Banning Santa

by Mikael Carlson

Nothing can ruin the magic of Christmas. Enter the U.S. House of Representatives.Award-winning political fiction author Mikael Carlson spins a uplifting tale of romance, adventure, and political maneuvering that is part Hallmark Christmas movie, part House of Cards.

Banning Santa is a heartwarming story about setting aside political differences, finding love, and celebrating the spirit of Christmas. Will Stowe and Wyatt find the perfect jolly old St. Nick to rekindle the magic of the holiday, or has a jaded public had enough of the commercialization that sucks all the joy out of the season?

The holidays should be a special time to enjoy with friends and familyThis novel is not a partisan or ideological right vs. left slugfest. There is enough of that in the world already. Banning Santa is an inspirational story about defending beliefs, setting aside differences, falling in love, understanding mythology, and capturing the true meaning and spirit of Christmas. It is the perfect novel for anyone weary of holiday stress and could use some Christmas cheer!

"Banning Santa takes readers on a rollercoaster ride, quickly gathering momentum to pull you into its captivating plot." -- Literary Titan


Santa Claus is not unlike They both hand out gifts, keep naughty and nice lists, and don't work most of the year. The only difference is people like Santa. The holidays are here. Christmas parties are scheduled, and the egg nog and hot chocolate are flowing. It’s a time for family, merriment, and joy. But not for everyone. When an incident with an unruly mall Santa goes viral on social media, it presents an opportunity for an unknown politician to gain attention before the next election. Her plan? Schedule hearings on legislation that bans public depictions of Santa Claus.

Not wanting to see Christmas spoiled for millions of families, two representatives reach across the aisle in a bipartisan effort to kill the legislation before it gets traction. As party leadership applies pressure while jockeying for political positioning, the fate of the “Save Santa” effort hinges on one thing – finding the right Santa Claus to testify against the bill.

Legislative aides Wyatt Huffman and Stowe Bessette are entrusted to track down suitable Santa candidates to find the perfect one. The difficult task is complicated by one immutable they despise each other. Forced to work together for the greater good, they must reconcile while embarking on an unexpected journey in a high-stakes, last-ditch effort to save Christmas.

Genres: Romance

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 17, 2023

About the author

Mikael Carlson is an award-winning political fiction author, including a silver medal from Readers' Favorite and National Indie Excellence, Lyra, and Global E-book Awards.

Mikael is a proud U.S. Army Paratrooper and retired Army National Guardsman. He graduated with a Master of Arts in American History in 2010 and with a B.S. in International Business from Marist College in 1996.

An avid traveler and unabashed political junkie, he is the author of the Politics as Unusual blog You can find him at www.mikaelcarlson.com.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mikael Carlson impressed me with one of his well-crafted political thriller series, so I thought that I would continue the experience with someone more holiday-themed. While the balance between Santa Claus and Christmas has been ongoing for centuries, the commercialisation of the holiday season is too much for some. A new congresswoman decides to take action and tabled legislation to ban Santa from public Christmas celebrations in the United States, hoping it will infuse some thinking of the true meaning of things. While some in the political hierarchy find it a waste, others join the discussion on both sides. This leads to some interesting findings, both political and emotional. Carlson delivers a great story that mixes politics, the holiday season, and just a dash of humour!

While life is busy no matter where you go, the holiday season seems to kick things into overdrive. Parties and gift giving take up much time, as does cramming into malls and fighting over gifts. The core sentiment of the holiday season is lost when people focus on the gift giving and judgment of one another. Who is the personification of it all? Santa Claus, at least in his advertisement/mall variety. This gives recently-elected Congresswoman Camilla Guzman an idea, especially after seeing things go south on social media.

The time to strike is now and Congress is surely the place. Hearings are scheduled to debate the idea of banning Santa Claus in his commercial setting, which will allow everyone to focus more on the true meaning of the season. Not only does this bold move create a conversation, it forces Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to consider and invest time on the topic, irregardless of political leaning.

While there is a push to back the bill, others seek to begin a ‘Save Santa’ campaign, but they will need witnesses with some clout to speak against the idea of banning St. Nick. This sends two congressional aides on the hunt for the perfect witnesses to help support a campaign to keep the jolly in Christmas. What they discover is unlike anything they could have imagined!

Armed with a task and limited time to do it, Wyatt Huffman and Stowe Bessette must find the perfect person to argue for keeping Santa. Their largest hurdle is not locating someone who likes Santa, but to keep from killing one another. Their personal hatred goes beyond anything Scrooge could offer, but their love of the holiday season might be just enough impetus. A great story that mixes humour, politics, and a sprinkling of holiday cheer drives this series debut and proves Mikael Carlson can do most anything he wants with a novel!

Mikael Carlson has created a stunning political thriller series with a four-book collection I read recently. When I tripped on this series debut, I knew I would have to include it in my holiday season reading. While the narrative does seem a little lighthearted and hokey, it provides a great pathway to the storytelling. Carlson paints quite the picture with this story and left me definitely wanting more out of this series. The characters provide an intriguing look into the underlying themes and help push the story along with great momentum. The depictions are on point and left me visualising many of those who are part of the story, which I hope continues as the series progresses. Plot points were well placed and left me eager to see what new surprises await. Carlton took what could have either been a highly analytical or hokey concept and really made it his own, keeping the reader in the middle of the story throughout. Adding some great Christmas facts and research, the story comes to life and leaves the reader in awe. With the second book in the trilogy waiting, I will dive right in and hope for the best.

Kudos, Mr. Carlson, for this great holiday season read with a peppering of politics.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Jordan Charlesworth AKA Book Brilliance Xo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book review 📚
Banning Santa by Mikael Carlson - 4/5 ⭐

Okay, so this was not AT ALL what I was expecting! I thought I'd take a chance and get myself a Christmas book to read as I don't really read by events or seasons. So I went out on a whim here and was expecting some romancy book based around Christmas.

So what Carlson decided to do with this book is make Christmas political! Basically turned about and said "screw it lets just ban Santa"! It was not what I was expecting and I honestly loved every second of it. I laughed so often, it was actually comical. The fact we've mixed politics into comedy is just pure brilliant.

This is one of the best books I could of read at Christmas time, as a Scrooge myself, it was brilliant and I don't think I'll ever read another Christmas book that tops this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Warrington Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC - this is an HONEST review from my own personal opinion.

[gigi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needed a palate cleanser and this did the job! I'm not the biggest fan of government, but this was written in a way that was easily digestible. Although this was about 'Santa', the actions these legislators took could apply to most other issues in politics as well. I appreciated the author adding relevant research and mentioning real people within the story (Bernie Sanders; Kim Kardashian) to keep it from feeling totally fictional. If I had to critique one thing, I would say we didn't need to meet SO many characters that weren't crucial to the plot. It felt like I was introduced to everyone in the Capitol 😩

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Banning Santa is a wonderful story that in part is reminiscent of Miracle on 34th Street and our unfortunate ongoing gridlock in present day Washington D. C. where nothing gets done due to winning being the overriding goal. I really enjoyed this story. It was warm and rewarding.

The plot is in part a satire of the inner workings of Washington D. C. combined with the history of Christmas. As with most Christmas movies a romantic plot with two staffers on opposite sides of the issue are thrown together and forced to find Santa. Their searches take them to New England and Finland where they see other parts of the world in their beautiful splendor and find Santa. They try to persuade Santa to come back to D. C. to testify before a committee. But with Christmas being only days away Santa is a little busy.

The hearings commence with each side doing their best to tear down the other. Stowe and Wyatt return to D. C. after their trip to face the music with no Santa for the hearings.

Mikael Carlson is a wonderful writer and does not disappoint with this holiday story. I have really enjoyed his Michael Bennit series and was so happy to have been approved to read this ARC from NetGalley. He has a way with words that create stories that hold your attention from the very beginning until the very last word and this one is no different. I highly recommend reading this story as it will make you smile.

I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Banning Santa is a blend of Washington politics wrapped in a festive bow with some Hallmark magic thrown in. When politicians from opposite sides of the aisle, each with their own motivations, decide to join forces and ban public images of Santa in the United States, chaos ensues. A hearing is scheduled with expert witnesses and legislative aides Stowe and Wyatt are forced to work together to find the best witness: a believable Santa Claus. Their respective representatives are also on opposite sides of the aisle to try to kill the bill and prevent ruining Christmas for many Americans. What ensues is a wild Santa chase across the globe, a behind the scenes look at politics and a slightly unexpected ending. This is a cute holiday story if you enjoy politics and what stands out is that political parties and affiliations are never named and allows you to draw your own conclusions.

[Jacquelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Banning Santa' was hilarious. Moreover, the fascinating plot was comprised of a satire of the inner workings of the Washington, D.C. beltway as well as other pieces of trivia about the origins of Christmas, the Aurora Borealis, and other interesting phenomena. In the meantime, there was a romantic plot with Stowe and Wyatt, two Congressional staffers who were tasked to find Santa Claus for the Congressional hearings which was very important to keeping their jobs as well as making sure Congresswoman Guzman's bill to ban Santa wasn't advanced from the subcommittee to the full Commerce and Energy committee for its consideration. After searching high and low, the Santa they found in Lapland, Finland was whimsical, omniscient, and then some. From the commentary in the novel, the results of the hearing helped to lessen the hostility on both sides of the aisle. They advocated for our representatives to be less partisan and work together for the betterment of all of us. Additionally, society as a whole seemed to embrace that idea as they were celebrating Santa's longevity to help usher in peace and goodwill to all.
Furthermore, I loved the humorous lines the author incorporated such as, “I seriously didn’t expect a reverend to come out against Christmas. Does hypocrisy come naturally in your party, or do you all attend a seminar?" and this example, "Wyatt’s mother was a homemaker who ran the household with an iron fist. Chores were to be done, homework finished, and shenanigans sniffed out and punished. She turned figuring out what trouble her children were up to into a sport," or this quip, "A politician apologizing for anything is as rare as seeing the tooth fairy riding a unicorn at the World Rodeo Championship." Lastly, I liked the alliteration, “I want America to return to what’s important: Family, faith, the flag, and friends." At times, the author alluded to movies, and this book should be made into a Hallmark movie. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the entertaining narrative.
I received a copy for free and am voluntarily giving my honest review.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Banning Santa, by Mikael Carlson, is a novel that brilliantly marries the joy of Christmas with the absurdity of political maneuvering. Imagine a scenario where a festive mall Santa's viral misadventure sparks a political frenzy to ban Santa Claus himself. Carlson masterfully orchestrates this uproar, pitting political parties, public opinion, and the very essence of Christmas spirit against each other in a humorous yet thought-provoking battle.

The book's unique premise and intriguing title immediately capture attention, sparking a blend of curiosity and intrigue from the first glance. I feel the initial chapters, with their rapidly shifting points of view, each unfolding in brief, standalone segments, might challenge conventional narrative preferences. Yet, this unique storytelling approach sets the stage for a rich and engaging narrative tapestry. As the story unfolds, the characters become increasingly relatable--their struggles and reactions to this bizarre situation are almost palpable. Comedic moments are woven throughout each chapter, yet there's a subtle layer of earnestness beneath the laughter, adding depth to the narrative. While the ending might not surprise seasoned readers, it brings a heartwarming resolution that transcends political divides, celebrating a moment of unity and shared humanity. The concluding chapters encapsulate a blend of emotional and comedic elements, leaving readers with both tears and laughter.

Banning Santa takes readers on a rollercoaster ride, quickly gathering momentum to pull you into its captivating plot. The story's engaging nature left me longing for longer chapters and a more consistent narrative perspective, elements I feel would have further enhanced an already captivating tale. Mikael Carlson's Banning Santa is a delightful read, especially for those who enjoy a fusion of satire, humor, and holiday cheer.

[Dani White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to preface this review by saying that I don't just rank novels with five-star ratings unless I absolutely love the book. It has to be one of those stories that hooks me in, and devours my time because I can't put it down.

I absolutely loved Banning Santa.

To best describe this story, imaging an episode of The West Wing told in Hallmark movie form, with the wittiness of the former and the charm of the latter. It had a nice blend of "aw shucks" romance, with clever political banter in he best possible way.

There are a lot of things about this novel that check off my fiction preferences. The plot is strong, it's incredibly well written, the four main characters are well-developed, the romance is believable and organic in the way it occurs, and the author weaves all of that together seamlessly. Without going too deep in the plot weeds, I loved Wyatt and Stowe. Like the trope was there, sure, but it was executed so well. I BELIEVED in the development of this relationship.

I hope to read more, and the author hinted that this is book one of a trilogy for Wyatt and Stowe. I eagerly await the next book.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. (And I honestly say that I love this story, and will go buy a hard-copy for my shelf!)

[Sandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was on a cruise when I started reading Banning Santa and I swear people must have thought I was weird chuckling to myself. Mikael Carlson is one great writer and has a deep understanding of how Congress works, I swore he must have been a staffer himself.

The premise of this story is, that a video goes viral, an obscure Congresswoman sees the awfulness of a drunk Santa punching a teenager and decides that Santa is the bane of Christmas and the cause of, in the words of Alfred in the movie A Miracle on 34th Street, "make a buck, make a buck, make a buck". She, the congresswoman, decides to write a bill and get bipartisan support from across the aisle to co-sponsor the bill. The bill is then opposed by a bipartisan duo who loves Christmas, loves Santa, and is ticked off that someone would use him as the bane of the holidays so they put their best staffers on the case to find Santa and bring him to the public hearing to show Santa is not the problem. All of this spins into hilarity, romance, and a tweaking familiarity to A Miracle on 34th Street's endearing Santa with a twist.
Honestly, I could see this happening in Congress right now.

If you love a good Hallmark Christmas story, you will love this book. If you love Holiday reads, you will love this book, if you hate politics, this book might piss you off even more, but you will still love this book. It's a quick read, it's entertaining and you won't regret picking it up at your local independent bookstore.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story wasn't quite what I was expecting lol.
Some of it was cute, while in other places, I absolutely cringed.
Banning Santa is just plain mean..This is almost a re telling of A Christmas Carol.
I thought Camilla represented Scrooge in a way.
I loved the outcome of the book, and I cheered when the real meaning of Christmas came forward.
I appreciated the book from Congress's POV, too. I learned about the inner workings of what might be going on in the inside.
I think Christmas has gone too commercialized. People have forgotten the real meaning, so I was rooting for these characters to find out for themselves.
I was sorry to see this delightful and fun novel end. But, I've been places in it that I never thought possible.
I'm giving this one 5 stars for a wonderful adventure and intriguing read.
I recommend this book I feel that it could be made into a Hallmark movie is how good this book was!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Maranda Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a pleasantly unexpected curveball. I had ideas about what it might be about, but it went in a different direction that was far more enjoyable than what I'd anticipated.

At its core, this is a feel good holiday story. There's some romance, sure. There's some magical mysticism surrounding Santa. There's also a LOT of political background, but not in an overwhelming way. It's almost like "Politics for Dummies" is a backdrop to the actual plot itself, so that it drives the tension, explains the games being played, and offers insight into character motivations.

There's a pretty large cast to keep track of, but it's easy to pick out the "good guys" and recognize that party lines aren't always an indicator of true character. Good pacing, solid incorporation of multiple story lines.

Overall: 4+ stars

I'll tell my students about: supernatural?, language, parental death

**Thank you to NetGalley and Warrington Publishing, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) for the free ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.**

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! So wish I would have read it closer to the Christmas season. It addresses the issues of the commercialization of the Christmas holiday by blaming the image of Santa Claus. It also looks at how partisan our politics have become. Carlson does not call out either party and this is really not a "political" book. With election season upon us, it really highlights how big the perceived differences in opinion have become and how the media helps to drive the wedge in further. This book highlights the need to have respectful conversations about difficult topics. We may not always agree on a issue, but we can still be respectful and even friends.
I love the imagery of Christmas and the "real" Santa. It made we want to visit Lapland and see the northern lights! When you are finished, read the author's note. It helps to explain his reasoning behind writing this book and I discovered there is another book (and maybe two!) featuring Wyatt and Stowe.

Thank you to NetGalley and Warrington Publishing for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC through "Booksprout" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This is such a change of pace and is well worth the read. It reminds me of "miracle on 34th street" as well as "Yes Virginia. There is a Santa Claus". This story starts with the chairman of a congressional committee wanting to ban depiction of Santa in public. Two members of the committee, one from each side of the aisle, being directed to find a Santa to appear at the hearing presenting a case for keeping Santa around.

Follow Stowe and Wyatt as they begin their task which seems impossible. To make matters worse, Stowe doesn't want to work with Wyatt. As the time for the hearing approaches, things look bleak. After their last interview with Santa's in Vermont, they wind up going to Lapland.

Find out whether they were able to succeed, what transpired on their trip and what happened when they got back to D.C.

This definitely a book that you won't want to miss.

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Banning Santa, you say? Why would anyone want to ban Santa? I have never read a book written by Mikael Carlson before, but this one was actually humorous and so funny. Set aside the political views despite this book being about two representatives trying to ban Santa Claus. This book is about setting aside political views and finding love where you least expect it. This book was so funny I had to finish it in one day. Why would you ban Santa? Well, everyone knows how malls have Santa's where you can take picture with them, well the Santa is this book went viral for something he did at the mall and a bill has been brought to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. I can't recommend this book enough, it will make you laugh out loud so many times.

THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND WARRINGTON PUBLISHING FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will Camilla Guzman, a first-term congresswoman in the House of Representatives, succeed to ban Santa from appearing in public places? Camilla’s initial goal is to get the public’s attention for her re-election bid, but what ensues is an examination of the pros and cons of celebrating Christmas.

Reading about the inner workings of Congress is interesting, but I especially like the thought-provoking ideas related to observing Christmas versus commercializing Christmas. Who says, Christmas and politics don’t mix? Mikael Carlson successfully envelops the serious stuff in a heart-warming story. Thank you Warrington Publishing and NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of BANNING SANTA .

[Denice Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The nightly news has been full of bipartisanship feuds across the DC population of politicians. So when a Congresswoman sponsors a bill to ban any public representations of Santa, you expect to see a dirty fight where thera are no rules. And honestly, you will see some of that but in BANNING SANTA, you'll see more people reaching out to show their holiday spirit than those who would kill Christmas.

This book is funny, entertaining and heartwarming while along the way to being one of the best hoilday stories I've read in a very long time. If you are looking for a holiday book, but want something different, this is it!!! A great 5 star read that you'll share often and read again next year. 5 easy stars

[Maria | Marias Book Recs · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a fun story for me to read! I’m really into politics, political drama, romance, and christmas so this book really had everything in it :)
this was a fun story to read as the characters battle a cynical politician trying to ban santa, and they use their political and media ties, inroads, connections, etc to stop the bill, all while being cute lil romantics falling for the holiday season romantics. this felt like a modern political retelling of A Christmas Carol, where they have to convince the cynic that they can have love and happiness and friends during the holidays too :)

thank you for the arc :)

[Rujuta Desai · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Banning Santa**" by Michel Carlson brilliantly merges Christmas enchantment with political complexities. Set in the U.S. House of Representatives, the tale follows two opposing representatives who unite to stop a movement banning Santa Claus depictions. The story traces the journey of aides Wyatt and Stowe, tasked with finding the right Santa. Carlson's narrative blends humor, romance, and festive cheer, emphasizing unity and the true Christmas spirit. A heartwarming read celebrating love, cooperation, and the magic of Christmas amidst political turmoil.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful book. I wasn’t sure about it when I first started reading it and it was a little slow in places but in the end I really enjoyed it. I’ll admit I don’t know how our government runs but the way he describes it sounds like what I would imagine. I also don’t think it’s not too far fetched for someone to try to ban Santa. The story is really two stories, one about congress and banning Santa and the other a Hallmark holiday romance between two staffers. The author did a good job of weaving back and forth between several characters and brings back the feeling of Christmas. I certainly want to go check out Finland after reading this. I do recommend the book.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. It's political without being partisan. The people that I dislike... it's because of their actions, not their party affiliations. It's hilarious - so many great quotes. "Politics is like war without the death toll." and "Not those two. They're blunt objects and just as sharp." There's a romance between two legislative aides, which pleases the romantic in me. And the main event is Santa testifying before a Congressional subcommittee. It ain't c-Span. It's so much better. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily | bookwhispererem · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a multiple POV lighthearted and fun fluffy holiday romance. There’s a lot of humorous banter and I appreciated the plot line (a Congresswoman attempts to ban public displays of Santa Claus through legislation right before Christmas). It did feel a bit too “Hallmark” and predictable for me so I didn’t end up finishing it, but I think it’d make a great holiday romance read for those who find this genre to be more their style!

(Thank you NetGalley, Warrington Publishing, and Mikael Carlson for a free e-ARC in exchange for this honest review!)

[Margaux · Rating 3 out of 5]

Banning Santa focuses on the concept of a politician attempting to ban the public image of Santa Claus after an issue with a mall Santa goes viral. This political comedy/satire takes aim at the division and fighting betwen politicians, and how they can use current events in order to maintain or grow their power amongst their supporters. I argee with that premise, but the Hallmark-esque enlightened centrism is cringey, to say the least, and feels out of touch with what the issues of the day actually are. Should we still be talking about politics as team sports? And I'm a bit confused with how far the idea was taken, because in real life, I feel like pointing to the First Amendment would be the only answer to the politician's quest to ban Santa? but all right. Along the way, we follow the romance and hijinks of two staffers. Thank you to the author, Mikael Carlson, the publisher, Warrington Publishing, and Goodreads for the opportunity to read Banning Santa (The Santa Trilogy #1) thanks to winning it in a giveaway.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

there might just be such a thing as bad press after all - and there might just be a Santa

can romance survive media mayhem, politics and skepticism? throw in some painful history and relationships quirks

fun to read- and sometimes challenging for the characters to work through- off the wall romance- plus Santa!

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting take on the holidays and creating an unexpected turn of events by the author. Trying to find the perfect Santa interesting and diverse characters have to work together to find the perfect Santa. Interesting how politics can throw a wrench into anything. Even christmas. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book I've read written by Mikael Carlson; I can’t wait to read more of his books.

This is the first book in the Santa Trilogy. The story is about Stowe & Wyatt.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book. It is a hallmark movie, certainly, and the author seems to completely acknowledge that in the book! It definitely was a quick, fun read.
Thanks to #netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. I received this in return for an unbiased review.

[Beth Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Magic!

Attempt to ban public depictions of Santa Claus sends two congressional staffers scouring the globe for a "good", realistic Santa. Half the pair hates the other half. How can they, as polar political opposites, manage to work together? It's Christmas Magic!

[Delene · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story took off in an interesting direction. I didn't quite expect it but it was fun.

I often did feel tangled in all the legal and political details which slowed the story down and wasn't really for me.

[Amy Burden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great holiday read

Take the time to read and escape all trials and tribulations of societal minutiae that wraps us up daily. A very pleasurable read for the holidays.

[Asher Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a hilarious take on Christmas with political schemes. The writing was engaging and the plot was well-written. Would recommend this book.
Many thanks for the ARC!