A Father for Christmas

A Veteran's Christmas #1

by Rachelle Ayala

Single mother Kelly Kennedy can't afford lavish gifts for her four-year-old daughter, Bree.

Homeless veteran Tyler Manning doesn't believe he deserves a Merry Christmas. When Bree asks Santa for a father and picks Tyler, both Tyler and Kelly vow to keep Bree from being hurt while fighting their feelings for each other.

Tyler struggles with frightening flashbacks that scare Kelly. Meanwhile, Kelly's criminal past threatens her chance for happiness. Tyler and Kelly must believe in the power of love to give Bree her best Christmas ever.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Fiction, Military Fiction, Contemporary, Adult

152 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 23, 2014

About the author

Rachelle Ayala is an award-winning USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and romantic suspense. She writes emotionally challenging stories but believes in the power of love and hope.

Her book, Knowing Vera, won the 2015 Angie Ovation Award, and A Father for Christmas garnered a 2015 Readers' Favorite Gold Award. Christmas Stray was awarded the 2016 Readers' Favorite Gold Award and A Pet for Christmas had an Honorable Mention. In 2017, her book about a single mother with an autistic son, Playing for the Save, won the 2017 Readers' Favorite Gold Award for Realistic Fiction.

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She is also a writing teacher and founder of the Romance In A Month writing community. She lives in California with her husband and has three children and two birds.

For an updated, printable booklist:
https://www.scribd.com/document/34213...

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Broken Build
Hidden Under Her Heart
Knowing Vera

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Taming Romeo
Claiming Carlos
Whole Latte Love
The Remingtons: Leap, Laugh, Love
The Remingtons: Blush of Love
Bad Boys for Hire: Ryker
Bad Boys for Hire: Ken
Bad Boys for Hire: Nick
Laguna Beach: Lucky in Laguna
Sapphire Falls: Going Haywire
Sapphire Falls: Going Toe to Mistletoe
Sapphire Falls: Going Hearts Over Heels

SPORTS ROMANCE
Played by Love
Playing the Rookie
Playing Without Rules
Roaring Hot!
Intercepted by Love
Playing Catch
Playing for the Save

SWEET ROMANCE
Christmas Stray
A Father for Christmas
A Pet for Christmas
A Wedding for Christmas
Christmas Lovebirds
Valentine Hound Dog
Spring Fling Kitty
Blue Chow Christmas
Valentine Wedding Hound

HOLIDAY ROMANCE
Christmas Flirt
Santa's Pet
Deck the Hearts
Her Christmas Chance
Sapphire Falls: Going Toe to Mistletoe
Bad Boys for Hire: Nick

HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Michal's Window

NON-FICTION
Your Daily Bible Verse
Romance In A Month
366 Ways to Know Your Character
Love Stories: Writing a Romance Novella

Reviews

[Katja Labonté · Rating 1 out of 5]

0/10 stars. This is the most disgusting book I have ever read. There was a TON of sexual & vulgar content. It became so that I had to stop making a detailed list and just make a generalized list. There was undressing & very detailed desire before the characters even GOT ENGAGED, and an almost-sex scene. The characters were Christians (at least the girl was; not sure if the man was) and this romance was called sweet and clean. Like what?!?! This is the most repulsive book I have EVER read. I’m sad, because the plot could have been really good. 

Detailed content list: Vulgar words, lots of talk about sex or being with men/women, lots of kissing between unmarried couple, mentions of men going to the bathroom, suggestive talk between unmarried couple, detailed desire—almost undressing, touching suggestive places; a detailed mention of shameful stuff that happened to a woman in prison; the two MCs get in bed twice, & once they’re almost about to have actually sex; a mention the male MC hasn’t lost his touch with a woman; kissing, very detailed, on first date; more very very detailed kissing & touching on second date; mentions of strip clubs; talk of sperm donors (the girl’s child was conceived by insemination); talk of drooling over men; men being hot, women being attractive; mentions like “having a man for recreational purposes,” etc. 

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one story that takes the harsh reality of life and its consequences and shows them for what they are while at the same time mixing in a healthy amount of love, understanding, and dedication to prove that there really is good in the world for everyone. The end result is a beautiful tale of how two broken and hurting people can find solace and love within the safe haven of each other. They just needed to find the courage to reach out and take hold of the incredible opportunity of wholeness and strength that was being offered to them.

Kelly knows she made a huge mistake in her not so distant past, but she made it with the best intentions in mind. Even though she knows that doesn’t justify what she did, in her heart she knows she is not a hardened criminal. She is a person who knew the consequences involved, paid those consequences and more, and now just wants to provide for her family. She is content to live a quiet yet fulfilled life taking care of the ones she loves. When Tyler Manning comes barging into her life in a very personal yet rough way, Kelly’s world is tiled on its axis enough to realize that she actually does want more out of life. She wants to feel that she is making a difference especially in her young daughter’s life, and perhaps the needs and desires that she has put on the backburner as unnecessary may not take no for an answer any longer. The problem she faces is trying to figure out how to deal with her daughter’s only Christmas wish this year – a father. Will she take this leap of faith and grab hold of the changes that Tyler promises to bring to her life, or will she shake him off and turn away awhile allowing her heart to completely turn to stone?

Seeing how the tough topics covered in this story were handled with such care and a healthy dose of love and respect really made my heart soar. These are such heavy yet immensely important subjects that need to be dealt with, and they were addressed with such finesse that my heart really broke for these characters. I could feel the pain and suffering that they had endured and continued to endure. Finding the perfect shelter in each other provided for an absolutely breathtaking love story. I honestly don’t think it could have been any better!

Rachelle Ayala is a phenomenal author who has turned my world upside-down. I have only just discovered her, but I plan on delving much deeper into her treasure trove of amazing literary creations. She has completely entranced me with her passion for writing stories that not only touch your heart but impact your soul by leaving an intense lasting impression. I feel as if she has only barely scratched the depth of her heart, but there is no denying that she pours her soul into each of her stories. I can’t wait to read more from her!

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

All four-year old Bree wants for Christmas is a Papa. Conceived by artificial insemination, she has never questioned the lack of not having a father until she starts noticing other children having dads. Of course for a four-year old, asking Santa for a father under the Christmas tree shouldn't be a problem, right?

Bree's mom, Kelly use to have it all. A high paying, lucrative job on Wall Street and the ability to live a life of not wanting for anything. Then one day and one bad insider trade later, she ended up losing it all. Kelly is a great mom and does what she can to provide for her daughter. When she and Bree are at the mall getting Bree's picture taken with Santa, her heart breaks when she hears Bree's request of the ultimate Christmas present - a father. That one thing that has never been part of Kelly's plan.

But the funny thing about fate is that it will come knocking on the door whether you think you are ready or not. That day at the mall, Bree gets separated from Kelly. Entering the scene is one Tyler Manning. Tyler finds Bree wandering around the mall and looks after her until Mall Security locates them. Kelly is livid thinking Tyler was trying to lure Bree to go somewhere with him. Tyler is a little rough looking that day because you see, Tyler is homeless. But being homeless is his choice. He is a war vet and donates all of his benefit money to an organization that helps out Afghanistan children. Tyler has a huge heart, but PTSD makes his life difficult at times because images from the war overtake him without warning. Anyway, running into Tyler by the mall Christmas Tree has Bree convince that Tyler is her new papa. This kid is so cute!

But this story is not about Bree - no, she is just icing on the cake. This is Kelly and Tyler's story and boy what a story it is. Despite the bumpy start to their relationship and many setbacks, the love between Kelly and Tyler grows and it is beautiful.

A Father for Christmas is truly a wonderful, heart-warming story that will fill your heart with joy as you journey with Tyler and Kelly down their road to true love.

This story deals with real life issues and the characters are relatable. The author really does draw you into the story with her eloquent and descriptive writing. You just can't help but imagine yourself right smack in the story as it unfolds.

Although this is the perfect story to get you in the holiday spirit, it can be enjoyed anytime throughout the year and just reading it will lift your spirits. I highly recommend this sweet romantic story!

*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

See more at: The Avid Book Collector

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tyler and Bree were cute, but the h(Kelly) was a serious rude judgmental bitch!

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received "A Father for Christmas" as a promotional item on Tomoson.

I love romance books. They're my favorite to read.

The characters in this story had very interesting pasts.

Kelly Kennedy is a single mother who used to work on Wall Street. A bad trade made her lose everything but her family. She had to spend time in jail, which has changed part of her outlook on life. Once out, she did her best to make ends meet and raise her daughter, Bree, well with the help of her mother and sister.

Bree happens to be Kelly's daughter. Conceived by artificial insemination. Bree didn't know her family was missing anything until she went to school. She started to notice she didn't have a father like everyone else. She asked Santa for a father for Christmas. That same day, Bree got lost and ran into Tyler Manning.

Tyler Manning was to be a football star, but he gave all that up to serve his country like his father had. He seen terrible things that happened during the war. He suffers lucid flashbacks of those times. He's a hero in the eyes of the public, but a killer in his own eyes. He gives what ever money he makes to the orphaned children of the war, trying to make amends for what happened over there.

Tyler overhears Bree telling Santa that she wants a father for Christmas. He finds it amusing that Bree and secretly, Kelly, want a father for Christmas. Bree got separated from her mother at the mall, and Bree finds Tyler underneath the big Christmas tree like Santa said her father would be. Kelly finds Tyler with Bree, and she thinks he's trying to kidnap her daughter.

They got off on a rough start, but they keep running into each other after the incident at the mall. With the help of Kelly's mother and Bree, Tyler and Kelly get to know each other. Their relationship begins to grow, yet both of them keep pushing the other away for different reasons.

The characters were well done, but the story line had parts missing towards the end. When Tyler runs, Kelly goes to find him, but parts of the journey for them both are left out. It made the story a bit choppy and didn't flow as well as the rest of the story did.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

All any child wants is love and parents who love them. The nuclear family of a mom, dad, kids and pets is a dream that I think all little ones desire. I instantly fell in love with this book because it reminded me of where I was 10 years ago....I had been thrown out of my home by my (then) husband with two babies. When I met my (now) husband, I didn't think I was ready for another relationship but I watched as he fell in love with my boys and they began to look at him like a father. That bond is truly hard to find in someone who isn't blood but it's at that point, you know it's extremely special.

Bree and Kelly hit hard times when Kelly loses her savvy Wall Street job but she goes to the ends of the Earth to provide for her daughter. When Bree tells the mall Santa that she wants a father for Christmas, Kelly feels a bit of panic. It's not like she can run into a store and grab one up! Fate, as it always does, steps in and causes Kelly and Tyler to meet. He is homeless and Kelly isn't the least bit intrigued because of how shady he seems but little, sweet Bree knows that Tyler is meant to be her father. After all, they did meet in front of the Christmas tree!

Wouldn't it be nice to have that youthful optimism again? If you're feeling down and out, this is the book to pick up and read. You'll regain your faith in the fact that our lives are not just what we make them - but also what fate has in store!
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

[Teresa Kander · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great book to start my holiday reading this year. It's a romance, but it's not the typical "and they all lived happily ever after" sort--it's much more realistic than that.

Both of the main characters have complicated pasts, and have tried to avoid romantic relationships because of those pasts. When they are brought together by 4 year old Bree (who is probably my favorite character in the book, as she is just so darn CUTE!), neither of them has any intention of falling in love with the other, and they fight the good fight to avoid it for quite a good portion of the book. Will Bree actually find her Papa under the tree on Christmas morning, or will Santa break her heart?

There are a variety of supporting characters who add to the story--Kelly's mother and sister, and Tyler's friend Sawyer are particularly important. They have stories of their own which we learn a little about as the book progresses. I hope we get to know them all better as the series continues.

There is also a bit of a religious component to this story, although it isn't overpowering, and just seems to flow naturally from who the characters are, and how they deal with life.

If you're looking for a clean, sweet holiday romance to get you in the spirit, this is definitely that book!

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**

[Sonya Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelly used to have it all, a beautiful daughter that she loved, a high-powered job that provided everything her family could want, and a loving mother. Then her job crashed around her, and Kelly is struggling to provide for her daughter. She splurges to let her daughter visit with a mall Santa, and Bree asks for a gift that Kelly never expected... Bree wants a Daddy for Christmas! Bree has finally noticed that most other kids have a Dad, and she's decided that Santa can bring her one for Christmas.

Tyler Manning is a homeless veteran who suffers from serious PTSD flashbacks. He feels guilty for what he did in the name of war, and he's crushing himself holding the weight of the world on his shoulders so that he can never be happy. When Bree finds Tyler sitting under the Christmas tree in the mall, she decides that Tyler is the Daddy that Santa sent. Suddenly Kelly has a daughter who not only wants a Daddy, but she wants a homeless man with violent flashbacks as her Daddy.

This comes across as a light holiday read, but because of the heavy topics of homeless vets and PTSD, it actually is a surprisingly deep, heartfelt story.

* I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

It will come as no surprise to anyone familiar with my blog that I love Rachel Ayala's books. I took the advice given and read A Father for Christmas first. This short novel will definitely tug at your heartstrings as 4 year old Bree decides that she needs a father and asks Santa for one. He promised her one--uh oh--promise a 4 year old something like that you know there is going to be trouble with a capital "T". But this is an enterprising young trouble maker and takes off in search of the father promised her in the mall--then she realizes she is lost and does not know where her Mom is. Homeless veteran Tyler Manning just happens to be there and Bree decided--you guessed it. Tyler almost gets arrested for kidnapping when they finally find her Mom. Can a damaged war veteran ad a single mom manage to overcome their own problems and fears with a host of other characters egging them on?A Father for Christmas

[Mihaela Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ebook for free so I can review it. The story will melt your heart and eventually is going to get you smiling. Kelly Kennedy is a single mother who used to work on Wall Street, however, a bad trade resulted in her spending time in jail and losing everything but her family. She lives in the shadow of her past. Tyler Manning who gave up on his dreams of football to serve his country like his father had before, is now a homeless veteran. His past is haunting him, the world sees him as a hero but he is only a killer in his own eyes. They run into each other at the mall thanks to Bree, Kelly's daughter, who gets lost and found by Tyler. From this point on, a beautiful love story commences, not without the pitfalls of the past showing up in the present. This is a story of love eventually conquering the hearts of two people that gave up a long time ago :)

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Father for Christmas is a really sweet holiday love story. I'm glad I was able to read and review this before Christmas. I'm a huge fan of Rachelle Ayala's work. She always delivers a story that's uplifting and loving in some way.
In this book, the character Kelly gives a second chance and gets one of her own. I love that theme. We see her and Tyler, a veteran struggling with PTSD, in a strange dance of uncertainty about trust. Ultimately, when Kelly's little girl Bree prays for a papa, she knows her prayers were heard. It's so touching that three somewhat lost people could come together to be happy and whole on the holidays.
If you like romances, second chances, and Christmastime books this is exactly what you need to pick up.

I received an ebook copy in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are my own.

[Jeanie Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Christmas novel for all seasons. I love Christmas stories and read tons of them which is great but they often fall into a standard pattern. Rachelle Ayala seems to have a talent for going in unexpected directions and making them work. I loved A Father for Christmas and hope she continues to write sweet stories and books well as steamy romances. I will provide this spoiler, the guy and the woman do get together as one might expect but other than that element that is a must, this book provides some elements that I wouldn't expect. Thanks for giving us something different in an awesome Christmas novel!

[Emerald Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Father for Christmas was a delightful Christmas read! It had every good Christmas novel needs. Romance, a sexy hero, and of course, obstacles to overcome!

Kelly has hardened her heart after a few things that happened to her, and when Tyler comes into her life, she isn't quite sure what to think about the damaged soldier who seems to be vying for her attention. It doesn't help that she has a daughter begging for a father. When you combine all of these things, it can be dangerous, but it can also be the best thing to happen.

If you love Christmas books, this is the one for you!

[Lyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet story about a homeless veteran, who is giving everything he can to make up for the guilt of his actions while he was at war. Tyler Manning was easy to fall in love with and I can understand why Bree would want him to be his father. Kelly has a past too, but quite the opposite of Tyler. After losing everything she's earned as an investment banker, she has to start over just like Tyler did when he returned home from war. This is a sweet, loving story that will warm your soul! Perfect read for the holiday season!

[Jessica Avancena cassidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first time to read a holiday romance book and loved this story so very much. It melt your heart to read when a child wish for extra ordinary for Christmas which is to have father. Christmas is about family and miracles as well. This book is so beautiful to read. It will teach you to trust and have a second chance in life. It is also a book about military and faith. I highly recommend this book to everybody. It has romance and a little in between.

[Ronalyn Wentz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed “A Father for Christmas.” I haven’t read a romance novel in a while and this was a nice chance to just read about a blooming romance. The story was a sweet one where you learned about Kelly and her daughter, Bree, and Tyler along with their backstory. The story is touching because it shows how love overcomes the “baggage” and you create your happiness. It’s a sweet story and ends on a good note.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as part of the box set Romancing Christmas. This story dealt with a few deeper issues, mostly redemption. I enjoyed reading how Kelly and Tyler overcame their fears to find happiness. Another good holiday read.

[Nannette P · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the sweetest books that came out for this past holiday season. A little girl plays the guardian angel of holiday love for her momma, and the romance and give take ensues.

It really is a great story, and will warm your heart.

[Sue Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story. True love never runs smoothly but what an awesome journey! Bree is just adorable!

[priscila petrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice Christmas story

I enjoyed this book, nice story , Love funny and sometime serious.Very enjoyable. You will enjoy the story line, get the book


.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Father for Christmas by Rachelle Ayala
This story starts out with Kelly and she's brought her 4 year old daughter to the mall to sit on Santa's lap, Bree. They get separated and a man, Tyler who is a local hero who went to war and donates all his pay to the orphanage finds her and returns her. He keeps running into her, helping out her mother and other chores.
She finally goes out with him as she looks for a gift for her daughter and they get to know one another. She's a finance career person but with job placement she now works as a janitor for the bank. He's homeless and can make his living by doing jobs for others. He cleans up good and is there to help the ladies at the church also, for a free meal.
Tyler gave up his football career after 9/11 to go fight the war. His mother died while he was there and there's nobody else for family. She starts feeling bad she treated him like a criminal...
She sees things in the different light after spending time with him and he with her family.
Circumstances make him leave the area and she can't find him....Misunderstandings and you know they'll never get back together-too much hidden from one another.
Tragic and happy at the same time. Excerpt from the next book in the series is included at the end.
Other books excerpts are also included. Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no better Christmas story than a little girl getting her wish from Santa! Bree asks Santa for a Papa for Christmas. Now we all know, this is a tall order, even for Santa, but what we don't know is how fate steps in and does it's best to deliver this wish! Tyler, a homeless veteran is thrown into the lives of Bree and her mother Kelly. Kelly is trying to rebuild her life after some unfortunate circumstances, and a relationship just isn't in her current future plans. Tyler is totally unexpected and Kelly is not sure she is ready for him. Tyler suffers from PTSD,and Rachelle Ayala approaches this with such compassion that you can feel both of their pain and frustration while learning to deal with it. Ayala has a way of writing charming romances and includes characters that are believable and issues that are prominent. This story of love, faith and compassion is beautifully written and will fill you with the Christmas Spirit!

Elizabeth Klett is a wonderful narrator, and her performance of this story brings the emotional struggles and love right to your ears.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light, mushy and Christmasy

[Cathy Brockman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tyler is a homeless vet. He was injured overseas and home on a medical discharge. He suffers from PTSD. He doesn't need much and it doesn't get so cold where he is living so he sleeps in shelters or wherever he can so he can help the orphans in Afghanistan and of other vets.

Kelly was a go-getter, she worked hard climbing the corporate latter doing whatever it took to get to the top. She is the mother of a sweet four-year-old daughter Bree. Now Kelly is just a cleaner and single mom. All Bree wants for Christmas is a dad. Is there really Christmas magic and Santa keep his word?

I love Rachelle Ayala's Christmas stories. They have great characters, usually a sweet pet or cute kid, good plots, a little twist and some Christmas magic to bring us a happy ending. What more could you want in a Romance?

I love these audios. The books are good but Elizabeth Klett gives such personality to each character. I especially loved little Bree's voice. It's a perfect way to make tedious chores much more fun.

[Rose Helg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Book

This was an Good Book. I couldn't put it down. Want to read the rest of the series. This was an Great Book .

[Wulfwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story deals with PTSD. The love interest is a homeless veteran, Tyler. The other part of the romance is Bree and her mother, Kelly. The book is the first book in a trilogy. I actually read the last book first, (that book was my discovery of this author, if I am remembering correctly). In my opinion you should read this in the order it was written. The author has other series where it doesn't matter, (some in which Bree makes an appearance), this trilogy is better read in order.
I have to confess that Kelly is not my favorite character. In real life she would be the friend I keep because I like her family. She is very judgmental but that is her personality and I am happy that the author lets that trait be. None of are perfect. Sometimes, in books, or movies, the character traits are sugar coated when they are negative. I appreciate the author holding true to Kelly even though it makes it difficult to like her. Bree is adorable! She is who falls in love first and she is who you are really rooting for in this story. Tyler, has some very real issues going on. My son was sent to Iraq during the beginning of the war. He now suffers from PTSD along with some physical issues. It is a rough road filled with sadness. We have not done enough for our returning heroes, though we are improving. I was pleased that the author portrayed this accurately. My son is not homeless but he has a lot of support in his life. Without his wife, daughters and the rest of us, he could easily be Tyler. In listening to this story I thought a lot about my son and his family and did make comparisons. I think we all do when we read a story that is close to our real lives. I don't like Kelly that much but she is a strong woman and it takes a strong personality to handle everything that goes with loving someone with PTSD. Please keep that in mind when you read this story. You will probably want to slap Kelly at time, Tyler too to be honest, and may become frustrated with her. I don't want you to get so frustrated you give up the story. The story is a touching one. Both adults have issues and a past. I don't want to give away the story so I'm not going into details. You will discover them as you read. It does make for conflicts and a need for understanding and forgiveness.
I thought the narrator was good. I have heard better ones but she did a good job. I didn't go to sleep on her. Lol. This was the first time I heard her read. I would listen to her again. She does vary her tone and did well with Bree.

[Tara Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

**This review is based on the audiobook from Audible**

A Father for Christmas: A Veterans Christmas, Book 1 by Rachelle Ayala , narrated by Elizabeth Klett is a clean romance that brings awareness to PTSD. It is about single mom, Kelly, who has a 4yr old daughter named Bree. Bree longs for a father, and even asks Santa to bring her "a papa" for Christmas. The only problem is that a father wasn't part of Kelly's big plan, especially since she also has a criminal past she wants to keep secret.

In steps hunky Tyler Manning, hometown football hero turned homeless war veteran. Admirable as it may seem, Tyler isn't the same man he used to be. The events of the war have greatly affected him, and as a result, he suffers from PTSD. He also feels he doesn't deserve happiness after being part of so many unhappy war moments. But, doesn't everyone deserve to be happy during Christmastime?

As the worlds of Kelly, Tyler, and Bree collide, you will begin to see the spirit of Christmas working its magic. A Father for Christmas is a story about love, truth, forgiveness, acceptance, and the power of family. Told during Christmastime, you will understand why many call it the most wonderful time of the year. 

It is not nececessy to wait until snow is falling to read this well-written story. In fact, today is June 22, 2017. Christmas is 6 months away, and I enjoyed this story every bit as much as I would, had it been December. Because Rachelle Ayala's books focus on family and relationships, you are able to enjoy her writing whenever you want. 

I really enjoyed the narration by Elizabeth Klett! She did a great job wirh the voices, even little Bree! She has a sweet sounding tone, which makes for an easy listening experience. Her pronunciation of words is right on and her pace is perfect. She is fun to listen to and easy to understand. I'm looking forward to hearing more of her her in the future! 

I rate this book 5/5 stars. I think its best feature is the awareness brought to PTSD in war veterans. Many people, including myself, are not well informed about how war affects some individuals, nor do they know how to handle situations that arise because of it. Rachelle Ayala's beautiful story is a great start if you would like to start learning. It also teaches another valuable lesson...do not judge a book by its cover. Before you make assumptions about others, take the time to learn about their situations. Chances are there's a reason their lives are different than your own. Never know, you might make a new friend or find a new love along the way! ❤

[Njkinny (Njkinny's Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://www.njkinnysblog.com/2015/10/b...

A Father For Christmas is the story of a little girl who wishes for a father for Christmas and then accidentally thinks that the stranger she has met under the Christmas tree is her father!

I have read Rachelle Ayala's books in the past and enjoyed her writing style. While all the previous books that I have read were based in Philippines, this one based in America and is a through and through holiday romance full of Christmas cheer and happiness!

The cover is sweet and combines with the intriguing title and blurb had me picking up this book to read.

Right from the start I enjoyed reading this book and simply adored young Bree and connected with her mother, Kelly who is single, going through a rough patch and still ready to do anything for her daughter. Tyler is a character who had me going misty eyed right from the start. His service as an army man to his country and then his determination to give everything he has to charity even if it meant living on the street had me rooting for him. The war flashes that he has often had me praying for his recovery from PTSD and then hoping for a happily-ever-after for him with Kelly.

Both these characters are so suited for each other. Both are hurt, scared to give happiness and life another chance and then when they meet, it is like magic!

Rachelle's writing style is engaging, realistic and had me interested in the story right till the end. She brings to life the plight and emotions of the characters so easily and had me feeling each and every emotion felt by the protagonists as if they were my own.

All in all, A Father For Christmas is an entertaining book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading and recommend it all readers. 4 out of 5 to it from me. I look forward to reading more from the author in the future.

I received the book from the author and the tour organizers and I am very thankful to them. The above review is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet although tumultuous love story.
Kelly is not looking to complicate her life with a romantic relationship. She had enjoyed a wealthier lifestyle as a stock trader until greed and insider trading landed her in jail. She had wanted children and chose to have a daughter via insemination. Now sweet Bree is four years old and realizes some kids have father's. So Bree decides to ask Santa for a Papa of her own.

Tyler Manning had a promising future ahead of him. His sense of duty changed that future when he headed off to Afghanistan for ten years. He might be there still except for injury. Now he is homeless and suffering from PTSD with flashbacks he can't control.

When Bree meets Tyler at the mall, she is convinced Santa left him for her. Kelly, however, is not as trusting. She decides to get to know Tyler better when her family all seems to believe he's a great guy and a hero. Against her initial feelings, Kelly starts to acknowledge the spark between them.

Tyler earns money and donates it all to charity. After listening to Bree talk about wanting a father, he approaches one charity to propose a different type of project, a sports camp in Afghanistan. They agree if he becomes the face for the project. That means a makeover for Tyler.

I really like subway troubadour Sawyer McGee, Tyler's friend. He is loyal with a sense of humor. Nothing in this relationship will flow smoothly.
You have to turn every page and roll with each punch to find out what happens. I know you'll want to read the next exciting book after this.
NOT your typical holiday romance.

I did receive this book in exchange for honest feedback.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover of this audio book threw me a little. I was expecting sweet and simple, when in reality the book dealt with several rather heavy topics. It was a pleasant surprise that there was more to this book. The main character, Kelly is raising her child alone--the child truly has no father. When her little girl decides she wants a father for Christmas, it really throws Kelly for a loop. The little girl's prime candidate turns out to be a sexy, but homeless war veteran with PTSD, Tyler.
Tyler feels unworthy of love because of the things he has done. His PTSD plays a prime role in this book, and Ms. Ayala has done a wonderful job being true to the symptoms and all entailed (I'm married to a Wounded Warrior who suffers from it). Nothing was sugar coated and no resolution was right down the road. If you want an incite into what our veteran's go through everyday, this is a good book to without getting bogged down.
Kelly and Tyler are drawn into a complicated relationship that becomes even more complicated because of a secret Kelly has been keeping --that's a whole other heavy and rather unique aspect to the story. Can Kelly convince Tyler to forgive her when the truth comes out? It won't matter if she can't convince him to give love a chance and to become her daughter's father for Christmas.
This book has substance and grit. Don't be fooled by the cover. The narration was good.
I was given this audio book in exchange for my honest opinion.