What do you think?
Rate this book
Christmas Spirits
A Present Christmas
The ghost of Christmas Present... A Christmas spirit meddles in the lives of two young men in the hope that she can bring them more than just holiday cheer. Bill Calder, out of a relationship, out of a job, and just plain out of luck becomes the object of attention and affection for Agnes - the spirit of Christmas present - and a little old lady with a mission. Together, she and Bill apply for a Christnas job in a New York department store where a desperate manager hires Bill as Santa - and Agnes as his helper. It's not long beofre Bill catches the eye of Tom Davenport, a store 'employee', but Bill's low self-esteem after the dismal turns his life has taken, won't allow him to hope for too much from Tom. Agnes however has other ideas, and with a little magic at her fingertips, manages to manoeuvre the two young men into each other's arms. Thinking her job done, Agnes' satisfaction is ruffled when Tom reveals to Bill who he really is, and Bill's pride won't allow him to take their relationship further. So, a little more magic is needed...
63 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
2 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
J.P. Bowie
137 books233 followersJ.P. Bowie was born and raised in Aberdeen, Scotland. He wrote his first (unpublished) novel – a science fiction tale of brawny men and brawnier women that made him a little suspect in the eyes of his family for a while.
Leaving home at age eighteen for the bright lights of London, he found himself in the midst of a “diverse and creative crowd” that eventually led him to the performing arts. For the next twelve years he sang, danced and acted his way around the theatres of London and the provinces, appearing in shows with many famous British singers, actors and comedians.
After immigrating to the US and living for many years in Las Vegas where he worked for that incomparable duo, Siegfried and Roy, J.P. found himself entranced by the fair city of San Diego where he currently lives with his partner, Phil.
J.P. loves to hear from his readers and can be contacted at jpbowie@cox.net
Leaving home at age eighteen for the bright lights of London, he found himself in the midst of a “diverse and creative crowd” that eventually led him to the performing arts. For the next twelve years he sang, danced and acted his way around the theatres of London and the provinces, appearing in shows with many famous British singers, actors and comedians.
After immigrating to the US and living for many years in Las Vegas where he worked for that incomparable duo, Siegfried and Roy, J.P. found himself entranced by the fair city of San Diego where he currently lives with his partner, Phil.
J.P. loves to hear from his readers and can be contacted at jpbowie@cox.net
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 16, 2023
While this started out OK I soon found myself disappointed.
First there was way to much sex in this short story, but second and mostly there was no real closure for me with the ex. The ex got to keep everything and his only punishment was not getting a new contract. I was looking forward to payback but there was none.
And I'm sorry but Agnes was creepy. I know she was supposed to be funny and cute but her interest in their sex life got old real fast.
Sorry but this was not for me.
First there was way to much sex in this short story, but second and mostly there was no real closure for me with the ex. The ex got to keep everything and his only punishment was not getting a new contract. I was looking forward to payback but there was none.
And I'm sorry but Agnes was creepy. I know she was supposed to be funny and cute but her interest in their sex life got old real fast.
Sorry but this was not for me.
December 31, 2013
4.0 Stars
Agnes is the spirit of Christmas present and this year she is assigned to help Bill Calder who's down on his luck. Bill is despondent. Living out of a rented hotel room for the past month, Bill left his long-time BF, his business, and his belongings after discovering that his BF is a cheating asshole. Now, in the midst of the Christmas season, Bill is desperate to find a job, a winter coat, and some holiday cheer. Bill meets Agnes at his favorite coffee shop and they head over to Kimbel's, a New York City department store, to apply for a job. They are in luck when a flustered manager hires Bill as Santa and Agnes as his helper. Tom Davenport, the owner of Kimbel's, first noticed Bill in the coffee shop. Tom is looking for someone special to share his life with and hopes that Bill will be it. A Present Christmas is Tom and Bill's story of hope, love, and a little magic during the holidays.
I really liked this spin on a Christmas Carol. It's a short and sweet story. Both Bill and Tom were very likeable; and, I LOVED Agnes. Bill was a little too self-pitying at times but he grows on you. Tom was fantastic. Agnes made the story, in my opinion. I loved her personality and her one-liners. I would have liked to see Bill's cheating ex and the his new hussy get their just desserts but I guess living well is the best revenge.
Bottom line: a short and sweet M/M twist on a Christmas Carol.
Re-Read on 12/30/13: I'm still lovin' it. 4.5-Stars.
Agnes is the spirit of Christmas present and this year she is assigned to help Bill Calder who's down on his luck. Bill is despondent. Living out of a rented hotel room for the past month, Bill left his long-time BF, his business, and his belongings after discovering that his BF is a cheating asshole. Now, in the midst of the Christmas season, Bill is desperate to find a job, a winter coat, and some holiday cheer. Bill meets Agnes at his favorite coffee shop and they head over to Kimbel's, a New York City department store, to apply for a job. They are in luck when a flustered manager hires Bill as Santa and Agnes as his helper. Tom Davenport, the owner of Kimbel's, first noticed Bill in the coffee shop. Tom is looking for someone special to share his life with and hopes that Bill will be it. A Present Christmas is Tom and Bill's story of hope, love, and a little magic during the holidays.
I really liked this spin on a Christmas Carol. It's a short and sweet story. Both Bill and Tom were very likeable; and, I LOVED Agnes. Bill was a little too self-pitying at times but he grows on you. Tom was fantastic. Agnes made the story, in my opinion. I loved her personality and her one-liners. I would have liked to see Bill's cheating ex and the his new hussy get their just desserts but I guess living well is the best revenge.
Bottom line: a short and sweet M/M twist on a Christmas Carol.
Re-Read on 12/30/13: I'm still lovin' it. 4.5-Stars.
December 17, 2012
This is a cute, little Christmas story. There's Agnes the Christmas spirit who is charged to bring a couple of men holiday cheer. There's Bill. Bill is in a state of depression because he's lost everything... his business, his long-term boyfriend, everything. He's practically homeless, living in a small hotel room. There's Tom, a man Bill sees in a coffee shop every morning who has caught Bill's eye. Bill knows better than to make any type of move because his life is in shambles and he has nothing to offer anyone at this point in his life. He meets Agnes at the same coffee shop and she encourages him to apply for a job at a department store across the street. He gets the job playing Santa Claus with Agnes as his helper. Tom works at the store and they gradually get to know each other... with the help of Agnes.
Agnes is a treat. I got a big kick out of her antics to bring the two men together.
The story was good and the characters were written well. The entire thing is a bit rushed and out there but that is to be expected considering the type of story.
Overall, a quick, fun read.
Agnes is a treat. I got a big kick out of her antics to bring the two men together.
The story was good and the characters were written well. The entire thing is a bit rushed and out there but that is to be expected considering the type of story.
Overall, a quick, fun read.
December 9, 2010
this was such a sweet story. :)
October 30, 2012
Another sweet Christmas short!
I loved the unique idea of Agnes and she herself was real awesome )))
Lovely story!
I loved the unique idea of Agnes and she herself was real awesome )))
Lovely story!
December 12, 2023
If you love Christmas and all stuff magical then you'll love this sweet little tale. Agnes, a lady with magical abilities and huge sense of humour, is sent on a mission to save Bill from his despair and mild thoughts of suicide. He's lost absolutely everything, boyfriend, job, home, and money. Agnes has her work cut out for her, but she's game. A truly wonderful story as she weaves her magic and slowly brings Bill back to life.
December 13, 2019
Bill, down on his luck, has his life interfered with by Agnes, the spirit of Christmas present. Agnes is a hoot as she works magic with Bill and Tom in this quick but fun holiday story. Bill’s ex… Well, suffice it to say I finished this tale with a big smile and lingering warm and fuzzy holiday feelings!
December 9, 2012
Really 2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
What's with Christmas stories that revolve around department stores? My experiences shopping at Christmas are far from the settings of a M/M romance. Not quite getting trampled at Walmart grabbing for a video game, but not meeting up with the dreamy, unbeknownst to me owner of the store either.
I read the sort of similar "Something for Santa" a few weeks ago and didn't really care for it, but this one was better. I suppose since it made no bones about being a fantastical story with a spirit that performs some magic to speed up the process the plot didn't bother me as much. Or maybe reading it while one of the Christmas trees downstairs was right next to me made me more charitable to a sappily sweet Christmas story.
What's with Christmas stories that revolve around department stores? My experiences shopping at Christmas are far from the settings of a M/M romance. Not quite getting trampled at Walmart grabbing for a video game, but not meeting up with the dreamy, unbeknownst to me owner of the store either.
I read the sort of similar "Something for Santa" a few weeks ago and didn't really care for it, but this one was better. I suppose since it made no bones about being a fantastical story with a spirit that performs some magic to speed up the process the plot didn't bother me as much. Or maybe reading it while one of the Christmas trees downstairs was right next to me made me more charitable to a sappily sweet Christmas story.
December 16, 2010
This was a sweet Christmas story.
***********slight spoilers*****************
I guess b/c it was short and sweet, there isn't a whole lot of time to develop a relationship. Nonetheless, it still seemed a bit silly to hear them saying "I love you" after 1-2 dates. Also, Bill's constant putting himself down was somewhat annoying as well. Otherwise, though, when all was said and done, I finished with a smile on my face, glad that Bill and Tom had found each other. Oh, and I loved Agnes - she was a hoot!!
***********slight spoilers*****************
I guess b/c it was short and sweet, there isn't a whole lot of time to develop a relationship. Nonetheless, it still seemed a bit silly to hear them saying "I love you" after 1-2 dates. Also, Bill's constant putting himself down was somewhat annoying as well. Otherwise, though, when all was said and done, I finished with a smile on my face, glad that Bill and Tom had found each other. Oh, and I loved Agnes - she was a hoot!!
January 11, 2015
What a fun book! I actually bought it by accident - thought I was getting "A Christmas Portrait" by the same author but I was not disappointed at all (and it's May, not even December). It was sweet, sexy, romantic and fun. All great things!!
November 28, 2014
This book is super cute and a wonderful new take on the Spirits of Christmas - three wonderful sisters. In those book the Spirit of Christmas Present aka Agnes helps Bill and Tom find each other and the magic of Christmas. Super cute story - glad my local library added it to their collection.
December 11, 2012
3.75 stars. Read for m/m team bingo special holiday theme challenge.
December 15, 2010
Cute story, Bill's emotions were kinda extreme and the L-word was dropped really early, but that seems to be the case with short romance stories!
September 1, 2011
Nice and sweet short story.
March 17, 2012
I totally love this!! A lovely read.. I want this to happen to me during Xmas time.. I can dream can I!!..
December 20, 2012
The story was great and Agnes stole the show. 4.5 stars
January 13, 2014
3.5 stars. Cute!
February 3, 2014
loved the story, would be interested in meeting Agnes myself. Story brought a tear to my eye, but then I am a sucker for a good story
August 16, 2014
I really enjoyed this Christmas story. I will be reading this one again around xmas time.
December 12, 2010
Really cute Christmas Story.
December 27, 2012
This was a sweet story.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews