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One Christmas: An Anglesey Story
Who knew life could change so drastically from one heartbeat to the next. One second, you're full of wonderous joy, the next ...
The holidays are a festive time. For Tina and her family, Christmas is the most magical of all. The tastes, smells, laughter - even the complaints are a part of the traditions and vital to the memories. But one Christmas, tragedy struck and changed everything...
Will Tina be able to rediscover the magic, or has her joy been lost forever?
Share in the gifts of family and community in this emotional tale.
The holidays are a festive time. For Tina and her family, Christmas is the most magical of all. The tastes, smells, laughter - even the complaints are a part of the traditions and vital to the memories. But one Christmas, tragedy struck and changed everything...
Will Tina be able to rediscover the magic, or has her joy been lost forever?
Share in the gifts of family and community in this emotional tale.
54 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2022
2 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Karen J. Mossman
48 books207 followersKaren J. Mossman is an author with Norns Triad Publications. She is also:
* Proofreader
* Avid Reader
* Book Reviewer
* Book Blogger
* Promoter
* Graphic Artist
* Editor
She lives in Anglesey, a small island off north Wales with her husband and two dogs.
Find our more about her and her books here - https://nornstriad.com/authors/karen-...
* Proofreader
* Avid Reader
* Book Reviewer
* Book Blogger
* Promoter
* Graphic Artist
* Editor
She lives in Anglesey, a small island off north Wales with her husband and two dogs.
Find our more about her and her books here - https://nornstriad.com/authors/karen-...
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 19, 2018
A very short little story, that doesn't have to be read at Christmas, although it does increase its bittersweet appeal if you do. This is an author I've read and enjoyed before, and once again I appreciated her ability to write about the small things in life and make them seem important.
A normal family at Christmas, then tragedy strikes and the main point of the story is how the family come to terms and cope with the aftermath. Like I said, small things, but important and big things if they happen to you and your family, and I think that's why Ms Mossman's work is so relatable, precisely because she does write about the every day, the mundane and even the downright boring smallness of life, without it being every day, mundane or boring.
Her characters are three dimensional and believable, I felt they could be the family next door, my heart going out to them as I wanted to help and comfort them.
Overall, a realistic and heartwarming story to read any time of the year.
A normal family at Christmas, then tragedy strikes and the main point of the story is how the family come to terms and cope with the aftermath. Like I said, small things, but important and big things if they happen to you and your family, and I think that's why Ms Mossman's work is so relatable, precisely because she does write about the every day, the mundane and even the downright boring smallness of life, without it being every day, mundane or boring.
Her characters are three dimensional and believable, I felt they could be the family next door, my heart going out to them as I wanted to help and comfort them.
Overall, a realistic and heartwarming story to read any time of the year.
January 17, 2026
A Moving Holiday Tale
I read the original version of this book in December 2019 and enjoyed it (see review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...). Since then, Karen has developed the story into a fuller tale that runs you through a gamut of emotions, drawing laughter and tears. When she asked if I’d edit the manuscript, I was honored.
At this cold time of year, I am always thrilled by the warmth the holiday season brings. The magic is definitely captured in the lovely moments, traditions, and recollections of the protagonist, Tina, and her loved ones. Her descriptions and relationships are relatable because they’re so universal; most of us have felt the anticipation for presents and the afterglow of a much enjoyed family meal. The details just fill me with the delights of Christmas, even when tragedy looms.
The grief and coping aspects of the story are probably the most magical for me. I don’t want to spoil anything, but Karen does a wonderful job of sharing real pain. You know it’s a happily-ever-after (that’s Karen’s style), but how they get there is another layer of holiday joy that’s well written.
I recommend this for readers who enjoy shorter holiday tales, stories of support and comfort, sister fiction, family fiction, and just a good loving tale of kindness. I liked the original, but Karen’s rewrite of this amazing story blows it out of the water!
I read the original version of this book in December 2019 and enjoyed it (see review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...). Since then, Karen has developed the story into a fuller tale that runs you through a gamut of emotions, drawing laughter and tears. When she asked if I’d edit the manuscript, I was honored.
At this cold time of year, I am always thrilled by the warmth the holiday season brings. The magic is definitely captured in the lovely moments, traditions, and recollections of the protagonist, Tina, and her loved ones. Her descriptions and relationships are relatable because they’re so universal; most of us have felt the anticipation for presents and the afterglow of a much enjoyed family meal. The details just fill me with the delights of Christmas, even when tragedy looms.
The grief and coping aspects of the story are probably the most magical for me. I don’t want to spoil anything, but Karen does a wonderful job of sharing real pain. You know it’s a happily-ever-after (that’s Karen’s style), but how they get there is another layer of holiday joy that’s well written.
I recommend this for readers who enjoy shorter holiday tales, stories of support and comfort, sister fiction, family fiction, and just a good loving tale of kindness. I liked the original, but Karen’s rewrite of this amazing story blows it out of the water!
November 13, 2025
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and it was a bitter sweet book, because if we’re all honest we’ve all lost someone close to Christmas, and the moving on and making the new norm is hard. However, the story of Tina and her family losing their father on Christmas Eve, the year that follows, and them finding their feet again was true to real life. It pulls at the heartstrings, but the HEA is lovely.
Quote that hit me right in the heart - Love heals us, and even after loss, the joyous times grow special once more.
Quote that hit me right in the heart - Love heals us, and even after loss, the joyous times grow special once more.
April 6, 2018
Tina is a wonderful character and easy to relate to. Her story is superbly told in this wonderful and poignant story about a family coping with tragedy. Sad, humourous, uplifting, and filled with hope.
An emotional story, about ordinary people with normal lives, that’s easy to imagine being a part of.
Karen Mossman has an amazing talent for taking ‘everyday’ situations and turning them into relatable and interesting tales that are a joy to read.
An emotional story, about ordinary people with normal lives, that’s easy to imagine being a part of.
Karen Mossman has an amazing talent for taking ‘everyday’ situations and turning them into relatable and interesting tales that are a joy to read.
January 28, 2018
Very charming well-written story. Love the interplay between the two sisters. I'm from the US but spent Christmas in England once, so I wasn't thrown by the slang or customs!
January 12, 2018
Touching and almost frighteningly too honest, a tale of family, of emotions, of dread, hope and love.
This story is not just for Christmas.....
A very enjoyable read.
This story is not just for Christmas.....
A very enjoyable read.
January 1, 2023
One Christmas
by Karen J. Mossman
This is a sweet short story, showing the path of grief of a family. The holidays are a big part of many families. The traditions of a family are part of the season and occasion but part of the people involved. One of the difficulties of life is that life ends. When the family loses a key member it creates a whole not only in the day to day life of the family but the holidays. The traditions need to change. This story follows a family through this process. Not only showing grief realistically, but also is a heartfelt idea that hope is the link that brings the family through this difficult time.
I liked that the story was realistic. How a sudden death can affect a family. How one or more members need to buck up the other members through the funeral and recovery. I also like the idea that others give offers of help or advice that does not have to be followed even if appreciated.
I could see this used in the social workers book collection to help students deal with death, and changing family traditions. The holidays are a big and important part not only of family but society. This book can bring the children and social worker into the discussion without uncomfortable exposures.
by Karen J. Mossman
This is a sweet short story, showing the path of grief of a family. The holidays are a big part of many families. The traditions of a family are part of the season and occasion but part of the people involved. One of the difficulties of life is that life ends. When the family loses a key member it creates a whole not only in the day to day life of the family but the holidays. The traditions need to change. This story follows a family through this process. Not only showing grief realistically, but also is a heartfelt idea that hope is the link that brings the family through this difficult time.
I liked that the story was realistic. How a sudden death can affect a family. How one or more members need to buck up the other members through the funeral and recovery. I also like the idea that others give offers of help or advice that does not have to be followed even if appreciated.
I could see this used in the social workers book collection to help students deal with death, and changing family traditions. The holidays are a big and important part not only of family but society. This book can bring the children and social worker into the discussion without uncomfortable exposures.
December 13, 2022
A Great Holiday Story
This was a bit of a surprise. I had no idea what this story was going to be about.
We had a year when my husband and I lost both of his parents and then my mom all within 30 days! When the holidays came around, it was so hard to face without them. This story basically gave me all the feelings from that time. You continue to move and function but always with your loss wrapped around your heart.
I loved Tina's mom's toast. That is how I look at the holidays now, enjoying whose there each time we are lucky enough to get together.
Thank you, Karen J. Mossman, for bringing my feelings to words and helping me realize that we are all celebrating with just a smidgen of sadness for the ones who aren't there each year. I do love the memories, though!
I would recommend this short story to anyone who is struggling with finding the joy that Christmas is all about and to those who just love a good, heartwarming story.
This was a bit of a surprise. I had no idea what this story was going to be about.
We had a year when my husband and I lost both of his parents and then my mom all within 30 days! When the holidays came around, it was so hard to face without them. This story basically gave me all the feelings from that time. You continue to move and function but always with your loss wrapped around your heart.
I loved Tina's mom's toast. That is how I look at the holidays now, enjoying whose there each time we are lucky enough to get together.
Thank you, Karen J. Mossman, for bringing my feelings to words and helping me realize that we are all celebrating with just a smidgen of sadness for the ones who aren't there each year. I do love the memories, though!
I would recommend this short story to anyone who is struggling with finding the joy that Christmas is all about and to those who just love a good, heartwarming story.
December 14, 2022
I've read several books by Karen and she is a talented storyteller. This one does not disappoint. Having lost my husband on Christmas, I can relate to the heartache and grief that follows. The dreading for the next Holiday as that special person is no longer there to share it with you. Especially if you're a family that loves the traditions of Christmas.
Tina is a very likeable character and we share her struggles as she tries to help her family come back to some form of normalcy. But no matter how tragic life can get, it always moves on. And new surprises help pave the way for new traditions. If only you will let them.
This is a must read for people who love Christmas and family, and as a short story, it's easy to read during the busiest time of the year. I give it 5 stars.
Tina is a very likeable character and we share her struggles as she tries to help her family come back to some form of normalcy. But no matter how tragic life can get, it always moves on. And new surprises help pave the way for new traditions. If only you will let them.
This is a must read for people who love Christmas and family, and as a short story, it's easy to read during the busiest time of the year. I give it 5 stars.
January 5, 2023
This was the first book I’ve read by Karen J. Mossman and it will definitely not be my last! She did a great job telling a story that is full of both heartbreak and hope. I can definitely relate to how losing a loved one can make you dread the holidays but her characters really made sure to do things that could both help them through their difficult first holiday without their father and that helped them start to hope for the future. One of the things that I really enjoyed was the way the sisters and their mom really pulled together to help each other cope with their tragedy and the way that it made them stronger as a family. I had read the original version of this story and really feel like this one is more developed and answered some questions that were left unanswered in the original. All in all, One Christmas is an uplifting, sweet story to read.
December 7, 2020
Book Review
Basic Details:
Book Title: One Christmas
Subtitle:
Author: Karen J Mossman
Genre: Electric Eclectic
Part of a series? No
Order in series:
Best read after earlier books in series? N/A
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Overall score:
I scored this book 4/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
This is one of several books and stories I have read by this author. In ‘One Christmas’ the author tells us the story of not one, but two Christmasses. A story that is relatable to many people around the world. What happens to a family when their loved one dies around Christmas? How can you make Christmas a festive season again?
What I liked about the book:
The book is relatable and you know this can happen in real life too.
What I didn’t like about the book:
The bridge between the start and the end of the book could have been explored a little further. It felt like I turned around for a moment and missed something that happened.
My favourite bits in the book:
I loved the book in its entirety.
My least favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the book in its entirety.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
The author has written more books in this series and several other books and short stories.
What books could this be compared to and why?
I can’t think of other books to compare it to, although the style is recognisable for this author.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Yes
Adult Yes
If you like to read a story which is fiction but could really happen, this book may be the book for you.
Book Description by Author:
"My name is Tina and I want to tell you about what happened to us one Christmas. My story is sad and funny and ultimately the happy ending we all love."
Life is full of ups and downs and even when things are bad, there is always humour, because life is like that.
About the Author:
Karen J Mossman comes from a family of journalists with her grandfather and uncle having been newspaper editors. Further back a 2x grandfather wrote for his local paper and also published a book based on those articles. Karen is the only one to go into fiction.
Karen is also an avid blogger and book reviewer, "It's especially important to me to have feedback from my readers, so please leave a review when you have read one of my books."
Karen lives on the beautiful Isle of Anglesey off the North Wales coast with her husband and two dogs. She has two grown-up children, who were both born on the same day, two years apart.
Visit her website to find out more about her books with excerpts, readings, and image teasers.
karenjmossman.com
Basic Details:
Book Title: One Christmas
Subtitle:
Author: Karen J Mossman
Genre: Electric Eclectic
Part of a series? No
Order in series:
Best read after earlier books in series? N/A
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Overall score:
I scored this book 4/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
This is one of several books and stories I have read by this author. In ‘One Christmas’ the author tells us the story of not one, but two Christmasses. A story that is relatable to many people around the world. What happens to a family when their loved one dies around Christmas? How can you make Christmas a festive season again?
What I liked about the book:
The book is relatable and you know this can happen in real life too.
What I didn’t like about the book:
The bridge between the start and the end of the book could have been explored a little further. It felt like I turned around for a moment and missed something that happened.
My favourite bits in the book:
I loved the book in its entirety.
My least favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the book in its entirety.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
The author has written more books in this series and several other books and short stories.
What books could this be compared to and why?
I can’t think of other books to compare it to, although the style is recognisable for this author.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Yes
Adult Yes
If you like to read a story which is fiction but could really happen, this book may be the book for you.
Book Description by Author:
"My name is Tina and I want to tell you about what happened to us one Christmas. My story is sad and funny and ultimately the happy ending we all love."
Life is full of ups and downs and even when things are bad, there is always humour, because life is like that.
About the Author:
Karen J Mossman comes from a family of journalists with her grandfather and uncle having been newspaper editors. Further back a 2x grandfather wrote for his local paper and also published a book based on those articles. Karen is the only one to go into fiction.
Karen is also an avid blogger and book reviewer, "It's especially important to me to have feedback from my readers, so please leave a review when you have read one of my books."
Karen lives on the beautiful Isle of Anglesey off the North Wales coast with her husband and two dogs. She has two grown-up children, who were both born on the same day, two years apart.
Visit her website to find out more about her books with excerpts, readings, and image teasers.
karenjmossman.com
December 14, 2022
One Christmas
by Karen J. Mossman
This is a sweet short story, showing the path of grief of a family. The holidays are a big part of many families. The traditions of a family are part of the season and occasion but part of the people involved. One of the difficulties of life is that life ends. When the family loses a key member it creates a whole not only in the day to day life of the family but the holidays. The traditions need to change. This story follows a family through this process. Not only showing grief realistically, but also is a heartfelt idea that hope is the link that brings the family through this difficult time.
I liked that the story was realistic. How a sudden death can affect a family. How one or more members need to buck up the other members through the funeral and recovery. I also like the idea that others give offers of help or advice that does not have to be followed even if appreciated.
I could see this used in the social workers book collection to help students deal with death, and changing family traditions. The holidays are a big and important part not only of family but society. This book can bring the children and social worker into the discussion without uncomfortable exposures.
by Karen J. Mossman
This is a sweet short story, showing the path of grief of a family. The holidays are a big part of many families. The traditions of a family are part of the season and occasion but part of the people involved. One of the difficulties of life is that life ends. When the family loses a key member it creates a whole not only in the day to day life of the family but the holidays. The traditions need to change. This story follows a family through this process. Not only showing grief realistically, but also is a heartfelt idea that hope is the link that brings the family through this difficult time.
I liked that the story was realistic. How a sudden death can affect a family. How one or more members need to buck up the other members through the funeral and recovery. I also like the idea that others give offers of help or advice that does not have to be followed even if appreciated.
I could see this used in the social workers book collection to help students deal with death, and changing family traditions. The holidays are a big and important part not only of family but society. This book can bring the children and social worker into the discussion without uncomfortable exposures.
December 30, 2019
Cute Quick Holiday Read
I wasn't sure what to expect from this flash fiction, especially since I don't usually read short stories. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised. It was a sweet tale with love, loss, and promise. I definitely recommend it for those who want a quick read with emotion.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this flash fiction, especially since I don't usually read short stories. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised. It was a sweet tale with love, loss, and promise. I definitely recommend it for those who want a quick read with emotion.
January 27, 2020
A sad little seasonal read
A heart wrenching read that will quite possibly bring a tear to your eye.
But support from family and friends can help ease the pain. A very short little tale worth checking out.
A heart wrenching read that will quite possibly bring a tear to your eye.
But support from family and friends can help ease the pain. A very short little tale worth checking out.
March 28, 2020
Sweet - both sad and joyful - short story around the Christmas holidays. The characters are lovely and their relationships with each other are realistically and amusingly portrayed. Their troubles feel real as do their triumphs, making the story poignant.
November 12, 2025
Losing someone you love at any time of the year is devastating, but at Christmas time, it's harder. I loved how the author dealt with the subject with sensitivity, drawing the readers in to the story. It was only a short story, but gave you all the feels. The ending was especially poignant and shows that is is possible to move forward with your life after having experienced loss.
Perfect quick read.
Perfect quick read.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews