Holiday justice, lifelong friendships, and festive mayhem in New York City.
Set during the most magical time of year, Santa’s Holiday Spectacular brings together two beloved Fern Michaels series for a festive, fast-moving holiday adventure. With longtime friendships, a touch of vigilante justice, and plenty of Christmas spirit, this story blends warmth, chaos, and heart against the backdrop of New York City at Christmastime.
If you’d like to add this festive read to your holiday stack, you can find Santa’s Holiday Spectacular on Amazon or support local bookstores on Bookshop.
Fern Michaels passed away on November 12, 2025, at the age of 92. Reading Santa’s Holiday Spectacular feels a little bittersweet knowing this was one of her final holiday stories. She had a gift for writing friendship-centered novels with heart, humor, and just enough chaos to keep things lively—and this book is very much in that tradition.
Title: Santa's Holiday Spectacular by Fern Michaels
Series: Santa’s Crew #4
Publish Date: September 30, 2025
Genre: Holiday Fiction, Women’s Fiction
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
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Book Description
In a madcap holiday adventure from New York Times bestselling author Fern Michaels, the four fan-favorite gal pals of Santa’s Crew are joined by their new friends from the Sisterhood to put a stop to some real-life Grinches in New York City. The perfect friendship-filled, escapist Christmas read for fans of Robyn Carr, Debbie Macomber, Nicholas Sparks, Mary Kay Andrews, and RaeAnne Thayne!
For onetime high school pals Amy, Frankie, Rachael, and Nina, being together for Christmas has become a cherished tradition, whether they’re taking a trip or staying close to home.
There’s something special about giving back during the holiday season too, which is why Frankie is so dismayed when she learns that Salvation Army buckets are being pilfered all over town. Amy, Rachael, and Nina quickly agree to help her track down the thieves. It might not be their usual gathering, but it promises to be an adventure—especially when they bump into two women on a very similar quest…
Annie and Myra have learned that a shipment of children’s toys they sent to a charity event in New York City has been stolen. It looks like the thefts are connected, and it’s the kind of injustice that the ladies of the Sisterhood simply can’t abide. On a madcap spree through the city, the two groups join forces to find the bandits, save Christmas, and along the way, make this a holiday to remember for all the right reasons…
Related Read: Lilac Time by Fern Michaels, Carolyn Brown & Lori Foster — Book Review
My Review
Santa’s Holiday Spectacular is a festive crossover that brings together two familiar Fern Michaels worlds: the close-knit women of Santa’s Crew and the justice-driven women of the Sisterhood. Set in New York City from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, the story blends holiday atmosphere, found family, and a vigilante-style mission rooted in generosity and goodwill.
Amy, Frankie, Rachael, and Nina—longtime friends who make it a tradition to spend the holidays together—find themselves drawn into a mystery when Salvation Army donation buckets begin disappearing across the city. At the same time, Annie and Myra from the Sisterhood are tracking down a stolen shipment of toys intended for children in need. It doesn’t take long for the two groups to realize the crimes are connected, and once they join forces, things escalate quickly.
This is very much an ensemble story. There are a lot of characters, a lot of moving parts, and more than one storyline unfolding at once. If you’ve read previous books in either series, you’ll likely feel right at home. If this is your first introduction to these characters, it may take a little time to settle in. I found that once the groups fully intersect, the story becomes easier to follow and far more engaging.
What I appreciated most was the underlying message. This isn’t just a holiday caper—it’s a story about doing the right thing, standing up for people who can’t, and the power of long-standing friendships. The tone stays light and upbeat, even when dealing with wrongdoing, and there’s an unmistakable warmth that runs through the entire book.
This isn’t a quiet, cozy Christmas read—it’s energetic, a little over-the-top, and unapologetically busy. But that’s part of its charm. Fern Michaels always leaned into big casts and bold plots, and here she delivers a holiday story filled with spirit, laughter, and just enough justice to make it satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Santa’s Holiday Spectacular is best enjoyed as a celebration of friendship and holiday goodwill rather than a tightly plotted mystery. Fans of Fern Michaels, especially those familiar with Santa’s Crew or the Sisterhood, will likely find this a fitting and heartfelt addition. It’s a reminder of the kind of stories she told so well—stories about women supporting one another, taking action, and finding joy in doing good.
If you enjoy holiday stories with strong female friendships, a touch of vigilante justice, and a festive New York City backdrop, this one is worth adding to your seasonal reading list.
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