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An Unexpected Gift: Christmas in Australia: Five Short Stories
Searing heat, cricket on the sand, wrapping paper sticking to sweaty skin, icy cold beer, and cold cuts of meat with salad for Christmas lunch and dinner? Here is a snapshot of an Australian Christmas on one street in a Melbourne beachside suburb during the week leading up to December twenty-five. A short story collection of unexpected gifts.
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First published November 1, 2020
16 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
K.J .
12 books416 followersBest-selling author KJ lives in Bendigo, Australia with her wife, their son, three cats and a dog. She started writing interesting observations of life, literary articles, poetry, creative non-fiction, and personal essays, and eventually they were all sort of smooshed together in a giant author-y blender and out popped a book. Then another. The blender is currently in use for KJ’s next novel. Her books are best-sellers, with all either finalists or winners in the Goldie Awards, IHeartSapphic, eLit Awards and LesFic Bard awards. KJ also writes novels under her other pen name: K.J. Wrights
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 7, 2020
If you’ve read KJ’s books, you’ll recognize her everywhere in these five short stories (and if you haven’t, what are you waiting for?). Each story can be read as a standalone, but together they paint the picture of the few days up to Christmas in a small beach town in the Melbourne area.
They tell of new love, fresh and exciting, of lingering lust materialising, of blue-eyed women and bravery, of homophobic parents and racism, of supportive families and friends, of loving memories and new beginnings, of young and old.
There’s pure tenderness and promises of steam. There’s some heartbreak too, yet the overall feeling is of warmth, and not just because of the December heat in the southern hemisphere.
K.J . writes nice and sweet characters I want to be friends but doesn’t shy away from sexy stuff. Nice and sexy, sweet and hot, there’s all that in this Unexpected Gift, as well as the sea, the sun and Santa hats.
They tell of new love, fresh and exciting, of lingering lust materialising, of blue-eyed women and bravery, of homophobic parents and racism, of supportive families and friends, of loving memories and new beginnings, of young and old.
There’s pure tenderness and promises of steam. There’s some heartbreak too, yet the overall feeling is of warmth, and not just because of the December heat in the southern hemisphere.
K.J . writes nice and sweet characters I want to be friends but doesn’t shy away from sexy stuff. Nice and sexy, sweet and hot, there’s all that in this Unexpected Gift, as well as the sea, the sun and Santa hats.
December 31, 2020
A nice short stories collection. No doubt about it, KJ is an author to follow.
November 26, 2020
Well written, really immersive short stories. Kindle Unlimited.
I loved that they all tied in to each other and were set in the same area of town. All very PG, mostly of new loves starting out.
I really related to the first one, as having been a supermarket worker for 7 years and did all the jobs in the place, but consistently manned the checkouts. Getting to know regulars etc. (But there were no cute interested chicks for me.)
Story 2, oof again I related to the whole parents just pretending to care and trying to force issues, and only asking questions for an audience thing. Being very concerned with what others thought etc. I liked the tie-back to the first story.
Story 3, Again tied in a little to story 2, and one of the characters. I really enjoyed seeing an immigrant character from Sudan. I didn't enjoy seeing the racism that popped up through the stories regarding immigrants, but it's an unfortunate reality in Australia and something that disgusts me everytime I come against it. I loved that the paramedic told off the racist ass off. I am glad KJ didn't shy away from that story line and the difficulties faced by immigrants in this country and just how long it takes for them to get citizenship, and how little access to services they actually have - when the media and racists often say otherwise. Big Bravo to her for that.
Story 4, A more naughty one that isn't quite as tied in. Two colleagues and friends go to a sex toy shop to explore and experiment.
Story 5, a lovely monologue of an older lesbian of I think they said 70, who is still in love with her long time lover and wife, as she strolls around the area where she raised her now 40 year old daughter with her life partner - reminiscing about their life together and now grandkids etc.
Also making call backs to the couples and stories from the previous stories that she notices and swoons for. A bitter sweet end on this one, that had me tearing and sobbing.
Highly recommended reads.
I loved that they all tied in to each other and were set in the same area of town. All very PG, mostly of new loves starting out.
I really related to the first one, as having been a supermarket worker for 7 years and did all the jobs in the place, but consistently manned the checkouts. Getting to know regulars etc. (But there were no cute interested chicks for me.)
Story 2, oof again I related to the whole parents just pretending to care and trying to force issues, and only asking questions for an audience thing. Being very concerned with what others thought etc. I liked the tie-back to the first story.
Story 3, Again tied in a little to story 2, and one of the characters. I really enjoyed seeing an immigrant character from Sudan. I didn't enjoy seeing the racism that popped up through the stories regarding immigrants, but it's an unfortunate reality in Australia and something that disgusts me everytime I come against it. I loved that the paramedic told off the racist ass off. I am glad KJ didn't shy away from that story line and the difficulties faced by immigrants in this country and just how long it takes for them to get citizenship, and how little access to services they actually have - when the media and racists often say otherwise. Big Bravo to her for that.
Story 4, A more naughty one that isn't quite as tied in. Two colleagues and friends go to a sex toy shop to explore and experiment.
Story 5, a lovely monologue of an older lesbian of I think they said 70, who is still in love with her long time lover and wife, as she strolls around the area where she raised her now 40 year old daughter with her life partner - reminiscing about their life together and now grandkids etc.
Also making call backs to the couples and stories from the previous stories that she notices and swoons for. A bitter sweet end on this one, that had me tearing and sobbing.
Highly recommended reads.
December 20, 2020
Sweet stories, all interconnected in some small way. This isn't Christmas themed, necessarily, but is set in the days leading up to the holiday in a small, Melbourne suburb beach side community. There's a variety offered here to appeal to many - different ages, ethnicities, professions and life situations, with stories primarily about the gift of possibilities and new beginnings.
December 2, 2020
Before experiencing lockdown for months, I never would have thought I'd miss my city of Melbourne. Reading this got my nostalgic over St. Kilda which got me browsing through my attempt at photography. This was a great read.
January 10, 2021
I know I'm a little late to the (Christmas books) party, but I am thoroughly enjoying myself reading the first story of this little short story collection by KJ (also known as Kracken Jones by some).
Now what I liked especially about this short story collection (besides the fact that it starts in first person narration) is that every sentence is so wonderfully crafted and on point, it's really impressive, and it is SO FUNNY (I love this in shorter stories as I imagine it's super hard to do in longer books - at least I didn't notice it in the audio version of Coming Home).
Although there wasn’t one story that I especially fell in love with (you know, in some story collections there’s this one story that you will remember still years after, and reread again and again), I really liked all of the five short stories (and they really are short I must say) and it’s great to see that they all have some reference to the other stories. If I were to pick a favorite among the stories, it would be the first story about the store manager which I found particularly endearing, and also the fourth story was really cute too.
Now what I liked especially about this short story collection (besides the fact that it starts in first person narration) is that every sentence is so wonderfully crafted and on point, it's really impressive, and it is SO FUNNY (I love this in shorter stories as I imagine it's super hard to do in longer books - at least I didn't notice it in the audio version of Coming Home).
Although there wasn’t one story that I especially fell in love with (you know, in some story collections there’s this one story that you will remember still years after, and reread again and again), I really liked all of the five short stories (and they really are short I must say) and it’s great to see that they all have some reference to the other stories. If I were to pick a favorite among the stories, it would be the first story about the store manager which I found particularly endearing, and also the fourth story was really cute too.
November 1, 2020
I was looking forward to another KJ book so much. And getting several Christmas short stories that are set in Australia sounded even better. And well what can I said just a short time after I started reading the first story I already had a huge smile on my face. KJ‘s writing honestly is one of the most beautiful ones I know. Every story was a unique and unexpected gift of their own. I just loved reading stories about a different Christmas. I mean I was always curious about spending the holidays in shorts. KJ described everything in a perfect way. And now I definitely wanna spend one of my holidays there one day. It sounds amazing. Different but amazing. Personally I loved the last one the most. It was the one that made me cry and will definitely stay with me.
Last but not least I think the tiny little detail I love the most is that the stories were woven into each other. Like BargainBuy was mentioned in every story and the characters showed up in other stories again. That was just fantastic.
Thank you KJ for giving me another wonderful read and making me feel all tingly, smiling but also for making me cry.
I received an advanced reader copy from the author & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
Last but not least I think the tiny little detail I love the most is that the stories were woven into each other. Like BargainBuy was mentioned in every story and the characters showed up in other stories again. That was just fantastic.
Thank you KJ for giving me another wonderful read and making me feel all tingly, smiling but also for making me cry.
I received an advanced reader copy from the author & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
December 16, 2020
A lovely collection!
Five short stories from Australia about the lives of characters that live on the same suburb, in the lead-up to Christmas day, as they enjoy the festive season.
I loved this. It was so sweet how each story had its own meaning, yet the lives of each character were interwoven based on where they lived and how that meant they’d interact. I adored each story and couldn’t pick a favourite. They were all sweet, heartfelt, and completely enjoyable. Some were fun, others were more emotional but each one tugged at my heart for a different reason. With each of these stories, it really was the small things, the details that KJ focused on that made them so special.
The perfect little festive collection to give an idea of Christmas spirit from a different country, with different traditions and ways to celebrate. I really enjoyed it, and can’t recommend it enough.
Five short stories from Australia about the lives of characters that live on the same suburb, in the lead-up to Christmas day, as they enjoy the festive season.
I loved this. It was so sweet how each story had its own meaning, yet the lives of each character were interwoven based on where they lived and how that meant they’d interact. I adored each story and couldn’t pick a favourite. They were all sweet, heartfelt, and completely enjoyable. Some were fun, others were more emotional but each one tugged at my heart for a different reason. With each of these stories, it really was the small things, the details that KJ focused on that made them so special.
The perfect little festive collection to give an idea of Christmas spirit from a different country, with different traditions and ways to celebrate. I really enjoyed it, and can’t recommend it enough.
December 3, 2021
Washing machine of emotions
As I read each of these stories I made little notes throughout and then my main point for each on their titles.
Some of my favourite comments (the ones that aren’t spoilers) range from
It’s the hallmark movie I want to see
Ooh stealing this wording, not even sorry
The KJ line in a KJ story.
Well now that’s rather sexy isn’t it
Good god woman
Ooh the threads and Easter eggs. A tapestry tale.
So basically what I’m saying is, every single story has something beautiful to add to this Southern Hemisphere Christmas. And I loved each of them for their own unique characters, story, and wording.
As I read each of these stories I made little notes throughout and then my main point for each on their titles.
Some of my favourite comments (the ones that aren’t spoilers) range from
It’s the hallmark movie I want to see
Ooh stealing this wording, not even sorry
The KJ line in a KJ story.
Well now that’s rather sexy isn’t it
Good god woman
Ooh the threads and Easter eggs. A tapestry tale.
So basically what I’m saying is, every single story has something beautiful to add to this Southern Hemisphere Christmas. And I loved each of them for their own unique characters, story, and wording.
October 1, 2023
Such a lovely, heart warming and heart breaking collection of 5 short stories. It is a book to read several times. 5 stars!
January 4, 2021
I'm not really one for short stories as most of them are just an ok read for me. These ones are different. I loved this collection, then again, I love kJ's writing. I've not read one of her books yet that I don't like.
Definitely recommend giving this a read.
Definitely recommend giving this a read.
December 9, 2020
Five Stories. Five Loves. Five Stars.
This little storybook set on and around a Melbourne boardwalk packs a lot into its pages.
Each story follows a different couple, mostly through first meetings or first romantic overtures, and all are interwoven in the leadup to a scorching-hot Australian Christmas.
KJ's characters are sweet and vulnerable and flirtatious and sad and alive. I'd happily have read more about each couple here, though their stories are told via perfectly-framed windows into their lives.
If you're looking for something quick and engaging give this a shot. I recommend it and I'm off now to check out more of the author's work.
This little storybook set on and around a Melbourne boardwalk packs a lot into its pages.
Each story follows a different couple, mostly through first meetings or first romantic overtures, and all are interwoven in the leadup to a scorching-hot Australian Christmas.
KJ's characters are sweet and vulnerable and flirtatious and sad and alive. I'd happily have read more about each couple here, though their stories are told via perfectly-framed windows into their lives.
If you're looking for something quick and engaging give this a shot. I recommend it and I'm off now to check out more of the author's work.
January 26, 2021
Wow!
This was a beautiful, heartfelt, heartbreaking and loving collection woven together in one little town. I loved the touch of a connection in each story ending with what was the ultimate love story. Sometimes we take things for granted, this book reminds us not to. K J put together something beautiful and absolutely a must read.
This was a beautiful, heartfelt, heartbreaking and loving collection woven together in one little town. I loved the touch of a connection in each story ending with what was the ultimate love story. Sometimes we take things for granted, this book reminds us not to. K J put together something beautiful and absolutely a must read.
December 25, 2020
Christmas in Australia is filled with heat and the beach. KJ weaves 5 short stories together and ties them with a bow. The stories follow 5 different couples as they navigate the holiday season. The last story made me tear up. Another wonderful writing by KJ.
December 4, 2020
Short stories - I thought this was well written and enjoyable.
December 18, 2020
Sweet
Each story has heart and chemistry and Christmas, brings forth the beginnings of each couple and one love well lived. They are short but enjoyable.
Each story has heart and chemistry and Christmas, brings forth the beginnings of each couple and one love well lived. They are short but enjoyable.
August 6, 2022
A perfect smorgasbord of stories, beautifully crafted.
November 21, 2020
Cute short stories,
I gave this a 5 star because of the excellent story telling. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves romance in any form especially female/female romance with all the nuances of age, race, and ethnicity. I will definitely be reading more from this author. Keep up the great work K j.
I gave this a 5 star because of the excellent story telling. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves romance in any form especially female/female romance with all the nuances of age, race, and ethnicity. I will definitely be reading more from this author. Keep up the great work K j.
December 5, 2021
I'm usually not much for short stories, but those where really good. Like usual, KJ writing is flawless and emotions come first.
November 11, 2020
This was a delightful book to read! It was a quick enjoyable read. There were lots of Aussie phrases that I found to be very interesting. The characters were interwoven. They were all lovely stories. The last of the five stories was especially sweet. It touched me deeply and brought me to tears. Even now, writing this and thinking about it I find myself tearing up. Something that was written so well that it can evolke emotions days later is definitely worth reading! This is my first book by this author, but it won't be my last.
January 9, 2021
Just what I needed at this time. Christmas has passed but the Christmas Holidays were so different with the Pandemic. These stories are intertwined taking place in same time period.
kJ’s writing style is so smooth lithe stories just flow so easily and makes reading so much fun.
These stories about new love and discovery and the last story about a love that with stood the test of time and prejudice.
I will certainly come back and read this book again
kJ’s writing style is so smooth lithe stories just flow so easily and makes reading so much fun.
These stories about new love and discovery and the last story about a love that with stood the test of time and prejudice.
I will certainly come back and read this book again
December 30, 2025
A truly heart warming and beautifully written collection. The author captures an Australian Christmas with vivid, sensory detail and quiet emotional depth, turning simple moments into unforgettable stories. Each piece feels like a small, meaningful gift, told with honesty, warmth, and love. This book left me smiling and deeply moved a wonderful read I highly recommend to anyone looking for something tender, genuine, and memorable.
June 10, 2021
This is a wonderful collection of short love stories set just before Christmas in the southern hemisphere. Each vignette sets up a situation that puts the main characters on the precipice of big changes. It is left to the reader to ponder what might come next.
December 12, 2021
A treasure….
I just wish the story order was reversed. But the characters are delightful and stories just brush against each other. Evokes community and place; covers a range of queer women relationships. Prepare for some tears.
I just wish the story order was reversed. But the characters are delightful and stories just brush against each other. Evokes community and place; covers a range of queer women relationships. Prepare for some tears.
December 31, 2021
Why haven't I read this little gem when it came out last year? I bought it but somehow let it sit on my reader for a year. It's amazing, the small connections between the stories and the last one summing them all up and being its own perfect story.
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January 9, 2025Just as title says....
Great stories....left me wanting more! I absolutely love this author's work! If you have not read Coming Home you are missing out! It is a favourite of mine! Write faster please!!
Great stories....left me wanting more! I absolutely love this author's work! If you have not read Coming Home you are missing out! It is a favourite of mine! Write faster please!!
May 16, 2021
Really ,really, good..
K.J.' is an excellent writer. I rarely read short stories but I'm so glad I read these. An entire gamut of emotions. A real pleasure.. Thank you..
K.J.' is an excellent writer. I rarely read short stories but I'm so glad I read these. An entire gamut of emotions. A real pleasure.. Thank you..
December 4, 2021
Loved it. Such nice stories and set in Australia at Christmas. Finally! A Christmas I can relate to. This really was a delightful read.
April 14, 2024
Just beautiful. The little Easter eggs in each story, the amazing writing (I didn't expect any less of KJ). The last story brought tears to my eyes.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews