The magic of Christmas filled the air at Seagull Book in Spanish Fork on November 29. Santa and local author Christy Hardman were at the front of the store to greet all the customers. They were doing a book signing for the novel "Santa's Secret" written by Hardman with Phil Porter.

Children were delighted to see Santa Claus. Six-year old Tarlan Kelly waited all day so she could go see him. Kelly shyly sat on Santa's lap and was asked if she had been a good girl. Kelly nodded with a smile. Kelly told Santa that she wanted clothes, shoes and a Webkinz for Christmas this year. Three-year old Brielle Hardy was a little cautious. She slowly inched side ways towards Santa until she was eventually standing next to him. Santa handed out cherry flavored candy canes to all the children. Parents watched the interaction between Santa and their children with joy.

Adults were pleased to meet and talk with Hardman. Many customers were buying not just one copy but several copies of the treasured book. One customer bought twenty-four copies. Maren Christensen and her mom Linda Bartholomew bought eight copies of the book between the two of them.¬ They plan to give them to friends for early Christmas presents.¬ Bartholomew owns Achiever Preschool¬ where Santa has been going to visit her students for years. Both mother and daughter¬ were excited to be able to read about Porter's experiences. There was a great turn out at the book signing. Hardman said, "Those that have read the book are so moved by the story they want everybody they know to read it."

"The goal of the book is for people to understand that there is room for both Jesus Christ and Santa at Christmas time. Santa is involved in the miracles and magical things of Christmas by being a servant of Jesus Christ," said Hardman. She also said some people feel conflicted because they don't think you can have both Santa Claus and Christ in Christmas. This novel will show you that Santa does have a place in Christmas. Santa is not put above Christ but they work together.

Hardman explained that the book Santa's Secret is a work of fiction that includes the true stories of Santa's helper, Porter, weaved throughout the novel. Hardman said the novel is based on her version of Porter retelling his remarkable experiences as Santa. Hardman commented that no part of writing the book was hard. It came together very easily because the meat of the story is Porter's real life experiences as Santa Claus.¬ 

"Santa's Secret is a book that can be read over and over again and become a Christmas tradition," said Hardman. She wants her readers to enjoy the book.¬  Hardman expounded that it is a book for everyone- for adults and children. Especially for children who are starting to ask questions. The way Porter explains Santa Claus makes perfect sense and keeps the magic alive for children for as long as possible.¬ As Santa, Porter has helped adults get through tough times during Christmas. Whether it be death, divorce or loss of employment Santa has been able to deliver peace and comfort to those in need. Santa Claus has lead people closer to Christ. Porter told Hardman that while being Santa he does the work for the Savior.

Hardman had a lot of fun writing and marketing the book. She loved telling her friends and family that she was hanging out with Santa. Hardman said that every where she goes she meets people that have heard about or read the book. There is so much interest in the book and it has touched the hearts of many people.¬ 

You can buy Hardman's latest novel locally at Seagull Book, Deseret Book, Confetti Antiques, Paperback Exchange and the Chamber of Commerce office. There is a lot of buzz and positive reviews on the internet about the book. Hardman just sent in her third book to her publisher. It is the sequel to her first novel, "Against the Giant".