Finding Father Christmas & Engaging Father Christmas: Two Novellas

Father Christmas #1-2

by Robin Jones Gunn

By beloved author Robin Jones Gunn, two timeless, heartwarming Christmas novellas bound together for the first time in an omnibus edition.In Finding Christmas, Miranda Carson's search for her father leads her unexpectedly to London with only a few feeble clues as to who he might be. Immediately welcomed into a family that doesn't recognize her, and whom she's quickly coming to love, she faces a terrible decision. Should she reveal her true identity and destroy their idyllic image of her father? Or should she carry the truth home with her to San Francisco and remain alone in this world? Whatever choice she makes during this London Christmas will forever change the future for both herself and the family she can't bear to leave. In Engaging Father Christmas Miranda Carson can't wait to return to England for Christmas and to be with her boyfriend, Ian. She has spent a lifetime yearning for a place to call home, and she's sure Carlton Heath will be it, especially when a hinted-at engagement ring slips into the conversation. But Miranda's high hopes for a jolly Christmas with the small circle of people she has come to love are toppled when Ian's father is hospitalized and the matriarch of the Whitcombe family withholds her blessing from Miranda. Questions run rampant in Miranda's mind about whether she really belongs in this cheery corner of the world. Then, when her true identity threatens all her relationships in unanticipated ways, Miranda is certain all is lost. And yet . . . maybe Father Christmas has special gifts in store for her after all.

Genres: Christmas, Christian Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Christian, Contemporary, Christian Romance

332 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2016

About the author

ROBIN JONES GUNN has written more than 100 books with over 6.5 million copies sold worldwide. Her Father Christmas books have been made into three Hallmark Christmas movies. The timeless Christy Miller series now continues in Christy & Todd: The College Years, Married Years, Baby Years, and the Haven Maker series. Robin's novels and non-fiction works include Before Your Tween Daughter Becomes a Woman, Victim of Grace, Praying for Your Future Husband, and Before You Meet Your Future Husband co-authored with Tricia Goyer. Her books have received multiple awards and are a favorite with book clubs and study groups. Many of Robin's books are in eBook, audiobook, large print, and foreign editions. Robin does a weekly Podcast called "Women Worth Knowing" with Cheryl Brodersen. Robin and her husband have a grown son and daughter and live in California.

Reviews

[Kav · Rating 4 out of 5]

Psssst...this is where I hang my head in shame and confess this is my first experience with Robin Jones Gunn's novels. Wwwhhhaaatttt?! I know, I don't understand it either but I'm glad I'm newly acquainted and that my introduction comes via two Christmas reads!

They really read as one, though, in that the first book ends with lots of loose ends and just the hope of romance, which are all picked up again in the second book. I'm just as happy that I got to read them back to back rather than languish with a whole year in-between. :-)

Heartwarming, seasonal stories that pack an emotional wallop. Loved Miranda's journey to finding herself and her Savior through an impulsive jaunt to England in search of her family roots. It isn't anything like she imagined -- sometimes worse -- but eventually better than she could ever hope for. Happy sigh!

The perfect holiday read for fans of classic Christmas tales by the likes of Melanie Carlson, Richard Paul Evans and Debbie Macomber.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little collection is one I can see myself rereading. I loved how it was written in first person, and I really enjoyed the authors writing style. Gunn has a way with words that had me highlighting many sections and phrases. It was a classy, magical read for me.
4.5 stars

[Karen R · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Come in! Come in and know me better!" A fitting description for the first novella in this compilation, when Miranda finds herself in a small English village, looking for the identity of her father based on an old photo and a playbill of her mother's. She ultimately finds her heavenly Father is the one she really needs, and He has arranged for her a series of events to lead her to the truth.
The second book, Engaging Father Christmas, starts a year later with Miranda returning to the same English village near Christmas to reunite with her new love. The truth of who her father was has leaked out somehow, and upset the peace of her family reunion. She longs to find "grace and peace to all who enter", as it says over the doors of her friend's home.
I really enjoyed both of these books! They are everything I like in a Christmas story--touching, meaningful, with a faith element, and a sweet romance in the second one. Both are set in England too, in a small village that puts on A Christmas Carol each year, so the references to the play in each one take on a special meaning for Miranda. The need for forgiveness, family support
and acceptance is key to finding hope and peace in her life. Knowing that God accepts her and sees her as His own is a highlight in the stories.
Recommend these to anyone looking for a tender, meaningful story set at Christmas. 4.5 stars

(An e-copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest, original review.)

[Brandi (Rambles of a SAHM) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally read Finding Father Christmas and Engaging Father Christmas in 2007 and 2008 when the books first came out. I fell in love with the beautiful story of a lonely young woman searching for her father. The stories were engaging and endearing but beyond that they were filled with the true meaning of Christmas.

This year the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Channel put out a film version of Finding Father Christmas. It was a combining of the two novels. There was nothing wrong with the movie, in fact it was a fun Christmas themed movie full of romance. Unfortunately it just didn't give me the same feeling that I had when I had first read the books. So I decided to re-read them.

Oh my friends, you must treat yourself to reading these stories. Finding Father Christmas is so moving it brought me to tears at times. The story has the framework of Dicken's A Christmas Carol. Miranda is on a quest to find out who her father is. Not only does she find her father, she also finds the Father.

Engaging Father Christmas continues the story of Miranda and her newly found family. It takes place a year later and even though there is a lot of happiness, due to Miranda's relationship with Ian, there is also a lot of tension because of who Miranda is. I loved this novel just as much as the first. In this story we see the power of redemption and the healing that it can bring.

I'm excited because there is a third book in the series, Kissing Father Christmas. I am just getting started on it so stay tuned for my reaction. If the first few chapters are a hint . . . it's going to be good!

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Father Christmas - 4.5 stars

Engaging Father Christmas - 4.5 stars

[Devon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely stories

It's been years since I've read a book by Robin Jones Gunn. But this one (or two, I suppose) didn't disappoint. A sweet set of stories with twists and turns just enough to keep me interested, but not stressed about what would happen next. I see there is another follow-up book and I might have to read that one as well!

[maiaisreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm glad I picked this up. It's been sitting on my shelf for two years now. It was a perfect Christmas read. Finding new family is the best. I have enjoyed these two books. It's been fun reading Miranda's story.

4 stars.

[Charity Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoroughly delightful Christmas romance. I loved it was a short read and a different plot.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the publishing of Kissing Father Christmas this year, Faithworks released the first two books together in this trilogy (published 2007 and 2008 respectively) for those who might have missed them. I had not read any of these books so quite enjoyed this volume

In Finding Christmas, we meet Miranda, an American who is searching for her father. She was raised by her single mother not knowing who her father was. On the death of her mother she comes across clues, a picture of a young boy sitting with "Father Christmas" showing the name of the studio that took the picture. The studio is in a small village in England and even the street name is given. She also has her birth certificate that lists her father's name as Jay Ames. With nothing to lose and not wanting to spend another Christmas alone, Miranda books a last minute flight to England to see if she can locate the photography studio to see if they remember anything about the people in the picture. She ends up in a quaint village just in time to see their production of Charles Dicken "A Christmas Carol". She meets some very friendly and welcoming people who invite her to stay for Christmas. While enjoying their Christmas hospitality, friendly natures and loving families, she finds information that will change her life.

In the sequel, Engaging Father Christmas, Miranda has returned to England for Christmas a year later. She's met by Ian, her boyfriend who is also the son of one of the close friends she has made in the village she visited. Miranda's dream of an idyllic Christmas with the man she deeply loves is upset when his father ends up in the hospital with a heart attack. She is staying in the home of her newly discovered family, but all do not welcome her with open arms. There is some tension radiating from one member of her new family. Along with finding her family, Miranda has discovered the love of God and his son Jesus Christ. She had never been a church goer and she was surprised when this feeling snuck up on her unexpectantly. She embraces this and uses her newfound faith to help her cope with the feelings and tensions she encounters in her new life.

I enjoyed these stories. The characters pulled at my emotions. Because neither of these stories is very long, Miranda is the only character that is fully developed. We learn about her life from infancy to the present. The other characters are well written, we just do not get the opportunity to know them as well. I really enjoyed the character of Julie, Miranda's newly discovered niece. She is sweet, uninhibited and honest from the beginning. Her mother is very similar and it is refreshing to see their relationship is so innocent. The other British characters show some of the stereotypical personalities of the highborn Brits, but they do thaw out a little. Ian's parents are extremely welcoming and understanding. I would love to know more about their relationship and what happened to Andrew's first wife. I liked the setting of a small English village at Christmas. The way the traditions of the village were portrayed was fun and interesting. I really enjoyed the fact that the village did their own rendition of A Christmas Carol every year and it was always slightly different.

I recommend this combination of two stories to those who would enjoy a heartwarming Christmas in England with the true spirit of the season revealed. This is wonderful Christian series where the True Spirit of Christmas plays an important role in the story. If you want to read this book with a group, it includes Reading Group Guides at the end of each novella. A great Christmas find. I am now going to read the last one in the trilogy. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a soft spot for holiday romance stories with happily ever after’s, so when I was given the opportunity to read Finding Father Christmas/Engaging Father Christmas I was beyond happy. The first thing that grabbed my attention was the charming cover for the book. The colors remind me of a vintage Christmas card and it just has that cozy holiday feel to it. The stories themselves did not disappoint as I found myself caught up in a lovely and heartwarming story of love, faith and the true reason of the holiday season. I was instantly caught up in Miranda’s story from the very beginning and was ecstatic that both novellas were combined in one book, right at my fingertips, so that I could continue right along without a pause.

These two charming and heartwarming stories are perfect for not only the Christmas season, but for any day of the year. Ms. Gunn’s style of writing is elegant and so beautifully detailed that I felt as though I could actually visualize the story unfolding right before my very eyes. I fell in love with the charming English village and the characters as Miranda searched for the father she never had the opportunity to know and the revelation that her true Father was always with her, providing her with the courage needed to find the truth and discovering so much more.

Grab a cup of your favorite hot beverage, seat in your favorite chair next to a roaring fire and enjoy both of these clean, inspiring and enchanting stories that will be sure to get you in the Christmas spirit and give you that warm and cozy feeling that we all crave and desire.

[Deon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series should be read in order.

[Lillian B (Kaladin Stormblessed version) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐
(Possible triggers/content will be listed at bottom)
I watched the movie first. I know, I know, you should always read the book first, so you don't draw any CONCLUSIONS from the movie.
Because I did. But let me be honest with you--the book was better. I liked Mark's and Mirandas character arc in the book, (and I loved Ian's Scottish accent too, ofc)

ROMANCE:
The first book, finding father Christmas, was not a romance. She doesn't meet Ian until the end of it, and do you wanna know what I think? This would've made a good enemies to lovers with another book in between. A little bit more romance in book two, but nothing more than sweet kisses and an engagement. *squeals* I liked Ian's proposal in the movie better, though. It was so much more romantic.

WRITING STYLE:
First person pov
Past tense
Easy to follow, and I stayed up late reading this. I honestly got really bored while reading, though, and considered dnfing this book multiple times. But I powered through because I watched the movie first and wanted to see Ian's proposal. And also, I did not find myself correcting this book. (That's a compliment. As an writer, correcting published books comes as a second nature to me.

PLOT:
Great plot, easy to follow. This was not quite as dramatic as the movies plot which I appreciated. You have the main plot with Miranda finding her father, and then subplots with Ian, Mark, and little Julie.

CHARACTERS:
Miranda is SUCH a great character in this book!! I loved seeing her character arc, and Margarets. I don't care if this sounds funny--those were my two favorite character arcs.
My favorite side character was Julie. She's SOO cute!!
A little too perfect for a five year old, but the movie didn't do her justice. All of the characters had great arcs, (which I always appreciate), and Ellie was so fun!! Again, the movie didn't do her justice.

FAITH CONTENT:
And this was the number one selling point of the book over the movie: its a Christian book!! I love Christian fiction, if you didn't know, so I loved seeing Miranda come close to God. I do feel like the change was slightly abrupt, she's like, I'm not going to church! One day.
And then later that same day she's trusting in God again. I mean, I'm not complaining. I still really liked it.
Overall, this was a good book. I'm probably not the target age which is why I was getting bored, but oh well. At least I didn't give in and dnf it. Right?
CW: Content level, clean. Mentions of single parents, its hinted that her mother was unmarried when she had her, no details given. A character gets a heart attack, remembering dead parents, some kisses, all undetailed, Mark and Julie visit dying and sick patients in the hospital.
I would recommend this book for ages 14+, just because younger readers could lose interest.

[Danielle Turko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until she was 9, Miranda knew that Eve Carson the actress was her only parent. After all, you can't just make up a story about a star from heaven giving you a baby. She never had the opportunity to go to school, and her mom's actor friends weren't telling her any different. Then one day her baby sitter told her the truth, and they found her birth certificate, proof that her father did exist somewhere out there. When her mom dies 2 years later, her new guardian tries to find out who Jay Aames is going off of a picture of a child on Father Christmas' lap and a playbill from the Tempest, but to no avail. When she herself dies a few years later, Miranda forces herself to grow up and lie about her age to gain employment, supporting herself at the age of 15. Flash forward more than a decade later and Miranda is using the one hint in the photo of the man she believes to be her father to try and find him at Christmas time. Hoping she's not on a fools errand, she flies to England and goes to the village of Carlton Heath, where she learns far more about her paternal family then she ever thought possible.
A year later, when the second story starts, Miranda knows that Ian is the One. Everyday she is thankful that life brought her to Carlton Heath, where she met the family of Ian. Back in England for Christmas with her newly discovered family, she feels like she still might not be full accepted by them but hopes this trip will change all of that, and hopefully by the end she will have a ring that gives her reason to move to England permanently. But then their secret gets out, and suddenly she finds herself front page of all the papers. Maybe she shouldn't follow her heart, maybe it just leads to disaster.
I really enjoyed this book. Robin Jones Gunn is one of my favourite authors and I've read most of her books, but somehow this Christmas series had escaped my attention until she started filming the movies a couple of years ago. I finally got a chance to read this double novel, and then the third book as well and fully enjoyed them. Most of the first book is spent in Miranda's thoughts, but the second one has more dialogue. There was one inconsistency I noticed, in the firs tone she said she refused to step foot in a theater after discovering her mother had been lying to her, and in the second it said she was in the theater when her mother died, but it's hardly a fact that ruins the book

[SK · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I cracked open the book and read the opening quote “Come in! Come in, and know me better,” I initially thought, why this quote! But after finishing the book, for me, this quote was actually a foreshadowing of the essential questions and answers the book posed, which all pivot on the word father. Miranda never looked for a father, as she never had a father, so she never anticipated she would become part of a family. Miranda and the reader soon realize the spiritual application of “coming in and know, learn and become part of God’s family.”

This book was great, so pleasantly different, in fact, superior to many “Christmas” fiction offerings. It starts a little slow, as you are drawn into Miranda’s rather sad, lonely, even monochromatic world, but as soon as she walks into the Tea Cozy, this book just starts to sing. The setting is so well done; I’m transported to Carlton Heath and experiencing a quaint, English village. This book is also engaging because of the characters that are crafted impeccably. By the end, I felt I really knew each character personally.

We see a transformation in Miranda and also in others. As the secrets concerning Miranda’s parentage and relationship to the Whitcombe family come to light, the public and media make their every movement all but impossible. As a reader, I could feel the tension, worry, and frustration of all the family. Gunn makes you see the ripples that branch out from just one event. If the story had ended with just exposing all the hurt and injury, I would not have rated this book highly. What makes this book remarkable is you can see and understand the perspectives of all the various Whitcombe family members, as well as Miranda’s viewpoint. Then, just like Miranda, I start to view things from a different perspective. The book is powerful as well as empathetic. I’ve read this book twice and at some point, will probably read it again, and again, and again. I’ve seen the Hallmark movie, but honesty, for me the book is better and packs a more powerful punch.

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am still reading Christmas-themed books even though it's now February, and this two-in-one-volume is really the way to go. Because when I finished "Finding Father Christmas" I couldn't wait to continue the story of Miranda and the Whitcombe family. It was as easy as turning the page and beginning "Engaging Father Christmas." So I'm reviewing this as one book since they easily flow together.

This was a heartwarming story of a young American woman who doesn't know who her father is, since her Bohemian actress mother never shares even a clue with Miranda. Orphaned at age 11, Miranda is then raised by a quirky older woman. As a young adult, she finds a photo among her mother's things that leads her to England to search for her father. The first novel tells the story of how she connects with a family of relatives who don't know who she is and what happens when they discover her real reason for meeting them.

The second novel continues the story as the characters and their relationships develop, and there is romance for Miranda. Both stories take place at Christmas time, with warm fireside gatherings, lovely Christmas trees, gift giving, plus costumes and Charles Dickens' play "A Christmas Carol." In addition, the Christmas nativity scene contributes symbolism that meaningfully connects things for Miranda.

I don't want to give anything away, so I have intentionally been vague as to how the plot and relationships develop, but let me just encourage you to read this sweet, well-written story which is touching and satisfying regardless of the time of year.

I have only read one of Gunn's nonfiction books, and this was my introduction to her many novels. I just found out there's a third "Father Christmas" in the series, so I'll be reading that soon.

[Norma Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miranda Carson, the illegitimate daughter of an actress who died years before, is searching for her biological father with few clues and a deep longing to connect. A faded photograph of a young boy sitting on Santa’s lap and an old theater playbill are the sum total of what she has to go by. Is her father’s name on the playbill? There is a photography studio named on the back of the photo. She heads to Carlton Heath, a suburb of London to begin her search.

At the inn where she stays, she begins her search only to find the photography studio has sold and the former owners have moved away. The theater has been renamed to the James Whitcomb Theater and is still intact, getting ready to put on the annual Christmas play. Miranda is invited to a cast party at the Whitcomb mansion by Mrs. Whitcomb. James has passed but his wife still resides as its matriarch. Hesitant to go, Ian wins her over. While at the party, she sees a picture frame with a photo of a little boy sitting on Santa’s lap—her mother’s photo!!!

Miranda is now in another dilemma. Not wanting to upset anyone, how can she find out more? Should she say what she’s discovered and cause distress, especially at this time of year or remain silent? She finally lets Ian know her discovery so he can help with information.

Between the two novellas, there is a heartwarming story of connection and reconnection. Very well written with well-developed characters.

NOTE: Finding Father Christmas is the name of this Hallmark movie but does contain Engaging Father Christmas as well. It is reset in Vermont. Stars Wendie Malick, Erin Krakow, Niall Matter.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Finding Father Christmas, Miranda Carson invites you to be her guest and join her into the book - you literally feel like you are her friend inside the book with her on her journey. Her Mother - an actress - refuses to tell her anything about her Father - her Mother dies and she finds some clues her mother left behind a faded old black and white photo of a child in the lap of Father Christmas and an old playbill of her mother's with an apparent reference to who might be her father in it. Now Father Christmas is only in London, England - so as you and I would do - being her guest we all go to London to find her Father - she goes to London and finds the photo shop and that leads to a small town called Carlton Heath and when she gets there - you will not believe what happens - well she ..........you know I cannot tell you - it would ruin it - you need to go and get it - it is worth every Penney

Now as for the second book Finding Father Christmas, I am not going to say very much - Miranda meets the people in Carlton Heath and they.......well What happens to Miranda? Will she ever meet her Father Christmas? What happens when she gets involved with the town? Is there anything special that happens? Ya'll you have to get this book - it is so worth it.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this two book compilation by Robin Jones Gunn. Miranda's character and unusual upbringing touched my heart with her deep longing to find her father and connect with family. Her encounter with her "Heavenly Father" refreshed my spirit too. Indeed, Ms. Gunn writes with an artist's palette describing everything around Miranda with rich detail and colorful imagery. I felt as if I was traveling along with Miranda experiencing all she experienced. Finding Father Christmas ended very quickly, leaving me wonder about Miranda's ending encounter with Ian. However, I was pleased to find that her relationship with Ian is filled to brimming in Engaging Father Christmas. Both stories are poignant and refreshed my thoughts about the meaning of the Christmas story. The questions at the end make this a good book club choice and encourages readers to consider more than just a happily ever after story.

[Sherry Scheline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this book and realized I had already seen the movie. I hate seeing the movie first because it always throws me off. It had been a long enough that after reading the book I decided to rewatch the movie. It is of course a Hallmark movie. The movie completely redacted the religious aspects so clearly portrayed in the book. The movie had no big reference to Doralee. I felt that this sappy romance story did need the religious component.
I checked the book out on Libby and it is the combination of the two. The book Miranda is from San Francisco and in the movie she is from Seattle. Carlton Heath in the book is a small village in the English countryside. In the movie it is a small town in Vermont. Truth is I like Vermont as a setting. The idea is it is a magical Christmas town and I think Vermont is magical. The book however just had so many really key elements that were left out of the movie.

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

If able I would give this book of two stories a 3.5

I enjoyed the story line, even though the characters weren't fully developed as much as they are in some of Robin Jones Gunn's books. However, I did enjoy the redemptive nature of these stories. The struggle to truly embrace Grace and Peace and to extend it to others was real. The hunger to belong and be known and loved was real. The wrestling with the old habits of keeping others at arms length and staying invisible was expressed well.

I love the revelation of God's Love and welcome for the main character, and the interjection of quotes from Dickens Christmas Carol in her journey.

A nice light and yet meaningful Christmas read!

[Lavender · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is hard to review because it is two separate books. On it's own, I loved the first in the series, and was thoroughly disappointed that the second book was a novella, and not even close to the depth of the first. Mind you, it was enjoyable, but incomparable really! There is also a third book, but it has different main characters and appears to be a spin-off of the characters in the first two books. It is also over-priced for being another novella and I refuse to purchase it right now. I wish that RJG had put as much effort into the second book, as she had in the first. It was enchanting and I loved it!!

[Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am so used to Christian fiction being substandard that I was actually stunned that Finding Father Christmas was well-written, had likable characters, and introduced subjects of faith without preachiness. It also dealt with a difficult subject in a discreet way.

The second novella, Engaging Father Christmas continued with good writing and characterization, but was a lot sappier. And I am not only talking about the lovebirds. The rich kids giving all their Christmas toys to kids in the hospital seemed like too much goodness to be true.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finding Father Christmas: Honestly, it was a little boring for me. All of the dreamy descriptions and constant flashbacks to fake stories her mom had told didn't really do much for me. I really like Julia and Miranda's relationship with her, but the story as a whole kind of fell flat for me.

Engaging Father Christmas: This story was MUCH better. I'm glad I read the two in one collection so these two stories were back to back. I loved Ian and seeing Miranda fit in with his family, as well as her own, was very sweet. This story was much, much better than the first!

[Oruare Ojimadu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Miranda's journey to finding her father and her roots.The past can truly hurt when the wrong decisions are made but then how we react in the present to those mistakes can determine the joy or pain in the future. The Whitcombe family despite the pain caused by past decisions decided to accept and move forward, a step that brought healing and joy. Miranda meeting Ian opened a flood of love that spread wide even as she recieved love completely and found her peace. A beautiful Christmas story of healing, restoration and peace.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this 2 in 1 book after seeing the movie Finding Father Christmas on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries. It was interesting to picture the actors from the movie and read more of the background and details that can't make their way into the movie due to time constraints. Great read for Christmas!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I mostly love about this book was the part in Finding Father Christmas where Miranda realizes that she can't run from God and hide. The Savior is with her always. What a beautiful reminder to all of us! She goes searching for her earthly father and finds out about him and her heavenly Father! Praise God! Again, this author has definitely not disappointed me. Very well done!!!

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding Father Christmas/Engaging Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn is really two sweet stories in one. Miranda grew up never knowing who her father was, and as an adult, she makes a decision to go in search of him. Both stories have a sweet Christmas theme, likable characters, and warm setting. A nice holiday escape!

[Samantha Cornwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a good book!! I had seen the movies and find the books even better :) (as always :D ) I love the sweet story behind them, and feel the pain for Miranda when she gets her answer, but doesn't... So that's sad, but it's a beautiful story.

[Stacey M. Clements · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming

What beautiful books! The settings are so perfectly described that I can see and feel them. The imagery is tender and heartwarming. It brought me to tears more than once.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Books

I really enjoyed reading them. Hallmark has Ade these books into movies and can't wait to see them. I am thinking about reading ng more from this author.