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137th out of 338 books
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379 voters
All I Want for Christmas is You (Fate with a Helping Hand #1)
by
Lisa Mondello (Goodreads Author)
Santa Claus is going to have a rough season... Lauren Alexander is raising her daughter alone. Abandoned by her family for her decision to keep her daughter Kristen, she has done a pretty good job for the last six years. Or she thought she had. That's why she is crushed when little Kristen gives up her wish for a toy or goodie and instead asks Santa for a present for her m...more
Kindle Edition, 200 pages
Published
August 30th 2011
by Lisa Mondello
(first published August 1999)
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I love a good holiday story. Every Christmas season I look for some good holiday themed books that really bring out the meaning of the season. This book definitely lives up to my strict criteria. Lisa Mondello has done a wonderful job bringing in the feelings and emotions of the season along with just that of daily living. As most people will agree emotions during this time of the year tend to be more sensitive. That’s why when I find a good Christmas romance I latch on. The romance between Laur...more
I have to say that I love Christmas, so I think any book with a Christmas theme, would get a good rating from me. I liked the characters in this one. While I understod the the plotline, I also want to say that this was super fast, but very cute, and comforting. I think anyone who wants to pick up a feel-good story for the holiday season would enjoy this one. There one thing that I have to comment on is the fact that this book is a bit dated, but the overall story was really sweet, great to curl...more
I read it because good reviews - I wonder if everybody is just so nostalgic over the Christmas theme or are people really satisfied with so little nowadays?!
I would give it 1.5 stars if I could - I cannot say I did not like it - it was waste of time. Just a sweet little novella: modern Cinderella with a child saved by a "from rags to riches" prince, but even Cinderella tale had more substance to it. This book has no plot, no depth of characters. 25% of the 160 page book contain excerpts of her o...more
I would give it 1.5 stars if I could - I cannot say I did not like it - it was waste of time. Just a sweet little novella: modern Cinderella with a child saved by a "from rags to riches" prince, but even Cinderella tale had more substance to it. This book has no plot, no depth of characters. 25% of the 160 page book contain excerpts of her o...more
Single mom Lauren Alexander has struggled the last six years to raise her daughter. She doesn't regret anything about choosing to keep her child except the estrangement from her parents. But her daughter's Christmas wish for a father makes her doubt herself. For most of his life, Kyle Preston distrusted the notions of family and unconditional love. Fortunately, his foster parents never gave up on him. With their help he grew into a man that he hopes makes them proud--a man that believes in givin...more
All I Want for Christmas is You by Lisa Mondello holds a special place in the author's heart. It was her first published novel back in 1998. Today it can be found in Kindle format and where I had the opportunity to read it. The story centers around Lauren Alexander and her young daughter Kristen who only wants a "daddy" for Christmas this year. She only needs to ask Santa and he'll deliver. She just knows it.
Unbeknownst to Kristen, Santa is really Kyle Preston, local real estate developer. When...more
Unbeknownst to Kristen, Santa is really Kyle Preston, local real estate developer. When...more
Original Post: ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU Fate and Holiday Magic
at FANGS,, WANDS & FAIRY DUST on 11/28/2012
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU
Fate WIth A Helping Hand Book One
by Lisa Mondello
Print Length: 192 Word Count: 40,000
Book provided by Publisher/Author via Net Galley.
No remuneration exchanged and all opinions herein are my own except as noted.
at FANGS,, WANDS & FAIRY DUST on 11/28/2012
ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU
Fate WIth A Helping Hand Book One
by Lisa Mondello
Print Length: 192 Word Count: 40,000
Book provided by Publisher/Author via Net Galley.
No remuneration exchanged and all opinions herein are my own except as noted.
Sometimes fate needs a little hand......more
Santa Claus is going to have a rough season... Lauren Alexander is raising her daughter alone. Abando
Oh God no don't read this book There is a lot of spoilers going here because I can't be bothered to hide these..
...The female heroine uh..well heroine isn't really a word I would choose to describe her to be honest..she has no personality...other then a stubborn idea that she can't be involved because of her daughter....she still feels guilty because she almost gave her up for adoption when she was first born seven years ago...she was 18 at the time....You did catch the fact ALMOST so no she did...more
...The female heroine uh..well heroine isn't really a word I would choose to describe her to be honest..she has no personality...other then a stubborn idea that she can't be involved because of her daughter....she still feels guilty because she almost gave her up for adoption when she was first born seven years ago...she was 18 at the time....You did catch the fact ALMOST so no she did...more
This was a cute romance, that happens to take place within the holiday season.
The relationship wasnt anything fabulous. They had the obvious love-at-first-sight thing going. Ok, not first sight, because he pretty much calls her average and she finds him scary. But by the second meeting they are deep in lust. Third meeting, they cant think of anything else. Fourth they must make babies.
Though we got a lot of background on Lauren I never found her easy to relate to, let alone got a grasp of her p...more
The relationship wasnt anything fabulous. They had the obvious love-at-first-sight thing going. Ok, not first sight, because he pretty much calls her average and she finds him scary. But by the second meeting they are deep in lust. Third meeting, they cant think of anything else. Fourth they must make babies.
Though we got a lot of background on Lauren I never found her easy to relate to, let alone got a grasp of her p...more
I got this book for free last year on my kindle. Basically it's just a quick romance read. Sometimes you just need to read something that isn't too serious. Plus, I was feeling in the holiday spirit a little.
Lauren is a single mother who learns that her six year old daughter asked Santa to give her a father for Christmas. Little does Lauren know that Kyle (playing the mall Santa Claus) would be happy to fill that role, his only problem now is to convince Lauren he's serious.
One of the things t...more
Lauren is a single mother who learns that her six year old daughter asked Santa to give her a father for Christmas. Little does Lauren know that Kyle (playing the mall Santa Claus) would be happy to fill that role, his only problem now is to convince Lauren he's serious.
One of the things t...more
Young Kristen wishes for a father like every other kids around the block, this reminded me of a movie where the heroin all dressed on her birthday,wishes for her father to come over...Lauren is a single mother supporting her daughter all by herself..Not even her family supports as she turns down the adoption of her daughter Kristen...Though Lauren does everything to keep up the ends and her daughter happy, she is unable to be Kristen's father no matter what..Kristen though too attached to her mo...more
My Thoughts:
I have never read a Lisa Mondello story that I didn't love. She creates strong characters who are easy to invest in. The world she puts those characters in is always well thought out and the plot is clever.
I opened this book planning to love it - but...I got a little worried at the start where a little girl is wanting a daddy for Christmas. Lisa Mondello created the perfect Christmas scenario -
As a single mom, my heart bled for both the mother and the child with the opening scen...more
I have never read a Lisa Mondello story that I didn't love. She creates strong characters who are easy to invest in. The world she puts those characters in is always well thought out and the plot is clever.
I opened this book planning to love it - but...I got a little worried at the start where a little girl is wanting a daddy for Christmas. Lisa Mondello created the perfect Christmas scenario -
As a single mom, my heart bled for both the mother and the child with the opening scen...more
So the main female (already forgot her name) has no personality outside having fits of idiotic bravado and love for her daughter. That's it. She spends half the book dwelling on her one foolish mistake that led to her daughter, so of course, she is still pure and innocent and fit to be our protagonist, upon which we all shall project ourselves for the coming book.
Our hero, whose name is also forgotten, has had past liaisons, fortunately so he is experienced enough to give pleasure to our heroine...more
Our hero, whose name is also forgotten, has had past liaisons, fortunately so he is experienced enough to give pleasure to our heroine...more
Lauren Alexander has spent the past six years raising her daughter Kristen on her own. Her parents would not support her after she backed out of an adoption for Kristen and decided to keep her. After six years on her own Lauren has built a wall up around herself and has promised herself never to trust a man again.
One night a few weeks before Christmas Kyle Preston is playing Santa at the mall when Kristen sits on his lap and asks for a daddy. Kyle is charmed by Kristen right then and there and...more
One night a few weeks before Christmas Kyle Preston is playing Santa at the mall when Kristen sits on his lap and asks for a daddy. Kyle is charmed by Kristen right then and there and...more
Giving this book three stars is generous and is strictly because I liked the characters so much. The idea of a child wanting a parent and conspiring to get one has been done and re-done. This book steps away from that a bit, leaving the child in the story, but past the original letter not using her too much. I think more could have been made of the conflict between the main character, Lauren, and her parents. Loved the character of Kyle. He saved the story for me. But again, I think their relati...more
Santa Claus has a tough job this year!
Lauren Alexander has raised her daughter, Kristen, all by herself since the day she was born. Despite being thrown out by her family for the decision to keep her baby, she's done a pretty good job so far. But after her daughter asks Santa for a daddy for Christmas she starts to wonder if maybe she didn't do so great after all.
Kyle Preston, successful real estate developer and occasional Santa Claus at the mall, decides he might be able to help the little gir...more
Lauren Alexander has raised her daughter, Kristen, all by herself since the day she was born. Despite being thrown out by her family for the decision to keep her baby, she's done a pretty good job so far. But after her daughter asks Santa for a daddy for Christmas she starts to wonder if maybe she didn't do so great after all.
Kyle Preston, successful real estate developer and occasional Santa Claus at the mall, decides he might be able to help the little gir...more
All I Want for Christmas is You by Lisa Mondello ebook
First edition published 1998 by Neighborhood Press
Book 1 of 3 in the Fate With A Helping Hand Series
Kyle Preston knows what it is to change his life. Unwanted as a child he was ended up with the Preston's when he was twelve. After years of being unwanted he did what he could to push them away but they had staying power. Now at almost thirty, Kyle is glad they did. He straightened out and even became wealthy. While playing Santa at the Mall he...more
First edition published 1998 by Neighborhood Press
Book 1 of 3 in the Fate With A Helping Hand Series
Kyle Preston knows what it is to change his life. Unwanted as a child he was ended up with the Preston's when he was twelve. After years of being unwanted he did what he could to push them away but they had staying power. Now at almost thirty, Kyle is glad they did. He straightened out and even became wealthy. While playing Santa at the Mall he...more
All I Want for Christmas Is You is a sweet feel good holiday-themed romance that has all the qualities of a Hallmark movie where two likable people who have been burned by love before come together because of a precocious child's holiday wish. From the moment that wish is made Kyle Preston moves mountains to see that that wish comes true as Lauren fights his unending charm every step of the way in their slightly rocky road to their HEA.
From the moment Lauren decided to keep her baby her life of...more
From the moment Lauren decided to keep her baby her life of...more
Blurb from Amazon
Sometimes fate needs a little hand…
Santa Claus is going to have a rough season... Lauren Alexander is raising her daughter alone. Abandoned by her family for her decision to keep her daughter Kristen, she has done a pretty good job for the last six years. Or she thought she had. That's why she is crushed when little Kristen gives up her wish for a toy or goodie and instead asks Santa for a present for her mother. She wants Santa to bring a Daddy. Delivering Daddies isn't Santa's...more
Sometimes fate needs a little hand…
Santa Claus is going to have a rough season... Lauren Alexander is raising her daughter alone. Abandoned by her family for her decision to keep her daughter Kristen, she has done a pretty good job for the last six years. Or she thought she had. That's why she is crushed when little Kristen gives up her wish for a toy or goodie and instead asks Santa for a present for her mother. She wants Santa to bring a Daddy. Delivering Daddies isn't Santa's...more
quick easy read. would read more by this author.
This is truly a sweet Christmas story that will surely touch and melt your heart. This story shows the true meaning of the Christmas spirit. Here are my thoughts: Lauren Alexander just wants to get her Christmas shopping down so that she can go home. Lauren's six year old daughter Kristen has yet to give her letter to Santa or sit on his lap. Kristen's fondest Christmas Wish is to have a father which absolutely breaks the heart of the gentleman playing Santa~Kyle Preston. Kyle would love to give...more
This was a classic boy meets girl story, with the added frills of some not-so-perfect back-stories. Nothing unexpected happened and as expected, girl marries boy in the end, despite misgivings on her part - she has trust issues. Her daughter's determination to make the mach happen isn't overdone.
I've given this 2 stars becuase it does what it sets out to do and is competently written. I hope Lisa Mondello goes on to write books with more depth that explore more of the emotional life of her chara...more
I've given this 2 stars becuase it does what it sets out to do and is competently written. I hope Lisa Mondello goes on to write books with more depth that explore more of the emotional life of her chara...more
Full review: http://seducedbythebook.com/?p=1744
Abandoned by her family, Lauren Alexander has raised her daughter own her own for six years. Times are tough, but Lauren has provided a stable and loving life for Kristen. This Christmas, Kristen wants one thing for Christmas: a daddy. Lauren isn’t ready to get into a relationship just to give her daughter a father she desperately wants. She has been burned by the father of her daughter leaving her and her parents refusing to support her decision t...more
Abandoned by her family, Lauren Alexander has raised her daughter own her own for six years. Times are tough, but Lauren has provided a stable and loving life for Kristen. This Christmas, Kristen wants one thing for Christmas: a daddy. Lauren isn’t ready to get into a relationship just to give her daughter a father she desperately wants. She has been burned by the father of her daughter leaving her and her parents refusing to support her decision t...more
Dec 27, 2011
Clarinda Dodson
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Anyone interested in a holiday romance
A fun, light love story. Centered during the few weeks leading up to Christmas, this is a cute twist on the classic love-at-first-sight story.
Six-year old Kristen Alexander asks Santa for a daddy for Christmas. Kyle Preston, owner of mall and Santa stand-in, takes note of Kristen's mom, Lauren, standing off to the side. Her bad luck (her car battery is dead after leaving her lights on) when leaving the mall turns into his (well, ultimately, their) good fortune. He helps her with her car that ni...more
Six-year old Kristen Alexander asks Santa for a daddy for Christmas. Kyle Preston, owner of mall and Santa stand-in, takes note of Kristen's mom, Lauren, standing off to the side. Her bad luck (her car battery is dead after leaving her lights on) when leaving the mall turns into his (well, ultimately, their) good fortune. He helps her with her car that ni...more
I loved it but Lauren's apathy towards men was getting a little old and I wanted to knock some sense into her for being so hard, selfish and incredulous towards a love like Kyles. Kyle Preston was one hell of a guy and if Lauren was too stubborn to see that , then she didn't deserve him but fortunately for her , his persistence and hard work pays off when he planned to fulfill Kristen's desire of wanting a daddy for her mommy .
Kyle Preston had money, charm and persuasion. He dreamed of a beauti...more
Kyle Preston had money, charm and persuasion. He dreamed of a beauti...more
Not bad for a free book
The best way that I can describe this book is that it warms your heart and soul like a bowl of creamy tomato soup. Though I finished the book after Christmas, this was a great holiday story. It's a story about love, family, and giving back. The plot was simple. Lauren Alexander was a struggling single mom with a 6-year-old daughter named Kristen. One night, they go to the mall so that Kristen can tell Santa what she wants for Christmas. Of all the presents Kristen can ask for, she tells Santa (a...more
There was nothing unique to the story, just a short, sweet little romance that seemed to developed naturally as two likable and well-developed characters cleaned the emotional garbage out of their hearts to enable them to have a fresh chance at life and love. Fortunately, the author didn't impose a bunch of stupid misunderstandings and blowups and breakups that make sense to nobody , so this was just a short, sweet little romance with no idiotic nonsense to ruin the natural flow and development...more
I have always been such a sucker for a good m/f romance. I have gotten away from them lately. I am so glad that I found this book.
I had every intention of giving it 4 stars and then I got to the ending. Being the total sap that I am, I found my eyes tearing up (that rarely happens) over the way everything came together. Any book that will have me in tears (in a good way) is a good one. And the ending was just perfect. It wasn't too rushed and there was nothing unresolved. Everything played out p...more
I had every intention of giving it 4 stars and then I got to the ending. Being the total sap that I am, I found my eyes tearing up (that rarely happens) over the way everything came together. Any book that will have me in tears (in a good way) is a good one. And the ending was just perfect. It wasn't too rushed and there was nothing unresolved. Everything played out p...more
Wow, Lauren had no help raising her daugter, Kristen, from a baby. Her parents had let her leave but did not help through the year. She had struggled to give Kristen what she had.
She wanted to be an architect but becoming pregnant changed her plans.
She met Kyle and her life changed.
For Christmas, Kyle thought having Lauren's parents around would help her. He had been adopted himself at 18, by some special people, and knew having her parents around would complete her feelings where he could marry...more
She wanted to be an architect but becoming pregnant changed her plans.
She met Kyle and her life changed.
For Christmas, Kyle thought having Lauren's parents around would help her. He had been adopted himself at 18, by some special people, and knew having her parents around would complete her feelings where he could marry...more
My 200th book of 2011 and I couldn't have picked a better book to read.
In this wonderful Christmas tale, single mother Lauren Alexander has always done her best to provide for herself and daughter Kristen. Being kicked out at 18 when she decided to keep her baby, Lauren has never known anyone to stick with her through thick and thin.
Until now....
Enter Kyle Preston who's world gets turned upside down while playing Santa at the mall when a beautiful six year old girl comes sits on his lap. When h...more
In this wonderful Christmas tale, single mother Lauren Alexander has always done her best to provide for herself and daughter Kristen. Being kicked out at 18 when she decided to keep her baby, Lauren has never known anyone to stick with her through thick and thin.
Until now....
Enter Kyle Preston who's world gets turned upside down while playing Santa at the mall when a beautiful six year old girl comes sits on his lap. When h...more
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USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR, Lisa Mondello, has held many jobs in her life but
being a published authors is the last job she'll ever have. She's not retiring!
She blames the creation of the personal computer for her leap into writing
novels. Otherwise, she'd still be penning stories with paper and pen. Her first
book, All I Want for Christmas is You won Best First Book in the Golden Quill.
Her bo...more
More about Lisa Mondello...
being a published authors is the last job she'll ever have. She's not retiring!
She blames the creation of the personal computer for her leap into writing
novels. Otherwise, she'd still be penning stories with paper and pen. Her first
book, All I Want for Christmas is You won Best First Book in the Golden Quill.
Her bo...more
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Dec 29, 2012 04:00pm