Little Lamb Books Spotlight on The Christmas Color by Tori Higa

Interview with Tori Higa about her book, The Christmas Color:

Congratulations on writing your first book! Let’s talk about it …

Alexis: Why did you write this book?

Tori: I didn’t learn until I was an adult what the symbolism of red means at Christmastime. I was blessed to have both of my kids learn about it in their kindergarten classes a few years ago. I felt inspired to write a book about the significance of red so that all kids will be encouraged and reminded of the importance of the color and what it means – the gift of Jesus and how red can remind each of us of His ultimate loving sacrifice.

Alexis: What message are you hoping to get across to your readers with this book?

Tori: I want my readers to enjoy seeing all of the traditional red we have during the holidays and through that, I want them to stop and think of the meaning behind the color. I want readers to know deep in their hearts that Jesus came into the world to live and die for them and to be raised again.

Alexis: What was the most fun part of writing this Christmas holiday story?

Tori: I think the most fun part had to do with the inspiration of the whole book. It came to me when I wasn’t looking for it, so it was a welcome surprise. Everything flowed so naturally that it felt like I just had to write it. It was also fun to brainstorm all of the red things at Christmas and see how I could tie them into the story.

Alexis: Why is the color red such an important part of this story?

Tori: The color red really is the main character of the book. I tried to illustrate it as the main character as well as write about it in that way. I feel like it’s so important because all of the little red details throughout the book point to Jesus. It drives home for us that Jesus is the reason for the season.

Alexis: Not only are you a debut author, you’re also an amazing illustrator! What was your inspiration as you created the pictures for this book? What program or method did you use to illustrate?

Tori: Thank you so much for saying that! It was a dream to illustrate. I love a simple and clean aesthetic, especially with this story, because I feel like it showcases the color of red the most. Your eye has no place to rest except for on the shades of red. I would say that my inspiration was my collection of vintage fabric that I have had for years. I did all of the line work with soft charcoal pencils, which I love so much, and then I scanned them into Photoshop and manipulated them from there as needed. I then did digital collage work once I figured out how I wanted the lines to look.

Alexis: Did you listen to Christmas music while writing this story? If so, which song inspired you the most?

Tori: What a thoughtful question. I wish I could answer “yes”, but to be honest, I really don’t listen to music as I write and I didn’t listen to Christmas music during the illustration process. I wish I would have! “Mary, Did You Know” is my favorite Christmas song year after year, though, because it’s a fresh and creative way to look at the Christmas story. It stops me in my tracks every time I hear it.

Alexis: In what ways do you hope this story will bring parents and children together as they read it?

Tori: I love that you ask this question because it’s a dream to think of children and parents coming together as they read it. I want it to be a springboard for the season that families can notice red things together while they are out and about and then talk about it’s true meaning. Also, I believe that any time families sit down and read together is time well spent. It helps build strong bonds and to think that my book could play a small part in that truly warms my heart.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Tori! Would you like to share closing thoughts?

Tori: The Christmas Color was a delight and a joy to write and illustrate from start to finish and to think of kids and families sharing in that joy is a huge honor that I don’t take lightly. Thank you for taking the time to interview me with your thought provoking questions. I enjoyed it!

~*~
Author Bio:

I (Tori Higa) am inspired by my faith, family & friends, coffee shops, people- watching, and all things vintage. 

I have always loved making art and recently began pairing my handcrafted pictures with the stories I write to share with young kids. 

I consider it a high honor to make books to inspire kids and encourage their faith journey. 

I currently live in California with my husband, two kids, and a playful puppy.

~*~
Book Blurb for The Christmas Color by Tori Higa:

Why is the Christmas color red? The answer takes us right to the heart of the matter. 

From Santa's red clothes to Rudolph's shiny red nose, from the berries we pick to sweet peppermint sticks, the color of Christmas is red!

But why do so many of our favorite traditions come together in this particular hue? Debut author-illustrator Tori Higa has an insightful answer that will warm your heart and remind readers young and old of the true reason for the season.

~*~
Connect with Tori:
Website: www.torihiga.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torihigacreates/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/torihigacreates
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ToriHigaCreates
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/torihigacreates/

12 Days of Christmas Joy: The Introduction for this holiday series

Dearest blog readers,

Hi! How are you?

Can you believe that we're in the month of December already?

2020. It's been quite the year, hasn't it? Good and bad. Some would say mostly bad.

All the more reason why I'm hosting this holiday book promotion series on my blog!

It' s called "12 Days of Christmas Joy" and my hope is that these author interview features that are paired with book giveaway contests, will bring JOY to your heart!

Every day from Dec. 1 through Dec. 12, one of my author friends will be featured! They will talk about their Christmas stories and will offer to give away ONE signed, paperback copy of their featured book (and in some cases an e-book for your Kindle).

I hope that you will enjoy your time with these awesome authors who each have sweet skills as storytellers! If you don't win one of the books, you can always buy the authors' books wherever books are sold such as online like Amazon and in physical locations of bookstores that you can walk into, like Barnes and Noble and Books-A-Million.

Merry Christmas!

Take care and God bless you.

Love,

Alexis A. Goring, MFA

Founder of "God is Love" blog

My Blog's 10th Year Birthday Bash: Toni Shiloh's book giveaway

Welcome to the 29th day of my blog's birthday bash!

Please welcome my author friend Toni Shiloh.

She's here to give away one of her books!

Enter the book giveaway contest via the Rafflecopter widget the end of this blog post. Only residents of the USA are eligible to receive a signed paperback copy of this author's books. International residents will only receive ebook copies due to costs of mailing books outside of the USA.

Let's learn a little bit more about Toni and her book ...

Author Bio:

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. 

Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness.

She spends her days hanging out with her husband and their two boys. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the Virginia Chapter.

You can learn more on her website at http://tonishiloh.wordpress.com.

~*~

Back Cover Blurb for Deck the Shelves:

Kendall Jackson is the proud owner of Heartfalls’ bookstore, The Cozy Shelf. 

Her life is one straight out of the pages, except she’s missing that leading man. 

Although she has a crush on the handsome auto mechanic, Quinton Hendricks, Kendall wants an old-fashioned type of romance—the stuff swoon-worthy romance books are made of. But Quinton seems to need a little prodding. 

Something about Kendall sparks hope in Quinton Hendricks that love could be his again. Only being abandoned by his ex-wife has made him cautious to the point of non-moving. 

Can two people hesitant on second chances find love as they Deck the Shelves? 

~*~

Connect with Toni:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authortonishiloh

Twitter: www.twitter.com/tonishilohwrite

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/tonishiloh

Instagram: www.instagram.com/tonishiloh

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/tonishiloh

BookBub: www.bookbub.com/authors/toni-shiloh

My BookCave: https://mybookcave.com/profile/toni-shiloh/

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gcMfqT

A blog that Toni founded: http://diversitybetweenthepages.wordpress.com

~*~
Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below:

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12 Days of Christmas Book Giveaways: Becky Wade's Christmas story

Let's welcome my author friend Becky Wade to the blog!

She's here to give away one e-book copy of her Christmas novella, Because of You.

Here's a bit about Becky:

Author Bio:

During her childhood in California, Becky frequently produced homemade plays starring her sisters, friends, and cousins. These plays almost always featured a heroine, a prince, and a love story with a happy ending. She’s been a fan of all things romantic ever since.

Becky and her husband lived overseas in the Caribbean and Australia before settling in Dallas, Texas. It was during her years abroad that Becky’s passion for reading turned into a passion for writing. She published three historical romances for the general market, put her career on hold for many years to care for her kids, and eventually returned to writing sheerly for the love of it. 

She’s delighted to be penning warm, wry, and heartwarming contemporary romances for the Christian market. She’s the Christy and Carol award-winning author of My Stubborn Heart, the Porter Family series, and the Bradford Sisters Romance series.

These days Becky can be found failing but trying to keep up with her housework, sweating at the gym, carting her kids around town, playing tennis, hunched over her computer, eating chocolate, or collapsed on the sofa watching TV with her husband.

~*~

Here's the blurb and cover for Becky's book:

Chocolate shop manager Maddie Winslow's secret crush on Leo Donnelly is as long-standing as it is unlikely to lead to romance. 

History professor Leo is brainy, handsome, and kind. But for the past few years since his wife's death, he's been solely focused on his young son, their shared grief, and work. 

Maddie knows Leo views her as nothing more than his late wife's friend. 

However, when they're asked to work together to provide Christmas gifts for a family in need, the two are thrown into close proximity. And Maddie's discovery of a family heirloom brooch rumored to bring a happily-ever-after to its owner causes her to hope. 

Might it finally be her turn for true love this Christmas season?

~*~

Connect with Becky:

Website: www.beckywade.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorbeckywade

Twitter: http://twitter.com/beckywadewriter

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5298259.Becky_Wade

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/beckywadewriter/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/beckywadewriter

Blog: http://inspiredbylifeandfiction.com/blog/

~*~

Enter this e-book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN Becky Wade's book, Because of You, by filling out the entry form on the 

Rafflecopter widget below:

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12 Days of Christmas Book Giveaways: Bell Renshaw's Christmas stories

Let's welcome my author friend Bell Renshaw to the blog today!

She's here to give away not one but two of her Christmas stories!

Meet Bell:

Author Bio: 

Annabell "Bell" Renshaw has always loved books and the power of a good story. 

She turned those passions toward writing at an early age, finding solace and adventure in made-up worlds when her mother would read to her as a kid. She's grown up now, but still finds herself lost in those worlds. 

She believes in the power of a happy ending and the fact that — no matter what — love will always find a home.

~*~

Blurbs and covers for Bell's books:

One Christmas in Winter (Winter, Montana Novella Book 1) 

Reba Farwell is finally getting a chance to live out her dreams. 

Sent to Winter, Montana to direct filming for a crucial, on-location shoot, she knows the next two weeks will make or break her career. And she could definitely use a break. As if that isn’t enough, she’s got a secret that none of her crew knows. All she’s asking for is two weeks of small town, Christmas beauty and a little bit of on-camera sizzle.

Five years ago, Hoyt Bradley’s heart and future shattered in one fell swoop that landed him back in Winter. Thankfully, making lemonade—or his father’s famous lemon meringue pie— out of lemons is what he does best. 

Running Bentley’s Diner has filled the gaps left in the wake of his heartbreak, even if it hasn’t healed him completely. Not wanting to relive memories of his rocky start in the film industry, Hoyt does his best to steer clear of the dreaded film crew, but Winter has a way of bringing people together.

After one fateful delivery and a score of icy bad luck, Reba finds herself in a bind and at the mercy of what Winter can offer. Will she pull the film together in time to salvage her name as a director? Or will the sparks flying off-camera create more of a distraction than she knows how to handle? 

Come visit Winter, Montana in this Christmas Novella where the Christmas lights are always on and the snow falls most frequently when loved ones share a kiss.

The Perfect Christmas (Winter, Montana Novella Book 2)

Will the perfect Christmas be enough to convince Beau that a life with Ansley could be equally perfect? 

Born and raised in Winter, Montana, Beau Bradley can’t imagine life anywhere else. During the holiday season his coffee shop, Mountain Grounds, is as busy as ever and now that his girlfriend is back in town, things finally seem to be lining up—until he gets a call that could change it all. 

Ansley Strauss is back in Winter after a nine-month, art intensive in Canada and she’s ready to celebrate the Christmas season in the tried and true Winter-style. There’s only one problem: her boyfriend lacks Christmas spirit. Her solution? Make this Christmas perfect to remind Beau just how special this time of year is. 

Set on a course for ultimate Christmas joy, Ansley and Beau find that life doesn’t always work out the way they hope it will. Beau faces the reality that plans can’t account for everything and sometimes risking it all is the only way. Ansley will have to come to the realization that no matter how perfect things are, it’s the imperfections in life that make it worth living. 

It’s another Christmas in Winter, Montana where the coffee is always hot and the mistletoe beckons lovers to share a kiss.

~*~

Connect with Bell:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bellrenshaw 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellreadsbooks/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorbellren/

Website: https://bellrenshaw.jimdo.com

~*~

Enter this e-book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN one of

Bell's books, One Christmas in Winter or The Perfect Christmas, by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below:

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12 Days of Christmas Book Giveaways: Cindy Flores Martinez's stories

Let's welcome my author friend Cindy Flores Martinez to the blog!

She's here to give away one e-book copy of her Christmas story, Mia's Gift!

Meet Cindy:

Author Bio:

Cindy Flores Martinez is a USA Today bestselling author who writes Christian Romance.

She has an MFA in Creative Writing with an emphasis in Screenwriting. 

Her debut novel, Mail-Order Groom, started as a screenplay and movie project, which she shopped around Hollywood, New York, and other parts of the world. 

~*~

Blurb and cover for Cindy's book:

Mia's Gift (Small-Town Christmas Wishes Series Book 1):

Mia Rosa is thinking of leaving Snowflake, Colorado for good. Her cupcake shop on Main Street isn’t doing well, and seeing her ex-fiancé around town is awkward. 

When she receives a letter from her old high school friend, Charity Hart, asking her to be a secret angel, she’s convinced that she can’t go through with it. 

But Mia soon learns that handsome Jesse Quinn and his fifteen-year-old niece, Kristi, are in desperate need of a miracle. The group home where Kristi lives is shutting down, and no other foster homes are available in Snowflake. 

Will Mia be able to secretly grant Jesse and Kristi’s wish for Kristi to stay in the town she calls home?

~*~

Connect with Cindy:

Website: www.cindyfloresmartinez.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cindyfloresmartinezauthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorCindy

~*~

Enter this e-book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN Cindy's book, Mia's Gift, by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below:

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12 Days of Christmas Book Giveaways: Julie Lessman's Christmas stories

Let's welcome my author friend Julie Lessman to the blog!

She's our first guest for my blog's holiday series, "12 Days of Christmas Book Giveaways" and she's certainly the most generous because she wants to give away a bundle of SIX e-books to EACH of the six winners of this book giveaway contest!

Enjoy this special treat because it's only happening once (the other authors are not giving away these many books but they are each giving away at least one, so stay tuned)!

Now let me tell you a little bit about Julie and her wonderful Christmas stories:

This is Julie:

Author Bio:

Julie Lessman is an award-winning author whose tagline of “Passion With a Purpose” underscores her intense passion for both God and romance. A lover of all things Irish, she enjoys writing close-knit Irish family sagas that evolve into 3-D love stories: the hero, the heroine, and the God that brings them together.

Author of The Daughters of Boston, Winds of Change, Heart of San Francisco, Isle of Hope, and Silver Lining Ranch series, Julie was American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Author of the Year and has garnered over 18 Romance Writers of America and other awards. 

Voted #1 Romance Author in Family Fiction magazine’s 2012 and 2011 Readers Choice Awards, Julie’s novels also made Family Fiction magazine’s Best of 2015, Best of 2014, and “Essential Christian Romance Authors” 2017, as well as Booklist’s 2010 Top 10 Inspirational Fiction and Borders Best Fiction. Her independent novel A Light in the Window was an International Digital Awards winner, a 2013 Readers' Crown Award winner, and a 2013 Book Buyers Best Award winner. 

Julie has also written a self-help workbook for writers entitled Romance-ology 101: Writing Romantic Tension for the Sweet and Inspirational Markets. Contact Julie through her website and read excerpts from each of her books at www.julielessman.com.

 ~*~

These are Julie's books:

Book Blurb for A Light in the Window:

A Light in the Window: An Irish Christmas Love Story (Award-winning Novel)

One Woman. Two Men.

One stirs her pulse, the other her faith.

But who will win her heart?

Marceline Murphy, a gentle beauty with a well-founded aversion to rogues, catches the eye of two of Boston’s most notorious. Patrick O’Connor and Sam O’Rourke are best friends with a bond like brothers … until they meet one woman neither can have.

Overseeing St. Mary’s Christmas play—A Light in the Window—Marcy wrestles with her attraction to both. But when disaster strikes, she’s destined to discover the play’s message firsthand. For although two men have professed their love, only one has responded to the light in the window.

Here's the video for A Light in the Window: http://bit.ly/1ROm4d6

~*~

Book Blurb for A Whisper of Hope:

A Whisper of Hope — An O’Connor Christmas Novella (associated w/Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change Series):

She’s desperate for a baby.

He’s desperate for an empty nest.

Love is desperate to surprise them both.

With a husband dead set against adoption,

Charity O’Connor Dennehy has barely a whisper of hope

for more children. But if hope doesn’t disappoint …

will it be enough to find a precious bundle under her tree?

~*~

Book Blurb for The Best Gift of All:

The Best Gift of All — An O’Connor Christmas Novella (associated w/Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change Series): 

She longs to be the perfect mother.

He just longs for his wife.

Until they receive ... the best gift of all.

Everyone knows Lizzie and John Brady have the perfect marriage.

But when Lizzie’s desire to be a good mother

eclipses her desire for her husband, the honeymoon is definitely over.

Can the spirit of Christmas heal their hearts when Lizzie gives John the best gift of all?

~*~

Book Blurb for A Dream Fulfilled:

A Dream Fulfilled — An O’Connor Christmas Novella (associated w/Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change Series):

She’s always dreamed of a best friend.

He’s always dreamed of a large family.

Until hope intervenes with a dream fulfilled.

Katie O’Connor McGee learned early on not to let anyone get too close. Picked on mercilessly in school because of an unsightly handicap, she kept everyone at arm's length, including three big sisters seven to fourteen years older. As far as Katie was concerned, friends were meant to be restricted, not embraced.

But when she meets Arlene Campbell and her little girl, Addie, during playtime at a park with her own children, she discovers a friendship for which she’s waited a lifetime. A dream hidden deep in her soul she didn’t even know existed until she connected with a woman who would change her life forever, teaching her the depth and sacrifice of true friendship.

Luke McGee has dreamed of having a large family since he roamed the streets of Boston as a virtual orphan, finally finding a home—and his heart—in a marriage to Katie O’Connor and their two young girls. However, once Katie’s time and affection shifts toward a new friend who needs her, it creates turmoil in Luke’s happy home. It doesn’t help that as Director for the Boston Children’s Aid Society, Luke works long hours providing homes and hope for troubled children on the streets.

But when he reaches out to one hardened little boy, his hope to make a difference suddenly coincides with that of his wife’s, sowing the seeds of a dream fulfilled for them all.

~*~

Book Blurb for A Gift Like No Other:

A Gift Like No Other — An O’Connor Christmas Novella (associated w/Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change Series):

Her dream is writing.

His is the perfect wife and mother.

Until God fulfills them both with a dream like no other.

Twelve years ago, Faith O’Connor happily gave up her dream as a copywriter to become a wife and mother, clinging to her husband’s promise she could return someday. But when the opportunity arises to write for the Boston Herald again two days a week, her dream hits a snag … along with her marriage.

To Collin McGuire, family is everything because he never really had one of his own. Raised by a father who died early and a mother who didn’t care, Collin is determined to give his children the very best with a full-time mother. But when he denies Faith her dream, he soon discovers he’s denied his own as well … until Christmas day brings a healing through a gift like no other.

~*~

Book Blurb for The Gift of Grace:

The Gift of Grace — A Frontier Christmas Novella (formerly part of the Cowboy Christmas Homecoming Collection):

She’s the Accident to His Prayers …

Pastor Cole McCabe isn’t sure he’ll survive the holidays

with his new housekeeper and nanny.

She’s caught fire to the kitchen, dyed his long johns pink,

and scorched nearly everything she cooks.

But he’s desperate, and she’s as destitute as they come.

Even though she’s no good with her hands,

Grace sure has a way with her heart.

She’s brought a warmth into Cole’s home,

added color to his daughters’ lives, and broken

down the wall he’s built up since his beloved wife died.

But when Grace’s past threatens Cole’s family,

she’s given one last chance to be home for Christmas ...

if she hasn’t burned it down yet.

~*~

Book Giveaway Details:

Enter this multiple book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a bundle of these books written by Julie Lessman, by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below:

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Christmas on My Heart: Mistletoe Kiss by Andrea Boyd

Personal Essay by Andrea Boyd about her book, Mistletoe Kiss:

The inspiration for Mistletoe Kiss came to me two Decembers ago when I was taking the two-hour drive to see my oldest grandson. It all started with a radio announcement. A Guinness World record had been broken –  the most people to kiss under the mistletoe at once. Over eight-hundred couples visited Six Flags in various locations to help break the record.

I began to imagine all the couple types. Long-time married couples, dating couples, strangers who met for the first time at the park that day and decided to go for it...but the one that flowed rapid-fire through my brain was of two people who decided to go as friends but ended up wanting more after that one kiss.

As soon as I got to my destination, I started doing research. The participants were provided the mistletoe. One of them had to hold it above their heads as they kissed. They had to hold the kiss for the count of ten. Oh boy! The ideas were flowing faster than I can write. Chase and his friend, Rachel, came to life.

Chase has been in love with Rachel since they first met in grade school. She has him firmly planted in the friend zone and he’s too afraid of losing what they have to ask for more. He is one of five in the Spencer family. As I wrote, I fell in love with all of them and their stories may come to life in future books, but don’t expect them to have it as easy as Chase.

Rachel is the one to come up with the scheme of them kissing under the mistletoe. She has always dreamed of breaking a world record and she and Chase had made it their goal to visit every amusement park in America. This little trip to Six Flags would serve a two-fold purpose. And the kiss, that would be a piece of cake—no different than when they played spin-the-bottle in sixth grade. A peck on the lips and it’d be over. Except she missed the part where they had to hold it for ten seconds. Oops!

I wanted to write the type of story I like to read at Christmastime—sweet, heartwarming, and full of nostalgia. There’s not too much conflict in this one. My hope is that it is in keeping with the Christmas spirit and leaves the reader with a smile.

~*~
Author Bio:

Each of Andrea Boyd’s series represents a different genre but all fall into the category of romance. All offer an element of her own brand of humor. And all are a tribute to God. 

Besides writing, she loves spending time with her family, quilting, going to car shows, and driving around in her 1968 Barracuda convertible. 

Andrea lives with her husband, Tommy, and at least a couple of cats in York County, SC.

~*~
Book Blurb for Mistletoe Kiss:

Calling All Couples!
Sign up now. Help us set a record!
On December 10 at 5:00 pm, we need your help setting a Guinness World Record for the most couples kissing under the mistletoe!

Chase Spencer had been firmly planted in the friend-zone ever since he first met Rachel Anthony back when they were in grade school and it looks like that’s where he’s destined to remain. And her latest scheme is bound to be torture. She wants them to help break the Guinness World Record for the most couples kissing under the mistletoe at one time. How should he handle this? Should the kiss be a chaste, friendly kiss like she envisions? Or should he do it in a way that leaves Rachel without a doubt that he wants to be more than friends?

It had always been Rachel’s dream to break a world record, and who better to do it with than her best friend Chase? And it wasn’t as if they hadn’t kissed before—sixth grade, spin-the-bottle at Iona Puckett’s party—a peck of the lips and it’d be over. Except she missed the part where they had to hold the kiss for ten seconds. And no one warned her of how she would feel afterwards—confused and longing for more. How can she convince Chase to change her status from friend to girlfriend?

~*~
Buy Mistletoe Kiss on Amazon

~*~
Connect with Andrea:
Website: www.andreaboyd11.com
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cKlZwP
Twitter: https://twitter.com/andreaboyd111
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andreaboyd11/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14689507.Andrea_Boyd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreaboyd11/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/andrea-boyd

~*~

Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below:

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Christmas on My Heart: The Christmas Glory Quilt by Cathe Swanson

Personal Essay by Cathe Swanson about her book,
The Christmas Glory Quilt:

I had so much fun writing The Christmas Glory Quilt! It’s a classic “write what you know” book. To start with, I’m a quiltmaker. I started sewing garments and other projects when I was a young child, but it wasn’t until I was in my 20’s that I made my first real quilt. I was hooked. That was beginning of a long career as a quilter, designer, and teacher of quiltmaking.

A writer friend urged me to write books with quilts in them, but I resisted, certain that market was already overcrowded. Then I came up with a brilliant idea: I would write books and design quilts for each one, offering the pattern as a bonus for early purchasers and then selling it separately later. I still think it’s a brilliant idea, but I hadn’t thought it through. Designing and making quilts, as well as drafting patterns, takes as long as writing books! Still, I’m happy with the results, and I have the whole Glory Quilts series mapped out!

The Christmas Glory Quilt is about a large, homeschooling family in Minnesota, with a strong Swedish heritage, an old family farm, and an avid genealogist great aunt. Oh, yeah... got all that. The settings and seasons are familiar from my childhood. Now, having migrated all the way to Wisconsin, I enjoy visiting my family who (all) still live there.

Family – the extended, multigenerational family – is important to me. As the Glory Quilts series progresses, there will be more of the Andersons’ family history woven into the contemporary plots. Great Aunt Violet has been chronicling their stories in quilts, like scrapbooks, and she’s come across a new family mystery – a family heirloom, buried long ago, and no one is left to tell her why it was hidden!

I especially enjoy celebrating my ethnic heritage at Christmas, with so many Scandinavian traditions and foods, and I included several of them in this book. I even included some of my personal opinions of the St. Lucy processions – not only dangerous, but extremely gruesome and odd!

The one part of this book that required extensive research is the heroine’s dyslexia. In addition to the usual online research, I had an invaluable advisor, a specialist in remediating dyslexia in children and adults. I learned so much!

We are blessed to live in an age where dyslexia is diagnosed early and can be remediated. Previous generations, like Great Uncle Olof, were just labeled illiterate, too dumb to learn to read.

Penny Anderson is smart, creative and ambitious. She just has trouble reading. Determined to make a success of her business, designing bridal gowns, she’s not going to let dyslexia define or limit her.

The Christmas Glory Quilt is the first in the Glory Quilts series. The next one, The Swedehearts Glory Quilt, will appear in the Betwixt Two Hearts collection in February.

The Christmas Glory Quilt is available now in paperback, but you can only get the Kindle version in the 2018 Christmas Lights collection: Comfort & Joy. The collection features inspirational Christmas stories from Toni Shiloh, Alana Terry and Chautona Havig – and me! It’s available exclusively on Amazon, for just 99 cents, and – as always – free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers. 

*You can learn more about my quilting at www.gloryquilts.com. 

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Author Bio: 

Cathe Swanson, the author of the Great Lakes series, enjoys gardening, sewing, papercrafting and kayaking on the beautiful Wisconsin rivers. 

She’s been teaching quiltmaking for over 25 years, focusing on retreat workshops, ministry events and bridal quilt bees, and is finally bringing that experience and enthusiasm to her newest series, the Glory Quilts.

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Book Blurb for The Christmas Glory Quilt:

Scrap quilts, bridal gowns, an old Swedish farmhouse and a hidden family heirloom. What more you could you want in a Minnesota Christmas romance?

Penny Anderson has a dream – she’s going to be an exclusive bridal gown designer, and she won’t held back by dyslexia, a rural location or the doubts of others.

Brian Michaels has waited seven years for Penny to see him as man instead of just a childhood friend. Can he work up the courage to speak before the tall, dark and handsome business consultant sweeps her off her feet?

Aunt Violet is interested in only two things: Genealogy and quilting. As she chronicles the family history in a series of patchwork quilts, she comes to peace with her own past.

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Buy Comfort & Joy (boxed set) on Amazon

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Connect with Cathe:
Website: http://catheswanson.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CatheSwanson
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CatheSwanson
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/catheswanson
Instagram: http://instagram.com/CatheSwanson
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/CatheSwanson
BookBub Author Page: http://www.bookbub.com/authors/cathe-swanson
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/catheswanson

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Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below:

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