Customer Reviews

Once Upon A Christmas (Harlequin American Romance)

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In Erie, Pennsylvania, although only the legal guardian to her nephew Brendan, Michelle Hamilton acts more like the child's mother and has for five years ever since her sister, his mom, dropped him off explaining she was dying. She loves the lad and would do anything for him; even join the Erie Elementary PTA Social Committee; of course she volunteered when she was too sick to realize what she was doing.

However, when Brendan becomes determined to find his biological father, Michelle is hurt and worried as she fears if the child succeeds, the man will wants custody. Brendan meets his dad Daniel McLean and to her shock Michelle sees he is a terrific male role model. Even more stunning to the "single mom" is the realization she is falling in love with her nephew's dad after spending several years hiding behind the mommy persona.

Holly Jacobs keeps this engaging Erie Elementary PTA (see ONCE UPON A THANKSGIVING) contemporary romance fresh through three strong protagonists coming together as a family who supersede the often used plot of finding a biological parent. The story line is driven by the changing relationships especially between the adults as each starts off wary and cynical but slowly observe how good the other is with Brendan before knowing they are in love. The fully developed triangle and the support cast make for a fine ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS tale.

Harriet Klausner

Once Upon a Christmas is the second story in Holly Jacobs' American Dad series. My heart went out to Michelle, the heroine, whose stable life is rocked when her nephew, whom is in her care, decides to locate his biological father - against her wishes and behind her back.

Michelle has worked hard to build a comfortable life for herself and her nephew. She does not want to let a stranger into their world but there's no refusing Daniel once he finds out that Brandon is his possible son. With patience, persistence and understanding, he wins Michelle over. (And me, too.)

Brandon, the 13 year old nephew, deserves a mention because his character was splendidly developed. He is definitely not your typical young teen, but the chaotic life he led with his mother before coming to his aunt apparently made him wise beyond his years. He is appreciative of his aunt and all she's done for him, but refuses to let her stifle his dreams, even if she only means to protect him. Frankly, this character would have been hard to believe if written by a less skilled author. Jacobs brought Brandon - and Daniel and Michelle - to life vividly.

I am looking forward to the final installment in the series, Once Upon a Valentine's. If there's anything I love more than a good Christmas romance it's a good Valentine's romance. I can't wait for this one!

This book is the second in the Once Upon a .... books by Holly Jacobs. They take place in Erie, PA, and focus on "moms" that are part of the social planning committee for their school. In this story, the relationships between the moms continued to grow. I enjoyed hearing them share with each other throughout the book. This book is Michelle's story, and how she deals with a man who might be Brandon's father. There is a little bit of suspense involved since the paternity tests are not revealed for quite some time. I was not sure how it was going to work out! I am looking forward to the Valentine's installment of this series!