All I Want for Christmas

Halo Island #1

by Ann Roth

Nothing is more precious to Ryan Chase than his five-year-old daughter, Maggie. She's the reason the widower moved to Halo Island in the first place—to get away from his hectic, work-all-hours job and spend more time with her. Ryan will do anything to make sure Maggie is protected from hurt, which means no attachments to anyone who comes into their lives and plans to leave. Like Tina Morrell. As soon as the holidays are over, she's going back to Seattle to her busy job and hopefully a promotion. Tina's career is the most important thing in her life… Until she meets the adorable Maggie and her hot father. But Ryan won't let Tina get close, even though his daughter seems to be bringing them together. Will the miracle of Christmas open his heart to love?

Genres: Christmas, Romance

279 pages, ebook

First published November 1, 2007

About the author

I'm a bit of a voyeur. I love to stick my nose into total strangers' business and observe how they deal with life's hurdles and whatever obstacles fate throws at them. I can't think of anything more challenging or interesting than delving into a character's psyche to discover what makes her/him tick. The surprises and insights are amazing.

The people who interest me most are the ones I know will triumph despite life’s problems and challenges. For me, writing their stories is both rewarding and a whole lot of fun.

Publication didn't come easy for me--just ask my family! That took seven-plus years, during which I worked full-time as a banker, complete with an MBA in finance and human resources management. I wrote evenings and weekends, spending countless hours hunched in front of the computer while I painstakingly honed my craft, and collected folders of rejections. In 1999 my efforts at last paid off. That summer, I won the Golden Heart for best long contemporary romance. Sadly it is now defunct. Six months later, just four days before Christmas, I sold my first book to Silhouette Special Edition, also now gone. That book, STRANGER IN A SMALL TOWN, was a 2000 Romantic Times nominee (another loss) for best first long series novel.

Since then I have sold multiple novels to publishers and tried my hand at indie publishing.

But things change, so check back often for updates.

Thanks for stopping by, and come back soon!

Reviews

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read. Ryan is a single father just trying to raise his daughter. Tina is in town helping a family member out while they recover. Maggie who is Ryan's daughter has been through a lot and every woman that comes into her life seems to leave. Therefore, Ryan tries desperately to keep Tina at bay. However, by the end that become impossible. Thankfully in the end they get their happy ending.

[Kelly DeMarco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting it all
All I Want For Christmas by Ann Roth is one of those holiday romances that demonstrates true stubbornness despite what is really needed. Both Ryan and Tina have plenty of baggage. They both deny what is obvious to others, thinking anything real is out of reach or impossible. Maggie, the sweet daughter of Ryan, has the right idea and her Christmas wish is what ultimately everyone wants, it’s just matters of admitting it to themselves and taking the risk of opening their hearts.
I really enjoyed how this progresses through the plot and development of the romance. The chemistry of Ryan and Tina is steamy and emotional too. There’s plenty of heart in this book as there are many connections that show emotional depth in a variety of ways.
Overall, a wonderfully well written holiday romance to warm the heart and feed the holiday spirit.
I read an ARC of this book and voluntarily share my review.

[Patricia Baxes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas is just around the corner and Ann Roth has gifted us with a delightful early present—All I Want for Christmas. This book will truly get you in the spirit with its wonderful storyline; adorable characters; a few twists and turns; and a truly heartfelt HEA. Give yourself an early Christmas gift and put this terrific on your TBR list today! (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and loved it!) ❤️

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet but a little racy Christmas romance. Tina comes back to Halo Island to help Gigi the woman who took her in when her father dies. Tina meets Gigi's new neighbor's widower Ryan and his 5-year-old daughter Maggie. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and enjoy this story. I was very happy to find out that there are more books in the series I received an ARC for my honest review.

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tina is back in Halo island to take care of Gigi, the woman that raised her as her daughter. But she must return to Seattle to the job she no longer loves. Ryan and her five year old daughter are happy with their new life in Halo Island or so he thinks. But when he meets Tina he soon realise that something is missing. Can they have a future together? A Sweet story.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really sweet Christmas romance with interfering "relatives", lots of small town charm and sweet little girl who just wants love. Tina is helping Gigi recover from hip surgery and doesn't plan on staying on Halo Island. Ryan is just trying to give his daughter the best life he can, he doesn't plan on letting anyone into his heart, but fate has other plans for Tina and Ryan.

[Margaret Connelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

A little predictable but hard to put down, this tale will hold your interest. A little steamy but not too bad, the romance has some problems on both sides. The characters are well developed and charming.

[Mum · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good Christmas story. Meddling in novels as a way to move the plot forward is becoming annoying. Is the message now “we cannot think for ourselves and we must rely on others to determine our fate”? If so, we’re in a very sad state.

[Cynthia Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lighthearted Christmas love story. Really enjoyed it!!

[Martimagic]

A sweet holiday romance with a bit of spice. Two people with an assortment of emotional baggage come together during the holiday season and find a way to make a family with his adorable child.

[Janeiowa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read, but drags. It needs to be shortened, imho.

[Luvsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for the single dad of a little girl trying his best to be both dad and mom. Ryan is such a wonderful man and I fell in love with him. He tries so hard to fight his attraction for businesswoman Tina, as he knows she's more committed to her career than anything else. Or so he thinks. Watching these two fall in love in this beautiful, picturesque town, with adorable Maggie was just what I was looking for in a sweet Christmas romance. Loved it!

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read that was also a pick me up. Honestly written, clearly stated. You immediately fall in love with the heroin, Tina. She takes alot and even gives more. Ryan is a great dad, but not dating material. Ann Roth gave it all a good spin, and told a story that was believable. I gave it 5 stars.

[Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the setting - stuck on an island in the Pacific Northwest. It's cute, the little girl is a bonus. A nice quick read for the holidays.