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Christmas Magic is changing and the Kringle Family scrambles to keep up in this fun and romantic, sweet Christmas romance from Author Lucy McConnell.

When Ginger Kringle is branded to wear the magic red suit, she has to fall in love and get married before Christmas Eve to save the family business. After being given a list (Santas love lists!) of potential Mr. Kringles, Ginger heads off to Clearview, Alaska, where she embarks on a mission to save her family, their home, the elves, the reindeer, and Christmas for children across the globe. In her quest, Ginger finds that checking a list has much more to do with her heart than it does her head.

238 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 25, 2016

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517 people want to read

About the author

Lucy McConnell

189 books1,594 followers
Please hit the follow button. I'd love to keep in touch!

Lucy McConnell loves romance, chocolate, Christmas, horses, music, crochet, and fun!

She believes that romance books should:

Keep you up past your bedtime.

Make you laugh out loud.

Have happy endings.

With that in mind, she's written over 200 novels full of fun and flirty characters who navigate the turbulent waters of romance with open hearts and creativity.

If you enjoy closed-door romance, follow her on Goodreads.♥️

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5 stars
246 (58%)
4 stars
118 (27%)
3 stars
46 (10%)
2 stars
7 (1%)
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5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
Profile Image for Kat.
Author 14 books604 followers
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April 5, 2025
This was a really cute, really Christmas-y series that I was happy to discover! Santa Claus has five daughters. There’s something wrong with the Christmas magic. One of the daughters, Ginger, has been gifted with the mark of Christmas, meaning she will inherit her dad’s job one day. Somehow this is tied to love (none of the girls are married) and if she doesn’t get married ASAP, Christmas is in jeopardy (I’m explaining this terribly, but it was super cute in the book.) Fortunately Santa has some guys on the nice list she should check out. Too bad the one guy she seems to have chemistry with (a totally swoon-worthy woodworker taking care of his niece after her mother took off) isn’t on the list. I loved this one with all its cookie baking, sleigh flying and Christmas cheer!
Profile Image for Aimee .
3,072 reviews298 followers
November 19, 2016
This was such a cute book. It took a bit to get into the book because the first part is basically laying the groundwork. We learn about the background and the Ginger's family and their business. Once that was done and Ginger was out and about in Alaska, the story really took off for me. I loved the characters and the setting. This story put me right in the spirit of Christmas. It was a fun way to kick off the holiday season. Ginger has lots of sisters and their stories are just begging to be told! I can't wait! Oh, and I love the cover.
Profile Image for MB (What she read).
2,568 reviews14 followers
December 2, 2021
A cute and sweet holiday romance. Lots of family love going on too, which is appropriate for the season.

As someone who has a horror of garish or too much Christmas decoration, I think I'd find Ginger's aesthetic overwhelming and claustrophobic, but for a true Christmas lover who wants the celebrating to start at the end of October, well, Ginger (and her sister's stories) should be just down your alley! You should definitely include this five book series in your Christmas spirit marathon!

P.S Plus, reindeer!!! (I like the fact that they seem to have distinct individual personalities) Hey, Ms. McConnell, you should include a short epilogue at the end from the reindeer's POV. Pretty please?

P.P.S. Cuz Sven was always my favorite character in "Frozen". Anyone else?
Profile Image for Chelsea.
930 reviews12 followers
December 25, 2023
Santa's daughter has to get married by Christmas Eve to save Christmas magic? Can she do that in only a few weeks?

This book was fun with all the Christmas feels. I felt the love story was a little rushed (well duh! She was on a schedule! Haha!), and would have liked a little more "getting to know you" love story instead of "zap" and "poof" you're the one.
Profile Image for Kathy Jo.
774 reviews142 followers
November 20, 2016
3.5 Stars

Ginger's life has just been turned upside down. Who would have thought that Santa's middle daughter would be the one chosen to wear the magical red suit? It should have been her oldest sister, Robyn. After all, she is the one that's been looking forward to carrying on the family legacy her whole life. But for reasons no one understands, Ginger has been chosen over Robyn. But that's not the only thing she has to deal with. Ginger has less than a month to find, fall in love and marry a Mr. Claus or else Christmas will be ruined forever. Thank goodness for Santa and his list. It should make Ginger's life easier, right? Right?!

Joseph's life has also just been turned upside down. His flighty sister has just dropped his niece, Layla, on his doorstep for him to take care of while she goes off in search of a fresh start to life. She'll be back for her daughter once she's back on her feet. But Joseph knows better. She's never been able to stay in once place for very long. It'll be years before he sees his sister again. But he can't think about that right now. He's got to put Layla first and help give her a better life than he or his sister ever had. The only problem? Christmas is around the corner and he absolutely hates Christmas. Layla on on the other hand absolutely loves Christmas! Can he put his hatred for the season aside in order to make happy memories for Layla?

From the moment Ginger and Joseph meet, there's an instant connection, a zap that can't be ignored. But he's not on her list of "Santa approved grooms" and she's got too much Christmas joy going on. Will they continue to let their heads guide them through life? Or will they be able to open their hearts and accept what Christmas magic has in store for them?

The premises of this book was definitely cute and I was hoping that I would love it. But alas... I just ended up liking it. I wish that we would've seen Ginger and Joseph interact more than they did. The story kind of dragged for me and I knew the ending would be rushed. However, with all that being said, it was a good start to what I think will be a fun series. I will definitely give the next book in the series a try. :)

This one was fun to cast. I have to say I saw our heroine pretty early on. Our hero on the other hand was harder to nail down. I was torn between two guys and finally decided on this one. What do you think?!

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Profile Image for J.M. Stengl.
138 reviews146 followers
November 22, 2018
Pure fantasy fluff, like watching a Hallmark movie . . . but it is sweet and cute and overall a fun, light read for holiday relaxation.

If you're in the mood for a Christmas romance with magic, this series is for you! This is the story of Santa Claus's daughter, Ginger, who is "chosen" by Christmas magic to be his successor--but, she has to marry a man (from her father's list of five approved candidates) who is willing to join the family business. And, of course, there is a tight deadline and plenty of impediments to romance and HEA.

To be honest, I enjoyed reading this more than I'd expected to! I might even pick up the next one in the series.
Profile Image for Patricia.
2,958 reviews17 followers
November 10, 2016
Rating 2.5.
I know I sometimes read some pretty fluffy stuff but this was fluffier than even my fluffiest fare. This was more YA or middle grade fiction (except it was romance) than adult fiction.

The part of the story regarding Joseph and his life had somewhat of a balancing effect against the paranormal, magical, way-out-there Kringle side of the story.

However, it was a cute enough story for me to finish it to the end. I don't think I want to read on in the series.
819 reviews11 followers
November 21, 2016
This was a quick fun story about the Kringle family. I thought it was a clever take on the Santa story.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews360 followers
November 26, 2023
Stepping Up to Christmas . . .

This book gives us an enjoyable story line filled with magic, fun, mayhem, and romance revolving around Ginger Kringle and an interesting assortment of secondary characters. Christmas magic has been changing. Over the generations, Santa and his wife had always had a male child to take over Christmas when he turned 30. Then a surprise came when a girl was born, Robyn! Then another, Lux! Then a third, Ginger! Everyone assumed Robyn would be the one chosen to take up the role of Santa when she was old enough, in less than six months. Instead, it was Ginger who was chosen, as evidenced by a snowflake mark that just appeared on her arm, exactly like the one on her dad’s wrist and on each of the men in the family going back through the ages. But Ginger was only 25; she wasn’t the right person or the right age! Robyn was almost 30 and dating a guy, prepared to settle down and assume her role; Robyn was to be the next one. So Stella called an emergency family meeting to tell everyone what just happened. The clock is ticking now for Ginger to fall in love and marry before Christmas Eve to save her family, elves, reindeer, and Christmas for all the children in the world. So she heads for Alaska to find the perfect man.

Joseph Bear has had a very painful childhood and does not like Christmas. He won’t participate in the town’s fundraiser. They need the Santa stand repaired and are selling cookies to raise money, but he isn’t interested and drives away on his snowmobile. He wants nothing to do with Santa. When he got home, his sister Ruth and his 6-year-old niece Layla were there to visit… right through Christmas apparently, even though Ruth knew he did not celebrate Christmas. Ruth also didn’t stick around long, so he knew she was planning on leaving Layla with him. Her guilty look said he guessed right.

When Ginger arrives in Alaska, will she find the man meant for her who will love her without reservations and will celebrate Christmas with the joy and love of the Season? Or will it take the Kringle family to heal Joseph’s heart and bring him into their lives?
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews69 followers
October 11, 2020
🎄🎄ONE REFRESHING TREAT🎄🎄
Holy hackles santa! Lucy brings one refreshing spun debacle with this skillfully composed delicacy, ramping up the exuberance and drive, hooking you from the start and reeling you in for the duration, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. Rushing head long into daunting situations, rolling with the daring drama, captivating intrigue, intense encounters, deep family secrets and escalating suspense ensue in epic proportions, kicking this jewel to staggering heights. Observing the intimidating trials and challenging triumphs, noting the dramatic twists and intricate turns, crushed limitations and tightly wound restrictions are amplified and explored, baring the explosive up and agonizing downs, breathtaking in it's simplicity and beautiful in it's depth, blasting this piece of delight to life brilliantly. The attraction and chemistry collides with such force, baring deeply profound emotions and an undeniable bond, binding them to one another beautifully. complex and genuine with traits and qualities, add depth and diversity, transforming into loveable personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating one vivid backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Remarkable job Lucy, thanks for sharing this thrilling block buster with us.
763 reviews14 followers
February 4, 2023
Ginger is one of Santa's daughters and against all odds he has four other daughters but no sons. So who will be the one to move into the role of Santa when the current Jolly Man retires. They are all waiting for a sign from the Magic that controls their lives but something is really wrong. They are having times of low energy and they can't make the toys, use their lists or know who is naughty or nice. It is decided that the one who is going to take over must be married by Christmas which is hard to do as it is already coming up on December.
I love the way this book takes you through not only the Kringle family members lives and issues but how five girls all wanting different roles in the family business must work together to make the issues go away.
This is such a clever story line and idea that Lucy has and even though I only got book one and Five to read I will be getting the other books to catch up on all of them and who they marry. Luckily, these stories can be read independently as well as a series.
Easy read and love to sit in front of the fire with a cup of hot coco and indulge in the fantasy of being able to live at the North Pole.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,465 reviews12 followers
January 21, 2024
This clean sweet romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building and characters that are realistic and captivating. Their journey is enthralling with marrying Miss Kringle: Ginger in this enthralling magical Christmas winter wonderland in Clearview, Alaska, that is changing, so she has to go on a mission to save her family, their home, the elves, the reindeer, and Christmas for children across the globe, drama, the Kringle Family scrambles to keep up in this fun and romantic Christmas romance, a magical red suit, humor, action, adventure, heartfelt emotions, and more. To find out if there is a happily ever after, I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with marrying Miss Kringle and a clean sweet romance; that is sure to take readers on an exhilarating roller coaster ride that is emotional, adventurous, magical, and unforgettable.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Priscila.
852 reviews86 followers
December 20, 2022
Ginger was such a beautiful and enthralling story! I definitely enjoyed getting swept up in the world of the North Pole and all things Christmas 24/7 every day of the year. Of course, there's so much more to the Kringle family than one could imagine, especially with how the traditional Santa is chosen and how Christmas magic works. Thus, I found it great to be able to follow Ginger (and Lux) in her dramatic quest to save Christmas. I loved her interactions with Joseph, and their chemistry was fantastic, but I also loved how she got along with Layla (his niece), and how the plot tackled the finding one's own place in the world theme. I definitely recommend this title. The only reason it's 4 stars is that I listened to the audio on YouTube and the AI narration made me miss human narrators. I'm still glad I had the chance (it's free on the author's channel), and I'll probably end up checking out Lux's story too. ~ 4 stars
2,536 reviews46 followers
November 11, 2021
Aahhhhhhh. That is what I said to myself at the end of this story. I'm so in the mood for sweet little Christmas stories this year (and it is only November) and this was perfect. There are some difficult topics included in the story so it isn't all fluff. Joseph was an abused child and now has to care for his abandoned niece. Enter Ginger who must marry before Christmas in order to keep the magic of Christmas alive.
I love that Ms. McConnell broke from stereotypes in this series. Santa has no son so the role will be passed on to a daughter? A female Santa? I've never seen that before in a story. And she easily gave us a reason for all the sisters to have their own story. I hope the rest are as sweet as this one was. This one could easily be a Hallmark movie. I loved it. I'm going to start the next one now.

No sex, language or violence.
Profile Image for Michelle Ferrari-Johnson.
1,559 reviews39 followers
September 27, 2020
Finding Your Inner Child

I am new to this author but I have been caught hook, line and sinker! I love Christmas and everything about Christmas. I try to celebrate and act like the season all year. My hubby and children chuckle because they know Christmas is my go to. I read stories and watch Christmas movies year round.

That being said, this series reaches right into your soul and fills your spirit. I can honestly say I am presently binge reading this series and enjoying it without fail.

Ginger has hard work ahead of her as she tries to find a husband before Christmas. In order to save Christmas she must find a man who loves her unconditionally and accepts her and the holiday. Can she accomplish this or will her home be lost forever? ~
2,339 reviews26 followers
December 11, 2022
A quick, fun read about the Kringle family. This time Santa has no sons, only 5 daughters. The parents thought the oldest daughter would take over as Santa, but the middle daughter is chosen. Of course, she never expected to do so, she has to figure things out with the help of her sisters. Next she has to find a husband-her parents give her a list of "approved" men. Ginger meets them, but doesn't feel like any of the ones on the list are right for her. But she has to marry to keep the Christmas magic alive, so she is on a tight deadline and plenty of bumps in the road to finding "Mr. Santa". This is the first book in the series, with the rest being about her sisters finding romance. Nice ending.
Profile Image for Lisa Swinton.
Author 26 books197 followers
December 27, 2022
This is the first in the Marrying Miss Kringle series by Ms. McConnell and if Ginger is any indication of the fun to come for the other sisters, then sign me up for the rest of the series!

I love watching this slightly type A list maker feel her way through the process of finding a husband to save Christmas. And of course her true love isn't on the list, but worse he gave up on Santa and Christmas magic a long time ago. He's rather bahumbug about the whole thing, until his niece comes to stay and Ginger enters his life.

Ginger has all the feels you'd expect from Ms. McConnell and her witty, swoony way of writing a sweet romance.

Get Ginger and the series and curl up with a cozy blanket and mug of cocoa. Better than bingewatching Hallmark holiday movies anyday.

139 reviews
January 12, 2023
I'll check the list twice to find a husband!

From the book, "... Christmas Magic is changing and the Kringle Family scrambles ... Ginger Kringle is branded ..."

The question is though can she "... fall in love and get married before Christmas Eve to save the family business..."?

Following her father's list she heads for Clearview, Alaska. Here she will introduce herself to five different prospective husbands!

In her mind the only question is which one of these five should she choose?

Ginger, of all people should know things are never what they seen! Prepare to gasp, laugh, cry and enjoy flying with Ginger Kringle in this first title in the series Marrying Miss Kringle. I couldn't put it down.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
769 reviews
November 30, 2023
I love thiscseries and the Kringle sister's.
This is Ginger's romance full of love,laughter,magic warmth and a happily ever after.
Ginger needs to get married by christmas eve to save christmas.She is sent to Clearview,Alaska with a list of potential grooms.
Of course there is no spark with any of them.
Joseph doesn't like anything christmas,but the Spark is there between them.
Ginger is everything christmas and Joseph isn't.Joseph is not on the list.No spoiler's from me.
I absolutely loved this magical romance with great character's,love,laughter,
banter,reindeer,the Kringles,cuteness overload,lots of romance,close knit community and a happily ever after.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for J.
4,061 reviews19 followers
January 20, 2024
This is book 1 in McConnell's Marrying Miss Kringle and I adored this book! I love the sweet, clean romance and humor that McConnell brings to all of her books and this is no exception. A sweet Christmas themed romance with all the magic of Christmas where Ginger Kringle is tasked with finding a Mr Kringle in time for Christmas or the fate of her family and Christmas will be lost. A bit hallmark-y at times but just know that going into it and you'll lose yourself into the Christmas theme and magic of letting your heart take over! I can't wait for more in this series and hope that each of Santa's daughters get their own HEA story!

I received a free copy of this book via BookSprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
992 reviews33 followers
November 30, 2020
A sweet Christmas romance.

This romance was sweet and heartwarming. I loved all the Christmas magic and the premise of Santa’s daughters needing to fall in love and marry to save Christmas. There was a little angst, but not too much. I listened to my Christmas music playlist the whole time I was reading this novel, and that made me enjoy it even more. I usually prefer for my romance novels to have spicy scenes, but these two characters had enough chemistry that I did not feel any lack in this story for the absence of spicy scenes. A wonderful book to read during the lead up to the holiday.
160 reviews2 followers
November 10, 2020
Really Really Cute Story

This was a very enjoyable light read; very well-written. I was a little hesitant at first to read this book because of the subject matter, it could've easily been really trite, predictable, boring or just badly done overall ... but I found the book to be a delightful read. Very cleverly done. You never know how good a book is really going to be unless you try reading it for yourself. I'm so glad I did take that chance. I highly recommend "Marrying Miss Kringle: Ginger." I'm looking forward to reading the second book in this series about Lux. ❤
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews63 followers
November 27, 2022
This book was every ounce of Christmas magic I was hoping for. The sweet and silly family moments charmed my socks off. The slow burn romance kept me desperately hoping for Ginger’s Happy Ever After. And a child’s heartfelt wish for a Christmas miracle turned me into a weepy mess. It’s a beautiful ending, but there’s big emotions to go through before getting there, so keep the tissues handy – just in case. Now I’m already anxious to see what the next book brings us.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
Profile Image for Haley.
445 reviews13 followers
December 9, 2021
A fun little sleigh ride through a world where Santa is real and has five daughters. This book follows the middle daughter Ginger, who unexpectedly inherits the Santa duties and must marry in order to save Christmas Magic. For me this was the perfect blend of magical and ordinary. There was plenty of humor, romance, and heartwarming moments. I’m definitely going to continue with the series! Such an enjoyable cozy up by the Christmas tree read.
Profile Image for MommyO.
372 reviews
December 3, 2022
This is the first book in the Marrying Miss Kringle series and it is a winner! I loved how Ginger wasn’t the “expected” heir for following in Santa’s footsteps. Her sweet disposition ends up drawing Joseph and his niece Layla into the magic of Christmas. A sweet story of love and learning to believe when your hearts desire takes years to be answered.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,428 reviews12 followers
December 4, 2022
I had a free copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Ginger is selected as the next Santa but she must find and marry a husband before Christmas Eve. In her travels she meets Joseph who is adverse to Christmas. She has a list of potential prospects, but it’s Joseph with whom she has a connection. His niece Layla lives with him and she brings love into his life. An interesting look at Christmas traditions.
27 reviews
December 1, 2023
A great read at Christmas or anytime you need a pick me up.

The Kringle family has a serious problem. For the first time in history Santa has daughters. Five of them to be precise. No boys and five girls. Who will take over the roll of Santa? Ginger has to get married before Christmas or it will a!l be lost. However, she has fallen for Joseph who makes the Grinch look like a Christmas lover.


1,039 reviews
October 27, 2020
Cute Holiday Read

Ginger and Joseph made a cute couple. His cynicism balanced out her innocence. The premise of Santa having 5 daughters and no sons was interesting and different from the norm. Hopefully Robyn gets over her jealousy and the other sisters find their perfect match as well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews

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