Christmas is a state of love
Christmas is a sacred religious holiday for some, and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon for others. Most often celebrated on December 25 (Eastern Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on January 7), it has become a symbol of family, love and peace. And sometimes, murder.
In literature, Christmas is often framed with stories of redemption and social injustice. Loves are lost, and loves are found in stories of the effects of isolation, the importance of love, and personal transformation. For some readers, it’s a chance to find a little love under the mistletoe.
So here are 5 lesbian/queer books about Christmas romances that might warm your heart, or other areas of the body, on a cold Christmas night.
1. All I Want For Christmas by Clare Lydon
This Christmas, Tori Hammond is on a mission to find love. Her ideal present under the tree would be a shiny new girlfriend, so Tori gives herself one month to find that special lady by December 25th. Christmas spells romance and she’s going to grab some. However, Tori’s dates bring their own complications, and when someone unexpected strolls back into her life, her Christmas girlfriend quest is turned upside down. Will Tori land on her feet and find the woman of her dreams? And if she does, will it be who she expected? Enjoy some funny, fluffy and festive reading with this romance novel!
2. A Little Book of Big Christmas Tales by Anne Azel
The collection includes the tale of Charlie, a street thug; Penny, a First Nations “token” employee; Paula, a woman determined to get home to her newborn baby’s first Christmas, to name a few. Anne also includes a story of her popular characters, Robbie and Janet. The connecting thread is Christmas. Each story is uniquely Anne – creative, touching, reflecting the variety and diversity found in Canadian women – and will stay with the reader long after the pages are turned.
3. Under A Falling Star by Jae
Falling stars are supposed to be a lucky sign, but not for Austen. Her new job as a secretary in an international games company isn’t off to a good start. Her first assignment-decorating the Christmas tree in the lobby-results in a trip to the ER after Dee, the company’s second-in-command, gets hit by the star-shaped tree topper. Dee blames her instant attraction to Austen on her head wound, not the magic of the falling star. She’s determined not to act on it, especially since Austen has no idea that Dee is practically her boss.
4. Mistletoe Mishap by Siri Caldwell
This Christmas, chemistry won’t be found only in the lab… On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave me a kiss…on the cheek. On the second day, she gave me a cup of coffee. (Actually, I shared hers as we drove to work.) On the third day, I told her she’s still as hot as when we first fell in love all those years ago. (What? Are women not supposed to call each other hot?) On the fourth day, I dared her to kiss me for real. On the fifth day, the dare began to get out of hand… In this lesbian romance, when two scientists rekindle the spark over the holidays, the results are anything but predictable.
5. Unwrap These Presents edited by Astrid Ohletz and R.G. Emanuelle
Twenty-three authors of lesbian fiction contributed holiday stories that give you snow, presents, plenty of food, Holiday cheer and nicely wrapped curvy women under the tree.
Authors: Andi Marquette, Ashley Stevens, Catherine Lane, Cheri Crystal, Cindy Rizzo, Clare Lydon, Devin Sumarno, Erzabet Bishop, Eve Francis, Fletcher DeLancey, Jae, Jean Copeland, Joan Arling, Jove Belle, L.T. Smith, Lee Lynch, Lois Cloarec Hart, Nikki Busch, Patricia Penn, R.G. Emanuelle, S. M. Harding, T.M. Croke, Wendy Temple.
Stories include:
A New Christmas Carol by Eve Francis – Caroline and Kim meet over pizza delivery and fall in love.
Holiday Spirit by Fletcher Delancey – Robin and Evelyn and the ghostly Jackie all interwine their lives and loves.
Season’s Meetings by Andi Marquette – Where can some hot and steamy mistletoe kisses lead? Here’s your chance to find out!
A Champagne Christmas by Clare Lydon – Clare is a lover of Christmas love stories. This short piece is one of her best.
