Gifts: A Christmas Novella

Kathi Macias' The 12 Days of Christmas #12

by Jeanette Hanscome

Justine McNally is down to the last two packages in a box of twelve anonymous gifts to give away when one arrives in the mail with her name on it. It’s from her stepfather, and she does not plan to accept it. But when the final days before Christmas bring a flood of decade-old memories of shattered trust, a too-good-to-be-true college romance, and agonizing regret, Justine discovers that marking a package Return to Sender is not that easy. Justine’s gift-giving (and returning) plans get set aside to help her boss at the historic Main Street Hotel pull together a Dickens-era Christmas Eve extravaganza. When the party guests include faces from her past, Justine must decide whether to keep running or receive a gift that might free her to give much more than her beautifully wrapped presents.

62 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 12, 2014

About the author

Jeanette Hanscome is a multi published author of fiction and nonfiction, including her devotional memoir, Suddenly Single Mom: 52 Messages of Hope, Grace, and Promise, and novels for Annie's Fiction and Guideposts. Jeanette has also contributed to devotionals and story collections.

Newest Release:
My Dreams Are Getting Better, Whistle Stop Cafe Mysteries Book 24 (Guideposts)

Published Books:
Rumors Are Flying, Whistle Stop Cafe Mysteries Book 16
Accentuate the Positive, Whistle Stop Cafe Mysteries Book 8
The Last Word, Rose Cottage Book Club Book 12 (Annie's Fiction)
And the Plot Thickens, Rose Cottage Blub Book 7
Gifts: A Christmas Novella (Self-published through Story Architect)
Suddenly Single Mom: 52 Messages of Hope, Grace, and Promise (Worthy Inspired)
Running with Roselle, co-authored with Michael Hingson (Roselle's Dream Foundation)
Rescue Dogs, Firefighting Heroes and Science Facts - Contributing Author of "Learning from Tragedy"

Past Books - Focus on the Family:
Good-Bye to All That
Dragonfly on My Shoulder
Want More? Joy

Compilations:
All God's Creatures: Daily Devotions for Animal Lovers, yearly since 2019 (Guideposts)
Mornings with Jesus 2019 (Guideposes)
Every Day with Jesus (Guideposts)
21 Days of Grace: Stories that Celebrate God's Unconditional Love
21 Days of Love: Stories that Celebrate Treasured Relationships

Reviews

[julie e · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember the first glimmerings of this story, back when Jeanette was primarily writing non-fiction. Her delight in the interactions of characters and their intricacies made me smile. I love watching characters and their unique stories unfold.

Gifts had me smiling all the way through. Jeanette treats her characters like she treats her friends, with kindness, grace, and a healthy dose of humor. This novella does not disappoint!

[Rebekah Sellers · Rating 5 out of 5]

May we all be inspired to share gifts including owning our mistakes and forgiving others. Do not miss out on this precious story of God's work in mysterious ways.

[Anne Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As you can probably guess from the title and subtitle, Gifts by Jeanette Hanscome is the final story in Kathi Macias' 12 Days of Christmas series. It really is a grand finale' and one I am proud to see in this series.

The story begins with Justine wrapping the last of her 12 Days of Christmas boxes. Each year she gives anonymous gifts to people each day between December 13 and 24. She hasn't decided who to give the present to yet.

A present has also arrived for Justine from her step father, but she has no intention of accepting it. She still carries a grudge against him, and he doesn't deserve to be forgiven. The man is the reason she decided no man could be trusted ever, and so she had broken up with a guy she thought God had chosen for her.

God has His own plans for this Christmas though. Justine might get a gift or two she wasn't counting on.

I really loved this one. Thanks for a job superbly well done, Jeanette Hanscome!

[Shadia Hrichi · Rating 5 out of 5]

uplifting and delightful

This is a sweet and uplifting Christmas novela about life, grief, love, forgiveness and family. Five stars and Highly recommend.