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Christmas Traditions #6
Nutcracker Christmas
Isabella Brandt lives to dance, but she's spent the last four years in obscurity as part of the corps. Now, she's finally landed a principal role in The Nutcracker. But a handsome Hungarian violinist and a shocking visit from her past may knock this ballerina off her feet and ruin Christmas.
46 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2014
About the author
Jennifer AlLee
33 books152 followersJennifer AlLee was born in Hollywood, California, and spent the first 10 years of her life living over a mortuary one block away from Hollywood and Vine. An avid reader and writer, she completed her first novel in high school. That manuscript is now safely tucked away, never to see the light of day again.
She has worked in numerous fields, including as a church secretary and as an administrative assistant at a cable company, but wherever she works, writing always becomes part of the job description.
Her first novel was published in 2007. Since then, she's published 11 novels and quite a few novellas with five different publishing houses. While she's thrilled to be living her dream as author, Jennifer considers raising her amazing son to be her biggest creative achievement.
She lives in southern Nevada with her husband, Nic, who is a hunky Englishman and the best cabbie in Las Vegas.
She has worked in numerous fields, including as a church secretary and as an administrative assistant at a cable company, but wherever she works, writing always becomes part of the job description.
Her first novel was published in 2007. Since then, she's published 11 novels and quite a few novellas with five different publishing houses. While she's thrilled to be living her dream as author, Jennifer considers raising her amazing son to be her biggest creative achievement.
She lives in southern Nevada with her husband, Nic, who is a hunky Englishman and the best cabbie in Las Vegas.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 14, 2014
Isabella Brandt loves the Ballet. For years, she has dreamed of being the lead dancer in a major production. When a twist of events lands her the principal role in The Nutcracker and at the same time temporarily disables the accompanying pianist, she must rely on the music of an accomplished violinist from the San Francisco Ballet Company. A very handsome Hungarian violinist. Victor Randolph loves playing his violin in the orchestra. When a little accident causes him to cross paths with the lead ballerina in The Nutcracker, he never imagines that he would fall in love with her. Yet as the weeks progress, he finds himself drawn closer to her. But then a visit from a surprise caller stops Victor from telling her how much he cares for her. Now the only thing to get them through is the Lord and a Nutcracker Christmas.
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December 15, 2016This one was not my favorite, but that doesn't mean others wouldn't love it.
Personally, I had a hard time believing that Isabela would prefer a guy she hardly knows but has butterflies with, over her long time sweetheart and fiance, even though she had thought he was dead for 4 years.
Then at the end, Victor and Isabela profess love for each other, but I still felt the romantic connection was pretty thin.
Besides that, it was a nicely written story.
Personally, I had a hard time believing that Isabela would prefer a guy she hardly knows but has butterflies with, over her long time sweetheart and fiance, even though she had thought he was dead for 4 years.
Then at the end, Victor and Isabela profess love for each other, but I still felt the romantic connection was pretty thin.
Besides that, it was a nicely written story.
January 12, 2015
Fun story about a girls chance to be Clara in the Ballet and the violin player who helped her feel the music. Throw in a war story, lost love and finding new love, and the story gets a happy ending.
October 16, 2017
I loved this story of the relationship between a ballerina and a violinist. There was something magical in the way that Isabella inspired Victor’s violin playing and he inspired her dancing. This was a sweet, quick book to read so it is the perfect length to read during a busy Christmas season. I recommend it.
December 14, 2018
Nutcracker Christmas By Jennifer Allee
Dec 13
I was expecting a story that was earlier in time then this WWII era book, but what a sweet and touching story! That it has historical roots in Jennifer's family history, is an added bonus! I'm very partial to accurate historical fiction
Dec 13
I was expecting a story that was earlier in time then this WWII era book, but what a sweet and touching story! That it has historical roots in Jennifer's family history, is an added bonus! I'm very partial to accurate historical fiction
December 27, 2017
A sweet story. Nothing objectionable. Clean with no profanity or sex.
December 1, 2018
Good but short
A cute story, but maybe not quite long enough. It's a romance about a ballet dancer and a violinist, based somewhat upon a true story.
Good story for Christmas time!
A cute story, but maybe not quite long enough. It's a romance about a ballet dancer and a violinist, based somewhat upon a true story.
Good story for Christmas time!
December 25, 2023
Lovely, well-written novella. I wish there was more!
November 2, 2014
Nutcracker Christmas**** (part of the Christmas Traditions Novellas)
by Jennifer AlLee
Isabella Brandt is one of many ballerinas in the 1945 San Francisco Ballet Corps. She, like the others, are trying out for a coveted position in the upcoming performance of the Nutcracker.
Violinist Victor Randolf recently immigrated to America from Hungary and was fortunate to land a position in the Orchestra for the Ballet Corps. As Isabella and Victor work together they form a closeness neither of them expected. With Thanksgiving coming up, Isabella invites many of the ballerinas and Victor to her apartment. After the delicious Thanksgiving meal, they gather in the living room enjoying coffee and listening to Victor play his violin. An unexpected “guest” shows up, the last person Isabella expected to ever see again. Beyond shocked, Isabella can only stare while her other guests leave. What, how can this happen? What does this mean for her future?
I like the way Jennifer weaves her story and shows her characters feelings, challenges, past hurts, hopes, dreams and faith. Taking us backstage for a glimpse of the hard work it takes to produce a production like the Nutcracker and into their lives away from the stage.
~~I received an e-copy of this novella from the author for my honest review~~
by Jennifer AlLee
Isabella Brandt is one of many ballerinas in the 1945 San Francisco Ballet Corps. She, like the others, are trying out for a coveted position in the upcoming performance of the Nutcracker.
Violinist Victor Randolf recently immigrated to America from Hungary and was fortunate to land a position in the Orchestra for the Ballet Corps. As Isabella and Victor work together they form a closeness neither of them expected. With Thanksgiving coming up, Isabella invites many of the ballerinas and Victor to her apartment. After the delicious Thanksgiving meal, they gather in the living room enjoying coffee and listening to Victor play his violin. An unexpected “guest” shows up, the last person Isabella expected to ever see again. Beyond shocked, Isabella can only stare while her other guests leave. What, how can this happen? What does this mean for her future?
I like the way Jennifer weaves her story and shows her characters feelings, challenges, past hurts, hopes, dreams and faith. Taking us backstage for a glimpse of the hard work it takes to produce a production like the Nutcracker and into their lives away from the stage.
~~I received an e-copy of this novella from the author for my honest review~~
November 15, 2016
Isabella Brandt lives to dance, but she's spent the last four years in obscurity as part of the corps. Now, she's finally landed a principal role in The Nutcracker. But a handsome Hungarian violinist and a shocking visit from her past may knock this ballerina off her feet and ruin Christmas.
This book is part of the Christmas Traditions series. Sweet, tender Christmas romance story centered on a ballet corps dancing the Nutcracker. Easy, one-sitting read that's charming and warm. I enjoyed the relationship between Victor and Isabella and how they expressed their feelings through music and dance.
FAVORITE QUOTES: ..life was made up of opportunities. Some you created for yourself, and some presented themselves like lovely unexpected gifts."
This book is part of the Christmas Traditions series. Sweet, tender Christmas romance story centered on a ballet corps dancing the Nutcracker. Easy, one-sitting read that's charming and warm. I enjoyed the relationship between Victor and Isabella and how they expressed their feelings through music and dance.
FAVORITE QUOTES: ..life was made up of opportunities. Some you created for yourself, and some presented themselves like lovely unexpected gifts."
November 8, 2014
Isabella Brandt finally gets her chance to dance as principle ballerina, Clara, in The Nutcracker ballet. The war has been over for a year and her fiancé presumed dead. Isabella is moving on with her life. Or is she? A handsome Hungarian violinist, Victor, makes her believe she can find love again. The two quickly "click" as soul mates. He's a thoughtful, intuitive man, especially where Isabella is concerned. When a startling event occurs, he is there steadfast as Isabella must make decisions about her future--a future that has changed. Heart warming with lovely characters and a compelling storyline. Highly recommend!
August 26, 2015
A sweet Christmas story that is based posted WWII. Isabela is a ballerina and is in the right place at the right time to be chosen for Clara in the Nutcracker ballet. Victor is a violinist from Hungary that is chosen to play the violin for Isabella's tryout. The connection is made initially from the start of practicing for the ballet and then increases. Is there really a way for them since she's still recovering from the loss of her fiancé in the war? A great short read that's inspiring and enchanting. I was gifted this book as part of the book set Christmas Traditions in exchange for my honest review.
December 2, 2014
Nutcracker Christmas is another wonderful novella in the Christmas Traditions series! Jennifer AlLee has written a beautiful story that will warm your heart and bring a smile to your face. Isabella Brandt is a lovely character and I loved reading her story!
After reading the note at the end of the novella, I fell in love with this story even more, as it is based on the life of the author’s grandparents. What a special tribute! I loved Nutcracker Christmas and highly recommend this novella!
After reading the note at the end of the novella, I fell in love with this story even more, as it is based on the life of the author’s grandparents. What a special tribute! I loved Nutcracker Christmas and highly recommend this novella!
December 13, 2016
On a scale of cotton candy to Brussels sprouts, the Nutcracker Christmas by Jennifer Allee is mulled wine, a sweet but spicey comfort.
A clumsy ballerina responds to the music of a violinist and wins the part of Clara in the Nutcracker. What is it about the violinist that inspires her so?
As a girl who took ballet for thirteen years, this story has a special place in my heart. But what I loved more was the violinist. Eastern Europe had an even more special part of my heart...!
Now bring me my pointe shoes.
A clumsy ballerina responds to the music of a violinist and wins the part of Clara in the Nutcracker. What is it about the violinist that inspires her so?
As a girl who took ballet for thirteen years, this story has a special place in my heart. But what I loved more was the violinist. Eastern Europe had an even more special part of my heart...!
Now bring me my pointe shoes.
November 9, 2015
I am reading a Christmas boxed set and this is book number one. Each one is a stand alone and by different authors, so I will be reviewing each one. This Christmas Novella is based on the first showing of the Nutcracker in America. Romance, ballet, and Christmas, all a good mix for a clean Christian romance. Getting in the Christmas spirit early. I give it four stars. Nothing earth shattering here, just a good read. I can recommend for teens and up.
November 18, 2014
What a lovely story! The Nutcracker is such a big part of Christmas - it is wonderful to learn more about its beginnings, even if it is within a fiction setting. I love learning more about history from a well-written story. While I am not a dancer, music is a huge part of music of my life, and The Nutcracker is a ballet not to be missed!
August 22, 2015
Nutcracker Christmas is another novella in the Christmas Traditions series. Isabella is the dancer who meets a musician that helps her understand the music thus improving her dance. It is a beautiful story based on the story of the author's grandparents. It is a romantic and poignant story with a wonderful twist. I was given a copy for an honest review.
November 15, 2016
I thought that this Christmas novella was utterly charming. I don't usually give novellas 5 star ratings because it's tougher for me to connect quickly with the characters and storyline but I found this one to be a delight. Perhaps its the heavy ballet theme ( I have 2 daughters who are ballerinas) Or the delightful characters, but this all just worked for me. :)
November 3, 2014
Great Christmas Story
Take the path God leads you to take. Show the love to everybody around you. Use the huge trials to teach you determination. What a wonderful Christmas Story
God bless all of you
Chris Granville
Take the path God leads you to take. Show the love to everybody around you. Use the huge trials to teach you determination. What a wonderful Christmas Story
God bless all of you
Chris Granville
December 5, 2014
This lovely little novella is the perfect touch to the Christmas season. A romantic and poignant story with a wonderful twist. I especially loved the beautiful dance and music descriptions. Treat yourself to this story over the holidays.
August 3, 2015
This novella is such a feel good Christmas Story and love story combined. Ah, the Nutcracker Ballet, what better place for a love story between a ballerina and a violinist to take place. Highly recommend.
October 15, 2015
This book was a quick read and thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns. I cheered with the characters, laughed with them, and gasped when things didn't go well. It was a good story I didn't want to see end.
December 7, 2014
Another wonderful Christmas novella. Loved this story. Be prepared to have tissues handy. Plus it pays to be honest.
September 21, 2015
This was a short sweet romance about a ballet dancer. It read very fast and was a nice clean Christmas story suitable for all ages. It was set at a time towards the end of WWII. Nice ending.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews