Santa's Last Gift

Sebastian seems to be battling himself and his personal responsibilities. He really has helped his family stay afloat but coming home is causing him to shift his thinking and it is taking him time to figure out what to do next. As he reconnects with his family and his old friend it gives him a whole new perspective. Helping to make dreams come true really gives him what he needs to move forward in a new way. I love the epilogue and the way it wraps and how we get to see how it all works out.

The enchantment of the holidays is perfect for a second chance romance. Sandine Tomas gives us a sweet and lighthearted Christmas present with Santa’s Last Gift, combining family and two high school sweethearts reuniting after having lost touch for several years. It truly is the magic of the season.

Sebastian Chesnut (Baz) returns to his hometown of Fir Falls to spend the holidays with his family before embarking on a career change that will take him overseas. Seb has been away for several years advancing his career as an event planner. What he doesn’t expect to find is his high school boyfriend, the one who broke his heart. Matthew (Matt/Matty) Starr is now best friends with Seb’s sister and an integral part of the Chesnut family.

Growing over the years, Seb and Matt are different men now. Seb’s people skills have matured and continue to grow as he interacts with his family. The ADHD controlling Matt during his teenage years has settled, allowing him to have focus for relationships. One of the best parts to Santa’s Last Gift is observing Seb and Matt continue to grow. There is a profound realization that each had a role in past events which lead to their demise. But, now just maybe the time is right.

The longer Seb spends with is family the more he realizes what he is missing. At first, he feels like an outsider. But as the reconnection with them and Matt occurs his heart engages, and an epiphany smacks him right upside the head… he misses his family and Matt. What a conundrum! Choose between the career wealth he is working for versus the wealth only family and love provide?

Of course, there is a bit of anxiety to stir things. It is the tense family drama only an ex can create but it only offers credibility to the story. And don’t you fret, Seb perseveres finding an acceptable solution that, in the end, becomes a new holiday tradition they all hold dear.

Matt being firmly a part of the Chesnut family begins strangely for Seb but he discovers it is precious and fills a mutual need that is as it should be. Santa’s Last Gift is not just love, romance, and bonding for Seb and Matt but it is full of the feelings that only the warmth and comfort of family provides. Santa’s Last Gift is best enjoyed covered with a comfy blanket, by a roaring fire, with a steaming mug of hot cocoa in hand.

I found this story lots of fun to read. I loved all of the characters from Matt and Seb to Seb's mom, sister and of course the two little girls. I love second chances and this was a good example. There are a couple of interesting subplots like the issue of Seb's sister's divorce and the kids having to spend the holiday with their dad and Seb's looming job offer.
The story is sweet, romantic at times, and witty too. (I hope to get to see Jackson and Cam's story soon!)
If you like event planners, artists, second chances, cute kids, holiday stories and a sweet, hot romance you will like this.

I was pleased to be able to read an ARC of this lovely novel. I liked all of the characters but I have to admit Matthew stole my ❤ right off the bat. Deb was harder to get to know, but he had reasons for it. The girls were delightful!

I hope Sandine writes a sequel to this book...and that I get to read an ARC of it too. 😘