Everything Noel

by Lisa J. Lickel

Job 42:2: “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”

Welcome to a funny and poignant holiday tale of mysterious calls and miscommunication as Shelly and Danny's first Christmas together approaches.

In this holiday follow-up to Everything about Us, Shelly wants to continue to build her public relations firm and agrees to do a big favor for her godfather. Danny Winston, aka Winston Daniels of movie fame, is desperate to rebuild his burned dreams and help his family face down a medical crisis.

They each overhear part of a conversation and jump to conclusions which challenge their marriage and fragile faith. It's a little “wonderful life” meets “gift of the magi” for these two special people and those who love them.

90 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2020

About the author

Lisa Lickel is a writer and editor who lives with her husband in the rolling hills of western Wisconsin. A complete list of her novels: mysteries, award-winning romance and children’s books, and contemporary fiction can be found on her website. She writes newspaper features, short stories, magazine articles and radio theater. An avid book reviewer and blogger, freelance editor, and writing mentor, she loves to encourage new authors. She has two grown and married sons. Find more at LisaLickel.com.

Reviews

[Carol James · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do when your heart wants one thing but life pushes you down another road?

I am definitely a Lisa Lickel fan. I’ve read several of her books, and this one did not disappoint.

Danny, a Wisconsin farm boy, and Shelly, a Hollywood business woman, are the perfect example of opposites attracting. In this story, two people from totally different backgrounds come together and struggle to do the right things. They have their own desires and wishes, but they are willing to sacrifice something they love for the one they love.

As I read this, I couldn't help but think of a mixture of A Comedy of Errors blended with The Gift of the Magi. Five stars for this perfect read for the Christmas season.

[Barbara M. Britton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this Christmas continuation of Shelly and Danny's story from "Everything About Us."
Can they leave their former lives behind and find happiness in Wisconsin? Lickel's cast of characters return to calm the chaos at Christmastime.

[Robin Densmore Fuson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about misunderstandings—this read is full of those. A little lighthearted humor—dreams—and misinterpretations bring this story full circle to love and good cheer. In their first year of marriage, two different people haven’t learned how to communicate and bumbling assumptions are made. Written in a sort of “play” this story unfolds. I think it prudent to read the first one, Everything About Us, but this is a standalone read.

[LoRee Peery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shelly and Danny have a fish farm in Wisconsin. She’s in PR. He’s also an actor, but not crazy about it. He needs money for the business and agrees to do another movie. His niece also needs a transplant, another motive to work. A misunderstanding adds to the topsy turvy stress but all ends well. Good story, a bit slow at times with narration.

[Clare Revell · Rating 5 out of 5]

in this follow up to an earlier book, Ms Lickel skillfully addresses the issue of two becoming one as Danny and Shelly spend their first Christmas as a married couple together whilst juggling work issues. A lovely short read.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favourite things about the holiday season is the abundance of new Christmas stories to read! After a while, they can all start to sound the same. So, when I find one that approaches the familiar trope with a twist, I’m hooked. In Everything Noel, a passionate fish farmer/reluctant actor, a secret baby, a childhood illness, and a Hollywood businesswoman come together to tell a story about sacrifice, love, and the importance of family.