Home for Christmas

by Lia Fairchild

This year, Ali and Stephen are both just trying to make it through the holidays. Stephen is fresh out of a relationship and dreading the prospect of Christmas alone. Ali, on the other hand, can’t celebrate with friends or family. The most important man in her life is dying—decorating cookies and hanging tinsel aren’t even on her radar. When the two meet during a chance encounter, Stephen’s instant attraction to Ali spurs him into action. He’ll do whatever it takes to give her the holiday she deserves and pull off a real Christmas miracle.

Lia Fairchild’s Home for Christmas is the moving story of two people, fates intertwined, about to be surprised by what destiny has in store.

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Holiday, Fiction, Short Stories, Contemporary

29 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 4, 2013

About the author

Lia Fairchild writes romance and women's fiction. Fans of her books praise her endearing, real characters who come to life in stories that will touch your heart.

Fairchild is addicted to the warmth of Southern California and holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and a multiple-subject teaching credential. She is a wife and mother of two children.

Amazon amazon.com/author/liafairchild

Look for updates on her and her books at http://www.liafairchild.com or follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/liafairchild/ or Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/lia.fairchild...

Books by Lia Fairchild
Building Bridges (Bridges Brothers Book1)
Broken Bridges (Bridges Brothers Book2)
Compulsive
Liar
Circle in the Sand
In Search of Lucy
Emma vs. the Tech Guy
Vigil-Annie
High Maintenance
Home for Christmas
Special Delivery

Reviews

[Megan | A Page to Turn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful holiday novella, it took me about 45 mins to read and made me smile. Can’t ask for more than that! Would love to see it as a Hallmark movie! ☺️

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a beautiful waitress catches Stephen's chair as he is about to fall, he can't seem to catch his breath. The first time he saw her he was torn between embarrassment and brain freeze. So he goes back to the bar to see if he can catch a glimpse of the beautiful Ali and this time make his tongue work enough to ask her out.

This is, like the title suggests, a short story. But it was a sweet and heartwarming little package, just perfect for Christmas. While I was disappointed that the story ended so quickly, it was such a fun little read that it was definitely worth it. The little plot twist at the end was good too. If you haven't already read books by this author, check out this little story to get a taste of her fun writing style. I've read most of her other books and really enjoy them.

I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review.

[Skyye Breeze · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I have read several books by this author and I must say her talent never ceases to amaze me she always delivers with books for all types of readers and makes you feel like your a part of the story and so connected to the character's! When I finish one of her books I'm always anxiously awaiting to see what happens next!

This book melted my heart i couldn't help but fall in love with the characters and lose myself deep within the story.. Ali who is such a strong woman who gives her all and does what she can to help everyone in need...Stephen who without knowing Ali helps her when she really needed it the most... I love the story it's heart-warming and charismatic.. brought tears of joy!
If your looking for a quick, suberb, holiday read then this book is for you!”

[Heather - · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home for Christmas
(short story)
By Lia Fairchild
Pages 29
5 Stars

I purchased this book to read for the Holidays. I so enjoyed this story…
Stephen is waiting for that one… you know the one that will have that connection with. Ali is one of the new waitresses in the local hangout and she is working through life one day at a time.
Christmas is near and Ali would really like to have a little happiness this year. All Stephen wants is to make a wish come true…
Lia Fairchild writes the characters in with a close connection to your heart. This is a great Christmas Story enough to warm your heart on a cold wintery day….
Curl up with a blanket and your hot cocoa and Happy Reading.
Merry Christmas to all my Bookies this year…
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[Cindy Caron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make sure you have a tissue or two handy as you read this short, but heartfelt story of a couple who, by chance, meet and feel an immediate pull towards each other. Ali has put her life on hold to take care of Harry. She recently started waitressing at the bar, and during one of her shifts, she meets Stephen. Stephen, while trying to figure out how to break out of his dead-end relationship with Melissa, is at the bar with his friend Joe. When Ali saves him from making a fool of himself, sparks fly. Through a few misunderstandings, they manage to find excuses to see each other, and strengthen the bond forming. When Stephen starts helping Ali, it's no holds barred. A wonderful, touching love story that will have you melting before it ends.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Stephen's Mom passed away, the holidays have always been hard for him, so when a chance meeting with a bar waitress sparks something in him he can't help himself. Ali, a waitress at a local bar doesn't have time to deal with romance because she's tied up with dealing with her loved ones illness. When the two meet its hard to deny the interest, but no way it can be acted on at the moment because Stephen found out Ali is married. Can he hold out until her husband passes or is he making a mistake?

This is a very sweet story with a twist for an ending that will leave you smiling and glad you read it! It's short, about 30 pages so great for a light read.
I couldn't find the ebook link for it, but here's the Audible link:
http://www.amazon.com/Home-for-Christ...

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely 'short' 29-page Christmas story that 'hit the spot'.
This author really knows how to write strong, realistic characters while also giving them strong development right from the start. I love that in an author. This is really saying a lot being this book is only 29 pages long, so again, the author did a great job! I really wished this book was longer! Put this on your TBR list, or just read it because it won't take you long at all! It's an enjoyable little story to help put you 'in the mood' for Christmas!
This author has several other books, but you may know her more for her newer Women's Fiction book, Circle in the Sand, which I have for review! I'll be telling you about it shortly!
Enjoy this one, though, too! Merry Christmas!

[Marla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home for Christmas is the perfect short story. In only a few pages Fairchild introduces two great characters and a touching story. Stephen and Ali both have reasons to skip holiday cheer this year. Their chance meeting and Ali’s surprise situation will have readers racing to the end for resolution.

If you’re ready to kick off your holiday reading season, this is the best way to do just that! With a little humor, a little conflict, and a lot of wonderful writing, this one will put a big, holiday-sized grin on your face.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

An awesome tale of Fate taking control. Two people meet and although attracted they don't act on the attraction. Circumstances and a good honest heart lead to more than either could dare to dream of. A great story about what can transpire when you do something from the heart with no expectations. A whole new world where a lonely heart is mended is where you safely are.

A nice refreshing short read of course I am greedy and I wanted more. The characters were well developed and complete. You could feel the emotion in the story. Well done.

[Renee Leeann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great short story that is perfect for the holidays - or any time of the year. Even though this is a short story the characters are well-developed and the story is amazing. Once again, Lia Fairchild has done a wonderful job. I have read other books she has written and have enjoyed each and every one.

I received a free copy of this title for an honest review. This in no way influenced my review.

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this emotionally uplifting story. I laughed, cried and even had a moment of WTF. It was a quick read that I took some time with before going to bed. I went to sleep last night with a smile on my face after finishing this book. Ali and Stephen are such a cute pair that I really wish the story had been a little longer so I could have enjoyed the characters more but, it was great anyway. Wonderful job, Lia.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet, fast-read short story. It's so short if I say anything it will probably give away the ending. I think this could have been a novel and I would have been interested in reading more. The characters seemed interesting.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet, funny, romantic, and touching story. A must read especially during the holidays!

[Jaime Fiction Fangirls · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet short story that packed a lot of heart. If your looking for a quick, uplifting read this is a great option.

[Susan Ha · Rating 3 out of 5]

After breaking up with his girlfriend right before the holidays, Ali catches him before he falls in his chair, and it’s “love at first sight.” With this time reminding him of his mother’s death and father’s betrayal, he usually likes to spend Christmas alone. But that changes quickly when he learns Ali might be doing the same as she takes care of a dying loved one.

With only 29 pages, this was sweet and “too real.” I liked how flawed Stephen was instead of the usual cookie cut out mmc’s. He was just humanly flawed, and that’s okay.

But with it being too short and rushed, I was confused at reading some parts like “how’d she find out where he worked?” “How’d he find out her address?”

[Donna Huber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very short story. (There's an excerpt from another book at the end so the story itself is much less than the listed number of pages). It is the perfect length for a lunch time read. It's not really all that Christmasy either - it could be set during any holiday as there is only the briefest mentions of Christmas. I would have liked for there to have been more of a holiday feel as it is it's just another romantic short story.

[Deb Diem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Home For Christmas by Lia Fairchild is a very quick read, perfect for those with limited reading time. Ms. Fairchild has delivered a book with lovable characters. Stephen is instantly smitten when Ali keeps his chair from tipping over (with him in it.) Ali is busy trying to work and take care of her dying brother. This is a touching story. I enjoyed reading Home For Christmas and will be happy to read more from Lia Fairchild in the future.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home For Christmas is a sweet story with insta-attraction. Stephen is a wonderful man with a huge heart. Considering all he did to help Ali even when he thought he didn't stand a chance with her, speaks volumes about the type of man he is. Ali deserves happiness after all the sacrifices she has willingly made for Harry. Sometimes, love needs a helping hand from Fate.

[Jimnlori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great Christmas novella!
This story is what Christmas should be about. Stephen and Ali meet one night in the bar that Ali works at and when he finds out that someone very special in her life is dying and wants to have one last Christmas at home, Stephen does everything in his power to make that Christmas wish come true.

[Patricia Koch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home for Christmas

Priceless, love story between the two characters in this story. It was a touching story between all the characters. This author has written a exceptional Christmas story. Sweet and funny with a mixture of sadness! Enjoy! Merry Christmas to all!!

[Lisa Millett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet holiday story

This was a very sweet holiday story with a touch of romance and a happy ending. I love these types of stories at Christmas time. It was very well written and the characters are believable and genuine. It was a quick read that out a smile on my face.

[Tawni Suchy · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet Christmas read

For being such a short book, the character development was really good. Stephen and Ali were well thought out and selfless individuals. I love seeing that in a book!

[Doreena Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like to read a Christmas story on or about Christmas time even though I read them throughout the year. This was a short novella about a chance meeting between a Waitress and a customer whom neither were looking for or to get into a relationship, but yet are drawn to each other.
Really nice read.

[Bernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home for Christmas is a bittersweet short story written by author Lia Fairchild.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice

Ali is his waitress at the bar but he feels a connection. Stephen decides to go back to see her again but gets told she marry. See what he does to make Christmas special.

[Cynthia Siermienski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home for Christmas

Interesting story. I liked it. The way you had me guessing until the end was great. Thank you for making my day.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet and clean Christmas novella. I enjoyed it but it was really just ok for me. Not much depth to characters, and insta-love.

[Deb Hanson · Rating 3 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟

Way to short. This book has so much going for it and well... it just finished, right as it was getting really good. I'm left a little disappointed

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet holiday story

[Bev Sten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet

An interesting story, totally not what you think in the beginning. I glad I kept reading. A sweet story of love at first sight and jumping to conclusions.