Christmas and Miracles

By Pelaam

Asher works as parish secretary and a myriad of other roles for a small village church. He even rents his accommodation from the incumbent vicar, and good friend, Ben. When the Dean tries to make Ben resign from his position and effectively close the little church, Asher and the church committee spring into action.

However, Asher has a dark past, not least of which is his husband Oz is a demon.

The committee’s plan includes bringing a travelling fair to the village to attract more people. But it also brings with it a man who Asher hoped never to see again. When Asher’s past catches up with his present, it threatens his whole world.

Will he find the miracle he needs to save Ben’s job, and his own future?

• Language: English
• Publisher: JMS Books LLC
• Release date: Dec 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9781685506216

Pelaam

Living in clean, green New Zealand, Pelaam is a multi-published author of gay romance and erotic books. When not busy writing, she can be found indulging in her other passions of cookery and wine appreciation. Pelaam's books: Smoking Mirror, 2017 finalist in 2017 Rainbow Awards in Gay Futuristic/Sci-Fi; Stranded, Evernight Publishing Readers’ Choice winner 2016 for Sci-Fi; The Avian Emperor, runner up and Honourable Mention in 2016 Rainbow Awards Gay Futuristic/Sci-Fi.

Book preview

Christmas and Miracles

By Pelaam

Published by JMS Books LLC

Visit jms-books.com for more information.

Copyright 2023 Pelaam

ISBN 9781685506216

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Cover Design: Written Ink Designs | written-ink.com

Image(s) used under a Standard Royalty-Free License.

All rights reserved.

WARNING: This book is not transferable. It is for your own personal use. If it is sold, shared, or given away, it is an infringement of the copyright of this work and violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

No portion of this book may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher, with the exception of brief excerpts used for the purposes of review.

This book is for ADULT AUDIENCES ONLY. It may contain sexually explicit scenes and graphic language which might be considered offensive by some readers. Please store your files where they cannot be accessed by minors.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are solely the product of the author’s imagination and/or are used fictitiously, though reference may be made to actual historical events or existing locations. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Published in the United States of America.

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To my partner with love at Christmas.

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Christmas and Miracles

By Pelaam

Chapter 1

Humming softly to himself, Asher finished polishing the old wooden pulpit, then looked around at the gleaming pews. Although his official titles were those of verger and parish secretary, he was also the cleaner, flower arranger, bell ringer, and a myriad of titles that went hand in glove with the running of the little village church.

The hamlet was an idyll of peace and tranquillity, with growing townships around it. But here, in Little Morten, life went on much as it had for decades.

Just a typical rural New Zealand village. Well, with one major difference. Everyone here is warm and welcoming, and nobody cares that I’m gay. This was the best move I ever made.

Life hadn’t been easy growing up in the city. Disowned by his parents as a young teen, and bullied at college had left him anxious and nervous. But all that had changed when he’d met Oz. A warm feeling permeated Asher as always when he thought of his husband.

At a sound from the vestry, Asher stopped and smiled at the newcomer.

You know, the church has never looked better, Asher. You put so much work into it. Such a shame more people don’t get to see and appreciate your efforts.

"But those who do come will see it, Ben. Asher smiled. That’s enough for me." Ben McCrimmon had been the vicar of the church for the last few decades. Asher considered him a good friend as well as the vicar, and his employer.

I don’t know what I’d do without you. Sometimes, I feel we’re overlooked in our little piece of paradise.

That’s not always a bad thing, Ben. Asher shrugged as his friend raised a bushy, grey eyebrow. "Trust me, but I’d rather not explain how I know."

I know you had a hard life, Asher. People need to be a lot more open-minded and accepting. The world would be a much better place if they were. Ben shook his head. Do we have a meeting coming up?

"Yes, tomorrow. We need to discuss the repairs needed for the roof, the Christmas service, how to increase church membership, and your birthday."

That shouldn’t be part of the agenda. How did that get there? Ben asked, glowering at Asher, who adopted his most innocent expression.

Oh, it was slipped in under any other business at the last meeting. I do believe you may have been distracted by Mrs Fox.

That woman could distract anyone. Ben didn’t relax his glowering expression. Especially if encouraged.

I don’t know what you mean. Asher suddenly found his polishing cloth of extraordinary interest until Ben finally laughed.

You can be very sneaky..

I was just the seconder. Asher grinned.

The whole of the parish council can be sneaky. Very well, my birthday is on the agenda. Ben headed toward the vestry, shaking his head, but before he vanished, Asher heard him chuckle.

We won’t admit we want to have a party to celebrate. But if he knows we’re doing something, he won’t ask questions. Well, I’d best tart up the evergreen around the church. The holly looks good, especially