Santa Gone South: A Gone South Novel

by Alicia Hunter Pace

It’s Christmastime in Merritt, Alabama and magic is afoot!Professor Bebe Wellesley comes from a long line of psychics, but has inherited just enough of the family gifts to make her peculiar, rather than of very much use. The handsome bookseller who is so proficient at obtaining the obscure texts she needs to teach her college parapsychology classes caught her eye a while back, but why bother? She’s learned the hard way that men don’t like women with a supernatural bent—no matter how paltry their power.In an age when independent bookstores are nearing extinction, it takes all of Byron Masters’s time and energy to keep Creekview Books relevant and successful. He knows he must be crazy to finally pursue smart, pretty Bebe Wellesley at his busiest time of year, but he’s tired of flirting and watching her walk out the door.From their first date, Bebe can hardly believe her luck. She and Byron clicked with a harmony that she never dreamed possible. If only she can keep her “little something extra” a secret, she might be looking at happily ever after.Life seems perfect until Christmas decorations mysteriously begin to appear in Byron’s apartment. Convinced the culprit is a member of his staff, Byron begins to alienate them one by one with his accusations. Bebe knows different, but would he ever believe that the vintage Santa ornament he bought came with a benevolent spirit attached, who just wants to spread some holiday cheer?As Creekview’s once pleasant and thriving atmosphere disintegrates, dropping customers along the way, Bebe is unable to sit by and watch everything Byron has worked for unravel. She prepares to drop the bizarre bomb, bracing for the worst, but hoping for the best.Will Byron be the man who can accept her as she is?Or is it going to take some Christmas magic to save them all?

Genres: Mythology, Christmas, Paranormal, Holiday, Contemporary

120 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2020

About the author

As Alicia Hunter Pace, Stephanie Jones and Jean Hovey write contemporary romantic comedy and light fantasy with a distinct southern voice.

Stephanie lives in Jasper, AL, where she teaches third grade and wishes for a bigger bookstore. She is a native Alabamian who likes football, civil war history, and people who follow the rules. She is happy to provide a list of said rules to anyone who needs them.

Jean, a former public librarian, lives in Decatur, AL, with her husband in a hundred-year-old house that always wants something from her. She likes to cook but has discovered the joy of Mrs. Paul's fish fillets since becoming a writer.

Reviews

[Suze Prescot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas, with a touch of supernatural, romance.

Byron and Bebe have been dancing around one another for some time, but she didn't think she would need to reveal her secret so soon. Byron bought an ornament from a local store. Now strange things are happening and Bebe can explain them, but he doesn't understand.
Not a long story, but long enough for the reader to become totally involved in the protagonists and the other characters.
Lovely, romantic and very Christmassy.
Wonderful.

[Lyndsay Durbin · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was “eh”. Listened to the audiobook on spotify and haven’t read any others in this series or by this author so I definitely missed a lot of various background on some of the potential supporting characters.

I wasn’t a huge fan of Byron and his subsequent descent into madness(?) surrounding the ornament. The mere idea that something wasn’t what he believed was just kinda ridiculous to me, especially when it starting affecting his relationships.

At a certain point you just have to accept that you don’t know everything and just kinda move on. I was happy that Bebe was proud of who she was and her total belief in the fact that she wouldn’t change for anyone!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this novella about love and the spirit of Christmas. Deviating from their normal, Pace inserted a good dollop of paranormal in this story to bring the Spirit of Christmas to life for Bebe and Byron. Bebe has always known she has a "little something extra" that allows her to sense what others are feeling but Byron is a firm disbeliever in all things "extra." But when he buys an ornament infused with a Christmas spirit, Bebe is determined to help Byron before he ruins his life. But it takes a true Christmas miracle (and a lot of love) to save their relationship with each other!

[Carolynn Brill · Rating 5 out of 5]

so sweet & a perfect holiday read!

I’ve enjoyed reading all the Gone South series. They are all so good & I love the entwined relationships of the cast of many! Each & everyone of them are so real…I’d love to have these folks as my friends!

But here, we meet some newer characters (although Byron had mention in at least one of the other books). And with this shorter novella style, we get right to the meat of the story, without anything missing!

So cute & a perfect quick read At Christmas. I wish more people would get a visit from Henry!

[Deborah Countryman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Santa Gone South

Bebe had a little something extra. A professor at the local university. She has over the last few years order books from Bryon book store. Bebe and Bryon are going to have a Merry Christmas.

[MountainAshleah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audio. This is a frivolous little story that's suitable for an afternoon baking holiday treats. Warning, though, there is some extra spice so make sure you're alone in the kitchen or with someone who is up for a little Christmas cringe.

[Denise Pellegrini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! A Merritt story with a little twist. Grab a cup of tea and enjoy!

[Ruth Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

This was good but my least favorite of the series maybe because it was shorter, I don't know. I love that this community all supported each other.

[angela gunstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Santa gone south

Couldn't put it down loved the characters and the storyline so it's a well deserved five stars and I would recommend this book to everyone

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

a nice story to read