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Hard Candy Christmas
One lawyer. One shopkeeper.
And the one wish that brings them together.
Candy shop provisioner Emma has more than enough on her plate: her small-town business is struggling, the weather is cold and rainy, and her young daughter is a precocious handful.
Yet when daughter Dani asks Santa for the impossible, Emma has another problem on her hands.
Because Dani wants a stepmom. More specifically, she wants her mom Emma to get married!
Enter city girl Tamryn, who is on assignment on behalf of her law firm. From the moment Emma sees her in a coffee shop, she’s infatuated – and from the moment Dani sees her mom’s eyes wander?
Nothing will stop one little girl from bringing Emma and Tamryn together!
The cozy tourist town of Cannon Beach is about to vibrate from the cosmic electricity of fate. Good thing Christmas is the season of everything sweet… with just a hint of spice.
And the one wish that brings them together.
Candy shop provisioner Emma has more than enough on her plate: her small-town business is struggling, the weather is cold and rainy, and her young daughter is a precocious handful.
Yet when daughter Dani asks Santa for the impossible, Emma has another problem on her hands.
Because Dani wants a stepmom. More specifically, she wants her mom Emma to get married!
Enter city girl Tamryn, who is on assignment on behalf of her law firm. From the moment Emma sees her in a coffee shop, she’s infatuated – and from the moment Dani sees her mom’s eyes wander?
Nothing will stop one little girl from bringing Emma and Tamryn together!
The cozy tourist town of Cannon Beach is about to vibrate from the cosmic electricity of fate. Good thing Christmas is the season of everything sweet… with just a hint of spice.
161 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2021
61 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Hildred Billings
149 books317 followersHildred Billings is a Japanese and Religious Studies graduate who has spent her entire life knowing she would write for a living someday. She has lived in Japan multiple times in multiple locations, from the heights of the Japanese alps to the hectic Tokyo suburbs, with a life in Shikoku somewhere in there too.
Currently, Hildred lives in Oregon with her partner and two cats. When she's not commandeering the corner of the neighborhood coffee shop on hours on end (it's okay, she's on a first-name basis with the baristas) she's probably parked on the couch watching Bob's Burgers or screaming at a Zelda game. (Seriously, Link, why don't you move right?)
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Twitter: @hildred
Currently, Hildred lives in Oregon with her partner and two cats. When she's not commandeering the corner of the neighborhood coffee shop on hours on end (it's okay, she's on a first-name basis with the baristas) she's probably parked on the couch watching Bob's Burgers or screaming at a Zelda game. (Seriously, Link, why don't you move right?)
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/3rgEzLz
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3c7Lcf4
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3vPLpvd
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/3lDutn5
Twitter: @hildred
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 5, 2023
very enjoyable!
A single mom, a lawyer and an impossible Christmas wish. I love Christmas, I love kids and I love romance. Combine these three and I'm a happy reader. Hard Candy Christmas has it all. I can heartily recommend it.
A single mom, a lawyer and an impossible Christmas wish. I love Christmas, I love kids and I love romance. Combine these three and I'm a happy reader. Hard Candy Christmas has it all. I can heartily recommend it.
did-not-finish
December 22, 2021DNF. The kid was just too annoying and adult for their age. Talks like an adult at 8, reads Tolstoy. Runs Interference for her Mom with the hot estate lawyer in town. Not in a cute way, either.
The writing was also very 'on' with a tone that didn't amuse me. The mother sees a hot woman and smells her floral perfume and goes into a stupor thinking about sex in the middle of a cafe... Do people really do this?
The writing was also very 'on' with a tone that didn't amuse me. The mother sees a hot woman and smells her floral perfume and goes into a stupor thinking about sex in the middle of a cafe... Do people really do this?
December 19, 2022
Hard Candy Christmas: A Lesbian Holiday Romance
by Hildred Billings
• ASIN : B09M8HFCMQ
• Publisher : Barachou Press (November 18, 2021)
• Publication date : November 18, 2021
Emma is 38 and a divorced, single lesbian mother of a precocious 8-year-old. Christmas is just a few weeks away, and all her daughter, Dani, wants is for her mom to remarry - by Christmas. Which is an impossible Christmas wish to fulfill... right?
But, as with any story that is as funny, sweet and tender as this one, it’s mandatory that it also comes with a feel-good-ending. And author Hildred Billings delivers by turning a child’s Christmas wish into a beautiful woman-loving-woman romance.
by Hildred Billings
• ASIN : B09M8HFCMQ
• Publisher : Barachou Press (November 18, 2021)
• Publication date : November 18, 2021
Emma is 38 and a divorced, single lesbian mother of a precocious 8-year-old. Christmas is just a few weeks away, and all her daughter, Dani, wants is for her mom to remarry - by Christmas. Which is an impossible Christmas wish to fulfill... right?
But, as with any story that is as funny, sweet and tender as this one, it’s mandatory that it also comes with a feel-good-ending. And author Hildred Billings delivers by turning a child’s Christmas wish into a beautiful woman-loving-woman romance.
December 28, 2021
This is one of the weaker holiday romances I’ve read this season. Love the Oregon coastal location of Cannon Beach in winter. Single mom Emma has a precocious (seriously asks questions like someone years older) 8 year old. She doesn’t believe in Santa but asks him to find someone for her mom to marry for Christmas. Enter probate lawyer Tamryn from Portland in town to document an estate. Tamryn will only be in town a short time so long term isn’t in the picture.
The back stories for these characters is okay but I found the child pushy and annoying. It didn’t help that romance was off the page. Even the epilogue was strangely not satisfying. . (2.5 stars)
The back stories for these characters is okay but I found the child pushy and annoying. It didn’t help that romance was off the page. Even the epilogue was strangely not satisfying. . (2.5 stars)
December 7, 2021
Couldn’t finish
Rare for me not to finish a book. I have a 50 page rule, if I can’t stay engaged then it is time to move on. Not sure why I couldn’t finish, the book seemed repetitive and boring.
Rare for me not to finish a book. I have a 50 page rule, if I can’t stay engaged then it is time to move on. Not sure why I couldn’t finish, the book seemed repetitive and boring.
November 20, 2021
Good book
A sweet story of a single mother and her daughter. Emma make ends meet but this year it will be a Hard Candy Christmas. Like most kids Dani wants one thing for Christmas... Her mom to get married. The only problem there's not many lesbian in town. A lawyer from out of town come to work and Dani want her mom to marry her. See if Dani's wish comes true.
A sweet story of a single mother and her daughter. Emma make ends meet but this year it will be a Hard Candy Christmas. Like most kids Dani wants one thing for Christmas... Her mom to get married. The only problem there's not many lesbian in town. A lawyer from out of town come to work and Dani want her mom to marry her. See if Dani's wish comes true.
January 20, 2022
A GIRL To FIND HER OTHER MOM
There is more than love to consider when it come with a child and the child is a super genius.
Fun loving story just perfect for the holidays.
There is more than love to consider when it come with a child and the child is a super genius.
Fun loving story just perfect for the holidays.
December 30, 2021
This one didn’t really do it for me. I found the kid really amusing because I have a precocious 7-year old nephew who I could totally see saying stuff like that. The writing itself was a struggle for me at times because not only were there were a lot of typos (which I normally breeze past without too much bother) but a lot of malapropisms and strange word choices that threw me out of the story. Some examples:
“she wanted to forget about everything. … About her family, who were inconspicuously missing from her life…” (if they were inconspicuous, she wouldn’t have to try to forget them!)
“[Doing a thing to seriously advance the relationship] brought tepid joy to Tamryn’s heart.” (Tepid joy??? So… she’s not really into it? 🤔🤨)
I found the romance and sex scene(s) pretty tepid. I’ve read much better Christmas lesbian romances that have come out this year. I think I have read other books by this author in the past and liked them more, so I would still read other books by her.
“she wanted to forget about everything. … About her family, who were inconspicuously missing from her life…” (if they were inconspicuous, she wouldn’t have to try to forget them!)
“[Doing a thing to seriously advance the relationship] brought tepid joy to Tamryn’s heart.” (Tepid joy??? So… she’s not really into it? 🤔🤨)
I found the romance and sex scene(s) pretty tepid. I’ve read much better Christmas lesbian romances that have come out this year. I think I have read other books by this author in the past and liked them more, so I would still read other books by her.
November 30, 2021
What A Sweet Story!
Coming from Hildred Billings, I knew the story would be interesting but not stinking cute and funny. You have two women who come from different sides but both didn’t realize they needed the same thing. The young daughter of one of them was very smart and forward. She called out the mom on many occasions, but now is forcing her mom to marry, and preferably with the estate lawyer who is only here for a week or two. Despite the embarrassment, the two women do go out a couple of times. The story unravels but it is the unfiltered words that come out of the daughters mouth that seems to have the answers. Very cute read!
Coming from Hildred Billings, I knew the story would be interesting but not stinking cute and funny. You have two women who come from different sides but both didn’t realize they needed the same thing. The young daughter of one of them was very smart and forward. She called out the mom on many occasions, but now is forcing her mom to marry, and preferably with the estate lawyer who is only here for a week or two. Despite the embarrassment, the two women do go out a couple of times. The story unravels but it is the unfiltered words that come out of the daughters mouth that seems to have the answers. Very cute read!
November 28, 2021
Who knew that a country song could have a big impact?
Emma has Dani , her daughter. A wife who left for greener pastures. Emma is a also a baker, who makes a wonderful brownie, against other candies. Tamryn is probate lawyer. She also takes a liking to those brownies and the baker. Dani asks Santa to bring her mom a wife for Christmas! How do you tell a eight year with missing front teeth that things don't work that easily. Will it be hard candy Christmas or will it be "I will always love you" Enjoy!
Emma has Dani , her daughter. A wife who left for greener pastures. Emma is a also a baker, who makes a wonderful brownie, against other candies. Tamryn is probate lawyer. She also takes a liking to those brownies and the baker. Dani asks Santa to bring her mom a wife for Christmas! How do you tell a eight year with missing front teeth that things don't work that easily. Will it be hard candy Christmas or will it be "I will always love you" Enjoy!
December 2, 2025
Stars: 3.5 Stars
Format: Digital
Series: Stand Alone
Steam Level: Steamy (kinda)
The reason I say this is kinda steamy is that you get the lead up to sex but not the actual sex act itself, just the sweaty aftermath.
Hildred Billings is an author who writes solidly enjoyable books and this story continues that trend.
Quick Thoughts:
- Good thing I love this song because I ended up humming it for a solid week
- “What’s this about Kenny Rogers? He’s a bit old for you. Also, he’s dead.” I just about died trying not to laugh out loud at this while in my job’s break room. A few of my coworkers did look at me sideways
- I want brownies. Actually no. I want THESE brownies
- There was a bit too much dialogue that seemed like you had to be from the greater Portland area to understand it
- Loved this kid, she was constantly cracking me up
- I rated this 3.5 stars because it seemed like this story wasn’t looked through by an editor. There were typos and spots where the writing was a bit rough. Also there was a little bit of head hopping, it wasn’t enough for it to read as the writing style and so it felt a bit disjointed
Overall I had a good time with this book. It was adorable, fast paced, and just a very sweet book.
Format: Digital
Series: Stand Alone
Steam Level: Steamy (kinda)
The reason I say this is kinda steamy is that you get the lead up to sex but not the actual sex act itself, just the sweaty aftermath.
Hildred Billings is an author who writes solidly enjoyable books and this story continues that trend.
Quick Thoughts:
- Good thing I love this song because I ended up humming it for a solid week
- “What’s this about Kenny Rogers? He’s a bit old for you. Also, he’s dead.” I just about died trying not to laugh out loud at this while in my job’s break room. A few of my coworkers did look at me sideways
- I want brownies. Actually no. I want THESE brownies
- There was a bit too much dialogue that seemed like you had to be from the greater Portland area to understand it
- Loved this kid, she was constantly cracking me up
- I rated this 3.5 stars because it seemed like this story wasn’t looked through by an editor. There were typos and spots where the writing was a bit rough. Also there was a little bit of head hopping, it wasn’t enough for it to read as the writing style and so it felt a bit disjointed
Overall I had a good time with this book. It was adorable, fast paced, and just a very sweet book.
December 29, 2025
Hard Candy Christmas was a sweet and cozy Christmas read that I genuinely enjoyed. The festive atmosphere was warm and comforting, making it perfect for the holiday season.
I liked the chemistry between the characters, but the relationship felt a bit rushed, especially considering how short the story is. A little more buildup would have made the romance more impactful.
Overall, it’s a cute, feel-good Christmas novella—easy to read, light on drama, and perfect if you’re in the mood for something quick and festive. 🎄✨
I liked the chemistry between the characters, but the relationship felt a bit rushed, especially considering how short the story is. A little more buildup would have made the romance more impactful.
Overall, it’s a cute, feel-good Christmas novella—easy to read, light on drama, and perfect if you’re in the mood for something quick and festive. 🎄✨
November 26, 2021
Sweet as Candy Christmas Story
Emma is a divorced, single mom of an 8 year old girl, Dani. As the Christmas holiday nears, all Dani wants is for her mom to get married, and that’s what she asks Santa for one day at the mall. Within the same day, Emma casually observed an attractive woman named Tamryn at her shop. What starts as an innocent child’s dream, turns into a beautifully executed WLW romance.
Emma is a divorced, single mom of an 8 year old girl, Dani. As the Christmas holiday nears, all Dani wants is for her mom to get married, and that’s what she asks Santa for one day at the mall. Within the same day, Emma casually observed an attractive woman named Tamryn at her shop. What starts as an innocent child’s dream, turns into a beautifully executed WLW romance.
December 11, 2021
Finding a Second Mom
Dani is eight years old and asks Santa (though she doesn’t believe in him) for a woman to marry her mom for Christmas. Emma is a single mom who runs a sweets store and has a very precocious daughter. Tamaryn is an estate lawyer visiting small town Oregon to inventory two of the seven homes in the will of a client. Will Christmas magic happen or will it be a hard candy Christmas? Great Christmas romance.
Dani is eight years old and asks Santa (though she doesn’t believe in him) for a woman to marry her mom for Christmas. Emma is a single mom who runs a sweets store and has a very precocious daughter. Tamaryn is an estate lawyer visiting small town Oregon to inventory two of the seven homes in the will of a client. Will Christmas magic happen or will it be a hard candy Christmas? Great Christmas romance.
December 5, 2021
The main characters in this novella are in their late thirties and not actively looking for a relationship. Add in an extremely determined eight year old and the result is a sweet Christmas tale. The angst is minimal and the supporting cast is a little thin. A nice read with the expected holiday HEA.
December 13, 2023
It took me awhile to slog through this one, I wanted a lighthearted Christmas book to read. I tend to avoid books with kids' cos they aren't for me. I find a lot of authors struggle to write children accurately, they either read as too young or 'wise beyond their years.' This was low angst and fluffy which what I wanted but it just felt a bit slow for me.
December 25, 2023
Nice One
This is a nice story. It's a light, easy read. The only real conflict was whether or not Emma and Tamryn wanted to give the relationship a shot. If you're looking for spice, this may not be for you, but it was a nice Holiday story where a child's wish for her mom comes true.
This is a nice story. It's a light, easy read. The only real conflict was whether or not Emma and Tamryn wanted to give the relationship a shot. If you're looking for spice, this may not be for you, but it was a nice Holiday story where a child's wish for her mom comes true.
December 24, 2025
Magical!
Who doesn’t love a happily ever after? If it’s you then don’t read this story. A couple that falls in love at, almost, first sight with a precious child helping things along. All the romantic lesbian Christmas stories make my Yule tide gay and bright. Hope it does yours too.
Who doesn’t love a happily ever after? If it’s you then don’t read this story. A couple that falls in love at, almost, first sight with a precious child helping things along. All the romantic lesbian Christmas stories make my Yule tide gay and bright. Hope it does yours too.
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December 8, 2021Sweet Story
I have to say, I have never read a Hildred Billings story that has disappointed. And this one doesn't either. Sweet, romantic and an. HEA! What more could you ask for??
I have to say, I have never read a Hildred Billings story that has disappointed. And this one doesn't either. Sweet, romantic and an. HEA! What more could you ask for??
December 9, 2021
This Is A Treat
Love it when I find a new "Christmas" enjoyment and this is a treat for sure. It's a great story with loveable characters and I highly recommend it. Quick, easy, and perfect for the holiday season. Give it a try.
Love it when I find a new "Christmas" enjoyment and this is a treat for sure. It's a great story with loveable characters and I highly recommend it. Quick, easy, and perfect for the holiday season. Give it a try.
December 29, 2021
Lite Wonderful Christmas Story
This was s wonderful lite Christmas novella. Great characters with a mother and daughter team. Eight years old with lots of ideas. Mix in a high styled lawyer from Portland. Great tale.
This was s wonderful lite Christmas novella. Great characters with a mother and daughter team. Eight years old with lots of ideas. Mix in a high styled lawyer from Portland. Great tale.
April 17, 2022
Great read
I liked how realistic the characters were. The romance happened "naturally", which I appreciated. I'm very glad I purchased this book and am looking forward to reading more of her works. I would highly recommend it.
I liked how realistic the characters were. The romance happened "naturally", which I appreciated. I'm very glad I purchased this book and am looking forward to reading more of her works. I would highly recommend it.
May 4, 2022
A very funny and sweet Christmas romance! Yes, yes, I know, I'm reviewing a Christmas romance when it's almost summer here... I loved all of Dani's antics; reminds me of when I was a precocious bratty third grader. :) Anyway, highly recommend as usual!
June 16, 2025
great reading
Have read this book before and I still find it fascinating and interesting. Story line is still very interesting and strong. Will more than likely be reading it again. Thank you for providing such a great story!
Have read this book before and I still find it fascinating and interesting. Story line is still very interesting and strong. Will more than likely be reading it again. Thank you for providing such a great story!
November 24, 2021
Great book
I really liked this book. I loved daughter and how perceptive she was and how she made the wish to Santa and in the end her wish came true.
I really liked this book. I loved daughter and how perceptive she was and how she made the wish to Santa and in the end her wish came true.
November 27, 2021
Love this story
3 great characters. One of them a 8 year old going on 30. She tells Santa that she wants another Her Mother to get married for Christmas.
3 great characters. One of them a 8 year old going on 30. She tells Santa that she wants another Her Mother to get married for Christmas.
December 2, 2021
jumps around a lot
If you want a lesbian Hallmark this is it. If you prefer steamy love scenes you must have not gotten the Hallmark reference
If you want a lesbian Hallmark this is it. If you prefer steamy love scenes you must have not gotten the Hallmark reference
December 20, 2021
Wonderful story
I have enjoyed this wonderful heartfelt story of single mom who runs a sweet shop and attorney visiting her city she fell in love with sweet shop owner.
I have enjoyed this wonderful heartfelt story of single mom who runs a sweet shop and attorney visiting her city she fell in love with sweet shop owner.
December 22, 2022
Whilst I enjoy holiday romances, and did enjoy this one it was definitely one of the weaker ones. Dani was written way too grown up for her age. The characters were written ok but not amazing.
December 26, 2022
I liked it, the characters were lovely and the plot was interesting!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews