happily ever antlers
A Christmas Story
In the heart of the North Pole, a white-calf mystery is born to the ancient elder of the Reindeer Council. On the same December eve, on the west side of Philadelphia, jingle writer Felicity Nichols experiences an epiphany that will change her life—and the calf’s—forever.
Suffocating in a marriage well past its best-by date, and disappointed to have missed another Diwali with her dual-heritage family, Felicity is determined to make it home for Christmas, whether her husband, Calvin, cooperates or not. When catastrophe strikes, the two are transported to an impossible realm where—along with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, their staff and family, Amelia Earhart, and a surprising cast of other historic figures—they not only confront their marital troubles, they embark on a Christmastime fantasy adventure unlike any other.
As Felicity finds her place at the North Pole, she strives to reclaim her whole identity and, with the aid of a newfound friend, maybe heal her heart along the way. Little does she know, The Pole is about to fall, and the Reindeer Council has secretly set their sights on an unsuspecting successor to the reigning Santa.
Open your heart and your mind, and come experience the North Pole like you’ve never seen it before. Happily Ever Antlers is a tale of expectations and self discovery, of diverse cultures, found family, and caring communities, of adversity and fear, healing and hope. A novel our divided world needs now more than ever, this story celebrates the unity and harmony of all living things and sparkles with the transcendent magic of a selfless wish on Christmas Eve.
A big-hearted, fun-filled holiday adventure for fans of D. Thrush, Casey McQuiston, Sonya Lalli, and Phillip Pullman.
Coming to bookstores August 31, 2025: NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER!
Scroll down to see why Happily Ever Antlers is becoming this year’s hottest holiday read…
“Author J.B. Fitzgerald knows how to pitch the perfect atmosphere for holiday hijinks, and that comes across on every page of this vivid, original North Pole story filled with heart, humor, and wonder. I certainly felt transported by the magic, with a fantastic balance of festive whimsy and a deeper emotional story that handles the themes of identity and healing without losing holiday cheer. I loved the historical interludes and influences which helped to give the novel its classic Christmassy feel, and Felicity’s journey is an empowering exploration of reclaiming yourself, no matter what crazy things are happening in the world around you. The author writes with close narrative detail that lets us into Felicity’s heart and mind so that she becomes like a friend to us, and someone we’re sure to root for as the twists of the plot challenge her to grow. Happily Ever Antlers is highly recommended as a standout Christmas adventure that’s sure to please anyone looking for a fresh take on holiday stories with diverse, memorable characters.”
“The adventure is one you will never forget…and it packs in an awful lot of action. Forget Christmas; this is one story you’ll want to read over and again, no matter what time of year it is.”
“A vividly imagined world, teeming with magic, merriment, and mayhem…a satisfying, hopeful reminder of ‘the overwhelming kindness of which almost every beating heart is capable.’”
“‘Everything fell silent, save for the gentle impact of snowflakes upon the glass.’ This is just one of the many magnificent lines that author J.B. Fitzgerald wrote, which effortlessly draws the reader into the story. The character descriptions are detailed, making the characters themselves likable and relatable. Sensory stimulation is done to perfection, which aids in creating scenes filled with wonder. Any reader will be infused with awe from start to finish, and the spellbinding plot is accompanied by witty dialogue. There is a resounding theme of found family saturating the pages, making Happily Ever Antlers the perfect book for Christmas. With an array of characters that have amazing personalities, you will be hard-pressed not to have more than one favorite.”