Love on a Reindeer Run: a Sweet Holiday Romance

By Shanae Johnson

Sometimes love needs a little Christmas magic to find its forever home.

Joy Evergreen is on the hunt for the perfect Christmas gift. As the head of the Head Elf in Charge of the Honor Valley children's toy drive, she's determined that every kid on the town's military base will have their Christmas wishes fulfilled -even if she has to elbow a few mall shoppers along the way. But when she bumps into her ex-boyfriend in the toy store, she's determined that this time she won't be the one left holding the bag.

After years away, Lucas Jackson has returned to his home town on a new mission; he's become the temporary guardian of his niece and nephew. His secret objective is to reunite with the love that he let slip through his fingers. He doesn't expect for battle lines to be drain between him and Joy. Nor for the fight to be over the hottest holiday toy of the season. 

Can a reindeer run through crowded toy stores, long lines and online auctions bring these two warring souls back to love? Find out in this holiday romance that weaves together a returning hero, a second chance at love, the joy of gift-giving, and the spirit of the holidays. 

Love on a Reindeer Run is a part of the Honor Valley Holiday romances; a heartwarming, small town, military romance series that explores the power of love, growth, and healing set during the most magical time of the year! These stories are short and sweet -the perfect length for an afternoon pick me up or an evening escape before bedtime!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Publishdrive
• Release date: Dec 1, 2023

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

The smell of baking gingerbread filled the community center. It was a tantalizing holiday scent that normally would have made Joy Evergreen's heart swell with, well, joy. Today, those familiar smells only tightened the knot in her stomach as she studied the ledger before her. Numbers didn't lie, and the figures were dire.

Budget cuts again? Holly, Joy's cousin and very first friend, which made her the very best friend, sighed as she eyed the worry creasing Joy's forehead.

The military base in Honor Valley had been hit with significant budget cuts during the last couple of months. The reductions were affecting various aspects of daily operations, from training to maintenance, and unfortunately, it was now also impacting the support services the base provided to the families living there.

The base's commander was working to find solutions, to reallocate resources where he could. But some services were being limited for the time being. It looked like the annual toy drive was one that was going to take a hit.

Joy looked up to her cousin, whose hands were splattered in sweet-smelling flour, and forced a smile. It's going to be a challenge, but I'm going to make it work. I have to, especially for the kids on the base. They deserve a magical Christmas.

This wasn't the first time Joy would have to make do with less. Back in high school, Joy, along with Holly and their other cousin and first friend Felice, had learned that the kids on the military base didn't do Christmas quite like the Evergreens. Joy's family owned the town Christmas tree farm as well as a year-round holiday store that sold Christmas items even on Halloween and Easter. Having anything less than the Evergreen holiday experience was unimaginable to the Evergreen girls, and so they decided to do something about Christmas on the base.

Felice, who had the voice of an angel, organized a caroling event every year for the base families. Holly, who could bake like no one's business, organized the food drive as well as a holiday dinner for the families. And Joy took charge of the toy drive.

Inside the base's recreation center, the room was adorned with garlands and sparkling fairy lights that were now turned off. Only thirty minutes ago, the children had been sitting at the tables, eating gingerbread and penning letters to Santa. Their happy faces had lit up, asking for gifts Joy wasn't sure she could provide.

Those families are already under enough stress with the deployments, Joy said, her voice thick with emotion. The children shouldn't have to feel the pinch of budget cuts. Christmas is about hope, joy, and love. I can't let them down.

You won't. You never do. Holly's assurance was sincere, but Joy couldn't shake the worry.

Outside the window, snowflakes danced on their trip from the clouds, adding to the festive atmosphere. Joy's heart felt as cold as the snow. How could she tell those children that Santa might not come? Their families were sacrificing so much for the country, and the least she could do was give them a joyful holiday.

She had a budget. She'd just make it stretch.

With the rec room cleared of pens, paper, and gingerbread crumbs, Joy and Holly parted ways. Back in her apartment, Joy settled into the cozy armchair by the twinkling lights of her Christmas tree. She held a steaming cup of hot cocoa in one hand and a stack of children's letters to Santa in the other.

The children's wishes were simple. Most of the letters were filled with dreams of toys and pets. But there were also poignant reminders of the reality they faced, wishes for deployed parents to remain safe while they were away.

Then she came across a letter that stopped her in her tracks. It was written in a careful, mature hand that belied the age of most of the elementary-aged children that had been present today.

Dear Santa, the letter began, I'm writing this for my little brother, Jamie. He's too young to write, but he told me what he wants. He wants the Star Voyager action figure. I know it's hard to get, but he really wants it.

The sister was right. The Star Voyager action figure was the season's hottest item. Surprisingly, none of the other children had asked for it. This letter was the first to request the toy.

But I know you're not the real Santa. I know this is just an adult reading this. If you were real, all I would ask for is my mom to come home for Christmas. She's a soldier who's fighting for our country. Me and Jamie miss her so much. So on the chance that you're real, can you please grant my wish and bring my mom home for Christmas?

The letter