Blame It on the Secret Santa

Sugarplum Falls, Book 8

By: Samantha Baca

Narrated by: Jaime Carnucci

What to get someone you hate for Christmas…

That’s not something I would typically look up online, but drawing my ex’s name in our company’s Secret Santa exchange left me no choice.

For twelve long years, I was free of him after he broke my heart and moved away. But now he’s back, and thanks to small-town life, he’s everywhere I go.

I tried to shake it off when he first started working at Waldon's. It's a big store, and there aren't a ton of employment options in Sugarplum Falls. Not only did we somehow draw each other’s names in the so-called “Secret” Santa exchange, but we’re constantly being thrown together and being forced to spend time with each other.

As old memories rise to the surface, I’m reminded of the pain and heartache he’s capable of, but it’s hard to focus on that when he’s constantly going out of his way to do nice things for me. They say people change and that forgiveness is healing, but they don’t know the damage he did the last time I allowed myself to love him.

It seems there’s a thin line between love and hate, and suddenly, I’m teetering right over it. No matter how much my heart wants to love him again, it can’t undo the pain he caused all those years ago.

©2024 Samantha Baca (P)2025 Samantha Baca

So good!!

Cassidy draws a name for her gift exchange at work only to find she picked Sean, her ex from high school who she's hated ever since she broke up with him, and who recently moved back to town and started working at the same store. Now, Cassidy needs to figure out what to get him. Sean also drew Cassidy's name, but the difference here is Sean has never stopped loving her. Now he's on a mission to show her that.

This book is all about forgiveness, and not just with the main characters. Cassidy is a bit stubborn, but I can't say I wouldn't be stubborn too in the same situation. I loved the witty humor and banter in this book, especially when the eggnog was involved! I also loved the gift Sean got for Cassidy! I know what it's like to have that elusive book you've always wanted but is super hard to find or way out of your price range, and of course because Sean is a cinnamon roll, he comes through. This journey through Sugarplum Falls has been so fun. I'm sad this series is coming to an end, but I think Samantha might have a little surprise for us later!

I've missed Jaime Carnucci! She's done some of Samantha's books before and it was great hearing her again!

THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU IF: You enjoy quick holiday reads that feel more like a full length story.

So perfect

So perfect for this time of year. A Hallmark story with added steam! They are short and sweet and I really enjoy them