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The Music Box
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2019 Advent Calendar collection Homemade for the Holidays.
It’s the eve of Alvin’s favorite holiday—the little-known St. Nick’s Day. His devoted boyfriend, woodworker Milo, has been planning for months to make it a day neither of them will forget, and their peaceful annual nighttime walk will pale in comparison to what Milo has secreted away in the basement.
It’s the eve of Alvin’s favorite holiday—the little-known St. Nick’s Day. His devoted boyfriend, woodworker Milo, has been planning for months to make it a day neither of them will forget, and their peaceful annual nighttime walk will pale in comparison to what Milo has secreted away in the basement.
20 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2019
1 person is currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Kassandra Lea
60 books19 followersI have my mom to thank for so much. First of all, she fostered a love of reading. According to her I've been reading since I could hold a book and I got my first library card at age 3. Growing up I used to read 100 books a year, but of course, that doesn't happen as often since there's writing to do and a day job.
Secondly, I have to thank her for always pushing me to keep chasing my dream of being an author. Who else am I going to bounce ideas off of, and she helps me when I get stuck. Suppose you could say she's my biggest fan.
When I'm not writing I enjoy time with my dog, tending my garden, baking sweet treats, walking through crunchy fall leaves and blankets of cold snow, playing video games, and reading! I've a fondness for horses and blankets (is it possible to own too many?)
And yes, some days I still wish I was Batman.
Secondly, I have to thank her for always pushing me to keep chasing my dream of being an author. Who else am I going to bounce ideas off of, and she helps me when I get stuck. Suppose you could say she's my biggest fan.
When I'm not writing I enjoy time with my dog, tending my garden, baking sweet treats, walking through crunchy fall leaves and blankets of cold snow, playing video games, and reading! I've a fondness for horses and blankets (is it possible to own too many?)
And yes, some days I still wish I was Batman.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 20, 2019
3.5 Stars
It’s the eve of Alvin’s favorite holiday—the little-known St. Nick’s Day. His devoted boyfriend, woodworker Milo, has been planning for months to make it a day neither of them will forget, and their peaceful annual nighttime walk will pale in comparison to what Milo has secreted away in the basement.
The Music Box is a refreshingly sweet story about an established couple and there just aren’t enough of those around. We’re dropped into a moment with Alvin and Milo and these two are really good with moments. The author did a great job of showing the relationship between the two through great dialog and references to their past and wishes for their future.
Milo has a special surprise hidden away for Alvin for St. Nick’s Day. St. Nick’s Day is their own special day where they have a some sweet homespun traditions and the two of them are incredibly sweet together. Like really, really sweet. Really sweet.
The story of the tree and Milo’s gift for Alvin are so very thoughrful and something every established couple wishes they could have in their lives, probably not super realistic, but I don’t read for realism, I want the thoughtful sugar and Milo and Alvin delivered.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
It’s the eve of Alvin’s favorite holiday—the little-known St. Nick’s Day. His devoted boyfriend, woodworker Milo, has been planning for months to make it a day neither of them will forget, and their peaceful annual nighttime walk will pale in comparison to what Milo has secreted away in the basement.
The Music Box is a refreshingly sweet story about an established couple and there just aren’t enough of those around. We’re dropped into a moment with Alvin and Milo and these two are really good with moments. The author did a great job of showing the relationship between the two through great dialog and references to their past and wishes for their future.
Milo has a special surprise hidden away for Alvin for St. Nick’s Day. St. Nick’s Day is their own special day where they have a some sweet homespun traditions and the two of them are incredibly sweet together. Like really, really sweet. Really sweet.
The story of the tree and Milo’s gift for Alvin are so very thoughrful and something every established couple wishes they could have in their lives, probably not super realistic, but I don’t read for realism, I want the thoughtful sugar and Milo and Alvin delivered.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
December 17, 2019
A bit too sweet, in my opinion. But I liked the way they celebrated St. Nicholas Day. A little something different.
December 10, 2021
I have always envied people, like my dad, who can create such beautiful things from wood. It, along with many others, is such a lost art and to discover that Milo learned at the hands of his own father, whom he then lost tragically, made a true impact in the reading of this story.
Alvin and Milo have been together for many years and it sounds as if it was love at first sight for both men. It has only been within the last couple of years that they were able to buy the home they wanted to build their future in and seeing the joy both men have in the smallest of things is a joy.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
Alvin and Milo have been together for many years and it sounds as if it was love at first sight for both men. It has only been within the last couple of years that they were able to buy the home they wanted to build their future in and seeing the joy both men have in the smallest of things is a joy.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
December 1, 2019
Very romantic, if not a bit cheesy, but it’s a Christmas story, so aren’t they all a little bit over the top? And very cute cover!
In this one, we have Milo and Alvin, an already established couple who through their own set of traditions are gearing up for St. Nick’s Day, which Is December 6th. Milo has something he’s made for Alvin that will mean a lot to him since it’s made from the wood of an old oak tree that they used to have in their yard, that sadly got taken out by a storm.
It’s a very sweet, kind of sappy, romantic read between these two and had the sweetest little ending that made the rest of it perfect. 4 stars from me.
In this one, we have Milo and Alvin, an already established couple who through their own set of traditions are gearing up for St. Nick’s Day, which Is December 6th. Milo has something he’s made for Alvin that will mean a lot to him since it’s made from the wood of an old oak tree that they used to have in their yard, that sadly got taken out by a storm.
It’s a very sweet, kind of sappy, romantic read between these two and had the sweetest little ending that made the rest of it perfect. 4 stars from me.
December 20, 2019
This book was so cheesy, sappy, and sweet it was like having a barrel of sugar dumped on me. I think my teeth are rotting from this. Cute, very short, making it a quick read. Loved the gift given at the end. Adorable.
December 24, 2019
This review and more can be found at Love Bytes Reviews
Alvin and Milo have been together for a number of years. They have a lovely home together and they have a history. They’ve been so happy and have weathered some difficult times. But above all, they have a strong love and happy relationship. As they prepare for their favorite holiday evening, we get to look back over their years and the beautiful memories they have. But Milo wants to make some new memories and he’s made a very special gift for Alvin – one that will take their relationship even further.
This is truly a beautiful and sweet story. I just loved the relationship between Milo and Alvin. Milo always wants to care for Alvin. The years of history that we get to witness in this gorgeous short story perfectly capture the love between these two and how deeply attuned they are. The gift is beautiful and meaningful as well. This kind of reminded me of an O. Henry story. Beautifully done! Enjoy 🙂
Alvin and Milo have been together for a number of years. They have a lovely home together and they have a history. They’ve been so happy and have weathered some difficult times. But above all, they have a strong love and happy relationship. As they prepare for their favorite holiday evening, we get to look back over their years and the beautiful memories they have. But Milo wants to make some new memories and he’s made a very special gift for Alvin – one that will take their relationship even further.
This is truly a beautiful and sweet story. I just loved the relationship between Milo and Alvin. Milo always wants to care for Alvin. The years of history that we get to witness in this gorgeous short story perfectly capture the love between these two and how deeply attuned they are. The gift is beautiful and meaningful as well. This kind of reminded me of an O. Henry story. Beautifully done! Enjoy 🙂
December 5, 2019
A bit sugary but leaves a warm fuzzy feelings.
December 18, 2019
I love the way the gifts reflect the love and caring each man has for the other. I love how tragedy is turned to triumph.
December 28, 2019
Fast, easy, sweet holiday story.
TAGS
-- Holiday/St. Nick's Day -- sugary sweet -- liked the MCs... Alvin & Milo -- not enough time to connect -- too short -- would have liked more -- less than 25 pages
January 25, 2020
Very short but also very sweet!
December 9, 2019
Uber sweet story about Alvin and Milo who've been together for several years. A tad schmaltzy but quite romantic Christmas tale about long lasting love and gift giving at Christmas.
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December 18, 2019review to follow
January 7, 2020
I loved how this one focused on an established couple; so much love and warm fuzzy feelz!
February 15, 2026
Super short and super sweet, the homemade element is perfect.
Alvin and Milo swap gifts on St Nicks Day - both thoughtful but Milo’s handmade box from their fallen tree is just the best!
Alvin and Milo swap gifts on St Nicks Day - both thoughtful but Milo’s handmade box from their fallen tree is just the best!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews