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The Gift
Joe is Christmas’s number one fan. He absolutely loves it and can’t wait to spend it with his wife, Beth, doing what they love best: eating mince pies, drinking mulled wine, laughing and snuggling while It’s a Wonderful Life plays on the TV. However, Beth has a slightly different idea this year. She wants to have a terrible time, or why else would she have invited her mother to stay – the demon mother-in-law from hell, who hates Christmas and everything about it? In fact, there is only one thing that the dreaded MIL hates more than Christmas … and that is Joe.
Thankfully, Joe has an ally in his war against the orange-haired, gum-chewing monster: a shopping centre Santa who isn’t all that he seems. This larger-than-life Father Christmas presents Joe with a magical gift that he promises will make the problem disappear, but this innocent-looking parcel kick-starts an adventure that Joe will never forget. If he can make it to Christmas day in one piece and save his wife and unborn child from a lifetime in Lapland, he will have learned one vitally important lesson: to be careful what you wish for … you might just get it.
Thankfully, Joe has an ally in his war against the orange-haired, gum-chewing monster: a shopping centre Santa who isn’t all that he seems. This larger-than-life Father Christmas presents Joe with a magical gift that he promises will make the problem disappear, but this innocent-looking parcel kick-starts an adventure that Joe will never forget. If he can make it to Christmas day in one piece and save his wife and unborn child from a lifetime in Lapland, he will have learned one vitally important lesson: to be careful what you wish for … you might just get it.
228 pages, Paperback
Published November 14, 2016
About the author
Julie Hodgson
100 books183 followersI actually had no idea that Amazon-owned GoodReads, So I have shifted ll my books to Storygraph.
I'm so very tired of this money-making monopoly!
I'm so very tired of this money-making monopoly!
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 13, 2017
Joe; a caring father, a loving husband and not so son-in-law material. He is a happy man, loves his wife and waiting for his soon to be born first child, due on 27, just two days after Christmas. Joe is a funny man and a bloke too. He cannot hate anyone; he is not the one who can hate except he hates his mother-in-law.
His monster-in-law, oh sorry, I mean mother-in-law, that’s Joe thinks about her, came to be on her daughter’s side till she gave birth. Joe has a job of babysitting; sorry again, he is a primary teacher that Madge, his mother-in-law thinks about him.
It’s Christmas in few days and he thought to gift her something like rat poison, a one-way ticket to the moon, a ticket to reptiles house and introduce her to some of her relatives and lastly, he asked Santa for the gift. Santa gave him a present for Madge. ‘The Gift’, not an ordinary gift of Christmas.
I couldn’t put this book down till it ends. It is so good, I mean, so good. It is a happy story, a sad story, a festive story, a new baby arrival story, a Santa story and don’t forget, it is the gift story. A small gift wrapped in a silver paper with a red ribbon knot over it. A gift he bought from Santa of the shopping centre for Madge to get things better between them and Santa told him, the moment she open it all the problems disappear. He thought it was a joke, but it wasn’t a joke but far from what he can expect it to be, from a small silver box. It is a story I expect it to be and I can’t wait for you to read it.
His monster-in-law, oh sorry, I mean mother-in-law, that’s Joe thinks about her, came to be on her daughter’s side till she gave birth. Joe has a job of babysitting; sorry again, he is a primary teacher that Madge, his mother-in-law thinks about him.
It’s Christmas in few days and he thought to gift her something like rat poison, a one-way ticket to the moon, a ticket to reptiles house and introduce her to some of her relatives and lastly, he asked Santa for the gift. Santa gave him a present for Madge. ‘The Gift’, not an ordinary gift of Christmas.
I couldn’t put this book down till it ends. It is so good, I mean, so good. It is a happy story, a sad story, a festive story, a new baby arrival story, a Santa story and don’t forget, it is the gift story. A small gift wrapped in a silver paper with a red ribbon knot over it. A gift he bought from Santa of the shopping centre for Madge to get things better between them and Santa told him, the moment she open it all the problems disappear. He thought it was a joke, but it wasn’t a joke but far from what he can expect it to be, from a small silver box. It is a story I expect it to be and I can’t wait for you to read it.
November 29, 2016
Julie Hodgson's contemporary holiday fantasy, The Gift, is disarming and fun as the two sworn enemies, Joe and Madge, find themselves having to cooperate to recover Beth, who mysteriously disappeared. While their circumstances may seem dire, the story retains throughout a warm and fuzzy Christmas feel that works perfectly. I particularly enjoyed the magical aspects of the story surrounding Santa and the trail of clues which set Joe and Madge off on a Scavenger Hunt of sorts with Beth as the final prize. Joe is a marvelous main character whose love of baking and occupation as a primary school teacher makes him just a bit different than your typical male lead, and Madge is, well, Madge. This well-written, breezy and fast-paced story is a joy to read, especially during the holidays. The Gift is most highly recommended. love love love this book!
January 4, 2019
Such a good story with so much Christmas spirit!
It‘s a short and fun read, it’s about love and forgiveness, it’s happy and sad. And it’s magic.
Joe and Beth are perfect. They’re both fun and loving and Christmas-freaks.
And then there’s Madge - Beth’s mother and the dragon mother-in-law to Joe.
And she hates him and he hates her. But then they have this crazy journey and need to save Christmas together.
I loved this well written and fast paced story, it’s such a feel-good-read.
It‘s a short and fun read, it’s about love and forgiveness, it’s happy and sad. And it’s magic.
Joe and Beth are perfect. They’re both fun and loving and Christmas-freaks.
And then there’s Madge - Beth’s mother and the dragon mother-in-law to Joe.
And she hates him and he hates her. But then they have this crazy journey and need to save Christmas together.
I loved this well written and fast paced story, it’s such a feel-good-read.
December 3, 2016
Great book!
Cute and funny, beautiful , tender. The message is timeless and priceless. Thank you for giving me pleasant reading time!
Cute and funny, beautiful , tender. The message is timeless and priceless. Thank you for giving me pleasant reading time!
January 3, 2017
This brilliant story set during the days leading up to Christmas is very humorous, extremely intriguing and totally un-put-downable! It would make a great film. Highly recommended!
December 8, 2016
Oh wow! what a fun read, love the pull of Christmas spirit that flows through the whole book! well worth more than 5 stars! love the duct tape idea LOL ..A really well written and oh so funny book. Could not put it down until Santa had sorted Beth and Joe out... Madge! well, what can I say! LOL If anyone gives it less than 4, I say Bah humbug to you all LOL
December 11, 2016
A fun imaginative Christmas read, full of The spirit of Christmas and hope and love. Love the Bingo bit!!
January 14, 2017
I received a copy of this book from Goodreads Firstreads Giveaway. Thank you very much!
This is a cute, sweet Christmas Story that will put a smile on your face and make you believe in the magic of Christnas.
This is a cute, sweet Christmas Story that will put a smile on your face and make you believe in the magic of Christnas.
December 1, 2016
I loved it
It made me happy. The miracle of Christmas! I really enjoyed it. I'll look for more books by this author.
It made me happy. The miracle of Christmas! I really enjoyed it. I'll look for more books by this author.
July 3, 2017
This was a fun story! Whether you read it during Christmas in July or while standing in those long lines at the mall in December, this book will certainly entertain you.
Julie Hodgson tells a tale of a Christmas adventure with fun and humor and yet still gets down to what is truly special about the holiday season.
The story starts off with Joe finding out that his mother-in-law will be staying with him and his wife Beth for a week at Christmastime. Joe does his best to make it through the first day, but after Beth's mother smashes his Christmas doorbell and puts salt in his Christmas cake, he storms out of the house and ends up in the mall waiting to see Father Christmas. What happens next will make you smile and even giggle... and will warm your heart at the same time.
This was a delightful quick read at only around 100 pages.
Julie Hodgson tells a tale of a Christmas adventure with fun and humor and yet still gets down to what is truly special about the holiday season.
The story starts off with Joe finding out that his mother-in-law will be staying with him and his wife Beth for a week at Christmastime. Joe does his best to make it through the first day, but after Beth's mother smashes his Christmas doorbell and puts salt in his Christmas cake, he storms out of the house and ends up in the mall waiting to see Father Christmas. What happens next will make you smile and even giggle... and will warm your heart at the same time.
This was a delightful quick read at only around 100 pages.
November 20, 2017
I needed a short read to get (even more) into the Christmas spirit, and honestly this book is just perfect. It's quick and fun, but also deeply emotional and beautiful, with a really great writing style that makes magic bloom in your heart and eyes! The story is original, and as I said it's really humorous, making me laugh out loud several times, but it holds a real meaning, and I really liked the ending for it. Plus, the book itself is just so pretty, all tiny and gorgeous, and it's definitely one of my favorite piece in my bookshelves!
September 20, 2019
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: The Gift
Author: Julie Hodgson
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 17
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 7/10
Of the 17 readers:
14 would read another book by this author.
10 thought the cover was good or excellent.
17 felt it was easy to follow.
14 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 11 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
16 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
14 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘Sweet story with good plotting. Excellent book for Christmas.’ Female reader, aged 33
‘Mother in law from hell sounds a lot like mine, so I could relate to this book. An enjoyable read with good characterisation and a hefty dollop of humour. I would happily read this on Christmas day.’ Male reader, aged 48
‘Quick read. I sort of felt it could have been longer. But as a novella, it works well. Poor Joe; I felt for the guy. Christmas can be a difficult time for many. This book might just cheer them up a bit.’ Male reader. aged 71
‘I think this author is very talented. I have read a few of her books now: Jodie and the Library Card has a spark to it that this did not. But, as a light read at Christmas, it works well. I sort of want this author to push herself. For example, a powerful historical novel. I suspect her best novel is yet to be written.’ Female reader, aged 60
To Sum It Up:
‘A light, fun story for Christmas.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: The Gift
Author: Julie Hodgson
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 17
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 7/10
Of the 17 readers:
14 would read another book by this author.
10 thought the cover was good or excellent.
17 felt it was easy to follow.
14 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 11 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
16 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
14 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘Sweet story with good plotting. Excellent book for Christmas.’ Female reader, aged 33
‘Mother in law from hell sounds a lot like mine, so I could relate to this book. An enjoyable read with good characterisation and a hefty dollop of humour. I would happily read this on Christmas day.’ Male reader, aged 48
‘Quick read. I sort of felt it could have been longer. But as a novella, it works well. Poor Joe; I felt for the guy. Christmas can be a difficult time for many. This book might just cheer them up a bit.’ Male reader. aged 71
‘I think this author is very talented. I have read a few of her books now: Jodie and the Library Card has a spark to it that this did not. But, as a light read at Christmas, it works well. I sort of want this author to push herself. For example, a powerful historical novel. I suspect her best novel is yet to be written.’ Female reader, aged 60
To Sum It Up:
‘A light, fun story for Christmas.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
January 23, 2017
What a wonderful heartwarming Xmas story. Loved Madge, what a character! Mother-in-laws are a pain at the best of times, but the depiction of Madge, so cleverly written by the author makes her a real life everyday Dragon V saint.
Love the Bingo!! Sing Joe sing.. genius! Laughed out loud at regular intervals.
Love the Bingo!! Sing Joe sing.. genius! Laughed out loud at regular intervals.
December 2, 2017
I've won this book in a goodreads giveaway and I'm very happy with it because I had a great time reading this heartwarming, imaginative and funny Christmas story.
My rating is 4 stars for the story and 5 stars for the writing style and humour, rounding that up.
I'm going to give it to my sister to read it next Christmas, she will certainly enjoy it too.
My rating is 4 stars for the story and 5 stars for the writing style and humour, rounding that up.
I'm going to give it to my sister to read it next Christmas, she will certainly enjoy it too.
December 9, 2016
This was such a good book to read... I actually felt down in the dumps before I read it. the author took me on a whirlwind of emotion! The spirit of Christmas! loving forgiving, and having fun along the way.. Brilliant read.
December 9, 2016
This was such a good book to read... I actually felt down in the dumps before I read it. the author took me on a whirlwind of emotion! The spirit of Christmas! loving forgiving, and having fun along the way.. Brilliant read.
August 13, 2017
I loved this!!!
I had no idea where this book was going. However I had to keep reading it because I was curious about what would happen next. Completely different, delightful and unexpected. Proving you don't always get what you want but you always get what you need!
I had no idea where this book was going. However I had to keep reading it because I was curious about what would happen next. Completely different, delightful and unexpected. Proving you don't always get what you want but you always get what you need!
December 24, 2018
Totally improbable
Totally improbable, totally ridiculous, and I loved it! Made me smile, and feel good inside! I needed this. Short, but just long enough. Thank you, and Merry Christmas!
Totally improbable, totally ridiculous, and I loved it! Made me smile, and feel good inside! I needed this. Short, but just long enough. Thank you, and Merry Christmas!
January 24, 2021
A lovely heartwarming Christmas read! Poor Joe! no spoilers but well worth reading with a mug of cocoa and a blanket wrapped around for more comfort...
"Go Joe, Go"
"Go Joe, Go"
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews