Giada's Holiday Handbook Novels & Stories

She stood her ground, meeting her mother-in-law’s glare with eyes that—for the first time—didn’t tremble. A few minutes later, when Gian emerged from his study and found the kitchen empty, he frowned. But on the dining table, he noticed a bowl of ginger chicken soup with a small note beside it: For the Serious Head of the House. If it’s too salty, don’t get mad. I’m still learning. Gian stared at the note for a long moment. Something in him shifted—small, faint, but unmistakably real. But before he could take a spoonful, his phone rang.

Finish your business first, then read our messages one by one. (Harvey: I hope your gala event tonight leaves you speechless, and at the same time, there's exciting news.) (Giselle: Oh, absolutely not. I'm always the first when it comes to breaking news.) (Ursula: I miss potato chips.) (Harvey: My candy was confiscated.) (Giselle: You know, I think I’m suffering the most. The chocolate I sneaked into my suitcase, Tiana took it all without leaving a piece.) [Jane.Olive: You all really love food, huh?]

And Noah, in front of everyone, let go of my hand to pass a gift box to Heidi. "Heidi, your Christmas present." Heidi excitedly tore it open. When she pulled out the worn pocket watch inside, she pouted. "Noah, you're so rich. Why are you giving me something this old?" Noah smiled without answering. But I froze completely. I'd seen that pocket watch before, in the portrait of Noah's late father.

she interrupts me with a bright smile, “it’s a gift because we are best friends. No strings attached.” She is often generous like this. Glancing over at the bookshelf, she supplied my collection, making me tear up. Turning back to her gift, I carefully open the silver paper to reveal a Culinary Catering Handbook for Independent Studies. When I look up at her, I realize I’m crying. I had to drop my cooking classes recently. “I don’t know what to say,” I whisper, quickly drying my eyes. “Say thank you, silly,” Mia sobs back at me.

Giovanni’s tall figure heated the air beside me and I remembered those woollen tufts of snow I had touched moments ago. Warm white vapour was sent into the air in front of us as we basqued in the chill. The puffs vanished as quickly as they were replaced and I wished my thoughts away with every exhale. “I have something for you.” I eventually spoke with a nervous smile. I looked up at his green gaze that was focused so intently on me. I fumbled for the cold silver item in my clutches. “I noticed you didn’t get anything gifted to you.” I pulled out the key chain, the miniature Empire State Building shone in the dull moonlight as I stared down at it in my palm. “It’s silly but I saw this last

From this point forward, the chapters will be for the bonus story Sicilian Holiday. If there is one thing Alpha André D’Amore does best, it's throwing a party. And this holiday season, he has every joyful reason to celebrate. His family has expanded to include his adopted son Lando and new twin baby sisters, Princess Gwen and Princess Christina. It's time to party and end the year in style. André D’Amore: Any chance to throw a party I am down for. And this is my baby sisters' first Christmas. Go big or go home, right? So we are going to go all out on this Christmas bash!

All thanks to Zayne, she breathed fire, spoiling the girl rotten and always giving her what she wanted when she wanted it, and Jane, knowing she had him wrapped around her fingers, also knew there were no limitations to what he could do for her. "Why didn't you tell me all this when you watched me pick this out for you?" Gia had a stern look on her face. And that had Jane melting, with fake tears filling her eyes. Gia groaned, looking at the clock on the wall above the door; just an hour remained, and she was still in her robe, her hair still curled in rolls, with no sign of beginning her preparations before the banquet started. Yeah, for some reason, though he had said it happened every yea

The vacation quickly came to an end, and we were getting ready to return home. Everything would soon go back to its previous routine. While we waited for our flight, Sophie was engrossed in a video on her phone, headphones in, not looking up. Suddenly, a hand slipped into mine. Startled, I realized it was Tessa's. I briefly held her hand before letting go, afraid Sophie might notice. My phone screen lit up with a message from Tessa. [Goodbye, my dear. I'll miss you terribly. Until we meet again.]

We were all seated for the big meal, one very long table filled the giant dining room and a kids’ table was placed a little farther away from ours, where the kids were seated, eating, and the butler and housekeeper watched over them. Before we started eating, Aunt Nancy forced everyone to express themselves and tell us what they were thankful for. This tradition of hers was supposed to go around, and there were almost twenty-four of us seated at the table. “Please, make it brief.” Aunt Nancy announced after Granny King took too much time to speak. The rows kept moving. Rachel was grateful for life and family. Elizabeth was grateful for her career, and the fact that karma was coming fast enou

The toddler reluctantly climbed up the stairs to his mother. ~~ Giada and Jax decided to spend the Christmas with Aly after they got home from the Penthouse. They didn't like the idea of staying at their father's house alone when their mother wasn't there. Aly was more than happy to have her siblings spend the holidays with her. It had been a long while since they did that together. “Jax! Giada! Breakfast is served.” Alyona called from the kitchen. She had a few rounds to do so she had to be up early to fix them something to eat before she left.