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The Santa Hat
Rebecca L. Marsh’s collection of short stories will bring the joy of the Christmas season alive. As these ordinary characters, struggling through difficulties and past traumas, find healing and renewed hope, the essence of the season of miracles jumps off the pages.
The Santa Hat
Paige is skipping Christmas. Refusing to relinquish the unrealistic hope of returning to a life shared with her husband, she can’t face the holiday festivities. The only exception is a gift exchange with her best friend who gives her a Santa hat said to have a touch of magic.
Family Tree
Ada and Hayden had a happy marriage until a tragedy tore them apart just days before Christmas. A year later, just as they are about to make their split final and go their separate ways, a mysterious phone call stops them in their tracks and offers them a newfound hope.
Better than Diamonds
Fourteen-year-old Ruby is having a hard time finding the joy in the Christmas season now that her beloved grandmother is no longer with them. When her school break comes, her mother suggests she spend some time trying to solve the mystery of where her cat recently began disappearing to each and every day. Ruby begins an investigation. But she never expected the answer to mend her broken heart.
If you love stories that warm your heart and touch your soul, then this book is for you!
The Santa Hat
Paige is skipping Christmas. Refusing to relinquish the unrealistic hope of returning to a life shared with her husband, she can’t face the holiday festivities. The only exception is a gift exchange with her best friend who gives her a Santa hat said to have a touch of magic.
Family Tree
Ada and Hayden had a happy marriage until a tragedy tore them apart just days before Christmas. A year later, just as they are about to make their split final and go their separate ways, a mysterious phone call stops them in their tracks and offers them a newfound hope.
Better than Diamonds
Fourteen-year-old Ruby is having a hard time finding the joy in the Christmas season now that her beloved grandmother is no longer with them. When her school break comes, her mother suggests she spend some time trying to solve the mystery of where her cat recently began disappearing to each and every day. Ruby begins an investigation. But she never expected the answer to mend her broken heart.
If you love stories that warm your heart and touch your soul, then this book is for you!
Unknown Binding
Published September 25, 2025
About the author
Rebecca L. Marsh
8 books92 followersRebecca L. Marsh is an award-winning author of women's fiction. She grew up in the mountains of Western North Carolina, and now lives in Dallas, Georgia, with her husband and daughter.
When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family (cats and dog included), watching movies, and reading a good book. Rebecca occasionally makes home-made candy and works on her scrapbooks (she is woefully behind).
She is the author of When the Storm Ends, The Rift Between Us, Where Hope is Found, Remember the Butterfly, and Summer's Runaway.
When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family (cats and dog included), watching movies, and reading a good book. Rebecca occasionally makes home-made candy and works on her scrapbooks (she is woefully behind).
She is the author of When the Storm Ends, The Rift Between Us, Where Hope is Found, Remember the Butterfly, and Summer's Runaway.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 25, 2025
EXCERPT: Taken from the title story, The Santa Hat.
" . . . Now, open your gift."
Kelly tore the gold paper away, flipped open a white box, and pulled out a purple scarf. "This is so pretty! I love it. Thank you, Paige." She pulled a gift out of her oversized bag and handed it over.
Paige shook the box next to her ear. "Sounds like something soft. You didn't get me a scarf too, did you?"
"Nope. Open it."
A smile crept up on Paige's face as she ripped the paper away. It would only be a small thing. That was their rule. But Kelly usually found something really great. When the last of the paper was off, she opened the box and pulled out the contents. Holding it up, Paige scrunched up her face. "You got me a Santa hat?"
ABOUT 'THE SANTA HAT': Rebecca L. Marsh’s collection of short stories will bring the joy of the Christmas season alive. As these ordinary characters, struggling through difficulties and past traumas, find healing and renewed hope, the essence of the season of miracles jumps off the pages.
The Santa Hat
Paige is skipping Christmas. Refusing to relinquish the unrealistic hope of returning to a life shared with her husband, she can’t face the holiday festivities. The only exception is a gift exchange with her best friend who gives her a Santa hat said to have a touch of magic.
Family Tree
Ada and Hayden had a happy marriage until a tragedy tore them apart just days before Christmas. A year later, just as they are about to make their split final and go their separate ways, a mysterious phone call stops them in their tracks and offers them a newfound hope.
Better than Diamonds
Fourteen-year-old Ruby is having a hard time finding the joy in the Christmas season now that her beloved grandmother is no longer with them. When her school break comes, her mother suggests she spend some time trying to solve the mystery of where her cat recently began disappearing to each and every day. Ruby begins an investigation. But she never expected the answer to mend her broken heart.
If you love stories that warm your heart and touch your soul, then this book is for you!
MY THOUGHTS: I'm a bit 'bah-humbug' about Christmas and have been that way ever since my Dad died two days before Christmas many years ago. My Christmas spirit was somewhat revived by the arrival of my one and only grandson eight years ago but was never reignited to what it had been. While I love that other people enjoy Christmas, I would prefer the day on a beach with my book!
Despite my lack of excitement about Christmas, Rebecca Marsh's short stories touched my heart. I am ashamed to say I could see a little of myself in some of the stories and I have resolved to do better during festivities this year.
The stories are of varying lengths with various themes, and I enjoyed some more than others, but all are either centred on Christmas or set at Christmas. Rebecca reminds us of what is important in life - love, kindness, family and friends.
A delightful collection.
⭐⭐⭐.7
#TheSantaHat
MEET THE AUTHOR: REBECCA L. MARSH is an award-winning author of women's fiction. She grew up in the mountains of Western North Carolina, and now lives in Dallas, Georgia, with her husband and daughter.
When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family (cats and dog included), watching movies, and reading a good book. Rebecca occasionally makes home-made candy and works on her scrapbooks (she is woefully behind).
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Rebecca L. Marsh and Purple Angel Press for providing an e-ARC of The Santa Hat by Rebecca L. Marsh for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
" . . . Now, open your gift."
Kelly tore the gold paper away, flipped open a white box, and pulled out a purple scarf. "This is so pretty! I love it. Thank you, Paige." She pulled a gift out of her oversized bag and handed it over.
Paige shook the box next to her ear. "Sounds like something soft. You didn't get me a scarf too, did you?"
"Nope. Open it."
A smile crept up on Paige's face as she ripped the paper away. It would only be a small thing. That was their rule. But Kelly usually found something really great. When the last of the paper was off, she opened the box and pulled out the contents. Holding it up, Paige scrunched up her face. "You got me a Santa hat?"
ABOUT 'THE SANTA HAT': Rebecca L. Marsh’s collection of short stories will bring the joy of the Christmas season alive. As these ordinary characters, struggling through difficulties and past traumas, find healing and renewed hope, the essence of the season of miracles jumps off the pages.
The Santa Hat
Paige is skipping Christmas. Refusing to relinquish the unrealistic hope of returning to a life shared with her husband, she can’t face the holiday festivities. The only exception is a gift exchange with her best friend who gives her a Santa hat said to have a touch of magic.
Family Tree
Ada and Hayden had a happy marriage until a tragedy tore them apart just days before Christmas. A year later, just as they are about to make their split final and go their separate ways, a mysterious phone call stops them in their tracks and offers them a newfound hope.
Better than Diamonds
Fourteen-year-old Ruby is having a hard time finding the joy in the Christmas season now that her beloved grandmother is no longer with them. When her school break comes, her mother suggests she spend some time trying to solve the mystery of where her cat recently began disappearing to each and every day. Ruby begins an investigation. But she never expected the answer to mend her broken heart.
If you love stories that warm your heart and touch your soul, then this book is for you!
MY THOUGHTS: I'm a bit 'bah-humbug' about Christmas and have been that way ever since my Dad died two days before Christmas many years ago. My Christmas spirit was somewhat revived by the arrival of my one and only grandson eight years ago but was never reignited to what it had been. While I love that other people enjoy Christmas, I would prefer the day on a beach with my book!
Despite my lack of excitement about Christmas, Rebecca Marsh's short stories touched my heart. I am ashamed to say I could see a little of myself in some of the stories and I have resolved to do better during festivities this year.
The stories are of varying lengths with various themes, and I enjoyed some more than others, but all are either centred on Christmas or set at Christmas. Rebecca reminds us of what is important in life - love, kindness, family and friends.
A delightful collection.
⭐⭐⭐.7
#TheSantaHat
MEET THE AUTHOR: REBECCA L. MARSH is an award-winning author of women's fiction. She grew up in the mountains of Western North Carolina, and now lives in Dallas, Georgia, with her husband and daughter.
When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family (cats and dog included), watching movies, and reading a good book. Rebecca occasionally makes home-made candy and works on her scrapbooks (she is woefully behind).
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Rebecca L. Marsh and Purple Angel Press for providing an e-ARC of The Santa Hat by Rebecca L. Marsh for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
August 17, 2025
Thanks to Rebecca for sending me a copy of her latest book in return for an honest review.
I love Rebecca's and have read all bar one, I think, so I was always going to jump at the chance to read this. And I'm a 24/7/365 Christmas girl, so this was a winner instantly.
The Santa Hat: This has a Christmas Carol vibe to it, which, if you know me, knows it's my favourite book (I own 50 copies of it so far), and I enjoyed that. It was beautiful, sad and painful, but full of hope and Christmas spirit.
Family Tree: This is less a Christmas story and more a story that happens at Christmas, it could have been set in any time. But that doesn't take anything positive away from the beautiful story. Again it's sad and painful but warming.
The Gift in Red Wrapping: It's hard to comment on this one. I liked it, but it was only 3-4 pages and so there wasn't as much as I'd have liked to get into. I would like to see what happened next.
Better Than Diamonds: I would have loved this one to be longer. It touched on some difficult but universal themes - particularly death and grief at Christmas, and as someone who lost my Dad 10 days before one Christmas, I can completely relate to it. I loved everything about it and really want to continue it and see what happens next. Here's hoping Rebecca might follow this up with something longer...
Bah Humbug Leo's Miracle Day: Again, another short one I'd have liked a bit longer, but what is there is lovely, and it really shows the impotence of helping others. It also gave another Christmas Carol vibe, but maybe not in as much of an obvious way.
Where the Heart Lies: This is less about Christmas, in my review, and more about what you prioritise in life, what you think is more important. Is it your job, money, or family?
Twelve Christmases Later: This was so sad and so intense but so joyful and hopeful and cosy.
Normally with short story collections, I like some more or less than others, but overall with this collection, I liked them all. There wasn't a dud one among them which is impressive. There were one or two I wanted to be more Christmassy but that's because I'm Mrs Claus.
Rebecca is one of the best writers when it comes to depicting the human spirit and difficult emotions, and this is no different.
I was surprised to find some of them linked. I thought they would all be individual stories, but there is a common thread and a regular character, which showed this collection as a collection, rather than just separate stories. None of them are easy going, they all contain some serious or upsetting topic, but it's all wrapped up inn a festive bow of hope and joy.
I may have read this on a day where it was over 30 degrees in the middle of August, but this is the perfect pre-Christmas read.
I love Rebecca's and have read all bar one, I think, so I was always going to jump at the chance to read this. And I'm a 24/7/365 Christmas girl, so this was a winner instantly.
The Santa Hat: This has a Christmas Carol vibe to it, which, if you know me, knows it's my favourite book (I own 50 copies of it so far), and I enjoyed that. It was beautiful, sad and painful, but full of hope and Christmas spirit.
Family Tree: This is less a Christmas story and more a story that happens at Christmas, it could have been set in any time. But that doesn't take anything positive away from the beautiful story. Again it's sad and painful but warming.
The Gift in Red Wrapping: It's hard to comment on this one. I liked it, but it was only 3-4 pages and so there wasn't as much as I'd have liked to get into. I would like to see what happened next.
Better Than Diamonds: I would have loved this one to be longer. It touched on some difficult but universal themes - particularly death and grief at Christmas, and as someone who lost my Dad 10 days before one Christmas, I can completely relate to it. I loved everything about it and really want to continue it and see what happens next. Here's hoping Rebecca might follow this up with something longer...
Bah Humbug Leo's Miracle Day: Again, another short one I'd have liked a bit longer, but what is there is lovely, and it really shows the impotence of helping others. It also gave another Christmas Carol vibe, but maybe not in as much of an obvious way.
Where the Heart Lies: This is less about Christmas, in my review, and more about what you prioritise in life, what you think is more important. Is it your job, money, or family?
Twelve Christmases Later: This was so sad and so intense but so joyful and hopeful and cosy.
Normally with short story collections, I like some more or less than others, but overall with this collection, I liked them all. There wasn't a dud one among them which is impressive. There were one or two I wanted to be more Christmassy but that's because I'm Mrs Claus.
Rebecca is one of the best writers when it comes to depicting the human spirit and difficult emotions, and this is no different.
I was surprised to find some of them linked. I thought they would all be individual stories, but there is a common thread and a regular character, which showed this collection as a collection, rather than just separate stories. None of them are easy going, they all contain some serious or upsetting topic, but it's all wrapped up inn a festive bow of hope and joy.
I may have read this on a day where it was over 30 degrees in the middle of August, but this is the perfect pre-Christmas read.
December 27, 2025
I received a copy of this book through Goodreads giveaway and was delighted to have a cozy, heart-warming Christmas read. If you grew up on Chicken Soup for the Soul like I did, then these short stories will warm your heart.
September 25, 2025
Thank you to the author, Rebecca Marsh for allowing me an ARC of her latest book of short stories, The Santa Hat. It’s been a long time since I’ve had the pleasure of reading a collection of short stories and this one did not disappoint. This collection is easy to read, entertaining, and uplifting. Marsh does not shy away from difficult topics such as death, divorce, and child loss. So be aware of these potential triggers. However, She is able to take these topics and weave through threads of friendship, love, hope, and rebuilding of faith. This would be a great book to keep on your coffee table to pull out and read one story at a time - especially with a blanket and cup of hot cocoa!
September 2, 2025
I don't often read short stories, but it's always with the greatest pleasure that I open a book by Marsh. Her books are always beautifully written and wonderfully easy and entertaining to read. There is nothing to disappoint and everything to enjoy in this (my seventh book by Marsh!) charming and heartwarming collection.
In these stories, Marsh highlights that Christmas isn't all twinkly lights and sleigh bells ringing for everyone…for some, yuletide invokes not-so-happy memories and thus a desire to get through what for them is a miserable season as quickly as possible. And yet, a simple gift, a mysterious phone call, a stolen sandwich, a marital misunderstanding...are all it takes for Christmas to be the fun it was again.
An absolutely delightful anthology that shows there is often joy to be found in unexpected places and of course all perfectly and masterfully executed by Marsh.
In these stories, Marsh highlights that Christmas isn't all twinkly lights and sleigh bells ringing for everyone…for some, yuletide invokes not-so-happy memories and thus a desire to get through what for them is a miserable season as quickly as possible. And yet, a simple gift, a mysterious phone call, a stolen sandwich, a marital misunderstanding...are all it takes for Christmas to be the fun it was again.
An absolutely delightful anthology that shows there is often joy to be found in unexpected places and of course all perfectly and masterfully executed by Marsh.
September 26, 2025
This is a collection of seven Christmas-themed short stories that will warm your heart… after breaking it a bit first!
If you’ve read any of Rebecca L. Marsh’s fiction, you will know that she specialises in the exploration and healing of family traumas – bereavement, addiction, abuse, illness. Most of these seasonal short stories are centred around dealing with loss and grief, and while they start off in sadness or bitterness, each story ends with a warm glow of hope, forgiveness and acceptance that promises a brighter future for the characters involved.
Each story is well-written and I recommend taking time to pause and digest between reading them, to allow the emotions and messages time to sink in before moving on to the next. I read them all in one sitting and found myself somewhat overwhelmed by the terrible challenges each character had to face and overcome – keep some tissues on standby!
Amongst the emotional realism, there is a little Christmas magic too – similar to It’s a Wonderful Life – in the form of the mysterious, angelic Theo who pops up here and there to offer some A Christmas Carol-esque visions or some timely guidance.
This collection is a great way to sample this author’s style and content if you haven’t already and is ideal for those looking for some festive fiction with great emotional depth and strong moral values.
If you’ve read any of Rebecca L. Marsh’s fiction, you will know that she specialises in the exploration and healing of family traumas – bereavement, addiction, abuse, illness. Most of these seasonal short stories are centred around dealing with loss and grief, and while they start off in sadness or bitterness, each story ends with a warm glow of hope, forgiveness and acceptance that promises a brighter future for the characters involved.
Each story is well-written and I recommend taking time to pause and digest between reading them, to allow the emotions and messages time to sink in before moving on to the next. I read them all in one sitting and found myself somewhat overwhelmed by the terrible challenges each character had to face and overcome – keep some tissues on standby!
Amongst the emotional realism, there is a little Christmas magic too – similar to It’s a Wonderful Life – in the form of the mysterious, angelic Theo who pops up here and there to offer some A Christmas Carol-esque visions or some timely guidance.
This collection is a great way to sample this author’s style and content if you haven’t already and is ideal for those looking for some festive fiction with great emotional depth and strong moral values.
September 21, 2025
If you are looking for a cosy book with short stories all surrounding Christmas and the feelings that go with it, then the Santa Hat is your go to. As an avid reader myself, some stories have a predictable outcome, but it is enjoying nonetheless. Each story leaves you with a feeling of satisfaction and hope.
Some stories just made me downright cry and feel the hopelessness with the main characters. Especially the last one is very wholesome!
I can’t go into details much without spoiling the stories, but as always, the writing style of Rebecca is easygoing and you can easily imagine being there with the characters.
Som get your copy when it’s coming out and it is soon!
Some stories just made me downright cry and feel the hopelessness with the main characters. Especially the last one is very wholesome!
I can’t go into details much without spoiling the stories, but as always, the writing style of Rebecca is easygoing and you can easily imagine being there with the characters.
Som get your copy when it’s coming out and it is soon!
December 26, 2025
Glad it was short stories, because they were hard to put down.
This was the perfect read over a busy holiday season, when you only have a few minutes to read then a chore or event to do. The stories were all emotional, and beautiful. Each one could continue on to be a whole book of its own. Rebecca is an easy, joyful, heartfelt read.
This was the perfect read over a busy holiday season, when you only have a few minutes to read then a chore or event to do. The stories were all emotional, and beautiful. Each one could continue on to be a whole book of its own. Rebecca is an easy, joyful, heartfelt read.
September 23, 2025
This is a lovely collection of seven beautifully written short stories, each of which conveys a rather special message. There is a strong observational sense of people considering their choices and counting their blessings. Christmas is a time of reflection and I think that these lovely stories reiterate what’s important, namely family and friends, each with a theme of love, loss and the hope of second chances in warm hearted stories which leave you with a satisfied glow. They each remind us that there can be a way through sadness, despair and grief.
There is a definite sense of continuity throughout the seven stories and I won’t spoil any of them by giving the secret away but I am a firm believer in sometimes having help, or an extra push in the right direction, from something, or someone, that we can't always explain. The author brings the characters to life with gentle stories which wrap around you like a warm hug. I loved all of them especially Family Tree which is especially poignant and Better than Diamonds which made me smile as I often wondered what my cats got up when they went out for the day.
In the run up to the Christmas holiday season it’s inevitable that we get caught up in all the frenzied hype and forget to take time out to relax and chill with a good book. The Santa Hat and other Christmastime Stories is the perfect antidote to stress as each story is just the right length to read comfortably with a cup of tea or relaxing with a mug of coffee in your favourite cafe.
September 24, 2025
This isn't just a collection of feel good stories, they're stories of finding healing and hope on the other side of grief and pain. Stories of connecting with others in a meaningful way, of forgiveness and of entertaining angels unaware. Go ahead and gift yourself this book, it's sure to get you in the Christmas spirit .
September 25, 2025
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2025
What a sweet collection on stories
November 9, 2025
A fun collection of short stories to get you ready for the holidays.
November 14, 2025
Short holiday stories to get you in the mood for the upcoming season. The stories were quite wonderful and uplifting.
November 15, 2025
If you need to get into the Christmas spirit, read these short stories. They each have a special message. I really enjoyed this book.
September 24, 2025
This book will get you in the Christmas mood! Every story is heart warming but uniquely different. A great gift idea for those readers on your Christmas list or it could be an addition to your personal holiday book collection. You will love these stories as much as the classics!
December 14, 2025
“Sometimes all you need is a little Christmas magic… and a very suspicious hat.”
⭐𝐌𝐲 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
☕ 𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡: Hot cocoa and gingerbread cookies
🍂 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧: Winter / Holiday vibes
✅ 𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝?: Yes
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄:
•Cute, festive holiday romances
•Short, sweet novellas that make you smile
•Small town charm with holiday cheer
•Stories that warm your heart
𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒:
This little novella was the perfect holiday pick-me-up! Adorable, funny, and cozy with just the right amount of Christmas magic. It’s short, sweet, and had me grinning the whole time. A perfect festive story to curl up with and get into the holiday spirit. 🎄☕✨
⭐𝐌𝐲 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
☕ 𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡: Hot cocoa and gingerbread cookies
🍂 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧: Winter / Holiday vibes
✅ 𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝?: Yes
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄:
•Cute, festive holiday romances
•Short, sweet novellas that make you smile
•Small town charm with holiday cheer
•Stories that warm your heart
𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒:
This little novella was the perfect holiday pick-me-up! Adorable, funny, and cozy with just the right amount of Christmas magic. It’s short, sweet, and had me grinning the whole time. A perfect festive story to curl up with and get into the holiday spirit. 🎄☕✨
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews