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A Candy Cane Christmas
Is it 'stranger danger' if the stranger involved is one of Santa's Elves?
The only thing I’ve ever wanted was to be a good dad to my daughter. Having her at seventeen put me at a disadvantage, but I’ve been working hard to make up for it and get my life on track. Being dependable and steady is my number one goal. That means no dating around, no flirting, and definitely no bringing home random strangers.
But what if it's my daughter who invites the random stranger - or, you know, our downstairs neighbor - to spend the holidays with us?
How am I supposed to resist the chaotic whirlwind of colors and everything peppermint that my own daughter dropped in my lap? Luci is the exact opposite of dependable and steady, but he brings a lightness and excitement to my life that I didn't know was lacking.
Am I even supposed to resist, or is it okay for me to accept my neighbor as the best Christmas gift I've ever received?
"A Candy Cane Christmas" is a standalone novella as part of the multi-author collaboration "Single Dads All The Way". Expect a sassy four-year-old who keeps her dad on her toes, a lot of elf shenanigans, and a candy cane sweet opposites attract holiday novella.
The only thing I’ve ever wanted was to be a good dad to my daughter. Having her at seventeen put me at a disadvantage, but I’ve been working hard to make up for it and get my life on track. Being dependable and steady is my number one goal. That means no dating around, no flirting, and definitely no bringing home random strangers.
But what if it's my daughter who invites the random stranger - or, you know, our downstairs neighbor - to spend the holidays with us?
How am I supposed to resist the chaotic whirlwind of colors and everything peppermint that my own daughter dropped in my lap? Luci is the exact opposite of dependable and steady, but he brings a lightness and excitement to my life that I didn't know was lacking.
Am I even supposed to resist, or is it okay for me to accept my neighbor as the best Christmas gift I've ever received?
"A Candy Cane Christmas" is a standalone novella as part of the multi-author collaboration "Single Dads All The Way". Expect a sassy four-year-old who keeps her dad on her toes, a lot of elf shenanigans, and a candy cane sweet opposites attract holiday novella.
- GenresChristmas
120 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2025
9 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Ray Celar
33 books38 followersRay Celar lives with her husband, daughter and two cats in Southern Germany.
When she was six years old, she proudly declared she’d be an author one day, and that dream never changed. She was declared “most likely to ever publish a book” in her yearbook and only four years after her graduation, this statement and her lifelong dream came true — though she still isn’t sure whether she should send a copy of her books to the teacher who nominated her for that title.
If she isn’t chasing after her daughter through the apartment, she’s probably translating books, writing books or procrastinating doing any of those things by watching too many DIY-videos online — she might even be working on one of the DIY-projects she picked up.
When she was six years old, she proudly declared she’d be an author one day, and that dream never changed. She was declared “most likely to ever publish a book” in her yearbook and only four years after her graduation, this statement and her lifelong dream came true — though she still isn’t sure whether she should send a copy of her books to the teacher who nominated her for that title.
If she isn’t chasing after her daughter through the apartment, she’s probably translating books, writing books or procrastinating doing any of those things by watching too many DIY-videos online — she might even be working on one of the DIY-projects she picked up.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 19, 2025
I gave this 5 stars because I really had so much fun reading it. Perhaps it's not the best book that ever was but it gave me a warm feeling in my heart and made me smile so wide when I finished that I found 4 stars not enough.
But let's start at the beginning.
- single dad
- no angst (aside from a mention of the loss of Hazel's mother)
- short story
- sweet and fun
I'm a huge fan of single dads so I knew I'd have to read this. And am I happy that I did!
I can't say too much since it's a shorter read and I don't want to give away too much but this was just such a sweet and heart warming read with three very likeable characters.
I immediately fell in love with Hazel, a precious nearly five year old. She is character number three since she plays a really big part of the story.
She is outgoing and spontaneous – the polar opposite of her dad Theo - has a very big heart and really can't stand it when she hears that one of Santa's elves will be all alone for Christmas.
(cue, the elf in question is Luci, a downstairs neighbour who plays elf in a mall)
I could practically see her face, hear her pouting and outrage and imagined her stomping her foot because how dare Santa to be so thoughtless and leave his elf all alone for Christmas.
I loved her!
Her dad was a little more reserved but honestly he had a kid when he was seventeen and then the mother of their child died. He had to grow up fast and shoulder all the responsibilities with being a single dad. So he was a very mature 21 year old.
And I absolutely loved to watch him let loose a bit, getting some fun dates (often accompanied by his daughter) with said elf Luci and falling in love.
Luci is...a special man. 3 years older -ripe age of 24- and yet the one who reads younger.
ADHD makes Luci even more unpredictable and sometimes seem unorganized and immature.
He may be spontaneous and perhaps come across as a bit flighty with so many jobs at once (all of whom he loves and wants to do) and often finding new things that interest him but he always does his very best to be what Hazel and Theo need – and I'd say very successful. Because he is still very capable of planing fun dates for all three of them, earning his own money and being a friend, later a partner and co-parent of some sort.
All three were precious to me and I was rooting hard for this little family.
I found this a fun read that I really enjoyed.
The only thing I wished for is to see more domestic Christmassy scenes between them, like decorating or even baking cookies.
Still: entertaining and fun, sweet and lovely.
There were many parts where I was laughing out loud, especially at interactions with Santa ^^
And when I finished I had the biggest smile on my face. I really went: awwwww that was SO sweet.
Perhaps it was just the right book at the right time for me who knows but if single dads are your jam I would say give it a chance and try it for yourself.
But let's start at the beginning.
- single dad
- no angst (aside from a mention of the loss of Hazel's mother)
- short story
- sweet and fun
I'm a huge fan of single dads so I knew I'd have to read this. And am I happy that I did!
I can't say too much since it's a shorter read and I don't want to give away too much but this was just such a sweet and heart warming read with three very likeable characters.
I immediately fell in love with Hazel, a precious nearly five year old. She is character number three since she plays a really big part of the story.
She is outgoing and spontaneous – the polar opposite of her dad Theo - has a very big heart and really can't stand it when she hears that one of Santa's elves will be all alone for Christmas.
(cue, the elf in question is Luci, a downstairs neighbour who plays elf in a mall)
I could practically see her face, hear her pouting and outrage and imagined her stomping her foot because how dare Santa to be so thoughtless and leave his elf all alone for Christmas.
I loved her!
Her dad was a little more reserved but honestly he had a kid when he was seventeen and then the mother of their child died. He had to grow up fast and shoulder all the responsibilities with being a single dad. So he was a very mature 21 year old.
And I absolutely loved to watch him let loose a bit, getting some fun dates (often accompanied by his daughter) with said elf Luci and falling in love.
Luci is...a special man. 3 years older -ripe age of 24- and yet the one who reads younger.
ADHD makes Luci even more unpredictable and sometimes seem unorganized and immature.
He may be spontaneous and perhaps come across as a bit flighty with so many jobs at once (all of whom he loves and wants to do) and often finding new things that interest him but he always does his very best to be what Hazel and Theo need – and I'd say very successful. Because he is still very capable of planing fun dates for all three of them, earning his own money and being a friend, later a partner and co-parent of some sort.
All three were precious to me and I was rooting hard for this little family.
I found this a fun read that I really enjoyed.
The only thing I wished for is to see more domestic Christmassy scenes between them, like decorating or even baking cookies.
Still: entertaining and fun, sweet and lovely.
There were many parts where I was laughing out loud, especially at interactions with Santa ^^
And when I finished I had the biggest smile on my face. I really went: awwwww that was SO sweet.
Perhaps it was just the right book at the right time for me who knows but if single dads are your jam I would say give it a chance and try it for yourself.
November 21, 2025
Ray Celar is a new-to-me author, and I have to say I am impressed by their writing! I absolutely loved this adorable Christmas romance story!
Luci is an absolute whirlwind of bubbly chaos, in the best way! He makes the most perfect elf and even though most people assume he doesn't take things seriously, he is actually a thoughtful, caring, and incredibly passionate person. He brings the chaos to Theo's neat and orderly life and that's exactly what the young single dad needs.
Theo is a young single dad who's doing his best to make sure his daughter has a good Christmas. He's kind, shy, loves to have a plan, and absolutely adored his little girl. Whist Luci brings the paint and glitter into Theo's life, Theo brings the calm into Luci's life. These two men are absolutely adorable together and their chemistry together is FANTASTIC!! These two are so adorable, I was smiling the whole time I was reading this book.
The surprising invite might've been what gave them a reason to talk to each other, but these men put into the time and effort into getting to know one another and that really shows. I adored all of the special moments these two shared together, from the awkward meetings in the hallway, to their first date and first kiss... Their first Christmas together was so beautiful and full of sweetness that I can't get over!
Luci, Theo, and Hazel make a truly beautiful family and they all compliment each other SO well! There's banter, intriguing dialogue and commentary, and the pacing is absolutely incredible!
I wish this was a longer story because I would love to see more of these characters together! I want to know if Hazel convinced Luci and Theo to get her a dog, I just love these characters so much!! And all of the different words Theo used in place of swear words was absolutely fantastic! As someone who doesn't swear, I thought his word usage was creative and I'll definitely be incorporating those words into my own vocabulary.
Luci is an absolute whirlwind of bubbly chaos, in the best way! He makes the most perfect elf and even though most people assume he doesn't take things seriously, he is actually a thoughtful, caring, and incredibly passionate person. He brings the chaos to Theo's neat and orderly life and that's exactly what the young single dad needs.
Theo is a young single dad who's doing his best to make sure his daughter has a good Christmas. He's kind, shy, loves to have a plan, and absolutely adored his little girl. Whist Luci brings the paint and glitter into Theo's life, Theo brings the calm into Luci's life. These two men are absolutely adorable together and their chemistry together is FANTASTIC!! These two are so adorable, I was smiling the whole time I was reading this book.
The surprising invite might've been what gave them a reason to talk to each other, but these men put into the time and effort into getting to know one another and that really shows. I adored all of the special moments these two shared together, from the awkward meetings in the hallway, to their first date and first kiss... Their first Christmas together was so beautiful and full of sweetness that I can't get over!
Luci, Theo, and Hazel make a truly beautiful family and they all compliment each other SO well! There's banter, intriguing dialogue and commentary, and the pacing is absolutely incredible!
I wish this was a longer story because I would love to see more of these characters together! I want to know if Hazel convinced Luci and Theo to get her a dog, I just love these characters so much!! And all of the different words Theo used in place of swear words was absolutely fantastic! As someone who doesn't swear, I thought his word usage was creative and I'll definitely be incorporating those words into my own vocabulary.
December 3, 2025
A devoted single dad has built his life around being steady, dependable, and focused on raising his daughter after becoming a parent at seventeen. Romance has never been part of the plan — no dating, no flirting, no strangers brought home. But when his daughter invites their downstairs neighbour, Luci, to spend the holidays with them, everything changes. Luci is vibrant, chaotic, and full of peppermint-colored energy — the complete opposite of the dad’s careful routine. Yet his presence brings joy, laughter, and a spark of light the father didn’t realize he was missing. Now, faced with the unexpected gift of connection, he wonders if resisting is really the right choice… or if Luci might just be the best Christmas present he’s ever received.
I loved this story which was all about finding love and joy in the most unexpected places, and realising that even the most dependable hearts deserve a little holiday magic. I liked the way that the story asked whether being a “good dad” means denying one’s own happiness, or whether modelling love and vulnerability is part of parenting too. I also loved that the story was about how responsibility and chaos can coexist, how love can be the greatest gift, and how holiday magic transforms loneliness into belonging.Easy to feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
I loved this story which was all about finding love and joy in the most unexpected places, and realising that even the most dependable hearts deserve a little holiday magic. I liked the way that the story asked whether being a “good dad” means denying one’s own happiness, or whether modelling love and vulnerability is part of parenting too. I also loved that the story was about how responsibility and chaos can coexist, how love can be the greatest gift, and how holiday magic transforms loneliness into belonging.Easy to feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
November 26, 2025
4.5 stars
I love this time of year when all the Christmas themed books come out. There is such a variety from a diverse group of authors, and it is delightful to discover new authors to draw you into their world. Ray Celar is one of those new-to-me authors, with a delightful book about an ADHD mall Santa’s elf, a 22 year old single father, and a whirlwind adorable 4 year old daughter who turns her dad’s Christmas plans upside down and invites a new someone to love into their little family. Luci is the adorable elf, doomed to spend Christmas alone until Hazel invites him for Christmas. Theo is the astonished father, feeling coerced into extending the invitation, but gaining the love of his life in the process. The story of the developing relationship between the three is so fun to read and visualize in the days leading to Christmas, I couldn’t help smiling most of the time, enjoying Hazel’s enthusiasm, Luci’s impulsiveness, and Theo’s grounding steadiness as they weave their lives together. It was sweetness and light, laughter and joy, a totally feel good read, one I couldn’t help but recommend for anyone needing an entertaining holiday fix! It won’t disappoint.
I received an advance review copy and this is my voluntary review.
I love this time of year when all the Christmas themed books come out. There is such a variety from a diverse group of authors, and it is delightful to discover new authors to draw you into their world. Ray Celar is one of those new-to-me authors, with a delightful book about an ADHD mall Santa’s elf, a 22 year old single father, and a whirlwind adorable 4 year old daughter who turns her dad’s Christmas plans upside down and invites a new someone to love into their little family. Luci is the adorable elf, doomed to spend Christmas alone until Hazel invites him for Christmas. Theo is the astonished father, feeling coerced into extending the invitation, but gaining the love of his life in the process. The story of the developing relationship between the three is so fun to read and visualize in the days leading to Christmas, I couldn’t help smiling most of the time, enjoying Hazel’s enthusiasm, Luci’s impulsiveness, and Theo’s grounding steadiness as they weave their lives together. It was sweetness and light, laughter and joy, a totally feel good read, one I couldn’t help but recommend for anyone needing an entertaining holiday fix! It won’t disappoint.
I received an advance review copy and this is my voluntary review.
Read
November 23, 2025This book is part of the multi-author Single Dads All The Way series. Each book is a standalone read. This is the story of Theo and Luci. Theo is a widowed single father to an adorable 4 year old Hazel. He lives in an apartment above Luci. When Hazel overhears Luci being told he will be alone this Christmas Hazel steps in and invites him to Christmas with her and her dad. Of course, Luci is wearing his elf costume from working the Santa Grotto at the Mall. Hazel believes he is one of Santa's elves. Santa will be sure to be pleased with her helping one out. This is their story. The book is written well and is easy to read. I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. This is a fun holiday read. There is no angst and a lot of humor. I loved how safe and regimented Theo's life was until Luci entered it. Luci is a whirlwind of color and emotions. Something wonderful to shake up Theo's life. This is a really sweet holiday romance.
November 18, 2025
Fun. That word encompasses this entire book. From a little cutie with no stranger danger to an elf that might be lonesome for Christmas.
Hazel and Theo are a team. Theo may be a single dad, but he has the support of Hazel’s maternal grandparents. Hazel is outgoing where her father is not, she is impulsive and again that’s not Theo. When she hears Luci tell his brother he’s okay being alone for Christmas, she is not having it. Does it help that Luci is dressed as an elf for work? Probably, because Hazel is insistent about Mr. Elf.
This is a really short story about how Christmas and kids with good hearts help bring people together. It is an easy and quick read. It beings in the other single dad’s from the forum and I really enjoy that part. I seriously hope one of the books has these dads meeting in real life somehow. Luci and Theo make a great couple and having Hazel’s grandparents really stand in as Theo’s parents is so moving. This is just an enjoyable story all around.
Hazel and Theo are a team. Theo may be a single dad, but he has the support of Hazel’s maternal grandparents. Hazel is outgoing where her father is not, she is impulsive and again that’s not Theo. When she hears Luci tell his brother he’s okay being alone for Christmas, she is not having it. Does it help that Luci is dressed as an elf for work? Probably, because Hazel is insistent about Mr. Elf.
This is a really short story about how Christmas and kids with good hearts help bring people together. It is an easy and quick read. It beings in the other single dad’s from the forum and I really enjoy that part. I seriously hope one of the books has these dads meeting in real life somehow. Luci and Theo make a great couple and having Hazel’s grandparents really stand in as Theo’s parents is so moving. This is just an enjoyable story all around.
November 9, 2025
A precocious 4 year old is determined that the elf living downstairs spends Christmas with her and her father Theo. Luci (said elf) is charmed by Hazel and accepts the invite. In no time Luci is spending all his free time with Theo and Hazel. Special dates for the three to paint together and more for them to bond. Christmas day comes early with a 4 year old and Luci and Theo are barely awake. They have a fun day that's the beginning of many more.
This is a really sweet Christmas romance between a spontaneous artist/elf and a reserved student/father. They all blend together really well. There's no drama to get past. I would've liked a little more Christmas scenes like maybe tree decorating or watching Christmas carolers. Also a little more with Theo and his college stuff. All in all a nice book to read in a day.
This is a really sweet Christmas romance between a spontaneous artist/elf and a reserved student/father. They all blend together really well. There's no drama to get past. I would've liked a little more Christmas scenes like maybe tree decorating or watching Christmas carolers. Also a little more with Theo and his college stuff. All in all a nice book to read in a day.
November 21, 2025
If you want pure holiday fluff, this is the book for you. It's got a Christmas elf, a confused mall Santa, opposites attract, and a precocious four year old. It's definitely an instalust story, but it's also very low spice, which seems odd but Theo is from a fundamentalist religious background and has only recently accepted his sexuality. So this is also a sweet exploration for him.
The dynamic between the steady, responsible, younger single dad and the chaotic, peppermint-obsessed artist who lives downstairs is perfect - Luci needs someone to give him a purpose and Theo needs someone to lighten him up. They're complete opposites who shouldn't work, but somehow do.
If you're looking for a quick, one-sitting holiday read, this will hit the spot.
[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]
The dynamic between the steady, responsible, younger single dad and the chaotic, peppermint-obsessed artist who lives downstairs is perfect - Luci needs someone to give him a purpose and Theo needs someone to lighten him up. They're complete opposites who shouldn't work, but somehow do.
If you're looking for a quick, one-sitting holiday read, this will hit the spot.
[I received an advanced copy of this book. All reviews and ratings are my own.]
November 20, 2025
ARC review
The third book of the multi-author collaboration "Single Dads AllThe Way".
This short read was like a warm hug, a feeling of comfort, safety and connection.
A young single dad, a cute determined four year old girl and a slightly older chaotic elf. The perfect blend for a happy future.
Theo and Hazel live in an upstairs apartmentin in the same building as Luci. When Hazel hear that Luci don't have any plans for christmas she invites him to join them something that surprises both men. Figuring things out, Theo and Luci decide to get to know each other before they are celebrating christmas together. And before they know it the time spent together all three of them or just the two of them, leads to so much more than just a celebration of the holiday.
The third book of the multi-author collaboration "Single Dads AllThe Way".
This short read was like a warm hug, a feeling of comfort, safety and connection.
A young single dad, a cute determined four year old girl and a slightly older chaotic elf. The perfect blend for a happy future.
Theo and Hazel live in an upstairs apartmentin in the same building as Luci. When Hazel hear that Luci don't have any plans for christmas she invites him to join them something that surprises both men. Figuring things out, Theo and Luci decide to get to know each other before they are celebrating christmas together. And before they know it the time spent together all three of them or just the two of them, leads to so much more than just a celebration of the holiday.
November 18, 2025
A super cute, quick Christmas read!
A Candy Cane Christmas is a cute, sweet low-to-no angst romance between single dad Theo and his downstairs neighbour Luci. A misunderstanding between Theo's 4yo daughter who thinks Luci is a real elf (think mall Santa helper's costume haha) leads to her inviting Luci for Christmas, and the relationship buds from there.
I don't usually like short reads as much as I feel they're rushed, but this one was great. I found Theo and Luci to be fully fleshed out characters, and their romance was incredibly sweet and caring. Also excellent ADHD rep.
High recommend as a quick but great Christmas read!
A Candy Cane Christmas is a cute, sweet low-to-no angst romance between single dad Theo and his downstairs neighbour Luci. A misunderstanding between Theo's 4yo daughter who thinks Luci is a real elf (think mall Santa helper's costume haha) leads to her inviting Luci for Christmas, and the relationship buds from there.
I don't usually like short reads as much as I feel they're rushed, but this one was great. I found Theo and Luci to be fully fleshed out characters, and their romance was incredibly sweet and caring. Also excellent ADHD rep.
High recommend as a quick but great Christmas read!
November 24, 2025
jingle bell elf hat, hell--oooo kitty, peppermint mocha, shiitake, glitter, fridge, Santa trap, turquoise kitchen towels, 5 keychains
This is like cotton candy: fluffy and sweet. The angst is nonexistent with mild steam. Luci, Theo, and Hazel make a darling trio. 4 year-old Hazel is a whirling dervish, who's so cute that she's humorous and endearing. She's almost as chaotic as Luci, but in a good way. Theo is the single dad to Hazel. He was 17 when they had Hazel. He's lucky to have the support of his late girlfriend's family. How can you not like Theo? It's a quick read that's enjoyable. Recommended.
This is like cotton candy: fluffy and sweet. The angst is nonexistent with mild steam. Luci, Theo, and Hazel make a darling trio. 4 year-old Hazel is a whirling dervish, who's so cute that she's humorous and endearing. She's almost as chaotic as Luci, but in a good way. Theo is the single dad to Hazel. He was 17 when they had Hazel. He's lucky to have the support of his late girlfriend's family. How can you not like Theo? It's a quick read that's enjoyable. Recommended.
November 30, 2025
This book is part of the single dad series and features Luci and Theo. Theo became a dad at 17 but is taking care of his daughter as her mother passed away. Luci is their downstairs neighbor, who has a many different jobs due to wanting to be busy. One day he was talking to his brother and said it was ok that he would be spending Christmas alone. One of Loci’s jobs was playing and elf at the mall. Hazel heard him and said that Mr. Elf can spend time with them as he shouldn’t be alone. What a sweet read with them slowly building their relationship, especially since Theo was a single dad. Loved it.
November 11, 2025
Sweet and fluffy Christmas read that puts a smile on your face! Luci is a bit chaotic with many jobs including a mall Christmas elf. Theo is a young single dad raising a 4 year old girl hazel. When hazel overhears one of “Santa’s elves” is going to be alone on Christmas she takes it on herself to save him and invites him to Christmas with her and her dad. From that point it becomes an adorable adventure of them getting to know each other. Well written, mild steam, made family and a great HEA! I received this from GRR and these are my honest opinions.
November 14, 2025
What a sweet little story 🥹 Hazel stole my heart from the very first moment, just like Theo and Luci did. But that little girl 🥹💖 — I loved every second of this book. My only problem was that it was so short; I really wished it were longer because the whole thing was just so sweet. I loved that it wasn’t filled with spicy scenes, there was no big fight or tension between the two guys, and I especially adored that it included a character with ADHD (so do I, and I love when books feature characters like that). 🥰
This was an ARC and this is my honest review.
This was an ARC and this is my honest review.
November 18, 2025
An adorable and bright addition to our holiday dads.
Chaotic ADHD’er meets put-together single dad, with a little girl accidentally playing matchmaker. A little girl who’s a Union leader in the making!
Luci is vibrant and kind of exhausting (lovingly). He brings a lot of life to Theo’s world. A world where he’s been taking care of his little girl solo since he was 17. He’s an amazing dad, but he hasn’t considered his own happiness.
Now he’s spending Christmas with his neighbour, and I’m pretty sure Santa has granted all their wishes.
Chaotic ADHD’er meets put-together single dad, with a little girl accidentally playing matchmaker. A little girl who’s a Union leader in the making!
Luci is vibrant and kind of exhausting (lovingly). He brings a lot of life to Theo’s world. A world where he’s been taking care of his little girl solo since he was 17. He’s an amazing dad, but he hasn’t considered his own happiness.
Now he’s spending Christmas with his neighbour, and I’m pretty sure Santa has granted all their wishes.
November 19, 2025
Rating: 4.5 stars
This is a really cute, fairly low angst holiday romance with a disaster ADHD elf and his hot single dad upstairs neighbor. I'm not super big on the single dad trope, but Hazel is cute so I'll allow it. ;) This is a sweet, short holiday romance full of peppermint, hot cocoa, bells and glitter. I love Theo and Luci's immediately connection.
I read an ARC of this book, so I'm hoping the textual errors have been fixed by publication... If not, they're bad enough that my overall rating would drop to 3.5 stars. :/
This is a really cute, fairly low angst holiday romance with a disaster ADHD elf and his hot single dad upstairs neighbor. I'm not super big on the single dad trope, but Hazel is cute so I'll allow it. ;) This is a sweet, short holiday romance full of peppermint, hot cocoa, bells and glitter. I love Theo and Luci's immediately connection.
I read an ARC of this book, so I'm hoping the textual errors have been fixed by publication... If not, they're bad enough that my overall rating would drop to 3.5 stars. :/
November 23, 2025
A Candy Cane Christmas by Ray Celar is a part of the multiauthor Single Dads All the Way series. Theo and his daughter Hazel are intrigued by the elf that lives in their building. Hazel invites Luci, the elf, to spend Christmas with them. In order to not be strangers, Theo, Luci, and Hazel spend time together. This was a very sweet low-angst story. I would have loved a little more emphasis on Theo and Luci falling for each other. It happened very quickly and it was low-spice. All in all, it was a sweet short story.
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review.
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review.
November 23, 2025
Perfectly sweet holiday romance
Sweet Hazel overheard that her downstairs neighbor, who she believes is Santa's elf, Mr. Luci, is spending Christmas alone and invites him to spend it with her and her single dad, Theo.
What starts as an awkward situation to appease a misunderstanding with a child slowly develops into so much more.
Luci is a spontaneous, slightly chaotic mess that brings love and laughter that they were missing from their lives.
I absolutely loved Theo's in law's immediate inclusion and acceptance of Luci as well.
Sweet Hazel overheard that her downstairs neighbor, who she believes is Santa's elf, Mr. Luci, is spending Christmas alone and invites him to spend it with her and her single dad, Theo.
What starts as an awkward situation to appease a misunderstanding with a child slowly develops into so much more.
Luci is a spontaneous, slightly chaotic mess that brings love and laughter that they were missing from their lives.
I absolutely loved Theo's in law's immediate inclusion and acceptance of Luci as well.
November 23, 2025
A perfect book to kick off the holiday season. Low angst, funny and full of love. This book is like a warm cozy sweater that when it is over you do not want to remove as it feels so good. Theo lives for his four year old daughter meaning he has no life. When his daughter thinks the downstairs neighbor is one of Santa's elf, the fun begins with her inviting him to spend holiday time with them. Luci and Theo spend time together and a sweet slow love starts. Perfect book that is sweet and sappy but of so good.
November 30, 2025
Hazel instinctively knows a good match for her dad when she sees one and her invitation to Luci to spend Christmas with them forces Theo to accept some Christmas fun into his life. Theo had to grow up quickly as a very young single father and he settled quickly into a serious parent to Hazel. He's done a wonderful job and raised a very special young lady but he's forgotten what it means to lighten up and have fun himself. Luci is just the ball of sunshine to remind him. A delightful Christmas romance that is equal to the promise of its wonderful cover.
December 1, 2025
Oh this book is just adorable !! Two very total opposites MC's - but they work oh so very well. I loved all of it - the characters and the setting..... the story flowed beautifully. Both MC's have their hang-ups but they work on their communication, so simple yet intense. It's no insta-relationship ..... they really do get into the knitty gritties because it's not just between them..... and then the other storyline in the background.... my heart just broke. It does bring to light how hard it is ....and what may happen. Overall, absolutely brilliant story.
December 8, 2025
I loved this book. It was such a cute, fluffy Christmas romance. Good world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Luci and Theo. Hazel overheard Luci (dressed as one of Santa's elves) on the phone saying he'd be alone on Christmas and promptly invited him over to spend it with her and Theo. Luci didn't seem to know how to react, and Theo couldn't quite dissuade her. The whole scene was adorable, and she was so excited and even made Luci a gift. Theo and Luci were really cute together and I liked the way they connected. All around a sweet romance. 5 stars
November 11, 2025
Cute, light-hearted Christmas novella about an 'elf' and his neighbors.
When 4-year-old Hazel finds out that Luci (who works as an elf at the mall) is spending Christmas alone, she invites him to spend it with her and her father, Theo. Amid Christmas activities, they realize they are attracted to each other, and fall in love. It's cute, it's light, it's sweet, there's no angst, and they get their happily ever after. It's a great Christmas read to get into the spirit.
When 4-year-old Hazel finds out that Luci (who works as an elf at the mall) is spending Christmas alone, she invites him to spend it with her and her father, Theo. Amid Christmas activities, they realize they are attracted to each other, and fall in love. It's cute, it's light, it's sweet, there's no angst, and they get their happily ever after. It's a great Christmas read to get into the spirit.
November 18, 2025
What an adorable addition to this year's holiday line up! Theo had his daughter Hazel at the ripe old age of seventeen, forcing him to grow up fast and provide for them both. Luci is a beautiful chaotic ADHD magical human that deserves the balance these two provide for them. Hazel hears Luci not having plans for Christmas and invites him to spend it with her and her dad. What starts as an awkward situation moves to adorable family dates where you feel the three becoming a unit amongst the chaos. I appreciated how much Hazel was a main focus of their relationship and how all three worked so well together. A fun quick sweet read perfect for the holiday season. This was my first book from this author, and if the rest of their works are anything like this it sure will not be my last.
November 24, 2025
Thank you for the book; here is my honest opinion:
3..5⭐️Very sweet, with excellent cozy holiday vibes. It was super easy to root for Luci and Theo, neighbors who get a little matchmaking help from Theo’s four year old daughter, Hazel. This was low on drama and genuinely lovely. There is a whole lot of kid time though, which took over a bit for me, but I’m sure others will enjoy the Hazel-centric story.
3..5⭐️Very sweet, with excellent cozy holiday vibes. It was super easy to root for Luci and Theo, neighbors who get a little matchmaking help from Theo’s four year old daughter, Hazel. This was low on drama and genuinely lovely. There is a whole lot of kid time though, which took over a bit for me, but I’m sure others will enjoy the Hazel-centric story.
November 25, 2025
Sugary sweet! Theo, was a single Dad at 17 and vows to be the most responsible best Dad ever. His four year old daughter, Hazel, is his life. Luci is the downstairs neighbor who brings the glitter and the fun. Hazel invites Luci to spend the holidays with them and it changes all their lives. All of the characters are adorable and we have a delectible Christmas tale. Nicely done, nice cover art! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 7, 2025
This was a super cute story featuring the adorable Hazel, who invites their neighbor Luci to Christmas so he wouldn't be alone. Luci and Theo hit it off, and they have some fun dates and interactions, many of which include Hazel. So if you don't like kiddos being prominent in your books, this isn't the one for you. But you'd really be missing out, because Hazel is amazing! This was a great Christmas story. While it was my first from this author, it won't be my last!
December 24, 2025
Luci is an artist moonlighting as one of Santa's helpers when his brother calls to back out of holiday plans. Luckily for him his handsome neighbor overhears him, and his precious daughter immediately extends an invitation to share their holiday. Theo is a little shocked when his daughter issues the invite but backs her up. Soon he discovers that Luci's brand of chaos is just what they need to brighten their lives all year round
November 18, 2025
This is such a cute, sweet Christmas story.
Zero angst, feel-good and with a cute 4-years-old that steals the show! Theo and Luci are two sweethearts, complete opposites but perfect together.
Ray Celar is a new to me author, but I will definitely check out more of her stories (maybe even in German, to refresh my rusty knowledge).
Zero angst, feel-good and with a cute 4-years-old that steals the show! Theo and Luci are two sweethearts, complete opposites but perfect together.
Ray Celar is a new to me author, but I will definitely check out more of her stories (maybe even in German, to refresh my rusty knowledge).
November 19, 2025
This was such an adorable sweet read. I love Hazel. She had me remembering when my children were little. Her sweet nature and sharp mind made were a delight to read. Luci would definitely fit in with my bunch. Every family needs a Theo. A calming presence in the chaos. This was the perfect holiday read I needed.
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