Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Noah hates his job at the popcorn kiosk, and finding out his original holiday plans to return home have fallen through doesn't help make his season bright. The daily Secret Santa gifts left on the counter of the kiosk are, so far, more frustrating than cheerful. Then a clown determined to turn Noah's frown upside-down convinces him that Christmas might not be as terrible as he'd expected.

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2013 Advent Calendar package "Heartwarming".

Book Review

Stories with a "secret" Secret Santa, one who is trying to give the recipient of well-thought-out gifts a message, always make me smile. There is something magical about receiving gifts from an unknown admirer, and even Noah, who is highly suspicious of a potential stalker, cannot quite stop himself from being impressed with how well the gift-giver seems to know him-eventually.

Noah is a loner. He has to work hard to be able to afford college, and he is far away from his mother and sister whom he loves deeply. He hates his part-time job selling popcorn at a stand in the mall, and ever since he's found out he can't even fly home for Christmas – well, to say he is grumpy is putting it carefully. Even though he is highly suspicious of the gifts appearing daily at his kiosk, he cannot be but impressed with them. I loved his reluctant acceptance, the way he saves both ribbons and the wrapping paper carefully, and his secret joy about the whole thing. It takes him a while to admit it, but when he finds out who the secret admirer is, Noah's frown does indeed turn into a smile.

If you like Secret Santa stories with all the "mystery" that can surround them, if you enjoy reading about a man whose grumpiness is reversed and whose sadness at being alone for the holidays is tempered by a loving admirer, and if you're looking for a sweet Christmas-y read with lots of occasions for a smile, the you will probably enjoy this short story.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Short Story, 46 pages/11274 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	01-December-2013
Price
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