Christmas Trees and Summer Breeze

In Pelican Bay, Christmas isn't just a season – it's a reckoning.

Beneath the glittering lights of a summer Christmas, 24 interconnected stories unfold, revealing the hidden lives and secret desires of a generation coming of age. From Ethan, reeling from a broken past, to Zoe, striving for an impossible perfection, and Tayla, bridging ancient traditions with modern life, each teen grapples with identity, family, and the ever-present question of where they truly belong.

When the holiday season brings everyone together, the lines between public and private, rich and poor, rival schools and lifelong friends begin to blur. Unexpected alliances form, old wounds resurface, and in a town where gossip travels faster than a summer breeze, these young people must decide what they're willing to fight for – and who they're willing to trust.

Discover a vibrant tapestry of lives, loves, and lessons learned in a unique Australian holiday collection that proves the greatest gifts are often found in the most unexpected places.

Tropes You'll Love

coming of age
interconnected stories
Aussie setting
small beach town
Christmas
found family

Behind the Story

My son is growing up and has become less interested in reading. I wanted to write a short story collection to engage young adult readers with shorter attention spans.

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About the Author

Renee Conoulty is an Australian author who writes books with humour and heart for all ages.