All I Want for Christmas is You: A Thriller

by Tanisha Stewart

Ten-year-old Jasmin once believed in perfect families—until her parents' split shatters that illusion. Now, watching her father build a new life with his girlfriend Shaneka as his plan to divorce her mother looms, Jasmin can think of only one bringing her family back together, no matter the cost.

With intelligence beyond her years and determination that borders on obsession, Jasmin crafts a calculated plan to eliminate the woman she sees as an intruder. What starts as childish pranks quickly escalates into something far more sinister as Jasmin proves willing to cross dangerous lines to get what she wants.

Genres: Christmas

121 pages, Paperback

Published December 19, 2025

Reviews

[Lala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yeah once again Tanisha Stewart with J.R. Mason's help have left me with my mouth agape!

Jasmin is set on her parents being back together, but for a 10 year old she was calculated and smooth with it. There is even a part of the story where they are talking to Jasmin about art and I'm thinking she'll respond with something like "I like drawing dead people" or "my favorite thing to draw is dead people". Jasmin said something close to that and I will be blowing up Tanisha Stewart about that come tomorrow!! I don't know of a moment where I did not think that Jasmin should just let this go and let her parents be. Simultaneously I kept looking at Jasmin's dad like "man you're messy" 🤣

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Holiday Thriller

4.5 ⭐️ | Listen.. Jasmin was a force to be reckoned with, however in some instances she was pushed lol.. Make no mistake, I never want to encounter a Jasmin & I can only imagine her as a teenager & adult — as I’m sure her mischievous ways will only magnify as she gets older. This was a great Christmas thriller holiday read that will be a memorable one for me! Tanisha can definitely continue Jasmin’s story if she chooses to!

[Alicia J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

What threw me off was the conversation and manipulation this 10 year old had. She seemed too “grown” for the actions of a 10 year old and it would have been more believable if she was a teen. The plot twist at the end, I guessed early on. If you’re interested in a book about ways to get your family back, read this one.

[Elonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisty Twist!

Jasmine, poor little Jasmine. She wanted what she wanted by any means necessary. I didn’t see the end ending this way. Although, I questioned Jasmine’s ability to accomplish what she did! Quick Christmas read!

[BrownBookNerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a short read but too good!

[Azriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jasmin knew what she wanted and wasn’t going to stop until she got it! This is a fast paced thriller that felt realistic- and this is coming from a mom of a 10 year old! Kids at this age are at that awkward stage where they’re transitioning from elementary into middle school, so they’re starting to test the limits and some can even be manipulative. They’re often smarter than we think! So Tanisha Stewart was SPOT on with Jasmin’s actions being appropriate. Oh, and the makeup scene! LOL!. Preteens today are obsessed with skin care and makeup… so this plus Jasmin scaring Sienna straight had me like 😳.
Although I was able to guess the big twist, it didn’t take away from how enjoyable this story was. Jasmin is a great example of, if you want something, fight for it.
If you’re looking for a fast paced, short holiday thriller, this is one that you’ll want to pick up and read!

[Reading_Utopia! · Rating 4 out of 5]

A One-Of-A-Kind Christmas Thriller!

Tanisha Stewart swooped in and stole my entire weekend like the Grinch snatching Christmas! I couldn’t put down her holiday thriller, All I Want For Christmas Is You! From the moment I dove into the story, I was captivated by the enchanting character of 10-year-old Jasmin, who is both calculating and determined. There's something irresistible about tales featuring eccentric, or perhaps sociopathic, children, and Jasmin certainly fits the bill. Devastated by her parents' split, the tenacious FMC sets out on a mission to reunite them before Christmas at any cost. I was all in and loved every chaotic moment of it!

[Eros Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

“After all, Christmas was coming. And all Jasmine wanted was her family back—no matter what it took.”

This was a wild ride! I love a solid thriller. The storyline being centered around the holidays is a plus.

-“Orphan” movie vibes
-10 y/o unhinged FMC
-separated parents
-forced proximity
-chaotic plot
-90ish pages

If you work with kids, then you know that the lengths Jasmin went through to try to get her parents back together were chaotic but not unrealistic.

While I found moments predictable, it didn’t take away my enjoyment of this fast-paced novella!

[GlitterWater79 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Went looking for a holiday thriller/suspense and my sister saw this on TikTok and sent it my way. I’d recently read another novella by this author and didn’t love it, but I wanted to give them another read and this looked right. As with the last book I read by them, this was a good concept but not well executed. The twist was good though, but it just dragged on more than it should to get there. Would have been better as a short story than a novella because there was a bit of repetition.

[Kenna McNair · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, thank you to Tanisha Stewart for the ARC. She consistently delivers a writing style that I truly enjoy.

Jasmin was determined—at any cost—to get what she wanted for Christmas. With her parents going through a divorce, she was willing to do whatever it took to try to bring her family back together. Sienna and her mother went through so much while dealing with Jasmin and the carefully planned strategy she used to get her father home for the holidays.

The ending completely shocked me, even though I had a slight suspicion about who was really behind everything. Overall, this was a great, fast-paced read that kept me engaged until the end.

[Tisa Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jasmine is a mess..

Good story, of a 10 year old that’s was definitely getting what she wanted for Christmas by any means necessary… this quick read was great!

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

All I’m gonna say is, get ready for Jasmin. I can guarantee that you will not be ready for the twists and turns.

[Urania Urania · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't play with a girl on a mission

Baby girl had a mission and she did what she had to do by any means to get what she wanted I enjoyed this quick read and would recommend

[reading mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hello, Jasmine do you need therapy asap??? Yes bae you do! This was a great short read with a lovely twist!

[Shannan Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, Tanisha Stewart has done it again. A very quick read, but exciting and entertaining none the less. I was shocked and scarred and by the end of the book, I was astonished and mesmerized. But I expect nothing less from her. And although its Christmas themed, nothing is sweet nor cozy about this book. Loved it

[Detra.honeyblonde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jasmin- that little girl is a hot mess. Don’t be an obstacle in her way. That mom is just as bad. I have to say she played her role very well. Quick little Christmas read that will keep your attention. I loved how the Audibook dramatize with background sounds.

[Jessica Womble · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars

All I Want for Christmas Is You by Tanisha Stewart is everything I want in a holiday thriller—and then some. This wasn’t just a Christmas-set suspense; it was dark, unsettling, and emotionally layered in the way only Tanisha Stewart can deliver.

From the very first chapter, the story pulls you into a sinister atmosphere that feels festive on the surface but deeply disturbing underneath. The pacing is fast and relentless, making this one of those “just one more chapter” reads that quickly turns into I finished the whole book in one sitting. 🎄🔪

What truly sets this story apart is how seamlessly it weaves real-life issues impacting young kids into the narrative without ever feeling heavy-handed. It adds depth, realism, and emotional weight, making the suspense hit even harder. The tension isn’t just about what’s happening—it’s about why it’s happening, and that’s what makes this thriller so effective.

Tanisha Stewart once again proves why she’s the queen of sinister storytelling. Her ability to balance dread, heart, and shock is unmatched. Every reveal lands, every twist feels earned, and the unease lingers long after the final page. This is the kind of thriller that reminds you that holiday cheer doesn’t always mean safe… or sweet.

If you’re looking for a Christmas thriller that’s bold, chilling, and unforgettable, put this at the very top of your TBR. Trust me—this one hits all the right notes. 🎄🖤

[Shunita O · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for cozy holiday cheer—this is not that book.

If you’re craving tinsel-wrapped terror, sociopathic obsession, and psychological dread dressed up as Christmas magic—welcome home. All I Want for Christmas Is You by Tanisha Stewart is a deliciously unsettling holiday thriller that takes the familiar warmth of Christmas and twists it into something sharp, predatory, and deeply wrong. This Christmas thriller delivers a menacing, razor-sharp FMC whose innocence is only surface-deep. At the heart of the story is a young girl with one singular desire: to get her parents back together. But this isn’t wishful thinking or childish hope — it’s a calculated, escalating campaign fueled by resentment.

The antagonist isn’t just dangerous; they’re calculated, obsessive, and emotionally hollow, the kind of sociopathic presence that smiles sweetly while planning your undoing. Their fixation feels intimate, invasive, and terrifyingly patient.

This book will leave you:
• Side-eyeing Jasmine
• Questioning how far she is willing to go to her family back.
• Stunned by this young girl who is clever, and absolutely unhinged

If you love psychological suspense, morally twisted characters, and holiday thrillers that go for the throat, this one belongs at the top of your winter TBR.
5 star read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[alissa a ᖭིᖫྀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

jasmin really said ‘move over grinch, i’m the one stealing christmas back.’ 🎁💅🏽

❛❜Jasmin knew what she had to do. If her parents wouldn’t fix this themselves, she would have to do it for them.❛❜

𝘮𝘺 𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

𝘮𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸: yall already know, anything that Ms.Tanisha Stewart writes ima read it, she outdid herself with this book—i didn’t read the synopsis at all, i went in blindly😭…jasmin knew EXACTLY what she wanted for Christmas, and i wasn’t even mad at her for it! 👏🏽 watching her family dynamic crumble because of her dad’s new girlfriend was tough, but jasmin is wayyy too smart for her own good. she did ANYTHING and everything to get her family back. i gave this 4 stars because it was just so fun to read. the school drama between her and sienna (the girlfriend’s daughter) i was literally saying “got damn” out loud. the back-and-forth was top-tier. 🍿, and i loved how fast the story moved. the chapters were short and kept me hooked, i had a feeling, but then i didn’t... and then that reveal of who helped her?! 🤏🏽 now that is how you get your family back. the way she handled the “new girlfriend” situation was wild, but that ending? i’m still thinking about who helped her. 🤏🏽 10/10 for the strategy!

nobody got hurt (physically, anyway lol), and i’m just glad it all worked out. if you want a quick, spicy holiday read, grab this one!

[Nacia Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tanisha Stewart really has that pull you in and don’t let go kind of writing. The moment you start All I Want For Christmas Is You, you’re locked in, no snacks, no scrolling, just vibes. This is a short holiday read, but baby… it packs a punch.

Enter Jasmine, a very determined 10-year-old who is on a full-blown mission to get her parents back together after their divorce. Her dad has moved on, and Jasmine? She said absolutely not on my watch, especially not before Christmas. Sis wanted her family back under one roof and was willing to do whatever it took.

And when I say whatever… whew. The manipulation, the scheming, the little kid mind games? INSANE. Jasmine had me clutching my pearls and rolling my eyes like, “Is it really this serious??” 😭 At one point I was ready to tap in and say, “Ma’am, please exit grown folks’ business and let your parents figure this out.”

That said, this book is fast-paced and messy in the best way/ You’ll be turning pages quickly while simultaneously shaking your head at Jasmine’s antics. She definitely got on my nerves (which is why it’s a solid four stars for me), but she also made this story wildly entertaining.

If you want a quick holiday read with drama, chaos, and a child who refuses to mind her business, this one will absolutely keep you entertained.

[Sonja Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who cares about Santa's naughty or nice list when you have sinister skills? Jasmine is not like most 10-year-old girls. She is a deviant, resourceful chip of the old block. Jasmine knows what she wants for Christmas, and it is not sold in stores nor can Santa’s elves make it. Jasmine wants her family back and is willing to make it happen by any means necessary.

When Jasmine's father decides to relocate to another family a few blocks away, this does not go over well with Jasmine or her mother, Malia. She was not about to let Seinna and Shanika break up, the only “happy home” she and her mother knew. Jasmine had a plan to get her father back by Christmas, and she had two weeks to do it. Phase One: Eliminates the competition of Seinna as the new step in daughter. Phase Two: Shanika was not going to be the new stepmother to Jasmine. Phase Three: Her father would be forced to see the truth that Jasmine wanted him to see, after all, she is his “baby girl.”

Reading this, one would think that Jasmine was the one in control. But with the twist in this one; it gives the reader just the right amount of thrill. This one had me rooting for the underdog or villain (depends on how you look at it), LOL.

I recommend this short Christmas read to anyone looking for a thriller with the perfect twist.

[Sherley's Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

You ever read a book that’s so good that you just don’t want it to end! Well, this was me while reading. This book was a full-on thriller that took me on a roller coaster ride from start to finish.

This book is a reminder that children are smarter than we think. They hear and see more than we know and when they put their minds to something…my goodness, they get things done!

Jasmine, our main character, may have only been ten years old, but make no mistake, this little girl was no fool. She knew what she wanted and was bold, and dare I say, crazy enough to go after it. Jasmine and her antics had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. You never knew what this little girl was gonna get into! Gobsmacked, yeah, that was me.

Now that ending?! Tanisha, how do you come up with this stuff?! It was so good. I did not see that one coming y’all. All I could think was, the apple certainly does not fall far from the tree. What started as a grim Christmas turned into something completely different. This book was intense, shocking, thrilling, and so well done! 10/10 I would definitely recommend!

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Is Not Calm This Christmas

Tanisha Stewart delivers yet another captivating holiday tale with All I Want for Christmas. If you’re searching for a quick, festive read with a sharp edge, this one fits the bill perfectly.

Jasmin is determined to have her family together for Christmas—no matter the cost. Standing in her way are Sienna and Sienna’s mother, Shanika. But Jasmin is both clever and calculating. With the help of an unexpected ally in the gaming room, she orchestrates a series of carefully planned events designed to reunite her family on her terms.

The story unfolds with several surprising moments that keep the pages turning. While Jasmin ultimately gets what she wants, the final twist is anything but predictable—and it genuinely caught me off guard.

Tanisha Stewart’s writing is engaging, fast-paced, and addictive. If you enjoy holiday stories with drama, intrigue, and a little danger wrapped in Christmas cheer, this is a must-read. Just remember… be careful of Jasmin. 😁

[ZaKiyyah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Team Jasmin and…

Oooou, I knew it! Anyway, as a fellow daddy’s girl, I’m here for it — Team Jasmin all day! Determined, focused, and unapologetic about going after exactly what she wanted for Christmas! She honestly would’ve made a great friend and teammate to Scarlett from Brandon Massey’s Bad Influence — the vibes definitely matched.

What really topped the tree was the mysterious teammate who stepped in at just the right moments, helping guide and execute Jasmin’s plans perfectly. (Team them, also!) Everything came together so smoothly, it was impossible not to root for her.

All I Want for Christmas Is You was a great Christmas and family-centered story — by none other than the Queen of Plot Twists!

[Ju Berrymore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stay in a child's place!

Jasmine is what happens when 10 year olds don't stay in a child's place! All she wants for Christmas is for her parents to stay together. But when her father moves on with a new woman, Jasmine takes it upon herself to get rid of the threat to her parent's reconciliation. This little girl is unhinged and more intelligent and manipulative than some adults which is what makes her behavior so unnerving. The closer she got to her Christmas deadline, the more my heart pounded as tension escalated, leaving me hanging on the edge of my seat. This is a great holiday thriller with a twist that made me want to throw my kindle across the room!

[J.R. Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so FIRST of all...

Jasmin was an entire sociopath - cunning, slick AF, methodical, SMART, devious, and a whole host of other disturbing adjectives for a 10-year-old. Now my problem is, why somebody say to me, "Oh, she could probably be YOUR daughter!" Excuse me!? Just because I am slightly unhinged does not mean that I would produce questionable members of society. Let's just put this where it BELONGS! That could be TANISHA'S daughter... After all, she DID write the book! Not gon lie, I'm considering using some of Jasmin's tactics to snag mySELF a man for the holidays... Go read the book!

[Khatreenah · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing Tanisha Stewart is going to do — is give us a whole story in only a few pages. Idk how she does it. In less than 100 pages, she gave us an entire story WITH twists! This book gave us background on the situation, the goal, how it was to be achieved, and the outcome. I definitely recommend reading this book — especially at Christmas! 😈 Jasmin is wild!!

As a mood reader with ADHD, I love a good story but sometimes get overwhelmed if it’s too long or too many in a series. Tanisha is heaven-sent.

[Krista Beckwith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not even gonna hold you…little Jasmin reminded me of myself when my parents THOUGHT they were gonna split up. They thought it, they tried it but me and my brother had other plans for them. She went through great lengths just as I did to make sure her parents stayed together. In the end, she did what needed to be done to keep her family together. I didn’t see Malia’s part in the scheme coming but it was a happy lil ending that I can get behind.

[Kswag · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not expecting to be creeped out by the devious mind of an adolescent and it was a pleasant surprise. Give me a book where the sinister mayhem that transpires is at the hands of a kid and I am locked in.

This was quick paced read.. I will say that the plot twist was a bit predictable as I knew a bit early on what was happening and perhaps that was intentional I’m not sure all in all a fun read

[Lakasha Brooks]

Baby! Let me tell you, as I read this book (as a mother), it made me open my eyes that our kids are not as innocent as we want them to be. They are wiser than we were growing up. Jasmine was determined to get her parents back together no matter what. But to find out the ending (not to give away) you just never know who you come into contact with on the internet..... in this case it worked in their favor