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Sun, Moon & Stars #1.5
Christmas Sunrise
'Tis the season to be jolly, and that's exactly how Marty feels when he wakes up on Christmas Eve with Jenna's mouth at work under the covers like all the mistletoe in the world is hiding in his boxers. He's got Jenna, he's hosting Christmas lunch for his family - although his ma is bringing not one, but four desserts.... and a cheeseboard - and Jenna's brother Jake is flying over from London. It's going to be the most special first Christmas in their home together, not least because they have everything they've ever wanted. Sure, a baby would be nice, but as much as that pains him, Marty tells himself that's possibly asking too much. Because it is, right? If Jenna is so content about not getting pregnant yet, shouldn't he be the same?
Not everything is so merry and bright for Jenna as she realises she'll be seeing in another year with their much-wanted baby still not a reality. While the disappointment is always there, threatening to burst the bubble of happiness she and Marty live in, she's determined not to let it get to her, or rather, to not let it become apparent to Marty. That's why she's got him a surprise gift that she knows will show how much she loves him and how she hopes that's enough... because what if they never have that baby they so desperately want? What if all Jenna's future Christmases are going to feel this empty?
Is it even Christmas if you haven't had an illicit liaison with a stranger? This is what Jake is pondering after some mile high antics on his way to Dublin, but while his sister and her partner aren't as impressed as he would like, he's not going to let that dampen his Christmas spirits. No, there's already a long list of things waiting to do that. The fact he's 39 and single. The fact his own father didn't invite him to spend Christmas with him. The fact he is still mourning the loss of a good friend because of... yes, another illicit liaison with a stranger. So when another stranger accosts him in a Dublin pub on Christmas Eve, what's a man to do? Another illicit liaison? Or an opportunity to change his ways?
As for Maeve, Marty's younger sister, Christmas is finally a time to stop and catch her breath after another whirlwind year being one of Ireland's most successful influencers, and spending Christmas Eve in the pub with her best friend, Arabella, should be something to look forward to, not something that has Maeve's stomach churning with nerves. Because Maeve has been having some strange thoughts recently... about herself, and about Arabella and about the shape of their friendship. So when she spots mistletoe hanging up in the corner of the pub, she takes a chance. But will Maeve get her Christmas miracle? Or will this be what turns her into the Grinch for good?
*Christmas Sunrise is a spicy Christmas novella that takes place six months after Five Sunsets ends and approximately five months before The Moon Also Rises. It's strongly advised you read Five Sunsets before reading Christmas Sunrise, but it's not necessary to read this book before the others in the series, although it does set up both Jake's and Maeve's books.*
Not everything is so merry and bright for Jenna as she realises she'll be seeing in another year with their much-wanted baby still not a reality. While the disappointment is always there, threatening to burst the bubble of happiness she and Marty live in, she's determined not to let it get to her, or rather, to not let it become apparent to Marty. That's why she's got him a surprise gift that she knows will show how much she loves him and how she hopes that's enough... because what if they never have that baby they so desperately want? What if all Jenna's future Christmases are going to feel this empty?
Is it even Christmas if you haven't had an illicit liaison with a stranger? This is what Jake is pondering after some mile high antics on his way to Dublin, but while his sister and her partner aren't as impressed as he would like, he's not going to let that dampen his Christmas spirits. No, there's already a long list of things waiting to do that. The fact he's 39 and single. The fact his own father didn't invite him to spend Christmas with him. The fact he is still mourning the loss of a good friend because of... yes, another illicit liaison with a stranger. So when another stranger accosts him in a Dublin pub on Christmas Eve, what's a man to do? Another illicit liaison? Or an opportunity to change his ways?
As for Maeve, Marty's younger sister, Christmas is finally a time to stop and catch her breath after another whirlwind year being one of Ireland's most successful influencers, and spending Christmas Eve in the pub with her best friend, Arabella, should be something to look forward to, not something that has Maeve's stomach churning with nerves. Because Maeve has been having some strange thoughts recently... about herself, and about Arabella and about the shape of their friendship. So when she spots mistletoe hanging up in the corner of the pub, she takes a chance. But will Maeve get her Christmas miracle? Or will this be what turns her into the Grinch for good?
*Christmas Sunrise is a spicy Christmas novella that takes place six months after Five Sunsets ends and approximately five months before The Moon Also Rises. It's strongly advised you read Five Sunsets before reading Christmas Sunrise, but it's not necessary to read this book before the others in the series, although it does set up both Jake's and Maeve's books.*
157 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2022
6 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Frances M. Thompson
33 books216 followersFrances M. Thompson writes stories about bisexual disaster heroes usually getting the HEAs they deserve in her spicy contemporary romance... but sometimes getting into a lot of trouble in her suspense thrillers.
Frances loves chatting with her readers and the best places to do so is in her Facebook Readers' Group or on Instagram.
Originally from London, UK, but now based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Frances is the author of the contemporary (and steamy!) romances, Five Sunsets, The Moon Also Rises, and Let Love Rule, sapphic romances Hummingbird and Butterflies, three short story collections (Shy Feet Short Stories Inspired by Travel, London Eyes Short Stories, and Nine Women: Short Stories), a collection of poetry called Lover Mother Other, and the London Killing series of fast-paced urban thrillers, including The Wait and The Weaker Sex.
To find out about Frances' upcoming books first, sign up to her newsletter.
You can find copies of her books (and more!) in her shop.
Frances also works as a freelance writer and blogger. You can read her (oft-neglected) blog, As the Bird flies. She is also the creator of WriteNOW Cards, positive affirmations cards designed to help writers build and enjoy a writing practice they love.
Follow Frances on href="https://www.instagram.com/FrancesMTho... or on TikTok @francesmthompson.
Frances loves chatting with her readers and the best places to do so is in her Facebook Readers' Group or on Instagram.
Originally from London, UK, but now based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Frances is the author of the contemporary (and steamy!) romances, Five Sunsets, The Moon Also Rises, and Let Love Rule, sapphic romances Hummingbird and Butterflies, three short story collections (Shy Feet Short Stories Inspired by Travel, London Eyes Short Stories, and Nine Women: Short Stories), a collection of poetry called Lover Mother Other, and the London Killing series of fast-paced urban thrillers, including The Wait and The Weaker Sex.
To find out about Frances' upcoming books first, sign up to her newsletter.
You can find copies of her books (and more!) in her shop.
Frances also works as a freelance writer and blogger. You can read her (oft-neglected) blog, As the Bird flies. She is also the creator of WriteNOW Cards, positive affirmations cards designed to help writers build and enjoy a writing practice they love.
Follow Frances on href="https://www.instagram.com/FrancesMTho... or on TikTok @francesmthompson.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 26, 2022
Just beautiful. Frances M Thompson has such a wonderful way with words and emotions. The characters are painted so well and their experiences make you think. The premise that love is love and can change with our lives was particularly wonderful. Roll on Marty and Maeve’s stories.
Five stars perhaps aren’t enough for this one.
Five stars perhaps aren’t enough for this one.
December 4, 2023
at this point, i am putting no thought in what i read i simply just want to complete my 2023 reading goal. and its safe to say this book sucked and would not recommend.
November 9, 2022
***ARC received in exchabge for an honest review***
CW: fertility anxiety, graphic sexual content, biphobia
🌟 Established relationship
🌟 Age gap OWYM
🌈 Bisexual MCs
🌈 Queer side characters
🌶 Breeding kink
The novella I never knew I desperately needed. Christmas Sunrise is a lovely little dip back into Jenna and Marty's life after the HEA from Five Sunsets. It gives a real glimpse into the reality of a healthy functioning relationship, where everything isn't sunshine and rainbows 24/7, but you work with each other instead of against each other.
A huge part of their story here is surrounding the subject of fertility and starting a family later in life and it was treated so delicately and sensitively, offering both the insight of each partner and how it affects both parties. From Jenna's anguish, to Marty's fears, I really appreciated how this was delivered.
All of the characters from Five Sunsets played their own little part as we had POVs from Marty, Jenna, Maeve, and Jake.
Exploring sexuality and finding love were huge influences in the other two POVs so I'm excited to see what's coming up for Maeve and Jake.
I just adore all the characters (including Marty and Maeve's adorable mum and dad), and I've enjoyed their journey so far.
CW: fertility anxiety, graphic sexual content, biphobia
🌟 Established relationship
🌟 Age gap OWYM
🌈 Bisexual MCs
🌈 Queer side characters
🌶 Breeding kink
The novella I never knew I desperately needed. Christmas Sunrise is a lovely little dip back into Jenna and Marty's life after the HEA from Five Sunsets. It gives a real glimpse into the reality of a healthy functioning relationship, where everything isn't sunshine and rainbows 24/7, but you work with each other instead of against each other.
A huge part of their story here is surrounding the subject of fertility and starting a family later in life and it was treated so delicately and sensitively, offering both the insight of each partner and how it affects both parties. From Jenna's anguish, to Marty's fears, I really appreciated how this was delivered.
All of the characters from Five Sunsets played their own little part as we had POVs from Marty, Jenna, Maeve, and Jake.
Exploring sexuality and finding love were huge influences in the other two POVs so I'm excited to see what's coming up for Maeve and Jake.
I just adore all the characters (including Marty and Maeve's adorable mum and dad), and I've enjoyed their journey so far.
November 4, 2022
So many mixed stories. Wow!
I mainly read lesfic or f/f romances or something similar.
I don't know the books and backstory, but I was captivated by these wonderful characters and their stories.
I've only read Frances M. Thompson's „Hummingbird“
and I was extremely excited about it. It’s amazing!
Of course, Maeve's story touched me the most here... it's due to my own reading preference, but basically it's a wonderful novella with a grandiose core statement:
Love is and remains the most important thing!
No matter in which way it‘s lived!
I mainly read lesfic or f/f romances or something similar.
I don't know the books and backstory, but I was captivated by these wonderful characters and their stories.
I've only read Frances M. Thompson's „Hummingbird“
and I was extremely excited about it. It’s amazing!
Of course, Maeve's story touched me the most here... it's due to my own reading preference, but basically it's a wonderful novella with a grandiose core statement:
Love is and remains the most important thing!
No matter in which way it‘s lived!
November 10, 2023
A segue for future books
I loved having more of a glimpse into Marty and Jenna's post-Five Sunsets life and learning more about the side characters. Their struggle with possible infertility is heartbreaking, but we are assured they will overcome this difficult time the best they can. Their relationship is strong and healthy and I think that's why I'm so drawn to reading more about them in this series. I hope to hear more about their journey in Jake's book. Can't wait to read it!
I loved having more of a glimpse into Marty and Jenna's post-Five Sunsets life and learning more about the side characters. Their struggle with possible infertility is heartbreaking, but we are assured they will overcome this difficult time the best they can. Their relationship is strong and healthy and I think that's why I'm so drawn to reading more about them in this series. I hope to hear more about their journey in Jake's book. Can't wait to read it!
October 29, 2022
Christmas Sunrise is a beautifully crafted novella packed with more of our favourite characters from Five Sunsets. I love the way Thompson handles the delicate issues covered in this book. I don’t want to give any spoilers so … as a writer Thompson seems to have a knack for handling painful human experiences with such heart. Allowing her characters to feel the lows but always wrapping them in love and hope for the future.
July 2, 2024
Great.
To my shame, I didn't even know this novella existed until I picked up the newly released book 3 Too Many Stars To Count a couple of days ago and saw that this story introduced us to more of Maeve. And to my joy, it has probably one of very few lines to make me laugh out loud while reading... "On Ryanair, ew" 😂😂😂. Genius writing. Over all the novella was great. A mix of light and heavy but lots of fun.
To my shame, I didn't even know this novella existed until I picked up the newly released book 3 Too Many Stars To Count a couple of days ago and saw that this story introduced us to more of Maeve. And to my joy, it has probably one of very few lines to make me laugh out loud while reading... "On Ryanair, ew" 😂😂😂. Genius writing. Over all the novella was great. A mix of light and heavy but lots of fun.
November 2, 2022
I didn't know how much I'd missed these characters until I was reunited with them and their true hearts and filthy intentions ;)
Can't wait for the next in the series.
Can't wait for the next in the series.
December 7, 2022
Ahhhhh all the things, all the things. This novella just made me want more and more and more. Loved this little update to some of my favorite characters!
March 23, 2023
Christmas Sunrise
This was a cute (yet slightly heavy at times) novella. I liked the four POVs and getting to know Jake and Maeve. I can’t wait to read their stories.
This was a cute (yet slightly heavy at times) novella. I liked the four POVs and getting to know Jake and Maeve. I can’t wait to read their stories.
January 6, 2023
Ah, Miss Thompson, your work never fails. I was SO happy to read this little holiday novella. In fact, I took myself on a little Starbucks date and sat the the cafe with my kindle and ham & swiss croissant/sugar cookie latte and picked back up on Jenna & Marty and the gang. As always, everything is written beautifully, the spice is very 🔥🥵, and the storyline deals with real life matters and subjects. The way this author creates and handles conflict between characters is very impressive. The ending did feel a little abrupt but I know it is only leading into the next parts of the trilogy. Can’t wait to read more!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews