Cozy Christmas Reads: Gail's story

Excerpt from Mackinac Island Christmas by Gail Gaymer Martin:

Already Christmas decorations appeared wrapped around the old fashioned lamp posts and garland wound with Christmas lights loop along the shop eaves. The Island closed at the end of October, but that didn’t discourage visitors. Many enjoyed coming to the Island with fewer tourists and at a time that seemed more like a real town from the past—Victorian homes, horse and buggies, bicycles, and forts from the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812.

Her stomach growled as she admired the Mustang Lounge’s Christmas lights ahead of her and smiled with the thought of finding food. Since the lights were on, she assumed they were open. When she reached the door, lights inside greeted her, and she stepped into the warmth and the scent of food.

A waiter motioned to an empty table nearby, and she slipped off her jacket and hung it on the back of the chair before sinking into it. When the waiter handed her a menu, she perused her options and settled on a Mustang Chef Salad with ham and turkey and all the fixings. The waiter returned with a glass of water, a cup and carafe of coffee.

He eyed her, and she nodded. “Yes, regular black, and thanks. She ordered the salad, and then sipped the hot coffee as he headed away. Her gaze drifted to the old hewn wood walls and areas covered with logs, she guessed they had been cut from the Island trees. Much of the Island remained woods with dirt roads winding through to various historical locations. The only thing that ruined the moment was her concern for Carol.

A long sigh emptied her lungs, and she pulled out her phone again and hit Facebook. She scanned the messages of people she knew and most whom she didn’t but had accepted as friends. The idea made her grin. She lifted the coffee again, feeling the swirl of warmth rising from the cup and took another sip.

“Is this your jacket?”

She jumped, hearing someone behind her. When she turned, a man held up her jacket and arched his brow. “It was on the floor behind you.”

“Thanks. It’s mine.” She leaned forward as he lapped it over the seat back again. “I didn’t feel it fall, but then I was too intrigued with the history in this building.”

He moved around to her side. “It’s one of the oldest buildings on the Island. Dated to the 1780s, and I’ve heard it’s the oldest tavern in Michigan. That makes it very special, I’ve always thought.”

“The Island is very special. Obviously, I’m a tourist and though I’ve been on Mackinac Island many times, I’ve never been here in winter.” She extended her hand. “I’m Josie Ryan from Royal Oak. It’s a suburb of Detroit.”

“I know where it is. I’ve lived in Birmingham for years.” He grasped her fingers in his. “I’m Christopher Banks, but everyone calls me Chris.”

“Hi, Chris. Would you like to join me?”

“I was hoping you’d ask.” He grinned and slipped into a seat adjacent to hers. “Are you here alone?”

Her pulse jumped. “Not by choice. I’m supposed to meet a friend, but as you can see I am alone.”

“I’m sorry. Maybe he—”

“It’s a she.” Josie shook her head. “Carol’s a long-time friend who I haven’t seen in a few years, and we made these plans months ago, so I am at a loss. I keep worrying that something—”

“Lots of things can happen. She missed the ferry. She had a flat on the way, and it takes a while for someone to get to her on the freeway. It could be lots of things that—”

“I know. I keep telling myself the same thing, but it isn’t like her not to call.”

He patted her arm. “Just pray she’s okay and wait and see. I know you’re concerned but now you’ve been sort of stranded here, although—”

“Being alone isn’t really the problem. I can cut my vacation short, and I probably will, since I don’t know anyone—but I hate changing plans.”

“How about this? I’m here for a while visiting my granddad. He had been very ill but is doing much better now.”

“I’m glad he’s doing well.”

“Rather than leave, and have to make decisions, I’m a great Island guide. Gramps has lived here most of his life, and I spent the summers here and sometimes even came for Christmas, so I’m your man and I’m cheap.”

“I’d also love to be here for Christmas, but what’s your charge?”

He tilted his head and chuckled. “What is my charge? Zero. I love the Island and enjoy seeing everything again and again. I was teasing, but then you don’t know my sense of humor.”

~*~
Author bio: 

Best-selling and award-winning novelist of sweet and inspirational romance, Gail Gaymer Martin has 79 published novels and over four million books sold. 

Her novels have won numerous national awards, including: the ACFW Carol Award and two RT Reviewer’s Choice Award. She is the author of Writer Digest's Writing the Christian Romance and a founder of American Christian Fiction Writers. 

Gail is a keynote speaker at churches, civic and business organizations and a workshop presenter at conferences across the U.S. She lives with her husband Bob in Sedona, AZ. 

Readers may send mail to Gail via this address: 

P.O. Box 20054

Sedona, AZ 86341

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Blurb for Mackinac Island Christmas: Josie Ryan arrives on Mackinac Island, looking forward to the Christmas season in the quaint setting with no automobiles and a back-in-time aura, but she learns that her longtime friend has to cancel her trip due to a family emergency. 

Disappointed, Josie decides to stay the day and then cancel her trip since it’s no fun being alone. But her plans change when Chris Barnes, visiting his grandfather, comes to her aid and offers to show her the sites. When she learns that Chris is raising his deceased brother’s child, she is touched. 

Amid snowball fights, snowmen, and snow angels, Josie’s life changes when she falls in love with the little girl, but Ellie wants a mommy. Even though Chris is a great guy with wonderful attributes, Josie has absolutely no plans to marry, or can this four-year-old change Josie’s plans.

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Book Review of Mackinac Island Christmas, posted on Amazon:

"I enjoyed this book and stayed up all night to finish it! I fell in love with the characters and hope there is a sequel to it! I love Mackinac Island so this book brought back many memories."

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Connect with Gail:
Website - http://www.gailgaymermartin.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/gail.g.martin.3
Twitter - https://twitter.com/GailGMartin
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/83354.Gail_Gaymer_Martin
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gailgaymermartin

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Cozy Christmas Reads: Carrie's story

Excerpt from Ch. 2 of "The Substitute Bride" by Carrie Fancett Pagels:

The queasiness in Louis’s gut had nothing to do with this train but everything to do with it rocking along toward their final destination—his nightmare. He drew in a deep, steadying breath, and touched the small Bible in the pocket of his best wool suit.

“Ever ride in the luxury car before, Mr. Penwell?” Andrew Ellison’s deep voice held conflicting notes of sympathy and humor.

Louis sat up straighter in his heavily-cushioned, plush seat. “No, sir.”

The railway investor sucked in deeply on his cigar and then exhaled slowly. “Well, get used to it. With this promotion you’ll always be able to choose the executive compartment from here on out.”

“It’s certainly well-appointed, Mr. Ellison.” On the far wall, a built-in buffed-to-a-gleam cherry wood cabinet housed a full array of crystal and silver pieces. Crystal brandy snifters and liquor bottles sparkled as they rocked slightly in the high-sided, mahogany tray atop the counter.

“Should be for the money we put into this.” The investor narrowed his eyes and leaned forward, spreading his legs apart. “But you don’t seem to be enjoying the trip.”

Louis raised a palm. “Oh, no, sir, I am grateful for the promotion.”

“Your face says otherwise.”

“How could I not appreciate the luxury of this room—crystal carafes and our own refreshment bar, comfortable sleeping quarters and seats?”

“Perhaps it’s just the motion of the train giving you that sallow look.” Mr. Ellison’s pipe smoke drifted in Louis’s direction, bringing to mind the scent of his father’s favorite tobacco, a rich Virginia blend harvested in the area where the prominent Penwell family’s plantations had dominated for centuries.

“I’m not accustomed to traveling much by rail, despite my job.” Louis grabbed onto the excuse.

“You’re no longer stuck in South Dakota, with so few women as possible brides. And with that raise you should be a married man in no time at all and a good influence in the community—as your supervisor figures.”

Or not. His mouth grew dry. He’d not heard back from Cora about his proposal, and now he was on his way there. What if she cashed the check and was even now headed out to South Dakota? Everything had happened so quickly, he’d not had time to do much other than pack his belongings. Cora was not an impulsive woman, from what he could discern in the letters. At least he’d gotten a telegram sent.

Ellison rose and crossed the chamber to the wall cabinet and poured himself a tumbler of whiskey. “You’ve been away from your hometown too long, I hear.”

Louis’s gut clenched. Hometown? He had no hometown. “The home where I lived in Salt River burned, sir.” Not that it mattered, since he’d lost their temporary home when his father had drowned in the river. They’d moved to Salt River after his mother died and Father had finally ceased gambling and taken a job at the mill. But then his father died, too. And just recently, Louis’s benefactor in Michigan, Mr. Welling, also passed away. Except for his friend, Cora, Louis truly was alone in the world.

Ellison sipped his drink, which sloshed in the snifter with the train’s steady movement. “I’m a Michigander myself, and Shepherd has become a bustling railroad center.”

“Haven’t been back since I left.” Louis’s gut began to roil, and the train’s movement shuddered through him.

“No?” The man quirked an eyebrow. “Mr. Stewart was sure you’d jump at the chance to return home.”

Louis stifled the urge to cringe. “Is that why my supervisor recommended me for the job in Michigan?”

“Precisely.”

Mr. Stewart had always seemed so fond of Louis. “I have to admit, it came as a surprise.” Louis would rather have remained where he was and had Cora join him. He prayed Cora had received his telegram.

If only his supervisor had realized that he was sending him back to the one place he’d vowed never to visit again, to never set foot in again, much less in which to reside. When Louis had learned Cora corresponded from the Poor House outside Shepherd, he’d vowed that one day he’d rescue her from the place. Why God? Perhaps this disruption was for Cora. But would the townsfolk accept her as a prominent railroad man’s wife or still see her as the woman from the Poor Farm? Would they recognize him and view him as the boy from the Poor House, with no family to claim him? A boy called Louis Smith because his father wouldn’t use his Penwell name.

~*~
Author bio: 

ECPA-bestselling author Carrie Fancett Pagels, Ph.D., is the award-winning author of a dozen Christian historical romances. 

Twenty-five years as a psychologist didn't "cure" her overactive imagination! 

A self-professed “history geek,” she resides with her family in the Historic Triangle of Virginia but grew up as a “Yooper.” 

Carrie loves to read, bake, bead, and travel – but not all at the same time! 

~*~
Book blurb for The Substitute Bride: 

A Christmas Carol meets It’s A Wonderful Life

A letter for Sonja’s deceased friend arrives at the post office in Michigan, and with it a proposal. With her father threatening to kick her out of his home, Sonja impulsively responds, offering to travel west to be a substitute bride.

At the same time, Louis’s railroad promotion sends him back to Michigan, the one place on earth he’d hoped to never return—where Christmas past was full of pain. 

A mysterious stranger leaves him marked copies of “A Christmas Carol” as he considers romancing Sonja in Christmas present. Will Louis discern the best choices for Christmas future? Does it include the Poor House, again? Even so—will God bring healing and love to him this year?

~*~

Book Review for The Substitute Bride:

As always, Carrie Fancett Pagels pens another delightful, heartwarming story of faith, hope, and healing—intertwining A Christmas Carol and It's a Wonderful Life! With a compassionate hero and heroine—and endearing secondary characters who will cause your heart to melt despite the scenic white carpet of snow and frosted evergreen trees—the magical sights and scents of Christmas come alive in The Substitute Bride! Shepherd is a real town in Michigan where its townsfolk keep their history alive to this day, and Carrie Fancett Pagels gives us a sweet taste of what it may have been like...in Christmas past.

*Book Review written by Diana Flowers

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Buy Carrie's book on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

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Connect with Carrie:

Website: www.carriefancettpagels.com
Blogs: Overcoming With God and Colonial Quills

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Cozy Christmas Reads: Darlene's story

Excerpt from Chapter 11 of "The Christmas Child" by Darlene Franklin:

Chatter rippled through the room after Joseph and Mary had joined the Masquerade ball. As volunteers prepared for the event, Mr. Orson spoke with Preston and Eliza. “You promised me my grandson would be here tonight for me to introduce to my workers.”

“It will happen soon.” After a brief prayer, Preston stepped up to a podium. “The time has come for us to reveal ourselves. “Who can guess my identity?”

A brave soul at the back shouted, “Marshall!”

Bowing, Marshall removed his mask and bowed. When the applause subsided, he drew Eliza forward.

“May I present to you…” He bowed in Eliza’s direction. She curtsied and removed the mask.

“Miss Eliza Lampert.”

More cheers erupted. Pride surged through Preston’s body and his throat. Here, at last, he’d linked their names as he’d wanted to do so often. A year from now, they might be wed, or at least promised to each other.

Mr. Orson stood to side, nodding politely, but his attention was elsewhere, focused on his inner sorrow rather than the gaiety of the masquerade. Preston had hoped the party might bring the man some comfort, but if so, he showed no signs of it.

During the unmasking, they took their time with town luminaries before plunging into to the line of guests. It was a true test to how well Mr. Orson knew his employees and the townspeople. A few times he had to ask. Woody had been a great help in that regard.

Mr. Orson’s attention kept wandering to the door, as if looking for his grandson.

He’s closer than you think. The procession wound down to a young couple at the end of the line..

Mr. Orson examined them curiously. Preston sent up an escape-clause prayer, asking God to make everything work out as they hoped. Eliza smiled at him. He took courage from that and called for Mary and Joseph.

Preston stood between the man and a woman. “I believe this couple, representing those frightened parents in ancient Bethlehem, deserve a special award. Do you agree?” He held his breath, hoping this part of their plan would go smoothly.

Enthusiastic clapping rose from the gathered crowd, and he relaxed.

Eliza tugged on his arm. In a stage whisper, loud enough to be heard across the floor, she said, “The king has ordered that this baby boy be taken away from his mother.”

Preston stood at attention. “Not as long as I have the means to fight it.” He knelt in front of the still-masked couple. “May I take you to safety?”

Silence had fallen across the room as the scene unwound.

“God is our defender,” the man dressed as Joseph answered. “We ask nothing but the blindness of your eyes when we pass.”

“Mary” stepped forward. “Before we leave, I have only one wish: that my son see his grandfather.” Marina removed her mask, revealing her identity. “Because they have never met.”

Mr. Orson stood and took a step forward. “Is that—?” He looked around in a daze.

Eliza and Preston approached Mr. Orson, each taking one of his arms.

“Come meet your grandson,” Eliza said. “And his mother.”

Marina matched Mr. Orson step for step until they met. He stared at the child, hunger written on his face. He needed this grandson the way a starving man needed bread. “May I?” The words came from a broken heart. Preston held his breath.

Marina settled the baby in Mr. Orson’s arms. “It’s a little soon, but I think he will have

Woody’s eyes. And he has his red hair.”

Mr. Orson didn’t stop smiling. “He does looks like Woody did as a newborn. What is he called?”

Preston was glad he was close enough to hear every word of this precious meeting.

Marina brushed a red ringlet from his forehead. “Woodrow John, but I call him John.”

Satisfaction settled on Mr. Orson’s face. “I’d be mighty proud if you would name him

Woodrow John—Orson.”

Marina looked him straight in the eye. “As long as you acknowledge him and love him as your grandson, you are welcome to visit as often as you wish.”

~*~
Author bio: 

Best-selling hybrid author Darlene Franklin's greatest claim to fame is that she writes full-time from a nursing home. She lives in Moore near her son, and is expecting her first great-grandchild in January. 

This fall, Captive Brides spent time at the top of the ECPA bestseller list and Christmas Mail Order Angels appeared at the top of one of Amazon’s bestseller lists.

She’s also contributed to more than thirty nonfiction titles.

Her column, “The View Through my Door,” appears in four monthly venues (including Oklahoma Senior News and Living.)

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Book Blurb for The Christmas Child: A year ago scandal ruined the annual Nanepaushat Cotton Mill Christmas Masquerade—the owner’s son tarried with a mill worker and she left, shamed and pregnant. 

Tragedy strikes this year when the same son dies in a tragic accident. Can supervisor Preston Marshall and the shunned woman’s cousin redeem the flailing Masquerade and rescue the Christmas child? How will they overcome the difference in their positions?

Check out The Christmas Child to read this imaginative retelling of Herod’s massacre of the innocents of Bethlehem.

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Buy Darlene's book on Amazon 

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Review of Darlene's book: "Romance and faith collide to bring the reader a story of redemption and overcoming obstacles that seem insurmountable! I loved watching Eliza and Preston work together to salvage the annual event and bolster the mill workers after a terrible scandal. The ending was my favorite of all! There's many more things to love, it was a delightful Christmas themed story and brought the real meaning of the holidays about. Celebrating the true Christmas Child!" ~ Reviewed by Trixi Oberembt

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Connect with Darlene:

Website and blog ~ Facebook ~ Amazon author page ~ Twitter

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