Waddles: A Christmas Story

Book excerpt: Christmas, 1987. The air crackled with anticipation, a sweet blend of pine needles and cinnamon swirling through the streets. For Jenny, a woman with a heavy heart and a hefty inheritance, this Christmas would be unlike any other. She found herself in possession of a crumbling department store called Waddles, a place steeped in memories and the fading scent of Christmas magic. Driven by a yearning to recapture the joy of her own childhood Christmases and a desire to spread the magic of the season, Jenny set out to revive Waddles. But her journey was far from simple. The store was struggling financially, its staff a peculiar mix of eccentrics with a penchant for the past. Clarence, the former warehouse king, obsessed with vintage Christmas lights, Beatrice, the lovestruck finance manager who believed in the power of perfume, and a cast of colorful characters filled the store with both chaos and warmth. As the holidays approached, Jenny discovered that Waddles held secrets hidden within its walls, whispers of a past that intertwined with her own. She was forced to confront the shadows of her past, unravelling the truth about her late husband and the secrets he left behind. But amidst the challenges, the magic of Christmas held sway. The staff, united by their shared love for Waddles and the season, found strength in each other, discovering that the greatest gifts are often found in the warmth of friendship and the power of believing in the impossible. Come, step inside Waddles and let the spirit of Christmas transport you back to a time of simple joys, heartfelt wishes, and the enduring magic of the season.