The Christmas List

By: Chrissie Manby

Narrated by: Rebecca Courtney

Length: 2 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's Summary

What if you got exactly what you wanted this Christmas? Find out why you should be careful what you wish for in best-seller Chrissie Manby's (Getting Over Mr Right, Seven Sunny Days) exclusive Christmas novella.

It’s the 1st of December and Milly Arnold is facing a miserable Noel. Newly single, the last thing she wants to do is join her settled sister and her young family for the first of their traditions: the writing of the Christmas lists. However Milly’s nephews have other ideas and insist she write a list of her own (with illustrations to help Father Christmas decipher her terrible handwriting). Milly duly makes a request for a bunch of roses, some chocolate and a new pair of shoes. She doesn’t expect to get any of it. However, that very day, a box of chocolates appears, swiftly followed by the roses. And when Milly wins a voucher to buy a pair of shoes, she begins to wonder if there’s something in this Christmas cosmic ordering after all. She quickly amends her first letter. However, as Christmas gets closer and the items she requested appear in increasingly unexpected ways, Milly starts to worry that Santa might be taking her list just a little too literally.

©2013 Chrissie Manby (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Ok, ending blah

The book really held my attention and I was really hoping for something great to come out of it. Than the ending hit so abruptly I was caught off by it. Kinda bummed me out.

Not sure I would read again

Short, Sweet Christmas Story

I liked a lot about this story. I wish it had been a bit more detailed, particularly at the end. Another 5-10 minutes wrapping it up would have earned it another star. I liked the characters and the premise enough to wish this wasn't such a short story. The narrator was OK, not fantastic-not horrific, not good-not bad, just OK. After a couple of recent "horrifics," I'll take OK. It is exactly as advertised, a short Christmas story. With Kindle Unlimited, this was a read and listen for free title.

Even though I did like it, I don't think I would have spent more than $3 for it, and I definitely would not waste a credit on it. However, it gave me the opportunity to check out a new-to-me author, and I think I'll have to see what else she has available.

Light Fun Read

Any additional comments?

This is a nice light fun romance with a touch of mystery to it. It's a short book, but I don't regret using up a credit on it. I found it entertaining from start to finish. It does end a bit abruptly.

Average all around

Setting: England, contemporary
Genre: Holiday feel-good story
Milly's boyfriend dumps her right before advent. Christmas time is her favorite time of the year, so this is especially horrible for her. She had such plans. Anyway, the family tradition is for the kids to write to Santa with a list of what they want, then it is sent up the flue on the heat of a match, but without burning. Her nephews insist the adults make lists too. Milly does so, without much enthusiasm. But she soon finds the things on her list being granted, though not necessarily as she would expect.
This is another story I wish had been in an anthology. It was sweetly average, with average narration.

Lovely, short book..

Feel-good story.. predictable, yes. But still leaves a smile on your face when the read is over.

Good book!

Cute story for the holidays! Narration was good - enjoyed it. Recommend. Are we at 15 words yet?

Cute!

Lovely little Christmas story. I’d recommend giving it a try and seeing if it makes you smile

Enjoyable listen

I enjoyed listening to this story. You will not regret listening to this story.

Cute story

After being dumped by herBF, heartbroken Millie makes a Christmas wish list with her 5 yo nephews. But her wishes start being fulfilled in unexpected ways. She ends up making a second list with more ambitious items. The last wish is “a kiss that will change her life”. It was fun to see how the universe fulfilled her wishes and she was able to start the New Year in a much better place. Even though the story starts with heartache, it was a cute tale with a satisfying ending. Short and sweet.

Sweet story

Definitely has the "Hallmark movie feel. Sweet story for the holiday season. Enjoyed it.

Fun Christmas listen

What did you like most about The Christmas List?

The Christmas List was a warming Christmas story full of tradition and wishes.

What did you like best about this story?

It was a fun story, full of festivities, perfect for this time of year.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It was lovely to have a book that I could listen to all in one sitting.

Christmas list

Would you consider the audio edition of The Christmas List to be better than the print version?

Haven't read the book

Who was your favorite character and why?

I didn't really have a favourite. I enjoyed the whole story.

Have you listened to any of Rebecca Courtney’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No but I liked her reading and would be happy to listen to her again.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

I think this is too short for a film

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed this short story. It was very sweet and put me in a Christmas mood.

A great Christmas short story

I loved listening to this book, it was a lovely family story although I didn't want it to end but that is short stories for you. I had to speed up the narration for it to sound normal and the narrator did a great job, her voice suited the story. I am happy that it was included and I didn't have to a spend a credit on it. To be honest I would not have spent a credit on a 2 hour book. I still do recommend this book though and look forward to researching other books of the author and the narrator.

I hope readers enjoyed Christmas and e wish my fellow Audible listeners a very happy & healthy new year. If you are in a bad place then please don't make a permanent decision on temporary emotions, this mantra has really helped me.

Kind Regards
Mrs Cole

One of the good festive reads

I’ve found some gems among The Christmassy short stories (and some that didn’t hit the right note for me and I abandoned them). This is fun. A story of nice things. It’s just a lovely story and I enjoyed it all.

Monotone

Cute quick little story. Nothing too exciting! The narrator though… urghh…easy listener to relax.

Sweet short listen

A “free” Christmas time story. Listened to in March and enjoyed anyway. Christmas, family and happiness- a short break from the wind and rain 😀

Christmas joy at any time!

What an absolute joy of a story! Loved it, loved it, loved it. Thank you!

Annoying mc and something missing

I discovered this as an exclusive novella in Audible so thought I'd give it a go to try and get me in the Christmas spirit.

I have to say I just found it average. There was just something missing that made it feel a bit flat, a missing spark.

I found the mc Milly quite annoying and lacking personality, she just felt like such a sap. I think I preferred her sisters who didn't feature as much to be honest! The radio presenter, Mark Clark, was really annoying too.

I did love that Milly ended up with everything from her list, because the magic of Christmas is real!

Overall, I'm glad it was only a novella as I managed to finish it but I wouldn't listen again.

Short festive story

An enjoyable short festive story towards the run up to Christmas 🎄🎅🏼🤶
The Narrator could have been better, however this story did put me into the festive spirit!
Ho…Ho…Ho!!!
Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy and also healthy new year!
Cheers! 🎉🥳🥂🍹🤩

Good Humor, good Story, Good narrator

I liked this light and fresh story that took it’s turns and twists and therefore felt kind of surprising to me. Nice ending without any annoying unrealistic way too romantic moments. Worth listening.