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The Thief Who Saved Christmas
He'd like to be the man in her life, but she already has one-hundred-and-seven collectible Santa Clauses.
Ryan
I'm not a ho-ho-ho kind of guy. My brother and I were raised in foster care, and the closest thing we had to a father was a career criminal who'd sooner steal Christmas than save it. I followed in his footsteps, I'm ashamed to say, and did things for him that I regret.
Like taking a priceless Christmas ornament from a Colonial Williamsburg inn.
I’m trying to be a better man, and the first step is returning that ornament. Except I’m too late.
The owner passed away and left the inn to her granddaughter, Anabelle—a high-strung, Christmas-obsessed loner who takes an immediate dislike to me. So does her cat, who hisses every time I walk into the room.
But Anabelle needs my help. Her inn’s in trouble, and her ex is planning a hostile takeover. Besides…
I may have come to make amends, but I stay because I’m falling for the woman who loves Christmas. And I’m damn well going to save it for her.
Anabelle
When Ryan Langston booked a room in my inn and said he was staying indefinitely, I knew something was wrong.
No one stays indefinitely. Most people seem to be in a hurry to leave.
But the longer he stays, the less I worry about what brought him here…
Because this chaotic, charming man is exactly what my life’s been missing.
**A standalone Christmas romcom from the USA Today-bestselling author of Jingle Bell Hell and Matchmaking a Scrooge**
Ryan
I'm not a ho-ho-ho kind of guy. My brother and I were raised in foster care, and the closest thing we had to a father was a career criminal who'd sooner steal Christmas than save it. I followed in his footsteps, I'm ashamed to say, and did things for him that I regret.
Like taking a priceless Christmas ornament from a Colonial Williamsburg inn.
I’m trying to be a better man, and the first step is returning that ornament. Except I’m too late.
The owner passed away and left the inn to her granddaughter, Anabelle—a high-strung, Christmas-obsessed loner who takes an immediate dislike to me. So does her cat, who hisses every time I walk into the room.
But Anabelle needs my help. Her inn’s in trouble, and her ex is planning a hostile takeover. Besides…
I may have come to make amends, but I stay because I’m falling for the woman who loves Christmas. And I’m damn well going to save it for her.
Anabelle
When Ryan Langston booked a room in my inn and said he was staying indefinitely, I knew something was wrong.
No one stays indefinitely. Most people seem to be in a hurry to leave.
But the longer he stays, the less I worry about what brought him here…
Because this chaotic, charming man is exactly what my life’s been missing.
**A standalone Christmas romcom from the USA Today-bestselling author of Jingle Bell Hell and Matchmaking a Scrooge**
364 pages, ebook
Published November 14, 2024
531 people are currently reading
969 people want to read
About the author
Angela Casella
39 books797 followersANGELA CASELLA lives in Asheville, North Carolina with her husband, her daughter, and their ill-behaved corgi in an extremely small bungalow. She spends her days writing and pretending to market. She writes solo romcoms and also has three co-written series with Denise Grover Swank.
You can subscribe to her newsletter for exclusive free content and updates on her projects! http://subscribepage.io/AngelaCasella...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews
November 14, 2024
This was the perfect Christmas rom-com, and I loved every second of it!
Anabelle was an absolute sweetheart, and the Autism representation was done so well by Angela—kudos to her for that. Ryan had me hooked from the start with his protective nature toward Anabelle, and I loved watching their relationship grow. The found family aspect was also a highlight for me; seeing Ryan and Anabelle build a support system with their friends at the inn was just the cherry on top!
Plus, the humor in this book! The group's hilarious quirks had me laughing out loud and snorting a few times. I also enjoyed seeing Ryan figure out what kind of life he wanted while Anabelle learned to stand up for herself. They didn’t have many people in their corner growing up, so it was beautiful to see them find their tribe.
Sure, it felt a bit long, but it just meant more time to fall in love with each character. I’m definitely keeping an eye out for more from Angela, and you should absolutely pop this on your Christmas TBR!
Read this if you like:
🌟 Reformed Bad Boy
🌟 Small Town Romance
🌟 Close Proximity
🌟 Reverse Grumpy x Sunshine
🚨🚨 TW: Emotional abuse, toxic relationship, cancer, stalking, abandonment
Anabelle was an absolute sweetheart, and the Autism representation was done so well by Angela—kudos to her for that. Ryan had me hooked from the start with his protective nature toward Anabelle, and I loved watching their relationship grow. The found family aspect was also a highlight for me; seeing Ryan and Anabelle build a support system with their friends at the inn was just the cherry on top!
Plus, the humor in this book! The group's hilarious quirks had me laughing out loud and snorting a few times. I also enjoyed seeing Ryan figure out what kind of life he wanted while Anabelle learned to stand up for herself. They didn’t have many people in their corner growing up, so it was beautiful to see them find their tribe.
Sure, it felt a bit long, but it just meant more time to fall in love with each character. I’m definitely keeping an eye out for more from Angela, and you should absolutely pop this on your Christmas TBR!
Read this if you like:
🌟 Reformed Bad Boy
🌟 Small Town Romance
🌟 Close Proximity
🌟 Reverse Grumpy x Sunshine
🚨🚨 TW: Emotional abuse, toxic relationship, cancer, stalking, abandonment
November 14, 2024
Great Christmas Read
Thank you for this ARC Angela. I loved this sweet story. In the last book I wasn’t sure how Angela was going to create Ryan character in this book. Angela did a great job with his character and getting us to love him just as much as we to loved Anabelle and her imperfections. They made the perfect couple. This was an excellent read!
Thank you for this ARC Angela. I loved this sweet story. In the last book I wasn’t sure how Angela was going to create Ryan character in this book. Angela did a great job with his character and getting us to love him just as much as we to loved Anabelle and her imperfections. They made the perfect couple. This was an excellent read!
November 25, 2024
"I'm learning to speak your love language."
Hot Santas, anyone? The Thief who Saved Christmas was such a delightful holiday read. The story was full of fun & quirky elements and the happy ending made me giddy simply by thinking about it.
While the female main character, Anabelle, already had 107 Santa ornaments staring down at the reception counter in the family inn, getting one more *hot & life-size* Santa named Ryan Reynolds wouldn’t hurt, right?
My favorite part about Anabelle and Ryan’s story was how genuine both of them were. Anabelle never shied away from saying what was on her mind out loud (partially due to her autism) and Ryan, despite being a thief in his early childhood, had been nothing but 100% honest (and loyal) to Anabelle.
Honesty, loyalty, and empathy are the traits I value most in a person so I truly appreciate how much emphasis on those characteristics the author, Angela, has put in these characters. What’s more, this book featured the following tropes I absolutely adored:
🎄 Holiday/Christmas romcom
🏡 Small Town Romance
💞 Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine
❥ Bad Boy w/ a heart of gold
🚪 Close Proximity
☝🏼 He Falls First
❄️ Set in a cozy inn
⚕️ ASD rep
So what are you waiting for? The book’s already out in the wild so please go add it to your holiday TBR! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
***Massive thanks to the author and Hambright PR for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
November 14, 2024
The perfect mixture of Christmas, humor, and romance. Ryan has been a thief almost his whole life until an old lady named Edith changed his life. Fast forward to the next holiday season when he comes back and meets Edith's granddaughter, Anabelle.
Ryan has such a loveable personality. He's portrays a rough guy on the outside, but inside, he's one of the sweetest people ever. I love that Ryan will stand up for what's right and is protective of others.
Anabelle is "different" in other people's eyes, but thankfully, she has an amazing group of friends (and Ryan) who see that as a good thing. She struggles with people and having the right words. Despite all the challenges, she's still working to keep her grandmother's inn open. I love seeing her open up and grow. Gaining confidence and realizing her worth.
The only thing I wanted more of was Edith. She was sassy and wasn't afraid to speak her mind!
I highly recommend reading this, especially if you want a cozy Christmas read!!
Perfect if you enjoy:
🎄 Found Family
🎄 Autism Rep.
🎄 Playful Banter
🎄 He Falls First
Ryan has such a loveable personality. He's portrays a rough guy on the outside, but inside, he's one of the sweetest people ever. I love that Ryan will stand up for what's right and is protective of others.
Anabelle is "different" in other people's eyes, but thankfully, she has an amazing group of friends (and Ryan) who see that as a good thing. She struggles with people and having the right words. Despite all the challenges, she's still working to keep her grandmother's inn open. I love seeing her open up and grow. Gaining confidence and realizing her worth.
The only thing I wanted more of was Edith. She was sassy and wasn't afraid to speak her mind!
I highly recommend reading this, especially if you want a cozy Christmas read!!
Perfect if you enjoy:
🎄 Found Family
🎄 Autism Rep.
🎄 Playful Banter
🎄 He Falls First
November 2, 2024
The thief who saved Christmas is a swoon worthy romcom holiday novel that completely swept me off my feet. The intriguing plot kept me turning the pages with curiosity and wonderment.
The story follows Ryan and Anabelle. Ryan is tasked to steal a Christmas ornament that is super valuable from a bed and breakfast only to find out that he could never bring himself to steal it after spending time with the elderly owner who made him feel like family.
One year since all that, the owner has left the inn to her granddaughter Anabelle. After her grandmother's passing Anabelle finally realised that it was probably time to break up his boyfriend who was apparently planning on taking over her business with false intentions and pretense.
Well, that certainly won't be in cards because Ryan knows the truth and he will help Anabelle with everything he has. However during the whole "staying at the inn indefinitely" thing, he begins to fall for Anabelle, a woman who already has one-hundred- and - seven collectible Santa Clauses.
As sparks fly and emotions deep and profound bridges the gaps of something amiss from both their lives makes way, will they be able to express their love for each other?
I loved this book. Everything from reverse grumpy sunshine tropes to the elements of sweet romance and passion, Angela has outshone the genre. Within the initial pages of the book I knew that I would absolutely love these characters and their story. Ryan was such a great character, handsome and definitely a man who knows how to treat woman, his protectiveness towards Anabelle was never overpowering or toxic. Anabelle was such a sweet character, I resonate with her deeply and I understand her emotions on a similar level. Their relationship dynamics are goals for sure! I can go on and on about them, they are my favourite couple.
I'd definitely recommend this book to all the romance enthusiasts.
The story follows Ryan and Anabelle. Ryan is tasked to steal a Christmas ornament that is super valuable from a bed and breakfast only to find out that he could never bring himself to steal it after spending time with the elderly owner who made him feel like family.
One year since all that, the owner has left the inn to her granddaughter Anabelle. After her grandmother's passing Anabelle finally realised that it was probably time to break up his boyfriend who was apparently planning on taking over her business with false intentions and pretense.
Well, that certainly won't be in cards because Ryan knows the truth and he will help Anabelle with everything he has. However during the whole "staying at the inn indefinitely" thing, he begins to fall for Anabelle, a woman who already has one-hundred- and - seven collectible Santa Clauses.
As sparks fly and emotions deep and profound bridges the gaps of something amiss from both their lives makes way, will they be able to express their love for each other?
I loved this book. Everything from reverse grumpy sunshine tropes to the elements of sweet romance and passion, Angela has outshone the genre. Within the initial pages of the book I knew that I would absolutely love these characters and their story. Ryan was such a great character, handsome and definitely a man who knows how to treat woman, his protectiveness towards Anabelle was never overpowering or toxic. Anabelle was such a sweet character, I resonate with her deeply and I understand her emotions on a similar level. Their relationship dynamics are goals for sure! I can go on and on about them, they are my favourite couple.
I'd definitely recommend this book to all the romance enthusiasts.
November 15, 2024
was soo happy reading this holiday romcom! I loved the characters and the dual pov of ryan and annabelle. it was the perfect closed door romance with some suspense thrown in!
set in a small town, a christmas themed b&b, this was such a fast paced read full of plot twists! from the first chapter I was sucked in, mainly because of the foster care representation. but as you get to know ryan’s history, you can’t help but fall in love with him. talk about bad boy turned good🔥🔥I also loved the autism representation and how well it was portrayed in annabelle. she is such a sweet fmc, you just want to be her bestie!
set in a small town, a christmas themed b&b, this was such a fast paced read full of plot twists! from the first chapter I was sucked in, mainly because of the foster care representation. but as you get to know ryan’s history, you can’t help but fall in love with him. talk about bad boy turned good🔥🔥I also loved the autism representation and how well it was portrayed in annabelle. she is such a sweet fmc, you just want to be her bestie!
November 25, 2024
Another perfectly written book by the amazing Angela Casella!! When it comes to romcoms/holiday style- look no further because you NEED this book in your life, STAT!!
I absolutely fell for the MC’s and the entire storyline!! I had so much fun in this journey & it has taken me deep into the Christmas holiday spirit!!
I was lol, swooning, in the edge of my seat, gasping and all the in between during this compelling read!
Thank you @Angela for allowing me to be a beta reader as well!!! It’s always an honor!!!
I absolutely fell for the MC’s and the entire storyline!! I had so much fun in this journey & it has taken me deep into the Christmas holiday spirit!!
I was lol, swooning, in the edge of my seat, gasping and all the in between during this compelling read!
Thank you @Angela for allowing me to be a beta reader as well!!! It’s always an honor!!!
November 14, 2024
Thank you Angela Casella and The Author Agency for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.
I love Christmas it’s my favorite holiday and I love reading books centered around Christmas. The plot in this book it was amazing. I love that it was something different than what I have read before. The character development for Ryan was great though I did dislike that he constantly talked about himself being dumb and put himself down. Anabelle was a sweet character and I really enjoyed the Autism representation in this book. I was so glad that she got rid of Weston as he truly was despicable but I wish we had received some insight to what his motives were and why he so badly wanted to acquire the Inn. Overall this was a really fun read and I can’t wait to read more books by Angela Casella.
I love Christmas it’s my favorite holiday and I love reading books centered around Christmas. The plot in this book it was amazing. I love that it was something different than what I have read before. The character development for Ryan was great though I did dislike that he constantly talked about himself being dumb and put himself down. Anabelle was a sweet character and I really enjoyed the Autism representation in this book. I was so glad that she got rid of Weston as he truly was despicable but I wish we had received some insight to what his motives were and why he so badly wanted to acquire the Inn. Overall this was a really fun read and I can’t wait to read more books by Angela Casella.
November 14, 2024
This is a fun Christmas rom-com.
Ryan has had a rough life and his twin brother reached his limit and abandoned him. His crime boss sends him to retrieve an ornament from a B&B. When he arrives he meets the owner and she quickly becomes the grandmother he never had. He can no longer steal the ornament from her. She knows something is up and when she confronts him about it he explains everything including the fact that he will not be stealing from her. She decides to give him the ornament but he must promise to try to do better in life and to come back in exactly one year. One year and one day later he arrives at the Inn. The owner has passed away but her granddaughter now owns the Inn and she has a letter that has been left for him from her grandmother. That’s how the story begins. I don’t want to get any farther because it’s a fun story with super likable characters so don’t hesitate to pick this one up.
The spice on this one is light but it’s just the right amount for the story.
Ryan has had a rough life and his twin brother reached his limit and abandoned him. His crime boss sends him to retrieve an ornament from a B&B. When he arrives he meets the owner and she quickly becomes the grandmother he never had. He can no longer steal the ornament from her. She knows something is up and when she confronts him about it he explains everything including the fact that he will not be stealing from her. She decides to give him the ornament but he must promise to try to do better in life and to come back in exactly one year. One year and one day later he arrives at the Inn. The owner has passed away but her granddaughter now owns the Inn and she has a letter that has been left for him from her grandmother. That’s how the story begins. I don’t want to get any farther because it’s a fun story with super likable characters so don’t hesitate to pick this one up.
The spice on this one is light but it’s just the right amount for the story.
November 13, 2024
This was my first book by Angela R. Casella and I loved it! Such a cute holiday book. It had really funny moments and really touching moments. It had everything I look forward to in a holiday romance.
These Christmas books lately have me wanting all these new dreams of owning Christmas tree farms, Christmas themed B&Bs, coffee shops etc. I’m just completely obsessed with them and I can’t get enough. The characters were really cute in this and I loved the MMC, Ryan. This is definitely one to pick up if your into holiday romance books.
A big thank you goes out to @hambright_pr and @angelacasellaauthor for giving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
These Christmas books lately have me wanting all these new dreams of owning Christmas tree farms, Christmas themed B&Bs, coffee shops etc. I’m just completely obsessed with them and I can’t get enough. The characters were really cute in this and I loved the MMC, Ryan. This is definitely one to pick up if your into holiday romance books.
A big thank you goes out to @hambright_pr and @angelacasellaauthor for giving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
December 17, 2024
Me encantó.
May 12, 2025
This book was fantastic. I love everything about it. The friendships the getting past past hurts everybody helping each other the brothers and sisters THE girlfriends/wives/husbands. The whole group is just fantastic. Kept me hooked from the first page to the last page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 1, 2025
DNF. The pace was too slow for me.
November 6, 2024
The Thief Who Saved Christmas is a delightful romcom for the holiday season! Thank you to Angela Casella and Hambright for the ARC of this book.
Ryan is trying to leave behind his life of crime, but before he can get out for good his boss extorts him to complete one last job: steal an expensive ornament from a bed and breakfast in Williamsburg, VA. When Ryan arrives, he meets the elderly woman who owns the B&B and after spending Christmas Eve with her he can't bring himself to steal the ornament. She gives it to him as he attempts to leave and instructs him to return next Dec 1 to show her how he's turned around his life. Ryan comes back the next year only to find out the owner has died and her granddaughter, Annabelle, is in charge.
I really enjoyed this book. I look for two things in a holiday romcom: holiday joy across the book and I want to smile while I'm reading. If I can do both of those things, it's a great read. I definitely felt the Christmas joy on every page and was smiling for most of the book.
I loved the autism representation in this book. Annabelle was a fully-formed character with autism, which I rarely see. I enjoyed that Ryan loved her because of all the ways she's different from neurotypical people, not in spite of them. Annabelle has a large, orange cat name St. Nick and I was obsessed with him. The found family of this book was also a major plus. Ryan comes to Williamsburg with no community and finds not only the love of his life, but a family.
This was a 4.5 star read, perfect for the holidays.
Ryan is trying to leave behind his life of crime, but before he can get out for good his boss extorts him to complete one last job: steal an expensive ornament from a bed and breakfast in Williamsburg, VA. When Ryan arrives, he meets the elderly woman who owns the B&B and after spending Christmas Eve with her he can't bring himself to steal the ornament. She gives it to him as he attempts to leave and instructs him to return next Dec 1 to show her how he's turned around his life. Ryan comes back the next year only to find out the owner has died and her granddaughter, Annabelle, is in charge.
I really enjoyed this book. I look for two things in a holiday romcom: holiday joy across the book and I want to smile while I'm reading. If I can do both of those things, it's a great read. I definitely felt the Christmas joy on every page and was smiling for most of the book.
I loved the autism representation in this book. Annabelle was a fully-formed character with autism, which I rarely see. I enjoyed that Ryan loved her because of all the ways she's different from neurotypical people, not in spite of them. Annabelle has a large, orange cat name St. Nick and I was obsessed with him. The found family of this book was also a major plus. Ryan comes to Williamsburg with no community and finds not only the love of his life, but a family.
This was a 4.5 star read, perfect for the holidays.
November 14, 2024
Such a sweet Christmas romance! So many Santas, hot chocolate & good old fashioned Christmas cheer! My heart melted at so many moments. The amount of attention to detail by both Anabelle and Ryan makes this story the perfect Christmas treat.
Ryan has always lived a life of crime until one Christmas Eve when Grandma Edith puts all of her faith in him. She asks him to come back next Christmas & tell her how he’s changed his life around. One year later, Ryan returns and meets Grandma Edith’s granddaughter, Anabelle. Now he’s determined to make good on his promise. Will Ryan be able to stay on the good path or will he fall back to a life of crime?
Ryan has always lived a life of crime until one Christmas Eve when Grandma Edith puts all of her faith in him. She asks him to come back next Christmas & tell her how he’s changed his life around. One year later, Ryan returns and meets Grandma Edith’s granddaughter, Anabelle. Now he’s determined to make good on his promise. Will Ryan be able to stay on the good path or will he fall back to a life of crime?
November 12, 2024
What a cute Christmas rom-com! This reminded me of a better version of a classic Hallmark Christmas movie and I was here for it. Ryan and Annabelle were adorable together. I loved how sweet Ryan was this entire novel. He cared so well for Annabelle. Casella also did a great job writing Annabelle’s character on the spectrum. There was cute banter, feel good moments, and some scenes that made me chuckle out loud. I found myself smiling throughout and loving Christmas joy. I adored all the secondary characters as well. I really enjoyed it!
January 3, 2025
Ryan’s story
This is a very heartwarming Christmas story. I loved the story and the characters. Annabelle and Ryan match perfectly and fill the missing pieces in each other. I was wrapped up in the story from the beginning, not really any slow spots. This book is a standalone, but I recommend reading The Love Bandits first. This book contains spoilers and that one provides some of Ryan’s backstory. For the best reading experience, start with The Love Fixers, then The Love Bandits, then The Thief Who Saved Christmas. All good books!
This is a very heartwarming Christmas story. I loved the story and the characters. Annabelle and Ryan match perfectly and fill the missing pieces in each other. I was wrapped up in the story from the beginning, not really any slow spots. This book is a standalone, but I recommend reading The Love Bandits first. This book contains spoilers and that one provides some of Ryan’s backstory. For the best reading experience, start with The Love Fixers, then The Love Bandits, then The Thief Who Saved Christmas. All good books!
November 11, 2024
I loved this book. It just made me feel so cozy & it was such a good, heartwarming read. Ryan is a thief who was sent to steal a Christmas ornament from this cozy inn. He ends up encountering the owner, Edith, who sees something good in him and just gives him the ornament. One year later, he's back to return the ornament to her but finds out she passed away. He ends up staying around to help Anabelle, Edith's granddaughter, try to save the inn.
I loved the interaction between Ryan & Edith. It literally warmed by heart and I just wanted to give her a big hug. Ryan is a good person who just had some unfortunate circumstances that led him to become a thief. But he wants to be better... for himself & for his twin brother, Jake. Him & Anabelle hit it off and fell so easily into a friendship that turns into more. They were SO good together! He was so supportive of her and understood exactly what she needed. I loved Anabelle's friend, Joe. Like, can he be my friend too, please? Honestly, the entire friend group was perfection and I loved how they loved & supported each other. If you're looking for a heartwarming holiday read, this is a good choice!
What to expect:
❄️Holiday Rom-Com
🎄He falls first
❄️Close Proximity
🎄ASD Rep
❄️Found Family
This one releases November 14. Thank you so much Angela Casella & Hambright PR for this ARC. This is my honest review.
I loved the interaction between Ryan & Edith. It literally warmed by heart and I just wanted to give her a big hug. Ryan is a good person who just had some unfortunate circumstances that led him to become a thief. But he wants to be better... for himself & for his twin brother, Jake. Him & Anabelle hit it off and fell so easily into a friendship that turns into more. They were SO good together! He was so supportive of her and understood exactly what she needed. I loved Anabelle's friend, Joe. Like, can he be my friend too, please? Honestly, the entire friend group was perfection and I loved how they loved & supported each other. If you're looking for a heartwarming holiday read, this is a good choice!
What to expect:
❄️Holiday Rom-Com
🎄He falls first
❄️Close Proximity
🎄ASD Rep
❄️Found Family
This one releases November 14. Thank you so much Angela Casella & Hambright PR for this ARC. This is my honest review.
November 14, 2024
Tropes:
🎅Reverse Grump/Sunshine (More Grinch vs Buddy the Elf)
🎅He falls first
🎅Small town, Christmas romance
My thoughts:
🎅Plot - This story was unique yet full of Christmas cheer. Loved the mix of preparing to Christmas, Hot Chocolate Haply Hour, friends who become family, challenges with ex’s, the mystery of the ornament and the final challenge.
🎅Characters - Not going lie Annabelle drove me nuts until further in to the book. She doubted people and their thoughts too much but by the end I like her. Ryan was a great character. He was working to overcome his past and was so quick to help those around him. The side characters like Joe, were written well and fit right in to the found family story.
🎅Overall this was a very enjoyable read and I’d recommend for anyone wanting a little Christmas vibes mixed with adventure and a touch of mystery.
🎅Reverse Grump/Sunshine (More Grinch vs Buddy the Elf)
🎅He falls first
🎅Small town, Christmas romance
My thoughts:
🎅Plot - This story was unique yet full of Christmas cheer. Loved the mix of preparing to Christmas, Hot Chocolate Haply Hour, friends who become family, challenges with ex’s, the mystery of the ornament and the final challenge.
🎅Characters - Not going lie Annabelle drove me nuts until further in to the book. She doubted people and their thoughts too much but by the end I like her. Ryan was a great character. He was working to overcome his past and was so quick to help those around him. The side characters like Joe, were written well and fit right in to the found family story.
🎅Overall this was a very enjoyable read and I’d recommend for anyone wanting a little Christmas vibes mixed with adventure and a touch of mystery.
November 17, 2024
The Thief Who Saved Christmas by @angelacasellaauthor is a stand alone spinoff of the Unlucky in Love series. You do not need to read the Unlucky in Love series prior to reading but Ryan and more of his back story is part of book 2 The Love Bandits.
There is ASD representation with Annabelle. She remains me of my daughter who was recently diagnosed with Mild ASD.
I laughed throughout this book especially with side characters Joe and Jeremy. The banter between Ryan and Annabelle could have been better but the banter with all the side characters was really enjoyable.
I liked Ryan and Annabelle together and liked how they learned each other and continued to build on that.
The Santas. I really wish this was a graphic book because I would love to see how all the Santas looked in the parlor.
I really enjoyed The Thief Who Saved Christmas. thank you @angelacasellaauthor for allowing me to be part of your ARC and Street teams.
There is ASD representation with Annabelle. She remains me of my daughter who was recently diagnosed with Mild ASD.
I laughed throughout this book especially with side characters Joe and Jeremy. The banter between Ryan and Annabelle could have been better but the banter with all the side characters was really enjoyable.
I liked Ryan and Annabelle together and liked how they learned each other and continued to build on that.
The Santas. I really wish this was a graphic book because I would love to see how all the Santas looked in the parlor.
I really enjoyed The Thief Who Saved Christmas. thank you @angelacasellaauthor for allowing me to be part of your ARC and Street teams.
November 14, 2024
This is definitely one you will want to put on your Christmas TBR! This is such a fun cute Christmas Rom-Com! Ryan honestly had me swooning over him. He is a bad boy on a mission to make things right and I loved every second of it! Anabelle is a walking billboard for all things Christmas and somebody who also loves Christmas I loved that about her!
Not only did this one had me laughing but not going to lie it honestly pulled at my heartstrings! There was honestly some twists that I didn’t expect and I really loved that! I would recommend this one if you’re looking for a sweet Christmas Book with some amazing romance,spice (I did feel like it was light), some twists you wouldn’t expect and a good plot this one is it!
Not only did this one had me laughing but not going to lie it honestly pulled at my heartstrings! There was honestly some twists that I didn’t expect and I really loved that! I would recommend this one if you’re looking for a sweet Christmas Book with some amazing romance,spice (I did feel like it was light), some twists you wouldn’t expect and a good plot this one is it!
November 16, 2024
4.5/5
This was the perfect way to start my Christmas reads of the year! Everything about it screams Christmas in the best possible way. It's sweet and funny and gives you a couple of insufferable villains to hate.
I loved Annabelle's descriptions of the discomfort she felt when being touched or when overwhelmed by a situation and feeling the need to run away. But even more than that, I loved how Ryan respected these feelings and did everything he could to make her feel more comfortable.
Ryan was such a sweetheart- understanding, a caretaker, protective. And maybe a bit too hard on himself.
Don't go into this expecting a super serious, realistic Christmas story, but a fun rom-com with a little bit of spice.
This was the perfect way to start my Christmas reads of the year! Everything about it screams Christmas in the best possible way. It's sweet and funny and gives you a couple of insufferable villains to hate.
I loved Annabelle's descriptions of the discomfort she felt when being touched or when overwhelmed by a situation and feeling the need to run away. But even more than that, I loved how Ryan respected these feelings and did everything he could to make her feel more comfortable.
Ryan was such a sweetheart- understanding, a caretaker, protective. And maybe a bit too hard on himself.
Don't go into this expecting a super serious, realistic Christmas story, but a fun rom-com with a little bit of spice.
December 13, 2024
Ryan and Annabelle
I love this story because it involves two people who have psychological issues. One is on the autism spectrum and the other, though undiagnosed, seems to have ADHD. One plays strictly by the rules and the other works his way around the law. Somehow they manage to understand each others issues and support each other. Both have issues with anxiety. The character development is totally spot on and I grew to love them both as well as their clan of misfit friends. The only reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 was because I really wish Ryan’s language (dropping the f b0mb frequently) were cleaned up. I just don’t see the need for gratuitous swearing in an otherwise sweet holiday themed book.
I love this story because it involves two people who have psychological issues. One is on the autism spectrum and the other, though undiagnosed, seems to have ADHD. One plays strictly by the rules and the other works his way around the law. Somehow they manage to understand each others issues and support each other. Both have issues with anxiety. The character development is totally spot on and I grew to love them both as well as their clan of misfit friends. The only reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 was because I really wish Ryan’s language (dropping the f b0mb frequently) were cleaned up. I just don’t see the need for gratuitous swearing in an otherwise sweet holiday themed book.
November 11, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 rounded up!
This is a must read this holiday season! Ryan and Anabelle are adorable and I would love to go stay at the Gingerbread House Inn and experience Hot Chocolate Happy Hour!
This was my first Christmas read of the year and it did not disappoint! It had plenty of Christmas, some romance, a tiny bit of spice, and even some mystery/thriller! It felt like I was reading a Hallmark Christmas movie and I loved every second of it!!
I really only docked half a star because it got a little too slow/drawn out for me but once it picked back up it was great!
Tropes:
❤️found family
🤍reformed bad boy
💚a cozy inn
❤️holiday romance
🤍ASD rep
This is a must read this holiday season! Ryan and Anabelle are adorable and I would love to go stay at the Gingerbread House Inn and experience Hot Chocolate Happy Hour!
This was my first Christmas read of the year and it did not disappoint! It had plenty of Christmas, some romance, a tiny bit of spice, and even some mystery/thriller! It felt like I was reading a Hallmark Christmas movie and I loved every second of it!!
I really only docked half a star because it got a little too slow/drawn out for me but once it picked back up it was great!
Tropes:
❤️found family
🤍reformed bad boy
💚a cozy inn
❤️holiday romance
🤍ASD rep
November 15, 2024
✅ Slow Burn
✅ Bad Boy turned Good
✅ Found Family
✅ Adult Autism Rep
Y’all this book was so cute! I loved how these characters found their chosen family through difficult times. They learned more about themselves and how to see who they really are despite the labels others give them.
After her grandmother’s passing, Anabelle takes over her B&B. The same B&B that hid a priceless Christmas Ornament that a certain thief had come to steal the year before.
The love of a grandmother is a powerful thing that brings the two main characters together 💜
I loved this story!
✅ Bad Boy turned Good
✅ Found Family
✅ Adult Autism Rep
Y’all this book was so cute! I loved how these characters found their chosen family through difficult times. They learned more about themselves and how to see who they really are despite the labels others give them.
After her grandmother’s passing, Anabelle takes over her B&B. The same B&B that hid a priceless Christmas Ornament that a certain thief had come to steal the year before.
The love of a grandmother is a powerful thing that brings the two main characters together 💜
I loved this story!
November 15, 2024
First of all, thank you @hambright_pr and @angelacasellaauthor for the ARC. I absolutely loved Ryan from the moment I met him in this book. He had such a golden retriever vibe, and you could just tell that he didn’t want to live the crime life. I thought the plot was so unique and it really sucked me in from the beginning. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book where a thief saved Christmas. I love the representation of autism because I feel like it’s not represented enough or understood enough so the fact that Annabelle was on the spectrum and Ryan cared so much was just so heartwarming and perfect.
February 2, 2025
Cute But Slow
This story was beautiful over all with the meaning behind it, however, it was a slow burn with a slow build that never really picked up pace wise. It was like a slow burning candle all the way to the end.
I did like the story, I did like the couple and all their cooky friends lol
The story is very smile inducing but took me a week to finish as it never really “grabbed” me but I was enjoying it enough to finish
This story was beautiful over all with the meaning behind it, however, it was a slow burn with a slow build that never really picked up pace wise. It was like a slow burning candle all the way to the end.
I did like the story, I did like the couple and all their cooky friends lol
The story is very smile inducing but took me a week to finish as it never really “grabbed” me but I was enjoying it enough to finish
December 14, 2024
This was a fun one! It was funny with lots of sweet moments and a bit of spice. I enjoyed all of the characters and their different personalities and how they all came together for Annabelle. I also loved the Williamsburg setting, I know how beautiful it is at Christmas time!
December 24, 2025
Absolutely adorable and well worth the read.
December 10, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I am completely smitten by this book and these characters. Totally and utterly gobsmacked. I expected a lighthearted holiday themed rom-com and got a lighthearted holiday themed rom-com with depth, genuine feeling, and a captivating plot.
Ryan is a thief. Sent by his boss to steal a valuable antique ornament from a bed and breakfast, he has a change of heart when he meets the delightful elderly woman who owns the charming inn. That brief meeting has a profound impact on Ryan and he pledges to turn his life around and return a year later. His return finds the inn run by Anabelle, the Christmas obsessed, socially awkward granddaughter of the one woman who believed in Ryan when no one else did — and who left a letter for him with an important request.
Angela Casella handles sensitive topics with gentleness and compassion. The autism representation is exceptionally well written and is among the best I’ve ever read in a work of fiction. The author surrounds Anabelle and Ryan with quirky, lovable characters who become a strong, supportive family. (Found family is my thing and perfect in a holiday themed book.) I suspect I’m not the only reader who fell head over heels in love with The Gingerbread House crew.
THE THIEF WHO SAVED CHRISTMAS is a standalone book in the UNLUCKY IN LOVE series and the first book I’ve read from this author. I will absolutely be reading more of her work. This book was an unexpected gem and one that can be enjoyed any time of year.
I am completely smitten by this book and these characters. Totally and utterly gobsmacked. I expected a lighthearted holiday themed rom-com and got a lighthearted holiday themed rom-com with depth, genuine feeling, and a captivating plot.
Ryan is a thief. Sent by his boss to steal a valuable antique ornament from a bed and breakfast, he has a change of heart when he meets the delightful elderly woman who owns the charming inn. That brief meeting has a profound impact on Ryan and he pledges to turn his life around and return a year later. His return finds the inn run by Anabelle, the Christmas obsessed, socially awkward granddaughter of the one woman who believed in Ryan when no one else did — and who left a letter for him with an important request.
Angela Casella handles sensitive topics with gentleness and compassion. The autism representation is exceptionally well written and is among the best I’ve ever read in a work of fiction. The author surrounds Anabelle and Ryan with quirky, lovable characters who become a strong, supportive family. (Found family is my thing and perfect in a holiday themed book.) I suspect I’m not the only reader who fell head over heels in love with The Gingerbread House crew.
THE THIEF WHO SAVED CHRISTMAS is a standalone book in the UNLUCKY IN LOVE series and the first book I’ve read from this author. I will absolutely be reading more of her work. This book was an unexpected gem and one that can be enjoyed any time of year.
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