Falling For Santa

by Susanne Ash

A heartwarming Christmas romance about fresh starts, second chances, and the magic of finding love where you least expect it.

When widowed single mom Megan Findley moves to the charming seaside town of Palmar Island, she hopes to give her daughter Ruby a fresh start. Struggling to rebuild her life, Megan takes an unexpected job as Santa’s elf at the town’s beloved Christmas Village. She doesn’t expect to find herself drawn to the man behind the red suit.

Scott Hunter loves everything about being Santa—from the twinkle in children’s eyes to the joy of spreading Christmas cheer. But this year, playing Santa isn’t quite the same. That is, until Megan and Ruby enter his life. Megan’s determination and Ruby’s infectious laughter spark something in Scott he thought he’d never feel hope.

As Christmas approaches, Megan is torn between a promising career opportunity in San Diego and the growing connection she feels to Scott—and to the small town that’s beginning to feel like home. Can Megan and Scott take a leap of faith to embrace the possibility of love, or will the season’s magic pass them by?

Filled with sweet romance, festive charm, and the timeless spirit of Christmas, Falling for Santa is a story of healing, hope, and discovering that the best gifts aren’t found under the tree—they’re found in the heart.

193 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 25, 2024

About the author

Susanne Ash writes sweet contemporary romance. When she's not busy putting pen to paper, she loves to cook, knit, and head out exploring with her husband and daughter. She lives close to the beach in beautiful South Carolina. You'll find that her setting is often a fictionalized version of her surroundings and the places she's visiting with her family.

Reviews

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is truly one of the most endearing,sweet and beautiful story. It’s heartwarmingly good, like a Christmas gift all wrapped up nice and neat. Ever so witty and sweet. A real cosy treat. There’s a reindeer called Cupid and a man called Nick who plays the best Santa he almost feels like the real one. Then there’s little Ruby and her mommy Meghan. Meghan Findlay is a widow who moves to Palmer Island with her young daughter, hoping to make a fresh start. She finds herself playing ELF to SANTA at the town’s Christmas Village.Scott Hunter makes the perfect Santa every year ,except this year ,not quite so much to cheer. That is until Meghan and Ruby get under his skin ,he’s so smitten. Megan is drawn to Scott like a moth to a flame ,well who can blame her . But she has to think of Ruby too. What can she do? Offered a lucrative job in the city ,she’d be a fool not to take it, but what would she be forsaking for it to come about. A love so strong and devout. What will work out for them three ,Yule ( yeah couldn’t resist) have to read and see. Just know this , your eyes they will mist, there may be a kiss. There’s a cute as a button little girl who loves reindeer that is such a dear little thing ,cute as a button. Tell it how it is, she can draw pictures too. And delivering presents is what she was born to do. The next Mrs Claus in years to come ,she’d play the part well just ask her mum. Brilliant writing ,a work of art.straight from the heart an endearing tale. Made me cry? It made me wail! So dang sweet!

[Celina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Megan lost her husband three years ago and decided to move herself and their young daughter to one of his favorite places, Palmar Island. The plan was to figure a few things out and hopefully start over.

Not all things go as we plan. Megan hadn't planned for Scott and yet, here he was. He reminds her of light when her life has been filled with so much darkness and joy. Weekends of playing his elf at the town holiday festivities bring the two closer together as their friendship slowly sparks into Megan questioning if more and a connection with someone again can even be possible.

Megan has sweet Ruby to think about as she tries to figure if Palmar Island is home or back in San Diego is where home is. As Megan and Scott build a strong friendship, Ruby begins to grow more attached to Scott. I love how this relationship slowly unfolds and doesn't feel rushed considering Megan is barely getting over her husband's death. The small little details are not missed and really ties the story together. I really enjoyed reading Falling for Santa and all the swoon-worthy moments.

** The bonus epilogue is perfection! I loved it! This little addition adds a little more Christmas magic.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a free copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Widowed, single Mom Megan Findley moves with her young daughter to Palmar Island where she works with Scott Hunter who plays the town’s Santa. He is drawn to Morgan and her daughter and she to him, but when she receives a great job offer across the country she is torn between her new life and her old one. A touching holiday story about love, trust, and finding your way.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story of new beginnings. Megan and Ruby come to Palmer's Island to start over after the death of her husband. Her love for Ruby kept her going when all had fallen apart in San Diego. Join Megan and Ruby as they meet Miss Doris, Scott and all the citizens of Palmer Island as they begin to heal.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Megan and her daughter Ruby met Scott it was instant friendship. When Megan gets an elf job working with Santa Scott they become closer then friends. This sweet story was fun to read because Scott makes everything better, he helps Megan with her grief and he is a good friend to little Ruby.

[Jean Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cute story and I enjoyed getting to know Megan, Ruby and Scott. A magical story set at Christmastime. It is a timeless Christmas story with healing, hope and taking a leap of faith. Well-written and makes me feel like I am right there with the characters.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, cozy Christmas read! Truly enjoyed it and look forward to more stories from Palmer Island!

[Rebecca White · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet

What a beautiful love story. Little Ruby was absolutely precious and Santa Scott was generous and loving. I enjoyed the way the community surrounded them.

[The Swoony Awards]

This book has been nominated for a 2025 Swoony Award, to vote for it click here: Swoony Awards.