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Wicked Witches of the Midwest Shorts #5
The Christmas Witch
It’s the winter of 1995, and the Winchester household is more doom and gloom than mistletoe and merriment.
Young Bay, Clove and Thistle are anything but happy. They’re facing their first Christmas without their fathers, and no matter how hard their mothers try, they just can’t seem to get the girls to embrace this festive time of year.
Between the lack of snow, which the girls firmly believe brings magic, and Hemlock Cove’s local Santa Claus going missing, things continue to go wrong instead of right.
Christmas has never been Aunt Tillie’s favorite time of year. She thinks the only thing snow is good for is plowing, and the only reason she likes Santa Claus is because he brings her presents. All of that changes when she’s forced to spend time with three miserable little girls – and the pall they’re casting over the entire town.
Instead of letting them wallow, Aunt Tillie decides to take them on an adventure. They’re going to find Santa. They’re going to make it snow. Oh, and Aunt Tillie is going to get what she wants for Christmas – even if her nieces keep saying no.
It’s Aunt Tillie to the rescue, and she’s bound and determined her family is going to have a happy holiday – even if she has to make everyone miserable during the process.
Young Bay, Clove and Thistle are anything but happy. They’re facing their first Christmas without their fathers, and no matter how hard their mothers try, they just can’t seem to get the girls to embrace this festive time of year.
Between the lack of snow, which the girls firmly believe brings magic, and Hemlock Cove’s local Santa Claus going missing, things continue to go wrong instead of right.
Christmas has never been Aunt Tillie’s favorite time of year. She thinks the only thing snow is good for is plowing, and the only reason she likes Santa Claus is because he brings her presents. All of that changes when she’s forced to spend time with three miserable little girls – and the pall they’re casting over the entire town.
Instead of letting them wallow, Aunt Tillie decides to take them on an adventure. They’re going to find Santa. They’re going to make it snow. Oh, and Aunt Tillie is going to get what she wants for Christmas – even if her nieces keep saying no.
It’s Aunt Tillie to the rescue, and she’s bound and determined her family is going to have a happy holiday – even if she has to make everyone miserable during the process.
107 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2015
455 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
About the author
Amanda M. Lee
304 books2,899 followersWhen I was a kid, I was torn between whether or not I was going to grow up and be the Incredible Hulk or Wonder Woman. I flirted with being a Jedi Knight for awhile, but I wasn't up for the intense travel associated with the gig. In my teens, I settled on being a writer -- although I had no idea the effort that would entail.
Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.
Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
October 7, 2022
The worst babysitter ever lol
Gosh I love Aunt Tillie. She makes sure everyone sees her as a crazy old woman, but she a big softy for her little niece's. Aunt Tillie saves Christmas after all.
Gosh I love Aunt Tillie. She makes sure everyone sees her as a crazy old woman, but she a big softy for her little niece's. Aunt Tillie saves Christmas after all.
April 15, 2017
Aunt Tillie is a hoot!
June 4, 2025
Aunt Tillie saves Christmas
Who would have known it that Aunt Tillie is a big softie?! Well, in this book she is.
This is from Aunt Tillie's first person POV. She sure spends a lot of time with the girls Clove, Bay, and Thistle. The cousins are 7, 9, and 8 respectively. They're also very smart, whily, snarky, and wise beyond their years... just like their Great Aunt Tillie.
In fact, this book intertwines with a book from the Fantasy series by Lee. It's the book when everyone is sent back in Tillie's memories when she is in a coma. Bay and Landon go to the past and see Terry as Santa Claus. Bay, Clove, and Thistle get Sugar from him - Aunt Tillie's doing.
Very cute!
Next is Bewitched.
Who would have known it that Aunt Tillie is a big softie?! Well, in this book she is.
This is from Aunt Tillie's first person POV. She sure spends a lot of time with the girls Clove, Bay, and Thistle. The cousins are 7, 9, and 8 respectively. They're also very smart, whily, snarky, and wise beyond their years... just like their Great Aunt Tillie.
In fact, this book intertwines with a book from the Fantasy series by Lee. It's the book when everyone is sent back in Tillie's memories when she is in a coma. Bay and Landon go to the past and see Terry as Santa Claus. Bay, Clove, and Thistle get Sugar from him - Aunt Tillie's doing.
Very cute!
Next is Bewitched.
May 22, 2017
Everybody should have an Aunt Tillie
Great to get a story for Tillies point of view. The lady has a unique way of looking at the world, is only happy when she gets her own way, can be totally obnoxious for no reqson and it's always impossible to outwit her. The one place you do not want to find yourself is at the top of her list as that means being cursed (either with a hairy lip, smelling like bacon, unable to say anything bad to anyone, finding all your pants no longer fit) you get the idea. But Tillie also has a heart of gold, hidden well though it is, she loves her family with all she has and woe betide anybody who tries to hurt another girls (both generations). In this story which is just the perfect length, the girls are around nine years of age and are adjusting to home life without their father's for the first Christmas. Santa disappears, there's no snow and no chance of a puppy, Bay is convinced the holidays are ruined and is convincing Clove and Thistle too. Aunt Tillie to the rescue, whatever it takes her niece's are going to have the Christmas the want. Great read.
Great to get a story for Tillies point of view. The lady has a unique way of looking at the world, is only happy when she gets her own way, can be totally obnoxious for no reqson and it's always impossible to outwit her. The one place you do not want to find yourself is at the top of her list as that means being cursed (either with a hairy lip, smelling like bacon, unable to say anything bad to anyone, finding all your pants no longer fit) you get the idea. But Tillie also has a heart of gold, hidden well though it is, she loves her family with all she has and woe betide anybody who tries to hurt another girls (both generations). In this story which is just the perfect length, the girls are around nine years of age and are adjusting to home life without their father's for the first Christmas. Santa disappears, there's no snow and no chance of a puppy, Bay is convinced the holidays are ruined and is convincing Clove and Thistle too. Aunt Tillie to the rescue, whatever it takes her niece's are going to have the Christmas the want. Great read.
May 21, 2019
Another of the good books by Amanda Lee. This one takes place in the past when Clove, Thistle and Bay were under 10 years old. It's Christmas time and they are badgering the adults for a puppy. The answer is a firm no.
There's also no snow scheduled for Christmas and the man that plays Santa Claus at the city celebration has gone missing. There's also the problem of whether or not the three kids really believe in Santa or have they moved on to realizing Santa does not really exist?
The town is still named Walkerville, by the way, and has not changed its name to Hemlock Cove.
The narrator and main person who has to solve problems is Aunt Tillie and that gives us a unique view with the entire book letting us learn more about just how she thinks and just what she believes.
No snow? Maybe Aunt Tillie can solve that. She's the strongest witch in the Midwest (as she will let nearly anyone know.)
No Santa? That's another problem. Maybe it's time for an investigation?
Another good book and, as usual, another satisfactory ending.
There's also no snow scheduled for Christmas and the man that plays Santa Claus at the city celebration has gone missing. There's also the problem of whether or not the three kids really believe in Santa or have they moved on to realizing Santa does not really exist?
The town is still named Walkerville, by the way, and has not changed its name to Hemlock Cove.
The narrator and main person who has to solve problems is Aunt Tillie and that gives us a unique view with the entire book letting us learn more about just how she thinks and just what she believes.
No snow? Maybe Aunt Tillie can solve that. She's the strongest witch in the Midwest (as she will let nearly anyone know.)
No Santa? That's another problem. Maybe it's time for an investigation?
Another good book and, as usual, another satisfactory ending.
November 18, 2020
4.5 Stars... Aunt Tillie is in charge of saving Christmas! Now you know there is a good story behind that statement! This short story takes readers back in time when a young Bay, Thistle, and Clove are rearing from the recent loss of their fathers and Christmas is quickly approaching... No snow and no Santa only add to the catastrophic outcomes that could occur if not for Aunt Tillie! Filled with all the snarky humor we love from the Winchester brood as well as moments of heart that gel this family together, this read was pure perfection in setting the stage for the holidays fast approaching... I also loved that we witnessed some very tender moments with Aunt Tillie as she received a beautiful Christmas gift... A holiday joy from start to finish:)
April 13, 2020
Perfect Christmas Story!
The dads have left; all three of them, and Bay is convinced that Christmas will be ruined this year. When the town Santa doesn't show up at the end of the Christmas pagent, as he always has, she is even more sure if it.
Don't worry though. Aunt Tilly has promised to save Christmas.
Will there be snow, even though all the weather casters are saying it's not going to happen this year?
Where is Santa?
Will Bay, Thistle, and Clove get the puppy they desperately want, even though Aunt Tilly has vetoed the idea in no uncertain terms?
Don't ask me. I'm no Christmas Grinch. You'll have to read the story to find out!
The dads have left; all three of them, and Bay is convinced that Christmas will be ruined this year. When the town Santa doesn't show up at the end of the Christmas pagent, as he always has, she is even more sure if it.
Don't worry though. Aunt Tilly has promised to save Christmas.
Will there be snow, even though all the weather casters are saying it's not going to happen this year?
Where is Santa?
Will Bay, Thistle, and Clove get the puppy they desperately want, even though Aunt Tilly has vetoed the idea in no uncertain terms?
Don't ask me. I'm no Christmas Grinch. You'll have to read the story to find out!
January 24, 2019
I really love this series. And the shorts are great. They go back and fill in gaps and character history and give you a better insight to the characters.
This one is one of my favorites. I love the story. I dont want to add spoilers but it's a great read and it's fun to read the story from Aunt Tillie's point of view.
This one is one of my favorites. I love the story. I dont want to add spoilers but it's a great read and it's fun to read the story from Aunt Tillie's point of view.
August 31, 2019
I kind of liked it.
It was an interesting take on Christmas. I like that Aunt Tillie was the narrator, and that we kind of got to meet Uncle Calvin. What I don’t like is the kids were kind of being brats, mostly Bay. I get that she was depressed, but it seems to me like she didn’t really understand the point of Christmas.
It was an interesting take on Christmas. I like that Aunt Tillie was the narrator, and that we kind of got to meet Uncle Calvin. What I don’t like is the kids were kind of being brats, mostly Bay. I get that she was depressed, but it seems to me like she didn’t really understand the point of Christmas.
December 27, 2020
Really good.
This might just be my favorite Christmas story. I loved that it is told from Aunt Tillie's POV. The story and characters were intriguing and engaging as always. I look forward to reading more about these characters and their further adventures. This book is definitely worth reading.
This might just be my favorite Christmas story. I loved that it is told from Aunt Tillie's POV. The story and characters were intriguing and engaging as always. I look forward to reading more about these characters and their further adventures. This book is definitely worth reading.
December 16, 2022
What a cute story and a look inside the lives of younger Bay, Thistle, and Clove with their Aunt Tillie. Aunt Tillie really is a softie when it comes to those three. She always has their backs. She really needs to buckle down and have witch school again with them to really get in shape for their future.
May 13, 2023
Good read
This short story is the most heartwrenching of the series. It is told by Aunt Tillie and shows her actual feelings for her nieces and great nieces....actions speak louder than words. It takes place shortly after the girls' fathers moved away. The antics and reparte between Aunt Tillie and the girls are laugh-out-loud hilarious and very well written. Highly recommend.
This short story is the most heartwrenching of the series. It is told by Aunt Tillie and shows her actual feelings for her nieces and great nieces....actions speak louder than words. It takes place shortly after the girls' fathers moved away. The antics and reparte between Aunt Tillie and the girls are laugh-out-loud hilarious and very well written. Highly recommend.
December 19, 2025
just perfect for Christmas
I’ve read many of these books and I love the Winchester Witches. I think this is my favorite one. It shows a side of Aunt Tillie you knew was there, but it’s heartwarming to have the whole story centered around that side of her. Quick read, well worth it!
I’ve read many of these books and I love the Winchester Witches. I think this is my favorite one. It shows a side of Aunt Tillie you knew was there, but it’s heartwarming to have the whole story centered around that side of her. Quick read, well worth it!
December 19, 2016
Love Aunt Tillie
Love Aunt Tillie. Such a heart warming background story for her. Fun to see the girls forming their unique personalities. Will continue to encourage friends and family to read this series.
Love Aunt Tillie. Such a heart warming background story for her. Fun to see the girls forming their unique personalities. Will continue to encourage friends and family to read this series.
February 6, 2019
SOMETIMES DREAMS COME TRUE
The girls had a very hard year and had their hearts set on a puppy. First there's no snow. Aunt Tillie fixes that. Then Santa is missing. Aunt Tillie finds him and replaces him. Santa then brings a puppy for the girls.
The girls had a very hard year and had their hearts set on a puppy. First there's no snow. Aunt Tillie fixes that. Then Santa is missing. Aunt Tillie finds him and replaces him. Santa then brings a puppy for the girls.
March 31, 2020
One of my favorite Winchester stories
I love this series, it is very well written and the story line is great. This story is especially sweet. I can't stop reading and look forward to more stories about the Winchester Witches
I love this series, it is very well written and the story line is great. This story is especially sweet. I can't stop reading and look forward to more stories about the Winchester Witches
August 26, 2020
A delightful Christmas short
It's amusing to watch Christmas being saved...Aunt Tillie-style! She may not be all "mistletoe kisses" but love for her family runs deep under her curmudgeonly front . Enjoy!
It's amusing to watch Christmas being saved...Aunt Tillie-style! She may not be all "mistletoe kisses" but love for her family runs deep under her curmudgeonly front . Enjoy!
November 4, 2021
Santa is missing at Christmas
Tillie's POV. This is the first Christmas after the fathers left and Bay especially is taking it hard. No snow, Santa is missing, and the girls want a puppy. A very touching story.
Tillie's POV. This is the first Christmas after the fathers left and Bay especially is taking it hard. No snow, Santa is missing, and the girls want a puppy. A very touching story.
December 26, 2021
I love Aunt Tillie!
Aunt Tillie's perspective is as refreshing and snarky as one would wish. She is unabashedly herself, loves her neices and great neices, and is the wonderful, fun-loving aunt and grandma everyone wishes were in the house!
Aunt Tillie's perspective is as refreshing and snarky as one would wish. She is unabashedly herself, loves her neices and great neices, and is the wonderful, fun-loving aunt and grandma everyone wishes were in the house!
January 8, 2023
A great short book
This book is a good read. Easy to get into and fun to read, even if you haven't read the other books in this series. Plus Aunt Tillie is the best! I think we all need one!
This book is a good read. Easy to get into and fun to read, even if you haven't read the other books in this series. Plus Aunt Tillie is the best! I think we all need one!
December 2, 2023
whatever
I might be being too harsh on this rating, but this was a typical Christmas story. It was told from the prospective event. The end was what you expected after you were about five pages in. And there was not much of a mystery.
I might be being too harsh on this rating, but this was a typical Christmas story. It was told from the prospective event. The end was what you expected after you were about five pages in. And there was not much of a mystery.
January 8, 2024
How Tillie Saved Christmas
Santa is missing, there's no snow, and the girls are missing their fathers. It's up to Aunt Tillie to save the day. This is the story of Bay's most magical Christmas from Aunt Tillie's perspective.
Santa is missing, there's no snow, and the girls are missing their fathers. It's up to Aunt Tillie to save the day. This is the story of Bay's most magical Christmas from Aunt Tillie's perspective.
July 19, 2017
Great
Aunt Tillie told this tale and in her way. Very fun to read and makes you love Aunt Tillie more
Aunt Tillie told this tale and in her way. Very fun to read and makes you love Aunt Tillie more
August 17, 2017
A Christmas Twist in Time
Journey back in time with the Winchester witches as this tale is in the voice of Aunt Tillie and gives a glimpse into a Christmas past.
Journey back in time with the Winchester witches as this tale is in the voice of Aunt Tillie and gives a glimpse into a Christmas past.
March 1, 2018
Just cute little stories!
May 8, 2018
Love this series
I am reading all of the series. It's fun I laugh and can't wait to find out what happens next.
I am reading all of the series. It's fun I laugh and can't wait to find out what happens next.
September 6, 2018
Good Read
Aunt Tilley is just the most awesome character ever written. The need to fix a Christmas that seems broken and the lessons along the way. Just enjoy this series
Aunt Tilley is just the most awesome character ever written. The need to fix a Christmas that seems broken and the lessons along the way. Just enjoy this series
August 13, 2020
This story is too cute, now I want a puppy, too...
January 5, 2021
Another
Good read. I do like the books set in the past and this was really good. I knew Terry would save the day.
Good read. I do like the books set in the past and this was really good. I knew Terry would save the day.
April 7, 2021
love reading about the Shenanigan that aunt Tillie, Bay, Thistle and Clove pull and how they can make me laugh and cry. Don't care how the narrator keeps changing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews