Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  My Jingle Bell Heart

SERIES:  Elves After Dark

AUTHOR:  Sam E. Kraemer

PUBLISHER:  Kaye Klub Publishing

LENGTH:  90 pages

RELEASE DATE:  November 20, 2020

BLURB:

Jingle Bell

I was an elf, but not a good one. I was too tall. My ears weren’t pointy enough. I couldn’t make toys. Basically, I was a failure.

I grew up with Nic and Holly—Santa and Mrs. Clause—and I suppose they had a soft spot for me. After being kicked out of every creative department at Santa Claus, Inc., Int’l., I was sent to the Special Case Unit. I was assigned a family going through a crisis—charged with bringing comfort and cheer to a special little girl who needed all of it she could get.
I didn’t expect to meet a wonderful human man appeared to have the weight of the world on his broad shoulders, and I certainly didn’t expect I’d want to help him carry it. The case was difficult, but I was dedicated. I definitely didn’t anticipate falling in love along the way, though.

Trick McNichol

Going into the holiday season with a sick daughter was as heartbreaking as it sounded. My little girl, Danielle, had been diagnosed with a dangerous disease, and the treatment was doubly as harsh. In my world, there were no silver linings—until Jinson Bell, a nursing assistant, walked into Dani’s room and gave her something to smile about. He also gave me friendship as I faced my worst fears. He was kind, adorable, much younger than me, and he had a sweet tooth like none I’d ever seen.

He knew what we needed before we needed it, and it was easy to fall in love with him. It wasn’t the best timing in the world, but he was there when I needed someone to lean on. When he laughed, it was like bells were ringing, and while I wasn’t sure how I’d do it—he was only at the hospital temporarily for training—I had to find a way to make him mine.

REVIEW:

Trick McNichol’s adopted daughter, Dani, is ill and in the hospital.  The diagnosis is a bit dire and he’s not handling it too well.  His parents rejected him when he wanted to adopt a child as a single gay man and he’s cut off all contact.  He’s in business with his sister Kim and BIL Darryl.  They are happy to cover for him while Dani is sick, but he’s not sure he can handle everything and he’s wracked with worry.

Jingle Bell is an elf who was sort of adopted by the big boss and his wife, aka Santa and Mrs. Claus.  He’s never fit in with the creative side of the business.  He’s taller than the rest of the elves, he’s clumsy, and he just can’t seem to do anything right when it comes to the jobs he’s given.  Finally after meeting with the Mrs., he’s assigned to the Special Care Unit.  He will be interacting with humans, and specifically he’s there to help one family with a sick child – Trick and Dani McNichol.

Jingle, or now Jinson, the nursing assistant, offers comfort while Dani is in the hospital and continued to check in with them while she’s at home.  He also tries to get Trick more support from his family through some interesting magical means.  But when a crisis that could cost Dani her life comes, Jingle is ready to do whatever it takes to keep Dani safe and keep Trick’s heart safe as well.

Oh man!  This one has everything.  A struggling single dad, parents rejecting their child, a lovely take on Santa and the North Pole, a selfless elf, and a sick child – all coming together at Christmastime.  I seriously loved this story.  Jingle, (aka Jinson) Bell is a misfit elf.  But when he finally discovers the truth and finds his true calling, it all makes sense.  The fact that he’s sent to bring comfort and joy to little Dani as she is dealing with a life-threatening illness is perfect.  His guide, Ivy is his helpful magical elf who is always at the right place at the right time with the right advice 🙂  The fact that Trick, Dani’s dad is perfect for Jin is icing on the cake.  He’s determined to make everything alright for both of them.

The twist on the Santa/North Pole with Nic and Holly and the rest of the supporting crew, including the reindeer, is very clever and I kept wanting to see what would happen next and who would be able to help Jin.   The cast of supporting human was well written also.  From Trick’s sister and BIL, to the doctors and nurses and Trick’s estranged parents were all believable and added to the depth of the story.  I loved Ivy’s “magic” that helped Jin while he fulfilled his duties to bring Trick what he most wanted and needed for Christmas.  There were a lot of fun and funny moments along the way (I loved Jin’s voice and turn of phrase) with the more serious moments of dealing with serious illness and they all got the proper attention.  There is even a little bit of a crossover for fan’s of this author’s previous book which is a cute surprise 😀   This is just a super little gem of a story.  Highly recommended for fans of lovely holiday romances where everyone lives happily ever after!

RATING: 

BUY LINK:

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