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Despite the Odds: A WWII Christmas Story
The war is over… but making it home for Christmas is a challenge in itself.
Lane Mueller just wants to make it home in time for Christmas, but that’s a lot to ask in 1945 because that’s exactly what everyone else wants as well. Operation Santa Claus has gotten him to American soil, but he’s still over two thousand miles from his fiance and home. Can he make it back despite the odds? Or will he be spending Christmas at some stop along the way?
Lane Mueller just wants to make it home in time for Christmas, but that’s a lot to ask in 1945 because that’s exactly what everyone else wants as well. Operation Santa Claus has gotten him to American soil, but he’s still over two thousand miles from his fiance and home. Can he make it back despite the odds? Or will he be spending Christmas at some stop along the way?
Kindle Edition
Published December 18, 2023
32 people want to read
About the author
Kaytlin Phillips
18 books259 followersKaytlin Phillips is a homeschool grad who spends her days praising her Savior, reading, writing, blogging, and annoying her sisters with random thoughts. She is the fifth child out of seven and resides in the Southern Appalachian foothills of Western North Carolina.
She believes in the power of stories and their ability to change lives. And when not writing stories of hope, purpose, and redemption, you can find Kayti (as everyone calls her) reading, hiking, or taking random pictures.
Connect with Kayti at www.sisters-three.com
or on Instagram @sisters_three_press
Newsletter Sign-Up: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/form...
She believes in the power of stories and their ability to change lives. And when not writing stories of hope, purpose, and redemption, you can find Kayti (as everyone calls her) reading, hiking, or taking random pictures.
Connect with Kayti at www.sisters-three.com
or on Instagram @sisters_three_press
Newsletter Sign-Up: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/form...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 10, 2025
Available on Amazon for $0.99 or free on KU!
December 1, 2024
This is one book that makes me wish that goodreads had more stars that you could give a book.
Ok. This was amazing! Like, seriously amazing! Touching and full of feelings and so so good. It is short but don't let that stop you from getting/reading this book because it is superbly written!
Ok. This was amazing! Like, seriously amazing! Touching and full of feelings and so so good. It is short but don't let that stop you from getting/reading this book because it is superbly written!
July 11, 2024
Available on Amazon for $0.99 or on Kindle Unlimited!
July 23, 2024
What a beautiful little story. I hadn’t heard of “Operation Santa Claus” you until reading this. It’s a really cool piece of history. The whole country working together after the War to get their soldiers home for Christmas.
I’m this little historical fiction story with all the soldiers in the country hurrying home at once what are the odds that Lane can make it home to Jess in time? With chaos and traffic jams throughout the whole country. Yet despite the odds he makes it home to his love. The ending was so beautiful it made me cry.
I received an ARC copy from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’m this little historical fiction story with all the soldiers in the country hurrying home at once what are the odds that Lane can make it home to Jess in time? With chaos and traffic jams throughout the whole country. Yet despite the odds he makes it home to his love. The ending was so beautiful it made me cry.
I received an ARC copy from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 16, 2023
AWW! This was such a precious Christmas story! The 1945 setting immediately had me hooked, and both characters were sympathetic and lovable, and the ending scene was just the sweetest thing ever. 🥰 (And Operation Santa Claus was fascinating to learn about!)
December 20, 2023
This was such a sweet Christmas story that I absolutely adored!! I loved the "home for Christmas" trope? Theme? It was so sweet and I just totally adored it! Highly recommend this sweet little novelette!
December 20, 2023
A heartwarming story based on a little-known WWII operation to get soldiers home for Christmas. Despite the Odds has a lot of heart and a light dose of humor. It's a quick read which makes it perfect for a quick holiday read, but also has depth. I highly recommend it.
December 20, 2023
Such a darling story! I learned something new about one of my favorite eras; I had never heard of Operation Santa Claus before. Love it when stories teach you history as well as give a sweet adventure!
December 19, 2023
Ohhh! What a sweet and marvelous tale of Christmas 1945. The story of a soldier trying to make it home for Christmas to the girl who's been waiting for him. Such a special story!
April 17, 2025
5 stars. Yes, yes, yes. I am always down for a good WWII story and this ticked all the boxes. I enjoyed reading about a little-known historical event, and Lane was a great guy with some great friends (Nate and Connors were just so fun! Always down for a good grumpy/sunshine partnership.) Jess was super sweet, as her father, and I loved the addition of the church meeting and carols. This would make an epic movie, just saying!
**I read the version in the Seize the Night anthology.**
**I read the version in the Seize the Night anthology.**
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews