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Secret Santa #3
'Tis The Season for Forgiving
Eric Jensen doesn't need the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future to know he's made his fair share of mistakes. The reminders haunt him every day of his life, but a terrible loss becomes an eye opener this holiday season. A heartbreaking question from a young boy pushes Eric to do some serious soul searching, and helps him strive to be better.
Forgiving is the key...
Petra Cavannaugh spent the past two years growing as a person. She left her ex-boyfriend and struggled to make it on her own as a single mother. When Eric shows up at her doorstep one night just needing to see her, she wonders if he's finally becoming the man she always wished he'd be.
The best gift could be a second chance...
As Eric shows a side to Petra she's never seen, the two grow closer. But is forgiveness enough to take another chance on love? Eric must learn to forgive himself, and Petra has to learn to put her trust in the new Eric and not let his past dictate her future.
There are more than presents waiting to be opened. Will this Christmas finally open the two hearts sealed tightly shut?
Forgiving is the key...
Petra Cavannaugh spent the past two years growing as a person. She left her ex-boyfriend and struggled to make it on her own as a single mother. When Eric shows up at her doorstep one night just needing to see her, she wonders if he's finally becoming the man she always wished he'd be.
The best gift could be a second chance...
As Eric shows a side to Petra she's never seen, the two grow closer. But is forgiveness enough to take another chance on love? Eric must learn to forgive himself, and Petra has to learn to put her trust in the new Eric and not let his past dictate her future.
There are more than presents waiting to be opened. Will this Christmas finally open the two hearts sealed tightly shut?
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2014
46 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Nikki Lynn Barrett
88 books1,237 followersNo matter where she goes, USA Today Bestselling author Nikki Lynn Barrett hears voices in her head. Instead of calling her crazy and locking her up, her family realizes it's just a product of being an author and allows her to write the stories so that the voices shut up.
But they don't. And probably never will. There's no need to lock her up, Nikki knows she'll never escape the voices, not until each and every last story is written. And for every story she writes, about ten or more ideas pop up.
When she isn't slaving away at her computer writing books that will probably make you cry and keep you in suspense, Nikki plots to take over the world one book at a time. What? It's a sickness. One she can't escape!
Books aren't her only addiction, though. Nikki can be found making up parodies to drive her son crazy, and bantering back and forth with her husband, who somehow manages to steal her away from the fictional world she lives in all the time.
Nikki lives in Arizona with her husband and son, where she can be found using every creativity outlet she can find through music, photography, handcrafted things, and random interests that she may pick up from time to time.
But they don't. And probably never will. There's no need to lock her up, Nikki knows she'll never escape the voices, not until each and every last story is written. And for every story she writes, about ten or more ideas pop up.
When she isn't slaving away at her computer writing books that will probably make you cry and keep you in suspense, Nikki plots to take over the world one book at a time. What? It's a sickness. One she can't escape!
Books aren't her only addiction, though. Nikki can be found making up parodies to drive her son crazy, and bantering back and forth with her husband, who somehow manages to steal her away from the fictional world she lives in all the time.
Nikki lives in Arizona with her husband and son, where she can be found using every creativity outlet she can find through music, photography, handcrafted things, and random interests that she may pick up from time to time.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 23, 2016
Tis the Season for Forgiving by Nikki Lynn Barrett
5 star review
Reviewed on behalf of 2 girls who love books blog.
Tis the Season for Forgiving is the third book in the Secret Santa series by Nikki Lynn Barrett.
Although part of a series it could be read as a standalone as the author does a great job of including a small amount of background information so you understand some of the secondary characters. Each book in the series focuses on a different person but from the same group of people.
I really liked this story – it was definitely all about second chances and that some people can change when something happens in their life that makes them re-evaluate what is important to them.
Tis the Season for Forgiving was Eric and Petra’s story. Eric knows that he has made his fair share of mistakes and the reminders of these mistakes haunt him every day but when he suffers a terrible loss his eyes are well and truly opened. A heart breaking questions from a young boy is all it takes for Eric to do some serious soul searching.
Petra has spent the last two years growing and moving on with her life after she left her ex-boyfriend Eric. She has struggled to bring up their daughter alone but when he shows up on her doorstep one night Petra desperately wants him to have become the person she always wanted him to be. Eric tries really hard to show Petra that he has changed and that leaves her thinking that maybe people do deserve a second chance.
I actually was really rooting for this couple – it was clear that Eric has tried really hard to overcome his issues and was trying to fix his mistakes, not only with Petra but also other members of the group.
Again another heart-warming Christmastime story from Nikki Lynn Barrett and I will definitely be looking out for other stories in this series.
5 star review
Reviewed on behalf of 2 girls who love books blog.
Tis the Season for Forgiving is the third book in the Secret Santa series by Nikki Lynn Barrett.
Although part of a series it could be read as a standalone as the author does a great job of including a small amount of background information so you understand some of the secondary characters. Each book in the series focuses on a different person but from the same group of people.
I really liked this story – it was definitely all about second chances and that some people can change when something happens in their life that makes them re-evaluate what is important to them.
Tis the Season for Forgiving was Eric and Petra’s story. Eric knows that he has made his fair share of mistakes and the reminders of these mistakes haunt him every day but when he suffers a terrible loss his eyes are well and truly opened. A heart breaking questions from a young boy is all it takes for Eric to do some serious soul searching.
Petra has spent the last two years growing and moving on with her life after she left her ex-boyfriend Eric. She has struggled to bring up their daughter alone but when he shows up on her doorstep one night Petra desperately wants him to have become the person she always wanted him to be. Eric tries really hard to show Petra that he has changed and that leaves her thinking that maybe people do deserve a second chance.
I actually was really rooting for this couple – it was clear that Eric has tried really hard to overcome his issues and was trying to fix his mistakes, not only with Petra but also other members of the group.
Again another heart-warming Christmastime story from Nikki Lynn Barrett and I will definitely be looking out for other stories in this series.
December 22, 2014
Having just recently read Nikki's other two holiday stories I must say this ones my favorite..
The holidays have a way of making you think about what you've lost and want you want.. Eric has made some pretty bad choices in the past, with the passing of a friend and the holidays fast approaching he's made his choice its time for a change.. But making those around you believe might just be tricky..
This story is one of those that makes you root for the fallen and say "hey wait.. Are you sure you want to go there!" It's witty and funny and emotional It will keep you swiping your screen till the end! So find your comfy spot curl up and be prepared to fall in love with the character and the sprit of the holidays..
The holidays have a way of making you think about what you've lost and want you want.. Eric has made some pretty bad choices in the past, with the passing of a friend and the holidays fast approaching he's made his choice its time for a change.. But making those around you believe might just be tricky..
This story is one of those that makes you root for the fallen and say "hey wait.. Are you sure you want to go there!" It's witty and funny and emotional It will keep you swiping your screen till the end! So find your comfy spot curl up and be prepared to fall in love with the character and the sprit of the holidays..
October 15, 2015
This book is part of a series yet is great to read as a stand alone. Nikki does an excellent job of giving a brief backstory so you do not feel as if you missed out on anything if you have not read the previous books in the series. (Although after you read this book, you will want to read all of her books)
Eric is introduced in a previous book as a mean drunk harassing his ex wife at all hours. Now, the Holidays are approaching again and Eric is looking for redemption. He has decided to stop being the overbearing jerk of old and change his ways. The trouble is, the people affected are hard pressed to see the change in him.
It's very emotional to watch Eric "grow up" and take responsibility for his actions and try to make amends. A great story of second chances.
Eric is introduced in a previous book as a mean drunk harassing his ex wife at all hours. Now, the Holidays are approaching again and Eric is looking for redemption. He has decided to stop being the overbearing jerk of old and change his ways. The trouble is, the people affected are hard pressed to see the change in him.
It's very emotional to watch Eric "grow up" and take responsibility for his actions and try to make amends. A great story of second chances.
December 24, 2014
It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Nikki Lynn Barrett's and her holiday stories. Even still, 'Tis the Season for Forgiving far exceeding my expectations. Eric Jensen is a tortured soul that we were first introduced to in an earlier story. I often wonder what happens to the 'bad' character of a novel, in this case, we find out - and then some. We see, not only the love story of Petra and Eric unfold, but also a self redemption story.
Again, Nikki breathes life into old and new characters. I can't wait to see what's next from the author. Well done!
**** FOUR STARS
Again, Nikki breathes life into old and new characters. I can't wait to see what's next from the author. Well done!
**** FOUR STARS
August 21, 2018
Another book read by Nikki Lynn Barrett! And once again she has succeeded in allowing myself as a reader to feel the range of emotions felt by the characters in the book. With the characters dealing with real life day to day issues it’s easy to share the emotions and understand and relate. Highly recommend! Especially if you love a little Christmas magic and romance! But definitely if you believe in hope and second chances! 5 STARS!
January 6, 2016
Good book
Eric and Petra had a child and had broken up. For two years Eric had worked on dealing with his anger management problem.
This holiday season others begun to see a change in him. Is it enough to give him a second chance?
With secrets and hidden emotions this book really brings a persons pain to light. A very emotional book. Great job by the author.
Eric and Petra had a child and had broken up. For two years Eric had worked on dealing with his anger management problem.
This holiday season others begun to see a change in him. Is it enough to give him a second chance?
With secrets and hidden emotions this book really brings a persons pain to light. A very emotional book. Great job by the author.
January 12, 2019
Tis the Season for Forgiving was Eric and Petra’s story. This is the third book in the Secret Santa series. Eric and Petra were a couple and have a daughter together. Eric has anger alcohol issues and he ended up in jail after trying to break into Jacob and Cheyenne's house and punches Jonas in the face and after he his released he meets Adrian who helps him and Eric goes to get help with his anger and alcohol problems. Then one day Eric has an eye opener when his friend is killed. Adrian's young son asks Eric a heartbreaking question and that pushes Eric to do some serious soul searching, and helps him to try and be better. Eric promises Adrian's widow Gina, and son, Evan, that he would be there for them and he realizes he is missing out on his own children's lives and vows to make it up to them, especially to his ex-girlfriend Petra and their daughter Kinley. It had been two years since Eric saw Petra then one day he shows up on Petra's doorstep just wanting to see her. He wants to convince her he has changed. Eric knows he's made his fair share of mistakes and the reminders haunt them him every day of his life. Eric and Petra talk and Eric spends time with his daughter. Erik tells Petra why his parents treat him the way they do. Want to know more about Eric and Petra's story?? Well then you really need to read this book. You will Love it!! This is a MUST read book!! Nikki Lynn did an awesome job with this book!! I truly Loved it!! I truly want to read more from this series!!
December 15, 2016
Rating: 4.5*
After everything that Eric did in the previous books in this series, it was always going to be a tall order to change your opinion of him. But that is exactly what Nikki Lynn Barrett facilitates here with Eric's character. Eric has had his issues with his anger and his alcohol problems. After hitting rock bottom he knows he has to change. And when it's Christmas anything is possible! Petra is the one who got away and that got under his skin. Can she forgive him and move forward with him?
A story of second chances, of redemption and of Christmas magic. Whilst I thought I might struggle with Eric's story, it was a compelling read that engaged me right from the start. This was really well written giving you the chance to see another side to Eric that ensures that you forgive but not necessarily forget. Another excellent addition to this series.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
After everything that Eric did in the previous books in this series, it was always going to be a tall order to change your opinion of him. But that is exactly what Nikki Lynn Barrett facilitates here with Eric's character. Eric has had his issues with his anger and his alcohol problems. After hitting rock bottom he knows he has to change. And when it's Christmas anything is possible! Petra is the one who got away and that got under his skin. Can she forgive him and move forward with him?
A story of second chances, of redemption and of Christmas magic. Whilst I thought I might struggle with Eric's story, it was a compelling read that engaged me right from the start. This was really well written giving you the chance to see another side to Eric that ensures that you forgive but not necessarily forget. Another excellent addition to this series.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
July 1, 2018
Nice storyline..magical season to forgive
December 28, 2019
I just bumped my rating on this one from two to three stars. As I am finally getting around to write my review, I am realizing that my opinion of the story was probably unfairly influenced by my feelings about the really stupid life choices made by the main characters in the story. Yes, they were trying to do better, but I still feel that our culture leads too many people to think it's fine to create a family without a commitment. Call me old fashioned, but seems to me that that way of going about things rarely works out. Still, it was fairly well written and the story did draw me in.
January 26, 2022
This was a great read about forgiving those who need it, but more importantly forgiving yourself.
Eric Jensen has made a mess of his life, and those around him. He has just gotten out of jail and needs to clean up his life, when he meets Adrian, someone who knows exactly what he has gone through and wants to help him through it. Then Adrian is gone and he promises his widow, Gina, and son, Evan, to be there for them.
But as he makes those promises to Evan, he realizes he is missing out on his own children's lives and vows to make it up to them, especially to his ex-girlfriend Petra and their daughter Kinley, while he still has a chance to do some good. The only problem it seems is that his relationship with Evan and Gina seems to be jeopardizing his relationship with those he is trying to repair, especially with his son Ben, with his ex-wife Cheyenne.
This was an amazing and heartfelt read about the importance of second chances. While reading the book I learned so much on how everyone was linked and the main issues my heart went out to Eric and completely understood what he was dealing with and why he did the things he did. I am so glad that Petra was there for him and that a happy ending was definitely within reach!
Eric Jensen has made a mess of his life, and those around him. He has just gotten out of jail and needs to clean up his life, when he meets Adrian, someone who knows exactly what he has gone through and wants to help him through it. Then Adrian is gone and he promises his widow, Gina, and son, Evan, to be there for them.
But as he makes those promises to Evan, he realizes he is missing out on his own children's lives and vows to make it up to them, especially to his ex-girlfriend Petra and their daughter Kinley, while he still has a chance to do some good. The only problem it seems is that his relationship with Evan and Gina seems to be jeopardizing his relationship with those he is trying to repair, especially with his son Ben, with his ex-wife Cheyenne.
This was an amazing and heartfelt read about the importance of second chances. While reading the book I learned so much on how everyone was linked and the main issues my heart went out to Eric and completely understood what he was dealing with and why he did the things he did. I am so glad that Petra was there for him and that a happy ending was definitely within reach!
December 29, 2015
Once again, I chose this book for its cover. Yes, I chose it because it is snowing on the cover. No idea what the book was about but I checked it out anyway. I have never read anything by this author and definitely wasn't disappointed.
This book is about a guy named Eric who has a lot of anger and can't seem to control it. He has alienated everyone he cares about and has no idea how to make it right. He meets Adrian, who has similar problems and the two of them become best friends. They are determined to get through this together. Adrian is killed and when Eric meets his friend's son it all hits home for him.
Eric is changing and everyone around him sees it and forgives him but can he forgive himself? This book has a lot of emotions running high in it. Everyone has their own baggage that came out of this and this book takes you through how they deal with it.
This book may be fiction but it will hit home with many people. The trials and situations in this book are all too real. There are people who struggle with abuse, alcoholism, anger management issues, parental issues, grief and so many more. People can change and this book is all about changing for the better. It is an emotional ride but this book is definitely worth the read.
This book is about a guy named Eric who has a lot of anger and can't seem to control it. He has alienated everyone he cares about and has no idea how to make it right. He meets Adrian, who has similar problems and the two of them become best friends. They are determined to get through this together. Adrian is killed and when Eric meets his friend's son it all hits home for him.
Eric is changing and everyone around him sees it and forgives him but can he forgive himself? This book has a lot of emotions running high in it. Everyone has their own baggage that came out of this and this book takes you through how they deal with it.
This book may be fiction but it will hit home with many people. The trials and situations in this book are all too real. There are people who struggle with abuse, alcoholism, anger management issues, parental issues, grief and so many more. People can change and this book is all about changing for the better. It is an emotional ride but this book is definitely worth the read.
November 10, 2016
so can one forgive another and more importantly can you forgive yourself .
this story as well as the others semi hit close to home to me. so can a man who has done everyone wrong can he realize everyone needs a second chance even ones who try to chance . and can the one woman he wants take him back and more importantly realize the past drove him though he realizes that his family had a hand of his fear and self blame . and can the others as well as his children and ex wife and their friends forgive him or will they forever hold the past over his head . and stay tuned for Caitlin and Ron's story and this year for Ben all grown up can't wait and i have fallen in love with this series and you will to to me this is a series that is based on facts especially if you have lived through some of these stories in which i have and boy is it eye opening to know and see that there are very few people who do forgive and to me not just Christmas time but year round we all should forgive especially when the people who hurt us the most do try to change but still forgive those who don't i will be reading Caitlin' s story soon so watch out for that .
this story as well as the others semi hit close to home to me. so can a man who has done everyone wrong can he realize everyone needs a second chance even ones who try to chance . and can the one woman he wants take him back and more importantly realize the past drove him though he realizes that his family had a hand of his fear and self blame . and can the others as well as his children and ex wife and their friends forgive him or will they forever hold the past over his head . and stay tuned for Caitlin and Ron's story and this year for Ben all grown up can't wait and i have fallen in love with this series and you will to to me this is a series that is based on facts especially if you have lived through some of these stories in which i have and boy is it eye opening to know and see that there are very few people who do forgive and to me not just Christmas time but year round we all should forgive especially when the people who hurt us the most do try to change but still forgive those who don't i will be reading Caitlin' s story soon so watch out for that .
November 14, 2016
TIS THE SEASON FOR FORGIVING
by Nikki Lynn Barrett
Tis the Season for Forgiving is part of a series yet is a great read as a stand alone. Be prepared to go on an emotional roller coaster in the best way as you watch Eric change and grow in his life and his relationship with Petra. This short read is full of making you realize Christmas really is the time for change and second chances. You really feel the hardship as you see Eric realize what he's lost as he fights to forgive himself and earn the second chances of those he loves. This is such a great read for this time of year or anytime and really has you rooting for the underdog.
**Reviewed by Hot Box Reviews blog**
** I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book **
by Nikki Lynn Barrett
Tis the Season for Forgiving is part of a series yet is a great read as a stand alone. Be prepared to go on an emotional roller coaster in the best way as you watch Eric change and grow in his life and his relationship with Petra. This short read is full of making you realize Christmas really is the time for change and second chances. You really feel the hardship as you see Eric realize what he's lost as he fights to forgive himself and earn the second chances of those he loves. This is such a great read for this time of year or anytime and really has you rooting for the underdog.
**Reviewed by Hot Box Reviews blog**
** I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book **
January 13, 2016
I really enjoyed Eric and Petra's story. Nikki captured Eric's struggles as he attempts to make up for past mistakes when he was having drinking and anger issues. Watching Eric as he works to resist the temptation to fall back on his old habits when people doubt that he has really changed made me root for him all the more. Petra has used the time away from Eric to become a stronger person herself and begins to let Eric back in her life little by little. The theme of forgiveness in relationships, especially during the holidays, is one of my favorites. This is well-written and I loved the ending.
December 2, 2015
This the Season for Forgiving by Nikki Lynn Barrett, is an awesome story here at Christmas time. Nikki does it again she can tell the perfect holiday story of forgiveness, love, changing our lives and the magic of Christmas. I love her characters Eric and Petra are written so perfect that they become part of your family. Nikki has became my favorite Christmas story author.
December 5, 2015
Good read!
This was a very good story of love and forgiveness. Perfect read for a quiet Saturday afternoon curled up on the couch.
This was a very good story of love and forgiveness. Perfect read for a quiet Saturday afternoon curled up on the couch.
November 10, 2016
Good job
I really liked this tale. Not having your typical hero type was nice. Very humanizing and relatable. The surreal bits of many of today's stories was refreshingly missing.
I really liked this tale. Not having your typical hero type was nice. Very humanizing and relatable. The surreal bits of many of today's stories was refreshingly missing.
December 12, 2018
Good
Good book! Loved the mixture of romance and holidays, along with the message of forgiveness and starting over. Wonder what happens next?
Good book! Loved the mixture of romance and holidays, along with the message of forgiveness and starting over. Wonder what happens next?
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews