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Once Upon a Christmas CarolMelody Carlson

Christian Christmas romance

Once Upon a Christmas Carol

by Melody Carlson

Carol Langstrom has spent years avoiding Christmas, a holiday tangled with a December 25 birthday, family dysfunction, and too many childhood disappointments. She plans to escape to the Bahamas, but winter weather strands her instead at her aunt's Michigan farm. Helping with local festivities, reconnecting with family, and meeting a charming neighbor slowly challenge the assumptions behind Carol's carefully cultivated dislike of the season. This Christmas novella offers a light contemporary romance, family reconciliation, faith, and an affectionate nod to A Christmas Carol.

Paired for this story

Spiced Christmas Cocoa + French 75

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At a glance

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Spice1 of 5
Suspense1 of 5
Creepy0 of 5
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No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Dysfunctional childhood and painful holiday memories; loneliness/holiday blues; travel disruption and being stranded by severe winter weather; Christian faith and sweet romance.

Alcohol-Free Pour

Spiced Christmas Cocoa

Velvety chocolate suits a wintry evening with a book.

How to mix it

  1. Whisk the cocoa and sweetener into the hot liquid until smooth. Add remaining flavorings, heat until steaming, and pour into a mug. Add any listed topping.
  2. Garnish: As listed.
  3. Glassware: Mug.
21+

Cocktail Pour · 21+

French 75

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

A slow-sipping glass of wine suits a wintry evening with a book.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Shake gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice. Strain into a flute and top with sparkling wine.
  2. Garnish: Lemon twist.
  3. Glassware: Champagne flute.

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