What do you think?
Rate this book
Father Christmas #1
Finding Father Christmas
Bestselling author Robin Jones Gunn brings readers a poignant Christmas novella about a woman, desperate for a place to belong, who finds herself in London a few days before Christmas, looking for the father she never knew.
In FINDING FATHER CHRISTMAS, Miranda Carson's search for her father takes a turn she never expected when she finds herself in London with only a few feeble clues to who he might be. Unexpectedly welcomed into a family that doesn't recognize her, and whom she's quickly coming to love, she faces a terrible decision. Should she reveal her true identity and destroy their idyllic image of her father? Or should she carry the truth home with her to San Francisco and remain alone in this world? Whatever choice she makes during this London Christmas will forever change the future for both herself and the family she can't bear to leave.
Robin Jones Gunn brilliantly combines lyrical writing and unforgettable characters to craft a story of longing and belonging that will stay with readers long after they close the pages of this book.
In FINDING FATHER CHRISTMAS, Miranda Carson's search for her father takes a turn she never expected when she finds herself in London with only a few feeble clues to who he might be. Unexpectedly welcomed into a family that doesn't recognize her, and whom she's quickly coming to love, she faces a terrible decision. Should she reveal her true identity and destroy their idyllic image of her father? Or should she carry the truth home with her to San Francisco and remain alone in this world? Whatever choice she makes during this London Christmas will forever change the future for both herself and the family she can't bear to leave.
Robin Jones Gunn brilliantly combines lyrical writing and unforgettable characters to craft a story of longing and belonging that will stay with readers long after they close the pages of this book.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
86 people are currently reading
2356 people want to read
About the author
Robin Jones Gunn
163 books2,642 followersROBIN JONES GUNN has written more than 100 books with over 6.5 million copies sold worldwide. Her Father Christmas books have been made into three Hallmark Christmas movies. The timeless Christy Miller series now continues in Christy & Todd: The College Years, Married Years, Baby Years, and the Haven Maker series. Robin's novels and non-fiction works include Before Your Tween Daughter Becomes a Woman, Victim of Grace, Praying for Your Future Husband, and Before You Meet Your Future Husband co-authored with Tricia Goyer. Her books have received multiple awards and are a favorite with book clubs and study groups. Many of Robin's books are in eBook, audiobook, large print, and foreign editions. Robin does a weekly Podcast called "Women Worth Knowing" with Cheryl Brodersen. Robin and her husband have a grown son and daughter and live in California.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
December 25, 2021
Miranda ist 29 Jahre alt, als sie beschließt, sich endlich auf die Suche nach ihrem Vater zu machen. Sie kennt ihn nicht und hat nur ein altes Foto und einen Namen. Ihre Suche führt sie nach England, wo sie zwei sehr nette Familien kennenlernt, die sie herzlich bei sich aufnehmen. Auch das Weihnachtsfest verbringt sie dort und kommt dem Geheimnis um ihren Vater immer näher…
* Meine Meinung *
Eine wunderschöne und sehr gefühlvolle Weihnachtsgeschichte, die wirklich ans Herz geht und es schafft, den Leser zu berühren.
Man spürt regelrecht die Wärme und Herzlichkeit, die dieses Buch ausstrahlt.
Zugegeben, die Geschichte ist eigentlich sehr einfach und noch dazu unglaubwürdig, aber es ist Weihnachten – die Zeit, in der Wunder wahr werden können!
Diese Botschaft konnte mir das Buch gut vermitteln, und ich habe es wirklich sehr gerne gelesen!
* Meine Meinung *
Eine wunderschöne und sehr gefühlvolle Weihnachtsgeschichte, die wirklich ans Herz geht und es schafft, den Leser zu berühren.
Man spürt regelrecht die Wärme und Herzlichkeit, die dieses Buch ausstrahlt.
Zugegeben, die Geschichte ist eigentlich sehr einfach und noch dazu unglaubwürdig, aber es ist Weihnachten – die Zeit, in der Wunder wahr werden können!
Diese Botschaft konnte mir das Buch gut vermitteln, und ich habe es wirklich sehr gerne gelesen!
November 21, 2016
About this book:
“Miranda Carson's search for her father takes a turn she never expected when she finds herself in London with only a few feeble clues to who he might be. Unexpectedly welcomed into a family that doesn't recognize her, and whom she's quickly coming to love, she faces a terrible decision.
Should she reveal her true identity and destroy their idyllic image of her father? Or should she carry the truth home with her to San Francisco and remain alone in this world? Whatever choice she makes during this London Christmas will forever change the future for both herself and the family she can't bear to leave.
Robin Jones Gunn brilliantly combines lyrical writing and unforgettable characters to craft a story of longing and belonging that will stay with readers long after they close the pages of this book.”
Series: Book #1 in the “Father Christmas” series.
Spiritual Content- Set during Christmas; A Christmas Church service & poem; Prayers; Remembering being witnessed to; Talks about God, peace, believing, & sin; ‘H’s are not capital when referring to God; Miranda isn’t so sure about God, *Spoiler* *End of Spoiler*; Mentions of God, peace & believing; Mentions of those (& stain glasses of them) in the Bible; Mentions of churches/chapels, going, services, carols, & stained glass; Mentions of faiths & Christianity; Mention of a nativity set; Mentions of prayers & blessings over food; A couple mentions of blessings;
*Note: Miranda was semi-raised in earthly rituals, journeys to enlightenment, auras & shrines (but then her “aunt” spurned it all and came to Christ); Miranda tells God to prove to her she’s not a “fluke of evolution” (she doesn’t mean it as being rude, but wanting Him to prove it); Many mentions of Father Christmas/Santa Claus; A mention of the Easter Bunny.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘buzz off’; Mentions of deaths & injuries (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a separation; Mentions of lies & deceit; A few mentions of blood (barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of a possibly spiked punch; A couple mentions of World War II & a death.
Sexual Content- A bit of noticing; Miranda doesn’t know who her father is & is on the hunt to find him *Spoiler**End of Spoiler*; A couple mentions of married couples kissing; A couple mentions that it takes a father & mother for a child to be born.
-Miranda Carson, age 29
1st person P.O.V. of Miranda
160 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
I know, I know, if you’re anything like my mom, Christmas anything can’t happen until after Thanksgiving, but in my defense Hallmark has already started up their new Christmas movies! Plus this book and its sequel was recently made into a movie via that channel! I, of course, enjoyed the books better, but the movie was cute. ;)
I really enjoyed this super sweet Christmas read. This little novella had a wonderful amount of Spiritual Content & that ending has me really looking forward to reviewing the sequel! Another great read by Robin Jones Gunn. :)
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author
“Miranda Carson's search for her father takes a turn she never expected when she finds herself in London with only a few feeble clues to who he might be. Unexpectedly welcomed into a family that doesn't recognize her, and whom she's quickly coming to love, she faces a terrible decision.
Should she reveal her true identity and destroy their idyllic image of her father? Or should she carry the truth home with her to San Francisco and remain alone in this world? Whatever choice she makes during this London Christmas will forever change the future for both herself and the family she can't bear to leave.
Robin Jones Gunn brilliantly combines lyrical writing and unforgettable characters to craft a story of longing and belonging that will stay with readers long after they close the pages of this book.”
Series: Book #1 in the “Father Christmas” series.
Spiritual Content- Set during Christmas; A Christmas Church service & poem; Prayers; Remembering being witnessed to; Talks about God, peace, believing, & sin; ‘H’s are not capital when referring to God; Miranda isn’t so sure about God, *Spoiler* *End of Spoiler*; Mentions of God, peace & believing; Mentions of those (& stain glasses of them) in the Bible; Mentions of churches/chapels, going, services, carols, & stained glass; Mentions of faiths & Christianity; Mention of a nativity set; Mentions of prayers & blessings over food; A couple mentions of blessings;
*Note: Miranda was semi-raised in earthly rituals, journeys to enlightenment, auras & shrines (but then her “aunt” spurned it all and came to Christ); Miranda tells God to prove to her she’s not a “fluke of evolution” (she doesn’t mean it as being rude, but wanting Him to prove it); Many mentions of Father Christmas/Santa Claus; A mention of the Easter Bunny.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘buzz off’; Mentions of deaths & injuries (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a separation; Mentions of lies & deceit; A few mentions of blood (barely-above-not-detailed); A few mentions of a possibly spiked punch; A couple mentions of World War II & a death.
Sexual Content- A bit of noticing; Miranda doesn’t know who her father is & is on the hunt to find him *Spoiler**End of Spoiler*; A couple mentions of married couples kissing; A couple mentions that it takes a father & mother for a child to be born.
-Miranda Carson, age 29
1st person P.O.V. of Miranda
160 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
I know, I know, if you’re anything like my mom, Christmas anything can’t happen until after Thanksgiving, but in my defense Hallmark has already started up their new Christmas movies! Plus this book and its sequel was recently made into a movie via that channel! I, of course, enjoyed the books better, but the movie was cute. ;)
I really enjoyed this super sweet Christmas read. This little novella had a wonderful amount of Spiritual Content & that ending has me really looking forward to reviewing the sequel! Another great read by Robin Jones Gunn. :)
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author
December 15, 2023
Hallmark did a movie based on this book (with one of my favorite Hallmark actors, Niall Matter). The movie didn’t include the religious parts of the book. Readers of Christian fiction would probably give this book a higher rating than I will.
December 8, 2019
3.5 stars Very enjoyable-liked it much better than the Hallmark movie!
December 8, 2016
Finding Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn is an absolutely charming contemporary read. I loved the way dialogue from other novels - such as Narnia, The Tempest and A Christmas Carol - was incorporated into the story. The whole tale was warm and welcoming and I felt the arms of the story reach out and cocoon me.
The novel has the theme of searching. Not just physically searching but spiritually searching, and this was a dual search - as Miranda was searching for something or someone, so God was searching for her. The reader is reminded that we are all created for relationship with the Father. God longs for each and every one of us to come to Him.
Miranda was also looking for the truth. Who she was and where she came from had been kept a secret from her. Miranda wanted to know her roots and she wanted to be told the truth.
There is a fine line drawn between make believe and deceit in the story. As an actress, Miranda's mother often blurred the lines. Miranda wants to separate the fact from the fiction.
The novel showed the isolation one can feel as I read "I felt most nostalgically at home whenever I was in a hotel room." I found that to be a very sad and lonely sentence for anyone to utter.
In complete contrast, I 'felt' a warmth and hospitality pervading the whole book. The characters were all welcoming, reminding the reader that this is how the body of Christ should function. No one is ever left out.
I absolutely adored Finding Father Christmas. It was not what I was expecting when I picked it up - it was so much more than just a 'nice' story. It was about knowing the heart of God and responding.
I am now moving on to the next book Engaging Father Christmas and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
You can buy the books singularly or in a two for one book.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
The novel has the theme of searching. Not just physically searching but spiritually searching, and this was a dual search - as Miranda was searching for something or someone, so God was searching for her. The reader is reminded that we are all created for relationship with the Father. God longs for each and every one of us to come to Him.
Miranda was also looking for the truth. Who she was and where she came from had been kept a secret from her. Miranda wanted to know her roots and she wanted to be told the truth.
There is a fine line drawn between make believe and deceit in the story. As an actress, Miranda's mother often blurred the lines. Miranda wants to separate the fact from the fiction.
The novel showed the isolation one can feel as I read "I felt most nostalgically at home whenever I was in a hotel room." I found that to be a very sad and lonely sentence for anyone to utter.
In complete contrast, I 'felt' a warmth and hospitality pervading the whole book. The characters were all welcoming, reminding the reader that this is how the body of Christ should function. No one is ever left out.
I absolutely adored Finding Father Christmas. It was not what I was expecting when I picked it up - it was so much more than just a 'nice' story. It was about knowing the heart of God and responding.
I am now moving on to the next book Engaging Father Christmas and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
You can buy the books singularly or in a two for one book.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
December 10, 2018
Wow! I just loved this!
1/2 star marked off for a few things i disliked.
4.5 stars.
1/2 star marked off for a few things i disliked.
4.5 stars.
November 16, 2024
This was a GREAT Christmas read! Not only was it full of all of the descriptive Christmasy settings you picture when selecting a Christmas read, it was also rich in family holiday traditions. The story had a lot of depth and the characters were so well developed, I came away from the story feeling like I spent the holiday with them. The interactions between characters was balanced with Mirandas introspection, to make the story feel layered with depth.
The main character is Miranda, who travels abroad in search of her biological father. What she finds is a welcoming and beautiful family like that in a dream come true. But she's hesitant to let them know who she suspects she is, because she doesn't want to be a dark cloud in the midst of this family that is full of light.
The only thing that I didn't care for was how the story seemed to wrap up incredibly quickly at the end. I know there is a second book, and I'm sure the storyline will pick up where it left off but it was just a bit too telling.
Highly recommend this if you're looking for a Christmas read!
The main character is Miranda, who travels abroad in search of her biological father. What she finds is a welcoming and beautiful family like that in a dream come true. But she's hesitant to let them know who she suspects she is, because she doesn't want to be a dark cloud in the midst of this family that is full of light.
The only thing that I didn't care for was how the story seemed to wrap up incredibly quickly at the end. I know there is a second book, and I'm sure the storyline will pick up where it left off but it was just a bit too telling.
Highly recommend this if you're looking for a Christmas read!
May 12, 2015
Exceptional.
Poetic writing of Ms Gunn enhances the unique story of a twenty nine year old single woman on a journey to find the father she's never known. Armed with a playbill and an old Christmas photo, Miranda treats herself to a Christmas holiday in England. In an effort to discover the persons in the photo, she heads to the photo studio named on the back.
The story that unfolds is pure delight. Poignant memories of Miranda's past meld into the welcome received at her Christmas Eve arrival in the Tea Cosy. Subsequent hospitality of the tea rooms' owner, Ellie, who invites Miranda to the village Christmas play and ensuing family connections works it's warmth into Miranda's heart. Effects of the fatherless childhood Miranda lived, as shared in her reminiscing, give way when confronted by this family who has welcomed her in to share their Christmas.
Her dreaded moment of truth reveals the grace and strength needed to share her journey to find her father and the life implications that lie ahead for each of them.
Masterful storytelling. Emotionally evocative. Beautiful writing.
High recommendation, this is my Best Christmas Read of the season.
Poetic writing of Ms Gunn enhances the unique story of a twenty nine year old single woman on a journey to find the father she's never known. Armed with a playbill and an old Christmas photo, Miranda treats herself to a Christmas holiday in England. In an effort to discover the persons in the photo, she heads to the photo studio named on the back.
The story that unfolds is pure delight. Poignant memories of Miranda's past meld into the welcome received at her Christmas Eve arrival in the Tea Cosy. Subsequent hospitality of the tea rooms' owner, Ellie, who invites Miranda to the village Christmas play and ensuing family connections works it's warmth into Miranda's heart. Effects of the fatherless childhood Miranda lived, as shared in her reminiscing, give way when confronted by this family who has welcomed her in to share their Christmas.
Her dreaded moment of truth reveals the grace and strength needed to share her journey to find her father and the life implications that lie ahead for each of them.
Masterful storytelling. Emotionally evocative. Beautiful writing.
High recommendation, this is my Best Christmas Read of the season.
December 22, 2013
2.5 stars
I'm not sure what I was expecting with this book. I found the main character (Miranda) very difficult to connect with. It wasn't until the very end of the story that I got caught up with wanting to know the rest of her story. Then the book ended pretty abruptly, which I assume sets things up for the next book. I'm not sure if I'll read Engaging Father Christmas or not.
I'm not sure what I was expecting with this book. I found the main character (Miranda) very difficult to connect with. It wasn't until the very end of the story that I got caught up with wanting to know the rest of her story. Then the book ended pretty abruptly, which I assume sets things up for the next book. I'm not sure if I'll read Engaging Father Christmas or not.
December 7, 2018
2.5 stars
I had a hard time connecting to Miranda as a character, and the writing style was a bit off for me (overly descriptive one minute, and the glossing over details the next).
It also ended very abruptly, just as the story was getting going.
I had a hard time connecting to Miranda as a character, and the writing style was a bit off for me (overly descriptive one minute, and the glossing over details the next).
It also ended very abruptly, just as the story was getting going.
December 14, 2019
I almost gave this four stars, but it really only deserves 3.5 stars. The plot began slowly, but it got better. I would not recommend this story for children or even for young adults.
November 24, 2020
A sweet story that makes you wish you were sitting in the little English village you're reading about.
December 15, 2020
it was sweet
September 1, 2025
This book was beautiful. So heartfelt and warm, it captured the Christmas Spirit so delightfully. I wish it never ended!
January 8, 2024
Robin Jones Gunn, where have you been all my life?! What a magical story! Weaving in elements of the True meaning of Christmas; this masterful telling of a woman in search of the Father she never knew, and the angst of what to do when she discovers who he is... Does she tear apart this warm hospitable family that reached out to her as a stranger? Or does she quietly go into the night keeping her secret with her?
December 10, 2023
Rather predictable but a sweet Christmas story. This line caught me though as the main characters mom shares her birth story and as we are about to bring a sweet little lad into this world who’s middle name, Luca, means bringer of light 🥹” [it] was the happiest day of my life. You became to me the sun, the moon, the stars, and all my deepest dreams fulfilled. Never doubt the gifting of your being or the beauty of your light”
March 1, 2018
Hello frens!
Finding father Christmas was one of those books that you pick up and immediately know you're going to love it.
I've read a lot of Gunns books before (mostly her Christy books which are AMAZING btw 😜) so I was expecting a lot from this book ! My expectations were blown out of the water ! It was even more AMAZING than I expected !! 🙌❤
The characters were wonderful especially Ellie she was dressed up for the play and she reminded me a lot of effie trinket in her manner and especially her clothing and hair .
Now about the story :🌟🎄🎅🎁
In a spurr of the moment decision Miranda leaves her San Francisco home for London on Christmas eve . Miranda has two leads to find her father in London a picture with a London photo shop written in the back and a playbill .
A trip to a little tea shop when,she arrives in London could change her life forever . ☕
The good :
I loved the almost lyrical descriptions in this book . It had such a magical, etheral otherworldly feel to it that took me by complete surprise. 🌟
The bad :
Spolier !!!
Don't read any farther if you want to read this story it doesn't ruin the story completely but you wouldn't know this by reading the back of the book ...
The only thing that made me mad was the a sense of Ian . Ian was a boy that Miranda was supposed to be introduced at the beginning of the story but he didn't show up . So I waited and waited for him to come into the picture but he didn't until the last darn page ! This made me mad because the author hints at an engagement between the two on the back of the second book !! What the heck !! How can I root for a couple of I know nothing about the guy . In the beginning of the second book its a year later !!!
It was all together an amazing book so give it a look ....or you can watch the movie ☕
Love ya !
Mike 💋😜
Finding father Christmas was one of those books that you pick up and immediately know you're going to love it.
I've read a lot of Gunns books before (mostly her Christy books which are AMAZING btw 😜) so I was expecting a lot from this book ! My expectations were blown out of the water ! It was even more AMAZING than I expected !! 🙌❤
The characters were wonderful especially Ellie she was dressed up for the play and she reminded me a lot of effie trinket in her manner and especially her clothing and hair .
Now about the story :🌟🎄🎅🎁
In a spurr of the moment decision Miranda leaves her San Francisco home for London on Christmas eve . Miranda has two leads to find her father in London a picture with a London photo shop written in the back and a playbill .
A trip to a little tea shop when,she arrives in London could change her life forever . ☕
The good :
I loved the almost lyrical descriptions in this book . It had such a magical, etheral otherworldly feel to it that took me by complete surprise. 🌟
The bad :
Spolier !!!
Don't read any farther if you want to read this story it doesn't ruin the story completely but you wouldn't know this by reading the back of the book ...
The only thing that made me mad was the a sense of Ian . Ian was a boy that Miranda was supposed to be introduced at the beginning of the story but he didn't show up . So I waited and waited for him to come into the picture but he didn't until the last darn page ! This made me mad because the author hints at an engagement between the two on the back of the second book !! What the heck !! How can I root for a couple of I know nothing about the guy . In the beginning of the second book its a year later !!!
It was all together an amazing book so give it a look ....or you can watch the movie ☕
Love ya !
Mike 💋😜
May 22, 2019
Twenty-eight year old Miranda Carson has traveled from San Francisco to a small town in England over the Christmas holidays. Her mother, an actress who died many years before, left only a photograph as a clue to the identity of Miranda's father. Miranda hopes that by traveling to the location of the photography studio she will find someone who recognizes the man featured in the picture. What she finds is totally unexpected - a small town full of Christmas spirit, joy, and acceptance.
As the people she meets embrace her and invite Miranda to join in their holiday festivities, she uncovers information about the man she believes might be her father. Should she disrupt the idyllic lives of these wonderful people or continue to keep quiet about her quest? Could the father she is looking for actually be a heavenly father?
Finding Father Christmas is a sweet novella that will appeal to readers' sense of holiday coziness. The exquisitely detailed setting will put you right in the midst of the action - just as if you were sitting in the Tea Cosy shop with Miranda and the others. Miranda is a well-defined and described character. Her drive to discover the truth about her past is admirable, and that drive is tempered with humanity. Her encounter with the Lord is subtle, yet very touching.
The ending is not nice and neat and is left open to a sequel focusing on the romantic side of Miranda's life, planned for next Christmas. If you have ever looked for a birth parent, or longed for a real family during the holidays, then Finding Father Christmas is an excellent choice.
As the people she meets embrace her and invite Miranda to join in their holiday festivities, she uncovers information about the man she believes might be her father. Should she disrupt the idyllic lives of these wonderful people or continue to keep quiet about her quest? Could the father she is looking for actually be a heavenly father?
Finding Father Christmas is a sweet novella that will appeal to readers' sense of holiday coziness. The exquisitely detailed setting will put you right in the midst of the action - just as if you were sitting in the Tea Cosy shop with Miranda and the others. Miranda is a well-defined and described character. Her drive to discover the truth about her past is admirable, and that drive is tempered with humanity. Her encounter with the Lord is subtle, yet very touching.
The ending is not nice and neat and is left open to a sequel focusing on the romantic side of Miranda's life, planned for next Christmas. If you have ever looked for a birth parent, or longed for a real family during the holidays, then Finding Father Christmas is an excellent choice.
December 15, 2008
Miranda Carson goes to England to find out who her father is and only has a few clues to go on. When she happens into a Tea Cosy she is wisked into the lives of the Whitcombe's and finding everyone so lovely and nice to a complete stranger. When she finds out who her father is, she is not sure if she wants to tell anyone because it could be hurtful. Will Miranda face the facts and let her heart lead?
I will be honest and say that I thought this book was a bit boring at first. Not that Robin Jones Gunn doesn't give you great characters, etc. I just couldn't get into it at first. I was having problems getting past the Charles Dickens play at the beginning, but once she is invited to Ellie and Edward Whitcombe's house for a party after the play I started to get into the characters a bit more. Every character in the book is delightful, from Ellie the Sugarplum Fairy to Andrew the Christmas Present. They are all delightful and now I can't wait to find out what else will happen in the next book Engaging Father Christmas.
It just goes to show you that even if a book is a bit dry to you at the begining that if you put it down you could miss out on a really good book and I am glad I didn't put this book down. :)
I will be honest and say that I thought this book was a bit boring at first. Not that Robin Jones Gunn doesn't give you great characters, etc. I just couldn't get into it at first. I was having problems getting past the Charles Dickens play at the beginning, but once she is invited to Ellie and Edward Whitcombe's house for a party after the play I started to get into the characters a bit more. Every character in the book is delightful, from Ellie the Sugarplum Fairy to Andrew the Christmas Present. They are all delightful and now I can't wait to find out what else will happen in the next book Engaging Father Christmas.
It just goes to show you that even if a book is a bit dry to you at the begining that if you put it down you could miss out on a really good book and I am glad I didn't put this book down. :)
December 6, 2015
Awful. I mean, precious children's fairytale, but there was no actual story there. After reading this one and the second one I can safely say both are completely devoid of any details on the main character's relationships with anyone except for her mother who is demonized throughout both books for having a child with a married man... But no one had a problem with the married man's actions. Mind you, her mother took care of her and obviously loved her, her dad slept with a young woman and never spoke to or saw her again, sounds like a peach.
Overall, it would have been a really great story if the main point behind the story (her finding her family and a man) were actually apart of the story. The story itself pretty much is pretty much about nothing.
Overall, it would have been a really great story if the main point behind the story (her finding her family and a man) were actually apart of the story. The story itself pretty much is pretty much about nothing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2017
So this book is the premise of last year’s Hallmark Christmas movie. While watching it again this year, I discovered in the credits this book was what the movie was based on! Hallmark Christmas movies is my dirty little secret. I’m probably the only non-religious person out there that is a huge Hallmark Christmas movie fan. I enjoyed the movie immensely. And it took huge liberties. It was fun to find out the story takes place in England and not Vermont like the movie.
April 25, 2023
This was a sweet and touching story. Miranda is in England to search for her biological father, a man her mother kept secret. It was fun watching her meet all the new people and then realize her connection.
December 29, 2020
Finding Father Christmas, is a quick and enjoyable read, filled with endearing characters and an element of mystery as we discover, along with Miranda, the joy of being loved and known.
Read more on our blog!
Read more on our blog!
December 21, 2024
What a charming, feel good, and satisfying story! Loved the gentle spiritual elements woven throughout along with the gracious and kind characters. Will have to look for the next in this series as I can certainly recommend this book!
December 15, 2025
A charming story full of all the best of Christmas told in the most beautiful language. Magic and memory are in the words. The setting of a small English town was cozy and the characters all endearing. References to A Christmas Carol and C.S. Lewis’s Narnia add to the nostalgia. Plus, the weaving of the true Father of Christmas into the plot brings light and depth to this short story. I highly recommend for all adults.
FYI - Santa is outed, so be careful who is reading over your shoulder.
FYI - Santa is outed, so be careful who is reading over your shoulder.
April 13, 2017
Dangerously close to being syrupy sweet, this book still worked for me. There was a little mystery to solve as the main character searched for her father, but mostly it was the setting. The small English village (complete with freshly fallen snow) getting ready to perform A Christmas Carol transported me to a much happier place than the drizzly fog lingering outside my window.
December 6, 2024
This was a syrupy sweet Christmas novella… very Hallmark-esque. It was a nice easy story that I didn’t have to work too hard for. I wish that I had read it rather than listened though. The narrator did great with the British accents (as she’s British), but her American accent for the character Miranda was one of the worst things I’ve ever listened to in my life. So so so bad… like it’s going to haunt me forever.
December 17, 2018
I really liked this little book... then again, the main character could have been me! I look forward to reading the sequel.
December 31, 2018
so good!! I really really liked it. now watching the Hallmark movie to see how it compares.
December 4, 2024
It was a nice, lighthearted and short read. It made me laugh and it gave me a smile.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews