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Once Upon a December
Christmas is in the air, and best selling author Sydney Logan is gifting readers with a short story collection, just in time for the holidays. Once Upon a December features Sydney’s latest story, “What Child Is This,” along with her previously published holiday stories in one complete collection. Available for the first time in both paperback and ebook, these heartwarming and romantic tales are sure to bring you joy this holiday season.
What Child Is This?
Estranged from his family and the love of his life, Thomas Fisher finds himself stranded in an airport on Christmas Eve. Imagine his surprise when a young boy takes him by the hand and shows him the way home.
Mistletoe Magic
Melanie Taylor is on a mission to find the perfect Christmas gift for her husband. Something special. Something expensive. Something that will save her marriage. Can a chance encounter on an elevator make her Christmas wish come true?
The Little Drummer Boy
It’s Christmas Eve, and Justin Banks is on the hunt for a last-minute gift for his wife, Megan. With the help of a homeless man and the beat of a drum, Justin stumbles upon the one thing Megan has always wanted. The one thing money can’t buy. It's amazing what we can hear if we just take a moment and really listen.
What Child Is This?
Estranged from his family and the love of his life, Thomas Fisher finds himself stranded in an airport on Christmas Eve. Imagine his surprise when a young boy takes him by the hand and shows him the way home.
Mistletoe Magic
Melanie Taylor is on a mission to find the perfect Christmas gift for her husband. Something special. Something expensive. Something that will save her marriage. Can a chance encounter on an elevator make her Christmas wish come true?
The Little Drummer Boy
It’s Christmas Eve, and Justin Banks is on the hunt for a last-minute gift for his wife, Megan. With the help of a homeless man and the beat of a drum, Justin stumbles upon the one thing Megan has always wanted. The one thing money can’t buy. It's amazing what we can hear if we just take a moment and really listen.
56 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2014
About the author
Sydney Logan
29 books634 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Sydney Logan writes heartfelt romances that feature strong women and the men who love them. In addition to her novels, she has penned several short stories and is a contributor to Chicken Soup for the Soul. She is a Netflix junkie, music lover, and a Vol for Life. Sydney and her husband make their home in beautiful East Tennessee.
To learn more about Sydney and her books, visit her online at www.sydneylogan.com.
To learn more about Sydney and her books, visit her online at www.sydneylogan.com.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 28, 2015
**4 Magical stars**
Once Upon A Christmas is a novella with 3 individual stories. It's a novella of novellas. Even though they were short and I definitely could explore more on the depth of these stories seperately, I think they were perfect for what they wanted to achieve. They got me into the christmas spirit immediately and even the most cynical people, sometimes need the christmas magic..
What Child Is This?
The first story was about a man who is stuck on an airport, while getting ready to travel for a meeting at Christmas Eve. He hasn't been to his hometown for a decade, because he had disappointed some of his dearest people back then. A little boy approaches him and tries to help him see, what he had been avoiding all these years.
Mistletoe Magic
Last minute shopping on Christmas Eve on the mall. A lady is looking for a gift for her husband, but the problem is she doesn't know if she got the same present last year. She has been drifted apart from him. She ends up stuck in an elevator with a man, discussing how and why they both fell apart from their mates.
The Little Drummer Boy
A man is looking for the perfect present for his wife, when he listens at the sound of a drum. He approaches the alley where the sound comes from and there he finds a little boy. He says he's waiting for his parents who told him to wait there for him, but he looks dirty, cold and hungry. How is this meeting going to change this christmas and not only?
I really enjoyed this short stories, they were ideal for this season. All three of them had a common issue, which may or may not be a trigger for some They made me emotional, especially the first and last story. I think the last story was my favorite, because it was more realistic and I loved the message that it gave. Every story had a meaning and I appreciated that, because sometimes in the daze of these days, we forget what's more important and it's good to be reminded.
ARC was kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Once Upon A Christmas is a novella with 3 individual stories. It's a novella of novellas. Even though they were short and I definitely could explore more on the depth of these stories seperately, I think they were perfect for what they wanted to achieve. They got me into the christmas spirit immediately and even the most cynical people, sometimes need the christmas magic..
What Child Is This?
The first story was about a man who is stuck on an airport, while getting ready to travel for a meeting at Christmas Eve. He hasn't been to his hometown for a decade, because he had disappointed some of his dearest people back then. A little boy approaches him and tries to help him see, what he had been avoiding all these years.
Mistletoe Magic
Last minute shopping on Christmas Eve on the mall. A lady is looking for a gift for her husband, but the problem is she doesn't know if she got the same present last year. She has been drifted apart from him. She ends up stuck in an elevator with a man, discussing how and why they both fell apart from their mates.
The Little Drummer Boy
A man is looking for the perfect present for his wife, when he listens at the sound of a drum. He approaches the alley where the sound comes from and there he finds a little boy. He says he's waiting for his parents who told him to wait there for him, but he looks dirty, cold and hungry. How is this meeting going to change this christmas and not only?
I really enjoyed this short stories, they were ideal for this season. All three of them had a common issue, which may or may not be a trigger for some They made me emotional, especially the first and last story. I think the last story was my favorite, because it was more realistic and I loved the message that it gave. Every story had a meaning and I appreciated that, because sometimes in the daze of these days, we forget what's more important and it's good to be reminded.
ARC was kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
November 28, 2014
Available NOW!
What Child Is This?
Estranged from his family and the love of his life, Thomas Fisher finds himself stranded in an airport on Christmas Eve. Imagine his surprise when a young boy takes him by the hand and shows him the way home.
My Review:
First, I love this cover (you can see it on the kindle copy and at my blog!). I just want to kiss his little cheeks! Second...I loved this story. Oh my, it tugged at my heart and pulled me right in. I kept wondering who this little child was. How was he alone? And then, there's that "aha" moment, for me, and for Thomas. I won't spoil it for you. Read and be touched, too!
Mistletoe Magic
Melanie Taylor is on a mission to find the perfect Christmas gift for her husband. Something special. Something expensive. Something that will save her marriage. Can a chance encounter on an elevator make her Christmas wish come true?
My Review:
A lovely short story that got me into the Christmas Spirit.
Ms. Logan tugged at my heart strings and then made me feel warm fuzzies.
Now, I just need to get my Christmas tree up, and I'm ready!
The Little Drummer Boy
It’s Christmas Eve, and Justin Banks is on the hunt for a last-minute gift for his wife, Megan. With the help of a homeless man and the beat of a drum, Justin stumbles upon the one thing Megan has always wanted. The one thing money can’t buy. It's amazing what we can hear if we just take a moment and really listen.
My Review:
The Little Drummer Boy has always been one of my favorite Christmas songs. Then just look at this cover...wow, the colors look so rich.
Oh my gosh, Ms. Logan had me in tears, and then smiling, then more tears...then there was a touch of magic in her words and her story. I was blessed to be able to read it.
I loved it.
Yes, it's short, but this has all the things that I want in a novella. It has a beginning, a middle and an end. I easily came to care about the characters, and while MORE of them would be great, this left me in a very nice place.
In my opinion, it's never too early to get into the Christmas spirit, and The Little Drummer Boy is a lovely way to get into that mood.
This is an all around FIVE BOOKMARK anthology!!!
*Thank you, Ms. Logan, for the opportunity to read These stories..
Full disclosure: I was one of the editors for this lovely anthology!
What Child Is This?
Estranged from his family and the love of his life, Thomas Fisher finds himself stranded in an airport on Christmas Eve. Imagine his surprise when a young boy takes him by the hand and shows him the way home.
My Review:
First, I love this cover (you can see it on the kindle copy and at my blog!). I just want to kiss his little cheeks! Second...I loved this story. Oh my, it tugged at my heart and pulled me right in. I kept wondering who this little child was. How was he alone? And then, there's that "aha" moment, for me, and for Thomas. I won't spoil it for you. Read and be touched, too!
Mistletoe Magic
Melanie Taylor is on a mission to find the perfect Christmas gift for her husband. Something special. Something expensive. Something that will save her marriage. Can a chance encounter on an elevator make her Christmas wish come true?
My Review:
A lovely short story that got me into the Christmas Spirit.
Ms. Logan tugged at my heart strings and then made me feel warm fuzzies.
Now, I just need to get my Christmas tree up, and I'm ready!
The Little Drummer Boy
It’s Christmas Eve, and Justin Banks is on the hunt for a last-minute gift for his wife, Megan. With the help of a homeless man and the beat of a drum, Justin stumbles upon the one thing Megan has always wanted. The one thing money can’t buy. It's amazing what we can hear if we just take a moment and really listen.
My Review:
The Little Drummer Boy has always been one of my favorite Christmas songs. Then just look at this cover...wow, the colors look so rich.
Oh my gosh, Ms. Logan had me in tears, and then smiling, then more tears...then there was a touch of magic in her words and her story. I was blessed to be able to read it.
I loved it.
Yes, it's short, but this has all the things that I want in a novella. It has a beginning, a middle and an end. I easily came to care about the characters, and while MORE of them would be great, this left me in a very nice place.
In my opinion, it's never too early to get into the Christmas spirit, and The Little Drummer Boy is a lovely way to get into that mood.
This is an all around FIVE BOOKMARK anthology!!!
*Thank you, Ms. Logan, for the opportunity to read These stories..
Full disclosure: I was one of the editors for this lovely anthology!
December 31, 2016
ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS by Sydney Logan
*was generously given a copy in exchange for an honest review…..thank you
ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS by Sydney Logan is a collection of 3 short stories that are sure to put anyone in the holiday spirit. I cannot gush enough about all three stories. Each one was just as good as the last and I loved them each for different reasons. Sydney Logan’s writing is extraordinary and her stories are beautiful, with meaning and true holiday spirit. At this time of year, anything is possible and love comes in all sizes, shapes and packages. I strongly suggest this beautiful holiday collection to anyone wanting a little Christmas spirit.
ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS receives 5 out of 5 Platypires!!
Texas Hugs and Happy Reading!!!
*was generously given a copy in exchange for an honest review…..thank you
ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS by Sydney Logan is a collection of 3 short stories that are sure to put anyone in the holiday spirit. I cannot gush enough about all three stories. Each one was just as good as the last and I loved them each for different reasons. Sydney Logan’s writing is extraordinary and her stories are beautiful, with meaning and true holiday spirit. At this time of year, anything is possible and love comes in all sizes, shapes and packages. I strongly suggest this beautiful holiday collection to anyone wanting a little Christmas spirit.
ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS receives 5 out of 5 Platypires!!
Texas Hugs and Happy Reading!!!
November 7, 2014
This is a lovely little holiday treasure. While they are three separate and unique stories, there is a definite Christmas magic theme running through the entire collection. Each story focuses on the type of second chances that we all wish we could have. There's a little bit of sadness and a history of heartbreak, but this beautiful little collection leaves the reader with a warmth we don't see very often.
Who doesn't have time for some Christmas magic this year? Especially when it's a very fast read and only $0.99!
Who doesn't have time for some Christmas magic this year? Especially when it's a very fast read and only $0.99!
December 4, 2014
I absolutely loved all three stories in this collection! A quick read to get your holiday spirit revved up! The third one is my favorite I think, as it brought me to tears, then had me smiling with joy. The question in The Little Drummer Boy, "Shall I play for you?" just broke my heart to pieces! Ms. Logan's beautifully written stories will stay with you long after you have finished them. Don't let this Christmas season go by without treating yourself to this trio!
October 13, 2014
I enjoyed this holiday collection! This is a collection of 3 of Sydney's holiday short stories that will warm your heart and get you in the spirt of the holidays. My favorite story is "What Child Is This" which is her newest holiday short that will melt your heart:) Thank you Sydney Logan for putting all these in one collection!
October 26, 2014
Any time is the right time to have the holiday spirit .
Three amazing stories that help you believe in the power of forgiveness and the magic of the holidays .Stop and listen and you may find something amazing awaiting you.I cried ,then smiled while I cried.
Well done Sydney Logan .I am thankful that I received an ARC of the Christmas wonder.
5 Christmas Stars
Three amazing stories that help you believe in the power of forgiveness and the magic of the holidays .Stop and listen and you may find something amazing awaiting you.I cried ,then smiled while I cried.
Well done Sydney Logan .I am thankful that I received an ARC of the Christmas wonder.
5 Christmas Stars
October 17, 2014
I love Little Drummer Boy (that is one of three stories!)...like there is no tomorrow...I was at the dealership getting my oil changed, and I just kept crying! Sydney's way with words is amazing. You won't be disappointed...just read it. I was lucky to get an ARC copy, so I continue to count my blessings....
January 19, 2023
In Sydney Logan's new short story collection, Once Upon a December, we're introduced to three couples in three different stories who, through the magic of Christmas, find their second chances at happiness. Each was really sweet and I really enjoyed reading them so much. I always find when reading Logan's stories that I'm easily able to connect to and feel for the characters, which was true with this collection as well. I can't imagine the heartbreak the characters went through, but I liked that the love they had for each other was always evident. I liked the message the short stories held that even though people can go through such hard times, it is possible to still find happiness.
I would definitely recommend this book to those who want to get into the holiday spirit. My only "complaint" is that I wish the stories were longer!
I would definitely recommend this book to those who want to get into the holiday spirit. My only "complaint" is that I wish the stories were longer!
December 28, 2014
Heartwarming is the key word for this charming trio of short stories. These are perfect reading for the weeks leading up to Christmas, to put you in the mood for it. And I enjoyed reading them after Christmas, to make the warmth of the season linger.
I must admit to a soft spot for 'Mistletoe Magic'. That's one very well-crafted story!
I never get tired of reading these. This collection will be a staple on my reading list for many years to come.
I must admit to a soft spot for 'Mistletoe Magic'. That's one very well-crafted story!
I never get tired of reading these. This collection will be a staple on my reading list for many years to come.
December 10, 2014
A collection of 3 short stories, Sydney Logan really touches your heart.
I have previously purchased Mistletoe Magic and the Little Drummer boy but HAD to have this one for What Child is This!
A heartwarming story about a man finding his way home with the help of a little boy, What Child is This is going to make your heart melt, just in time for the holidays.
Sydney always captures the beauty of human relationships and emotions and this collection is no different.
I have previously purchased Mistletoe Magic and the Little Drummer boy but HAD to have this one for What Child is This!
A heartwarming story about a man finding his way home with the help of a little boy, What Child is This is going to make your heart melt, just in time for the holidays.
Sydney always captures the beauty of human relationships and emotions and this collection is no different.
January 1, 2015
This collection of holiday short stories was the perfect read to close out this holiday season. Each story tugs at your heartstrings. A great quick read! Def recommend :)
February 2, 2015
Two of the three stories included in this "book" were former fanfics by the same names written under the penname Sydney_Alice.
December 4, 2014
As you, all know I am a huge fan of Christmas stories that are full of love, laughter, and some sniffling. I mean it isn’t a great story with a at least a few tears, right? Well, Sydney Logan delivered on all three accounts. I laughed, fell in love, and sniffled my little head off.
This book has three well-written short stories ready to get us into the holiday spirit. I truly loved all three of them. They are all different and show off Sydney’s diversity in what she can write. If I had to pick a favorite, it would be… Okay, I cannot do it. I truly loved them all three equally.
What Child is This had my tears flowing the most of the story. I was a blubbering mess. A good blubbering mess if there ever was one. My heart swelled when Thomas Fisher realized who the little boy was. The ending of this story left me all warm and fuzzy inside.
Mistletoe Magic is an eye opener we all need sometimes. The busy everyday life has us putting off or not talking to that one person who should be our all. We all need to rekindle that spark we have let smolder every now and again. I loved how Sydney handled it in this story.
Finally, we have Little Drummer Boy. This story takes a different spin on how we need to wake up and smell the coffee. But it’s more of a be quiet and listen and see what you can hear. Justin Banks has to go down in my book for one of the sweetest men I have ever read. This man loves his wife unconditionally. And the little boy in this story is too stinkin’ cute!
All three of these stories can be read in just a couple of hours. They are well worth your time and will leave a smile on your face.
This book has three well-written short stories ready to get us into the holiday spirit. I truly loved all three of them. They are all different and show off Sydney’s diversity in what she can write. If I had to pick a favorite, it would be… Okay, I cannot do it. I truly loved them all three equally.
What Child is This had my tears flowing the most of the story. I was a blubbering mess. A good blubbering mess if there ever was one. My heart swelled when Thomas Fisher realized who the little boy was. The ending of this story left me all warm and fuzzy inside.
Mistletoe Magic is an eye opener we all need sometimes. The busy everyday life has us putting off or not talking to that one person who should be our all. We all need to rekindle that spark we have let smolder every now and again. I loved how Sydney handled it in this story.
Finally, we have Little Drummer Boy. This story takes a different spin on how we need to wake up and smell the coffee. But it’s more of a be quiet and listen and see what you can hear. Justin Banks has to go down in my book for one of the sweetest men I have ever read. This man loves his wife unconditionally. And the little boy in this story is too stinkin’ cute!
All three of these stories can be read in just a couple of hours. They are well worth your time and will leave a smile on your face.
December 18, 2015
Review originally posted on Rach Lawrence Books.
*I was provided a copy of Once Upon a December by the author in exchange for an honest review. I am not compensated for my honest opinion.*
Once Upon a December is a collection of three short holiday stories that will lift you up and keep you smiling long after you finish reading. They are sweet and enchanting, and will make you a true believer in holiday miracles.
In Mistletoe Magic, Melanie Taylor’s marriage is on the verge of breaking down. She has no idea what to get her husband for Christmas. But as it turns out, the gift is not what’s important. A chance encounter in an elevator could turn everything around. This story reminds us that the cost of the gift isn’t important, but that the holiday is a chance for reconnecting.
What Child is This? is a story about a man who no longer celebrates Christmas due to events in his past that left him scarred and emotionally absent. But when Thomas Fisher is stranded at the airport not far from his hometown, a young boy shows him what he’s been missing all these years. This sweet tale of love and loss will give you hope that even the most difficult situations can be repaired.
In The Little Drummer Boy, a homeless man points Justin Banks in the direction of a little boy in need, and Justin realizes this is the perfect gift for his wife. Giving little Luke the perfect Christmas also gives Justin and Megan the family they’ve always wanted. This is a moving story filled with hopefulness and love.
As always, Ms. Logan delivers inspiring stories that are a pleasure to read.
*I was provided a copy of Once Upon a December by the author in exchange for an honest review. I am not compensated for my honest opinion.*
Once Upon a December is a collection of three short holiday stories that will lift you up and keep you smiling long after you finish reading. They are sweet and enchanting, and will make you a true believer in holiday miracles.
In Mistletoe Magic, Melanie Taylor’s marriage is on the verge of breaking down. She has no idea what to get her husband for Christmas. But as it turns out, the gift is not what’s important. A chance encounter in an elevator could turn everything around. This story reminds us that the cost of the gift isn’t important, but that the holiday is a chance for reconnecting.
What Child is This? is a story about a man who no longer celebrates Christmas due to events in his past that left him scarred and emotionally absent. But when Thomas Fisher is stranded at the airport not far from his hometown, a young boy shows him what he’s been missing all these years. This sweet tale of love and loss will give you hope that even the most difficult situations can be repaired.
In The Little Drummer Boy, a homeless man points Justin Banks in the direction of a little boy in need, and Justin realizes this is the perfect gift for his wife. Giving little Luke the perfect Christmas also gives Justin and Megan the family they’ve always wanted. This is a moving story filled with hopefulness and love.
As always, Ms. Logan delivers inspiring stories that are a pleasure to read.
November 27, 2015
A charming collection of three seasonal short stories. Each one is set on Christmas Eve.
1) What Child Is This. A man stranded due to bad weather, is persuaded to drive back to the town he grew up in, by a small boy he meets at the airport.
2) Mistletoe Magic – A man and a woman are left trapped in a lift during a power cut and help solve each others marital problems through heartfelt communication.
3) The Little Drummer Boy- The sound of a drum leads a man to a small boy with life changing consequences.
Each story is thought provoking and heart-warming. These short narratives will leave you with a warm, cosy feeling even if you shed a few tears like I did. All are uplifting and oozing with Christmas spirit, and an overwhelming feeling of hope. Perfect reading for a cold December night!
The author has done a tremendous job of creating beautiful written stories incorporating real-life issues with palpable emotions, laced with love and just enough sentimentality.
Magical!
5 Stars
***arc received in exchange for an honest review***
1) What Child Is This. A man stranded due to bad weather, is persuaded to drive back to the town he grew up in, by a small boy he meets at the airport.
2) Mistletoe Magic – A man and a woman are left trapped in a lift during a power cut and help solve each others marital problems through heartfelt communication.
3) The Little Drummer Boy- The sound of a drum leads a man to a small boy with life changing consequences.
Each story is thought provoking and heart-warming. These short narratives will leave you with a warm, cosy feeling even if you shed a few tears like I did. All are uplifting and oozing with Christmas spirit, and an overwhelming feeling of hope. Perfect reading for a cold December night!
The author has done a tremendous job of creating beautiful written stories incorporating real-life issues with palpable emotions, laced with love and just enough sentimentality.
Magical!
5 Stars
***arc received in exchange for an honest review***
November 24, 2015
When I was offered the opportunity to read the ARC, it was a no brainer, of course I wanted it!
I love Sydney Logan's writing style. Her words are always so palpable, swirling and embracing you with all the feels.
Three lovely little holiday stories brimming with sentiment, emotion, and lessons learned. (no pun intended :))
What Child Is This? - A story of regret and finding love of life, family, and the one that got away.
Mistletoe Magic - Sweet story of a husband and wife trying to find their love again.
The Little Drummer Boy - A spin on the classic, had me tearing and sniffling the entire read.
A great little read for the season you won't want to miss.
"ARC provided by author in exchange for a fair review"
I love Sydney Logan's writing style. Her words are always so palpable, swirling and embracing you with all the feels.
Three lovely little holiday stories brimming with sentiment, emotion, and lessons learned. (no pun intended :))
What Child Is This? - A story of regret and finding love of life, family, and the one that got away.
Mistletoe Magic - Sweet story of a husband and wife trying to find their love again.
The Little Drummer Boy - A spin on the classic, had me tearing and sniffling the entire read.
A great little read for the season you won't want to miss.
"ARC provided by author in exchange for a fair review"
January 1, 2015
I have always loved everything that Sydney Logan has written. This was no exception to that. This was a magical story that kept you on your toes the entire time. I absolutely loved this collection of stories. What child is this was a story that made me smile and had the ending that you want every holiday story to have. Mistletoe Magic was a story that captivated me from the beginning. The Little Drummer Boy was another story that captivated me with a beautiful story. This is a great book that everyone needs to read.
December 7, 2014
Sydney Logan gives us 3 wonderful short stories to remind us of the power of hope and love. Each one focuses on a couple faced with challenges at the holidays and how angels step in to guide the way and lead them to the best outcome. Each one made my heart melt and put a smile on my face. A great set to get you in the holiday spirit.
January 4, 2015
Really cute and deep stories for the holiday season. Not your ordinary fluffy stories, which made their endings all the more sweet.
I particularly liked ‘Mistletoe Magic’ and ‘The little Drummer Boy’, but the three stories were beautiful either way.
Great reads.
I particularly liked ‘Mistletoe Magic’ and ‘The little Drummer Boy’, but the three stories were beautiful either way.
Great reads.
December 4, 2014
definitely put me in the Christmas mood
December 18, 2015
4.5 stars
December 15, 2016
This was a nice little read. Nothing super original - in fact, I read two of the three online back in the days - but still satisfying and seasonally appropriate.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews