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The Christmas Knife
A stolen Christmas present brings together two strangers who long for hearth and home at the holidays.
It’s mere days before Christmas when the gift Clayton intends to give to his nephew, an antique Bowie knife and hand-beaded sheath, is stolen. Clayton must track them down before Christmas morning.
A lost & found ad is posted for the Christmas knife’s safe return, bringing scammers crawling out of the woodwork who only want the reward. That is, until Clayton gets a call from a man named Kyle, who says he just wants to return the knife and sheath to Clayton, and he doesn’t want the reward.
Is it just another scam or can Clayton trust him? Clayton takes a risk and heads to Kyle’s house to pick up the Christmas knife. Over the phone, Kyle’s voice becomes Clayton’s only beacon as he makes his way through a whiteout blizzard.
After a long drive across the prairies during a raging, pre-Christmas winter storm, will Clayton find more than what he is looking for?
Contemporary m/m romance, holiday blizzard, fireplace kisses, lost presents, long drives, family, contemporary, sweet, HEA.
It’s mere days before Christmas when the gift Clayton intends to give to his nephew, an antique Bowie knife and hand-beaded sheath, is stolen. Clayton must track them down before Christmas morning.
A lost & found ad is posted for the Christmas knife’s safe return, bringing scammers crawling out of the woodwork who only want the reward. That is, until Clayton gets a call from a man named Kyle, who says he just wants to return the knife and sheath to Clayton, and he doesn’t want the reward.
Is it just another scam or can Clayton trust him? Clayton takes a risk and heads to Kyle’s house to pick up the Christmas knife. Over the phone, Kyle’s voice becomes Clayton’s only beacon as he makes his way through a whiteout blizzard.
After a long drive across the prairies during a raging, pre-Christmas winter storm, will Clayton find more than what he is looking for?
Contemporary m/m romance, holiday blizzard, fireplace kisses, lost presents, long drives, family, contemporary, sweet, HEA.
156 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 21, 2018
About the author
Jackie North
40 books354 followersJackie North has been writing stories since grade school and spent years absorbing the mainstream romances that she found at her local grocery store. She also wanted to put her English degree to good use and write romance novels, because for years she’s had a never-ending movie of made-up love stories in her head that simply wouldn’t leave her alone.
As fate would have it, she discovered m/m romance and decided that men falling in love with other men was exactly what she wanted to write books about.
She creates characters who are a bit flawed and broken, who find themselves on the edge of society, and maybe a few who are a little bit lost, but who all deserve a happily ever after. (And she makes sure they get it!)
She likes long walks on the beach, the smell of lavender and rainstorms, and enjoys sleeping in on snowy mornings. She is especially fond of pizza and beer and, when time allows, long road trips with soda fountain drinks and rock and roll music. In her heart, there is peace to be found everywhere, but since in the real world this isn’t always true, Jackie writes for love.
As fate would have it, she discovered m/m romance and decided that men falling in love with other men was exactly what she wanted to write books about.
She creates characters who are a bit flawed and broken, who find themselves on the edge of society, and maybe a few who are a little bit lost, but who all deserve a happily ever after. (And she makes sure they get it!)
She likes long walks on the beach, the smell of lavender and rainstorms, and enjoys sleeping in on snowy mornings. She is especially fond of pizza and beer and, when time allows, long road trips with soda fountain drinks and rock and roll music. In her heart, there is peace to be found everywhere, but since in the real world this isn’t always true, Jackie writes for love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 24, 2018
An adorable sweet Christmas story, with fate working so hard to make Clayton finding Kyle. And it worked!
This is a slow (not really) burn, with just kisses and cuddles. Actually an insta love, but not really. LOL.
They said, they're getting 'there' slow, but bonding after just one day. But they taking it slow, so yeah, no sex, but kisses and cuddles, and a sweetness of the season.
I enjoyed Kyle and Clayton. Mostly Kyle, he's cute as a button.
December 28, 2018
sorry but I hated it. Everything felt forced and super awkward and when after two days they started taking about forever, well I was done! It started strong with a very interesting story of the knife but once the guys started spending time together things just became kinda boring and it wasn't even lack of sexy times. It was just ALL the awkward conversations not just between the guys but also with friends and family. Could've been four starts had the story remained interesting but instead went down to 2 stars once the talk of forever (after 2 days of meeting and before even kissing!) started.
December 15, 2020
Wow, I've just discovered Jackie North and I'm plowing through her backlist! This is my second book, and I'm wowed!
The Christmas Knife is one of the most perfect hurt/comfort holiday stories I've read. These characters are so genuine and honest. And the way they connect, and turn their connection into the possibility of something more for their future, is beautifully done.
Good thing for me there's a whole lot more Jackie North for me to look forward to!
The Christmas Knife is one of the most perfect hurt/comfort holiday stories I've read. These characters are so genuine and honest. And the way they connect, and turn their connection into the possibility of something more for their future, is beautifully done.
Good thing for me there's a whole lot more Jackie North for me to look forward to!
March 30, 2021
In the cold Wyoming to Colorado winter storm, Clayton is going to spend the holiday with his sis and family for the first time in a long time. The trip is rough in the blizzard conditions, and 18-wheeler truck driver Clayton, wild blonde hair and scruff,
picks up a special gift from Uncle Bill, for Clayton to give his nephew Shawn. The authentic Indian artifact gets repaired, then it's stolen, and a reward is issued. Many calls come in that are bogus, until one says he doesn't want the reward.
This is a marvelous tale of puzzle pieces fitting into place.
Kyle is a ginger with blue eyes,
who works from home as a Software Engineer. He's isolated and lonely, but has a bright, sunny attitude.
Kyle and Clayton get acquainted, eat and share stories as the blizzard bombards the area.
This is beautifully written "feel good" tale of satisfaction and true caring, from genuine characters to like.
Highly recommended. ENJOY !
=====
picks up a special gift from Uncle Bill, for Clayton to give his nephew Shawn. The authentic Indian artifact gets repaired, then it's stolen, and a reward is issued. Many calls come in that are bogus, until one says he doesn't want the reward.
This is a marvelous tale of puzzle pieces fitting into place.
Kyle is a ginger with blue eyes,
who works from home as a Software Engineer. He's isolated and lonely, but has a bright, sunny attitude.
Kyle and Clayton get acquainted, eat and share stories as the blizzard bombards the area.
This is beautifully written "feel good" tale of satisfaction and true caring, from genuine characters to like.
Highly recommended. ENJOY !
=====
January 13, 2019
A sweet holiday story, an offshoot of sorts from Jackie North's excellent Honey From the Lion featuring a knife and beaded sheath originally made by Adeline, the half=Native American woman from the Arapahoe tribe. Clayton has the sheath rebeaded, it's stolen from him, there is an ad placed on Craigslist, Kyle responds saying that he bought the item at a festival / fair and wants to return it to him.
Clayton ends up driving through a blizzard to get to Kyle's place, they spend Christmas Eve and Day together snowed in waiting for the snowplow, and they fall in love. The story is full of G-rated warm coziness, but I felt the pace was a bit slow and some of the scenes are redundant. 3.5 stars.
Clayton ends up driving through a blizzard to get to Kyle's place, they spend Christmas Eve and Day together snowed in waiting for the snowplow, and they fall in love. The story is full of G-rated warm coziness, but I felt the pace was a bit slow and some of the scenes are redundant. 3.5 stars.
December 15, 2022
This was a little different, with an interesting theme about a knife that was supposed to be a Christmas gift, stolen and found again.
The protagonists were nice although they stayed a little pale and distant.
No action, no drama, no steam, not much happening at all.
I wouldn't call it boring, but it certainly wasn't a page turner, I would have wished to get to know those guys a little better and to get a glimpse into their future in the epilog.
Unfortunately that didn't happen and the story although not bad will be soon forgotten. 3 stars
The protagonists were nice although they stayed a little pale and distant.
No action, no drama, no steam, not much happening at all.
I wouldn't call it boring, but it certainly wasn't a page turner, I would have wished to get to know those guys a little better and to get a glimpse into their future in the epilog.
Unfortunately that didn't happen and the story although not bad will be soon forgotten. 3 stars
January 4, 2019
My first finished read in 2019, a very very sweet Christmas novella from Love Across Time by Jackie North. If you have read Honey from The Lion, you’ll find some characters from that book in this story.
This is a very sweet slow burn and also insta-love story with only kiss and cuddling that will completely warm your heart.
Clayton and Kyle are completely strangers who brought together by fate. The journey of how they found each other and then falling in love are unique and sweet. You’ll fall in love with both Clayton and Kyle during the reading and you’ll keep smiling long after you finished the book.
January 29, 2019
I absolutely adored this novella from Jackie North! It's a little slow to start but Jackie's writing is so beautiful and really makes you feel for poor Clayton. And the descriptions of his harrowing drive through a blizzard were shiver-inducing. Everything about this was sweet and fluff and holiday perfection, with a little bit sadness and lots of love. I can't stress how beautiful the writing is. I just want to bask in Jackie's words.
December 10, 2022
Thank you to the lovely Elf who gifted this to me.
What an adorable little story about two men getting for Christmas exactly that which they never knew they needed and never even thought to ask for. This author's emotional writing just works for me, and it was a sweet treat to read this book.
What an adorable little story about two men getting for Christmas exactly that which they never knew they needed and never even thought to ask for. This author's emotional writing just works for me, and it was a sweet treat to read this book.
November 16, 2020
4 stars
Clayton is given a family heirloom knife and sheath by his uncle, and plans to pass it on to his nephew, who he hasn't seen for a couple of years. But first, he heads out to get the sheath repaired. Once it is returned to him, it is stolen, which throws a wrench into his Christmas plans, since he really, really wanted to give it to his nephew. However, his sister places an ad with a reward, and when one of the people calling about it actually sounds like he has the knife, Clayton needs to make the decision as to whether or not he will deviate from his planned trip in a blinding snow storm on the off chance that this Kyle person is not a kook.
I really liked this story. Everything was well plotted, and THIS is how you do insta-love. I completely believed that Clayton and Kyle were going to make it, even though they had only known each other a few days. It probably had something to do with the fact that they had actual conversations and learned things about each other. And even though there couldn't really be secondary characters because of the actual setting of the story (on the road and then stranded in a snowstorm, just the two of them), what page time they had was well done and provided background and insight for the main characters.
I think my biggest issue with the story comes from the fact that I live in the north, where we get winter and blizzards and cold, and I worked in an industry where I knew a lot of long haul truckers. The fact that Clayton went driving off through states that get winter (North Dakota, Colorado, Wyoming) during the winter months, including some pretty remote areas, and had ABSOLUTELY no winter supplies (hat, scarf, mitts, warm jacket) boggles my mind. Especially since he lived there, and knew that the weather could change in an instant. The truckers I know would have all that stuff in a bag, even if it was their personal vehicle, not the one they drive for work. And while Clayton made a point to stop and get gas as often as he could, and picked up junk food while he was at the service stations, he somehow, even with whiteout and freezing conditions, never thought to buy at least something that would cover his extremities. I mean, the service stations were in said winter states, surely they would have had some supplies. But hey, who needs mitts when you have powdered doughnuts and beef jerky?
Clayton is given a family heirloom knife and sheath by his uncle, and plans to pass it on to his nephew, who he hasn't seen for a couple of years. But first, he heads out to get the sheath repaired. Once it is returned to him, it is stolen, which throws a wrench into his Christmas plans, since he really, really wanted to give it to his nephew. However, his sister places an ad with a reward, and when one of the people calling about it actually sounds like he has the knife, Clayton needs to make the decision as to whether or not he will deviate from his planned trip in a blinding snow storm on the off chance that this Kyle person is not a kook.
I really liked this story. Everything was well plotted, and THIS is how you do insta-love. I completely believed that Clayton and Kyle were going to make it, even though they had only known each other a few days. It probably had something to do with the fact that they had actual conversations and learned things about each other. And even though there couldn't really be secondary characters because of the actual setting of the story (on the road and then stranded in a snowstorm, just the two of them), what page time they had was well done and provided background and insight for the main characters.
I think my biggest issue with the story comes from the fact that I live in the north, where we get winter and blizzards and cold, and I worked in an industry where I knew a lot of long haul truckers. The fact that Clayton went driving off through states that get winter (North Dakota, Colorado, Wyoming) during the winter months, including some pretty remote areas, and had ABSOLUTELY no winter supplies (hat, scarf, mitts, warm jacket) boggles my mind. Especially since he lived there, and knew that the weather could change in an instant. The truckers I know would have all that stuff in a bag, even if it was their personal vehicle, not the one they drive for work. And while Clayton made a point to stop and get gas as often as he could, and picked up junk food while he was at the service stations, he somehow, even with whiteout and freezing conditions, never thought to buy at least something that would cover his extremities. I mean, the service stations were in said winter states, surely they would have had some supplies. But hey, who needs mitts when you have powdered doughnuts and beef jerky?
December 23, 2018
Sweet holiday read, that is G rated (I can't remember if there is any swearing in it). It is good to read a wholesome M/M romance that doesn't start with the main characters immediately falling into bed, or on their knees. This is a long, slooooww burn, with their first kiss around 80%.
As always, Jackie North has crafted two characters that are so well written, I can't help but adore them.
The extended friends and family ascpect to the story reminds me of of any family around the world. This story could be set in any region, any race or religion around the world, and it would all fit and ring true. Family is flawed, and imperfect, but they are always there for you when it ounts. I liked that part of the sister's story.
And of course, the finding of love when you least expect it!
As always, Jackie North has crafted two characters that are so well written, I can't help but adore them.
The extended friends and family ascpect to the story reminds me of of any family around the world. This story could be set in any region, any race or religion around the world, and it would all fit and ring true. Family is flawed, and imperfect, but they are always there for you when it ounts. I liked that part of the sister's story.
And of course, the finding of love when you least expect it!
December 24, 2019
Lovely Christmas romance, sweet and totally innocent. Clayton and Kyle are cute as a couple, and you’ll find their interactions refreshing because how straightforward they are. No angst, no misunderstandings to mud anything between them. The author wrote the characters, the dialogues and reactions so well that you can picture in your mind how they are with each other. Wonderful reading, perfect for this season! I totally recommend it if you want to introduce someone to the topic of MM literature in a sensitive way.
I received this book in a giveaway and this is my honest opinion.
I received this book in a giveaway and this is my honest opinion.
December 26, 2018
The story started a bit slow, since we had some set up for the two MC's to meet. Once they met, though, I really enjoyed when they were together. I guess things moved pretty fast, but it didn't seem like it and they got along so well. It was a great story of two guys who weren't unhappy, just living their lives, but here they found something wonderful that they didn't even know they were looking for. It's just a nice, sweet story that made me smile.
December 26, 2018
I loved it
This was an amazing Christmas story. Two strangers brought together by the unlikeliest of circumstances and finding the person they didn't know they were waiting to find. It was pure serendipity.
This was an amazing Christmas story. Two strangers brought together by the unlikeliest of circumstances and finding the person they didn't know they were waiting to find. It was pure serendipity.
December 6, 2020
A sweet Christmas romance.
The story starts with Uncle Bill gifting Clayton a special Bowie knife to be restored and to be given as Christmas gift to his nephew. Clayton gets it restored, but the knife gets stolen and the loss is too much for Clayton who was hoping for a good reunion with his estranged sister and nephew.
From there we are taken on a cross country trip in a blizzard with Clayton , who gets a call from a stranger, Kyle , who is claiming to have the stolen knife. Kyle turns out to be a sweet gentle person, with a warm house all ready for Christmas.
Lovely story with a Christmas miracle and romance. Love the cover!
The story starts with Uncle Bill gifting Clayton a special Bowie knife to be restored and to be given as Christmas gift to his nephew. Clayton gets it restored, but the knife gets stolen and the loss is too much for Clayton who was hoping for a good reunion with his estranged sister and nephew.
From there we are taken on a cross country trip in a blizzard with Clayton , who gets a call from a stranger, Kyle , who is claiming to have the stolen knife. Kyle turns out to be a sweet gentle person, with a warm house all ready for Christmas.
Lovely story with a Christmas miracle and romance. Love the cover!
December 25, 2018
3.5 Stars
Very sweet, poignant story about a man trying to get to his sister's house for Christmas. They've been separated for a few years and he has a knife that he wants to get repaired to give his nephew.
Along the journey he comes across some obstacles and meets the man that will change his life.
Very G rated and cute.
Very sweet, poignant story about a man trying to get to his sister's house for Christmas. They've been separated for a few years and he has a knife that he wants to get repaired to give his nephew.
Along the journey he comes across some obstacles and meets the man that will change his life.
Very G rated and cute.
December 31, 2018
3 estrellas.
Este es un dulce romance navideño, corto, fácil de leer y muy tierno. La historia de amor, a pesar de recaer un poco en el instalove, se desarrolla a ritmo pausado, los personajes resultan carismáticos y el estilo de la autora es suave, reconfortante, como la Navidad misma.
Este es un dulce romance navideño, corto, fácil de leer y muy tierno. La historia de amor, a pesar de recaer un poco en el instalove, se desarrolla a ritmo pausado, los personajes resultan carismáticos y el estilo de la autora es suave, reconfortante, como la Navidad misma.
December 10, 2020
Pretty good!
Nice holiday read, but unfortunately no heat at all!! Clayton and Kyle just happen to find each other and they were lonely no more. It was a good Christmas story, but I needed more heat.
Nice holiday read, but unfortunately no heat at all!! Clayton and Kyle just happen to find each other and they were lonely no more. It was a good Christmas story, but I needed more heat.
August 22, 2021
3.5 stars - I read this book first, then Hot Chocolate Kisses, and I liked this one just a bit more, so I'm rounding up. This book has a lot of similarities to Hot Chocolate Kisses, but I think works better in the novella length and slightly formal storytelling style.
September 5, 2021
The Christmas Knife by Jackie North is a gentle holiday story about Clayton and Kyle, a special handcrafted knife and sheath, and a snowstorm at Christmas. A lovely reminder of love and kindness and family.
November 3, 2019
Short and sweet
Always love a good Christmas story and this one ties in with the "Love Across Time" series,so that makes it special.
Always love a good Christmas story and this one ties in with the "Love Across Time" series,so that makes it special.
August 23, 2021
A lovely gentle story, despite having both a theft and a strong possibility of getting in a wreck driving in a snowstorm. What a wonderful Christmas reunion.
September 28, 2024
This is a wonderful story of families and Christmas miracles. Clayton is gong to reunite with his sister after being separated for 2 years. He has an antique Bowie knife and sheath to give his nephew. After having the sheath restored the knife and sheath are stolen from him. Luckily his sister put an ad on Craigslist for its return. This leads Clayton to Kyle. Kyle had purchased the knife not knowing it was stolen and wants to return it to Clayton. The weather plays a huge part in slowing down Clayton’s progress on getting the knife and to his sisters. He gets snow bound at Kyles and more Christmas magic happens. I really enjoyed this story. The pacing was perfect and the phone calls from the sheriff, Sarah and Kyle’s friends were delightful.
November 28, 2021
Sweet and heartwarming
For all that this novella had a bit of a feel of a Hallmark movie (I mean that in all the best ways), it had depth to it. No steam beyond some kisses and cuddles, but that felt *right* for these characters. The focus was on feelings rather than jumping right into bed. The descriptions were rich and really brought the scenes to life. It was a fantastic read to get into the spirit of the season.
For all that this novella had a bit of a feel of a Hallmark movie (I mean that in all the best ways), it had depth to it. No steam beyond some kisses and cuddles, but that felt *right* for these characters. The focus was on feelings rather than jumping right into bed. The descriptions were rich and really brought the scenes to life. It was a fantastic read to get into the spirit of the season.
November 8, 2019
💖 Aww this is a beautiful Christmas story book by the author. Told from Clayton's POV of his adventures in the snow but to find love.
Clayton takes a snowy road trip of sorts to recover his Christmas present to his nephew. Kyle is his guardian angel from afar and also the knife's keeper.
A great adventure to fulfill his promise.
Clayton takes a snowy road trip of sorts to recover his Christmas present to his nephew. Kyle is his guardian angel from afar and also the knife's keeper.
A great adventure to fulfill his promise.
September 22, 2021
3.5 stars
November 30, 2021
What A Wonderful Story!
I loved every minute of this story! It was just like a warm, wonderful, gentle, sweet Christmas hug! Will definitely go on my reread list.
I loved every minute of this story! It was just like a warm, wonderful, gentle, sweet Christmas hug! Will definitely go on my reread list.
December 15, 2021
Bit long
I enjoyed this book but for me it was a bit dragged out at the end. Shorten the last 3 chapters and it would be a 4 star read.
I enjoyed this book but for me it was a bit dragged out at the end. Shorten the last 3 chapters and it would be a 4 star read.
December 10, 2022
Sweet gentle of a Christmas read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews