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How Her Ex Stole Christmas
The countdown to disaster is on, and time is running out . . .
Event planner Kaylee St. James didn’t expect to see her ex-fiancé again after he broke her heart. Especially not now . . . two days before their canceled wedding. But when Ethan Sloan waltzes into her premier Christmas party—uninvited—with danger close on his heels, she realizes there’s much more to Ethan than she ever knew.
Ethan, a CIA operative, must keep dangerous information out of the wrong hands or people will die. He found the perfect hiding place, but he’ll need Kaylee’s help to retrieve the classified intel. Unfortunately, his jilted bride-to-be isn’t in the mood to talk, much less cooperate.
When Kaylee is swept into the middle of the ensuing chaos, she soon learns that danger is closer than she could ever imagine. Will her Christmas be totally ruined—if she even survives? Or is it possible that Ethan might not only save Christmas . . . but also save Kaylee?
Event planner Kaylee St. James didn’t expect to see her ex-fiancé again after he broke her heart. Especially not now . . . two days before their canceled wedding. But when Ethan Sloan waltzes into her premier Christmas party—uninvited—with danger close on his heels, she realizes there’s much more to Ethan than she ever knew.
Ethan, a CIA operative, must keep dangerous information out of the wrong hands or people will die. He found the perfect hiding place, but he’ll need Kaylee’s help to retrieve the classified intel. Unfortunately, his jilted bride-to-be isn’t in the mood to talk, much less cooperate.
When Kaylee is swept into the middle of the ensuing chaos, she soon learns that danger is closer than she could ever imagine. Will her Christmas be totally ruined—if she even survives? Or is it possible that Ethan might not only save Christmas . . . but also save Kaylee?
157 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2022
106 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Christy Barritt
338 books1,663 followersChristy Barritt is an author, freelance writer and speaker who lives in Virginia. She’s married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious—but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. She’s only won one contest in her life—and her prize was kissing a pig (okay, okay… actually she did win the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery also). Her current claim to fame is showing off her mother, who looks just like former First Lady Barbara Bush
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
December 13, 2023
3⭐️
The good.
This book was definitely something. To be honest with you, the reason I gave it a three is because of Christy Barritt herself! Christy Barritt’s books got me into reading and for that I will always be thankful!
The bad.
It was very unrealistic, and it seemed to pull all the birds out of one hat.
Overall, I don’t know if I would recommend THIS book, but you definitely should try a Christy Barritt book!
The good.
This book was definitely something. To be honest with you, the reason I gave it a three is because of Christy Barritt herself! Christy Barritt’s books got me into reading and for that I will always be thankful!
The bad.
It was very unrealistic, and it seemed to pull all the birds out of one hat.
Overall, I don’t know if I would recommend THIS book, but you definitely should try a Christy Barritt book!
December 21, 2025
Not a very long book, but an awesome book as usual from this author
December 8, 2024
This was a cute and fun holiday novella.
December 19, 2023
This book was a delightful play on Christmas themes including a villain Santa with his elves. Though it required more suspension of disbelief than most of her stories, it was enjoyable, and I appreciated the way Christy Barritt integrated a touch of romantic comedy into her usual suspense to give us a fun Christmas novella. Don't miss this one.
December 14, 2023
I was looking for a fun book to read to get me in the holiday spirit and picked this book up to read.
I was totally blown away by all the crazy, scary, action. I don’t think I’d want this to be my Christmas experience. These characters went through so much in just a couple of days!
The author, Christy Barritt really knows how to make her characters go through twists and turns and live lives that are full of action.
Now, don’t get me wrong, even though there was LOTS of action and drama, this story was also full of fun, romantic moments!
I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend people pick it up for an action-packed, fun, dramatic Christmas reading.
Christy Barritt truly is a gifted author, because her books are always so full of interesting adventures, that make it so hard to breathe. This book is so suspenseful I had no idea which person was the true bad guy. My heart was pounding and my mind was going fast trying to figure out how it was all going to end.
This story will keep you on the edge of your seat until you finish it. Be prepared to not put it down, even to eat or sleep! If you like twists and turns, and “who done it” stories, then you need to buy this book!
I was totally blown away by all the crazy, scary, action. I don’t think I’d want this to be my Christmas experience. These characters went through so much in just a couple of days!
The author, Christy Barritt really knows how to make her characters go through twists and turns and live lives that are full of action.
Now, don’t get me wrong, even though there was LOTS of action and drama, this story was also full of fun, romantic moments!
I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend people pick it up for an action-packed, fun, dramatic Christmas reading.
Christy Barritt truly is a gifted author, because her books are always so full of interesting adventures, that make it so hard to breathe. This book is so suspenseful I had no idea which person was the true bad guy. My heart was pounding and my mind was going fast trying to figure out how it was all going to end.
This story will keep you on the edge of your seat until you finish it. Be prepared to not put it down, even to eat or sleep! If you like twists and turns, and “who done it” stories, then you need to buy this book!
December 25, 2022
Christy Barritt Christmas Mystery? Yes, please!
A Christy Barritt Christmas mystery with a CIA ex-fiancé, a stolen/missing formula, bad guys dressed as Santa and his elves, a delightfully quirky heroine who holds The Grinch/Ex/Heroes heart.. OH! Yes, please! You even get to learn a new self-defense/how to get away from the bad guy technique from our plucky heroine…😉 just in case you too have a CIA agent ex-fiancé who puts you in danger!😉😂
A Christy Barritt Christmas mystery with a CIA ex-fiancé, a stolen/missing formula, bad guys dressed as Santa and his elves, a delightfully quirky heroine who holds The Grinch/Ex/Heroes heart.. OH! Yes, please! You even get to learn a new self-defense/how to get away from the bad guy technique from our plucky heroine…😉 just in case you too have a CIA agent ex-fiancé who puts you in danger!😉😂
December 29, 2022
My thoughts: How Her Ex Stole Christmas is a fun read about an unlikely couple who didn't get along so well when they met again He wanted the engaagement ring back, she threw it in the lake. Or did she? Add in a slew of bad guys, stolen cars, and Christmas misadventures and you have a fun read. Grab your copy today. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.
January 10, 2023
Quick but satisfying Christmas adventure
I don't usually like novellas but this one was exceptionally well-written. It captured fly attention from the set-up and was able to read in in one sitting. Loved the characters. There was even some bits of humor thrown in there. Highly recommend.
I don't usually like novellas but this one was exceptionally well-written. It captured fly attention from the set-up and was able to read in in one sitting. Loved the characters. There was even some bits of humor thrown in there. Highly recommend.
April 29, 2023
Kaylee had thought she'd be preparing for her wedding right now, but after Ethan (AKA the Grinch) dumped just a few months before the wedding, she instead throws herself into her event planning. When she's putting the finishing touches on the tree at her best friend's family Christmas party Ethan walks in and nearly causes her whole world to collapse. What shocks her even more is when she learns Ethan is a spy and trying to save the world, and Kaylee is one person standing in the way of him successfully accomplishing his goal. Can the two of them save the world in time for Christmas, or will everything end because of Mistletoe?
This story was short and sweet, and involved my favourite season. Some parts of plotline seemed a bit far-fetched, but it made the story more entertaining
This story was short and sweet, and involved my favourite season. Some parts of plotline seemed a bit far-fetched, but it made the story more entertaining
January 13, 2023
This was so much fun! It's the perfect mix of suspense, romance, and comedy.
Kaylee was so relatable. There was a line where she described herself as being a perfectionist but was actually so far from perfect it was laughable. Yep, that's so me. And Ethan? I didn't know what to think of him at first, but (this is gonna sound so shallow, lol) as soon as it was mentioned that he looked like Henry Cavill, I was a goner. Couldn't resist him, lol!
Some suspension of belief was needed at certain points, but it was so much fun that it didn't bother me a bit. If you're looking for a romantic comedy that's jam-packed with action and suspense, pick up a copy of this book.
Kaylee was so relatable. There was a line where she described herself as being a perfectionist but was actually so far from perfect it was laughable. Yep, that's so me. And Ethan? I didn't know what to think of him at first, but (this is gonna sound so shallow, lol) as soon as it was mentioned that he looked like Henry Cavill, I was a goner. Couldn't resist him, lol!
Some suspension of belief was needed at certain points, but it was so much fun that it didn't bother me a bit. If you're looking for a romantic comedy that's jam-packed with action and suspense, pick up a copy of this book.
February 1, 2023
This fun, action-packed Christmas Novella was a departure from the usual Christy Barritt suspense/mystery genre, but I loved it. Author Barritt has a pretty wide variety of diverse writing styles and this one was just a fun, cozy mystery type read. Kaylee was trying to get over a broken heart by throwing herself, literally, into her party planning business, but her ex-fiance shows up to catch her -- and blasts right back into her life. All is not as Kaylee imagined, and together they are thrust in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, having to depend upon each other like never before. Fun, quick holiday read.
December 24, 2022
cute action packed Christmas novella
Loved this cute, suspenseful Christmas novella! I don’t often read standalone books but this one was great.
I will say that if I didn’t know the author, I may not have read it based on the cover. To me the cover (though very cute!) makes the book look more just like a romance which I don’t usually enjoy. But the story actually had plenty of action/suspense.
The characters were likable and I did not guess the ending. I definitely recommend reading this one!
Loved this cute, suspenseful Christmas novella! I don’t often read standalone books but this one was great.
I will say that if I didn’t know the author, I may not have read it based on the cover. To me the cover (though very cute!) makes the book look more just like a romance which I don’t usually enjoy. But the story actually had plenty of action/suspense.
The characters were likable and I did not guess the ending. I definitely recommend reading this one!
December 28, 2022
Kaylee St. James may be successful at planning events, but her life sure hasn’t turned out as she envisioned. When her former fiancé, Ethan Sloan, shows up at a fashionable Christmas party she arranged for a client, he not only further disrupts her life but brings danger in his wake. Ethan had kept things from Kaylee that now disrupt not only her Christmas but her safety and survival. Can they work together to stop deadly criminals from pulling off a serious disaster? This is an exciting mystery to read anytime of year. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
December 28, 2022
How Her Ex Stole Christmas
This is a wonderful book of action and suspense. Kaylee was suppose to be getting married but her fiancé called it off a month prior to the wedding. She never expected to see him again. She is shocked when he shows up at her clients party just days before they were to be wed. When Kaylee is kidnapped, Ethan knows he is the only one that will be able to save her but how can he convince her to cooperate?
This is a wonderful book of action and suspense. Kaylee was suppose to be getting married but her fiancé called it off a month prior to the wedding. She never expected to see him again. She is shocked when he shows up at her clients party just days before they were to be wed. When Kaylee is kidnapped, Ethan knows he is the only one that will be able to save her but how can he convince her to cooperate?
December 28, 2022
I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Kaylee St James thought she’d never see her ex, Ethan again, but he shows up at a party she planned two days before what should have been their wedding. When she is abducted, CIA operative Ethan finds her and saves her, but needs classified information he had placed in her engagement ring which is also what her abductors want. An interesting book with lots of suspense filled moments.
January 20, 2023
What Fun!
Christy Barritt's stories are always riveting. This one was a quick read and fun. Ethan had broken off their engagement months ago. Kaylee was trying to put her life back together, and he shows up out of the blue. It's a night of bad guys, bullets, stolen vehicles and life-threatening experiences. And a very happy ending!
Christy Barritt's stories are always riveting. This one was a quick read and fun. Ethan had broken off their engagement months ago. Kaylee was trying to put her life back together, and he shows up out of the blue. It's a night of bad guys, bullets, stolen vehicles and life-threatening experiences. And a very happy ending!
January 21, 2023
A good, clean, fun, roller coaster ride!
I really enjoyed this book. I love all of Christy Barrett’s books, and this one did not disappoint. I enjoyed the characters, and I love how Christy’s heroines are strong, quirky, funny women who aren’t afraid to stick up for themselves. This was a good, fast, fun, read, and I highly recommend it!
I really enjoyed this book. I love all of Christy Barrett’s books, and this one did not disappoint. I enjoyed the characters, and I love how Christy’s heroines are strong, quirky, funny women who aren’t afraid to stick up for themselves. This was a good, fast, fun, read, and I highly recommend it!
February 8, 2023
A quick but Delightful read.
Christy Barritt is one if the most gifted writers ever! She is quick witted and has a romance with popular songs like none other.
How she gets Kaylee out of the last predicament. Was extremely creative.
I love happy endings. She is a master at getting them there. Enjoy!
Christy Barritt is one if the most gifted writers ever! She is quick witted and has a romance with popular songs like none other.
How she gets Kaylee out of the last predicament. Was extremely creative.
I love happy endings. She is a master at getting them there. Enjoy!
December 3, 2023
This book had a wonderful concept and fun plot line. But the characters lacked some depth. That may have been due to the length of the book, but there were several areas that I felt like they could have been better developed. However, if you're looking for a short fun Christmas read with some suspense and romance, this is one I'd recommend.
December 16, 2024
Stars: ⭐️ ⭐️ & 1/4 (2.25 stars)
Read: December 2024
Format: Kindle e-Book
Book #144 of 2024: I've enjoyed suspense books by this author but I didn't connect with this at all. Personally, I didn't find it believable or humorous. The mother-daughter relationship was the one aspect I appreciated as well as the one quote I have in my Highlights section.
Read: December 2024
Format: Kindle e-Book
Book #144 of 2024: I've enjoyed suspense books by this author but I didn't connect with this at all. Personally, I didn't find it believable or humorous. The mother-daughter relationship was the one aspect I appreciated as well as the one quote I have in my Highlights section.
December 24, 2022
I always enjoy a suspenseful read by Christy Barritt so I was excited that she decided to surprise her readers with a Christmas novella. This was an action-packed fun quick read complete with a holiday appropriate happy ending.
Thank you to the author for a copy of this novella. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Thank you to the author for a copy of this novella. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
December 23, 2022
Really good book
Another good story by Christy. Lots of action and suspense. Some unexpected twists and unusual happenings. I really liked Kaylee and came to like Ethan. Good clean romance/suspense.
Another good story by Christy. Lots of action and suspense. Some unexpected twists and unusual happenings. I really liked Kaylee and came to like Ethan. Good clean romance/suspense.
December 24, 2022
Espionage, suspense, Christmas party and a broken engagement mashup create an explosive holiday read by Christy Barritt.
I received a copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
4.5/5 stars
I received a copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
4.5/5 stars
December 24, 2022
Short & sweet, hard to beat
This Christmas novella by Christi Barritt runs like lightning through a kidnapping by helicopter, a rescue, more chases, and finally the bad guys get their comeuppance. A good read for Christmas Eve eve.
This Christmas novella by Christi Barritt runs like lightning through a kidnapping by helicopter, a rescue, more chases, and finally the bad guys get their comeuppance. A good read for Christmas Eve eve.
December 31, 2022
This is a fun, funny read for Christmas. What Kaylee does with her engagement ring is unbelievable. But she doesn't know who her ex, fiance is either or what he really does. There is danger all around them. There is an HEA.
January 2, 2023
a crazy Christmas story
This is a funny, quirky Christmas story with lots of action and a little drama. I read it in one day and only put it down when I had to. I highly recommend it to others.
This is a funny, quirky Christmas story with lots of action and a little drama. I read it in one day and only put it down when I had to. I highly recommend it to others.
January 5, 2023
Enjoyable reading!
Christy Barritt continues to provide her readers with adventure, entertaining characters, interesting storylines, suspense and Christian values! Give it a read you won't be disappointed!
Christy Barritt continues to provide her readers with adventure, entertaining characters, interesting storylines, suspense and Christian values! Give it a read you won't be disappointed!
January 13, 2023
Fun!
Though filled with suspense and danger, this book comes across as fun! I loved the interaction between Kaylee and Ethan. The journey from betrayal to rust is never easy, but it is possible. Thanks for showing us an example, Ms. Barritt!
Though filled with suspense and danger, this book comes across as fun! I loved the interaction between Kaylee and Ethan. The journey from betrayal to rust is never easy, but it is possible. Thanks for showing us an example, Ms. Barritt!
January 14, 2023
Ex's complicate things
First her ex shows up out of nowhere. Then a helicopter Santa scoops her up literally. Then the ex scoops her up and one fiasco after another how can this Christmas get any further offtrack! Barritt does it again with quirky humor!
First her ex shows up out of nowhere. Then a helicopter Santa scoops her up literally. Then the ex scoops her up and one fiasco after another how can this Christmas get any further offtrack! Barritt does it again with quirky humor!
January 29, 2023
Wonderful
Even though I read this book on January 29th, it was still a very uplifting spirited story that kept me guessing. I love Christy Barritt books. She is a wonderful Christian author. Thanks Christy for another great book.
Even though I read this book on January 29th, it was still a very uplifting spirited story that kept me guessing. I love Christy Barritt books. She is a wonderful Christian author. Thanks Christy for another great book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews