What do you think?
Rate this book
Dear Santa #1
The Party
He’s the town’s most eligible bachelor. But he’s more than that… much more
Exhausted after catering a high-profile company Christmas party, Paige accepts an invitation to relax with the man in charge of the clean-up crew. He’s handsome and intelligent, but most of all he’s a good listener. When they say goodnight, she has no idea that the meeting will trigger consequences that will change her life.
Exhausted after catering a high-profile company Christmas party, Paige accepts an invitation to relax with the man in charge of the clean-up crew. He’s handsome and intelligent, but most of all he’s a good listener. When they say goodnight, she has no idea that the meeting will trigger consequences that will change her life.
91 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2018
1215 people are currently reading
812 people want to read
About the author
Mona Ingram
83 books298 followersMona Ingram is the author of over 60 romance novels, including twelve novellas. Many of her stories take place in British Columbia, where she has lived since the age of twelve. In recent years she has lived in the Okanagan Valley and on Vancouver Island. In addition to reading and writing, traveling and bird watching are among Mona's favourite pastimes.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 250 reviews
December 14, 2022
It was almost Christmas and Paige was just completing everything to do with the catering job with the high profile company. Everyone had left and the clean-up crew were due to arrive any time, so she was checking the area when a young man, whom she gathered was head of the clean-up crew, arrived. He convinced her to have a coffee on the balcony and while they chatted, Paige found him a good listener. Jake was even interested in her younger brother, Simon, who was high functioning autistic and in Paige's care. But what Paige didn't know was how this chance meeting would change her life...
The Party is the 1st in the Dear Santa series by Mona Ingram and I enjoyed it. Light, entertaining and a quick, easy Christmas read, it is perfect for the season! Recommended.
The Party is the 1st in the Dear Santa series by Mona Ingram and I enjoyed it. Light, entertaining and a quick, easy Christmas read, it is perfect for the season! Recommended.
November 25, 2020
Dear Santa: The Party was the perfect quick read on this cold snowy night. Set during the holidays, it can be read at any time and is a stand alone from the other books in the Dear Santa series. The thing I loved most was the fact that there was never a "black moment." The characters in the book even discussed the fact that they hadn't experienced that moment when everything goes to hell in a hand basket only to be righted again. Such a NICE and welcoming change from the norm.
April 21, 2020
This book is 81 pages, it should have taken an hour and a half to read. Instead, it took three excruciating days.
I understand what the author was going for, a ‘clean’ novel with no smut and no angst. I loved writing stories like that in middle school too. But Lord have mercy this story, if you can even call it that, was boring. So boring. IKEA manuals are more exciting than this book.
Just take my advice and skip this. You’ll have a lot more fun assembling a Släkt.
I understand what the author was going for, a ‘clean’ novel with no smut and no angst. I loved writing stories like that in middle school too. But Lord have mercy this story, if you can even call it that, was boring. So boring. IKEA manuals are more exciting than this book.
Just take my advice and skip this. You’ll have a lot more fun assembling a Släkt.
December 4, 2018
Good read!
A sweet contemporary book. Well written without being so graphic. Just the right amount of romance. Love Mona Ingram's work.
A sweet contemporary book. Well written without being so graphic. Just the right amount of romance. Love Mona Ingram's work.
December 20, 2021
Un romance que causa frialdad por la rapidez con la que se desarrolla. Es un relato que apenas cuenta con 80 páginas, pero su base daba el suficiente juego como para que la pareja protagonista tuviera momentos más memorables.
Paige apenas tiene tiempo para sí misma. Se pasa el día ocupándose de su negocio de comidas preparadas y de su hermano Simon, quien quedó a su cargo tras la muerte de su padre y el abandono de su madre. Simon es autista, así que Paige siente que debe protegerlo de todo, aunque él es bastante autosuficiente y cree que su hermana debería luchar por su propia felicidad. Un día, tras encargarse del catering de una fiesta en el apartamento de un millonario, Paige se queda a solas recogiendo y se topa con Jake, el supuesto encargado del equipo de limpieza. Jake es el típico tío que sabe generar confianza, así que Paige le cuenta su vida mientras toman un café. En teoría, no volverán a verse, pero Paige pronto descubrirá que Jake no es quien ella creía y nada volverá a ser igual…
Sosos. Así es como definiría a los protagonistas. Que un malentendido sea el origen de todo daba pie a que se dieran situaciones cómicas, pero lo que más predomina es la cordialidad y las charlas rutinarias. A ver, que la cordialidad no es algo malo, pero si dos personas se atraen, no pueden hablar como si fueran dos vecinos que se topan en el ascensor y hablan del tiempo. Yo eché en falta más sentimiento y que Paige no fuera tan egocéntrica. Le cuenta absolutamente todo sobre ella a Jake, pero no se interesa por él. Jake parece creado para solucionarle todos los problemas a Paige y a la gente que la rodea. Es todo tan ideal que resulta irreal.
Muchas reseñas destacan que uno de los puntos fuertes de la historia es que no tiene ninguna situación de mal rollo, y es verdad que no la hay, pero a mí me parece que eso lo hace todo demasiado previsible. Es más, la autora pone tanto empeño en hacer felices a los personajes que hasta provoca que dos de los secundarios se enamoren y se hagan pareja tras una sola conversación.
No le doy la mínima puntuación porque se lee relativamente rápido y porque me gustó la relación fraternal que surgió entre Jake y Simon. El hermano de Paige es un chico con el que es muy fácil encariñarse y me agradó su sensatez y la camaradería que desarrolló con Jake. De hecho, me atrevería a decir que Simon consiguió ser más protagonista que Paige.
Si buscáis un relato breve que se desarrolle en la época navideña, éste podría ser una buena opción, pero no esperéis un gran romance.
Paige apenas tiene tiempo para sí misma. Se pasa el día ocupándose de su negocio de comidas preparadas y de su hermano Simon, quien quedó a su cargo tras la muerte de su padre y el abandono de su madre. Simon es autista, así que Paige siente que debe protegerlo de todo, aunque él es bastante autosuficiente y cree que su hermana debería luchar por su propia felicidad. Un día, tras encargarse del catering de una fiesta en el apartamento de un millonario, Paige se queda a solas recogiendo y se topa con Jake, el supuesto encargado del equipo de limpieza. Jake es el típico tío que sabe generar confianza, así que Paige le cuenta su vida mientras toman un café. En teoría, no volverán a verse, pero Paige pronto descubrirá que Jake no es quien ella creía y nada volverá a ser igual…
Sosos. Así es como definiría a los protagonistas. Que un malentendido sea el origen de todo daba pie a que se dieran situaciones cómicas, pero lo que más predomina es la cordialidad y las charlas rutinarias. A ver, que la cordialidad no es algo malo, pero si dos personas se atraen, no pueden hablar como si fueran dos vecinos que se topan en el ascensor y hablan del tiempo. Yo eché en falta más sentimiento y que Paige no fuera tan egocéntrica. Le cuenta absolutamente todo sobre ella a Jake, pero no se interesa por él. Jake parece creado para solucionarle todos los problemas a Paige y a la gente que la rodea. Es todo tan ideal que resulta irreal.
Muchas reseñas destacan que uno de los puntos fuertes de la historia es que no tiene ninguna situación de mal rollo, y es verdad que no la hay, pero a mí me parece que eso lo hace todo demasiado previsible. Es más, la autora pone tanto empeño en hacer felices a los personajes que hasta provoca que dos de los secundarios se enamoren y se hagan pareja tras una sola conversación.
No le doy la mínima puntuación porque se lee relativamente rápido y porque me gustó la relación fraternal que surgió entre Jake y Simon. El hermano de Paige es un chico con el que es muy fácil encariñarse y me agradó su sensatez y la camaradería que desarrolló con Jake. De hecho, me atrevería a decir que Simon consiguió ser más protagonista que Paige.
Si buscáis un relato breve que se desarrolle en la época navideña, éste podría ser una buena opción, pero no esperéis un gran romance.
November 5, 2019
After cleaning up from her catering job, Paige was just about ready to leave when a man walked in. Believing he was with the cleaning crew, they started talking and had coffee together. Never expecting to see him again, she told him about an acquaintance who wanted to get a catering job with the man hosting tonight's event. She also told him that she was going to withdraw her application for that job so that the other woman had a better chance of getting it. She also told him about her autistic brother and how good he was with electronics. She didn't know the man was actually the owner of the house, as well as the owner of the company who hired the caterers.
Jake was impressed by Paige's selflessness. She was a kind and giving woman. Jake was glad she didn't know who he was at the party so that she would act like herself. He was tired of people saying what they thought he wanted to hear, trying to impress him. He could actually be himself around her and her brother.
I enjoyed this clean romance. It had a wonderful ending. Not only did it have a HEA for the main couple but also for the community. It did take place at Christmas time but can be enjoyed at any time of the year. I highly recommend The Party.
Jake was impressed by Paige's selflessness. She was a kind and giving woman. Jake was glad she didn't know who he was at the party so that she would act like herself. He was tired of people saying what they thought he wanted to hear, trying to impress him. He could actually be himself around her and her brother.
I enjoyed this clean romance. It had a wonderful ending. Not only did it have a HEA for the main couple but also for the community. It did take place at Christmas time but can be enjoyed at any time of the year. I highly recommend The Party.
March 30, 2020
A sweet romance story set at Christmas time
December 19, 2021
This is another good author who I have just found because of my holiday reading list I did really like the characters a lot but I also found them all to be just a little bit too good to be true. A millionaire with a heart of gold, a biker with an equally good heart, the sweet trod upon small business owner, and her impaired but intelligent younger sibling. This is a romance with a theme and that is not a bad thing, it's actually very good because it will either draw you in or bore you.
Paige Baxter and her brother Simon are a family unit that is very tight and one for all. Simon takes Paige by surprise one morning when he asks her why she has not married and wonders if it might have something to do with him. Paige soothes him but then goes to work, she owns a deli in the mall, and pushes his inquiry aside.
Paige is catering a party for R.L. Donovan, a tech giant in their town and someone she hopes to expand her business with. What happens next is a surprise to both.
This is a very nice, very sweet story that takes place around the holidays. This highlights the autistic community and how learning more can make lives better. There is only a sweet romance without any erotic interludes. Perfect for anyone of any age.
Paige Baxter and her brother Simon are a family unit that is very tight and one for all. Simon takes Paige by surprise one morning when he asks her why she has not married and wonders if it might have something to do with him. Paige soothes him but then goes to work, she owns a deli in the mall, and pushes his inquiry aside.
Paige is catering a party for R.L. Donovan, a tech giant in their town and someone she hopes to expand her business with. What happens next is a surprise to both.
This is a very nice, very sweet story that takes place around the holidays. This highlights the autistic community and how learning more can make lives better. There is only a sweet romance without any erotic interludes. Perfect for anyone of any age.
November 29, 2023
This was a really cute romantic read. It’s 79 pages long and just follows along the beginning of the romance between Paige, a deli owner who is always busy at work, and Jake, a busy billionaire who falls for Paige first.
There is no spice and no angst. Not really any plot , I give four stars based only on the fact that I wanted a little palette cleanser before digging into another book. It wasn’t hard to read and the characters were likable. I recommend if you want a quick read to get to your reading goal 😉
There is no spice and no angst. Not really any plot , I give four stars based only on the fact that I wanted a little palette cleanser before digging into another book. It wasn’t hard to read and the characters were likable. I recommend if you want a quick read to get to your reading goal 😉
December 14, 2019
This is kind of between a 2 and 3 maybe a 2.5? The book did not appear to be edited so that was kind of annoying trying to figure out what some things meant. The characters got together quickly and it seemed kind of normal up until the end, especially the way their friends got together that was very rushed. There was no “black moment” which made it a little anticlimactic. And it was pretty PG. It was very on kindle and a quick read but not very enjoyable so I wouldn’t recommend.
January 18, 2020
This is a pretty good book. Short, sweet and fun; a great book for the holiday season. Snuggle-in and enjoy! Good characters, emotions, strength and courage, and the perfect HEA. Great for a quick read. Enjoy
July 1, 2020
Fun introduction to characters and storyline, I thoroughly enjoyed this Canadian author's Christmas reading treat.
November 22, 2024
An enjoyable short Christmas themed romance that was maybe a bit too quick for me but overall had a great time with the plot.
December 28, 2022
4.5 Stars. An enjoyable, quick Christmas read.
THE PARTY, by Mona Ingram is a sweet, quick reading, pick-me-up Christmas novella in Ms. Ingram’s 5 book Dear Santa Christmas collection. Each novella appears to have independent main characters so THE PARTY would work great as a standalone story. I enjoyed THE PARTY and IMO it is appropriate for adult or older teen readers interested in a Clean Christmas romance.
THE PARTY - The FMC/Paige, owns and operates a small deli. Her business has catered a private Christmas party in a luxurious penthouse space. While cleaning up the kitchen, post party, Paige meets a man she believes is the owner of the clean-up crew. He introduces himself as Jake/MMC. The two settle in for a post party chat. And so begins THE PARTY. Paige’s brother, Simon, is a secondary character with high-functioning autism. I thought his character added a nice dimension to this story.
THE PARTY was a nice distraction from this seemingly endless COVID year. It was positive and left me feeling good. I recommend THE PARTY to readers of Clean fiction, sweet romances, and quick reading pick-me-up books with HEAs. I enjoyed/read the intro “chat scene” twice. :D
THE PARTY, by Mona Ingram is a sweet, quick reading, pick-me-up Christmas novella in Ms. Ingram’s 5 book Dear Santa Christmas collection. Each novella appears to have independent main characters so THE PARTY would work great as a standalone story. I enjoyed THE PARTY and IMO it is appropriate for adult or older teen readers interested in a Clean Christmas romance.
THE PARTY - The FMC/Paige, owns and operates a small deli. Her business has catered a private Christmas party in a luxurious penthouse space. While cleaning up the kitchen, post party, Paige meets a man she believes is the owner of the clean-up crew. He introduces himself as Jake/MMC. The two settle in for a post party chat. And so begins THE PARTY. Paige’s brother, Simon, is a secondary character with high-functioning autism. I thought his character added a nice dimension to this story.
THE PARTY was a nice distraction from this seemingly endless COVID year. It was positive and left me feeling good. I recommend THE PARTY to readers of Clean fiction, sweet romances, and quick reading pick-me-up books with HEAs. I enjoyed/read the intro “chat scene” twice. :D
October 4, 2024
I'm head over heels for this book! A short and sweet romantic novel that beautifully portrays characters with autism and their unique challenges. Jake steals the show with his commitment not just to her but her brother too and to solving problems. I could rave on, but I don't want to spoil the magic. Trust me, it's a must-read, and I hope you enjoy it at least half as much as I did!
January 11, 2023
A lovely romance to set the mood for Christmas!
I was looking for something to read that would get me in the mood for the holidays. I also wanted it to be easy to read and not very long so I wouldn't feel guilty about taking a few minutes for myself in the middle of the holiday rush. The Party, book one of Mona Ingram's Dear Santa Christmas Romances was perfect in all aspects. Under 100 pages, this holiday novella, packs a lot of Christmas Spirit into this sweet romance, in a "just right" amount of easy to read pages. It was perfect interlude in the hustle and bustle of gift wrapping and getting the house guest ready. I was able to curl up on my sofa with a warm cup of tea and my comfy quilt. And while Christmas music played softly in the background I read from cover to cover finishing the book in one short sitting and still had time to get ready for dinner. "Perfectly marvelous!" to quote Mrs. Shellhiemer in Miracle on 34th Street (which we watched later after dinner).
This is the first time I have read anything written by Mona Ingram and it won't be the last. The characters were so well-developed they seemed real. It was like watching an old holiday movie starring maybe Cary Grant and perhaps Doris Day! It takes real talent to make a goodnight kiss sizzle, with words alone, Mona Ingram's made a kiss seem as hot as any erotic love scene, I have ever read! Again, like an old Hollywood movie starring some of the best leading men ever known. I simply melted as I read!
The story was also full of happy ever after, Christmas Spirit from one page to the next. I especially appreciated that it was not the usual nonsense of someone chasing all over with last minute frantic angst to make Christmas memorable. I get enough of that in my own life. I believe excellent fiction allows a reader to get lost within the story ,so absorbed that for a time at least, the world around us to disappear and all stress to melt away. Reading well-written romance fiction is my best form of relaxation. The Party by Mona Ingram fits into that category without difficulty.
Take a break, grab a cup of your favorite hot holiday beverage, light the fireplace, and settle in with a blanket and your dogs at your feet. Feel it yet? Your shoulders drop, you heartbeat flows and you breathing is slow, and deep. And with a sigh you begin The Party by Mona Ingram!
I was looking for something to read that would get me in the mood for the holidays. I also wanted it to be easy to read and not very long so I wouldn't feel guilty about taking a few minutes for myself in the middle of the holiday rush. The Party, book one of Mona Ingram's Dear Santa Christmas Romances was perfect in all aspects. Under 100 pages, this holiday novella, packs a lot of Christmas Spirit into this sweet romance, in a "just right" amount of easy to read pages. It was perfect interlude in the hustle and bustle of gift wrapping and getting the house guest ready. I was able to curl up on my sofa with a warm cup of tea and my comfy quilt. And while Christmas music played softly in the background I read from cover to cover finishing the book in one short sitting and still had time to get ready for dinner. "Perfectly marvelous!" to quote Mrs. Shellhiemer in Miracle on 34th Street (which we watched later after dinner).
This is the first time I have read anything written by Mona Ingram and it won't be the last. The characters were so well-developed they seemed real. It was like watching an old holiday movie starring maybe Cary Grant and perhaps Doris Day! It takes real talent to make a goodnight kiss sizzle, with words alone, Mona Ingram's made a kiss seem as hot as any erotic love scene, I have ever read! Again, like an old Hollywood movie starring some of the best leading men ever known. I simply melted as I read!
The story was also full of happy ever after, Christmas Spirit from one page to the next. I especially appreciated that it was not the usual nonsense of someone chasing all over with last minute frantic angst to make Christmas memorable. I get enough of that in my own life. I believe excellent fiction allows a reader to get lost within the story ,so absorbed that for a time at least, the world around us to disappear and all stress to melt away. Reading well-written romance fiction is my best form of relaxation. The Party by Mona Ingram fits into that category without difficulty.
Take a break, grab a cup of your favorite hot holiday beverage, light the fireplace, and settle in with a blanket and your dogs at your feet. Feel it yet? Your shoulders drop, you heartbeat flows and you breathing is slow, and deep. And with a sigh you begin The Party by Mona Ingram!
October 11, 2025
I woke up craving a little winter-holiday romance to cheer me up—and to cool me off on this typically hot and humid Florida day. The Party is book one in the Dear Santa Christmas Romance series, and it was exactly the feel-good fix I needed.
This cute, short novel made me feel lighter and happier. At just 91 pages, it’s a fast and furiously fun read. This was my first Mona Ingram book, but it definitely won’t be my last. The Party charmed me enough to want to explore the rest of the series—especially if they’re as delightful as this one.
Jake Donovan is 100% a gentleman. Almost too good to be true, which made the story so sweet and easy to enjoy. He’s drama-free, kindhearted, and genuinely tender—the kind of man you’d hope your daughter falls in love with and marries.
Paige is an independent, successful career woman, also caring for her younger brother. She’s hardworking, honest, and grounded. Her chance encounter with Jake had me smiling from the start, and the consequences of that meeting made the story all the more endearing. The chemistry between Jake and Paige is swoon-worthy, respectful, and refreshingly free of baggage.
One of the things I appreciated most was Jake’s acceptance and support of Paige’s brother, Simon, and his two friends, Kimberley and Randy. For such a short book, the characters were surprisingly well-developed and relatable. Jake’s best friend Damian owns a motorcycle repair shop, and Paige’s best friend Dana specializes in home décor. Dana and Damian’s own spark added an extra touch of charm and possibility. I loved how the author brought everyone together like one big happy family.
If you’re looking for a heartwarming story to lift your spirits and make you smile, I highly recommend The Party. Paige and Jake are the embodiment of kindness and goodwill. My only wish? That there had been an epilogue—I wasn’t ready to close the book on their happily ever after.
This cute, short novel made me feel lighter and happier. At just 91 pages, it’s a fast and furiously fun read. This was my first Mona Ingram book, but it definitely won’t be my last. The Party charmed me enough to want to explore the rest of the series—especially if they’re as delightful as this one.
Jake Donovan is 100% a gentleman. Almost too good to be true, which made the story so sweet and easy to enjoy. He’s drama-free, kindhearted, and genuinely tender—the kind of man you’d hope your daughter falls in love with and marries.
Paige is an independent, successful career woman, also caring for her younger brother. She’s hardworking, honest, and grounded. Her chance encounter with Jake had me smiling from the start, and the consequences of that meeting made the story all the more endearing. The chemistry between Jake and Paige is swoon-worthy, respectful, and refreshingly free of baggage.
One of the things I appreciated most was Jake’s acceptance and support of Paige’s brother, Simon, and his two friends, Kimberley and Randy. For such a short book, the characters were surprisingly well-developed and relatable. Jake’s best friend Damian owns a motorcycle repair shop, and Paige’s best friend Dana specializes in home décor. Dana and Damian’s own spark added an extra touch of charm and possibility. I loved how the author brought everyone together like one big happy family.
If you’re looking for a heartwarming story to lift your spirits and make you smile, I highly recommend The Party. Paige and Jake are the embodiment of kindness and goodwill. My only wish? That there had been an epilogue—I wasn’t ready to close the book on their happily ever after.
December 12, 2021
In “Dear Santa – The party” van Mona Ingram leren we Paige kennen. Zij heeft een winkeltje in het winkelcentrum en verzorgt ook de catering op feestjes. Zo belandt ze op het bedrijfskerstfeest van een rijke zakenman. Wanneer ze na afloop nog even napraat met Jake, de verantwoordelijke van de schoonmaakfirma, voelt ze een klik.
Paige heeft echter niet de intentie om hier verder iets mee te doen, want haar prioriteit ligt bij de zorg voor haar autistische broer. Haar verrassing is groot als ze Jake in andere omstandigheden opnieuw tegenkomt en hij een interessant voorstel heeft.
“Dear Santa – The party” is het eerste Engelstalige boek dat ik heb gelezen. Hoewel de titel Engelstalig is, was ik toch van het idee dat dit een Nederlandstalig boek was. Ik heb me er toch aan gewaagd, omdat het een novelle is.
Eerlijk gezegd is het me zeer goed bevallen. Het Engels was zeer verstaanbaar en de schrijfstijl is zeer vlot. Er komen heel veel dialogen in deze novelle voor en dat heb ik graag. Het verhaal is er eentje om van te smullen, ondanks dat er wel wat clichés in voorkomen! De personages zijn ook leuk.
Het is me dus zeker goed bevallen! Een aanrader voor wie net zoals ik, twijfelt over het lezen van Engelstalige verhalen.
Dear Santa is een trilogie met onafhankelijke feelgoodverhalen die zich afspelen in de kerstperiode.
Paige heeft echter niet de intentie om hier verder iets mee te doen, want haar prioriteit ligt bij de zorg voor haar autistische broer. Haar verrassing is groot als ze Jake in andere omstandigheden opnieuw tegenkomt en hij een interessant voorstel heeft.
“Dear Santa – The party” is het eerste Engelstalige boek dat ik heb gelezen. Hoewel de titel Engelstalig is, was ik toch van het idee dat dit een Nederlandstalig boek was. Ik heb me er toch aan gewaagd, omdat het een novelle is.
Eerlijk gezegd is het me zeer goed bevallen. Het Engels was zeer verstaanbaar en de schrijfstijl is zeer vlot. Er komen heel veel dialogen in deze novelle voor en dat heb ik graag. Het verhaal is er eentje om van te smullen, ondanks dat er wel wat clichés in voorkomen! De personages zijn ook leuk.
Het is me dus zeker goed bevallen! Een aanrader voor wie net zoals ik, twijfelt over het lezen van Engelstalige verhalen.
Dear Santa is een trilogie met onafhankelijke feelgoodverhalen die zich afspelen in de kerstperiode.
December 23, 2020
A random find on Amazon. Gotta love my freebies!
Jake and Paige are from completely different worlds. Jake is the town's most eligible bachelor and owns one of the biggest companies. Paige owns her own catering company. She is hired to cater a high-profile company for an Xmas Christmas party. After the party she accepts an invitation to relax with the man in charge of the clean-up crew. He is handsome and intelligent, but he seems like a good egg. Little does she know that this man is Jake.
I believe this is book 2? Not seeing book 1 listed in Goodreads, so I am unsure if that is a typo or what? Not sure if they are all tied in together or not, but it didn't feel like a book 2. So no worries there. However, I am curious about the other books now!
This was quick and cute, but it worked and I loved our two. I was a little concerned about Jake, but he was a sweetie and he actually cared about Paige and her brother. Adorable.
The little side romances were very cute too.
So yes - another cute and short story for the holiday season. I'll give this 4 stars.
Jake and Paige are from completely different worlds. Jake is the town's most eligible bachelor and owns one of the biggest companies. Paige owns her own catering company. She is hired to cater a high-profile company for an Xmas Christmas party. After the party she accepts an invitation to relax with the man in charge of the clean-up crew. He is handsome and intelligent, but he seems like a good egg. Little does she know that this man is Jake.
I believe this is book 2? Not seeing book 1 listed in Goodreads, so I am unsure if that is a typo or what? Not sure if they are all tied in together or not, but it didn't feel like a book 2. So no worries there. However, I am curious about the other books now!
This was quick and cute, but it worked and I loved our two. I was a little concerned about Jake, but he was a sweetie and he actually cared about Paige and her brother. Adorable.
The little side romances were very cute too.
So yes - another cute and short story for the holiday season. I'll give this 4 stars.
August 1, 2019
This very short story is delightful. Paige has catered a party for RL (Jake) Donovan, a wealthy technology mogul and, while cleaning up, meets a very attractive man. After pouring her heart out to him, she discovers she’s been talking to Jake himself who is as kind and considerate and generous as he is rich and handsome.
Paige has raised her brother Simon who has high-functioning autism since he was twelve. His strength is his mechanical expertise – once he takes something apart and puts it back together, it’s better than it was before. Simon and Jake discover common interests and become friends, all the while Jake is getting to know Paige better.
This is a sweet story. All the characters are believable and it’s wonderful to read about a special needs person who is treated kindly, not with condescension.
Paige has raised her brother Simon who has high-functioning autism since he was twelve. His strength is his mechanical expertise – once he takes something apart and puts it back together, it’s better than it was before. Simon and Jake discover common interests and become friends, all the while Jake is getting to know Paige better.
This is a sweet story. All the characters are believable and it’s wonderful to read about a special needs person who is treated kindly, not with condescension.
December 11, 2020
After catering a Christmas party for a company at the owner's penthouse, Paige has coffee with a handsome man she believes is a member of the cleaning crew. But Jake is in actuality the company owner. With her guard down, she and he have an unguarded conversation that leaves them both starry-eyed. Will the stars fade when she finds out who he really is? I'm a big fan of Ms. Ingram's books because her characters, no matter how minor to the plot, are always well drawn out and you want to know them. In The Party, Paige is kind and devoted to her brother. Jake is generous and eager to learn. Simon is complex and charming. Dana and Damien are wonderful together (and I can't wait to read their story!)
The perfect way to get in the holiday spirit.
The perfect way to get in the holiday spirit.
March 7, 2021
This was a beautiful story and though it is advertised as a Christmas novel I feel the holiday had very little to do with the telling of the story. I enjoyed all of the characters and thought they were very well developed. I liked the pace of the story. And I thought the ending was emotional but happy. I like that Jake not only accepts Paige but is able to accept her Autistic brother as well as find a place for him as well as his autistic friends in his company. One of the things I like about Paige is besides being a good and loyal sister to her autistic brother she is also a good and loyal friend as well.
I thought this was a very uplifting story. There is no profanity and no sexually explicit dialogue.
I thought this was a very uplifting story. There is no profanity and no sexually explicit dialogue.
July 25, 2021
4.5 stars.
This sweet story is full of lovely characters, more than one romance and moved along nicely. The way Paige and Jake met could have ended up in a lot of angst, but their good nature and support from friends helped them to have a good start to their relationship, I really liked them as a couple and enjoyed their respect, trust, honesty and love for each other.
I enjoyed seeing the other relationships in this evolve and could have happily read about them all for longer. As a parent of a child with additional needs, reading a story which showed someone willing to take the time to understand how their world works and doing something to help them not only navigate it but to also reach their potential was heartwarming to read.
This sweet story is full of lovely characters, more than one romance and moved along nicely. The way Paige and Jake met could have ended up in a lot of angst, but their good nature and support from friends helped them to have a good start to their relationship, I really liked them as a couple and enjoyed their respect, trust, honesty and love for each other.
I enjoyed seeing the other relationships in this evolve and could have happily read about them all for longer. As a parent of a child with additional needs, reading a story which showed someone willing to take the time to understand how their world works and doing something to help them not only navigate it but to also reach their potential was heartwarming to read.
December 13, 2018
Paige was the last to leave after catering a party here, and wanting just to relax. Having made a promise to a friend, to tell her what the place looked like beyond the kitchen, she goes in. Then.noticing a man, assumes he is with the cleaning crew that was set to come. Over coffee on the patio the talk easily flowed, and sharing of one’s life. Appointment to meet, for a permanent venue for her catering business, she finds he was the one she had mistaken for the cleaning crew. Interest had been formed, and with meeting Simon, he was wanting more. A nice story of love coming, and the sharing with her brother.
November 30, 2020
This short story has all the feel good factors of the Christmas spirits. There is love. Friendship. Compassion and benevolence.
When Paige encounters Jake, there is a misidentity which is not corrected. They talk and listen to each other and at the end, they go their separate ways. She thinks that she would never see him again, but he knows better. What happens when she realises who he really is?
I like the caring side of Paige and her commitment to her brother, Simon. Jake makes a point of educating himself on autism and offers those in need opportunities to help with their future. It's a sweet romance with no angst. A pleasant read.
When Paige encounters Jake, there is a misidentity which is not corrected. They talk and listen to each other and at the end, they go their separate ways. She thinks that she would never see him again, but he knows better. What happens when she realises who he really is?
I like the caring side of Paige and her commitment to her brother, Simon. Jake makes a point of educating himself on autism and offers those in need opportunities to help with their future. It's a sweet romance with no angst. A pleasant read.
December 24, 2020
Cute, entertaining holiday novella!
Paige Baxter cares for her special needs brother while also running her own deli shop. She is hoping her catering job at RL Donovan's holiday work party will lead to another job for he is also hiring for, but new information has come to light changing her mind.
Jake Donovan didn't intentionally mislead Paige but he's glad things worked out the way they did. Getting to know her and her younger brother has been exciting and eye opening, and he is looking forward to expounding on their relationship, especially his and Paige's.
I thoroughly enjoyed this light holiday read!!
Paige Baxter cares for her special needs brother while also running her own deli shop. She is hoping her catering job at RL Donovan's holiday work party will lead to another job for he is also hiring for, but new information has come to light changing her mind.
Jake Donovan didn't intentionally mislead Paige but he's glad things worked out the way they did. Getting to know her and her younger brother has been exciting and eye opening, and he is looking forward to expounding on their relationship, especially his and Paige's.
I thoroughly enjoyed this light holiday read!!
May 20, 2021
Paige owns the deli at the mall. She caters an employee Christmas party for Donovan Hi-Tech. She meets Jake believing he's head of the cleaning crew, when he is RL Donovan. They talk and when she goes to interview for the cafeteria position, he comes clean and explains his reasoning. They start dating and he meets her brother, Simon. She meets his friend, Damian. By New Year's Eve, Jake, Paige, Damian, Dana, Simon, Randy and Kimberly all spend the evening together with a hopeful look at the coming year. Liked the epilogue, but wanted the proposal or wedding or even better a look a few years ahead an a pregnancy announcement from Paige.
July 23, 2021
It is always nice to read a novel about special men & women that face so many struggles with life, but like this novel some people see the value and their worth then do anything and everything they can to make them feel that they are part of our society and should not be overlooked in the work force. Jake" is a smart business man, who sets out to make a difference after hearing Paige`s and her brothers life story. If only more business men and women took notice, and think about the people they could employ but do not. I liked the plot and characters, i only wished that there was more of a dramatic ending to the novel than there is.
November 25, 2022
Perfect holiday read
The first installment in the "Dear Santa Romances" series, os proof that life can change with the blink of an eye.
The characters are well developed, confident, brave and special.
Paige, the main character of this story, is the owner of Deli, and is set to apply for running the cafeteria at the new company that came in her town.
Little does she know, when she hosts the Christmas party for the famous RL Donovan, that that night will chage her life forever.
Simon is Paige's brother, a special needs one and a brilliant one.
There's more to say,but I don't want to ruin the surprise for you.
I loved this book entirely.
The first installment in the "Dear Santa Romances" series, os proof that life can change with the blink of an eye.
The characters are well developed, confident, brave and special.
Paige, the main character of this story, is the owner of Deli, and is set to apply for running the cafeteria at the new company that came in her town.
Little does she know, when she hosts the Christmas party for the famous RL Donovan, that that night will chage her life forever.
Simon is Paige's brother, a special needs one and a brilliant one.
There's more to say,but I don't want to ruin the surprise for you.
I loved this book entirely.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 250 reviews