A very short book, easy to read in just one sitting, so if you’re after a quick read, this is definitely for you.

I thought it was going to be a happy little Christmas novella about elves working at the North Pole with Santa. But it was a lot deeper than that. It’s all about forgiveness, forgiving others, but most importantly forgiving yourself, especially when things happen that are out of your control.

I suppose, even if it doesn’t actually revolve much around the North Pole or Christmas, in my opinion, it does still show the magic that the very belief of Santa Claus can bring. It also portrays elves in a completely different way. We tend to imagine elves as small people, with rosy cheeks and pointy ears, always happy. In this, elves are just everyday people who just so happen to spend 3 months of the year working at the North Pole. And I think that’s amazing. The idea that our very best friend or next door neighbour could be working for the big man himself. That definitely adds a magical sparkle to everyday life.

This is a cute, and also heartfelt story of Curtis, a former airline pilot, turned bartender in Las Vegas, who also works for Mr. C. as one of his elves, helping to prepare for the big night when the toy deliveries are made all over the world.

A bit of fantasy plays into this story, however, the heart of the story is Curtis. As a pilot, he landed a plane during extremely bad weather on a highway, rather than a runway. The consequences of that one act, shaped his life for the next ten years. His biggest time of fulfillment comes once a year working as an elf helping with Christmas. preparations up north for Mr. C.

Unexpectedly, one year his usual shift, in the summer, got moved to the winter, and it fell on the anniversary of the tragic plane landing. Curtis tells Mr. C. he must go home early because he can't handle the grief that overcomes him on that date. Being the wise man, we know Mr. C. to be, he has other plans for Curtis that are life-changing.

This is a quick, heartfelt, easy to read story that reminds us of what is important, including forgiveness, as well as forgiving ourselves.

Curtis was an airline pilot who during every bad weather lands the plane on a highway instead of the runway. What happens Grif to that landing changes his life.
Curtis now is a bartender in Las Vegas, he also works for Mr. C as one of his elves.
A story of learning how to forgive yourself first as well as forgiving others.
Not your typical elf story.
You never know if the person you are standing next to, or your co-worker is an elf working for Mr. C.
A cute short story with a little Christmas magic.

Thank you NetGalley and Atmosphere Press for the opportunity to read this book.

I enjoyed this book that was Christmas themed with a difference, it was really readable and had such an interesting story, a good read.

This book started out with your typical cutesy type Christmas story with Santa and elves (normal people, no pointy ears here). Then it turned into so much more! The main character is Curtis, a former airline pilot who's life totally changed one day after a disastrous occurrence. He quit flying and is working in Vegas full time and for Mr. C part time.

Curtis' journey is one to find forgiveness within himself and realize that those who love him are also capable of forgiveness. It is really a touching, lovely story.

I was gifted a copy of this book via Atmosphere Press and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

Curtis is a simple bartender in Las Vegas. He's single, lives close to his job and also happens to be a part-time elf for Santa Claus.
When he joined Santa, Curtis thought could run away fron the pain of his past. However, now that the 10 year anniversary of that fateful day is coming up and he must return to his hometown to fulfill a promise to Mr. Claus, he'll have to face his own demons and forgive himself.
This novella was quite the emotional ride! It's a small book, but don't let that fool you! The story is heartwarming and Curtis's journey towards forgiveness and self-acceptance in the face of grief is so emotional! It really gave me the feels!
I know it's a little early for Christmas posts, but you should definitely check this book out!

Trigger warning:
-Death
-Plane and car accident
-Alcoholism

This is a story with an interesting take on Elves and how they function
Mr C takes care of people who are broken and helps them to get back on the right track
This is a story about forgiveness- forgiving yourself and others , accepting their support and moving on
The sort and the hurt felt was written well and you quickly feel sympathy for Curtis and want him to move on . Even though this is a short story, it is well developed

This is a neat story about Mr. C. aka Santa Claus and his elves.
Just who are these elves that actually do the work for Mr. C? Are they actually little, funny people with pointed ears ?
They are not at all who you think! they are!
But this is a quick and definitely enjoyable novella that will warm your heart and lift your spirits as we enter this unsure, crazy 2021 holiday season! The book has heart, love and a special mission for one elf in particular.

Give it a try. I loved it!

I received an ARC of this book. Very interesting story with a completely unexpected perspective on Santa, the elves and the preparation for the big night. The author has written a tale with heart that kept my interest with just enough clues to the full story. I couldn't put it down.

I took a chance and requested the debut novel by Ekta R Garg called The Truth About Elves and I’m glad I did!

It is supposed to be a Christmas story but, in reality it takes place just before Christmas. The author has created what you might call an alternate world where Santa lives and the business of meeting expectations of Christmas happens. I think Santa does more than we ever knew.

This is a really short book and can be read in an evening. So, I really can’t tell you a lot about it or I would give the whole premise of the book away. I don’t want to get on Santa’s naughty list. I need more books for Christmas!

If you find you have a few hours some night and want to read a cute little story before Christmas, this book will fill that wish quite nicely.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from #AtmospherePress and #Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Curtis was a pilot until a fateful day, when his life changed, and he walked away from his family. His family was grieving and he felt responsible. He worked in Vegas, but for 3 months out of the year he would go to the Arctic Circle and help Mr. C. This year he was supposed to go in the third quarter because this was the 1oth anniversary of the tragic accident. Mr. C. changed it to the 4th quarter and Curtis had no choice but to go when Mr, C said.
When he got there, the other elves, were there and getting their assignments. One of the rules was to be polite, so they had to say hello, tell them who they were and what they did, how long they had been coming here. As we read the book we find this is a way of healing, and until an elf is ready, then he or she comes every year for 3 months. Curtis thought he would be coming the rest of his life, and he was mad at Mr. C for making him come the last quarter when he just wanted to be home alone on the anniversary of the tragic accident.
The story that unfolds is one of Mr. C. trying to help Curtis find his way back to his family, and he sets things in motion.
The book is different, but it offers a glimpse of the elves, coming year after year, because grief doesn't have a timetable, When you lose someone close to you, the anniversary is difficult to go through alone, so Mr C, brings them to be with others, and it can begin the process of healing. I didn't think it was a Christmas story, I thought it was a story of the spirit of Christmas. It is a short book, filled with seeing things in a different way.
I received an ARC from Atmosphere Press through NetGalley.

This is a short and quick read, but well worth the pages and time. The Truth About Elves is a beautiful take on our favorite "little" helpers from the North Pole and I love the idea that it's just normal people needing a place to go before they are ready to be fully back in society; I think we could all use a little help from Mr. C now and then.
This was beautifully written and well thought out.

I want to thank NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for letting me read and review an advanced copy of this novella.

The operation at the North Pole goes year-round, but in this story the elves only work for three months of that time. The elves, who are real people, leave their day jobs from all over the world, and they travel to work at Santa’s operation during their assigned quarter. Yes, there are still Santa and Mrs Claus, reindeer, and the yearly ‘Night of’, but the rest of the story is very modern.

The main story in this book is about Curtis, an elf for eight years (yes, elves come and go), who had an accident in his past and still deals with anxiety and stress. While being assigned to wrapping presents, Curtis tries to get an appointment with Mr C. When Curtis asks to be released from his assigned quarter, Mr C. sends him back to Salt Lake City for a temporary assignment back in the ‘regular’ world. There, he must confront his fears of the past and rejoin the life he once had before the accident.

Will Mr C.’s instincts be correct and will Curtis find joy at Christmas, or will he continue being miserable for the rest of his life?

This was an interesting take on the Santa Claus story, maybe showing how each of us could be an elf and help spread some Christmas cheer.

This is a fun little story. It isn't really a book more of a novella. I completed it in one sitting of about an hour and a half - I am a quick reader.
Curtis lives in Vegas & lives the life - he works in a bar, earns great money & has the dream life. Yet once a year he disappears for 3 months. He goes to work at the North Pole - elves aren't quite who you thought they were!

I loved this book. Yes, okay there is a Christmassy, feel good theme going on here. However, it is certainly not your standard Christmas "feel good" book. There is a bit of depth and it did make me think.
The whole concept of people taking time out of their lives to work for Father Christmas is wonderful. The picture of the North Pole which is painted in this story brings what is a fairy tale (apologies if that comes as a surprise to anyone) into the modern world.
This story made me smile & I loved it. I was sad it wasn't longer but with hindsight I am not sure that would have worked. A great read, sit back & enjoy something a bit different.

I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley.

I liked this book/novella, story was good,not your usual Christmas story but kept my interest and liked ending. I think with a bit fleshing out with more back story and detail would be 5 stars not just the 4 I gave but since this is a first book. Kudos. Thank you to Net Galley the author and the Publishers for giving me opertunity to read this Advance Reader Copy.

I love reading holiday stories, especially those that give me an insider's glimpse at the behind-the-scene world of Santa, his elves, and the North Pole. It all seems so magical to me.

The Truth About Elves offers a peek at the troubled life of Curtis, a bartender in Vegas for nine months out of the year and an elf for Santa the other three. Who knew elfing could be a part-time gig? Curtis has some issues to work through but with the help of some Santa magic, things just might work out.

This is a delightful little story that offered me a little escape for a few hours as I soaked up the wonders of the North Pole and the ever wonderous world and characters surrounding Santa Claus. I highly recommend The Truth About Elves and hope that you take a little time out of your busy schedule this season to enjoy some holiday magic

Interesting novella. A present day embodiment of the Prodigal Son story, as I see it, and sharing the central themes of love conquering all, the strength of family, and the real purpose of Christmas - family.

A very enjoyable read. It's not your typical lighthearted Christmas story, but instead is a beautiful telling of a man who is dealing with pain, grief, and guilt since "the accident " and how Santa (aka Mr. C.) recruits him and helps him during this difficult time by giving him purpose as an elf at the Arctic Circle. Grief, loss, and forgiveness play a key role in this short novella. It was beautifully written and it brought tears to my eyes.

What's this? A Christmas review in November?! That's right!

I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of The Truth About Elves by Ekta Garg from the publisher. This is a story of, not your typical, elves. They aren't magical, small and work in green suits and pointy hats but instead are just normal human beings who have suffered trauma. Mr. C has an operation in the Arctic that goes round all-year to prepare for the festive season and Curtis, an elf involved in an accident years ago, always spends the anniversary of this in a state of constant drunken slumber. This year, that all changes when he is assigned a different shift that he wants so desperately to be free of.

The cover for this is definitely full of festive cheer that promises a premise that grabs you from the start. The story tugs on the heartstrings when we begin to realise this isn't a typical festive story but instead a bittersweet telling of Curtis, who battles his guilt and shame for years. This is a book that can move us in ways that foretell secrets and healing and Garg deserves praise for telling an enchanting story for adults.

This is a great book to read at Christmas time. I loved the modern day elf story. I wish it was a little longer.

4 1/2 stars

This is a book that’s less about Christmas and more about coming to terms with the consequences of your actions. Curtis, a commercial airline pilot, flies his plane fully aware of possible danger due to bad weather. He decides that he can handle whatever the weather sends his way. As you can guess, the plane crashes, and someone is killed, someone close to Curtis. The book deals with guilt, grief, loss, and PTSD, and family. There’s nothing religious or preachy in this book.

After the accident, Santa Clause, Mr. C. as he’s called in the Arctic Circle, recruits Curtis to be an elf. Elves in this book are not the stereotypical kind we’ve become familiar with. They are normal men and women who work to help Mr. C. prepare for Christmas, but for just one quarter of the year. Very few elves remain working for the full year. Curtis usually works his one quarter in the autumn, then returns to his normal life in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he’s a bartender..

This is a sweet story that just happens to involve Santa and his elves. I’m not saying that Santa doesn’t have a big role to play in Curtis’s life. He definitely does. He’s responsible for helping Curtis find his way out of his grief and moving on. I will say that I would have liked to see this story developed a little more. Not that it isn’t good as it stands, it’s just that I think it has more potential. I’d have loved to learn more about some of the other characters, seen more of Curtis interacting with the other elves or his ex-girlfriend when she wasn’t an ex, getting a better sense of what everyone does under Mr. C’s direction. I would also have like to see how Mr. C. arranged to recruit Curtis. The book is good as it stands, well written, clear, and entertaining; I just would have liked a bit more.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book through Netgalley. I thank all involved for their generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.

The Truth about Elves is essentially a short novella about dealing with internalized pain, guilt and grief and how to overcome it. This is done in a Christmas setting with guidance by the Big Man Santa himself, because why not?
The book is a short little dreary cold afternoon read, heartwarming in the end, but not quite as Hallmark-y as many other titles taking place around Christmas.
I enjoyed the author's writing, and will be happy to check out future publications!

This was my first Christmas read this year and it's going to be a hard one to beat. I was fascinated with the magic of the Circle and the inner workings of the preparations that go into The Night Of. An endearing behind the scenes tale of Christmas that will truly warm your heart. What a wonderful, wholesome book.

Thank you Atmosphere Press and @netgalley for the eARC in return for an honest review.

I received this book for free for an honest review from netgalley

A very original story to be sure. I sure enjoyed it.

This book is a unique take on elves and Santa.

Working as a bartender for 9 months out of the year in Las Vegas and then the other 3 months, he works with Santa.

In this unique twist, those who have experienced trauma work in the Artic Circle. Curtis was involved in a plane crash and on the anniversary of that date for the past 10 years, Curtis has drowned his sorrows. This year he is asked to work in the North Pole on the anniversary and even though he is not a typical elf in what we have always thought they were, Curtis experiences the miracles of Christmas.

4.5 stars

What an unexpected and wonderful story about Curtis who lives in Las Vegas but spends three months a year as an elf working for Mr. C. This is not your typical Christmas story but more about the miracle of family and forgiveness.

Curtis is a pilot. His plane went down and he's been living with the guilt and grief for almost ten years. Mr. C has been helping but this year Curtis is struggling.

You'll be touched by Curtis' journey and this magical story!

Thank you Ekta R. Garg and NetGalley for the ARC. I highly recommend it!

Thanks for the review copy of The Truth about Elves.

A former airline pilot is recovering from the grief of a landing gone wrong, who is now working as a bar tender in vegas as well as 3 months every year as a part time elf for Santa.

This wasn't what I was expecting but a touching and heartfelt story about forgiveness and grief. It's a relatively quick read, so ideal for some escapism.

This is my first read by this author and I really enjoyed the imaginative and creative spin on elves and just the normal Christmas reads. I enjoyed that the characters were really more down to earth and in a way almost magical realism that helped to create a more relatable and realistic holiday read. Mr. C. trying to help Curtis find his way back to his family, and he sets things in motion. I honestly was crying at some parts because I could relate in different ways through my own life and family events that had happened with trying to find your way back from grief and working on healing all the emotional wounds within a family.

A fun sweet read! Highly recommend.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my ARC.