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The Christmas Stocking
Christmas lights up when beloved New York Times bestselling author Fern Michaels takes the reins . . .
Amy Baran is determined to raise money for a new seniors’ center by harvesting Christmas trees from the small-town Virginia farm she remembers from her childhood. Trouble is, Gus Moss has his own ideas about saving the farm his father has neglected. Neither wants to give up, but when attraction turns to romance, they just might have to give in . . .
Amy Baran is determined to raise money for a new seniors’ center by harvesting Christmas trees from the small-town Virginia farm she remembers from her childhood. Trouble is, Gus Moss has his own ideas about saving the farm his father has neglected. Neither wants to give up, but when attraction turns to romance, they just might have to give in . . .
85 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2020
626 people are currently reading
1625 people want to read
About the author
Fern Michaels
424 books6,514 followersFern Michaels isn’t a person. I’m not sure she’s an entity either since an entity is something with separate existence. Fern Michaels® is what I DO. Me, Mary Ruth Kuczkir. Growing up in Hastings, Pennsylvania, I was called Ruth. I became Mary when I entered the business world where first names were the order of the day. To this day, family and friends call me Dink, a name my father gave me when I was born because according to him I was ‘a dinky little thing’ weighing in at four and a half pounds. However, I answer to Fern since people are more comfortable with a name they can pronounce.
As they say, the past is prologue. I grew up, got a job, got married, had five kids. When my youngest went off to Kindergarten, my husband told me to get off my ass and get a job. Those were his exact words. I didn’t know how to do anything except be a wife and mother. I was also a voracious reader having cut my teeth on The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Cherry Ames and the like. The library was a magical place for me. It still is to this day. Rather than face the outside world with no skills, I decided to write a book. For some reason that didn’t intimidate me. As my husband said at the time, stupid is as stupid does. Guess what, I don’t have that husband any more. Guess what else! I wrote 99 books, most of them New York Times Best Sellers.
Moving right along here . . . Several years ago I left Ballantine Books, parted company with my agent, sold my house in New Jersey that I had lived in all my married life and in 1993 moved to South Carolina. I figured if I was going to go through trauma let it be all at one time. It was a breeze. The kids were all on their own at that point. The dump was a 300 year old plantation house that is listed in the National Registry that I remodeled. Today it is beyond belief as are the gardens and the equally old Angel Oaks that drip Spanish moss. Unfortunately, I could not get my ghost to relocate. This ghost has been documented by previous owners. Mary Margaret as we call her, is “a friendly”. She is also mischievous. It took me two weeks to figure out that she didn’t like my coffee cups. They would slide off the table or counter or else they’d break in the dishwasher. I bought red checkered ones. All are intact as of this writing. She moves pillows from one room to the other and she stops all the clocks in the house at 9:10 in the a.m. at least once a week. When the Azaleas are in bloom, and only then, I find blooms on my night stand. I have this glorious front porch and during the warm months I see my swing moving early in the morning when the air is still and again late in the day. She doesn’t spook the dogs. I always know when she’s around because the five of them line up and look like they’re at a tennis match. As of this writing we’re co-habiting nicely.
Most writers love what they do and I’m no exception. I love it when I get a germ of an idea and get it down on paper. I love breathing life into my characters. I love writing about women who persevere and prevail because that’s what I had to do to get to this point in time. It’s another way of saying it doesn’t matter where you’ve been, what matters is where you’re going and how you get there. The day I finally prevailed was the day I was inducted into the New Jersey Literary Hall of Fame. For me it was an awesome day and there are no words to describe it.
I’ve been telling stories and scribbling for 37 years. I hope I can continue for another 37 years. It wasn’t easy during some of those years. As I said, I had to persevere. My old Polish grandmother said something to me when I was little that I never forgot. She said when God is good to you, you have to give back. For a while I didn’t know how to do that. When I finally figured it out I set up The Fern Michaels® Foundation.
READ FERN MICHAELS' FULL BIOGRAPHY HERE: http://www.fernmichaels.com/biography/
As they say, the past is prologue. I grew up, got a job, got married, had five kids. When my youngest went off to Kindergarten, my husband told me to get off my ass and get a job. Those were his exact words. I didn’t know how to do anything except be a wife and mother. I was also a voracious reader having cut my teeth on The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Cherry Ames and the like. The library was a magical place for me. It still is to this day. Rather than face the outside world with no skills, I decided to write a book. For some reason that didn’t intimidate me. As my husband said at the time, stupid is as stupid does. Guess what, I don’t have that husband any more. Guess what else! I wrote 99 books, most of them New York Times Best Sellers.
Moving right along here . . . Several years ago I left Ballantine Books, parted company with my agent, sold my house in New Jersey that I had lived in all my married life and in 1993 moved to South Carolina. I figured if I was going to go through trauma let it be all at one time. It was a breeze. The kids were all on their own at that point. The dump was a 300 year old plantation house that is listed in the National Registry that I remodeled. Today it is beyond belief as are the gardens and the equally old Angel Oaks that drip Spanish moss. Unfortunately, I could not get my ghost to relocate. This ghost has been documented by previous owners. Mary Margaret as we call her, is “a friendly”. She is also mischievous. It took me two weeks to figure out that she didn’t like my coffee cups. They would slide off the table or counter or else they’d break in the dishwasher. I bought red checkered ones. All are intact as of this writing. She moves pillows from one room to the other and she stops all the clocks in the house at 9:10 in the a.m. at least once a week. When the Azaleas are in bloom, and only then, I find blooms on my night stand. I have this glorious front porch and during the warm months I see my swing moving early in the morning when the air is still and again late in the day. She doesn’t spook the dogs. I always know when she’s around because the five of them line up and look like they’re at a tennis match. As of this writing we’re co-habiting nicely.
Most writers love what they do and I’m no exception. I love it when I get a germ of an idea and get it down on paper. I love breathing life into my characters. I love writing about women who persevere and prevail because that’s what I had to do to get to this point in time. It’s another way of saying it doesn’t matter where you’ve been, what matters is where you’re going and how you get there. The day I finally prevailed was the day I was inducted into the New Jersey Literary Hall of Fame. For me it was an awesome day and there are no words to describe it.
I’ve been telling stories and scribbling for 37 years. I hope I can continue for another 37 years. It wasn’t easy during some of those years. As I said, I had to persevere. My old Polish grandmother said something to me when I was little that I never forgot. She said when God is good to you, you have to give back. For a while I didn’t know how to do that. When I finally figured it out I set up The Fern Michaels® Foundation.
READ FERN MICHAELS' FULL BIOGRAPHY HERE: http://www.fernmichaels.com/biography/
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
December 21, 2021
In the spirit of Christmas, I rate Christmas novella's strictly on my level of enjoyment.
Rated 4 stars
Rated 4 stars
December 15, 2020
I received this book to read in exchange for an honest review. If you love hallmark Christmas movies, this is the perfect quick read for you! It was an enjoyable, predictable read. I love Christmas themed books to help get me in the Christmas spirit!
December 28, 2020
Amy Baran is determined to raise money for a new seniors’ center by harvesting Christmas trees from the small-town Virginia farm she remembers from her childhood. Trouble is, Gus Moss has his own ideas about saving the farm his father has neglected. Neither wants to give up, but when attraction turns to romance, they just might have to give in.
This was a pleasant quick Christmas read that warms the heart. Amy returns home after many years away and must deal with her mother who she feels was never around while she was a child. Gus also returns after many years away and must deal with his issues with his dad. Although there is budding romance after a rough patch between Amy and Gus, I feel like this was more a story about 2 grown adults and their parents finally seeing each other and working out their issues. There are always 2 sides to every story and this story proves that. I enjoyed watching Amy and Gus repair their relationships with their parents.
This was a pleasant quick Christmas read that warms the heart. Amy returns home after many years away and must deal with her mother who she feels was never around while she was a child. Gus also returns after many years away and must deal with his issues with his dad. Although there is budding romance after a rough patch between Amy and Gus, I feel like this was more a story about 2 grown adults and their parents finally seeing each other and working out their issues. There are always 2 sides to every story and this story proves that. I enjoyed watching Amy and Gus repair their relationships with their parents.
October 21, 2020
A feel good book to get you in the Christmas spirit!
December 21, 2020
Yeah.. Nah. Not well written. Boring. Unrealistic. Why?
January 9, 2024
Dialogue was cringe-y and unrealistic in many spots, including characters’ internal dialogue. Ex: Gus is referring to Amy as “his love” minutes into meeting her for the first time? No.
December 25, 2020
*I won this book through a GoodReads giveaway. All opinions are my own*
The Christmas Stocking is light and fun read perfect for the Christmas season. There wasn't a whole lot of depth to the book - it felt like the book version of a Hallmark movie. Not only was there romance in this book, but also repairing of family relationships and parents understanding their kids (and vice versa).
The ending felt a bit rushed and it annoyed me how Gus constantly referred to Amy as "my love" in his head instead of her name along with Amy automatically moving out to California to be with Gus (What happened to her PR firm in Philly??), but overall a cute Christmas read.
The Christmas Stocking is light and fun read perfect for the Christmas season. There wasn't a whole lot of depth to the book - it felt like the book version of a Hallmark movie. Not only was there romance in this book, but also repairing of family relationships and parents understanding their kids (and vice versa).
The ending felt a bit rushed and it annoyed me how Gus constantly referred to Amy as "my love" in his head instead of her name along with Amy automatically moving out to California to be with Gus (What happened to her PR firm in Philly??), but overall a cute Christmas read.
December 1, 2025
Nice little holiday book reminding us what can happen when people work towards a common goal. Adult children, Gus (Sam’s son) and Amy ( Tillie’s daughter) return to their childhood homes when realizing their parents might need some assistance. Gus grew up and a Christmas tree farm and Amy grew up as the daughter of a mother who was always busy and never around for her daughter. Appreciation grows on the part of parents and children as the story develops around the need to raise money for the senior citizen center’s new addition.
Sweet story that is perfect for the beginning of the holiday season.
Sweet story that is perfect for the beginning of the holiday season.
November 3, 2020
I really liked The Christmas Stocking, a quick and festive Christmas read that will make you fall in love with the season. A sweet story that brings a father and son together and a mother and daughter together after years of bad feelings. A sweet love story with a HEA. I loved the characters and I'm looking forward to reading more of this Authors work.
I give The Christmas Stocking 4 stars for its festive read.
I would recommend this book to fans of holiday reads.
I give The Christmas Stocking 4 stars for its festive read.
I would recommend this book to fans of holiday reads.
February 5, 2021
Excellent
It's been a long time since I've read a Fern Michael's book. I don't know why because I've enjoyed each one! The Sisterhood series is and excellent example of ME Michael's ability to create sustaining characters no matter the story behind them. Makes a person feel like she ( or he) had developed a wonderful friendship and can rely upon them to help her out of a situation even if it is a case of Carona Virus avoidance! Thanks MS Michaels!
It's been a long time since I've read a Fern Michael's book. I don't know why because I've enjoyed each one! The Sisterhood series is and excellent example of ME Michael's ability to create sustaining characters no matter the story behind them. Makes a person feel like she ( or he) had developed a wonderful friendship and can rely upon them to help her out of a situation even if it is a case of Carona Virus avoidance! Thanks MS Michaels!
October 3, 2021
4 Stars!
This was a sweet “bring the families back together” sweet Holiday book. I enjoyed the theme of the book and how the families and community pulled together to save the Christmas Tree Farm and the Senior Center. We need more real communities like this!
I did however feel that there needed to be much more ground work put into the new relationship of Gus and Amy. It went from a ‘glance across the room’ to accidentally falling asleep on the couch together to a ‘teasing’ of getting married to a wedding! The relationship was a sweet idea, but the veil was paper thin. Needs more development for sure.
The writing style was soothing and polished.
I leave this review voluntarily.
This was a sweet “bring the families back together” sweet Holiday book. I enjoyed the theme of the book and how the families and community pulled together to save the Christmas Tree Farm and the Senior Center. We need more real communities like this!
I did however feel that there needed to be much more ground work put into the new relationship of Gus and Amy. It went from a ‘glance across the room’ to accidentally falling asleep on the couch together to a ‘teasing’ of getting married to a wedding! The relationship was a sweet idea, but the veil was paper thin. Needs more development for sure.
The writing style was soothing and polished.
I leave this review voluntarily.
October 20, 2021
A " Hallmark Christmas " story!
The storyline is too predictable. A boy who feels unappreciated by his father meets a girl who feels totally unnoticed by her absent mother and they work together to save their parents' businesses. Of course they fall in love and get married after the task is complete! Can't wait for the sequel!!
The storyline is too predictable. A boy who feels unappreciated by his father meets a girl who feels totally unnoticed by her absent mother and they work together to save their parents' businesses. Of course they fall in love and get married after the task is complete! Can't wait for the sequel!!
December 23, 2021
Just what I needed...
This novella was just what I needed right now. With only 2 days til Christmas, I so enjoyed this short story as a relaxing diversion from all the hustle and bustle. Fern Michaels is a gifted storyteller. It was a lovely Christmas romance, with a group of senior citizens in need of renovations to their senior center thrown in to make it heartwarming.
This novella was just what I needed right now. With only 2 days til Christmas, I so enjoyed this short story as a relaxing diversion from all the hustle and bustle. Fern Michaels is a gifted storyteller. It was a lovely Christmas romance, with a group of senior citizens in need of renovations to their senior center thrown in to make it heartwarming.
December 31, 2021
your never to old to mend your ways.
I have yet met a friend that didn’t feel parents could not understand completely. Parents have their reasons, even if to you there is no rhyme or reason to their ways. Give a little patience & time to fully understand the full picture, it’s worth it.
I have yet met a friend that didn’t feel parents could not understand completely. Parents have their reasons, even if to you there is no rhyme or reason to their ways. Give a little patience & time to fully understand the full picture, it’s worth it.
October 23, 2020
Love a Good Christmas Story!!!!
Fern Michaels has written an amazing Christmas story of regret and second chances. You will cheer them on as decisions are made that make for a truly wonderful and beautiful holiday season. A Must Read
Fern Michaels has written an amazing Christmas story of regret and second chances. You will cheer them on as decisions are made that make for a truly wonderful and beautiful holiday season. A Must Read
October 30, 2020
A great Christmas Story!
I love to read Christmas stories every year. This Fern Michaels book The Christmas Stocking captured my attention from the start to the finish of the book!
I loved this book!
I love to read Christmas stories every year. This Fern Michaels book The Christmas Stocking captured my attention from the start to the finish of the book!
I loved this book!
December 12, 2020
Fun Christmas Story
Light and fun story. This was a quick read.
Loved all the characters, and the story line is very near to my heart.
I volunteer at a Senior Center as a craft coordinator.
Lots of this story rings true.
Light and fun story. This was a quick read.
Loved all the characters, and the story line is very near to my heart.
I volunteer at a Senior Center as a craft coordinator.
Lots of this story rings true.
December 22, 2020
The Christmas Stocking...loved it!
I really loved this book. Not too long just right! I like to read something during the Christmas season. Nothing like a Christmas read to relax with. This the season for the perfect holiday read!
I really loved this book. Not too long just right! I like to read something during the Christmas season. Nothing like a Christmas read to relax with. This the season for the perfect holiday read!
January 31, 2021
Love this author on a regular basis. Also a winner for me.
Chose a 5 star rating as she keeps my attention throughout the whole story. Cast of characters believable and fun to watch as story progresses.
Chose a 5 star rating as she keeps my attention throughout the whole story. Cast of characters believable and fun to watch as story progresses.
August 5, 2021
Great
Great story and characters. Really enjoyed Amy and Gus building relationships with their respective parents and the closeness that formed. Would have liked to know what becomes of all the businesses.
Great story and characters. Really enjoyed Amy and Gus building relationships with their respective parents and the closeness that formed. Would have liked to know what becomes of all the businesses.
November 14, 2021
Full of all the wonder and magic of Christmas.
Read this in one sitting. A story of redemption and love for two separate generations. You feel like you are part of the Christmas find raiser. Merry Christmas.
Read this in one sitting. A story of redemption and love for two separate generations. You feel like you are part of the Christmas find raiser. Merry Christmas.
November 16, 2021
Fabulous Christmas Story!
I read this in three days and it is hard to put down.I
Really enjoyed it so very much. Full of excitement, love and challenge.You will remember it for long time.
I read this in three days and it is hard to put down.I
Really enjoyed it so very much. Full of excitement, love and challenge.You will remember it for long time.
November 29, 2021
the Christmas stocking
I loved this book. I really got into it quickly. Most books you have to read quite a bit of it to get to the primary story.
The relationship Gus and Amy had with their parents was strained, but they all worked it out.
I love a happy ending.
I loved this book. I really got into it quickly. Most books you have to read quite a bit of it to get to the primary story.
The relationship Gus and Amy had with their parents was strained, but they all worked it out.
I love a happy ending.
December 10, 2021
Sweet story for Christmas
I general like reading something nice this time of year. No hidden wife, slashers or big mysteries.
This well written lite story fit the bill. Not too over the top.
I general like reading something nice this time of year. No hidden wife, slashers or big mysteries.
This well written lite story fit the bill. Not too over the top.
December 30, 2021
Odd
I enjoyed all the information about the tree farm. But I feel like the award winning architect from California and the goofy guy who fell in love at first sight are two different people.
I enjoyed all the information about the tree farm. But I feel like the award winning architect from California and the goofy guy who fell in love at first sight are two different people.
January 12, 2022
The Christmas Stockings
This was another great story on how we can overcome a great deal of our shaft comings if we try hard enough. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
This was another great story on how we can overcome a great deal of our shaft comings if we try hard enough. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
April 11, 2025
Exceptional!
Such a lovely story line. This book couldn't have been better. The storyline and characters were so believable I felt like I was right there.. Excellent job by an exceptional author! Thank you very much.
Such a lovely story line. This book couldn't have been better. The storyline and characters were so believable I felt like I was right there.. Excellent job by an exceptional author! Thank you very much.
October 28, 2020
A warm cozy story about getting back to family. A nice read.
November 7, 2020
Cute Christmas story. Nice happy ending.
November 9, 2020
Fun, quick holiday read
I enjoyed the lightness, fun, and giving nature of this book. A perfect book to start the holiday season. Thanks.
I enjoyed the lightness, fun, and giving nature of this book. A perfect book to start the holiday season. Thanks.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews