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The Christmas Charm
Small-town charm and a family on the brink of disaster as Christmas brings its much-needed magic to those who need it most.
1959 – June and Patrick Elden spend their very first Christmas together in their tiny downtown apartment in the rural town of Redmond. As newlyweds, they have their entire lives ahead of them, and their dreams of a home and family loom large. Despite not having much money, Patrick surprises June with a beautiful Christmas star necklace as a symbol of all the years to come. And as their life grows and changes, the story of that little necklace becomes a family tradition that their children and grandchildren cherish throughout the years.
2022 – Jessica Paxton hasn’t returned home for Christmas since the passing of her beloved Grandma June. Despite being an accomplished divorce lawyer in Minneapolis, she still cowers at the thought of spending time in her childhood home with her mother without her grandmother as a buffer. Her mother hasn’t forgiven her for a long-ago tragedy, and frankly, Jess hasn’t forgiven herself either. But her younger sister has begged her to come home, so she does. What awaits her is a family full of problems and tension between her and her mother at its worst. Should Jess turn tail and run for home, or will the Christmas traditions of the past prove strong enough to hold this family together?
1959 – June and Patrick Elden spend their very first Christmas together in their tiny downtown apartment in the rural town of Redmond. As newlyweds, they have their entire lives ahead of them, and their dreams of a home and family loom large. Despite not having much money, Patrick surprises June with a beautiful Christmas star necklace as a symbol of all the years to come. And as their life grows and changes, the story of that little necklace becomes a family tradition that their children and grandchildren cherish throughout the years.
2022 – Jessica Paxton hasn’t returned home for Christmas since the passing of her beloved Grandma June. Despite being an accomplished divorce lawyer in Minneapolis, she still cowers at the thought of spending time in her childhood home with her mother without her grandmother as a buffer. Her mother hasn’t forgiven her for a long-ago tragedy, and frankly, Jess hasn’t forgiven herself either. But her younger sister has begged her to come home, so she does. What awaits her is a family full of problems and tension between her and her mother at its worst. Should Jess turn tail and run for home, or will the Christmas traditions of the past prove strong enough to hold this family together?
162 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2022
287 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
Deanna Lynn Sletten
39 books627 followersDeanna Lynn Sletten is the author of MRS. WINCHESTER'S BIOGRAPHER, THE ONES WE LEAVE BEHIND, THE WOMEN OF GREAT HERON LAKE, MAGGIE'S TURN, THE LAKE HARRIET SERIES, and several other titles. She writes compelling historical fiction, heartwarming women's fiction, romance novels, and murder mysteries. She has also written one middle-grade novel that takes you on the adventure of a lifetime.
Deanna has recently begun a new murder mystery series, The Rachel Emery Series which includes THE TRUTH ABOUT RACHEL and DEATH BECOMES YOU.
Deanna is married and has two grown children. When not writing, she enjoys walking the wooded trails around her home with her beautiful Australian Shepherd or relaxing on the lake in the summer.
Deanna loves hearing from her readers. Connect with her at:
Her blog: deannalynnsletten.com
Twitter: @DeannaLSletten
Facebook: facebook.com/DeannaLynnSletten
Deanna has recently begun a new murder mystery series, The Rachel Emery Series which includes THE TRUTH ABOUT RACHEL and DEATH BECOMES YOU.
Deanna is married and has two grown children. When not writing, she enjoys walking the wooded trails around her home with her beautiful Australian Shepherd or relaxing on the lake in the summer.
Deanna loves hearing from her readers. Connect with her at:
Her blog: deannalynnsletten.com
Twitter: @DeannaLSletten
Facebook: facebook.com/DeannaLynnSletten
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
November 2, 2022
First of all, can I just say that this is one of the most beautiful covers ever? I love everything about it and it totally gets me in the mood for Christmas.
And then there is the beautiful story within this amazing cover. I've loved all of Deanna's stories and this one will stick with me for a long time.
Not only is there a heartwarming story about Christmas traditions and love, there is the lovely significance of the star necklace and what it means to generations of this family. Oh, and there's plenty of family drama involved also. What would families be without drama, right?
I fell in love with this whole family and loved being a part of their world for a short time. The Christmas Charm is a wonderfully written tale that pulled at my heartstrings as family issues are resolved. And yes, I may have teared up a few times from the emotions I was feeling.
I loved everything about The Christmas Charm, from the amazing cover, to the beautiful Christmas necklace and it history, to the family drama and love that was surrounding them all. This is the perfect story for everyone to get lost in, especially this time of year. I highly recommend it. I know you're going to love it as much as I did!
And then there is the beautiful story within this amazing cover. I've loved all of Deanna's stories and this one will stick with me for a long time.
Not only is there a heartwarming story about Christmas traditions and love, there is the lovely significance of the star necklace and what it means to generations of this family. Oh, and there's plenty of family drama involved also. What would families be without drama, right?
I fell in love with this whole family and loved being a part of their world for a short time. The Christmas Charm is a wonderfully written tale that pulled at my heartstrings as family issues are resolved. And yes, I may have teared up a few times from the emotions I was feeling.
I loved everything about The Christmas Charm, from the amazing cover, to the beautiful Christmas necklace and it history, to the family drama and love that was surrounding them all. This is the perfect story for everyone to get lost in, especially this time of year. I highly recommend it. I know you're going to love it as much as I did!
November 12, 2025
I loved this little short Christmas Novella. This story focuses on a Christmas charm necklace that was given to June on Christmas Eve by her husband and the story centers around their family and the dynamics and struggles they endure as a family. Great short story!
December 10, 2025
Typical happy ending Christmas story. I loved it!
December 10, 2025
3.5 Stars for The Christmas Charm by Deanna Lynn Sletten.
Is this a ground breaking, riviting story? Not really. Is the writing simple and at times cheesy? Oh yes. But it is a sweet, quick Christmas story.
Told in 2 timelines, the first starts in 1959 with June and Patrick having their very first Christmas together as newlyweds. They dream of a home full of kids. Not having much money, Patrick surprises June with a Christmas star necklace as a symbol of all the years to come. And as their life continues, the story of that little necklace becomes a family tradition that their children and grandchildren cherish throughout the years.
“Nothing is ever as it appears, is it? Everyone walks around saying they’re fine, when the truth is, we’re all dealing with something.”
In 2022, Jess has returned home for the first Christmas since the passing of her beloved grandma June. She is not looking forward to spending time in her childhood home with her mother without her grandmother as a buffer. But her younger sister has begged her to come home, so she does. What awaits her is a family full of issues and tension Will the Christmas traditions of the past prove strong enough to hold this family together?
Is this a ground breaking, riviting story? Not really. Is the writing simple and at times cheesy? Oh yes. But it is a sweet, quick Christmas story.
Told in 2 timelines, the first starts in 1959 with June and Patrick having their very first Christmas together as newlyweds. They dream of a home full of kids. Not having much money, Patrick surprises June with a Christmas star necklace as a symbol of all the years to come. And as their life continues, the story of that little necklace becomes a family tradition that their children and grandchildren cherish throughout the years.
“Nothing is ever as it appears, is it? Everyone walks around saying they’re fine, when the truth is, we’re all dealing with something.”
In 2022, Jess has returned home for the first Christmas since the passing of her beloved grandma June. She is not looking forward to spending time in her childhood home with her mother without her grandmother as a buffer. But her younger sister has begged her to come home, so she does. What awaits her is a family full of issues and tension Will the Christmas traditions of the past prove strong enough to hold this family together?
November 9, 2022
Heartwarming!
I really enjoyed this quick Christmas read. It was deeply poignant and brought a tear at the end. Add this to your holiday reading list.
I really enjoyed this quick Christmas read. It was deeply poignant and brought a tear at the end. Add this to your holiday reading list.
November 25, 2025
a short Christmas read
The Christmas Charm is a wonderfully heart-warming festive read, filled with cosy moments, gentle romance, and the kind of emotional warmth that makes it perfect for a winter’s evening. From the very first chapter, the story draws you into a world of community spirit, second chances, and the quiet magic that can appear when you least expect it.
The characters are instantly likeable and beautifully developed. Each one brings something genuine to the story, whether it’s humour, kindness, or vulnerability. The relationships feel real and tender, and the author captures the complicated mix of grief, hope, and love in a way that feels both comforting and uplifting.
The setting sparkles with festive charm — from twinkling lights and snowy lanes to heartfelt traditions that anchor the story. It’s atmospheric without being overdone, and you can almost smell the mulled wine and pine.
What stands out most is how the book blends emotional depth with feel-good warmth. It touches on themes of family, forgiveness, finding the courage to start again, and remembering what truly matters. Despite moments of sadness, the overall tone is uplifting, leaving you with a full heart and a smile.
A delightful, cosy, and comforting Christmas novel — perfect for fans of heartfelt festive fiction.
The Christmas Charm is a wonderfully heart-warming festive read, filled with cosy moments, gentle romance, and the kind of emotional warmth that makes it perfect for a winter’s evening. From the very first chapter, the story draws you into a world of community spirit, second chances, and the quiet magic that can appear when you least expect it.
The characters are instantly likeable and beautifully developed. Each one brings something genuine to the story, whether it’s humour, kindness, or vulnerability. The relationships feel real and tender, and the author captures the complicated mix of grief, hope, and love in a way that feels both comforting and uplifting.
The setting sparkles with festive charm — from twinkling lights and snowy lanes to heartfelt traditions that anchor the story. It’s atmospheric without being overdone, and you can almost smell the mulled wine and pine.
What stands out most is how the book blends emotional depth with feel-good warmth. It touches on themes of family, forgiveness, finding the courage to start again, and remembering what truly matters. Despite moments of sadness, the overall tone is uplifting, leaving you with a full heart and a smile.
A delightful, cosy, and comforting Christmas novel — perfect for fans of heartfelt festive fiction.
November 19, 2022
Family and Tradition
June and Patrick were newly weds living in the small town of Redmond. June was working at the Five and Dime and Patrick worked at the Dairy Farm with his father but he always dreamed of owning his own business. It was Christmas Eve and June was home making dinner and waiting for her handsome husband to come home from work. Patrick arrived home with a Christmas Tree. June and Patrick didn’t have much but they loved each other. They had dinner and then decorated the tree with what little ornaments they had. They then sat in front of the tree and opened their gift to each other. Patrick bought June a beautiful Christmas Star, which she treasured. Their tradition each Christmas Eve was to get a Christmas Tree and decorate it even as their family grew.
June and Patrick were newly weds living in the small town of Redmond. June was working at the Five and Dime and Patrick worked at the Dairy Farm with his father but he always dreamed of owning his own business. It was Christmas Eve and June was home making dinner and waiting for her handsome husband to come home from work. Patrick arrived home with a Christmas Tree. June and Patrick didn’t have much but they loved each other. They had dinner and then decorated the tree with what little ornaments they had. They then sat in front of the tree and opened their gift to each other. Patrick bought June a beautiful Christmas Star, which she treasured. Their tradition each Christmas Eve was to get a Christmas Tree and decorate it even as their family grew.
December 1, 2022
The Christmas Charm
Is a lovely story of a dysfunctional family at Christmas time. It's a Rollercoaster, but worth the ride! Woven throughout, is the story of the couple who founded this family. Sweet, with a bit of bitter for contast. I appreciated that there is no profanity, violence, or blatant sex. These is a story which deals with life in the 21st Century, it's strands woven about a good but imperfect family, dealing with events coming to a head during the holidays. Put it all together & it makes for a pageturning, clean, family oriented, quick read. I enjoyed it very much!
Is a lovely story of a dysfunctional family at Christmas time. It's a Rollercoaster, but worth the ride! Woven throughout, is the story of the couple who founded this family. Sweet, with a bit of bitter for contast. I appreciated that there is no profanity, violence, or blatant sex. These is a story which deals with life in the 21st Century, it's strands woven about a good but imperfect family, dealing with events coming to a head during the holidays. Put it all together & it makes for a pageturning, clean, family oriented, quick read. I enjoyed it very much!
December 23, 2022
A very charming and heartwarming story about a couple who grew into a multigenerational family over the years. On their first Christmas together, Pat gave June a necklace with a star charm on it. She wore every Christmas starting on Christmas Eve and told the story of her and Pat's very first Christmas to their daughter and later to their grandchildren and even the great grandchildren. As with all families, people age and die and broken hearts slowly mend. Traditions often hold these families together through it all.
November 17, 2022
Riveting! Unexpected story in a story!
I started this book thinking I will read a little each day, once started I did not want to put down! I am afraid dinner was a little late and quick put together! The characters were made to be real in my mind with vivid daily experiences. Loved the mix of today and yesterday's! Now to go to another of your books to see if the experience is as good as this one! Thank you! Dolly
I started this book thinking I will read a little each day, once started I did not want to put down! I am afraid dinner was a little late and quick put together! The characters were made to be real in my mind with vivid daily experiences. Loved the mix of today and yesterday's! Now to go to another of your books to see if the experience is as good as this one! Thank you! Dolly
December 11, 2022
A cute Christmas story about a family who has lost the patriarchs of the family but remember them each Christmas as they share the story of Thomas and June’s first Christmas. Thomas gave June a star charm on a necklace that she wore every year and shared how they enjoyed their first Christmas. It became a tradition and as the family grew, the story was always part of Christmas Eve. Tragedy has separated some family members but they find their way to heal because of the special necklace.
September 18, 2023
Five stars
This is only the third book I have read by Deanna Sletten and I am a new fan. The book illustrates a complex family situation where mistaken ideas have taken root and caused damage in the offsprings relationships with their Mother. The situation is toxic at times and emotions run high. Ms Sletten writes beautifully and draws the reader into the story. I highly recommend this one!
This is only the third book I have read by Deanna Sletten and I am a new fan. The book illustrates a complex family situation where mistaken ideas have taken root and caused damage in the offsprings relationships with their Mother. The situation is toxic at times and emotions run high. Ms Sletten writes beautifully and draws the reader into the story. I highly recommend this one!
December 29, 2023
The Necklace
I really enjoyed this book,. I have read most of Ms. Sletten's books and will continue to buy them. This book tells the story of a young couple starting out and their love of Christmas. We get
to meet the newest family members and their continued fondness of Christmas. The story also revolves around an antique charm necklace.I enjoyed meeting the current family members.
I really enjoyed this book,. I have read most of Ms. Sletten's books and will continue to buy them. This book tells the story of a young couple starting out and their love of Christmas. We get
to meet the newest family members and their continued fondness of Christmas. The story also revolves around an antique charm necklace.I enjoyed meeting the current family members.
November 18, 2023
I loved it
All I can say about The Christmas Charm is that it's the best Christmas book I have ever read! Thank you for writing this wonderful book, Deanna. I recommend this book to everyone. If you only have the time to read one Christmas book, this is the one! Merry Christmas.
All I can say about The Christmas Charm is that it's the best Christmas book I have ever read! Thank you for writing this wonderful book, Deanna. I recommend this book to everyone. If you only have the time to read one Christmas book, this is the one! Merry Christmas.
December 3, 2023
A short novelette is told through the Christmas celebrations of a family, rotating chapters between then and now. A young couple marry in 1959 and celebrate their first Christmas together. Their lives are revealed in subsequent chapters, with some family drama causing stress and sorrow. The entire story feels very much like a Hallmark movie.
November 21, 2022
This will be one I don't soon forget. Love, traditions, family heirlooms, drama, heartache, grief, healing. I could go on. Though a short book and quick read, this book had it all. It tugged at my heartstrings. Couldn't have loved it more.
December 6, 2022
A Sweet Christmas Story
This is about the love between June and Patrick and the family they raised. What happened in the past colors some present family dynamics. As usual, with a Christmas story, conflicts are resolved and the characters live happily ever after.
This is about the love between June and Patrick and the family they raised. What happened in the past colors some present family dynamics. As usual, with a Christmas story, conflicts are resolved and the characters live happily ever after.
December 9, 2022
Loved it
This story shows the love of a family gathering for the holidays and also pain a family may endure. I enjoyed the story of June and Patrick from the beginning to the very end.
This story shows the love of a family gathering for the holidays and also pain a family may endure. I enjoyed the story of June and Patrick from the beginning to the very end.
December 16, 2022
My Musings
A lovely Christmas tale with endearing characters and a heartfelt plot. There's plenty of emotional writing. Loved the conflict between Mother and daughter. Glad I found this one in Kindle Unlimited. Happy reading!
A lovely Christmas tale with endearing characters and a heartfelt plot. There's plenty of emotional writing. Loved the conflict between Mother and daughter. Glad I found this one in Kindle Unlimited. Happy reading!
December 19, 2022
The Christmas Charm
I liked this book because it dealt with a family that had multiple secrets. I liked how the different characters were able to resolve their issues and still be a family.
I liked this book because it dealt with a family that had multiple secrets. I liked how the different characters were able to resolve their issues and still be a family.
January 3, 2023
Best Christmas Read
Such a sweet and nostalgic Christmas story. Deanna Lynn Sletten has a way of inviting the reader into characters lives she creates. She is definitely a true storyteller.
Such a sweet and nostalgic Christmas story. Deanna Lynn Sletten has a way of inviting the reader into characters lives she creates. She is definitely a true storyteller.
January 3, 2023
This is a sweet book, much like a Hallmark Christmas movie. The characters are nice, decent people who have a few issues to resolve. It starts with a young couple, newlyweds in 1959 and then follows their family into 2022.
It's a very nice book to read during the Christmas holidays.
It's a very nice book to read during the Christmas holidays.
January 10, 2023
Couldn't put it down
This is a wonderful dual time-line story of a family, their problems, loves, and a very special star necklace. I read it in one evening because I couldn't put it down.
This is a wonderful dual time-line story of a family, their problems, loves, and a very special star necklace. I read it in one evening because I couldn't put it down.
February 28, 2023
Heartwarming!
I enjoyed this perfect example of how many families operate. I could feel the love and frustration and also how they solved their issues. Delightful and uplifting! It was also easy to read.
I enjoyed this perfect example of how many families operate. I could feel the love and frustration and also how they solved their issues. Delightful and uplifting! It was also easy to read.
March 4, 2023
The Christmas Charm
A story of family with normal problems but also a love for traditions for Christmas. It started with June and Pat and their very first Christmas when Pat gave June the Christmas Star Charm necklace.
A story of family with normal problems but also a love for traditions for Christmas. It started with June and Pat and their very first Christmas when Pat gave June the Christmas Star Charm necklace.
October 4, 2023
Sweet story
The author really caught the 1950-1960s feel for this story. I totally got into the story because my husband and I started out the same way, poor as church mice, and ended with a loving family. Well written!
The author really caught the 1950-1960s feel for this story. I totally got into the story because my husband and I started out the same way, poor as church mice, and ended with a loving family. Well written!
November 17, 2023
What a story
Wow this was a fantastic well written story that made me smile a lot. Yes families have problems but the important thing to remember is don't give up. Stand strong and join together and things will get better.
Wow this was a fantastic well written story that made me smile a lot. Yes families have problems but the important thing to remember is don't give up. Stand strong and join together and things will get better.
December 18, 2023
The star necklace
This is an uplifting story set in different decades. The character show different family members and the problems that happen when it is hard to share. I could hardly put it down because I wanted to know what happened next.
This is an uplifting story set in different decades. The character show different family members and the problems that happen when it is hard to share. I could hardly put it down because I wanted to know what happened next.
October 18, 2024
Such a heartwarming story!
I enjoy all of the Sletten .books, but this one really warmed my heart. Family is supposed to be special, but there are times when misunderstanding s come between the best of people.
I enjoy all of the Sletten .books, but this one really warmed my heart. Family is supposed to be special, but there are times when misunderstanding s come between the best of people.
November 7, 2022
Book review
Another great read by Deanna Lynn , this book is beautiful written& just in time for Xmas , I enjoy your books & look forward to the next one
Another great read by Deanna Lynn , this book is beautiful written& just in time for Xmas , I enjoy your books & look forward to the next one
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews