she was 8 years old. Although she was teased a lot during school when she innocently shared her story, she never changed her account. She grew up being "Mandy Claus" in her small town and while it bothered her during her "growing up years", she eventually got used to it. As an adult, she is living her dream....working in a Christmas store year-round! Then, Jake, comes to town. The sparks fly immediately between them and Mandy does NOT want him to know about her past until she can see how he's going to react to it. Jake is in town on business - hoping to bring "corporate America" to this small town - but as he gets to know Mandy and this small town of Tall Pine, he learns a lot about himself. I loved the characters in this books. I love when Jake takes Mandy back to Pennsylvania for Christmas to meet his family. Such a realistic experience and so full of emotion for both of them. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to get in the spirit of Christmas! Just sit back and enjoy how the author weaves the magic of Christmas into your soul.......
I received this ARC copy from Net Galley for an honest review.
I received this ARC copy from Net Galley for an honest review.
November 28, 2015
A sweet, cute read for Christmas time.
Mandy Reese is in her early 20s, and has lived in the small California town of Tall Pine all her life. She works at a store called The North Pole, and for a reason: Mandy saw Santa when she was 8 years old and still believes.
Jake Wyndham works for a chain hotel, and is in town to see if the location is a good one for his employer. He visits The North Pole, and is enchanted by Mandy as soon as he sees her.
Mandy is also attracted to Jake, and does her best to hide her past as "Mandy Claus" from him. She sees it as her chance for a man to get to know her who doesn't know about her past, and she relishes the opportunity.
What I liked about the book was that it does put you in the spirit for the holiday. The romance between the two moves at a reasonable pace. I loved the visuals the author created as far as what the town of Tall Pine is; it made me year to find a place like it to live for myself.
However, it may have been a bit too much of a "sweet romance" for me; that being because I like things a bit steamier. And that is all on me, and not this story or the author's telling of it.
At any rate, I loved the feel good feeling it gave me, especially at the end.
3.5 stars
*ARC provided for honest review by author/Tasty Book Reviews*
Mandy Reese is in her early 20s, and has lived in the small California town of Tall Pine all her life. She works at a store called The North Pole, and for a reason: Mandy saw Santa when she was 8 years old and still believes.
Jake Wyndham works for a chain hotel, and is in town to see if the location is a good one for his employer. He visits The North Pole, and is enchanted by Mandy as soon as he sees her.
Mandy is also attracted to Jake, and does her best to hide her past as "Mandy Claus" from him. She sees it as her chance for a man to get to know her who doesn't know about her past, and she relishes the opportunity.
What I liked about the book was that it does put you in the spirit for the holiday. The romance between the two moves at a reasonable pace. I loved the visuals the author created as far as what the town of Tall Pine is; it made me year to find a place like it to live for myself.
However, it may have been a bit too much of a "sweet romance" for me; that being because I like things a bit steamier. And that is all on me, and not this story or the author's telling of it.
At any rate, I loved the feel good feeling it gave me, especially at the end.
3.5 stars
*ARC provided for honest review by author/Tasty Book Reviews*
September 15, 2015
Do you believe in Santa? Since the age of eight, Mandy Reece aka Mandy Claus has no doubt what she saw on Christmas Eve.. As she grows older, she embraces her life in Tall Pine where she has lived her whole life. She works in a year round Christmas shop, where the owner makes sure everyone knows Mandy is a Believer and she happily tells her story to every girl and boy when doubts enters their mind. Then, Jake Wyndham comes to town and not only wants to take a piece of her heart but also turn Tall Pine upside down with a "chain" hotel. Tall Pines is a quaint town that allows no outside chain stores or hotels. What happens when you fall in love with a non-Believer, do you start doubting everything that you've believe in? Donovan weaves a tale that is sure to put you in the Christmas Spirit, last year Donovan's "No Christmas Like The Past", this year "Do You Believe in Santa?" I look forward to more stores from Evergreen Lane.. because even in September when there is a nip of fall in the air... I'm counting down, because I do Believe - the Christmas Spirit is alive and well in the heart of Donovan and after reading this, I know you will be a Believer.
An advanced copy was provided by the Author.
An advanced copy was provided by the Author.
January 7, 2016
I really enjoyed this fun, clean romance, but what surprised me the most, is that most of the story takes place during the summer and fall months.
When Mandy was little, she awoke on Christmas Eve to see Santa Claus himself in her living room. She was even on the news to share her story. After growing up with teasing from peers and nicknames to match her belief, she's an adult, now working at The North Pole, a knick-knack shop in Southern California. She never tires of Christmas or of sharing her story with children.
Jake is in town with a hotel chain to see about building in this charming, small mountain town. Jake and Mandy have a great connection and romantic magic is in the air. He doesn't know Mandy's secret and she's not sure how he'll react when he learns about it.
I enjoyed the charm this quaint town and characters had to offer. I love Mandy's innocence and enthusiasm. Jake is more serious, yet a true gentleman, and they complement each other well. The story itself is great! The setting and pacing are perfect, especially for the holidays. I love the sweet romance.
Content: a mild expletive or two; mild romance. Clean!
When Mandy was little, she awoke on Christmas Eve to see Santa Claus himself in her living room. She was even on the news to share her story. After growing up with teasing from peers and nicknames to match her belief, she's an adult, now working at The North Pole, a knick-knack shop in Southern California. She never tires of Christmas or of sharing her story with children.
Jake is in town with a hotel chain to see about building in this charming, small mountain town. Jake and Mandy have a great connection and romantic magic is in the air. He doesn't know Mandy's secret and she's not sure how he'll react when he learns about it.
I enjoyed the charm this quaint town and characters had to offer. I love Mandy's innocence and enthusiasm. Jake is more serious, yet a true gentleman, and they complement each other well. The story itself is great! The setting and pacing are perfect, especially for the holidays. I love the sweet romance.
Content: a mild expletive or two; mild romance. Clean!
October 10, 2015
Title: Do You Believe In Santa?
Author: Sierra Donovan
Publisher: Zebra
Series: Evergreen Lane # 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Do You Believe In Santa" by Sierra Donovan
My Thoughts.....
What a sweet contemporary romantic holiday read! For Mandy Reese or as the town calls her 'Mandy Claus' believes in Santa Claus. Now how did this come about? What had happened to Mandy when she was eight years old? What will happen when Mandy meets Jake who is quite the opposite of her? Will her beliefs scare Jake off? Will Jake be able to accepts and even understand Mandy's 'Secret Santa Sighting Story that she presents so very well? Well, to get all the answers to these questions and more you will have to pick up "Do You Believe in Santa" to find out how this author brings it all out to the readers.
I found the characters very well developed, defined, portrayed, likable, realistic and believable giving the readers a wonderful well written read. This novel was indeed one of those heart warming stories of 'the magic and the spirit of the season of Christmas' in Tall Pines, CA.
I received this ARC copy from Net Galley for an honest review.
Author: Sierra Donovan
Publisher: Zebra
Series: Evergreen Lane # 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Do You Believe In Santa" by Sierra Donovan
My Thoughts.....
What a sweet contemporary romantic holiday read! For Mandy Reese or as the town calls her 'Mandy Claus' believes in Santa Claus. Now how did this come about? What had happened to Mandy when she was eight years old? What will happen when Mandy meets Jake who is quite the opposite of her? Will her beliefs scare Jake off? Will Jake be able to accepts and even understand Mandy's 'Secret Santa Sighting Story that she presents so very well? Well, to get all the answers to these questions and more you will have to pick up "Do You Believe in Santa" to find out how this author brings it all out to the readers.
I found the characters very well developed, defined, portrayed, likable, realistic and believable giving the readers a wonderful well written read. This novel was indeed one of those heart warming stories of 'the magic and the spirit of the season of Christmas' in Tall Pines, CA.
I received this ARC copy from Net Galley for an honest review.
October 11, 2015
Mandy Reese saw Santa Claus when she was 8, and has been defending herself about it ever since. That's okay, she knows what she saw, and she even works at a Christmas store because she loves Christmas so much, and loves sharing that magic with children.
When Jake Wyndham comes to town, and shows an interest in Mandy, she takes the opportunity to just be Mandy for a change, not the grown woman who still believes in Santa Claus. I loved the relationship between Jake and Mandy and could understand why Mandy would try to keep her experience a secret.
Do You Believe in Santa was a sweet romance, and a great story for remembering the magic of Christmas. It left me with the same feeling as watching Miracle on 34th Street, or reading The Polar Express. I wanted to believe.
If you're looking for a great, feel-good read this Christmas, I definitely recommend Do You Believe in Santa?!
Content: Clean (some kissing, no language, no violence)
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley.com, in exchange for writing an honest review.
When Jake Wyndham comes to town, and shows an interest in Mandy, she takes the opportunity to just be Mandy for a change, not the grown woman who still believes in Santa Claus. I loved the relationship between Jake and Mandy and could understand why Mandy would try to keep her experience a secret.
Do You Believe in Santa was a sweet romance, and a great story for remembering the magic of Christmas. It left me with the same feeling as watching Miracle on 34th Street, or reading The Polar Express. I wanted to believe.
If you're looking for a great, feel-good read this Christmas, I definitely recommend Do You Believe in Santa?!
Content: Clean (some kissing, no language, no violence)
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley.com, in exchange for writing an honest review.
October 6, 2015
I just finished DO YOU BELIEVE IN SANTA last night. This book is a wonderful trip into the spirit of Christmas, set in Tall Pine, small town U S A. Sierra has painted a beautiful picture of this small town while telling the story of Mandy and Jake's journey to love. As you travel the pages of Tall pine, glancing into the shops and restaurants with Mandy and Jake, you will be transported to a place where neighbors are connected, life is simple and everyone cares. As you leave the pages of this book, you will leave with a warm heart, an appreciation of family and the joy of the Christmas spirit.
November 27, 2015
What a fun story. Mandy saw Santa and nothing can change what she believes. Working at a year round Christmas store, she gets to share her experience often. Until, a handsome fellow walks in and the she wants a chance to get to know him without her "Christmas Lady" story swaying his opinion of her! I really liked this sweet romance and the fun story of seeing Santa. This would make a fun family Christmas movie.. I was gifted a copy by the author through NetGalley and I would recommend it as a wonderful Christmas clean romance to enjoy during the holidays.
September 29, 2015
Christmas is a magical time....and for some more magical than others. Mandy had a special gift given to her of seeing Santa when she was young. This is the story of how that night influenced her life. Her new relationship with Jake is exciting but also underlined with a fear of what will he think of her and her belief in Santa. A wonderful Christmas read that keeps brings out the kid in all of us.
September 2, 2015
It is 98 degrees outside and I am reading a Christmas story. But I believe in Mandy Claus. This is a thoroughly enjoyable read. Mandy, the heroine of the tale, is a true believer in Santa Clause and Christmas. As the story unfolds, you can almost smell the snow in the air and see snowflakes falling. Do You Believe in Santa is a charming Christmas romance full of good tidings and great cheer.
December 27, 2015
Adorable Christmas tale sucked me right in, from the first snow to the big finish.
January 27, 2018
I absolutely love Christmas stories and this one is one of my favorites I believe. Very well done and so cute! I really would like to see this one in a Hallmark movie!
Mandy loves all things Christmas, sort of like me!! When she was little, she saw the real Santa Clause and loves to retell the story to who ever will listen. Since then, Mandy has been in love with Christmas. Mandy works in the local Christmas store in Tall Pines.
Mandy is pretty much on her own now that her mother passed away. With Mandy having the reputation of "Mandy Clause" around town, it has sort of crushed any chance she has of meeting a guy either. Except for when Jake comes to town.
Jake is in town to look at a place for his hotel chain that he works for to add a new location. Jake meets Maddie at The North Pole and he knows immediately that there is something about Mandy. Mandy wants to get to now Jake without him finding out about her claim to fame.
When the town balks at Jake and his hotel chain, Mandy knows that she has to come up with a plan to make it all work. She can't loose Jake this quickly, she just found him!
Will Jake and Mandy find a way to make the town accept the hotel and let Jake stay around for awhile? Will Jake find out about Mandy's secret claim to fame and will he be ok with it? You have to read this sweet, holiday read to find out. I loved this one and am looking forward to more from Sierra Donovan!
Mandy loves all things Christmas, sort of like me!! When she was little, she saw the real Santa Clause and loves to retell the story to who ever will listen. Since then, Mandy has been in love with Christmas. Mandy works in the local Christmas store in Tall Pines.
Mandy is pretty much on her own now that her mother passed away. With Mandy having the reputation of "Mandy Clause" around town, it has sort of crushed any chance she has of meeting a guy either. Except for when Jake comes to town.
Jake is in town to look at a place for his hotel chain that he works for to add a new location. Jake meets Maddie at The North Pole and he knows immediately that there is something about Mandy. Mandy wants to get to now Jake without him finding out about her claim to fame.
When the town balks at Jake and his hotel chain, Mandy knows that she has to come up with a plan to make it all work. She can't loose Jake this quickly, she just found him!
Will Jake and Mandy find a way to make the town accept the hotel and let Jake stay around for awhile? Will Jake find out about Mandy's secret claim to fame and will he be ok with it? You have to read this sweet, holiday read to find out. I loved this one and am looking forward to more from Sierra Donovan!
December 16, 2017
I really loved this book, it had such a Christmas feeling, even though it started in the summer, but since it was set around a Christmas shop in a mountain town it just felt like Christmas throughout the whole book.
Mandy works in the Christmas shop and is well known for having seen Santa Claus in her living room when she was eight. She has such a lovely personality, really believing in the fact that she saw Santa throughout her whole life, even when others around her made fun of her, and it has affected all her relationships since then, especially with men as she got older. Even though most of the town don't really believe her they feel really protective of her, which I don't think she really understood, but which was so lovely.
Jake comes to town to scout for a new hotel location for the budget chain he works for and he gets very close with Mandy, even though she kept her Santa sighting a secret for a while.
The mountain town of Tall Pines the story was set in sounds delightful and the people so nice. A very warm, fuzzy feeling book. I did feel the ending was a teensy bit abrupt with a few loose ends, but I understand why, and I hope we hear more of Jake and Mandy, even if just in the background, of the others in this series, as I'd really like to know if things worked out. Lovely book, highly recommended, magical Christmas read.
Mandy works in the Christmas shop and is well known for having seen Santa Claus in her living room when she was eight. She has such a lovely personality, really believing in the fact that she saw Santa throughout her whole life, even when others around her made fun of her, and it has affected all her relationships since then, especially with men as she got older. Even though most of the town don't really believe her they feel really protective of her, which I don't think she really understood, but which was so lovely.
Jake comes to town to scout for a new hotel location for the budget chain he works for and he gets very close with Mandy, even though she kept her Santa sighting a secret for a while.
The mountain town of Tall Pines the story was set in sounds delightful and the people so nice. A very warm, fuzzy feeling book. I did feel the ending was a teensy bit abrupt with a few loose ends, but I understand why, and I hope we hear more of Jake and Mandy, even if just in the background, of the others in this series, as I'd really like to know if things worked out. Lovely book, highly recommended, magical Christmas read.
November 16, 2017
I’m relieved to be done with Do You Believe in Santa?, by Sierra Donovan. It wasn’t a bad book. For all intents and purposes, it was fine. The writing was decent, the characters adequately fleshed out, a little bit of push and pull between Mandy—the woman who believes in Santa Claus after he appeared to her when she was a child—and Jake, a logical hotel scout. Unfortunately, the whole thing just felt kind of flat to me. Donovan wove a lot of charm and magic into the pages, almost too much if I’m being honest. It felt like she was trying too hard at parts, though it all made more sense by the end. For me, the story was a lot more about faith (in the existence of Santa Claus) than it was about the romance between Jake and Mandy. I missed a fire between them; their attraction was tiny little sparks highlighted by controlled kisses. Believing Mandy’s age of 24 (I think) was difficult at times because of her child-like naïveté. I guess at the end of the day, even considering Mandy’s past with her parents, her Santa story, and her job at the Christmas store, I never got a sense of what she wanted. I guess I was supposed to glean that from the fact that she tried to keep her Santa story from Jake. Instead, that made me think she wanted him to like her for who she was, only she was hiding a major part of herself. So the whole thing felt kind of circuitous, especially when she worried that him not believing her meant they couldn’t be together.
I think if you are looking for a straight up Christmas story, this might be up your alley. For me I wanted to feel more between the characters, less innocence and a stronger physical and emotional connection.
I think if you are looking for a straight up Christmas story, this might be up your alley. For me I wanted to feel more between the characters, less innocence and a stronger physical and emotional connection.
December 19, 2021
Sierra Donovan writes a fun and magical story with "Do you believe in Santa?"
Mandy Reese grew up in a tiny mountain town in California. She works at a year round Christmas store and she still believes in Santa. Mandy saw Santa when she was 8 years old, and watched as he magically disappeared with a flash of light. Mandy had been well known in her little town as Mandy Claus and she learned to live with it. Until Jake finds his way into Pine Hill and into Mandy heart. Jake is practical and logical. Mandy can't imagine telling him she's a believer because she knows it'll break her heart when he doesn't believe her.
This book is full of magic and Christmas joy and will have you questioning..."Do I believe in Santa?"
Mandy Reese grew up in a tiny mountain town in California. She works at a year round Christmas store and she still believes in Santa. Mandy saw Santa when she was 8 years old, and watched as he magically disappeared with a flash of light. Mandy had been well known in her little town as Mandy Claus and she learned to live with it. Until Jake finds his way into Pine Hill and into Mandy heart. Jake is practical and logical. Mandy can't imagine telling him she's a believer because she knows it'll break her heart when he doesn't believe her.
This book is full of magic and Christmas joy and will have you questioning..."Do I believe in Santa?"
December 20, 2019
Rating- 4 really good
Heat 1- no scenes
Tropes- guy from big city comes to small town, small town that loves Christmas,
Let’s be honest. This is a Hallmark movie waiting to happen. We’ve got the small town in the mountains. We’ve got a hero from the big city who buys heads with the town because he wants to bring change. We’ve even got an adult who believes in Santa Claus. If you want to read a Hallmark movie to celebrate Christmas, this is your book.
Heat 1- no scenes
Tropes- guy from big city comes to small town, small town that loves Christmas,
Let’s be honest. This is a Hallmark movie waiting to happen. We’ve got the small town in the mountains. We’ve got a hero from the big city who buys heads with the town because he wants to bring change. We’ve even got an adult who believes in Santa Claus. If you want to read a Hallmark movie to celebrate Christmas, this is your book.
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