A Great Miracle Happened There

by Kim Fielding

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2012 Advent Calendar collection Evergreen.

This winter, Jude Bloch can't decide what bothers him more—the crowds of people or the holiday revelry. Even meeting handsome chef Mac Appel fails to cheer him up because Jude knows the most he could hope for is a one-night stand. But one night turns into two and then more. Maybe Mac can bring some warmth into Jude's holiday season.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Holiday, Romance, Christmas, Short Stories, LGBT

62 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 30, 2012

About the author

Kim Fielding lives in Oregon and travels as often as she can manage. A professor by day, at night she rushes into a phone booth to change into her author costume (which involves comfy clothes instead of Spandex and is, sadly, lacking a cape). Her superpowers include the ability to write nearly anywhere, often while simultaneously doling out assistance to her family. Her favorite word to describe herself is "eclectic" and she finally got that seventh tattoo.

Reviews

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semicolons~✡~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chanukah has a special place in my heart. Any time latkes are mentioned, my brain shuts down and drools. So I ate up this story and licked the plate.

This is a low-key, low-angst novella about two young men who meet at a coffee shop in the midst of the holiday season and rush into a one-night stand that turns into friendship and more.

The sex is all fade-to-black (I KNOW! *pouts*), but Jude's insecurities and Mac's exuberance make the story more than worthwhile.

Jude, treated like a pariah by his conservative family, doesn't trust himself to win Mac's heart; he has no idea that Mac, sous chef extraordinaire, has already fallen hard.

The story features cooking, kissing, lighting of the menorah, and reveling in moments of quiet contentment. Who knew painting a house could be so romantic?

Ah Lichtige Chanukah!

Come spin your dreidel and celebrate!

As Adam Lambert proclaimed, My dreidel spins the other way.



We're so glad, Adam. We're so fucking glad.

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

My third DSP's Advent Calendar; and I loved it too. I guess I was choosing the right titles (though I only bought those from authors I know ^^).

At first, I was a bit worried, because in Chapter 1, right on their first meeting, Jude took up Mac's offer to go back to Mac's apartment, and they had sex (Mac Appel! *snicker on the name*). But the sex was fade to black, so I decide to continue...

And Kim Fielding didn't disappoint me. The relationship progressed outside the bedroom. We had Mac and Jude interacting with other people, while taking time to get familiar with one another, over the course of painting Mac's new apartment, having dinner, watching movies ... Since the story was written from Jude's perspective (third person), readers could read the development from Jude's character -- from sort of a grinch in the beginning, to open up himself, and that he learned to love holiday. It's really enjoyable to read.

There was my personal pet peeve (solo shower jerk off) BUT, the scene was only 'mentioned' not described. So it didn't bother me that much :).

I hope my 'luck' continued with the rest of the DSP's Advent Calendar stories I bought...

[Enny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jude has become some sort of Jewish Grinch ever since his family became cold and distant when he came out. He doesn't do sex in private homes, let alone things like second hookups, sleepovers, dates or - G_d forbid - boyfriends. But Mac sets his sight on him and slowly but surely thaws his broken heart.

I loved the fact that both MCs were Jewish, that there was no explicit sex, the way we get to see how Jude changes and the great writing that for once made me feel like this story was complete without wishing for more.

"I’m pretty sure I’d do anything for you. I’d go shopping in a crowded mall for you. I’d delete my entire dissertation and start from scratch for you. I’d go to noisy parties every night for you. I’d stand outside in Iowa in December in my underwear for you. I’d learn to love holidays again for you.”

Awwww.

[Heller · Rating 4 out of 5]

When this started out with Jude and Mac falling into bed together so quickly I wasn't too sure about it but this turned out to be a lovely sweet read.

[Mandy*reads obsessively* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jude, geek extraordinaire, is working on his dissertation in a cafe when good looking Mac Apple ( yes, I know, I thought it was funny too) asks to join him.
Now they hook-up very quickly, but it is not explicit.
Jude is very closed off emotionally, I'm not sure if it was because of his one 'relationship' that ended or his family's reaction or just his personality but slowly Mac keeps trying and manages to break through Jude's hesitance in believing he is lovable.
The declaration Jude makes to Mac is one of the sweetest I have read in a long time! Loved it!!
Of course the length of the story limits the relationship building, but I still believe enough of their time together was shown to make it believable, I just wished for a little more of Jude's thoughts and maybe a little of what Mac thought, we don't get his POV at all.
I also very much enjoyed the Jewish tradition of lighting the candles being incorporated in the story!

[Lo-Lo · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was the most pointless thing I think I have read in a LONG time. The plot was practically non-existent (2 Jewish boys meet in a coffee shop, have a one night stand which turns into a relationship. There you go, no need to read the book) , the writing was bland and the characters were entirely unlikeable.

[⚣Michaelle⚣ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.9 Stars

[Anke · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
This was a wonderful Christmas story. From beginning to end it flowed quite nicely; Josh's change from the grumpy loner to - quietly - happy part of a twosome was endearing to witness. It left me with a smile.

[Leaundra · Rating 5 out of 5]

It ended too soon. I love how they met and how they got to know each other. It was very sweet.

[Serena Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is mostly a quiet story; I guess because Jude is a quiet man. But then there is Mac, and he definitely brings life into Jude's existence. As the two men get to know each other and end up celebrating Hannukah together, each man contributes something of his unique way of looking at things. Their growing knowledge of the other slowly fills the emptiness each felt when they were alone, and the story gains color and joy. Jude's life is entirely different by the end of the shot book, and much, much richer.

Jude is clever, writing his doctoral theses on a part of Greek history that most people might not even recognize. He isn’t too good around people, and very lonely since he left his (mostly disapproving of him being gay) family in LA for wintry Iowa. But he has his dissertation, right? Running into Mac, an extroverted chef, rattles him a little. He feels the attraction, but can’t believe he'll get more than the usual one-night stand. While he's busy telling himself not to get involved, he misses all the hints and clues Mac is sending…

Mac is a man who goes for what he wants. He loves cooking, and even breaking up with a lover of five years can’t keep him down. He is irrepressible, much like a force of nature, and just what Jude needs. The thing is – he proceeds carefully, quickly having understood that Jude won't trust easily. But he uses everything at his disposal, including the preparation of delicious food, to make his point. The two of them belong together.

If you like stories with lots of quiet charm, if you enjoy reading about a 'nerd' slowly thawing and joining the world of those who have a lover, and if you're looking for a Hannukah-themed story, you will probably like this short book.




NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes a story hits you in those painful places, reminding you of hurts that you think-for the most part-you have managed to overcome. Jude's relationship with his family was such for me and like Jude I feel that I've made a sort of peace with the fact that the connection with my family will never be as strong as I want it to be.

The way Jude and Mac met almost made me drop this, but it was a Kim Fielding story and so I had a bit of faith that there was more to come. I was glad I did. Although their 'relationship' starts with a series of bumps (and grinds), it was nice to see these two find their way towards something more meaningful.

A very lovely read; Mac's house-just reading about the artistic liberties they took upon those walls made my eyes hurt, and whatever did happen with that dissertation? ;)

[Nikyta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. While it starts with a one-night stand (thankfully fade to black), the author does a very good job of showing the relationship grow outside the bedroom. Jude is grouchy, standoffish and doesn't celebrate Hanukkah because of some problems with his family. Mac is full of life, fun to be around and exuberant. What he shows Jude is that sometimes you have to make the effort to get what you want.

At times, I was a bit sad over how Jude was treating Mac. It was obvious Mac wanted something more while Jude didn't. Thankfully, Jude came to his senses and realized the good thing he's got going. I wish this story was longer because I feel like their journey is just beginning. I would love to have a sequel and see Jude actually reconnect with his family while seeing him meet Mac's family.

[Sucajo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Past experience has made Jude very cynical about life so when he ends up in bed with Mac, he treats it as a one-afternoon stand. Even when Mac keeps turning up and they end up in bed together again, Jude still doesn't believe Mac could want a serious relationship with him. I loved the way that Mac persisted and it was very touching when Jude finally opened up and talked to him about the way his family handled his coming out. The ending was very positive and it was nice to see Jude get his own little Hanukkah miracle.

[Lexi Ander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this. Definitely a reread for me.

“I think… I’m pretty sure I’d do anything for you. I’d go shopping in a crowded mall for you. I’d delete my entire dissertation and start from scratch for you. I’d go to noisy parties every night for you. I’d stand outside in Iowa in December in my underwear for you. I’d learn to love holidays again for you.”.

[Stacia · Rating 5 out of 5]

this could easily be made into a novel don't you think? :-) I absolutely loved the characters. I would love to see how they get along after the holidays and as a couple. I'd also like to see Jude meeting Mac's parents. I loved this story..you keep impressing me.

[Idamus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this one, despite being short there's no insta-love, just two guys quietly getting to know each other and fall in love, very sweet but not sugary :)

[Riina Y.T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet! :)

[Penumbra · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Great Miracle Happened There is the story of Jude Bloch a college student, and Mac Appel, a sous chef. This is told in third person from Jude’s pov.

2.5 Stars


Jude isn’t in a happy place when this story starts. He’s sitting in a coffee shop unsuccessfully working on his dissertation. It’s cold outside and the holiday is approaching. He’s not excited about either. Unexpectedly a stranger, Mac, asks to join him at his table then suggests they go somewhere quieter. Thus begins their relationship.

I didn’t get a good feel for either Jude or Mac. Jude seems withdrawn and rather unfriendly and doesn’t appear to care about connecting with anyone. I don’t remember what his profession was other than student. He didn’t have a relationship with his family so they certainly weren’t paying his way through school. Mac is friendly, talkative and flawless, a perfect Marty Stu. I didn’t believe them as a couple because I couldn’t feel the characters’ personalities or their connection. The writing didn’t lend itself to feeling as much as observing and listening to what was told to us by the author. The writing was a bit flat. It reminded me of reading a syllabus. The couple gets together quite quickly over the span of about a week or two. At least it seemed like a very short span of time. Next thing you know, they’re boyfriends.

The part of the story I enjoyed the best was the dinner and events at the end of the book. Other than that, this story was only average. I didn’t find the characters or plot memorable and won’t read this again.

I want to give A Great Miracle Happened There 2.5 Stars, but Goodreads doesn’t allow half stars. Therefore, I give it 3 Stars only because the writing wasn’t that bad as to receive 2 Stars.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jude is writing his history doctoral dissertation. Well, he's trying to write it, but given he's in the middle of a crowded and very noisy cafe, he's not having much luck. He hates crowds and isn't a big fan of the holidays. He's about to give up and move to a quieter location when a really hot guy asks him if they can share the table. After a few minutes conversation, Jude is invited by Mac back to his place for... something quieter. They have great sex, but when Jude leaves, he's not expecting anything to come of it. To his surprise, he keeps bumping into Mac and they keep having fun times, both in and out of bed. He finds him falling fast for this sexy chef, who seems to really enjoy his company, but he's worried any questions about their relationship will wreck things... Will they get together?

I liked this, it was pretty sweet without being insta-love (even if it spans the length of about 2 weeks tops.) A holiday story (both characters are Jewish so there's some nice effort to bring in Jewish customs) without being Hallmark-bland.

Four stars.

[Shelley Chastagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm putting this into the top of my 'reread' pile. I LOVED the evolution of Jude. He lives a lonely life, never really connecting to people around him. His pain is evident as he observes others celebrating the holidays. Mac is everything Jude needs including persistent. His Hanukkah gift is perfect but Jude's declarations of what he would do for Mac made me gasp.
Highly recommended book and author

[Roclaf Alter -Ego · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet M/M romance.

Cute read.

[Macky · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️3.5⭐️

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The set-up is a bit abrupt but this was very sweet and fantastically low-angst.

[Sadonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jude and Mac are an awesome pair! I really really liked this story of the doctoral student and the chef. Mac has just moved to town and he spies Jude sitting at a table by himself in a bustling coffee shop. He hits in Jude and surprising himself, Jude says yes. They have a great time together but then Jude quickly leaves. He's a little down about the holidays and he doesn't do relationships. His family has never been the same with him since he came out.

He runs into Mac again and even more surprisingly, he goes home with him again. They talk a bit more this time, but still Jude has resigned himself to the fact that he won't see Mac after he's gotten settled and finds someone better.

A pattern develops that they run into each other and they end up spending time together - going to dinner, painting Mac's crazy little house, even going to a holiday party at the home of one of Jude's friends. Jude thinks things are going along OK until one afternoon, Mac tells him he needs to leave and he is crushed - but turns out he doesn't mean for good.

These two are adorable together! Their chemistry is just so fun to watch. Jude needs someone who will shake up his rather boring existence and Mac needs somebody who will need and love him. Would love to read more about them.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

The extra 1/2 star was because I loved Mac, because the story was really 2 stars for me. Jude was kind of... meh. He's an ass for most of it, really. I get he's inexperienced in the relationship department, but he's a total airhead about Mac's feelings. I feel bad about his distant relationship with his intolerant parents, but come the fuck on, man.

Mac was sweet, sexy, fun, and a CHEF. Hello, who WOULDN'T want to spend the night with him?! (Yeah, Jude, I'm calling you an idiot here.)

Also, they seriously fuck within like 20 minutes of meeting - not at a bar, but at a coffee shop. (Well, they fuck at Mac's house, not the coffee shop, but my point is that is was pretty damned fast work.)

Riiiiight.

Best moment: Mac giving Jude the dreidel he got from his grandmother. SO SWEET.

I enjoyed Mac, but I didn't really love the rest.

[Don Bradshaw · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reviewed on Hearts On Fire... http://heartsonfirereviews.com/

Jude just is not into the holiday season this year. The shoppers and all the cheer is grinding on his last nerve. Mac is new in town and just unpacking. Helping Mac out is just what Jude needs to get over his doldrums. I was disappointed by this book. Both Jude and Mac have had bad experiences in the past but the first thing they do is jump into bed. Most of their relationship is built on sex with a few home improvements thrown in as filler. I enjoyed the character Mac and his gregarious personality but Jude was just plain dull and clueless. The two men are "very serious" about each other yet barely know anything about the other. The message of the dreidel at the end was touching but too much too fast.

[Straysod · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are plenty of accurate reviews of this already, so all I have to add is: one, Kim Fielding is a great author, and I've yet to regret reading anything by her, even a short story like this. And two, the cover of this is totally ridiculous and has nothing to do with the story. I'll admit, I let a cover influence me quite a bit on whether or not I read a book, so I held off on this one quite a while. It just bugged me for some reason. But the story is sweet and well written with very likable characters. My advice is to focus on the blurb and the review and just ignore the silly cover.

Short but sweet, and definitely worth a few bucks and an hour if you're in the mood for a pleasant, light, M/M romance.

[Becky Condit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite a sweet story. Jude is working on his dissertation and stops by a local coffee shop for a shot of energy. Mac Appel (no, really) walks into his life. They end up together, Jude thinking a one-night stand, but he continues to see Mac in different places.
I won’t go into the remainder of the short story, there’s some things you should read for yourself, but it was a very sweet ending (perhaps a tear or two might have been shed, remember I’m a mess.)

Please see Mr. P's sentimental review on December 11, 2012 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....

[Nicca · Rating 4 out of 5]

The short novel was VERY cute and quick read.
Mac was very open and charismatic and I liked him instantly. Sometimes one more outgoing does indeed pull a person out of a shell, which Mac slowly did for Jude. I was happy with the blossoming relationship which left me wondering and hoping they had a happy future.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.75 stars

An absolutely charmer of a story that sneaks up on you and into your heart by the end of the story. One of the best advent stories I read this year.

Review posted at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...