The Hidden Gift
What if Father Christmas’s quest to help the downtrodden…started with his love for one girl?
In the quaint village of Tethurn, Annabelle has always been the steadfast pillar of her family, unafraid of hard work and sacrifice. But when her father falls gravely ill, her family's already tenuous situation becomes dire. Annabelle knows she cannot afford to lose her position as a maid, but a spiteful butler threatens her livelihood. Amidst the chaos, she finds an unexpected ally in Nicolai Closs, a gentleman whose kindness offers her a glimmer of hope and a cherished friendship.
Despite the expectations and obstacles that stand in their way, Annabelle dreams not only of saving her family but also of winning Nicolai's heart. But with food scarce and hope even scarcer, will Annabelle be expected to sacrifice more than she can bear so that her sisters don’t starve? And how can she be sure Nicolai’s attentions aren’t merely pity?
The Hidden Gift reimagines the origin of Father Christmas and St. Nick, where resilience, love, and the enduring strength of the human spirit light the path through the darkest of times, and the harsh realities of life are met with unwavering hope, kindness, and love.
This book is a part of The Christmas Chronicles, a collection of festive novellas filled with clean romance, chilly weather, and cozy adventure.
Once Upon a Pen Book Awards 2024 Best Nonmagical Retelling Winner
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Annette K. Larsen
I write sweet, clean romance. Why? Because that's what I love to read, but over the years I've discovered it's quite a challenge to find wholesome romance that's also quality romance. I believe it's a genre that many people are looking for and too few authors are writing. My first novel, Just Ella, took me many years to write because I wanted it to be more than just a cutesy love story. I wanted it to have depth, to feel genuine. Hopefully I succeeded, but you'll have to be the judge.
The Christmas Chronicles
The Christmas Chronicles is a collection of festive novellas filled with clean romance, chilly weather, and cozy adventure.
Once Upon a Pen Book Awards 2024 Best Multi-Author Series Winner
Series Also Contains Several Individual Winners of the 2024 Once Upon a Pen Book Awards
- Best Nonmagical Retelling Winner = The Hidden Gift
- Best Animal Companion Winner = The Silent Night
- Best Mashup Winner = The Midnight Blizzard
- Best Retelling of an Obscure Tale Winner = The Snowy Footprints
The Christmas Chronicles consists of 7 total books and considered as a complete series. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
