pstrongThe 11th standalone novel in the Claus Universe.strongppbrppOnce upon a time, there was a toy store filled with magical playthings and fantastical stories. But not anymore. That was a long time ago.ppbrppWhen Marie arrived, the place was cobwebs and empty shelves. Little dry pellets covered the floor. Aunt Rinks called them dirt balls. They weren't dirt balls.ppbrppThe place didn't feel like Christmas. Nothing did anymore. What Marie wanted, she couldn't possibly have. A leaky air mattress and a self-absorbed aunt was all she got. But Christmas wasn't about what you wanted it was about what you needed. Godfather told her that. That was when he told her the tale of the nutcracker.ppbrppYou must find the princess, he told Marie. She's been waiting for you.ppbrppIt was a story, nothing more. Marie didn't believe in fairy tales or Christmas spirit anymore. Certainly didn't believe in a wooden soldier and a cursed princess who needed saving. Until she discovered the gift.ppbrppMarie