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A Dollhouse for Christmas
When a single mother can't afford a dollhouse for Christmas, a few magical strangers offer their assistance.
Andi Quinn is a kind, beautiful widow working two jobs just to pay the bills. Between playing Santa's elf during the day and waitressing at night, she hardly has time for her sweet daughter Grace, let alone love.
So when Christmas time arrives and Grace wants a dollhouse for Christmas, Andi can't help dreading her daughter's disappointment come Christmas morning when there aren't any gifts under the tree.
But, with the help of a handsome stranger and Mr. Claus himself, Andi may not have to lose all hope. Can Andi get Grace that dollhouse after all? And will both of them learn the true meaning behind the season?
Andi Quinn is a kind, beautiful widow working two jobs just to pay the bills. Between playing Santa's elf during the day and waitressing at night, she hardly has time for her sweet daughter Grace, let alone love.
So when Christmas time arrives and Grace wants a dollhouse for Christmas, Andi can't help dreading her daughter's disappointment come Christmas morning when there aren't any gifts under the tree.
But, with the help of a handsome stranger and Mr. Claus himself, Andi may not have to lose all hope. Can Andi get Grace that dollhouse after all? And will both of them learn the true meaning behind the season?
- GenresChristmas
106 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2021
14 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Aleese Hughes
10 books66 followersAleese Hughes is many things: a mother and wife, an avid reader, a performer, and an author. Aleese enjoys her time at home with her children and relishes the opportunities to pick up a good book or write one herself.
Having grown up around theater her entire life, Aleese has a natural ability when it comes to charming audiences while on stage. And the same goes for her knack to put words to paper and create stories that people of all ages can read and enjoy.
The fantasy genre is not only her favorite to read, but it is also what she writes, including "The Inspector Mage Trilogy."
You can stay updated on all things "Aleese Hughes" by visiting her site: aleesehughes.com. You can also follow her on all social media.
Having grown up around theater her entire life, Aleese has a natural ability when it comes to charming audiences while on stage. And the same goes for her knack to put words to paper and create stories that people of all ages can read and enjoy.
The fantasy genre is not only her favorite to read, but it is also what she writes, including "The Inspector Mage Trilogy."
You can stay updated on all things "Aleese Hughes" by visiting her site: aleesehughes.com. You can also follow her on all social media.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 25, 2022
A DOLLHOUSE FOR CHRISTMAS is a contemporary fiction story that I was pulled in to from the very first page. To be honest, I fell in love with the cover the minute I saw it. I want to see inside this doll house very much. I loved everything about this heart breaking story and I’m excited to recommend it to my reading friends. My only complaint about this heart tugging story is that it is too short. I wasn’t ready to let go of Andi and Grace, Daniel, and the mall Santa! Aleese Hughes has a way of grabbing her readers and she never lets us go.
A DOLLHOUSE FOR CHRISTMAS really takes a turn that will have you unable to put this beautiful but heart wrenching story down. My heart broke for Andi and what she went through. How could one person survive so much and not mentally lose it? Not to mention her finances, or lack of, and how she is going to celebrate Christmas with Grace? Christmas is just three weeks away and all Grace talks about is the antique dollhouse that costs over two hundred dollars. Andi feels guilty and ashamed and nothing could be further from the truth. How is she supposed to heal from that? My emotions were all over the place while reading! Keep the tissues close by!
A DOLLHOUSE FOR CHRISTMAS is filled with twists and turns and had me staying up way too late one night to finish! I had to know where Aleese Hughes was taking us and what would happen to Andi and Grace. There is so much heart in Aleese’s writing that I was left with a smile on my face and my heart very happy. I could totally see A DOLLHOUSE FOR CHRISTMAS becoming a Lifetime movie and I would love to see it. All of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I’ve known them for a long time.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookSirens. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A DOLLHOUSE FOR CHRISTMAS really takes a turn that will have you unable to put this beautiful but heart wrenching story down. My heart broke for Andi and what she went through. How could one person survive so much and not mentally lose it? Not to mention her finances, or lack of, and how she is going to celebrate Christmas with Grace? Christmas is just three weeks away and all Grace talks about is the antique dollhouse that costs over two hundred dollars. Andi feels guilty and ashamed and nothing could be further from the truth. How is she supposed to heal from that? My emotions were all over the place while reading! Keep the tissues close by!
A DOLLHOUSE FOR CHRISTMAS is filled with twists and turns and had me staying up way too late one night to finish! I had to know where Aleese Hughes was taking us and what would happen to Andi and Grace. There is so much heart in Aleese’s writing that I was left with a smile on my face and my heart very happy. I could totally see A DOLLHOUSE FOR CHRISTMAS becoming a Lifetime movie and I would love to see it. All of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I’ve known them for a long time.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookSirens. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 24, 2024
Cute Christmas story with Romance entwined within the story.
January 31, 2022
A heart-warming Christmas novella......
This is a heart-warming Christmas novella that tugged on my heart strings and brought a few tears to my eyes.
The author had such a lovely way of absorbing me into the pages and I more or less read the whole book in one sitting. The cover is also so beautifully designed.
Andi and Grace are inspiring characters and they serve a wonderful reminder that Christmas is a season for giving but it is also a season of hope and kindness.
Overall, this is a touching read with a little magic woven in. It is a little gem of a read and wish the story was a little longer. I can also see this being made into a Christmas movie.
Thank you so much to the author, Aleese Hughes, and Book Sirens for a free copy of this book. I received an advanced reading copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a heart-warming Christmas novella that tugged on my heart strings and brought a few tears to my eyes.
The author had such a lovely way of absorbing me into the pages and I more or less read the whole book in one sitting. The cover is also so beautifully designed.
Andi and Grace are inspiring characters and they serve a wonderful reminder that Christmas is a season for giving but it is also a season of hope and kindness.
Overall, this is a touching read with a little magic woven in. It is a little gem of a read and wish the story was a little longer. I can also see this being made into a Christmas movie.
Thank you so much to the author, Aleese Hughes, and Book Sirens for a free copy of this book. I received an advanced reading copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 2, 2021
This is a very sweet short story which I enjoyed. It is a quick fun read.
Want to read
December 21, 2021"A tried and true heart-warming Christmas story." - Peggy Lee Sprague, ★★★★★
When a single mother can't afford a dollhouse for Christmas, a few magical strangers offer their assistance.
Andi Quinn is a kind, beautiful widow working two jobs just to pay the bills. Between playing Santa's elf during the day and waitressing at night, she hardly has time for her sweet daughter Grace, let alone love.
So when Christmas time arrives and Grace wants a dollhouse for Christmas, Andi can't help dreading her daughter's disappointment come Christmas morning when there aren't any gifts under the tree.
But, with the help of a handsome stranger and Mr. Claus himself, Andi may not have to lose all hope. Can Andi get Grace that dollhouse after all? And will both of them learn the true meaning behind the season?
When a single mother can't afford a dollhouse for Christmas, a few magical strangers offer their assistance.
Andi Quinn is a kind, beautiful widow working two jobs just to pay the bills. Between playing Santa's elf during the day and waitressing at night, she hardly has time for her sweet daughter Grace, let alone love.
So when Christmas time arrives and Grace wants a dollhouse for Christmas, Andi can't help dreading her daughter's disappointment come Christmas morning when there aren't any gifts under the tree.
But, with the help of a handsome stranger and Mr. Claus himself, Andi may not have to lose all hope. Can Andi get Grace that dollhouse after all? And will both of them learn the true meaning behind the season?
December 20, 2021
I absolutely loved this short story. I wish it had been a full-length novel, though. I enjoyed the characters and really hope to find out more about them in another book. It is open-ended so I hope there might end up being more to it at some point. Right now it is left to the imagination on what happens next.
It was cute and had a lot of good meaning behind things. The Christmas Spirit was present and gave a certain feeling of joy to the story.
This is the first story I have read from this author, but I plan on reading more. It was easy to read and I got a good sense of the characters and settings even though it was so short.
I received an ARC of this book for free, and I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
It was cute and had a lot of good meaning behind things. The Christmas Spirit was present and gave a certain feeling of joy to the story.
This is the first story I have read from this author, but I plan on reading more. It was easy to read and I got a good sense of the characters and settings even though it was so short.
I received an ARC of this book for free, and I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
August 7, 2024
Sweet short story of a broken-hearted, financially struggling widow and her generous daughter with some Santa magic added. All Andi wants to do for her daughter is get her the very expensive dollhouse she wants for Christmas. Two low-paying, long-hour jobs do not even help her keep up with household expenses, so the dollhouse seems out of reach. Enter the department store Santa and Daniel, a handsome, kind man looking to find his way back to God after career disappointment, and the magic begins. Reminiscent of “Miracle on 34th Street.”
I enjoyed this hope filled story I received free for signing up for the author’s newsletter.
I enjoyed this hope filled story I received free for signing up for the author’s newsletter.
December 3, 2021
*Thank you to BookSirens for providing me with this ARC for my honest review!*
Oh my goodness, what a charming adventure! I've never been one to read holiday stories before, but I am proud to call this one my first! Aleese's writing is very engaging and enjoyable and the characters and settings are very vivid and well developed. There were parts of the tale that broke my heart, but also many parts that made my heart melt, in a good way. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish and look forward to reading other works by Aleese Hughes in the future!
Oh my goodness, what a charming adventure! I've never been one to read holiday stories before, but I am proud to call this one my first! Aleese's writing is very engaging and enjoyable and the characters and settings are very vivid and well developed. There were parts of the tale that broke my heart, but also many parts that made my heart melt, in a good way. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish and look forward to reading other works by Aleese Hughes in the future!
January 27, 2022
The author writes a joyful novella about her daughter, Grace, and her Christmas wish. Andrea (Andi) is a widowed mother trying to make ends meet. Her daughter wants an antique dollhouse. Though working two jobs, she is having difficulty paying her bills.
Fate steps in and changes their lives. But does the daughter get the dollhouse?
While reading the book, I found it transported me to the time of giving and the joyful season of Christmas.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Fate steps in and changes their lives. But does the daughter get the dollhouse?
While reading the book, I found it transported me to the time of giving and the joyful season of Christmas.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 23, 2022
This is a lovely little festive novella which contains a clean romance and is really sweet to read.
Andi is struggling since she lost her husband. She is working two jobs and still barely making ends meet. Her daughter Grace wants only one thing for Christmas, a beautiful antique dollhouse that Andi just can't afford. But perhaps with the help of a jolly santa from the mall and stranger Daniel she might get something even more special this year.
This is a new author for me and I've really enjoyed this read.
Andi is struggling since she lost her husband. She is working two jobs and still barely making ends meet. Her daughter Grace wants only one thing for Christmas, a beautiful antique dollhouse that Andi just can't afford. But perhaps with the help of a jolly santa from the mall and stranger Daniel she might get something even more special this year.
This is a new author for me and I've really enjoyed this read.
January 12, 2023
Our favorite show in Branson is the Hughes Family Show. We have watched the families grow over the past 15 years attending almost every year. So, at the 2022 Christmas show (best in Branson), when this book and author were recommended, we purchased it. The author reels in the reader in this short, charming fable with lovable characters to cheer for, and a touch of magic mystery. It would make a wonderful Hallmark movie. Thanks for warming our hearts at Christmas with an amazing Christmas show followed by a touching Christmas story.
December 21, 2021
Sweet Christmas Story
I enjoyed this very much. It's a clean Christmas romance about a widow struggling to make ends meet and her daughter's wish for an antique dollhouse. There are elements of Christianity, but they are not overbearing or preachy.
It's a very sweet story of three good people (man, woman, child) who start to come together as a family with a little help from Saint Nick.
I enjoyed this very much. It's a clean Christmas romance about a widow struggling to make ends meet and her daughter's wish for an antique dollhouse. There are elements of Christianity, but they are not overbearing or preachy.
It's a very sweet story of three good people (man, woman, child) who start to come together as a family with a little help from Saint Nick.
January 15, 2022
This was a novella about a widow and her young daughter struggling financially and emotionally at Christmas. The story was short but that was the problem. I didn't have a chance to get invested in the characters. I'm not sure that there is enough of a story here to make full length though, so I applaud the author for recognizing that. Nice but in a superficial way.
I received a free copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
I received a free copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
December 25, 2024
This is a heartfelt Christmas story about a young widow struggling to provide for her young daughter. The characters are relatable. You can feel Andi’s anguish over finances and her loneliness. Grace was a paragon of virtue impossibly contained in a 7-year-old’s body but entertaining nevertheless. Daniel was the sweet surprise of the story. He’s a bit lacking in direction but meeting Grace helps. This is a short story but a nice read for the holiday.
December 7, 2021
Andi and Daniel's story a cozy, holiday novella. The book consists of the struggling, windowed, single mother Andi and reserved Daniel. The storyline is rather basic but overall it's still an enjoyable read.
The booking ends a little abruptly in my opinion. It's more of a use your imagination as to what happens afterwards type of ending.
I received a free copy of this book for my honest review.
The booking ends a little abruptly in my opinion. It's more of a use your imagination as to what happens afterwards type of ending.
I received a free copy of this book for my honest review.
December 11, 2021
Kind characters and Christmas spirit mix together to make a lovely heartwarming story. I loved the generosity of the characters, you really felt that they deserved good things to happen to them.
I also loved the inclusion of Santa! It's nice to believe in some Christmas magic, even if it's just in print.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I also loved the inclusion of Santa! It's nice to believe in some Christmas magic, even if it's just in print.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 18, 2021
I loved this book. It's a short, easy read but enjoyable and sweet. The characters are lovable and we'll written. The story is well written and easy to follow. I hope that the author writes a part 2 to this story, I would love to know what happens to Andi and Daniel. I was given a complementary copy of this book and under no obligation to post a review.
January 3, 2022
Very sweet . I was easily drawn into the story and was pulling for something wonderful to happen . My sympathies were with “Andi and Grace” . Everyone has difficult times in their lives and Christmas often brings loss and hardship into the fore. I would have loved for this to be a longer version - to find out what might happen with the potential romance .
January 4, 2022
All Grace wants for Christmas is a Dollhouse from the antiques store in town. Andi is working 2 jobs and can not afford it. They meet Daniel at church, he wants to help Andi. A heartwarming Christmas story of selflessness and forgiveness. Wonderfully written story to warm your heart on a cold winter's day.
I was given this advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was given this advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 19, 2022
Sweet story
A sweet story of a widow who struggles to get her daughter what she wants for Christmas. She works two jobs . . . and knows she still can’t afford it. But then Santa comes along and with the help of a young man who really likes her . . . .
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A sweet story of a widow who struggles to get her daughter what she wants for Christmas. She works two jobs . . . and knows she still can’t afford it. But then Santa comes along and with the help of a young man who really likes her . . . .
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 10, 2022
Sweet Holiday Read
This is a sweet little story that is perfect for this Christmas season, centered around widowed mother, Andi, and her daughter, Grace. Add in the romantic and thoughtful antics of Daniel, whom the mother and daughter duo meet at Church along with some Christmas magic from Old Saint Nick, and you have a well-rounded and happy holiday read.
This is a sweet little story that is perfect for this Christmas season, centered around widowed mother, Andi, and her daughter, Grace. Add in the romantic and thoughtful antics of Daniel, whom the mother and daughter duo meet at Church along with some Christmas magic from Old Saint Nick, and you have a well-rounded and happy holiday read.
December 19, 2022
Cute, sweet, and heartwarming
This is a sweet Christmas-themed romance with a healthy dose of holiday magic. Andi is still recovering from the loss of her husband when she meets Daniel. Both are struggling, neither really looking for romance until a mall Santa and a special dollhouse intervene.
This is a sweet Christmas-themed romance with a healthy dose of holiday magic. Andi is still recovering from the loss of her husband when she meets Daniel. Both are struggling, neither really looking for romance until a mall Santa and a special dollhouse intervene.
December 24, 2024
A Christmas story about a widow with a young daughter who just wants a dollhouse for Christmas. Andi is working 2 jobs to make ends meet.
Then she happens to meet Daniel who has taken a liking to Andi & her daughter Grace. Daniel wants to help her and hopes to get to know her better.
A nice Christmas story.
Then she happens to meet Daniel who has taken a liking to Andi & her daughter Grace. Daniel wants to help her and hopes to get to know her better.
A nice Christmas story.
October 31, 2021
A nice Christmas tale
I love how the author created a holiday story involving a dollhouse. I love seeing dollhouses from oldest to the latest. I love how Andi received help to get her daughter that dollhouse with purple on and other beautiful colors. Great job on this book.
I love how the author created a holiday story involving a dollhouse. I love seeing dollhouses from oldest to the latest. I love how Andi received help to get her daughter that dollhouse with purple on and other beautiful colors. Great job on this book.
November 1, 2021
Sweet Story of Giving and Generosity
The story is well written with the characters made three dimensional, and that makes a story that could have easily fallen flat come to life. This is the perfect story for any girl about to get a doll house for Christmas.
The story is well written with the characters made three dimensional, and that makes a story that could have easily fallen flat come to life. This is the perfect story for any girl about to get a doll house for Christmas.
December 7, 2021
Exactly what one expects from a holiday tale.
Grace is the epitome of grace and proves the reason for the season.
I enjoyed this novella as a very quick read on a rainy morning .
I received this book as an ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Grace is the epitome of grace and proves the reason for the season.
I enjoyed this novella as a very quick read on a rainy morning .
I received this book as an ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 30, 2022
I received an ARC free from BookSirens and this is my voluntary honest review.
Oh, my wow!
Such a well written, heart warming Christmas surprise!
Sweet!
Enjoyable!
Heart felt!
To short!
Page turner!
Lovable, interesting characters!
Read and enjoy!
Oh, my wow!
Such a well written, heart warming Christmas surprise!
Sweet!
Enjoyable!
Heart felt!
To short!
Page turner!
Lovable, interesting characters!
Read and enjoy!
July 20, 2022
Sweet read so perfect for Christmas. Give it 5 stars and recommend it to anyone loves children and Christmas. The characters are to fall in love with. Message of love and caring for others. Share with others.
October 12, 2022
Holiday Gifts
I absolutely love this story and bought it to add to my Christmas collection. Short and sweet! Love is in the air for a Christmas romance and a little girls wish coming true. Great writing and an easy going read to curl up on the couch.
I absolutely love this story and bought it to add to my Christmas collection. Short and sweet! Love is in the air for a Christmas romance and a little girls wish coming true. Great writing and an easy going read to curl up on the couch.
November 29, 2022
Better Than a Hallmark Movie
All the trappings of a Christmas story you watch every December. It's message loud and clear. Aleese Hughes has perfectly captured everything that is good about the holidays and wrapped it into this tale.
All the trappings of a Christmas story you watch every December. It's message loud and clear. Aleese Hughes has perfectly captured everything that is good about the holidays and wrapped it into this tale.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews