Holiday Shifters

North Pole University #0.5

by Marie-Hélène Lebeault

This Christmas, love breaks all the rules—even the magical ones.

What happens when a sixteen-year-old baker meets a reindeer shifter who leads Santa's sleigh? Pure Christmas magic.

Kayla's Christmas plans were simple: work at the bakery, buy presents, and survive another boring holiday break. Then she gets trapped in a department store elevator with Connor—a mysterious, gorgeous stranger who disappears faster than snow melts.

But Connor Prancer isn't just any boy. He's a reindeer shifter chosen to lead Santa's sleigh on Christmas Eve, and he's harboring a secret that could change everything Kayla believes about the world.

When Connor's number appears under her Christmas tree along with a reindeer cookie, Kayla discovers that magic is real—and she's been invited into a world where Christmas isn't just a holiday, it's a way of life.

From London's twinkling Oxford Street to the actual North Pole, Kayla must choose between the ordinary life she's always known and an extraordinary love that defies everything she thought was possible.

As Connor prepares for the most important night of his magical career, and Kayla learns to see the wonder that's been hiding in plain sight, they'll discover that the greatest magic of all is finding someone who believes in you.

Perfect for fans of Stephanie Meyer and Sarah J. Maas who want holiday magic, sweet romance, and a love story that will restore your faith in Christmas miracles.

130 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 15, 2024

About the author

Marie-Hélène Lebeault writes Speculative Fiction for children, teens, and adults

Be sure to follow her here and on https://www.bookbub.com/authors/marie...

Join her newsletter for events, sales, and new releases at https: //mhlebeaultauthor.substack.com

Marie-Hélène is a Canadian author. She writes young adult quest and adventure stories rooted in the world of fantasy, magic and time travel. With important coming of age lessons at the core of her writing, children and young adults alike will revel in the fantastical journeys of her characters. When not immersed in the worlds of magic and mystery, you’ll find Marie-Hélène hiking, cycling, or lying on the beach with a good book.

Reviews

[Sarah Ryder · Rating 2 out of 5]

Extremely meh.

There’s nothing horribly wrong with it, it’s just kinda there and everything happens way too easily as there’s literally zero conflict. The romance is also the super fast version of insta love which put me off even though I’m not one to be bothered by or dislike this trope but this was just too fast and unrealistic for me.

I did really like the creativity of reindeer shifters and everything to do with the North Pole worldbuilding, but unfortunately it wasn’t enough to win me over to the rest of the story or characters.


‼️Content‼️

TRIGGER WARNING: a character has a panic attack

Language: oh my gosh; arse

Violence: a reindeer charges characters

Sexual: kissing (not detailed); one vague mention of a kiss having tongue; a guy’s called hot

Other: magic; magical abilities; reindeer shifters and elves; a character has a panic attack

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, this was cute. I would have liked more development, but the story is quite short at just a little over 100 pages. It definitely had a unique premise with Santa’s reindeer actually being shifters. I just wish the characters had been developed a bit more. It was still a cute read.

[Martha Braebuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful cozy and heartwarming tale! I loved the characters and I think that Connor was so sweet and adorable. It was wonderful to read this book during the Christmas season and I feel like the story really emulated the feeling and magic of Christmas. The story was incredibly short and an excellent light read, and it was really interesting to see how the author wrote an urban fantasy story in such a different and unique way. It was great to see how Kayla grew to see Christmas as magical again and to see how she adapted to the magical world. I loved Connor's and Kayla's families so much and the side characters provided the perfect amount of fun and satisfaction to the story. This was a great read overall.

[Jessica Sheppard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magic, reindeer shifters, and tasteful romance—this book has great potential to be something huge. The writing style is easy to read and free of grammar and spelling errors. I recommend a round of developmental editing to tighten the storyline and make it longer. I understand that this was supposed to be a short story, which is why it likely seemed rushed in many places. I would like to see more character development as well. I hope the author turns this into a series and strengthens the storyline. I could see many people getting hooked on this, especially those who love a great Christmas story.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a charming YA paranormal romance that whisks readers into a world where Christmas magic is real, and reindeer shifters exist. Sixteen-year-old Kayla, a talented baker, finds herself unexpectedly trapped in an elevator with Connor Prancer, a boy who’s not only mysterious but also destined to lead Santa’s sleigh. As their connection deepens, Kayla is drawn into the enchanting realm of North Pole University, where festive traditions and supernatural secrets collide. With sweet romance, cozy holiday vibes, and a touch of whimsy, this short prequel sets the stage for a magical series full of heart and wonder.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to the LibraryThing and the publishing company for this ARC.

Okay, first and foremost, you have to remember that this is a YA book and that it’s meant to be a short story.

However, I felt it to be a little rushed. They met on Christmas Eve and were in love by New Year’s Eve? Her parents went and let her stay at a boys house she had just met?

I wish there had been more context and that it had been longer, but it is a very cute, fluffy, quick read for a younger teen.

[Raeleane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic beginning to a wonderful series of Christmas stories by Marie-Helene Lebeault. Her characters are well written, engaging and fun to get to know. They have a lot of growth throughout the story. Her world building is brilliant, beautiful and magically woven throughout the story. I really enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it!

[Amanda✨️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, cozy Christmas read

I flew through it and really enjoyed the sweet romance, fun holiday magic, and all the festive vibes. It’s light, easy to read, and perfect when you’re in the mood for something feel good and Christmassy. Definitely a great pick for curling up with a blanket and getting into the holiday spirit.

[Hilary Amick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book as christmas is one of my favorite times of year. One of the things that made me smile was seeing my mom's name in the story and the fact that it was a different type of shifter than I have read before.

[Diana Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connor and Kayla’s story was the perfect mix of holiday hope and love ! I can’t say much without ruining the experience so I’ll just say it’s a fantastic read with great characters. It’s well written and edited. I hope the author will write more books in this series ! 5✨’s !

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

A holiday love story.

This is a cute Christmas romance about a reindeer shifter and a human girl who meet on Christmas Eve. I liked its version of Santa and his North Pole village and its inhabitants. I received a free copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Margaret Marquis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute holiday story. It is perfect for middle school and up. Hallmark movie come to life in words.

[Tami Willard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains all of one series and is interconnected with another.
Instant connection
Forbidden romance
Rough start
Christmas wish
Crossing cultures

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella was simple and cute. I loved the idea of a reindeer shifter. I thought that was super cute. And Kayla and Conner were cute as well.

[Em V Bradford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet read I've read a few of her Santa reindeer shifter books before

[ReadonReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet holiday read that may be short but packs a lot in a little bit of time. With reindeer shifters and a cute romance that follows this novella is sure to please anyone who has a love for love and the holidays.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable young adult shifter romance stories perfect for the holidays . So cute and Christmassy. Perfect box set to get lost in. This author can write about anything and do a good job. Perfect prose and great descriptions. Sweet sixteen Kayla works at the baker’s ,it’s busy as the holidays draw near. Her role ,a simple one ,go to work ,earn money to buy presents,survive another holiday season . But when she gets stuck in a lift the boy Connor Prancer she’s in there with shifts as fast as you like disappeared out of sight . Or did he… You see he’s got an important job has he ,chosen to pull Santa’s Sleigh as a Reindeer Shifter he maybe and he has some other sights to let her see and believe in once more when he leaves his number and a reindeer cookie by her tree. It’s a Christmas mystery as things are