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A Fairytale Christmas
Ace reporter Jack Riley loves his job, or at least he did until Madeleine Langston took over as publisher for the Courier. The perfect blonde ice queen is a daunting presence in the newsroom and an irresistible distraction, despite Jack’s determination to avoid her as often as possible. Even if it means boycotting her fancy Christmas party.
Then a chance encounter with a stranger transforms Jack from a scruffy journalist into a debonair Texan in a tux, and he suddenly finds himself at the center of Madeleine’s attention. As they embark on a fairy-tale evening together, Jack realises that Madeleine isn’t the woman he thought she was…but unfortunately, she no longer recognises him in his new “Prince Charming” attire! Will Madeleine still be able to love the man behind the suit when she discovers who he really is?
Previously published as Cinderfella.
Then a chance encounter with a stranger transforms Jack from a scruffy journalist into a debonair Texan in a tux, and he suddenly finds himself at the center of Madeleine’s attention. As they embark on a fairy-tale evening together, Jack realises that Madeleine isn’t the woman he thought she was…but unfortunately, she no longer recognises him in his new “Prince Charming” attire! Will Madeleine still be able to love the man behind the suit when she discovers who he really is?
Previously published as Cinderfella.
72 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1996
153 people are currently reading
516 people want to read
About the author
Susan Wiggs
169 books7,419 followersSusan Wiggs's life is all about family, friends...and fiction. She lives at the water's edge on an island in Puget Sound, and she commutes to her writers' group in a 17-foot motorboat. She serves as author liaison for Field's End, a literary community on Bainbridge Island, Washington, bringing inspiration and instruction from the world's top authors to her seaside community. (See www.fieldsend.org) She's been featured in the national media, including NPR's "Talk of the Nation," and is a popular speaker locally and nationally.
According to Publishers Weekly, Wiggs writes with "refreshingly honest emotion," and the Salem Statesman Journal adds that she is "one of our best observers of stories of the heart [who] knows how to capture emotion on virtually every page of every book." Booklist characterizes her books as "real and true and unforgettable." She is the recipient of three RITA (sm) awards and four starred reviews from Publishers Weekly for her books. The Winter Lodge and Passing Through Paradise have appeared on PW’s annual "Best Of" lists. Several of her books have been listed as top Booksense picks and optioned as feature films. Her novels have been translated into more than two dozen languages and have made national bestseller lists, including the USA Today, Washington Post and New York Times lists.
The author is a former teacher, a Harvard graduate, an avid hiker, an amateur photographer, a good skier and terrible golfer, yet her favorite form of exercise is curling up with a good book. Readers can learn more on the web at www.susanwiggs.com and on her lively blog at www.susanwiggs.wordpress.com.
According to Publishers Weekly, Wiggs writes with "refreshingly honest emotion," and the Salem Statesman Journal adds that she is "one of our best observers of stories of the heart [who] knows how to capture emotion on virtually every page of every book." Booklist characterizes her books as "real and true and unforgettable." She is the recipient of three RITA (sm) awards and four starred reviews from Publishers Weekly for her books. The Winter Lodge and Passing Through Paradise have appeared on PW’s annual "Best Of" lists. Several of her books have been listed as top Booksense picks and optioned as feature films. Her novels have been translated into more than two dozen languages and have made national bestseller lists, including the USA Today, Washington Post and New York Times lists.
The author is a former teacher, a Harvard graduate, an avid hiker, an amateur photographer, a good skier and terrible golfer, yet her favorite form of exercise is curling up with a good book. Readers can learn more on the web at www.susanwiggs.com and on her lively blog at www.susanwiggs.wordpress.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 15, 2019
Finished this sweet Christmas novella under the tree. Predictable and formulaic? Yes, a little bit but also fun and fast paced. I love a story of star-crossed lovers that make each other better people.
October 19, 2019
This is a cute Christmas short that is based on the Cinderella tale except in this one, the male character is the Cinderella-type. Jack is a reporter for a newspaper, Madeleine is his boss. Jack is invited to Madeleine's high-society Christmas party, and isn't initially planning to go because he honestly doesn't like Madeleine that much and besides, he isn't high society with the high society clothes and all that. But at the last minute, something happens and Jack is unexpectedly rewarded with some clothes that leaves him nearly unrecognizable, as Jack is typically dressed-down at work and a bit messy in his day-to-day life. So the very second he walks into the party, I kid you not, Madeleine is immediately attracted to him. They dance. They leave together. They fall in love. And...they decorate Madeleine's Christmas tree. Wait, what? No, I'm serious. But there's something to that, I promise.
And there is also a glass slipper moment, except it isn't a glass slipper because the Cinderella in this story is Jack and he is wearing cowboy boots. I loved it.
You have to suspend your disbelief, okay? It IS called A Fairytale Christmas.
The actual story is a little bit more meaty than the synopsis sounds. Jack has a bit of a backstory and he also is more than a slob. He's a pretty decent character and I liked him a lot. Really, this was much cuter than it could have been. It was super short, quick to read, and it made me smile, so I'm sure that I'll read it again.
And there is also a glass slipper moment, except it isn't a glass slipper because the Cinderella in this story is Jack and he is wearing cowboy boots. I loved it.
You have to suspend your disbelief, okay? It IS called A Fairytale Christmas.
The actual story is a little bit more meaty than the synopsis sounds. Jack has a bit of a backstory and he also is more than a slob. He's a pretty decent character and I liked him a lot. Really, this was much cuter than it could have been. It was super short, quick to read, and it made me smile, so I'm sure that I'll read it again.
September 2, 2015
This was a novella, and part of my challenge, A Lifetime of Books. This was a cute, holiday story about a young society woman, Madeleine Langston, whose father passed away earlier in the year, trying to find her place in the world. She decides to become the owner/managing editor for her late father’s newspaper in NYC. Reporter John “Jack” Riley is the bane of her existence. She doesn’t like him and she’s sure he doesn’t like her; but, he’s the best reporter she has at the city desk. Things change, with their perceptions of each other, when Jack attends the annual Christmas party and Madeleine doesn’t recognize him. I didn’t realize until I got to the end of the story that this was previously published as Cinderfella, which makes so much more sense now as it is “Cinderella story”-ish. It was a fun, cute, holiday story that I really enjoyed.
December 19, 2023
“A Fairytale Christmas” depends completely on suspension of disbelief – the office slob puts on a tux, attends the firm's Christmas party, seduces the owner (aka The Ice Queen) and no-one recognises him.
The following morning he does a runner but leaves one of his boots behind – shades of Cinderella!
A photograph of the two of them appears in the paper – again no-one makes the connection.
Madeleine Langston took over the Courier newspaper after the death of her father. She's a cool character but, underneath it all, she's just looking for love.
Hard-bitten ace reporter Jack Riley may appear to be tough but he's really a very nice guy who helps run a charity for children.
There is, of course, a HEA.
And Harry Fodgother – gimme a break!
Bah, humbug!
It's not very good but is lifted slightly by story of the charity's struggle for survival.
2 Stars.
The following morning he does a runner but leaves one of his boots behind – shades of Cinderella!
A photograph of the two of them appears in the paper – again no-one makes the connection.
Madeleine Langston took over the Courier newspaper after the death of her father. She's a cool character but, underneath it all, she's just looking for love.
Hard-bitten ace reporter Jack Riley may appear to be tough but he's really a very nice guy who helps run a charity for children.
There is, of course, a HEA.
And Harry Fodgother – gimme a break!
Bah, humbug!
It's not very good but is lifted slightly by story of the charity's struggle for survival.
2 Stars.
July 3, 2020
It’s Christmas in July! This book is a Cinderella retelling with a twist. Cinderella is now a Cowboy/journalist/mentor to underprivileged youth. When he stumbles upon his fairy godfather otherwise known as Harry Fodgother he finds himself at a party hosted by the princess-y owner of the newspaper he works for.
The story was outlandish but completely fun. I was willing to suspend belief that just cleaning up well, and flirting instead of being snarky might be enough to become unrecognizable to one’s boss. Christmas books make you want to believe in fairytales and happily ever afters, and if there was ever a year that needed A little magic it’s 2020.
The story was outlandish but completely fun. I was willing to suspend belief that just cleaning up well, and flirting instead of being snarky might be enough to become unrecognizable to one’s boss. Christmas books make you want to believe in fairytales and happily ever afters, and if there was ever a year that needed A little magic it’s 2020.
December 3, 2023
This was.... Not the best. It was too short for any real character development. But it was light and Christmas-y and that's why I picked it up, so it checked that box. I like the gender swapped of it all, that the man was the Cinderella character. Adding one star for the name Harry Fodgather (fairy godmother...) which made me cry laughing.
December 15, 2022
My first Susan Wiggs and I loved it! Simply loved it! It gave me a warm feeling inside and that's just what I need right now. I loved Jack and Madeleine. The characters were strong and Jack is just so full of surprises. A reversed Cinderella story of sorts.
November 21, 2024
Great Holiday Story
This is an interesting take on a Cinderella story complete with a fairy godfather. A rough but good-hearted man teaches a coldhearted woman how to love. It's a really warm Christmas story sure to tug on your heartstrings. Don't miss it!
This is an interesting take on a Cinderella story complete with a fairy godfather. A rough but good-hearted man teaches a coldhearted woman how to love. It's a really warm Christmas story sure to tug on your heartstrings. Don't miss it!
December 14, 2025
A Fair tale Christmas
I love this short story about a rich newspaper heiress and a newspaper writer who unexpectedly met at her Christmas party. They have a brief fling. Ending up falling in love.
I love this short story about a rich newspaper heiress and a newspaper writer who unexpectedly met at her Christmas party. They have a brief fling. Ending up falling in love.
December 11, 2017
3.5 stars. Another fun Christmas short story.
December 19, 2019
Not as good as most of the author's other books,, have read.o
December 30, 2019
Good story
I really love Susan Wiggs writing. She draws me into her books and I can’t stop reading. I don’t want her stories to end.
I really love Susan Wiggs writing. She draws me into her books and I can’t stop reading. I don’t want her stories to end.
June 9, 2020
ok story. Old Harlequin novel - not a lot of substance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2020
Perfect for the romance lover in you
If you adore happily ever after, this one's for you. It's a short read with a sweet Christmas love story.
If you adore happily ever after, this one's for you. It's a short read with a sweet Christmas love story.
July 29, 2020
A 3.5 book and a quick read. Pleasantly written and enjoyable.
November 18, 2020
Wonderful
This book is wonderful. The best Christmas love story or I ever read. It gives you so the feels. Could not have been better. Love Susan Wiggs.
This book is wonderful. The best Christmas love story or I ever read. It gives you so the feels. Could not have been better. Love Susan Wiggs.
December 23, 2024
Lovely cozy Christmas fluffy 90s romance.
December 5, 2025
Pure FLUFF - all is well & good.
December 22, 2025
A fun, short read of opposites attract - an inversion of Cinderella that works very well
January 1, 2015
#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs sweeps you away with this beloved story of a fairytale holiday romance...
Ace reporter Jack Riley loves his job, or at least he did until Madeleine angston took over as publisher for the Courier. The perfect blonde ice queen is a daunting presence in the newsroom and an irresistible distraction, despite Jack's determination to avoid her as often as possible. Even if it means boycotting her fancy Christmas party.
Then a chance encounter with a stranger transforms Jack from a scruffy journalist into a debonair Texan in a tux, and he suddenly finds himself at the center of Madeleine's attention. As they embark on a fairy-tale evening together, Jack realizes that Madeleine isn't the woman he thought she was...but unfortunately, she no longer recognizes him in his new "Prince Charming" attire! Will Madeleine still be able to love the man behind the suit when she discovers who he really is?
Much better than i imagined it would be. It was a new age 'Cinderella' story, complete with Goat Skin Boots. Sexy story that you could imagine actually happening. 5 stars.
Ace reporter Jack Riley loves his job, or at least he did until Madeleine angston took over as publisher for the Courier. The perfect blonde ice queen is a daunting presence in the newsroom and an irresistible distraction, despite Jack's determination to avoid her as often as possible. Even if it means boycotting her fancy Christmas party.
Then a chance encounter with a stranger transforms Jack from a scruffy journalist into a debonair Texan in a tux, and he suddenly finds himself at the center of Madeleine's attention. As they embark on a fairy-tale evening together, Jack realizes that Madeleine isn't the woman he thought she was...but unfortunately, she no longer recognizes him in his new "Prince Charming" attire! Will Madeleine still be able to love the man behind the suit when she discovers who he really is?
Much better than i imagined it would be. It was a new age 'Cinderella' story, complete with Goat Skin Boots. Sexy story that you could imagine actually happening. 5 stars.
April 8, 2015
Cute holiday fairytale novella about newspaper heiress Madeleine Langston and her star reporter Jack Riley. When Jack saves a gentlemen's clothier from bodily harm on the night his paper is holding its Christmas ball, he finds himself decked out in a Stetson, black tux and cowboy boots by the tailor and attending the ball. Unbeknownst to Madeleine, her obnoxious reporter is transformed into her Prince Charming and makes her night.
I felt this short story was a bit too short. I didn't read it as being sexist, because guys will be guys, and Madeleine's shyness and grief over the loss of her father was understandably misperceived as aloofness by her city room staff. The idea of the youth center added a lot of depth to Jack's character, as did his saving Harry the clothier from the thugs. I liked Jack and Maddy together and wanted more, especially their interactions with the people at the center. Harry, though, was almost like Santa Claus.
Good read, but I could've used more.
I felt this short story was a bit too short. I didn't read it as being sexist, because guys will be guys, and Madeleine's shyness and grief over the loss of her father was understandably misperceived as aloofness by her city room staff. The idea of the youth center added a lot of depth to Jack's character, as did his saving Harry the clothier from the thugs. I liked Jack and Maddy together and wanted more, especially their interactions with the people at the center. Harry, though, was almost like Santa Claus.
Good read, but I could've used more.
December 22, 2015
At only 72 pages, A Fairytale Christmas, is a fun and light-hearted read. It's a spoof on the fairytale Cinderella, only the glass slipper is really a goatskin cowboy boot.
The characters aren't quite as they seem, but they are well rounded and likable in this quick read. It's a definite twist on an old fairytale and enjoyable from start to finish. And there is a lot of heart and Christmas spirit within.
The characters aren't quite as they seem, but they are well rounded and likable in this quick read. It's a definite twist on an old fairytale and enjoyable from start to finish. And there is a lot of heart and Christmas spirit within.
December 1, 2014
I don't find sexual harassment romantic in any form, and there's plenty of it in the first ten pages as the "hero" and his dude-bro colleagues make disgusting remarks about their new female boss. I DNF'd after one chapter.
Also - "ace reporter"? Really?
Also - "ace reporter"? Really?
November 15, 2016
A very touching story.
I really enjoyed this short story that developed quickly and completely into a very satisfying conclusion. Happily ever after don't have to be all good times -they just need to be based on deep, abiding love.
I really enjoyed this short story that developed quickly and completely into a very satisfying conclusion. Happily ever after don't have to be all good times -they just need to be based on deep, abiding love.
October 17, 2023
A Texan transplant to NY City rescues a men’s clothier from a mugging, and sets in motion events that will change his life, the life of an unsuspecting woman, and the young teens who count on a mission center for shelter and comfort.
November 17, 2014
Great short story
Susan Wiggs at her best. A true miracle story at Christmas time to put you in the Christmas spirit. Need more of these kind of stories.
Susan Wiggs at her best. A true miracle story at Christmas time to put you in the Christmas spirit. Need more of these kind of stories.
December 16, 2014
Silly.
December 14, 2014
Great
I have always enjoyed Susan's books
this IS a Very great Christmas story love and loved,the characters love stories. merry
I have always enjoyed Susan's books
this IS a Very great Christmas story love and loved,the characters love stories. merry
December 22, 2014
so so cute. I loved it. Yummy cowboy
December 31, 2014
Harry Fodgother.
Fairy Godmother.
Harry Godfather.
Fairy Godmother.
Harry Godfather.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews