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Fate with a Helping Hand #0.5
The Gift
THE GIFT by New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Lisa Mondello
Allison Jones knows what it's like to want. Or rather, she did. She'd spent the first few years of her life being shifted from one foster home to another, never really finding that special place to make her feel home. When she finds a small envelope on the ground on a side street in Boston, and opens it, her heart plummets. She recognizes the description of the contents and knows what it will mean to the little girl if the promise of this gift is not fulfilled. But when the CEO of Holden Industries, Derek Holden, accuses her of stealing the money inside the envelope, she's determined to go the distance and not only fulfill the gift herself, but to prove to the dashingly handsome millionaire that there is more to life than just money.
The day his family lost their fortune and his world fell apart, Derek Holden swore he'd make his family fortune back. All good things in life came with sacrifice and hard work and he wasn't afraid of it. He'd built a financial empire all on his own and didn't need the simple conventions of life...until he met Allison Jones. The incredibly sweet designer with beautiful hair flowing down her back was much more than he'd originally thought when he'd accused her of stealing the money from the envelope he'd given the courier earlier that day. He'd intended the money to be a small donation to a local charity event. But he soon learned that a bank account full of money was no match for a heart full of love...and there was only one special woman who could teach him.
Please look for other books in the FATE WITH A HELPING HAND series:
All I Want for Christmas is You
The Marriage Contract
The Knight and Maggie's Baby
The Gift
The Gift is a contemporary romance short story prequel to THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT.
Allison Jones knows what it's like to want. Or rather, she did. She'd spent the first few years of her life being shifted from one foster home to another, never really finding that special place to make her feel home. When she finds a small envelope on the ground on a side street in Boston, and opens it, her heart plummets. She recognizes the description of the contents and knows what it will mean to the little girl if the promise of this gift is not fulfilled. But when the CEO of Holden Industries, Derek Holden, accuses her of stealing the money inside the envelope, she's determined to go the distance and not only fulfill the gift herself, but to prove to the dashingly handsome millionaire that there is more to life than just money.
The day his family lost their fortune and his world fell apart, Derek Holden swore he'd make his family fortune back. All good things in life came with sacrifice and hard work and he wasn't afraid of it. He'd built a financial empire all on his own and didn't need the simple conventions of life...until he met Allison Jones. The incredibly sweet designer with beautiful hair flowing down her back was much more than he'd originally thought when he'd accused her of stealing the money from the envelope he'd given the courier earlier that day. He'd intended the money to be a small donation to a local charity event. But he soon learned that a bank account full of money was no match for a heart full of love...and there was only one special woman who could teach him.
Please look for other books in the FATE WITH A HELPING HAND series:
All I Want for Christmas is You
The Marriage Contract
The Knight and Maggie's Baby
The Gift
The Gift is a contemporary romance short story prequel to THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT.
50 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2014
About the author
Lisa Mondello
106 books543 followersUSA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR, Lisa Mondello, has held many jobs in her life but
being a published authors is the last job she'll ever have. She's not retiring!
She blames the creation of the personal computer for her leap into writing
novels. Otherwise, she'd still be penning stories with paper and pen. Her first
book, All I Want for Christmas is You won Best First Book in the Golden Quill.
Her books have finaled in the HOLT Medallion, and the Colorado Award of
Excellence contests. In 2011 she re-released her award winning book All I Want
for Christmas is You along with a re-issue of her romantic comedy, The Marriage Contract, with a new contemporary romance called The Knight and Maggie's Baby.
In 2012 she reissued the first 3 books of her popular Western Romance Series
TEXAS HEARTS including Her Heart for the Asking, His Heart for the Trusting and
being a published authors is the last job she'll ever have. She's not retiring!
She blames the creation of the personal computer for her leap into writing
novels. Otherwise, she'd still be penning stories with paper and pen. Her first
book, All I Want for Christmas is You won Best First Book in the Golden Quill.
Her books have finaled in the HOLT Medallion, and the Colorado Award of
Excellence contests. In 2011 she re-released her award winning book All I Want
for Christmas is You along with a re-issue of her romantic comedy, The Marriage Contract, with a new contemporary romance called The Knight and Maggie's Baby.
In 2012 she reissued the first 3 books of her popular Western Romance Series
TEXAS HEARTS including Her Heart for the Asking, His Heart for the Trusting and
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 11, 2018
a to short story, but a cute one.
April 11, 2017
A nice short Christmas story. I will read more by this author.
December 25, 2014
This was a novella very short. Only five chapters. Allison on her way to work when she finds an envelope(it also had money but someone took the money) with a list written by a child in a shelter of what she wants for christmas. Enters Derek who dropped the envelope comes back to the area and see Allison with the the envelope and assumes she stole the money. A short story about the christmas spirit.
May 30, 2017
A very sweet story, but far too short. Allison is a lovely, warm-hearted young woman, and Derek is clearly a delightful man, even though he has the reputation of being a cut-threat businessman, totally ruthless. A pleasant read for a lazy afternoon.
August 21, 2017
The Gift is a tender romance between a wealthy man and a girl who grew up in foster care in a short story. Both protagonists were well-written. I recommend the story to people who enjoy a light contemporary love story. I received a complimentary ebook from the author. This is my honest opinion.
September 25, 2017
Very enjoyable Christian romance Christmas story. A charitable business man, and a young woman meet when she sees an envelope on the ground with a wish for Christmas from a little girl. Great story line, very touching heartfelt. A great story for your family in the Christmas Season.
December 22, 2017
I loved this book. So far, this is my favorite book written by Lisa Mondello.
This is a feel good, believable fairy tale and I look forward to reading more like this book.
Congratulations on a successful book, Lisa.
This is a feel good, believable fairy tale and I look forward to reading more like this book.
Congratulations on a successful book, Lisa.
October 24, 2024
Honest Love
I enjoyed this book. It was sweet with honest love that came from a pure heart. I'm looking forward to finishing this series.
I enjoyed this book. It was sweet with honest love that came from a pure heart. I'm looking forward to finishing this series.
December 16, 2025
This was cute, for a novella, it was just way too short and rushed. It did show the promise of a very nice story, there just needed to be more.
December 31, 2017
The kind of book I like to read at Christmas--tender-hearted people caring more about helping others than their own welfare. Christmas and romance.
December 18, 2015
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
Yes! The Gift is the first holiday read that is that cheesy Christmas magic that I love so much. I have been a bit disappointed in my holiday read so far, but this one more than made up for it. It was everything I love in a Christmas read.
Allison knows what it is like to be a foster kid and have nothing. She grew up a bit in foster care and even though she had a good life, she still knows what it is like to not really have family. When she finds an envelope on the ground with a card of what one of the current foster kids wants for Christmas her heart breaks. She knows what that is like, what it will mean to that little girl to get a bed of all things. She knows she has to get the gifts herself. She can't just let the girl be disappointed because someone lost the card.
Derek is a well off man who knows what it is like to lose everything. When his father lost everything it completely changed his happy home life to one where everything fell apart. He has been very motivated and built himself an empire. He doesn't want to every lose everything like his family did. When he realizes that he lost the envelope with the card for the foster kid gifts, as well as $1,000, he goes to retrace his steps.
Oh Allison and Derek were fun. At first Derek doesn't trust Allison. He doesn't tell her the envelope is his, but he definitely thinks she stole the money. He quickly realizes that she doesn't have much, but she is determined to find a way to get the money to buy the gifts herself. He is drawn to her. He hasn't come across many people as selfless and kind as she is.
Allison doesn't care for Derek at first. After all he accuses her of stealing! Oh they were fun. They start hanging out a bit and Derek invites her to the big ball where all the foster kids will be and she just can't say no. She remembers how special that night was when she was a foster kid and she would love to see their faces and how happy this one night will make them. Of course there is a bit of Christmas magic that makes them fall in love and everything is just wonderful. I love it. Is it way too quick? Yes. Is it Christmas fun? Yes! This is the kind of holiday read I love. The one where it is Christmas so everything works out and it is wonderful.
Yes! The Gift is the first holiday read that is that cheesy Christmas magic that I love so much. I have been a bit disappointed in my holiday read so far, but this one more than made up for it. It was everything I love in a Christmas read.
Allison knows what it is like to be a foster kid and have nothing. She grew up a bit in foster care and even though she had a good life, she still knows what it is like to not really have family. When she finds an envelope on the ground with a card of what one of the current foster kids wants for Christmas her heart breaks. She knows what that is like, what it will mean to that little girl to get a bed of all things. She knows she has to get the gifts herself. She can't just let the girl be disappointed because someone lost the card.
Derek is a well off man who knows what it is like to lose everything. When his father lost everything it completely changed his happy home life to one where everything fell apart. He has been very motivated and built himself an empire. He doesn't want to every lose everything like his family did. When he realizes that he lost the envelope with the card for the foster kid gifts, as well as $1,000, he goes to retrace his steps.
Oh Allison and Derek were fun. At first Derek doesn't trust Allison. He doesn't tell her the envelope is his, but he definitely thinks she stole the money. He quickly realizes that she doesn't have much, but she is determined to find a way to get the money to buy the gifts herself. He is drawn to her. He hasn't come across many people as selfless and kind as she is.
Allison doesn't care for Derek at first. After all he accuses her of stealing! Oh they were fun. They start hanging out a bit and Derek invites her to the big ball where all the foster kids will be and she just can't say no. She remembers how special that night was when she was a foster kid and she would love to see their faces and how happy this one night will make them. Of course there is a bit of Christmas magic that makes them fall in love and everything is just wonderful. I love it. Is it way too quick? Yes. Is it Christmas fun? Yes! This is the kind of holiday read I love. The one where it is Christmas so everything works out and it is wonderful.
January 16, 2016
The Gift by Lisa Mondello
Fate With a Helping Hand Novella
Allison Jones barely gets by financially, but she knows how good life is. A bed to sleep in and people she cares about. When she finds an envelope on the ground with a Christmas list for a child from the shelter, she knows she needs to find the money to fulfill the little girls wishes. She understands personally how important it is.
Derek Holden has lost his envelope of money. Why his assistant is making him do his own shopping, he hasn’t a clue. And then he sees the woman holding the envelope, his envelope. Derek is going to find his millions hasn’t bought him everything he needs during this Christmas season.
Christmas time really can be a time of joy for some and sorrow for others. You can be so busy or have so much that you take the little things for granted. This is a very short story but packed full of caring and love. This story introduces two characters from Fate With a Helping Hand. Maggie Bonelli from The Knight and Maggie’s Baby and Cara Carvalho from The Marriage Contract.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Fate With a Helping Hand Novella
Allison Jones barely gets by financially, but she knows how good life is. A bed to sleep in and people she cares about. When she finds an envelope on the ground with a Christmas list for a child from the shelter, she knows she needs to find the money to fulfill the little girls wishes. She understands personally how important it is.
Derek Holden has lost his envelope of money. Why his assistant is making him do his own shopping, he hasn’t a clue. And then he sees the woman holding the envelope, his envelope. Derek is going to find his millions hasn’t bought him everything he needs during this Christmas season.
Christmas time really can be a time of joy for some and sorrow for others. You can be so busy or have so much that you take the little things for granted. This is a very short story but packed full of caring and love. This story introduces two characters from Fate With a Helping Hand. Maggie Bonelli from The Knight and Maggie’s Baby and Cara Carvalho from The Marriage Contract.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
July 3, 2016
The gift of kindness
This book enhances the message of 'money cannot buy happiness' and that the truly perfect gift is one that comes from the heart. The story begins with Allison finding an envelope on the sidewalk. She picks it up to read the card attached: a five year old asking for a bed. She understood how this feels, she had been in the same situation for quite some time. So, her charitable heart makes a promise to help this child...
Derek Holden, a hot shot business man sees her taking hold of the envelope-that he had dropped-he had placed a lot of money in it. So, what does he do? He accuses her of stealing, even when she assures him that she didn't see any money in it.
And from there, quite surprisingly, a beautiful friendship develops. Derek befriends the epitome of human kindness. Allison befriends Derek, the man who is distrustful of human kindness. I appreciated the story and the lesson which came with it.
Lisa Mondello has a way of writing dialogue between characters humourous and cleverly, but subtly, witty. There aren't many authors who go the extra step to make a story entertaining, most authors just emphasize a lesson.
This book enhances the message of 'money cannot buy happiness' and that the truly perfect gift is one that comes from the heart. The story begins with Allison finding an envelope on the sidewalk. She picks it up to read the card attached: a five year old asking for a bed. She understood how this feels, she had been in the same situation for quite some time. So, her charitable heart makes a promise to help this child...
Derek Holden, a hot shot business man sees her taking hold of the envelope-that he had dropped-he had placed a lot of money in it. So, what does he do? He accuses her of stealing, even when she assures him that she didn't see any money in it.
And from there, quite surprisingly, a beautiful friendship develops. Derek befriends the epitome of human kindness. Allison befriends Derek, the man who is distrustful of human kindness. I appreciated the story and the lesson which came with it.
Lisa Mondello has a way of writing dialogue between characters humourous and cleverly, but subtly, witty. There aren't many authors who go the extra step to make a story entertaining, most authors just emphasize a lesson.
December 15, 2016
Here is a cute quick read for those of us that read only Christmas themed stories in December. A chance meeting, mistrust, taking a chance and sharing! There is no "f" words, no inappropriateness. Just a good clean read! Well done, Author Lisa Mondello!
November 11, 2014
A prequel to The Knight and Maggie's Baby and The Marriage Contract, both of which I loved. It's Christmas time and a gala is in Derek's future. But he doesn't have a date. He also lost an envelope that has a list of things he is supposed to bye for a child living at a shelter. When he finds Allison holding his envelope, he finds more than just a woman who at first glance makes him think she stole the money that was in the envelope for buying the gifts.
This was a fun short little novella. I really enjoyed it.
This was a fun short little novella. I really enjoyed it.
November 14, 2015
A sweet Christmas story
I love holiday stories and this one was beautiful. Sweet and touching, this story kept me glued to the pages. It's a perfect prequel to the Fate with a Helping Hand series as it leaves you anticipating the next book.
Allison and Derek are from completely different walks of life but both are who they are because of their pasts and loss. Allison is great and Derek realizes he could learn a lot from her. I hope to catch up on how they are doing in the next book!
I love holiday stories and this one was beautiful. Sweet and touching, this story kept me glued to the pages. It's a perfect prequel to the Fate with a Helping Hand series as it leaves you anticipating the next book.
Allison and Derek are from completely different walks of life but both are who they are because of their pasts and loss. Allison is great and Derek realizes he could learn a lot from her. I hope to catch up on how they are doing in the next book!
December 26, 2015
This was a short but sweet Christmas romance with some meaningful thoughts to it. It was short but it still made me cry when Allison tells the reason for cutting her hair. I just felt so moved. Even though it was short I ended up loving the characters and the sweet-festive spirit the book brings. Lisa Mondello really creates magic with words!
February 26, 2016
Christmas Magic
This book really makes you fee good about helping children in need especially those in foster care without any parents at all. It also shows how really nice some people can be especially at a special time of the year like Christmas.It gives you a look into what some people you see one way or actually very compassionate and generous.
This book really makes you fee good about helping children in need especially those in foster care without any parents at all. It also shows how really nice some people can be especially at a special time of the year like Christmas.It gives you a look into what some people you see one way or actually very compassionate and generous.
December 20, 2016
A Sweet Short Story
Derek is a man with money who thinks Allison stole an envelope with $1000. She is a sweet young Lady who has had a very sad life but is not a thief. Raised in a foster home, she just wants to do nice things for others in her same situation. This is a very nice holiday story and I recommend it.
Derek is a man with money who thinks Allison stole an envelope with $1000. She is a sweet young Lady who has had a very sad life but is not a thief. Raised in a foster home, she just wants to do nice things for others in her same situation. This is a very nice holiday story and I recommend it.
October 16, 2014
This was a cute, predictable romance. It was packed with heartfelt goodness that is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit.
Nice, quick, short read. Will be looking for more books by Lisa Mondello.
Nice, quick, short read. Will be looking for more books by Lisa Mondello.
November 22, 2014
Nice read
This book does have grammar errors but the story is tender and shows how unselfish people can be...Allison pays forward for what she got when she was a little girl. Nice Xmas book.
This book does have grammar errors but the story is tender and shows how unselfish people can be...Allison pays forward for what she got when she was a little girl. Nice Xmas book.
March 8, 2015
Another Christmas read from the author that will lift your spirit no matter when it is read. This story is very short sweet novella. It reminds the reader of the true meaning of Christmas, giving. It also reminds us of what can't be bought, kindness.
August 3, 2016
Another Christmas read from the author that will lift your spirit no matter when it is read. This story is very short sweet novella. It reminds the reader of the true meaning of Christmas giving. It also reminds us of what can't be bought kindness.
October 14, 2016
Short and sweet
This was a sweet story. There was no profanity and the romance was clean. The characters were cute and the story was short and quick. This is a story worth reading.
I received this book free from one of the book subscription emails.
This was a sweet story. There was no profanity and the romance was clean. The characters were cute and the story was short and quick. This is a story worth reading.
I received this book free from one of the book subscription emails.
January 3, 2017
Holiday Magic
Such a sweet and uplifting story. Definitely can be read any time of year, especially if you need a "pick me up". This novella expresses how much life and love is experienced by those who don't take money for granted. Looking forward to reading more of the series~
Such a sweet and uplifting story. Definitely can be read any time of year, especially if you need a "pick me up". This novella expresses how much life and love is experienced by those who don't take money for granted. Looking forward to reading more of the series~
August 6, 2014
A wonderful holiday story that touches your heart. A simple deal brings back memories of a time that would never be forgotten.
Read
October 2, 2014ummmm...yeah. Needs a proofreader.
December 4, 2014
Good book touching
December 13, 2014
loved it :) going to find more of her books now
December 29, 2014
Short, sweet & quick read. I enjoyed Allison & Derek's story. I look forward to seeing how their relationship flourishes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews