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The Christmas Collector
A woman uncovers family secrets and romance while liquidating an estate at Christmastime in this novella by the author of Sold on a Monday . Toss, repair, sell, repeat. Most of the time, people are grateful for estate liquidator Jenna Matthews’s organizing services. Not Reece Porter, her new client’s handsome but grouchy grandson. As far as he’s concerned Jenna is a vulture, picking through his late grandfather’s treasures, during the holidays, no less. Personally, Jenna isn’t one for Christmas nostalgia, or any kind of nostalgia. Plus, she’s just doing her job. But when she and Reece are drawn together in an emergency, it becomes clear there’s a whole other kind of tension between them, one that’s pure electricity. And when Jenna discovers keepsakes that suggest an intriguing Porter family secret, unwrapping the mystery leads both Jenna and Reese to the greatest gifts of the holidays—and the truth in their hearts . . . Previously published in A Winter Wonderland . Praise for the writing of Kristina McMorris “Will grab your heart on page one and won’t let go until the end.” —Sara Gruen, #1 New York Times –bestselling author on The Edge of Lost “An absorbing, addictive read.” —Beatriz Williams, New York Times –bestselling author on The Edge of Lost “Impeccably researched and beautifully written.” —Karen White, New York Times –bestselling author on Bridge of Scarlet Leaves “An absolutely lovely debut novel filled with endearing characters and lively descriptions.” —Kristin Hannah, New York Times –bestselling author on Letters from Home
125 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2017
203 people are currently reading
689 people want to read
About the author
Kristina McMorris
17 books2,909 followersKRISTINA MCMORRIS is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of two novellas and seven historical novels, including the million-copy bestseller Sold on a Monday and, most recently, the instant international bestseller The Ways We Hide, selected as Target’s top-five reads of 2022. A recipient of more than twenty national literary awards, she previously hosted weekly TV shows for Warner Bros. and an ABC affiliate, beginning at age nine with an Emmy Award-winning program, and owned a wedding-and-event-planning company until she had far surpassed her limit of "Y.M.C.A." and chicken dances. Kristina splits her time between San Diego and Portland, Oregon, where she’s the proud mom of two teenage boys who recently stripped her of her longstanding boast of being “tall for an Asian.” For more, visit KristinaMcMorris.com
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 28, 2018
Kristina McMorris puts her own unique spin on this endearing Christmas story. When Jenna Matthews and Reece Porter meet, they are instantly at odds with each other...she's been tasked with going through and organizing his grandfather's treasures and he's upset with her for going through those same things without any sentimentality. But even though they are clashing, there is an undercurrent of attraction between the two of them, if they will only open their hearts to figure out what that means. This is such a heartfelt, wonderful story, with a bit of mystery along with a Christmas romance. Uplifting and touching, this novella is perfect for reading during the holidays; a warmhearted story that is sure to bring you joy.
December 22, 2018
A touching Christmas story by one of my favorite authors. A little history, some romance, and a great tale. Highly recommended to anyone who loves a heartwarming Christmas story!
*5 Stars
*5 Stars
January 28, 2018
A beautiful story with mystery, a little love and all the good feels! It is a story that can be read in one sitting and is full of history! The women who came home from serving our country during WWII came home only to be ashamed of their service even if they came home with a metal of honor! The job to take pride in during that time was homemaking. Kristina McMorris gives compassionate voice to this!
November 11, 2018
3.5 stars. Predictable and ended rather abruptly, even for a novella, but still an enjoyable little read to put you into the holiday spirit.
January 5, 2019
This was a perfect book to read at Christmas time. It touched my heart as do the sentiments of olden treasures and when I brought out the Christmas decorations for our tree, it reminded me of many things I had forgotten and yet could not let go of. In this book Jenna, an estate liquidator is frustrated by Reece, her clients t grandson who is hindering her efforts by picking through things he treasures and doesn't want to let go of. Nostalgia is a personal thing for sure. I enjoyed finding out the secrets these treasures brought to Reece's family history and how they changed some beliefs or truths as Jenna and Reece face an emergency, and find out about love and redemption through loss and survival. This was a beautifully written story, I was truly drawn into the nostalgia.
March 17, 2024
The Christmas Collector by Kristina McMorris is set at Christmastime in the contemporary Northwest. Jenna is a professional estate liquidator. She sorts all items of entire households: discard, repair, sell. She's ideal for the task because she's not a bit nostalgic, viewing mementos as clutter. Until a photo from WWII piques her curiosity. She's sure the elderly Mrs. Porter will want to keep the memento from her WWII service - but the woman snaps "throw it away". Why? Jenna resolves to find out.
Jenna meets Mrs. Porter's grandson Reece, and sparks fly. He is nostalgic; hates Jenna picking over his boyhood keepsakes to sell or discard. He also hates his grandmother being forced out of her home by his dad. He does become interested, as is Jenna, in the WWII photo. Predictably, sparks turn into romance.
The photo leads to a mini history lesson about our American culture immediately following WWII. And Jenna experiences a "sea change" from her "all is clutter" heartfelt belief to appreciating the memories preserved in personal keepsakes - so much so, she changes her career path. For those of us who've been trying to train ourselves away from preserving keepsakes, and instead adopt trendy declutter habits, the story gives pause for thought.
Jenna meets Mrs. Porter's grandson Reece, and sparks fly. He is nostalgic; hates Jenna picking over his boyhood keepsakes to sell or discard. He also hates his grandmother being forced out of her home by his dad. He does become interested, as is Jenna, in the WWII photo. Predictably, sparks turn into romance.
The photo leads to a mini history lesson about our American culture immediately following WWII. And Jenna experiences a "sea change" from her "all is clutter" heartfelt belief to appreciating the memories preserved in personal keepsakes - so much so, she changes her career path. For those of us who've been trying to train ourselves away from preserving keepsakes, and instead adopt trendy declutter habits, the story gives pause for thought.
January 2, 2022
This was a quick and easy read. Exactly what I was looking for to add a quick holiday themed book to my list. I thought the story line was cute. Classic boy and girl meet and have an instant attraction. They fight it because of various factors making romance seem impossible, etc.
At under 200 pages though, there were gaps in the storyline that if filled in would have made the book all the better. The end felt unnatural and like it was forced on the reader without being fully developed.
Overall, perfect short read around the holidays.
At under 200 pages though, there were gaps in the storyline that if filled in would have made the book all the better. The end felt unnatural and like it was forced on the reader without being fully developed.
Overall, perfect short read around the holidays.
September 26, 2018
Our Hidden Past
What a happy Christmas story! Through years of secrets and striving to forget the past, life comes full circle and horrible memories fade into happy times. Another emotional and historical novella by one of the best author's of our time, the phenomenal Kristina McMorris
What a happy Christmas story! Through years of secrets and striving to forget the past, life comes full circle and horrible memories fade into happy times. Another emotional and historical novella by one of the best author's of our time, the phenomenal Kristina McMorris
November 27, 2021
Another short sweet Christmas story to put you in the holiday spirit. I enjoyed it but it was not the best of Kristina McMorris that I have grown to know and love. Certainly, will not stop be from reading more from her, she is a great author.
I am on a Christmas story binge and this one did fit into my list. 4****'s It needed a bit more of Chistmas in it for me.
I am on a Christmas story binge and this one did fit into my list. 4****'s It needed a bit more of Chistmas in it for me.
January 10, 2019
A sweet story
Every family has to consider what treasures are important enough to keep. Every generation has to consider how to deal with the treasures of their parents and grandparents. The stories behind the mementoes sometimes are untold or get lost. I enjoyed this story!
Every family has to consider what treasures are important enough to keep. Every generation has to consider how to deal with the treasures of their parents and grandparents. The stories behind the mementoes sometimes are untold or get lost. I enjoyed this story!
April 26, 2022
Romance
I had read an enjoyable historically based novel of this author so this kind of surprised me. Romance novels aren't my cup of tea. It is well written and has fairly well defined characters and a cute little story line.
If you enjoy romances grab this up!! It was an entertaining bit of fluff!
I had read an enjoyable historically based novel of this author so this kind of surprised me. Romance novels aren't my cup of tea. It is well written and has fairly well defined characters and a cute little story line.
If you enjoy romances grab this up!! It was an entertaining bit of fluff!
December 4, 2022
Old things
As a person who cleans out old homes and discovers priceless items Jenna does a great job. But when her feelings for the older lady become apparent she can't do anymore but what will she do to stay in her condo?
As a person who cleans out old homes and discovers priceless items Jenna does a great job. But when her feelings for the older lady become apparent she can't do anymore but what will she do to stay in her condo?
December 2, 2025
I had a hard time getting into this book i was looking for a warm, fuzzy, easy read to select for Bookclub. This didn't do it for me. It was too easy and lacked depth for me. Others might feel different but that's my take
October 11, 2018
2.5 cute fluff story. Didn't realize it was so short. Girl meets boy who is with someone else (he Thinks) and they fall in love surrounded by his family.
December 7, 2018
Great short romance read
An interesting recount of women's role in the war. Especially why they would want to hide their services. The romance just happens along the way.
An interesting recount of women's role in the war. Especially why they would want to hide their services. The romance just happens along the way.
December 25, 2018
A Hallmark movie in book form is how I would describe this book. Sweet & a quick read.
January 4, 2019
Loved it!
January 12, 2019
Beautifully written short story about love, family history and what is truly important in life. Great read for one sitting and you'll learn about some unsung heroes from World War II.
January 18, 2019
Fun short Christmas read.
May 19, 2021
Was good kind of predictable but a nice story
November 21, 2021
3.5 ⭐ This short story is not my favorite by this author yet it was quite enjoyable.
November 23, 2021
Good story
I wish the end wouldn't have come at that point. It would have been nice see more of the happy times.
I wish the end wouldn't have come at that point. It would have been nice see more of the happy times.
February 4, 2023
This was a very good story and short read by Kristina McMorris, liked it very much
October 14, 2024
Had a somewhat confusing and slow start; but, picked up and had a good story and good ending.
February 4, 2023
A delightful short story by one of my favorite authors.
Jenna Matthews is hired to clean out a home determining what to sell or toss. But when she comes upon some family secrets such as a picture of a woman and a serviceman, some items from WWII and possibly a lost love, she involves a family member to help her solve the mystery.
Great job Kristina McMorris!
Jenna Matthews is hired to clean out a home determining what to sell or toss. But when she comes upon some family secrets such as a picture of a woman and a serviceman, some items from WWII and possibly a lost love, she involves a family member to help her solve the mystery.
Great job Kristina McMorris!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews