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Sleigh Bells
No one captures the Christmas spirit like beloved New York Times bestselling author Fern Michaels . . .
Ever since Angie Bradford took over her mother’s gift wrap business in the Eagle Department Store, she and handsome store manager Josh Eagle have been at odds. When Josh threatens to give up on the business and move to London, and a devastating storm may destroy their Christmas season, Angie never expects help to come in the form of a holiday miracle . . .
Previously published under the title Comfort and Joy
Ever since Angie Bradford took over her mother’s gift wrap business in the Eagle Department Store, she and handsome store manager Josh Eagle have been at odds. When Josh threatens to give up on the business and move to London, and a devastating storm may destroy their Christmas season, Angie never expects help to come in the form of a holiday miracle . . .
Previously published under the title Comfort and Joy
75 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2020
570 people are currently reading
1566 people want to read
About the author
Fern Michaels
427 books6,554 followersFern Michaels isn’t a person. I’m not sure she’s an entity either since an entity is something with separate existence. Fern Michaels® is what I DO. Me, Mary Ruth Kuczkir. Growing up in Hastings, Pennsylvania, I was called Ruth. I became Mary when I entered the business world where first names were the order of the day. To this day, family and friends call me Dink, a name my father gave me when I was born because according to him I was ‘a dinky little thing’ weighing in at four and a half pounds. However, I answer to Fern since people are more comfortable with a name they can pronounce.
As they say, the past is prologue. I grew up, got a job, got married, had five kids. When my youngest went off to Kindergarten, my husband told me to get off my ass and get a job. Those were his exact words. I didn’t know how to do anything except be a wife and mother. I was also a voracious reader having cut my teeth on The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Cherry Ames and the like. The library was a magical place for me. It still is to this day. Rather than face the outside world with no skills, I decided to write a book. For some reason that didn’t intimidate me. As my husband said at the time, stupid is as stupid does. Guess what, I don’t have that husband any more. Guess what else! I wrote 99 books, most of them New York Times Best Sellers.
Moving right along here . . . Several years ago I left Ballantine Books, parted company with my agent, sold my house in New Jersey that I had lived in all my married life and in 1993 moved to South Carolina. I figured if I was going to go through trauma let it be all at one time. It was a breeze. The kids were all on their own at that point. The dump was a 300 year old plantation house that is listed in the National Registry that I remodeled. Today it is beyond belief as are the gardens and the equally old Angel Oaks that drip Spanish moss. Unfortunately, I could not get my ghost to relocate. This ghost has been documented by previous owners. Mary Margaret as we call her, is “a friendly”. She is also mischievous. It took me two weeks to figure out that she didn’t like my coffee cups. They would slide off the table or counter or else they’d break in the dishwasher. I bought red checkered ones. All are intact as of this writing. She moves pillows from one room to the other and she stops all the clocks in the house at 9:10 in the a.m. at least once a week. When the Azaleas are in bloom, and only then, I find blooms on my night stand. I have this glorious front porch and during the warm months I see my swing moving early in the morning when the air is still and again late in the day. She doesn’t spook the dogs. I always know when she’s around because the five of them line up and look like they’re at a tennis match. As of this writing we’re co-habiting nicely.
Most writers love what they do and I’m no exception. I love it when I get a germ of an idea and get it down on paper. I love breathing life into my characters. I love writing about women who persevere and prevail because that’s what I had to do to get to this point in time. It’s another way of saying it doesn’t matter where you’ve been, what matters is where you’re going and how you get there. The day I finally prevailed was the day I was inducted into the New Jersey Literary Hall of Fame. For me it was an awesome day and there are no words to describe it.
I’ve been telling stories and scribbling for 37 years. I hope I can continue for another 37 years. It wasn’t easy during some of those years. As I said, I had to persevere. My old Polish grandmother said something to me when I was little that I never forgot. She said when God is good to you, you have to give back. For a while I didn’t know how to do that. When I finally figured it out I set up The Fern Michaels® Foundation.
READ FERN MICHAELS' FULL BIOGRAPHY HERE: http://www.fernmichaels.com/biography/
As they say, the past is prologue. I grew up, got a job, got married, had five kids. When my youngest went off to Kindergarten, my husband told me to get off my ass and get a job. Those were his exact words. I didn’t know how to do anything except be a wife and mother. I was also a voracious reader having cut my teeth on The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Cherry Ames and the like. The library was a magical place for me. It still is to this day. Rather than face the outside world with no skills, I decided to write a book. For some reason that didn’t intimidate me. As my husband said at the time, stupid is as stupid does. Guess what, I don’t have that husband any more. Guess what else! I wrote 99 books, most of them New York Times Best Sellers.
Moving right along here . . . Several years ago I left Ballantine Books, parted company with my agent, sold my house in New Jersey that I had lived in all my married life and in 1993 moved to South Carolina. I figured if I was going to go through trauma let it be all at one time. It was a breeze. The kids were all on their own at that point. The dump was a 300 year old plantation house that is listed in the National Registry that I remodeled. Today it is beyond belief as are the gardens and the equally old Angel Oaks that drip Spanish moss. Unfortunately, I could not get my ghost to relocate. This ghost has been documented by previous owners. Mary Margaret as we call her, is “a friendly”. She is also mischievous. It took me two weeks to figure out that she didn’t like my coffee cups. They would slide off the table or counter or else they’d break in the dishwasher. I bought red checkered ones. All are intact as of this writing. She moves pillows from one room to the other and she stops all the clocks in the house at 9:10 in the a.m. at least once a week. When the Azaleas are in bloom, and only then, I find blooms on my night stand. I have this glorious front porch and during the warm months I see my swing moving early in the morning when the air is still and again late in the day. She doesn’t spook the dogs. I always know when she’s around because the five of them line up and look like they’re at a tennis match. As of this writing we’re co-habiting nicely.
Most writers love what they do and I’m no exception. I love it when I get a germ of an idea and get it down on paper. I love breathing life into my characters. I love writing about women who persevere and prevail because that’s what I had to do to get to this point in time. It’s another way of saying it doesn’t matter where you’ve been, what matters is where you’re going and how you get there. The day I finally prevailed was the day I was inducted into the New Jersey Literary Hall of Fame. For me it was an awesome day and there are no words to describe it.
I’ve been telling stories and scribbling for 37 years. I hope I can continue for another 37 years. It wasn’t easy during some of those years. As I said, I had to persevere. My old Polish grandmother said something to me when I was little that I never forgot. She said when God is good to you, you have to give back. For a while I didn’t know how to do that. When I finally figured it out I set up The Fern Michaels® Foundation.
READ FERN MICHAELS' FULL BIOGRAPHY HERE: http://www.fernmichaels.com/biography/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 18, 2021
4.5 Stars
October 28, 2020
A sweet Christmas story that explores the giving spirit of the holiday. A short read that is heartwarming , and filled with family, friendship, and romance.
I received this Ebook from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
I received this Ebook from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2020
I won the Kindle edition of this book in a Goodreads giveaway, and I thank the author and publisher for the opportunity to read and review this heartwarming story.
Fern Michaels is an author that I have followed for a long time. As a Christmas lover all through the year, I especially wait for the holiday stories.
In this book, which would be a great read any time of the year, but even more so on a snowy winter day, the main characters include a father-son and a mother-daughter who all end up working at the same store.
The father owns the store, but had turned over the actual day-to-day running of the place to his son. The mother worked in the gift wrapping department until she had to undergo surgery, at which time she turned the department over to her daughter.
Of course, there is some friction between all of them. A holiday miracle is needed, and with Fern Michaels, you can be sure one will be coming.
Fern Michaels is an author that I have followed for a long time. As a Christmas lover all through the year, I especially wait for the holiday stories.
In this book, which would be a great read any time of the year, but even more so on a snowy winter day, the main characters include a father-son and a mother-daughter who all end up working at the same store.
The father owns the store, but had turned over the actual day-to-day running of the place to his son. The mother worked in the gift wrapping department until she had to undergo surgery, at which time she turned the department over to her daughter.
Of course, there is some friction between all of them. A holiday miracle is needed, and with Fern Michaels, you can be sure one will be coming.
December 18, 2020
This was not my first Fern Michaels book. I enjoy her books and tend to look for her holiday ones.
Josh is the manager of Eagles Department Store in the mall, a store that was his father’s. Angie took over the gift wrap shop that is her mother’s store as Eva recovers from surgery. The story is sweet and not a reality based one. I don’t mind this but, I know, for some, it matters how close it comes to reality. It is also a quick read which is why I’m not going much into plot. This is the kind of story I like to read after a busy day. It relaxes me and puts me in my Christmas spirit.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. My rating and review are based on my enjoyment of the book.
Josh is the manager of Eagles Department Store in the mall, a store that was his father’s. Angie took over the gift wrap shop that is her mother’s store as Eva recovers from surgery. The story is sweet and not a reality based one. I don’t mind this but, I know, for some, it matters how close it comes to reality. It is also a quick read which is why I’m not going much into plot. This is the kind of story I like to read after a busy day. It relaxes me and puts me in my Christmas spirit.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. My rating and review are based on my enjoyment of the book.
November 2, 2020
Such a great, heartfelt Christmas story!...I wouldn't mind it getting turned into a Hallmark Channel movie!...REALLY happy I won this as an ebook!...got me even more into the Christmas spirit this year...needed that more than ever!
December 27, 2022
It probably doesn't deserve an actual 3, but it's your typical enemies to lovers hallmark story. It was quick to read and there are cool moments but most of the story seems under-researched. Retail doesn't operate like that. People who have had hip replacements don't move like that!
November 18, 2020
A short Christmas Story
I’m usually a fan of books by Fern Michaels, but this one felt too rushed and too unbelievable. I received this book for free from a drawing on Goodreads and in my honest opinion I could only give it three stars. There are four main characters: a mother and her adult daughter and a father and his adult son. The father owned a store but he had turned the control of the store to his son, but because he didn’t approve any of the changes the son wanted to make the store was failing; meanwhile the daughter had taken over the gift wrapping department for her mom who had her hip replaced. Suffice it to say, the kids were talked into working together by their parent, and both “couples” fall in love and the store is saved in just three months. Every problem is solved too quickly, they all fall in love too quickly. It just was not a story which held my interest.
I’m usually a fan of books by Fern Michaels, but this one felt too rushed and too unbelievable. I received this book for free from a drawing on Goodreads and in my honest opinion I could only give it three stars. There are four main characters: a mother and her adult daughter and a father and his adult son. The father owned a store but he had turned the control of the store to his son, but because he didn’t approve any of the changes the son wanted to make the store was failing; meanwhile the daughter had taken over the gift wrapping department for her mom who had her hip replaced. Suffice it to say, the kids were talked into working together by their parent, and both “couples” fall in love and the store is saved in just three months. Every problem is solved too quickly, they all fall in love too quickly. It just was not a story which held my interest.
December 18, 2021
"Sleigh Bells" - it's more Beauty and the Beast/Grinch at the start.
Angie's mother was given a lifetime interest in the Eagle Department Store gift wrap department by Angus Eagle. Ever since Angie took over running it five years ago there's been a long running series of legal battles with the new store owner, Angus's son John Eagle.
Mother and daughter, father and son - two love affairs in the making.
After a couple of chapters I found it so tightly plotted that it was bugging the hell out of me - there's absolutely no freedom in the story, everything is linear.
I was close to giving up - then Angie and John get drunk together. It may be only a temporary reprieve but at least they jumped outside the tracks once.
It was a temporary thing - I gave up one third of the way through
The book had a lot going for it but the tight control Fern Michaels exerted over the movement of the plot eventually wore me down.
2 Stars.
Angie's mother was given a lifetime interest in the Eagle Department Store gift wrap department by Angus Eagle. Ever since Angie took over running it five years ago there's been a long running series of legal battles with the new store owner, Angus's son John Eagle.
Mother and daughter, father and son - two love affairs in the making.
After a couple of chapters I found it so tightly plotted that it was bugging the hell out of me - there's absolutely no freedom in the story, everything is linear.
I was close to giving up - then Angie and John get drunk together. It may be only a temporary reprieve but at least they jumped outside the tracks once.
It was a temporary thing - I gave up one third of the way through
The book had a lot going for it but the tight control Fern Michaels exerted over the movement of the plot eventually wore me down.
2 Stars.
October 19, 2020
Short but very sweet
Everyone needs to read a book about the miracles of Christmas to distract us from the tough year we have had. I thoroughly loved this short, sweet and somewhat improbable book from beginning to end.
Thank you to the author and publisher for gifting me with this book that I received through Goodreads giveaway.
Everyone needs to read a book about the miracles of Christmas to distract us from the tough year we have had. I thoroughly loved this short, sweet and somewhat improbable book from beginning to end.
Thank you to the author and publisher for gifting me with this book that I received through Goodreads giveaway.
December 22, 2021
short but still a waste of time
I won this ebook from a Goodreads giveaway. I saved it to have a Christmas book to read during the holidays but there’s not much about it that is “Christmasy”. Shallow, predictable plot. Repetitive and full of lame puns and overused sayings. Leans too much on stereotypes.
I won this ebook from a Goodreads giveaway. I saved it to have a Christmas book to read during the holidays but there’s not much about it that is “Christmasy”. Shallow, predictable plot. Repetitive and full of lame puns and overused sayings. Leans too much on stereotypes.
October 23, 2020
Christmas Stories Are So Heartwarming
Fern Michaels feeds the heart and soul with her Christmas stories!!! The Bradfords and the Eagles work together to create a true Christmas miracle! A Must Reaf
Fern Michaels feeds the heart and soul with her Christmas stories!!! The Bradfords and the Eagles work together to create a true Christmas miracle! A Must Reaf
October 25, 2020
Cute Christmas story
I won this ebook on goodreads. It was a cute Christmas story and a very fast read as it was only 90 pages. I definitely do not this it was Michaels best book but cute nonetheless.
I won this ebook on goodreads. It was a cute Christmas story and a very fast read as it was only 90 pages. I definitely do not this it was Michaels best book but cute nonetheless.
November 19, 2020
Great Author.
Always enjoy Feb Michael's Christmas books. Cannot wait for them to hit the book stores and tablets. Lots of love and fun in this book. We need that right now. Would highly recommend that people read this book.
Always enjoy Feb Michael's Christmas books. Cannot wait for them to hit the book stores and tablets. Lots of love and fun in this book. We need that right now. Would highly recommend that people read this book.
Read
December 13, 2020Wonderful.Xmas story!.
A great love and family story. A quick read. It is Xmas and you never want the season.towns. and no mater your age you want to go out a floor for a current lover!
A great love and family story. A quick read. It is Xmas and you never want the season.towns. and no mater your age you want to go out a floor for a current lover!
December 5, 2021
Cute short story
It was a fun little Christmas story. I did find it a little confusing when switching to different people. There were no breaks in the paragraphs and I found I had to keep going back and rereading parts of the story to catch up.
It was a fun little Christmas story. I did find it a little confusing when switching to different people. There were no breaks in the paragraphs and I found I had to keep going back and rereading parts of the story to catch up.
December 26, 2021
Awful
This book was staggeringly bad. It seems like it was written in the mid-1980s based on the stereotyping and stale ideas about relationships. The writing was also painful. Mercifully, it was very short.
This book was staggeringly bad. It seems like it was written in the mid-1980s based on the stereotyping and stale ideas about relationships. The writing was also painful. Mercifully, it was very short.
December 31, 2021
A SHORT, SWEET STORY THAT IS QUICK AND EASY TO READ, ESPECIALLY DURING THE HOLIDAYS. IT SHOWS WHAT THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS IS, GIVING TO OTHERS, FAMILY AND OF COURSE ROMANCE. MY THANKS TO THE AUTHOR!
January 3, 2022
Great Hoilday Story
This was a story about a failing business and two people that have to try to get along because they pretty much work together. Once they start putting their heads together they figure out more then just how to save the store.
This was a story about a failing business and two people that have to try to get along because they pretty much work together. Once they start putting their heads together they figure out more then just how to save the store.
January 21, 2022
Sleigh Bells
Another great book by Fern Michaels on how people willing pull together to make Christmas something for everyone to enjoy. This was an amazing book and very well written. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
Another great book by Fern Michaels on how people willing pull together to make Christmas something for everyone to enjoy. This was an amazing book and very well written. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
October 20, 2020
I read this book under Comfort and Joy and loved it then. Any book of Fern Michaels is wonderful and I especially love any of her Christmas books. They always bring that Christmas spirit to you.
November 6, 2020
What a great holiday story
This was a great Christmas story! I enjoyed how people and together for the holidays. What seemed mission impossible was turned around!
This was a great Christmas story! I enjoyed how people and together for the holidays. What seemed mission impossible was turned around!
November 9, 2020
Quick and Cute!
November 14, 2020
I love Fern Michaels! This is a lovely Christmas story with lots of character. I enjoyed the plot line and had fun reading it!
November 15, 2020
Really enjoyed this book. Parents and children working together. Great read for the holidays.
November 23, 2020
This was a short, sweet Christmas read. We all need a little boost this year and a reminder that miracles do happen and people are basically caring and generous.
December 21, 2020
Cute but very predictable!
Book was a much needed distraction, but easily knew how it would end in the first chapter - no surprises.
Book was a much needed distraction, but easily knew how it would end in the first chapter - no surprises.
January 9, 2021
Quick read to get me started on the new year. Interesting premise, not much depth.
March 30, 2021
Great book
November 6, 2021
Beautiful written Christmas story funny, love, the spirt of Christmas, Josh Eagle and Angie Bradford.
November 17, 2021
So bad. So very bad.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews