“You’re not selfish!” Kit shook his head vehemently. Oh, but I am, little department store elf. “You helped me,” said Kit
GENRE: M/M, holiday
RATING: 5 Sweet Peas! Highly Recommended
BLURB: Kit Jefferies, a part-time department store Christmas elf, is an artist who loves life and his family. Unfortunately, his car dies at a rest stop in the middle of nowhere as he is heading home for Christmas. Enter Nick St. George.
Nick is a very unhappy man—he’s achieved his professional goals only to find the rest of his life bleak and empty. Deciding there was only one way to make everything right, he is on his way to San Francisco on a dark mission, and even the horrible sleet storm that blocked his path won’t deter him. That’s when he found Kit.
At first, Nick is pretty sure rescuing Kit was a big mistake. Kit’s personality is just too, well, effervescent. But as the miles go by, Kit begins to bring light to his dark heart. It might even be bright enough to illuminate a Christmas miracle.
Title: Grumble Monkey and the Department Store Elf
Author: BG Thomas
Publisher: Dreamspinner
Publication Date: December 1, 2013
Series: Dreamspinner Advent Calendar 2013
Cover Art: Paul Richmond
Length: 90 pages
JOSIE’S OPINION: Grumble Monkey and the Department Store Elf by BG Thomas, part of the Dreamspinner Advent Calendar Heartwarming, is the perfect Christmas Story.
Nick St. George is an unhappy man, he may have money and success but he is lonely and bitter, his life pretty much a mess. Thrown out by his parents years before when they found out he was gay Nick lives his life conservatively, he doesn’t hide his sexuality it’s more that he doesn’t advertise it, no Rainbow Parades in Nick’s life, a decision that’s cost him at least one relationship.
Driving to San Francisco on Christmas Eve Nick is caught in a blizzard and seeks shelter at a rest stop, there he encounters obviously gay, out and proud artist Kit ‘Kitten’ Jefferies who’s trying to get home, which just happens to be in the same direction Nick is traveling. Nick very reluctantly agrees to take Kit home, at first Nick finds Kit annoying, he won’t stop talking, he’s bubbly and happy, but as they travel Nick warms to Kit. Kit is also attracted to Nick but finds him difficult initially, calling him Grumble Monkey in reference to all the moaning he does, but as they get closer to Kit’s home the men draw closer.
What happens when they get to Kit’s destination? Will Nick just wave goodbye and carry on to San Francisco?
I loved this story, it reminded me of films I’ve watched of strangers forced into road trips across America. Kit is sociable, he talks a mile to the dozen, he’s jolly, bubbly and he loves Christmas, exactly the opposite of Nick. Nick is tired and jaded. Tired of trying to prove himself to parents who don’t care, tired of trying to fit into a world that doesn’t want him, at least not as he is. Travelling with Kit forces Nick to revaluate his life, in fact Kit brings out the best in Nick, something the reader realises long before Nick does.
And the ending, It was unexpected and left me with tears in my eyes. I urge you to read Grumble Monkey and the Department Store Elf, it’s beautiful and sad, joyful and uplifting, it will touch your heart. I also have to mention the adorable cover and wonderful title, which rolls off the tongue so sweetly, Grumble Monkey is everything a Christmas story should be. If you only read one story this Christmas make sure it’s this one, you won’t be disappointed. Highly Recommended
B G Thomas - writer 