A Family for Christmas

by Mona Ingram

Laid off and in a new city, Maddie is eager to get her life back on track before Christmas. With a new gift wrapping business in the lobby of the Drummond Building, the last thing on her mind is falling for Chase, the heir to the Drummond fortune. But it isn't Chase who captures her heart. Annie, only ten years old and recently orphaned, needs more than gifts for Christmas, and Maddie might just have enough love left in her heart to help.

Mona Ingram is the author of over forty sweet, clean romances full of hope, inspiration, and happily ever afters. For a complete list of Mona's books, visit her website: monaingram.com

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Fiction, Holiday, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit

160 pages, ebook

First published September 19, 2012

About the author

Mona 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.

Reviews

[Blodeuedd Finland · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really should have read the blurb, but an ebook is an ebook...

So I was all Maddie likes Chase? She met this hot guy, then he meets her friend and goes all gaga over her. I was all whaat?

Oh but it all makes sense. The book is about Maddie meeting Chase's brother and falling for him. And Chase falling for Maddie's bestie.

All while Maddie becomes friend with Annie, their niece.

When I got over the what is going on shock, it turned nice. It's a sweet romance with a xmas theme. Perfect for xmas.

But be warned, there be bitches in it. Woman can be so evil, and men can be such asshats.

[Rebecca Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite fluffy and extremely predictable. Read in an attempt to make it feel like Christmas, however it didn't achieve what I hoped it would. Recommend if you're after an extremely easy read which doesn't require any thought or some stereotypical chick lit.

[Sandy S · Rating 3 out of 5]

GIFT WRAPPED FOR CHRISTMAS by Mona Ingram

GIFT WRAPPED FOR CHRISTMAS is the perfect romantic holiday storyline for everyone looking for a HEA. And as an added bonus, Mona offers up two love stories for the price of one. And in saying that, Mona does not come out and address the leading storyline couple in the beginning, in fact, you begin to wonder who the premise is about. But in all due time, you discover that the love of your life may be standing in the same room or sitting across from you at the same table.

Two months before Christmas and Maddie LaRoque has lost her position at a Calgary accounting firm in the Drummond building. With no potential prospects on the horizon, Maddie begins to outline a plan to set up her own business in the same building where she once worked. To lease the empty storefront, Maddie must engage Chase Drummond-billionaire owner of Drummond Enterprises. And to no one’s surprise Chase is as handsome as he is rich, but Maddie is more interested in the building’s maintenance man who does something to Maddie that she hasn’t felt in a long time.

When Chase’s 10 year old niece Annie desires to be a fashion designer, we are introduced to Maddie’s BFF and roommate Lily-a fashion designer who owns her own company and a woman who will play an integral role in Chase Drummond’s life. When Lily and Chase are finally introduced, Lily is quick to point out to Maddie that she is tired of playing the beautiful arm candy to rich men trying to make an impression in the world of business. Both Maddie and Lily have suffered some amazing heartbreaks at the hands of men with whom they were in love. And the pattern seems to continue when Chase’s attraction to Lily seems to be marred by the continuous photographs of him appearing with his ‘fiance ‘ at public events.

Maddie will soon discover that the man she is drawn to is not the man she thought.. And it is no surprise to Maddie when she discovers that this man appears to have difficulty in the honesty department-betrayal and heartbreak greet Maddie with every waking day. Both Lily and Maddie find themselves devastated that old habits die hard when they fall in love with men who appear to be already committed to someone else.

GIFT WRAPPED FOR CHRISTMAS is a heartwarming and romantic tale about two women who have suffered betrayal and heartbreak, and who finally believe they have found the right man. Add a couple of manipulative and greedy women looking to land a billionaire of their own, and you have the ingredients for a potential cat fight, but Lily and Maddie are beyond the games, and each will chose to handle their disappointment and heartbreak they only way they can. Gift Wrapped for Christmas is a great story to curl up under a blanket with the fireplace glowing.

see all of my reviews at : thereadingcafe.com

[Lynn]

Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Standalone/series: Stand alone
Cursing?: A little
Descriptive Sex?: No, no sex at all
Descriptive Sex Between H/h With OW/OM?: No
Contains Cheating?: Yes, depending on how you define it. One of the heroes kisses one of the heroines before he has broken it off with his long time girlfriend. It's obvious the intention to break up is there but that is still cheating in my opinion. It made me see the guy as sketchy.
Overall Chemistry: Insta-connection
Overall Couple's Rootablity: Hmmm, okay I guess.
HEA/HFN/etc Ending: HEA
Character(s)POV Spoken: 4, alternating though we start the book in on POV and stay there for a while before it begins to shift around.

Any Triggers/Warnings: See spoiler at the end of the review.

Overall Rating: Could have been better
Would You Read More Books By This Author: If she learns to develop the relationships better.
Safety Gang approved? Soft "No" but I don't think most would be too bothered by what happens.

This started off fine, seemed like it was going to be a cute sweet story but then got off track for me. To properly enjoy this book you have to be okay with insta-attractions/lust and pretty much instalove. The "love" between the two couple never was developed- just bam! One date or one time to hang out and they're there. I think the book should have taken more time to develop the relationships to make the emotion of the climax feel legit. I also thought that the guys acted pretty sketchy at times. Why was Brent kissing another women and making plans with her before breaking up with his long time girl friend. Plus, he had a chance after that and wimped out. Why wasn't this addressed? Seemed sketchy to me. At least Chase had to answer for his sketchy behavior.

[Debbie Oxier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this holiday story which was actually two love stories being told at the same time. Maddie and Lily are roommates. Maddie has just been laid off from her job in the Drummond Building when the story opens while Lily, who runs her own screen printing company and designs clothes is busy working. When Maddie has a brief encounter with Chase Drummond, the building's owner, she doesn't realize just how beneficial it will be for both of them.

When an opportunity opens up for Maddie to start her own personal shopping and gift wrapping business, she knows just the place to start it. There's a small space available on the ground floor of the Drummond Building. When she talks to Chase he thinks it's a great idea and gives it his full backing. While there, Maddie meets his ten-year-old niece, Annie, and gets her first glimpse of Chase' s brother, Brent. And it's through Maddie and Annie that Chase is introduced to Lily.

What follows is a couple of sweet romances where two brothers are attracted to the two roommates. Of course, there is trouble along the way. Misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and the nasty other woman make this a nice way to spend an afternoon.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun holiday read with not one, but two delicious heroes and two sassy heroines. When Maddie is laid off from her job at an accounting firm, she faces a crossroads. What to do next? Accounting really isn't what she wants. After a fateful conversation in the building's elevator with corporate mogul Chase Drummond, she has a terrific idea: why not start a holiday shopping and gift wrapping service for people too busy or clueless to find the perfect gift? With help from Chase and his brother, Brett, Maddie's soon on her way. And while Maddie's smitten with Brett, Chase is attracted to her roommate, Lily. The Drummonds' orphaned niece is charming without being saccharine. This is a wonderful, feel-good story, perfect to get you in the holiday spirit!

[booklover4life · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars!

This was a quick contemporary romance that hit the spot. After having read so many dark and angst filled books lately, this was the perfect book to lighten things up. The characters were likable, there wasn't a lot of drama, and it was a clean read. I definitely enjoyed it.

[Laycie Moss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, easy read. Sweet and romantic, yet clean. Perfect length for holiday traveling.

[Tammy Ambrose · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't get much of a feel good Christmas story from this one. First off I was surprised to find I was getting two love stories in one. Two roommates/best friends fall for two brothers. There were constant mix ups concerning old girl friends and an old boyfriend that were predictable and a little annoying. The story would have been so much better with them and time spent letting the characters know and fall in love. It was instalove without much interaction. I loved the addition of the little girl, Annie, she was the saving grace in this story.

[Mary B]

Fun, quick read. You know what is going to happen but I still read every last page!

[Kate McMurry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, G-rated, contemporary romance set in Canada. It is currently sold on Amazon under the title, "A Family for Christmas."

[Sandra Gaultois · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice light Christmas story. I enjoyed it :)

[Marie Mckenney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this family story.

Maddie and Lily are roommates. Maddie meets Chase first in the elevator. He owns the building she was leaving. She had been laid off her job and needed to find work. She ends up with an ideal and decides to rent some space in her old building. She has to talk to Chase. She meets his niece who they are raising. Maddie and Annie connect. They go out for tea while waiting for her uncle. Her roommate comes by. Chase comes along and Clicks with Lily. Maddie is setting up her new space and Brett helps her. She thinks he is the maintenance man but it is Chase's brother and Annie's other uncle. They click. Things happen between the two couples. The craziness of each couple is so cute and Annie is a cute little girl. Love these couple and how Annie blends them together. Love these Christmas books.

[Sarah Butland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an adorable read! With unexpected relationship complications keeping this tale of romance even more compelling, I fell in love with all of its characters; in a way even the ones who shouldn't be lovable.

The story starts with Maddie being laid off and being glad that she is - teaching us all a lesson of acceptance and confidence. Then she meets a man but not just any man, a rich and handsome man who, she quickly finds out, is buying a gift for a ten year old girl.

A heart-warming holiday romance filled with emotion, A Family For Christmas will pull at your heart ribbons and turn them in to bows... or fallen tinsel - you'll need to read it to find out!

Thanks for reading,

Sarah Butland

[Kirsty Wenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this Christmas themed romance. There was a lot going on in this book, and there was a bit of a twist from what I was expecting, which was a nice surprise. I adored Annie, and I really enjoyed watching, what turned out to be, two romances unfold. My only reservation is that the two couples in this book don't spend very much time together, but this didn't affect my enjoyment of the story, as the author still made it seem believable. Overall, there was plenty of warmth and heart in this romance, and it was a great read for the Christmas season!

[Jodi Cain · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful read. Brent, Chase, Maddie, Lily & Annie are lucky to find each other. Annie has been through so much to be so young. Her two uncles adore her like no one else. Maddie & Lily have been friends forever. It was so good to read a book that was upbeat and loving. Don't get me wrong there were some heartbreaking things that came up, that made me cry. The ending was so worth it though.

[Anna Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

The angst in this gave the story a rise, climax, and denouement (pretty basic story structure necessities). But it also made the guys look like dumbasses, somewhat ruining a mostly cute Christmas romance. In the end, it was pretty "meh."

[Kylie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hard time following the story at the start I felt the characters names were mixed around in error. Later in the book almost at the end it occurred again. I think editing was dropped on the book. There was no real story feel more like just words on the page.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute story, slightly cheesy in some parts, but over all a pretty cute Christmas story.

[Lisa Lewellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a heart-warming Christmas story. Absolutely loved it. Family is what you make of it.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute little Christmas romance.

I got this as a nook freebie sometime back. Just think of it as two mini romances where four people brought together by a cute,smart little girl.

[clare coley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely light read even though it was very predictable .

[Brittany Crouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute Christmas story!

[Sharon Paavola · Rating 4 out of 5]

A darling Christmas read with delightful characters, particularly a charming little girl who has two uncles that need her as much as she needs them.

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maddie is being laid off, right before the holidays. Although for many of her teammates, that has worked on the account with her it, is a devastating blow. For her, however, she just wants, to do her happy dance. She has worked there for, six months and realized quickly that although, she is grateful for her college education, to fall back on it. This whole crunching numbers aspect is, not her jam.

She didn’t have much, to clear out of her cubby, as she knew deep down she wouldn't be, staying long. When she gets into the elevator she has every intention of saying goodbye to, David at the concierge desk. Yet, when she enters the elevator, two men are talking, and one is worried about what, to get for his ten-year-old niece.

She blurts out, ‘Ask her.’ He offers, ‘She's just ten.’ She states, ‘ten is the new thirty.’ But, then he's walking alongside her she just says to herself, ‘I love these revolving doors.’ He follows her through them. He asks again, ‘Should I really ask her?’ she nods yes. Then, he asks her name and he says he’s Chase Drummond. Then, it hits her, like on the building. He's one of, the new owners. Wow!

She decides with the help of her BFF, and roommate, Lily, to start a gift-wrapping, and gift-shopping business. She plans on seeing if, she can rent the old cigarette area. The next morning she talks, to David about it, and he says, Mr. Drummond is who you talk, to about it. So, she heads on up, to see him. He is in a meeting, and he has her wait. She does and turns out she meets, his ten-year-old niece. Yup, she was right, the new thirty.

Annie is an old soul, who likes all things fashion. Making, buying, designing, dressing, you name it. She said her uncle asked, what she wanted for, Christmas, and she said a sewing machine. But, is overruled by her, uncle's girlfriend. Maddie tells, Annie her roommate, is a designer who owns, her own business. That she is having, a fashion show down the street today. Guess who sneaked off to see it? Yes, she did luckily Maddie knew where, to go.

This was a fun book, it reminded me of, the game post office. Where you whisper a message, to someone and then pass it on, and in the end, it is wrong. Past hurts play a big part in these beginning relationships. Total honesty and full disclosure are better than a lie.

[Ken Finlay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Last year I decided, for the hell of it, to read Christmas books during December. There were some absolute stinkers, many were just ok, and a few were really enjoyable.
So, if Christmas is all about tradition, then who am I not to give it a second shot. My average rating is 2.8 Stars (I'm critical January to November) but I'm willing to go the extra mile during December,
"Gift Wrapped for Christmas" is a lovely little novel with a huge heart.
Maddie La Rocque gets laid off from her accounting job, bumps into the owner of the building (Chase Drummond) as she leaves, offers him some helpful advice about what to get his niece for Christmas ... it's the start of skewed romances which include Maddie's roommate, Lily, and Chases' brother, Brett.
But Instalove, and there's a lot of it, inevitably leads to misunderstandings, betrayal, and broken hearts.
Can the Christmas spirit bring everyone back together? Of course it can!
A solid 3 Stars.

[Cassi Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!

What a great story! Could not put it down. Up way too late last night cause it was just another page more and an hour later... still flipping the Kindle pages. Such a positive and beautiful story.

Maddie gets laid off from her job a couple of months before Christmas. But instead of staying upset, she and her roommate realize there is a great business opportunity Maddie is good at that is perfect for this time of year ... A Personal Christmas shopper and wrapping business in an area that is occupied with "professionals" that time is an issue, and ideas. From here the story blossoms into the perfect romance. Read " A Family for Christmas " for the perfect Christmas story. Should be a Hallmark movie!!!

[Emmala · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Maddie has always been financially secure and isn't too upset when she gets laid off from an accounting project for a big oil company. She decides to rent the available space in the building's lobby to run a gift wrapping business for the holidays. She ends up meeting Chase Drummond, his brother Brent and their niece Annie who lost her parents not so long ago and remains in the two brothers' care. Maddie has an immediate attraction to Brent and her roommate to Chase. An enjoyable romance with twists that keep you engaged and cheering for love to win.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maddie and Lily, roommates, are the heroines of this romance.

Chase and Brent Drummond are brothers, and Annie is their niece. A misunderstanding later results in heartbreak, as Brent has a girlfriend but Maddie assumes it is Chase who has a girlfriend. Lily gives Chase a second chance after a girl who won't let go has some publicity about marrying him.

Maddie's start-up gifting business (ideas, buying & wrapping) does splendidly and it allows for a last time between Brent and Maddie where things are cleared up, and they are a family at Christmas.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maddie LaRocque loses her job two months before Christmas. Undeterred, she starts a gift wrapping business in the lobby of an historic building in downtown Calgary. When she falls into the arms of Brent, the building's maintenance man, it looks as though Christmas might have come early. But it turns out that Brent isn't the man she thought he was.

Aw, what a lovely Christmas read. Easy, unchallenging, predictable chic lit. Just what I needed to get me through the stresses and traumas of Christmas!