Can a grumpy security guard start believing in Christmas—and in love—again?
Three short stories that follow the lives of Rachel Lewis, self-confessed Christmas grump, and Lillian Coleman, the woman who makes her believe in the magic of Christmas again.
The Christmas Grump For Rachel Lewis, a security guard at the mall, the Christmas holiday season is one big headache. She wants nothing to do with the celebration of love, peace, and family harmony. Her disenchantment with the holiday slowly begins to change when she meets seven-year-old Tyler and his mother.
Kissing Ms. Santa Claus Rachel is counting the days until she and Lillian celebrate their first Christmas together as a couple. She is filled with longing for only one thing to make her holiday complete: a long-term commitment from Lillian. She sets out to find the perfect gift that will reflect her love and devotion.
The Christmas Elf After her home state finally recognizes same-sex marriages, Rachel wants to propose to Lillian. Rachel is confident she has it all covered. She plans to take a second job as the mall Santa Claus to earn the money for Lillian’s ring. But luck is not on her side, so Rachel finds herself with bells on her toes, playing a Christmas Elf.
Note: “The Christmas Grump” and “Kissing Ms. Santa Claus” have been previously published in the anthology Gingerbread Hearts. “The Christmas Elf” is a new story, though.