The Gift: Home for Christmas / All I Want for Christmas

by Nora Roberts

FROM THE INCOMPARABLE MASTER OF ROMANCE NORA ROBERTS COMES TWO TALES OF HOLIDAY LOVE, AVAILABLE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN OVER A DECADE ...

HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

After years of world travel, prizewinning reporter Jason Law returned home to New Hampshire. He had carried the memories of Faith Kirkpatrick, the girl he left behind, for ten years --- now he was determined to win back her love. But she was a woman with responsibilities, and he was nothing but a wandering nomad. All they could have was this one Christmas together. Could Faith summon the courage to give Jason a once-in-a-lifetime holiday gift?

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS

Identical twin boys Zeke and Zach wanted only one gift from Santa: a new mom! And when they first meet their music teacher at school, they could hardly believe their luck --- Miss Davis was a mom made-to-order. But convincing their dad was a lot harder than they thought. Mac Taylor wasn't willing to risk his heart, but when Nell brought love and laughter into all their lives, his heart began to thaw like a spring snow. Will the boys get their Christmas present after all?

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Fiction, Holiday, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Anthologies

217 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Nora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.

Reviews

[Lyndi W. · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 STARS I wouldn't have even written a review for this - out of season, two short stories by the same author... I was just going to rate it and move on. But I am so flabbergasted, I have to say something.

Home for Christmas was a cute little short story. No real complaints. It was good for what it was.

But the second story, All I Want for Christmas... are you kidding me? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? YOU MUST BE KIDDING ME.

Nora Roberts is a fabulous writer. Even when I don't like her characters, I believe she's written them realistically - that's why I don't like them, because I know them in real life and don't like them there, either. She wants to write a hard-boiled detective, she fucking does it. And she does it well.

So why am I reading about two first graders that are discussing their father's need for "companionship"; their desire to have a mother to help them with science projects; and how the nanny isn't enough to fill the void of not having a mother's love. THEY ARE FIRST GRADERS. They're even talking about how smart they are because they can read Green Eggs and Ham with their father's help. They aren't doing fucking science projects!

I'm not even sure a teenager would understand these concepts, much less be able to recognize them, identify them, admit to them, or even express them. Their behavior, vocabulary, and intelligence are so unbelievable and beyond realistic that I'm actually raging about this on PAGE TWO. I haven't even gotten to the third page and I'm already so flabbergasted, I can't continue. I won't be able to enjoy the story, regardless of how good it is, because I'm going to be silently raging about the maturity of these "children" any time they in a scene.

I cannot figure out what in the world Nora Roberts was thinking when she wrote these characters. So the book gets 1.5 stars - 2.5 stars for Home for Christmas and 0 stars/DNF for All I Want for Christmas.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two wonderful novellas by the Queen of Romance and she does not disappoint.

Home for Christmas
Jason is a world famous, Pulitzer prize winning author. He left Quiet Valley and Faith 10 years ago, but he never forgot her. Here he is after all that time and the feelings are still there, for both of them. But, 10 years is a long time.

All I want for Christmas
Sweet, wonderful Christmas Novella about twin boys who ask Santa for The Mom for Christmas. Santa delivers, but The Dad needs to get with the Christmas wish too.

[Tami Winbush · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book that should have been read in a day took me a month to finish. Not that any of the stories were bad but they just didn't keep me pulled in.

[Ali Molenaar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute. Twee kerstverhalen, waarvan je natuurlijk al van tevoren weet dat het allemaal goed gaat aflopen, maar het is gewoon leuk.

[Edgar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two good Christmas novellas. The first novella was the better one out of the two and felt more christmassy. It’s a good read to mark 40ish Mondays to Christmas.

[Rexy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm beginning to think Nora Roberts' novellas aren't worth the hype. This is the 3rd Nora Roberts Omnibus I've purchased, and it's also the 3rd time I've been disappointed.

I won't even bother writing a review about it except this little note right here to remind myself not to expect so much from NR's other omnibus. ..ses? (haha what's the plural of omnibus? ) :(

[Christi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful.
I picked it up because I thought it was a Christmas themed story. (And I liked the sparkly cover.)
I had no idea it was a compilation of two Harlequin romance novels written 20 years ago.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars:
Home for Christmas
I enjoyed this story. I thought it was sweet. I liked the characters, too. The setting was my favorite part of the story--a small town in New Hampshire on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

3 stars:
All I Want for Christmas
This story was okay. I liked the setting--a small town in Maryland. This one spanned from Labor Day, approximately, to Christmas Eve. I didn't like the MCs, though, but the twins were cute.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing like a good romance, or two, at Christmastime!

[Chloe (Always Booked) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviews in individual books (Home for Christmas, All I want for Christmas and Gabriel's Angel).

[Kendra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Library copy

[Whiskey and Reading · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not enough Christmas feels for me.

[Teresa Biggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

reread for the OSU winter bingo challenge

there are 2 novellas in this book

1. Home for Christmas THis is a typical early Nora book, heavy on the romance , less on the female friendships. Jason Law returns to his home town after being a award winning reporter.. back to see his high school girlfriend who married right after he left. She is divorced now and has a daughter.. sparks fly, daughter gets lost and they have to look for her together.

2. All I want for Christmas This is the story of Zack and Zeke.. 2 first grade twin boys who live alone with their dad , Mac. They want a mom.. so they write a letter to Santa asking for the mom, one who has yellow hair, can bake cookies and likes dogs. Nell is the new high school choir teacher and fits the criteria .. sparks immediately fly but Mac is not sure about a relationship because of his sons.

[Mrs. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved both of these little stories about love at Christmastime. :)
Both are about finding love or re-finding it and not just "the 2 of us" but ready made families.
It's always good when you finish a story with a big smile on your face.

[P.A. Lupton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book wasn't bad, wasn't great, but a good way to pass some time. It was kind of like an after school special.

[Kathy Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The hardcover has only the first two stories while the paperback adds Gabriel's Angel.

Home for Christmas is a classic secret-baby story set at Christmas time. Jason Law left at eighteen to pursue a career in journalism not knowing that he left a pregnant girlfriend behind. Now Jason is back home to find that Faith Monroe is divorced, running a doll store, and raising a ten-year-old daughter. She's afraid to start anything with him because she fears he will just leave them again. This was a lovely, touching story about taking a chance on love.

All I Want for Christmas tells the story of a man who is raising his twin sons alone after his wife abandoned them and a woman who is making a new start as a music teacher in town. His six-year-old twin sons have asked Santa for "the mom" for Christmas and think that Miss Davis is a perfect candidate. But their father will have to learn how to trust his heart and take a chance on love for everyone to get their Christmas wishes.

Gabriel's Angel pairs a pregnant woman on the run and a reclusive artist. Laura's running from the parents of her abusive ex who want to take her baby from her now that the father is dead. Gabe Bradley has come to the Colorado mountains to try to get over the guilt he feels about the death of his younger brother. He finds a woman who needs him, and she finds a man she can trust.

These older stories were all very entertaining. The only thing that shouted to me that they were older stories was the fact that Gabe smoked. I'm not used to that in contemporary romances anymore. I also noticed that the viewpoint shift between the main characters was less smooth than in Roberts' more recent stories. Sometimes the viewpoint would shift a couple of time within one paragraph which could be a little confusing.

[Kay Gentile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Esse livro tem 2 novelas. Vou falar de cada uma:

A primeira, Home for Christmas (história de 1986) conta uma trama de segunda chance para o amor entre o repórter premiado Jason, que volta para sua cidade natal para ganhar de volta amor da sua juventude, e Faith, a garota de 18 anos que ele deixou para trás há uma década. O livro é bonitinho, mas meio corrido na narrativa, tudo acontece rápido demais, como se faltasse espaço para completar os espaços. Mas é fofo. 2 ⭐️


Já a segunda, All I Want for Christmas (de 1994), começa com o ponto de vista de irmãos gêmeos de 6 anos confabulando em agosto para pedir ao Papai Noel uma mãe de presente de Natal. Uma mãe para eles, sim, mas também um amor para o pai solo dos dois.
Mac cria os meninos sozinho desde que eles nasceram e, apesar de amar os filhos e fazer de tudo por eles a vida corrida cansa e não deixa tempo para pensar em nada além das responsabilidades (nós mulheres, mães ou não, sozinhas ou não, sabemos bem o peso da responsabilidade de cuidar de tudo e todos que nos cercam – dá-lhe redação do Enem 2023). Até que aparece Nell, a nova professora de música da escola dos meninos. Depois de uma sequência de acontecimentos na sua vida (perdeu o emprego, teve sua casa assaltada e o namorado era um típico boy lixo), ela decide ir embora de NY e se mudar para uma cidade pequena e mudar tudo. E ela é exatamente a pessoa que eles pediram, só falta o pai estar aberto para o amor e deixar ela entrar na vida deles. E a história é sobre esses meses entre o outono e o Natal quando, obviamente, tudo vai se resolver lindamente, como a magia do Natal. Eu gostei bastante desse. 3 ⭐️

Agora, a maior supresa desse livro foi que no início dele a autora, Nora Roberts, dividiu algumas receitas de Natal da família dela com os leitores. Sério, como eu amo livros com receitas.

[Brea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This holiday collection is a mixed bag, but one story absolutely makes it worth picking up.
“Home for Christmas” is sweet and comforting, but very predictable and a bit too fast-paced. Jason and Faith’s reunion has heart, but the emotional beats—and especially the intimacy—feel rushed. With more space to breathe and a longer ending, this story could have carried much more impact. As it stands, it’s pleasant, hopeful, and enjoyable, just a little too neatly wrapped.
“All I Want for Christmas” is undeniably cute, thanks almost entirely to six-year-old twins Zack and Zeke. Their letter to Santa asking not just for a mom, but “THE mom,” is charming and heartfelt, and they easily steal the show. While the romance between Nell and Mac is serviceable, it feels thin and repetitive—lots of tension, quick resolution, and not enough depth. Still, the boys and the holiday magic make it an easy, cozy read.
“Gabriel’s Angel” is the standout and the emotional core of the book. Laura, pregnant and running from her past, finding refuge with gruff, guarded artist Gabriel during a snowstorm is classic, slow-burn romance done right. This story has weight—fear, trust, healing, and hard-won love. The marriage-of-convenience trope evolves naturally into something tender and meaningful, and while the circumstances are a bit heightened, the emotions feel real. Strength, vulnerability, and respect are woven beautifully into the romance, making it deeply satisfying.
Overall, the novellas are clearly dated and much simpler than the author’s later work, with endings that arrive a little too quickly. Still, they’re warmly written, easy to read, and perfect for the Christmas season. “Gabriel’s Angel” alone makes this collection worth the purchase, even if the other two are more forgettable than memorable.
A cozy holiday read with one truly heartfelt gem at its center.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two really cute stories about Christmas, love, desire, family, starting over, taking a chance. The first one, Home for Christmas, is about a young man who leaves his home town to go out and make a name for himself. He becomes a famous writer, wins a Pulitzer and is all grown up. He just can't stop thinking about...her, the one girl that bowled him over. She wanted to go with him when he left, but he couldn't do that to her. He'd get settled and then send for her. She said that she'd wait, but she didn't. Six months after he left, he learned that she up and married someone else. Now, 10 years later, it was finally time to get some answers.
The second story, All I Want for Christmas, is about a father who's raising twin 6 year old boys by himself. Their mother just up and walked away when the boys were only infants. Mac had to protect them against lots of things....hurt and pain, cavities, and the boogie man. The boys, Zeke and Zack, write a letter to Santa asking for "the Mom" for themselves, but someone who was pretty with yellow hair, who smelled nice, who liked kids and dogs and someone who baked cookies. They found her in the new music teacher at the high school. She was everything they wanted and everything that their Dad needed. If only he opened up enough to see it. Christmas has a way of working its magic, even on the most stubborn people. I hope you like this book as much as I did.

[Carlise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just the kick I needed to get me in the holiday mood

Two good books in one. This was a treat.

Home for Christmas

Jason and a faith were high school sweethearts..Jason left to start building his life while Faith stayed behind. Between young love and misunderstandings, they lost 10 years until Jason came back to town. When he arrives, he finds that he left more than Faith behind.

This was a good story. Some loves never die or fade..they just sit and simmer until a flame reignites it. This is so short story, but you were desperate for some more information and more to the HEA.

All I Want For Christmas

Mac has been burned by his ex-wife and decided that he didn’t need a wife or mother for his kids. He’s got a system and doesn’t want to mess up his life. Nell is a breath of fresh air and his boys have decided that she should be THE mom that they asked Santa for..

This was a such a cute story. The attraction that Nell and Jason had was undeniable, but watching Jason’s heart slowly melt was beautiful to see.

Again, very cute, short story, but you really wanted to see how Christmas turned out with these two.

I thoroughly enjoyed both stories and it was just enough to get me ready for the holiday season.

[Chantal · Rating 4 out of 5]

2 novellas in 1

Home for Christmas

It was a nice short story about second chances and rekindling love. He came back to him home town to see an old flame that never died and to write a book. What he got was a lot more than he expected. She thought she would never see him again till he walked into her shop. She tried to distance herself but she still loved him. I do wish there was more to the ending.

All I want for Christmas

It’s a nice short story about twins who want the mom for Christmas. Their dad and the music teacher have a lot of up and downs. He’s so scared of getting hurt that he keeps pushing her away. She almost call it quits and takes off for a few days but he comes around and changes it. It was a nice ending. Was hoping for more

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two short stories in this book:

Home for Christmas: After ten years, Jason returns from international work travels to find his old small-town girlfriend Faith. He connects with her daughter and they resume their past relationship.

All I Want for Christmas: Twins Zach and Zeke want a mom for Christmas and the new music teacher is perfect as she meets all their requirements. The trouble is getting their dad, Mac to agree his life has room for love.

Light reading for the holiday season. Happy endings! I did feel both Jason and Mac could be wishy-washy in pursuing romance.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two sweet, upbeat stories. I liked them both, but I thought the ending's were cut a little bit short. In the second one I thought the two twins should have had the last words because they were the start of everything in the beginning. I thought that both stories needed a little more to the endings to finish out the stories instead of the reader just assuming the answers. I like the author to write the story and the ending, not leave it to my imagination. That's why I read, so I can read what someone else is creating, not me creating the ending.

[Lu Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two short novellas both of which have been published before: Home for Christmas, copyright 1986, has also appeared in Silhouette Christmas Series and The Gift. All I Want for Christmas, copyrighted has appeared in Christmas Bells Wedding Bells, The Gift, and Christmas Magic.

Both stories have held up well. I'd read both several times before and they are still very good reads. I will probably read them again next year.

Warning: The endings are both HEA but if you cry at greeting card commercials and Kodak moments (and I do) have tissues handy. A box should do it.

[Gaby Briceno · Rating 5 out of 5]

*All I want for Christmas*
This novella is a heartwarming romance in which two adorable little boys ask santa for a mother as their Christmas present. These twins live with their father Mac taylor who is single and not looking for love. I do not want to spoil the story, it is indeed short, so im not going to continue. I recommend this if you want a light story with a lot of romance and some hot scenes. I loved it!

[Lorraine Madigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are 2 stories in this book and I loved them both! They were both quick fun reads.

Home for Christmas was the perfect second chance book. Jason and Faith had wonderful chemistry and lots of heartfelt love.

All I want for Christmas was the perfect grumpy guy, happy go lucky girl book. Mac and Nell were perfect together once they worked out the kinks...and Zeke and Zack just made my heart smile.

I would definitely recommend.

[Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s that time of year again when I pull out the Christmas novels I have yet to read.
This one is one of my new favourites. It consists of two short novels. I had a difficult time putting it down. This is also the first time that I have read a Nora Roberts book and I can’t wait to read another after the holidays.

[♏ Gina☽ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is actually two books in one: "The Gift: Home for Christmas" and "All I Want for Christmas".

"Home for Christmas" is about a couple, Jason and Faith. The story moves very quickly.

"All I Want for Christmas", on the other hand, revolves around twin 6-year-old boys who ask Santa for a mom.

[Edshara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Home For Christmas was predictable, but still cute. If rated alone though it probably would have gotten 2 or 3 stars.

All I Want For Christmas was the perfect Christmas story and so stinking cute!! I loved the twins and even though Mac was ticking me off, I could understand where he was coming from. This story is what earned this book 4 stars. It was great on its own.

[lora joint · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect Stories for Christmas

I was looking forward to a good Nora Roberts story, I had bought this, then realized I had read both stories years before when I didn't,t have a kindle to look in my library. Anyway read them again, enjoyed even more. Very emotional and heart warming Christmas reading.