A novella sequel to I’ll Be Home for Peacemas

On the heels of her holiday high jinks at home during last Christmas, Bailey Hamilton decides to escape her very large and very unstable family for a relaxing Christmas cruise with her childhood pal Memphis Merritt. Only things are a little more complicated than they seem, particularly with Bailey still being in love with Memphis despite the fact that he’s contemplating a proposal to his new girlfriend. While Bailey tries to fan the dying flames of their relationship, her family, Memphis’ aforementioned girlfriend and a very hot karaoke DJ threaten to put them out for good. Is there anything left to salvage or will Bailey finally have to accept that she and Memphis can never be together?

Purchase for 99 cents on Smashwords (all eBook formats available!)

I’ll Be Home for Peacemas

“I’ll be home for Christmas,” aren’t the words that anyone in Bailey Hamilton’s family have heard lately. She isn’t exactly a recluse (so she tells herself and her couch stain-turned best friend, Fred), but when it comes to Christmas, she prefers a pair of sweats and peaceful time with the television – anything, really, to stay away from her hometown of St. Augustine, Florida, where things are anything but quiet and a hidden sandbar of quiet and painful memories lurks.

But after an incident with a homeless man dubs her the “Santa Slugger,” Bailey finds herself in the last place she expected – home in St. Augustine. Through her stepmother Oliva’s celebration of “Peacemas,” her adopted African brother Ukembe’s hujta fire, a Christmas parade float entitled “Jesus Through The Years,” surprise weddings, an unexpected pregnancy, and quality time with a former flame, Bailey finds that the life she has been running away from is the one she really needed.

Read excerpts from the first five chapters of Peacemas right here!

Download an eBook version at one of these websites:

• Amazon.com ($3.99)
• BarnesandNoble.com ($2.99)
• Smashwords.com ($2.99)

Pick up a paperback edition at one of the following websites:

• Amazon.com ($14.95)
• BarnesandNoble.com ($13.45)
• Booksamillion.com ($13.45)

Reviews for I’ll Be Home for Peacemas:

“Comedy is tricky and weaving comedy into a serious story that has a great message is not a challenge for the feint hearted writer. So I think O’Neil has done exceptionally well in maintaining the comedic flow of the book whilst delivering a credible and compelling piece of dysfunctional domestic drama for us to enjoy.”

- D. R. Cusack (click to read full review)

“…this debut novel by Shannon O’Neil, has something to please every ardent fiction lover - a dysfunctional family, a former flame, dark pasts, and a beautiful location backdrop in the ‘Ancient City’ of St. Augustine, Florida. It’s a hilarious, fast-moving, wonderful break from usual Christmas fare and highly recommended for those cool (or, perhaps here in Florida, mild) winter nights.”

- Nicole T.

“This book was incredible!!! The vivid imagery of St. Augustine and the very personable characters make it one of the best holiday books that I have ever read! I was lucky enough to find this book over the holidays and I read it while traveling to see my family. I can’t wait to read more books from her!”

- Mike

“This is a great book by a great author who really has a descriptive and fun way of telling a story. It’s got unexpected twists and a ubiquitous sense of humor that carry the plot and make the book an interesting read. No matter your interests, you will definitely enjoy this book and I would recommend it to anyone looking for an escape into a realistic fictional world.”

- Todd A.

“As a native of the ‘Ancient City’ portrayed in this novel and a member of a huge family, I can honestly say that Ms. O’Neil’s setting and plotlines are perfectly executed! This book has just the right mix of humor, sarcasm, love, and catharsis – and I truly believe nearly any reader would be able to identify with the characters. A must-read! Can’t wait to see more from this author.”

- Marisa C.