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The Christmas Wish: All I Want for Christmas / First Impressions
All I Want for Christmas
Identical twin boys Zeke and Zach want only one gift from Santa this year: a new wife for their lonely single dad, Mac Taylor, a builder who fixes things up in their small town. But convincing their love-wary dad that their music teacher, Nell Davis, is not only part of Santa’s plan but Mac’s soul mate isn’t quite as easy as they’d hoped…
First Impressions
When Vance Banning moves to rural Maryland, all he wants is peace and quiet. The last thing he needs is his outspoken—yet infuriatingly sexy—neighbor, a beautiful woman named Shane Abbott, getting into his business. But he has no idea how determined Shane is when it comes to giving a helping hand—or a loving heart.
Previously Published.
Identical twin boys Zeke and Zach want only one gift from Santa this year: a new wife for their lonely single dad, Mac Taylor, a builder who fixes things up in their small town. But convincing their love-wary dad that their music teacher, Nell Davis, is not only part of Santa’s plan but Mac’s soul mate isn’t quite as easy as they’d hoped…
First Impressions
When Vance Banning moves to rural Maryland, all he wants is peace and quiet. The last thing he needs is his outspoken—yet infuriatingly sexy—neighbor, a beautiful woman named Shane Abbott, getting into his business. But he has no idea how determined Shane is when it comes to giving a helping hand—or a loving heart.
Previously Published.
346 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
25 people are currently reading
463 people want to read
About the author
Nora Roberts
1,209 books59.6k followersNora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
December 14, 2020
These two stories felt exactly like a Halmark Christmas movie and that wasn't a bad thing. Quick and entertaining.
Where you can find me:
•(♥).•*Monlatable Book Reviews*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @monicaisreading
Instagram: @readermonica
Goodreads Group: The Black Bookcase
Where you can find me:
•(♥).•*Monlatable Book Reviews*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @monicaisreading
Instagram: @readermonica
Goodreads Group: The Black Bookcase
November 15, 2016
All I Want for Christmas narrated by Patrick Lawlor shared the story of twins Zeke and Zach, who ask Santa for a Mommy who bakes cookies and will love their Daddy Mac Taylor. If that synopsis doesn't scream holiday and Hallmark movie, I don't know what to tell you.
The developing romance was adorable and heartwarming. It was fun seeing the children plot as the adults fumbled. Mac has some baggage to overcome but tender moments, holiday spirit and the antics of these twin boys had me wiping a tear and smiling.
I thought Patrick Lawlor was the perfect narrator to captor both the boys and their gruff Dad. 3.5 cups of hot chocolate
First Impressions narrated by Terri Clark Linden shares the friendship and courtship of Vance Banning and Shane Abbott. The tale takes place in rural Maryland during the holiday season. Shane has moved home to her childhood home, leaving a teaching career to open an antique store. Vance has bought the dilapidated property next door. He is grumpy and keeps to himself. Rumor has it he is fixing the property but is unemployed. Shane needs help with some redesigns and repairs in order to convert the first floor into her shop. She hires Vance and the tale that unfolds offered tender moments, growing pains and complications from others that kept me listening into the wee hours.
I loved watching their relationship unfold. Roberts did a fantastic job of allowing me to both understand and admire these characters. She also introduced a few characters that you'll desperately want to smack. We do get a little miscommunication as things are revealed, but I promise it was worth the tension. Roberts gave us some toe curling heat, but she has a way of omitting details while stoking the fire making it one that all will enjoy.
Teri Clark Linden brought the story and characters to life, even her male character. I wouldn't hesitate to listen to a book she narrates. 4 mocha lattes
Audio provided by Publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
The developing romance was adorable and heartwarming. It was fun seeing the children plot as the adults fumbled. Mac has some baggage to overcome but tender moments, holiday spirit and the antics of these twin boys had me wiping a tear and smiling.
I thought Patrick Lawlor was the perfect narrator to captor both the boys and their gruff Dad. 3.5 cups of hot chocolate
First Impressions narrated by Terri Clark Linden shares the friendship and courtship of Vance Banning and Shane Abbott. The tale takes place in rural Maryland during the holiday season. Shane has moved home to her childhood home, leaving a teaching career to open an antique store. Vance has bought the dilapidated property next door. He is grumpy and keeps to himself. Rumor has it he is fixing the property but is unemployed. Shane needs help with some redesigns and repairs in order to convert the first floor into her shop. She hires Vance and the tale that unfolds offered tender moments, growing pains and complications from others that kept me listening into the wee hours.
I loved watching their relationship unfold. Roberts did a fantastic job of allowing me to both understand and admire these characters. She also introduced a few characters that you'll desperately want to smack. We do get a little miscommunication as things are revealed, but I promise it was worth the tension. Roberts gave us some toe curling heat, but she has a way of omitting details while stoking the fire making it one that all will enjoy.
Teri Clark Linden brought the story and characters to life, even her male character. I wouldn't hesitate to listen to a book she narrates. 4 mocha lattes
Audio provided by Publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
December 20, 2019
This was my first experience of Nora Roberts and I can see why she remains so popular. Both stories were your typical romance. The characters and events were believable and well-written. Two enjoyable Christmas romps.
December 17, 2018
This is my first and my last book by Nora Roberts. These are not for me!
December 13, 2019
Cute Christmas read.
January 3, 2021
All I want for Christmas: 3 Stars
First Impressions: 3.6 Stars
First Impressions: 3.6 Stars
December 18, 2023
Just found out why I don't read Nora Roberts. DNF
December 7, 2022
Two novellas, to help me get into the spirit of the season.
All I want for Christmas - 4 stars
First Impressions - 3 stars (not really related to Christmas except the last part of the story is in December, and it ends on Christmas Day)
All I want for Christmas - 4 stars
First Impressions - 3 stars (not really related to Christmas except the last part of the story is in December, and it ends on Christmas Day)
December 6, 2017
The Christmas Wish by Nora Roberts is one of 3 books I picked up as remainders after Christmas last year and saved for this. It is not actually a novel, but a collection of two novellas originally published in 1984 and 1994. Only this short collaboration is from 2016. Nevertheless, both are fun stories.
"All I want for Christmas" is about twin boys, Zach and Zeke, who are in first grade and are being raised by their father, Mac Taylor, and have been since they were born and his wife left the three of them. Naturally Mac is a lot protective of his sons.
They decide (very early so he will have time to provide it) to ask Santa for one big gift this year--the mom. They tell their father they want two-wheelers, but decide not to ask for anything more; they don't want to be greedy and risk losing their big gift. When school starts, they meet Nell Davis, the new choir teacher in the high school. They decide she would be perfect to fill the role they want. The rest of the novella takes us to Christmas to see what Santa does about this ususual request. It is a lovely Christmas story.
"First Impressions" does end at Christmas, but is hardly a Christmas story. It is very romantic and a lovely story, however. Two people, neither of whom realizes they need someone else, find one another--with a lot of complications. Shane Abbot inherits her grandmother's old farmhouse and decides to quit teaching history in high school and fix the farmhouse up to include a Civil War Museum and an antique shop, selling first of all many of the pieces in the old homestead. Since the house is in general disrepair, she works like a demon to do so.
Vance Banning is a business executive who is licking his wounds and using his hands to recover from a disaster of a marriage and boredom with the business life. The home he is restoring with his own carpentry skills is next door (across and down the lane) from Shane's home. Both Vance and Shane are proud of their own independence and hard working skills. But life gets complicated. It is a very romantic and engaging story. Who cares about Christmas?
It was a fun book to read. I liked both stories. The characters, the plots were engaging. The title of the book is misleading; the dates are hardly recent. But I got it for almost nothing and truly enjoyed reading it. Who could ask for more?
"All I want for Christmas" is about twin boys, Zach and Zeke, who are in first grade and are being raised by their father, Mac Taylor, and have been since they were born and his wife left the three of them. Naturally Mac is a lot protective of his sons.
They decide (very early so he will have time to provide it) to ask Santa for one big gift this year--the mom. They tell their father they want two-wheelers, but decide not to ask for anything more; they don't want to be greedy and risk losing their big gift. When school starts, they meet Nell Davis, the new choir teacher in the high school. They decide she would be perfect to fill the role they want. The rest of the novella takes us to Christmas to see what Santa does about this ususual request. It is a lovely Christmas story.
"First Impressions" does end at Christmas, but is hardly a Christmas story. It is very romantic and a lovely story, however. Two people, neither of whom realizes they need someone else, find one another--with a lot of complications. Shane Abbot inherits her grandmother's old farmhouse and decides to quit teaching history in high school and fix the farmhouse up to include a Civil War Museum and an antique shop, selling first of all many of the pieces in the old homestead. Since the house is in general disrepair, she works like a demon to do so.
Vance Banning is a business executive who is licking his wounds and using his hands to recover from a disaster of a marriage and boredom with the business life. The home he is restoring with his own carpentry skills is next door (across and down the lane) from Shane's home. Both Vance and Shane are proud of their own independence and hard working skills. But life gets complicated. It is a very romantic and engaging story. Who cares about Christmas?
It was a fun book to read. I liked both stories. The characters, the plots were engaging. The title of the book is misleading; the dates are hardly recent. But I got it for almost nothing and truly enjoyed reading it. Who could ask for more?
September 8, 2018
Two short stories that were basic Christmas fluff with very implausible plots that wrap up very quickly with happy endings. These were shortened Hallmark Christmas movies in book form. Would have rather watched the movie.
January 9, 2025
I do think Roberts is a solid writer and can weave unusual character depth and larger issues into her genre fiction. And her J.D.Robb series (starring a tough New York cop with a traumatic childhood set 40 years in the future) abounds with rich characters if somewhat formulaic plots.
And...she also writes a number of books that best belong on a beach house shelf and this is one of them--two novellas with a Christmas theme (or at least ending), with the classic small town girl (one transplanted, one returning home) meeting up with an emotionally constricted guy (flannel shirts for one, work shirt, often off while chopping wood or wood working, the other) and of course falling in love and surviving a last minute misunderstanding. But cliches often grow out of well travelled hooks (like an irresistible old top 40 favorite). Roberts is a master of the form and there are enough edges to her characters personality quirks, that these rise above the Netflix or Hallmark Christmas movie tropes. This was a good snack between heavy meals of the meatier books I started the year with and a nice break while being snowbound with impassible roads that it felt a little like being at the beach with no agenda.
And...she also writes a number of books that best belong on a beach house shelf and this is one of them--two novellas with a Christmas theme (or at least ending), with the classic small town girl (one transplanted, one returning home) meeting up with an emotionally constricted guy (flannel shirts for one, work shirt, often off while chopping wood or wood working, the other) and of course falling in love and surviving a last minute misunderstanding. But cliches often grow out of well travelled hooks (like an irresistible old top 40 favorite). Roberts is a master of the form and there are enough edges to her characters personality quirks, that these rise above the Netflix or Hallmark Christmas movie tropes. This was a good snack between heavy meals of the meatier books I started the year with and a nice break while being snowbound with impassible roads that it felt a little like being at the beach with no agenda.
December 28, 2021
Two charming stories taking place during the holiday season. "All I Want For Christmas" was adorable on how the twin boys get involved with the developing relationship between Mac and Nell. At times, the planning and scheming seemed more mature than the ages mentioned in the story. While enjoyable, the foggy time shifts made it hard to keep track of what was going on (i.e. what really is events taking place several months later was written as if being the next day or week). The romantic encounters were a bit whiplash-y, so it made it hard to except the conclusion to the story. "First Impressions" was more flushed out and the developing relationship seemed more realistic. The characters were enjoyable to read and get to know. Although this is part of a Christmas themed romance duo collection, the Christmas holiday barely made an appearance in the story and had no defining key point to the story. Perhaps the only part I felt was a bit randomly tacked on was the part about Shane's mom; just seemed like a lame excuse to finally open up the details of Vance's past to Shane. Regardless it was still enjoyable to read, especially the romantic encounters.
December 23, 2017
This book consists of two novellas: "All I Want for Christmas" and "First Impressions."
In the first tale, identical twins Zeke and Zach ask Santa Claus to send their widowed father a woman to be "the mom." They ask that she have "yellow hair" and like little boys. To their surprise, just such a woman turns up to be the school music teacher.
In the second tale, Shane returns to her home town to open up an antique shop and meets a mysterious man whom she is sure is "the one" without even knowing why.
Needless to say, there are many slips betwixt cup and lip in both stories before they get to the HEA endings.
The first story was cute, and the second one reminded me of "Pride and Prejudice." Fun, quick Christmas romance reads on both counts.
In the first tale, identical twins Zeke and Zach ask Santa Claus to send their widowed father a woman to be "the mom." They ask that she have "yellow hair" and like little boys. To their surprise, just such a woman turns up to be the school music teacher.
In the second tale, Shane returns to her home town to open up an antique shop and meets a mysterious man whom she is sure is "the one" without even knowing why.
Needless to say, there are many slips betwixt cup and lip in both stories before they get to the HEA endings.
The first story was cute, and the second one reminded me of "Pride and Prejudice." Fun, quick Christmas romance reads on both counts.
January 6, 2018
Two Christmas stories in 1 book...great bargain! Both were good reads.
All I Want For Christmas was a quick little story about twin boys wanting Santa to bring them a new mom for Christmas. She comes to town as a music teacher and a few mishaps along the way with the boys father. Such a sweet story.
First Impressions was an even better. Set in rural Maryland and Shane returns to refurbish her Grans homestead left to her and start a new life, start her own business and hires Vance Banning to help do the repairs and remodel on her home. She falls in love with Vance. Vance tries not to do the same, but can't but help falling for Shane. But he hasn't told her who he really is.....but of course all ends happy ever after.
A good book to end my Christmas season!
All I Want For Christmas was a quick little story about twin boys wanting Santa to bring them a new mom for Christmas. She comes to town as a music teacher and a few mishaps along the way with the boys father. Such a sweet story.
First Impressions was an even better. Set in rural Maryland and Shane returns to refurbish her Grans homestead left to her and start a new life, start her own business and hires Vance Banning to help do the repairs and remodel on her home. She falls in love with Vance. Vance tries not to do the same, but can't but help falling for Shane. But he hasn't told her who he really is.....but of course all ends happy ever after.
A good book to end my Christmas season!
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September 2, 2020Loved It!
If you enjoy rich development of characters and real relationships progressing in a normal a d reasonable fashion (Still with the. 'Happily everafter'), and a book that leaves you with a hunger and curiosity to discover if more of this author s books are just as enjoyable.
SPOILER ALerT--- whether it s a Nora Robert's or her other pen name of J.D. Robb,(for those who enjoy futuristic, but not far fetched), murder mysteries; romance with relationship development between a husband and wife with the hottest intimacy. Interactions I ve ever read in the 50 plus years I ve been reading!-- ALL her books are rich in character development, relationships, plausibility and plots, ENJOY!
If you enjoy rich development of characters and real relationships progressing in a normal a d reasonable fashion (Still with the. 'Happily everafter'), and a book that leaves you with a hunger and curiosity to discover if more of this author s books are just as enjoyable.
SPOILER ALerT--- whether it s a Nora Robert's or her other pen name of J.D. Robb,(for those who enjoy futuristic, but not far fetched), murder mysteries; romance with relationship development between a husband and wife with the hottest intimacy. Interactions I ve ever read in the 50 plus years I ve been reading!-- ALL her books are rich in character development, relationships, plausibility and plots, ENJOY!
January 3, 2025
The Christmas Wish is two stories in 1 book. The first one, All I Want For Christmas, is about two brothers wish for a mother for Christmas. When a stranger moves in as the new music teacher they believe Santa made their dream come true. This was a short story about love that while it was cute it just seemed like all the Christmas shows you see no surprises.
First Impressions, I would have gave 4 stars. I loved the chemistry between the two characters. Shane was full of uplifting positive energy while Vance was stubborn and dealing with lots of past trauma. Between the two they had me smiling, laughing and rooting for Shane and her business. A great holiday read or for any season.
First Impressions, I would have gave 4 stars. I loved the chemistry between the two characters. Shane was full of uplifting positive energy while Vance was stubborn and dealing with lots of past trauma. Between the two they had me smiling, laughing and rooting for Shane and her business. A great holiday read or for any season.
December 24, 2025
My Christmas wish is to never have to read another Nora Roberts book. I know these two stories are from the 80s/ 90s but it’s hard to think that calling your girlfriend a “pea brained twit” or giving her an “unloverlike shove” was ever romantic. The first story also aged poorly with repeated comments about the “attractiveness” of the twin boys and something about the couple going to bed together “as innocent as babes.”
TLDR: Weird vibes all around and irritation from page one with the twin boys being called Zeke and Zach. Why.
TLDR: Weird vibes all around and irritation from page one with the twin boys being called Zeke and Zach. Why.
November 22, 2021
As J D Robb this author has written 200 novels.
This time she has written two love stories - like Doris Day and Rock Hudson love stories. First the two don’t appear to like one- another very much; then there is passionate love making and marriage.
Both women are capable, working, and dedicated; both men are concealing a broken heart.
Love stories are not my thing, but I enjoyed these - especially the first where twin boys ask Santa for THE mom, not a mom.
This time she has written two love stories - like Doris Day and Rock Hudson love stories. First the two don’t appear to like one- another very much; then there is passionate love making and marriage.
Both women are capable, working, and dedicated; both men are concealing a broken heart.
Love stories are not my thing, but I enjoyed these - especially the first where twin boys ask Santa for THE mom, not a mom.
December 11, 2016
3.5 stars. A good getaway Christmas romance read. Others who have reviewed this seem to like the first story better. I prefer the second. There was just more story to it. It's what gave it the half star boost. The cover says, "Two holiday stories: One great price". Here's a tip, go to your local library. Enjoy getaway stories like this for Free.
January 29, 2018
There were two different stories in this one book and I loved both of them. Nora Roberts is one of my favorite authors. I love reading her stories and I love reading stories about the magic at Christmas Time. I guess the first story "All I Want for Christmas" is my favorite, I love the character of Fred. You gotta read it.
January 2, 2020
Two Holiday stories by Nora Roberts. The first, All I Want For Christmas, is a sweet story about the request two young brothers make from Santa.
The second, First Impressions, is a romance between two people who find love at first sight. Shane and Vance have an interesting relationship as neighbors and lovers. Issues arise, of course. Kind of predictable, but a fun read.
The second, First Impressions, is a romance between two people who find love at first sight. Shane and Vance have an interesting relationship as neighbors and lovers. Issues arise, of course. Kind of predictable, but a fun read.
February 2, 2025
Book #1 (2025)
The Christmas Wish: All I Want for Christmas/First Impressions by Nora Roberts were very picturesque, cozy Christmas stories.
I liked the first story, All I Want for Christmas better. I adored the characters more maybe because it centered on a woman who was a teacher then later changed her career. What I especially enjoyed about this story was the innocence of twin boys asking Santa for a mom.
The story, First Impressions, is about a woman falling in love with a man who is a widow. She hires him to do handy work but later finds out that he isn't who he says he is. The personality traits of the main characters made me cringe, making it harder to keep on reading rather than having to put down the book several times. I did end up finishing this book. I'm glad I did!
This book makes me want to read more Christmas themed books in the future! 🎅❄️🎄
The Christmas Wish: All I Want for Christmas/First Impressions by Nora Roberts were very picturesque, cozy Christmas stories.
I liked the first story, All I Want for Christmas better. I adored the characters more maybe because it centered on a woman who was a teacher then later changed her career. What I especially enjoyed about this story was the innocence of twin boys asking Santa for a mom.
The story, First Impressions, is about a woman falling in love with a man who is a widow. She hires him to do handy work but later finds out that he isn't who he says he is. The personality traits of the main characters made me cringe, making it harder to keep on reading rather than having to put down the book several times. I did end up finishing this book. I'm glad I did!
This book makes me want to read more Christmas themed books in the future! 🎅❄️🎄
February 7, 2025
One of my holiday reads, this book contains two holiday stories--one short and one long. It is your typical holiday romance: Boy and girl meet, they both have some history that makes them dislike each other at first, and they get together just in time for Christmas. These stories were MUCH steamier than I expected. It's an okay Christmas-time read, but don't expect a Hallmark romance.
December 24, 2017
All I want for Christmas was a snooze-fest. I finished it barely a day ago and couldnt tell you much about anyone in it.
First Impressions I was liking, but it went off the rails a lot for me at the end.
First Impressions I was liking, but it went off the rails a lot for me at the end.
January 23, 2018
Totally enjoyed this book. All I Want for Christmas is a short story but engaging all the same. The twins wish made this a sweet story.
First Impressions is about Shane & Vance. It was an interesting give & take kind of story. I liked how they helped each other.
First Impressions is about Shane & Vance. It was an interesting give & take kind of story. I liked how they helped each other.
December 19, 2018
Fluff with a typical Harlequin romance plot, but timely for this time of year. I wish the author had focused on All I Want for Christmas and made it a longer story rather than including First Impressions in this book.
December 8, 2016
A couple of cute little holiday stories. I liked the 1st one better, a more relate-able heroine. Shane in First Impressions was a little to pushy for my taste.
December 16, 2017
Not what I was expecting, interesting car ride.
December 14, 2017
Predictable but enjoyable Christmas stories.
December 20, 2017
All I Want for Christmas at least had a decent story line from the beginning. First Impressions had too much romance and not enough story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews