Yes! It’s book bundle time at HEAs for Trans Kids. This time I’m reviewing just a few of the books in the Winter Wonderland bundle. I want you to have an opportunity to donate your minimum of $25, through December 5, so you can get your own bundle.
Hither, Page by Cat Sebastian – I have previously reviewed it here, and it is still excellent. The real scandal is that I haven’t reviewed The Missing Page yet. Part of me wants to say that the bundle is worth $25 for this novella alone, but that would be a lie. Donating to Trans Lifeline in 2022 is worth $25 and the books are gravy, or whipped cream and cherries, depending on your preference.
Handmade Holidays by ‘Nathan Burgoine – Burgoine has been on my list of authors to read for a long time and I would like to slap myself for not getting on this train sooner. This was lovely. Over 15 Christmases, Nick grows from a 19 year old just kicked out of his family for being gay to an author in a happy relationship with a close and supportive queer found family. The center of this are the traditions that Nick establishes, how they expand and change. I loved it. I have also reviewed the soon to be released Felix Navidad so after you read this bundle, you have that to look forward to.
Glass Tidings by Amy Jo Cousins – grumpy meets grumpy is always going to have my heart. Eddie has been traveling the Ren Faire circuit for a few years and usually heads down to Texas in the off season. This year he was persuaded to stay in Chicago with a man he was having an affair with thinking they would celebrate the holidays together. That didn’t go as planned and he finds himself walking through a small town late at night where he witnesses a hit and run. The local police chief ask him to stay in town and arranges for him to stay with Grayson. Grayson owns a Christmas store, but is a grumpy recluse most of the year. Grayson and Eddie slowly build trust and a relationship, navigating old wounds and the imbalances in their situations. It’s lovely.
Miss Claus by J.R. Hart – Kris Claus is Santa’s daughter, his assistant, engaged to the North Pole’s attorney, Mark, and planning to become Santa when her father retires after the next Christmas. Mark encourages her to take a vacation with a friend. When she comes back there’s suddenly a discovery that Kris is barred from becoming Santa because she is not a he. I can’t say too much because of spoilers, but there is gaslighting, concern trolling, and gender essentialism. There is also friendship, love and support.
There are 9 other books in this bundle, including books by the always worth reading Beverly Jenkins, and Holley Trent. Please don’t take my lack of review as a comment on their books. It is merely a reflection of the limitations of time and energy.
One of my fundamental beliefs is that every human deserves safety, comfort, and the right to make decisions about their own bodies. Right now trans people and trans children are being targeted, the LGBTQ+ community is being targeted. Even if you don’t want a bundle of romance books, you can donate to Trans Lifeline, or a local group that supports trans and LGBTQ+ youth in your area.