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American Dads #2
Once Upon A Christmas
Are three people about to get their Christmas wish?When her nephew announces he's going to find his father, Michelle Hamilton never dreams the man's actually going to show up at her door! Only a paternity test will determine whether Daniel McLean has a legitimate claim. But that doesn't stop the much-too-appealing potential dad from throwing Michelle's well-ordered world into upheaval.Daniel is thrilled to discover he might have a son. Now the boy's aunt and legal guardian is making him want even more. And the longer he spends with Michelle, the more Daniel feels he's finally found a place to belong.With the town gearing up for the annual Christmas fair, what better gift could three people give--and receive--than the chance to be a real family?
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 2008
About the author
Holly Jacobs
178 books281 followersHolly Jacobs leads a life full of romance and adventure. From skydiving to jet-setting around Europe, from snorkeling in coral reefs to writing while wearing beautiful silk peignoir sets and popping chocolate bonbons, Holly Jacobs leads a life that is the epitome of romance...
Well, my fictional life sounds more interesting, but not better than my real life. Really, I'm the happily married mother of four. I cook a lot, garden and weave baskets! I write for Montlake Romance and Harlequin. My books range from lighthearted comedies to more serious dramas...but at heart, they're all stories of love.
You can visit me at
http://www.HollyJacobs.com.
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/HollyJacobsA...
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/HollyJacobs1
PINTEREST: http://www.pinterest.com/hollyjacobs1/
I don't always set out to write a series of books, but seem to find myself gravitating to them. Because so many people have asked, I've posted lists of all my series in order at www.hollyjacobs.com/bookseries.html. I really try to make each story stand alone, but many of my readers enjoy reading the series in order. Hope this helps!
Thank you to everyone who's picked up a single book, or more of them. I'm so lucky to be surrounded by so much support!
Holly
Well, my fictional life sounds more interesting, but not better than my real life. Really, I'm the happily married mother of four. I cook a lot, garden and weave baskets! I write for Montlake Romance and Harlequin. My books range from lighthearted comedies to more serious dramas...but at heart, they're all stories of love.
You can visit me at
http://www.HollyJacobs.com.
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/HollyJacobsA...
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/HollyJacobs1
PINTEREST: http://www.pinterest.com/hollyjacobs1/
I don't always set out to write a series of books, but seem to find myself gravitating to them. Because so many people have asked, I've posted lists of all my series in order at www.hollyjacobs.com/bookseries.html. I really try to make each story stand alone, but many of my readers enjoy reading the series in order. Hope this helps!
Thank you to everyone who's picked up a single book, or more of them. I'm so lucky to be surrounded by so much support!
Holly
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December 26, 2017💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/26/2017)! 💝
Blurb:
The PTA Mom series is filled with heart, holidays and three PTA Moms who find their own happily-ever-afters
In the second installment, Once Upon A Christmas, it’s a Wonderful Life this holiday season...
After Thanksgiving, Daniel McLean opens the door and finds a boy on his step who asks, “Could you be my father?” Brandon is thrilled that Daniel says yes, but his aunt, Michelle Hamilton is not. After consulting a lawyer, she agrees to a paternity test but neither Brandon or Daniel are willing to wait for the results–they want to get to know each other right now. As Michelle gears up for the PTA Christmas Fair, all three come to realize that a paternity test won’t make them a family...but the love that Michelle and Daniel discover just might.
Reminiscent of Carolyn Brown’s Blame it on Texas series, the second book in Holly Jacobs’ PTA series, Once Upon a Christmas, is a holiday treasure.
Blurb:
The PTA Mom series is filled with heart, holidays and three PTA Moms who find their own happily-ever-afters
In the second installment, Once Upon A Christmas, it’s a Wonderful Life this holiday season...
After Thanksgiving, Daniel McLean opens the door and finds a boy on his step who asks, “Could you be my father?” Brandon is thrilled that Daniel says yes, but his aunt, Michelle Hamilton is not. After consulting a lawyer, she agrees to a paternity test but neither Brandon or Daniel are willing to wait for the results–they want to get to know each other right now. As Michelle gears up for the PTA Christmas Fair, all three come to realize that a paternity test won’t make them a family...but the love that Michelle and Daniel discover just might.
Reminiscent of Carolyn Brown’s Blame it on Texas series, the second book in Holly Jacobs’ PTA series, Once Upon a Christmas, is a holiday treasure.
December 26, 2017
Christmas romance. I wasn't sure what to expect with a subtitle of "PTA moms" but thought I'd take a chance. I really liked the story of an aunt raising her teenage nephew, and the nephew locating his possible father. I liked all the main characters a lot and was rooting for them to get together as a family whether or not he turned out to be the father. Here's where it fell apart for me. While the heroine (the aunt) was portrayed as extremely cautious and protective, the hero and heroine took a step that would have been completely unwise and uncharacteristic for at least the aunt. Technically clean, this action soured the story for me. Unnecessary. Otherwise, well written and well edited.
October 7, 2019
Loved the story and how it ended....Will be reading more of Holly Jacobs books..
April 23, 2020
The second installment of Holly Jacob' Once Upon...trilogy might just be even sweeter than the first. While Once Upon a Thanksgiving was a great read that really focused on the balance of family and romance and how important and related they can be, Once Upon a Christmas is even more heartwarming and easier to devour. Like Samantha in the first book, Michelle makes a compelling protagonist and narrator, as she has a good heart, but is still flawed, and has to overcome specific issues and rethink the behavior that has closed her off so completely in the past. She isn't a mom in the traditional sense of the word, but her realization of coming to terms with how Brandon considers her his mother still may lead to a few tears in the best way. It is refreshing how the book deals with nontraditional family dynamics, but shows how strong they can be nonetheless.
On top of that, the romance of the novel is done extremely well. It hits that delicate balance of having a quick timeline without feeling rushed. It is natural, reading like a slow-burn even though it unfolds quickly, which feels incredibly realistic for anyone who may have found "the one" and knew it from the beginning. That doesn't say there isn't a lot of tension and internal conflict for both Michelle and Daniel that make the romance a page-turner. Their individual love for Brandon, paired with the tension between them and the delicious teasing and banter they shared, made for a read that is easy to finish in one sitting.
Once Upon a Christmas combines the warm feeling of family around the holidays with a steamy romance, all the while showing that family is more than what you are given, and love does not have to be defined by how others went through it. It is a hopeful and optimistic read, with very realistic and enjoyable characters, and will have readers still satisfied while eager to explore Carly's story in the next installment.
On top of that, the romance of the novel is done extremely well. It hits that delicate balance of having a quick timeline without feeling rushed. It is natural, reading like a slow-burn even though it unfolds quickly, which feels incredibly realistic for anyone who may have found "the one" and knew it from the beginning. That doesn't say there isn't a lot of tension and internal conflict for both Michelle and Daniel that make the romance a page-turner. Their individual love for Brandon, paired with the tension between them and the delicious teasing and banter they shared, made for a read that is easy to finish in one sitting.
Once Upon a Christmas combines the warm feeling of family around the holidays with a steamy romance, all the while showing that family is more than what you are given, and love does not have to be defined by how others went through it. It is a hopeful and optimistic read, with very realistic and enjoyable characters, and will have readers still satisfied while eager to explore Carly's story in the next installment.
January 2, 2018
I really enjoyed the Thanksgiving book that was first in this series, but I did not find this one very engaging. I read a lot of romance novels and it very rarely takes me 3 days to read a 188 page romance novel. I made it through this one to about 40% in 3 days then just skimmed to the end when I should have just quit because it really wasn’t worth it.
The plot summary was promising and I was excited about this one after loving the first book but something about each character was just off to me. Daniel was too…everything to be real. Too much of a good guy, too willing to step up, too sweet, too forgiving, just too…Brandon wasn’t much of a teenager. I know a lot of kids have it tough and have to grow up fast but he’s still a teenager. And Michelle, ? I don’t know. She liked organization and numbers. I don’t know anything else about her except that she tried to please her parents because her sister was the “bad one” so she couldn’t be. ?
Nothing really happened in this book to move the plot along which I guess is why I had such an easy time putting it down and doing something else. They met, they saw each other everyday preparing for the Christmas fair, they made bean bag tosses and craft spiders with webs (why? It’s Christmas not Halloween, they couldn’t find some crafty Santa or snowman or something to make for the CHRISTMAS fair?). The DNA results (which was why I even skimmed to the end of the book) were actually in the epilogue and at that point were anticlimactic and even one of the characters said that.
And what was up with this idea that we can’t be mad at dead people? Just weird. Your grievances still affect you even after a person is gone. It doesn’t take away the pain they caused when they are no longer here.
I’m not sure that I’ll be picking up the third installment. I think I’ll check out some of the reviews first.
The plot summary was promising and I was excited about this one after loving the first book but something about each character was just off to me. Daniel was too…everything to be real. Too much of a good guy, too willing to step up, too sweet, too forgiving, just too…Brandon wasn’t much of a teenager. I know a lot of kids have it tough and have to grow up fast but he’s still a teenager. And Michelle, ? I don’t know. She liked organization and numbers. I don’t know anything else about her except that she tried to please her parents because her sister was the “bad one” so she couldn’t be. ?
Nothing really happened in this book to move the plot along which I guess is why I had such an easy time putting it down and doing something else. They met, they saw each other everyday preparing for the Christmas fair, they made bean bag tosses and craft spiders with webs (why? It’s Christmas not Halloween, they couldn’t find some crafty Santa or snowman or something to make for the CHRISTMAS fair?). The DNA results (which was why I even skimmed to the end of the book) were actually in the epilogue and at that point were anticlimactic and even one of the characters said that.
And what was up with this idea that we can’t be mad at dead people? Just weird. Your grievances still affect you even after a person is gone. It doesn’t take away the pain they caused when they are no longer here.
I’m not sure that I’ll be picking up the third installment. I think I’ll check out some of the reviews first.
April 11, 2018
While this story starts rather oddly it develops into an interesting problem being addressed by a young teenage boy who has lost his mother to illness and is being raised by his aunt. The reader is introduced to three women who all belong to a school PTA and assignments for the year are being given out (comes into play later in the book). Michelle Hamilton is raising her nephew after her sister arrives with a young boy (Brandon) in tow and she's sick and dying. Michelle knew nothing about the boy before the two showed up on her doorstep. Now as Brandon is growing up he wants to know who his father is and Michelle refuses to help him until he's older (18). And so the story goes with Brandon, on his own, finding a man who could be possibly be his father. Michelle is not happy but Daniel (the possible father) while not thrilled seems to think he could be Brandon's father. Michelle and Daniel have to come to terms with what will happen and their feelings for each other. The storyline moves through the Christmas season with Daniel helping Michelle with her assignment of running the Christmas fair. The story is quite lovely and moves to a satisfactory conclusion.
August 10, 2019
#2 in the American Dads romance series
Michelle is a by-the-book aunt who has been raising her nephew since his mom's death. They have a system that she's comfortable with. But now that he's getting older, he wants to find his dad. A potential dad is local, so Brandon goes ahead and contacts him. Luckily he's a good guy and becomes involved in Brandon's life as a friend while they wait for the paternity results. Much to her dismay, he also becomes involved in Michelle's life, since she's the look-before-you-leap type of person and has a hard time coping with change. Michelle and Brandon have a very cute relationship--it's healthy and fun despite her inherent caution. And Daniel is a genuinely nice guy who is willing to take things slow while he helps her with the upcoming Christmas Fair at the school. Great revisits with Samantha and Carly from the previous book in the series. A typical Harlequin, but things moved quickly, the romance was sweet and made sense, and I very much enjoyed the characters and their camaraderie. Looking forward to Carly's story in Book #3.
Michelle is a by-the-book aunt who has been raising her nephew since his mom's death. They have a system that she's comfortable with. But now that he's getting older, he wants to find his dad. A potential dad is local, so Brandon goes ahead and contacts him. Luckily he's a good guy and becomes involved in Brandon's life as a friend while they wait for the paternity results. Much to her dismay, he also becomes involved in Michelle's life, since she's the look-before-you-leap type of person and has a hard time coping with change. Michelle and Brandon have a very cute relationship--it's healthy and fun despite her inherent caution. And Daniel is a genuinely nice guy who is willing to take things slow while he helps her with the upcoming Christmas Fair at the school. Great revisits with Samantha and Carly from the previous book in the series. A typical Harlequin, but things moved quickly, the romance was sweet and made sense, and I very much enjoyed the characters and their camaraderie. Looking forward to Carly's story in Book #3.
January 7, 2018
Don t bother
So, Michelle's free spirit and irresponsible sister - who she hasn't seen in many years - showed up on her doorstep with Brandon, her 6 year old son, and promptly dies, leaving Brandon to be raised by Michelle. When the story opens, Brandon is now 13 and wants to find the father he never knew, and Michelle has become the super conscientious protective auntie. Brandon shows up on the doorstep of Daniel, asking him if he is his father. Is he? Isn't he? And will rigid Michelle let herself fall in love with Daniel? And will everyone have a merry Christmas? What do you think? And do you really care? I didnt.
I was not expecting anything other than a light, fluffy feel good Christmas read, but this was really not worth my time. A Hallmark movie has more depth, better characters, and more entertainment value.
So, Michelle's free spirit and irresponsible sister - who she hasn't seen in many years - showed up on her doorstep with Brandon, her 6 year old son, and promptly dies, leaving Brandon to be raised by Michelle. When the story opens, Brandon is now 13 and wants to find the father he never knew, and Michelle has become the super conscientious protective auntie. Brandon shows up on the doorstep of Daniel, asking him if he is his father. Is he? Isn't he? And will rigid Michelle let herself fall in love with Daniel? And will everyone have a merry Christmas? What do you think? And do you really care? I didnt.
I was not expecting anything other than a light, fluffy feel good Christmas read, but this was really not worth my time. A Hallmark movie has more depth, better characters, and more entertainment value.
November 17, 2017
This is a charming Christmas romance. Michelle is Brandon's aunt. But when her irresponsible sister, Tara, shows up unexpectedly with her son--and also the information that she's dying--Michelle becomes Brandon's guardian. Brandon really wants to know who his father is, but his mother never told him--or Michelle. In going through his mother's effects, he finds a name, and shows up on Daniel's door. He hopes Daniel is his father and Daniel agrees to take a DNA test. These three people are thrown together, and a special relationship develops. A sweet story.
February 7, 2025
I absolutely loved this one! I loved the first one, Once Upon A Thanksgiving too & u really should read all 3. I waited until Valentines to read the Valentines one so I'm currently reading that one now & just like the other 2 it's so cute! If you are really into holiday books that put you in the holiday spirit, whether it's Thanksgiving or Christmas or Valentine's Day, these books are perfect for that! They're also a wonderful love story with a HEA, so just my kind of book! Definitely recommend!
December 19, 2017
Genuine Fairytale Romance
This is a beautifully written love story with a lot of breathtaking heartwarming moments that will touch you deep down to your soul and a course the most adorable characters too. Must Read
This is a beautifully written love story with a lot of breathtaking heartwarming moments that will touch you deep down to your soul and a course the most adorable characters too. Must Read
December 16, 2020
A Can't Put it Down Christmas Love Story
Just finished reading this book and it was a heartwarming love story that really put me in a holiday mood. Recommend it to add joy to anyone's reading list.
Just finished reading this book and it was a heartwarming love story that really put me in a holiday mood. Recommend it to add joy to anyone's reading list.
November 7, 2017
I enjoyed this one with its slight twist on the secret baby trope and appealing beta hero. I look forward to the Valentine's addition to the trilogy.
December 26, 2017
A sappy Christmas story I loved.
December 29, 2017
😀😀😀
This story was about how a single aunt/mom learns to trust and finds love again and her nephew finds the dad he never knew.
This story was about how a single aunt/mom learns to trust and finds love again and her nephew finds the dad he never knew.
January 4, 2018
Good
this story is one that shows how two people and a young boy who is loved by his aunt who is raising him both find love.
this story is one that shows how two people and a young boy who is loved by his aunt who is raising him both find love.
January 15, 2018
Sweet small town romance by a master.
March 4, 2018
Interesting plot..
The ending was predictable and satisfying but it was the growth of the characters as they faced their individual challenges that was the most engaging.
The ending was predictable and satisfying but it was the growth of the characters as they faced their individual challenges that was the most engaging.
February 14, 2019
Once Upon a Christmas review
Once Upon a Christmas is the second sweet romance in the P. T. A. Moms series written by author Holly Jacobs.
Once Upon a Christmas is the second sweet romance in the P. T. A. Moms series written by author Holly Jacobs.
May 15, 2019
Loved it
What an entertaining and charmingly enjoyable romance this book is. From the beginning I was enthralled. It is an endearing and heartwarming Christmas story.
What an entertaining and charmingly enjoyable romance this book is. From the beginning I was enthralled. It is an endearing and heartwarming Christmas story.
July 12, 2011
Michelle became the legal guardian of her nephew when he was 8 after her sister passed away. 5 years later she has accepted the role and is doing a wonderful job at it by being involved in Brandon’s life in every way she can. When Brandon comes to her asking to find his father Michelle is very scared. She doesn’t want the father to be a bad guy or to come in and take Brandon away from her because her nephew has become her life. When Daniel, the potential father is thrown into the mix Michelle isn’t sure how to take this potential father.
Daniel is a hardworking man who wants to be a part of Brandon’s life if he is his son. He doesn’t want to disrupt the life Michelle has made for Brandon but just wants to be a part of it so that he can help raise Brandon. With the paternity test having the possiblity of taking weeks to return to them Michelle and Daniel make a deal that he can spend time with Brandon as long as she’s around. Daniel jumps at the opportunity which could prove to change all of their lives one way or another.
This was such a cute story! I forgot how wonderful Harlequin romance stories are. Don’t get me wrong, I love my smutty books with the detailed sex scenes but I forgot how wonderful some of these love stories are that don’t go into descriptive detail of sex scenes. They are soley for us to follow the love story that is developing.
I really enjoyed the main characters. Michelle is very organized and list oriented. She’s kind of a by-the-book woman. Daniel is a man who is following his dreams of being a carpenter and has made a great business for himself. He is very loyal and has a more spontaneous attitude. Then there is 13-year-old Brandon who had to grow up way to fast for his age. His mother was never one to settle down and moved from one man to the next with Brandon in tow. When she got sick and gave Brandon to Michelle, Brandon was finally able to have a stable life but from his first 8 years of life he is wise beyond his years. Put the 3 of them together and we’ve got a wonderful Christmas story.
I loved how open Daniel was and how he really tried to spend time with Brandon no matter what while also respecting Michelle’s wishes. He even helped Michelle with the Christmas Fair she organizes for Brandon’s school every year by helping make some of the games, crafts and even becoming the Santa last minute to save Michelle the stress. My one reservation about these two hooking up was the thought that Daniel had slept with Michelle’s sister…granted it was 13 years ago, but still it was just weird to think that Daniel had slept with two sisters. After I got over that thinking I was very happy to see their feelings developing for each other and I began to cheer them on.
The paternity test is always hanging over their heads. They know that at any moment they could get the results in the mail and at any moment they could find out that Daniel was the father or…he wasn’t the father. I truly wasn’t sure which one I wanted it to be but I really loved how they ended the book.
Overall: This was a very cute story. It did get me even more in the Christmas spirit and I enjoyed the relationships that were talked about throughout. It’s a romance that you can sit down and easily read in a day if you had the time and you won’t be disappointed by the outcome. By the way, you may tear up at a few parts…I know I did. I enjoyed the side stories of Michelle’s two best friends and knowing one of them received her own book makes me want to go back to the used bookstore to see if I can find it.
Daniel is a hardworking man who wants to be a part of Brandon’s life if he is his son. He doesn’t want to disrupt the life Michelle has made for Brandon but just wants to be a part of it so that he can help raise Brandon. With the paternity test having the possiblity of taking weeks to return to them Michelle and Daniel make a deal that he can spend time with Brandon as long as she’s around. Daniel jumps at the opportunity which could prove to change all of their lives one way or another.
This was such a cute story! I forgot how wonderful Harlequin romance stories are. Don’t get me wrong, I love my smutty books with the detailed sex scenes but I forgot how wonderful some of these love stories are that don’t go into descriptive detail of sex scenes. They are soley for us to follow the love story that is developing.
I really enjoyed the main characters. Michelle is very organized and list oriented. She’s kind of a by-the-book woman. Daniel is a man who is following his dreams of being a carpenter and has made a great business for himself. He is very loyal and has a more spontaneous attitude. Then there is 13-year-old Brandon who had to grow up way to fast for his age. His mother was never one to settle down and moved from one man to the next with Brandon in tow. When she got sick and gave Brandon to Michelle, Brandon was finally able to have a stable life but from his first 8 years of life he is wise beyond his years. Put the 3 of them together and we’ve got a wonderful Christmas story.
I loved how open Daniel was and how he really tried to spend time with Brandon no matter what while also respecting Michelle’s wishes. He even helped Michelle with the Christmas Fair she organizes for Brandon’s school every year by helping make some of the games, crafts and even becoming the Santa last minute to save Michelle the stress. My one reservation about these two hooking up was the thought that Daniel had slept with Michelle’s sister…granted it was 13 years ago, but still it was just weird to think that Daniel had slept with two sisters. After I got over that thinking I was very happy to see their feelings developing for each other and I began to cheer them on.
The paternity test is always hanging over their heads. They know that at any moment they could get the results in the mail and at any moment they could find out that Daniel was the father or…he wasn’t the father. I truly wasn’t sure which one I wanted it to be but I really loved how they ended the book.
Overall: This was a very cute story. It did get me even more in the Christmas spirit and I enjoyed the relationships that were talked about throughout. It’s a romance that you can sit down and easily read in a day if you had the time and you won’t be disappointed by the outcome. By the way, you may tear up at a few parts…I know I did. I enjoyed the side stories of Michelle’s two best friends and knowing one of them received her own book makes me want to go back to the used bookstore to see if I can find it.
January 2, 2016
Michelle Hamilton took over the care of her nephew, Brandon, when her sister died of cancer. He's now thirteen and has decided he wants to meet his father, who's never been a part of the boy's life. Unfortunately, Michelle has no idea who the man is as Tara refused to discuss it with anyone. Being rather wild and free-spirited, Tara moved from place to place, refusing to settle. As a result, Brandon had never really had any stability in his life, something living with Michelle had given him. Now, however, he was apparently curious about the man who'd fathered him. The thought terrified Michelle. What if they found him and he wanted nothing to do with Brandon? What if he turned out to be someone disreputable who could bring them harm? Or worse still, what if he wants to take Brandon away from her? And Brandon wants to go?
Although Michelle does her best to dissuade him, Brandon refuses to be put off. He takes matters into his own hands and after going through some of his mom's things, goes to see Daniel McLean and asks him flat out if he's his father.
Daniel is shocked to discover he might be a dad. While it was true he and Tara had been close friends for two years, they'd only spent the one night together. He'd wanted more but the next day she was gone and he'd never heard from her again. Now this young man is wanting to know if Daniel could be his father? It takes some real getting used to . He agrees to a paternity test, of course, but when he meets the boy's aunt, she doesn't exactly welcome him with open arms. He understands her reservations as he's a total stranger, but somehow, if he wants to be a part of Brandon' s life, he has to convince her he isn't a bad guy.
I really liked the relationship between Brandon and Daniel. Although they didn't know if they were related - the paternity test took a couple of weeks - they quickly grew close to one another. Daniel's relationship with Michelle was another matter entirely. Everyone in her life had left her. Her dad died, her mother wanted nothing to do with her, then she lost her sister. To top it off, her boyfriend refused to stick around when he realized she intended to raise her nephew on her own. Now this man she'd only known for a few days claimed he wanted to be part of her and Brandon' s life.
When Michelle and Daniel work together on the Christmas Fair at Brandon' s school, they begin to get to know one another and as a result, start to fall in love. Can Michelle overcome her fears and trust what her heart is telling her about Daniel? What if things don't work out between them? What will that do to Brandon if Daniel does turn out to be his father? Things could get really awkward for all of them?
While it sounds complicated, it's actually a very simple love story, centered around the Christmas season. I fell in love myself with Daniel. He was such an upstanding guy with all the elements you'd want in a hero. He was so good with Brandon and intended to be a part of the boy's life, father or not. He was also so patient with Michelle as she worked through her fears and attempted to come to grips with everything.
Although Michelle does her best to dissuade him, Brandon refuses to be put off. He takes matters into his own hands and after going through some of his mom's things, goes to see Daniel McLean and asks him flat out if he's his father.
Daniel is shocked to discover he might be a dad. While it was true he and Tara had been close friends for two years, they'd only spent the one night together. He'd wanted more but the next day she was gone and he'd never heard from her again. Now this young man is wanting to know if Daniel could be his father? It takes some real getting used to . He agrees to a paternity test, of course, but when he meets the boy's aunt, she doesn't exactly welcome him with open arms. He understands her reservations as he's a total stranger, but somehow, if he wants to be a part of Brandon' s life, he has to convince her he isn't a bad guy.
I really liked the relationship between Brandon and Daniel. Although they didn't know if they were related - the paternity test took a couple of weeks - they quickly grew close to one another. Daniel's relationship with Michelle was another matter entirely. Everyone in her life had left her. Her dad died, her mother wanted nothing to do with her, then she lost her sister. To top it off, her boyfriend refused to stick around when he realized she intended to raise her nephew on her own. Now this man she'd only known for a few days claimed he wanted to be part of her and Brandon' s life.
When Michelle and Daniel work together on the Christmas Fair at Brandon' s school, they begin to get to know one another and as a result, start to fall in love. Can Michelle overcome her fears and trust what her heart is telling her about Daniel? What if things don't work out between them? What will that do to Brandon if Daniel does turn out to be his father? Things could get really awkward for all of them?
While it sounds complicated, it's actually a very simple love story, centered around the Christmas season. I fell in love myself with Daniel. He was such an upstanding guy with all the elements you'd want in a hero. He was so good with Brandon and intended to be a part of the boy's life, father or not. He was also so patient with Michelle as she worked through her fears and attempted to come to grips with everything.
September 10, 2009
I'm very picky when it comes to stories with a plot centering around a kid which is usually that one of the parents don't know about the child. I read a book that handled it wonderfully just recently, Baby Bonanza by Maureen Child but it doesn't seem to be often I can say this about this particular plot line. This story by Holly Jacobs though is definitely one of them. This plot has a slight twist with the child thing and all being its an aunt who's not too sure about letting the father in on the scene. Holly handled things in a way that really worked for me. I liked it. And I can honestly say I sighed with relief several times while reading it when moments came up and the characters reactions didn't go off the deep end. Or maybe I should say, Holly didn't have the characters get all bitter and angry just to have the drama in the story as I see so many times. Not to say the characters didn't get upset but that they reacted in line with how they'd been portrayed previously. For instance, if they said the most important thing was the child, they stayed true to this in the end. Yeah, they felt hurt, or unready to face what was coming and yeah, that was brought to our attentions but in the end, the character chose to react in a way that truly conveyed their love for the child. Not their own selfish needs or desires. The fact that Holly showed us the hero and heroines desire not to follow through because they didn't want to chance getting hurt themselves but then had the characters go ahead and do it despite their fears was wonderful. And to me a real sign of what I'd call a hero. One willing to make the hard choice and not always look out for themselves. This was a first story for me with this author and I can't wait to read more.
Read
January 17, 2009Very entertaining read.
I loved the "realness" of the characters. I definitely have to get the other Once Upon books.
Michelle's nephew who she has raised since her sister's death announces one evening that he wants to find his father. Michelle has no idea who he is. Brandon finds some clues and locates one of the men who might be his father, Daniel. Of course Daniel is shocked but he knows for sure if he is the kid's father, he won't be an absentee dad like his was. So while they wait for the DNA test results, Daniel wants to get to know Bran. He remembers his mom fondly; she is the one who got him to follow his dream. However, Aunt Michelle isn't as thrilled that Bran didn't wait until he was 18 like she told him. She really feels threatened and doesn't handle change well. Michelle does want her nephew to be happy and she can tell that he really wants to get to know Daniel so she relunctantly agrees to all of them meeting up. As they get to know each other, attraction develops which throws Michelle for another loop. No way can she handle this without her 2 best friends and their advise.
I loved the "realness" of the characters. I definitely have to get the other Once Upon books.
Michelle's nephew who she has raised since her sister's death announces one evening that he wants to find his father. Michelle has no idea who he is. Brandon finds some clues and locates one of the men who might be his father, Daniel. Of course Daniel is shocked but he knows for sure if he is the kid's father, he won't be an absentee dad like his was. So while they wait for the DNA test results, Daniel wants to get to know Bran. He remembers his mom fondly; she is the one who got him to follow his dream. However, Aunt Michelle isn't as thrilled that Bran didn't wait until he was 18 like she told him. She really feels threatened and doesn't handle change well. Michelle does want her nephew to be happy and she can tell that he really wants to get to know Daniel so she relunctantly agrees to all of them meeting up. As they get to know each other, attraction develops which throws Michelle for another loop. No way can she handle this without her 2 best friends and their advise.
January 25, 2016
I really didn't like this book. I didn't like the way the sisters were played off each other and the heroine was usually portrayed in a negative light - uptight, worried, defensive. Even when something was shown as positive about Michelle and negative about Tara, that felt more forced than the other way. Brandon was too old sounding for his age (13) - he was all philosophical about parenting, and the whole "hockey is what I am meant to do" thing - and yet his situation was too young seeming. Why was the school an elementary with 7/8 graders? The whole Christmas fair was designed for kindergarteners not middle school aged kids. Daniel was too perfect - instantly interested in this boy and his aunt, had this perfect platonic friendship with the mom (except for the convenient one night slip-up) so that there was no icky "slept with my sister" junk, all domestic with food in a crock-pot. Nothing seemed very in-his-prime bachelor about him, more like he was a old man.
I generally like stories with children, but this wasn't a romance so much as it was a co-parenting negotiation. I just didn't see the spark between the couple at all.
I generally like stories with children, but this wasn't a romance so much as it was a co-parenting negotiation. I just didn't see the spark between the couple at all.
December 19, 2008
"Once Upon a Christmas" by Holly Jacobs
When her nephew announces he's going to find his father, Michelle Hamilton never deams the man's actually going to show up at her door. Daniel McLean has a legitimate claim if he is indeed Brandon's father and a paternity test will determine that. Danielle is thrilled to discover he might have a son, but Michelle's well ordered world may be turned upside down. I enjoy reading about unconditional love especially when children are involved.
Holly Jacobs brings genuine warmth and devotion through her characters and makes you want to be invited into their lives and watch them grow together as a family.
When her nephew announces he's going to find his father, Michelle Hamilton never deams the man's actually going to show up at her door. Daniel McLean has a legitimate claim if he is indeed Brandon's father and a paternity test will determine that. Danielle is thrilled to discover he might have a son, but Michelle's well ordered world may be turned upside down. I enjoy reading about unconditional love especially when children are involved.
Holly Jacobs brings genuine warmth and devotion through her characters and makes you want to be invited into their lives and watch them grow together as a family.
January 3, 2018
Christmas at its Very Best!
I so enjoyed "unwrapping" the Christmas that this story gifted. Holly does so well at giving us her gifts as a wonderfully creative wordsmith. I Loved this one and felt it spoke to me of dreams I need to revisit . The characters are endearing; the story and ending all that I wished for!
I so enjoyed "unwrapping" the Christmas that this story gifted. Holly does so well at giving us her gifts as a wonderfully creative wordsmith. I Loved this one and felt it spoke to me of dreams I need to revisit . The characters are endearing; the story and ending all that I wished for!
December 19, 2008
What a fabulous read! It's the second in the series and not to be missed. A very tidy heroine, a loveable hero, a great kid with a passion to find his father and a super dog called Choloe. Get thee to a bookstore and get this one quick!
February 22, 2009
Second in a trilogy. I loved the first one so expected I'd like this one. Nope. Not even a little. Everything felt forced and wrong and I disagreed with the heroine on practically everything. Bummer.
December 24, 2012
I love Holly Jacobs and her writing style. Romance and family drama are well done and the Erie setting is fun to read about. This is the second of the holiday series she wrote several years ago. Start with Once Upon a Thanksgiving. I'm saving Once Upon a Valentine's Day for closer to February!
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