The Day Dancer Died: A Heartwarming Holiday Tale about Friendship, Finding Your Voice, and the Magic of Second Chances

by Anne Feltus

No one in Peyton Bartlett’s life seems to see her. She’s neglected by her husband, judged by her in-laws, and dismissed by neighbors who insist she’ll never belong. She just wants to be valued for who she truly is.

Then tragedy strikes Peyton’s wealthy neighborhood when Santa Claus is mistaken for an intruder and Dancer is shot. As he grieves his beloved reindeer’s death, Santa begins to fear that the spirit of Christmas is fading and that he, too, will soon be forgotten.

When a budding friendship with a young reporter brings Peyton and Santa together, an unlikely connection forms—one rooted in grief, reflection, and a shared desire for something more. Can two people from entirely different worlds help each other find the courage to change their own?

Genres: Christmas

202 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 8, 2025

About the author

I'm a mother, grandmother, sister, and friend—an animal lover, avid reader, genealogy enthusiast, news junkie, world traveler, Texas-to-California transplant, and cancer and open heart surgery survivor. According to some, I am also a storyteller.

That’s how I made my living for more than three decades, as an award-winning freelance business writer for clients around the world in such diverse fields as energy, healthcare, real estate, banking, education, and the arts. I learned to build stories that inform, explain, and sometimes amuse.

Now retired, I write what I want—without deadlines, lawyers, or corporate rules.

Reviews

[Haley DelGreco · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and I’m sad to say it just wasn’t for me.

I heavily contemplated DNF’ing this book at the 47% mark because many of the characters (there’s a lot of them) are absolutely insufferable (I understand that’s the point, but it was a bit too much at times). I also found this story lacking in its overall plot. What’s written as the book description didn’t happen until halfway through the book and actually wasn’t the main plot of the story. I was really hoping to get more interactions between Santa and Peyton through her advice column.

I understand that with 10+ characters it feels necessary to be introduced to each one, but we never got the chance to really know the true main characters. This made the story harder to follow and feel very stagnant. Throughout all of this, there’s also a lot of telling not showing. Dialogue and inner thoughts are often used throughout the story to share basic information or explain what, to me, was obvious about character’s feelings/personalities.

I’m still deciding to rate this 2 stars because the main themes of this story are so relevant and important to life in general and I truly liked the overall concept, I just feel that the execution could have been better.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading The Day Dancer Died. The characters are similar to the family, friends, and coworkers we see everyday, flaws and all. Family dynamics are front and center, and characters range from the pretentious to the quirky, just like real life. Some are dissatisfied with their choices in life, but not everyone has the courage to forge a new path and resurrect old dreams. I also enjoyed the personalities of the different reindeer. Especially when they were playing "Reindeer Games". It reminded me of school competitions and personalities captured spot on by the author. Definitely enjoyed reading this one.

[Dee Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I start off my holiday reads, this book surprised me. I loved how seamlessly the magical North Pole and the realistic Jonquil Estates blended together and how Peyton was able to find her voice and purpose once again. I did feel that the ending was a little be rushed as I would have loved to learn how Rett and his parents reacted to her leaving him and how taking on the role as a featured writer goes for her. I also would've loved some more on Piper and Steve at the end.

Thank you Goodreads and Anne Feltus for the e-copy!

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how the author has seamlessly blended genres in this book. I enjoyed the domestic thriller side but being Christmas the festive magical elements stood out for me. I feel like I got a taste of everything and I absolutely adored it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Smithers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book on Goodreads. Overall this was a cute entrance into my Christmas reading. I enjoyed the story, easy to follow and easy to read.

I am left wanting more. What happens to Peyton after she leaves? Do Piper & Steve make it? Does Everett fall from Grace - as he should? Does Jubilee make it as the new reindeer???

[Lynnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light, entertaining read that took me away from the real world for a bit. Feltus knows how to spin a story. I hate to inflict "funny and heartwarming" on a book that started during the holidays, but it is. So if you're in the mood for something light but engaging, go for it.

[Jenni Stein · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit of a different Christmas read

This book explored expectations, the life we can have and how fear of others expectations can hold us back. Its a quick read, that provides hope.