Devotionals for the Heart: 7 Ways to Keep Jesus at the Center of Christmas

How to Keep Jesus at the Center of Your Christmas Season
A devotional by Jamie De Silvia

“The Word became flesh and made his home among us. We have seen his glory, glory like that of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.”—John 1:14 (CEB)

Decorating your house and home, shopping for loved ones, wrapping gifts, baking delicious desserts, and engaging in traditional holiday events can increase our Christmas joy—but they can also steal it! 

The holiday season often feels overwhelming and stressful. It’s easy to get distracted and forget what matters most. But we have hope! It is possible to have a joyful holiday season without experiencing too much stress.

Here are some ways to keep Jesus Christ at the center this Christmas season:

#1: Add an advent devotional to your daily routine. Begin at any time in December and continue into January if needed. We need daily encouragement that realigns our focus. Amazon has a great selection, with advent devotionals under $10. There are also free online devotionals from Lifeway, Focus on the Family, Proverbs 31 Ministries, and more!

#2: Fast from your phone during the first hour of the day. It's easy to jump on our phones first thing in the morning and start checking texts and emails, online shopping, or scrolling mindlessly. I've committed to keeping the first part of my day phone-free in December to spend time in Christ’s presence and experience His joy and peace.8

#3: Meditate on Christ’s birth by imagining yourself in the stable with Him. Perhaps God gave you an imagination for this very purpose. Consider picturing yourself with the baby Jesus, letting the Holy Spirit guide the interaction. Years ago, the Lord spoke to me through a nativity vision in my mind’s eye. I wrote about it on my blog in 2013 and the Lord urged me last year to record it as a guided meditation. I think it will bless you! Listen to my 15-minute message by looking up this episode “A Moment with Baby Jesus” on my official podcast (https://jamiedesilvia.com/podcast/).

#4: Release the desire or pressure to make everything perfect for the people in your life. Do you struggle with making others happy to the detriment of your emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being? Me too. Beware of doing things simply because they are expected. How many traditions are we keeping that won’t be missed if we let them go? Stick with the ones that matter. How concerned are we with perfection? We want the house to look perfect, the gifts to be perfect, and the event to unfold perfectly. What if you are wearing yourself out unnecessarily? Beloved, you are not responsible for the happiness of others this Christmas.

#5: Meditate on the lyrics of your favorite Christmas carols. Some of our favorite carols are rich with words we can use in prayer or for journaling. If you’re unsure where to start, search the internet for the lyrics of “Silent Night”, “Come Let Us Adore Him”, or “O Holy Night”, and write them down in your journal. Consider personalizing some lyrics or writing additional lines to express your worship! If you find a phrase that really speaks to you, write it on a sticky note or 3x5 card to keep it in sight throughout the day.

#6: Watch a nativity movie with family or friends. What a wonderful way to reflect on Christ’s birth. It’s perfect for all ages and readily available via streaming services. After the movie, have an informal discussion to hear what stood out to each person. What spoke to you? Did you learn anything new? Talk about which character you related to the most. Discuss what you are most grateful for.

#7: Explore this prayer or journaling prompt: “Jesus, what can I give You this Christmas?” What a valid question to ask ourselves this holiday season! He gave us the gift of Himself (John 3:16). Why not consider giving Him something in return? I hesitate to give examples because I want you to leave room for the simple request, the off-the-wall surprise, or the painfully hard thing He might ask of you. I don’t know what Jesus wants from you this Christmas, but I do know this—you will experience more peace and joy when you offer it to Him.

Are you ready to adjust your holiday trajectory? You and I have gotten in the habit of rushing and stressing, but it’s not too late to slow down and intentionally set Him at the center of the Christmas season.

Let’s Pray: Lord, it’s Your season. Turn my eyes toward You and the wonder of Your birth. Show me where You want me to conserve energy and resources. Open my eyes to see what expectations or unfruitful traditions You are calling me to let go of this year. Show me where I need to shift my energy into worship, rest, and connecting with others. I want to experience Your joy and peace. I want to walk in freedom this Christmas. I release the happiness of others to You, Lord. Guide my steps as I move through the rest of this season. Increase my awareness of Your presence so I can sense You walking with me. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “I Need A Silent Night” by Amy Grant. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Jamie De Silvia is an author and teacher from Southern California with a passion for helping women connect with the heart of God. 

She has hosted two seasons of the “Pressing In” podcast and authored two devotional books: Come Hear the Song of the Shepherd (a 30-day devotional journey through Psalm 23) and You Shall Be Praised (a 40-day devotional offering a fresh perspective on Proverbs 31).

Jamie offers encouragement on Instagram and Facebook to help you draw closer to Jesus. She is married with two adult daughters and a teenage son. Jamie enjoys oil painting, playing games with her family, and savoring a good chai latte.

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Connect with Jamie:
Website: https://jamiedesilvia.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamiedesilvia/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamiedesilviaauthor
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamiedesilvia
Email: jamie@jamiedesilvia.com

Devotionals for the Heart: God hears you every time you pray to Him

God is Listening
A devotional by Dr. Jessica B. Turner

“The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”

—Psalm 34:17-18 (NLT)

Christmastime is my absolute favorite time of the year! The twinkling lights, the smell of the Christmas tree, all the classic Christmas carols and movies. The mere thought of it all puts a smile on my face! Yet, I realize this is not everyone’s reality. In fact, for many this time of the year can be the darkest of all times.

Grieving hearts are asked to pretend as if all is the same without their loved one. Strained relationships are exposed as the stress of the season acts as a catalyst for disrepair. The allure of sin is amplified as abundant opportunities are presented under the guise of harmless fun. Isolation is magnified as the joy of everyone else seems to highlight one’s own despair.

So many factors at play that can lead one’s spirit to be heavy laden. So many opportunities for the enemy to swoop in and “steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10).

But there is great hope for those who find themselves struggling, especially this time of the year, and that hope is found in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He hears our cries. He sees our pain. He carries our burdens. He holds us closer than ever before when our hearts are broken, and our spirits are crushed. If, and only if, we allow Him to.

Scripture clearly says, “The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17 NLT). Don’t miss that small detail. He is waiting for you to invite Him into your heart so He can transform it along with your situation.

If you find yourself struggling this Christmas season, find hope in the fact that Jesus is listening, eagerly waiting for the chance to come to your aid because He loves you more than you can ever imagine. Afterall, He sent His one and only Son (Jesus Christ) “to give his life as a ransom for many”, including you (Mark 10:45 ESV).

Once you truly grasp the meaning of Christmas, you can hold tight to the joy of your salvation regardless of your circumstances. And in the true spirit of Christmas, you can continue to share that hope with others who need it most!

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for the best gift one could ever receive—the gift of salvation. Because of the sacrifices made by Your Son, Jesus Christ, I can have an intimate relationship with You. I can come to you whenever I need knowing that You not only hear me but love me. Cover me with your unwavering joy and peace during this Christmas season and beyond. Help me to share your love and light with everyone I encounter so they may know You and the eternal hope that You give. I love You and I trust You. In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Pray On" by Babbie Mason. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Jessica B. Turner is a wife, mom, and LSU graduate with a degree in veterinary medicine. 

 

After practicing small animal medicine for six years, she traded in her stethoscope to become an online wellness coach, motivational speaker, and writer with a passion for mental health advocacy. This major life change was sparked after Jessica struggled with postpartum depression soon after she birthed her twin girls.

Along with Jessica’s career change came the discovery of who Jesus Christ really is and how He was the missing piece for her to be able to move forward from past trauma that she had suppressed for decades.

Jesus walked alongside Jessica as she underwent a transformation like none other. God transformed Jessica’s life from a broken mom who struggled with depression, anxiety, disordered eating, and PTSD from witnessing an attempted suicide, to using her experiences to make her a powerful vessel for Him. To this day, God enables Jessica to touch the lives of others through her often unfiltered, yet inviting, form of storytelling.

Throughout this process of refinement, Jessica has shared her life story with the world through her social media platforms, in-person events, blog posts, and podcasts. She values the gift of transparency and has discovered that what so many people need to know is that they are not alone. Jessica has walked in their shoes, and she wants the world to know that Jesus is walking with them as well.

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Connect with Jessica:
Website: www.jessicabturner.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicabturner/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicabturner/

Devotionals for the Heart: A beautiful, true story that will never end

The Never-Ending Story
A devotional by Mirachelle Canada

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”– Luke 2:10-11 (ESV)

Have you ever been so engrossed in a story that you couldn’t put it down?

I was so fascinated by a book once that, even at a slumber party, I stole time away in a corner to dive into its pages, gripped by an invisible thread entwined with wonder, discovery, and delight.

I couldn’t wait to know how the story would end. At its conclusion, I was flooded with a wave of glee. For days I had been enraptured, even marveled, at the vibrant setting, characters, romance, and adventure. I set the finished book down, and then, after a few moments back in my reality, I suddenly felt empty. Incomplete. The wonder and awe were gone. My delight disappeared. I felt unsatisfied. My spirit needed a story where wonder, discovery, and delight were never-ending.

People often prepare for the Christmas holidays with anticipation and wonder. Picking the perfect gift for friends and loved ones, then imagining them being opened with joy and excitement. We take time to purchase and carefully wrap these gifts, only for the paper and trimmings to be torn off within minutes on the celebratory morning. Wonder, discovery, and delight come and go like the wind. Toys are played with for a few days, then cast off for another distraction. The issue isn’t the attraction of things to us, it’s the lack of worth we find in them.

Like my book, their usefulness is short-lived. Any one thing can be cast off for another. Finish one book, you can pick up another.

Yet, our Christmas holiday is meant to be filled with so much more meaning than exchanging physical gifts. It is meant to be celebrated for the ultimate gift that is filled with holiness and wonder – the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He did not come wrapped in paper and bows or even wearing a crown but was born in a lowly stable in a small town. Born to the Virgin Mary, announced to a flock of shepherds by angels, and traveling kings offering gifts were led to Him by a star. What a spectacular beginning! It is a story that starts with wonder, leads to discovery, and continues to this day to bring delight to millions because it is the greatest story ever told.

The story of Jesus transcends time and place. It is as far-reaching as the north is from the south. It spreads joy, hope, love, peace, deliverance, and majesty. It increases faith and challenges humanity to love one another. It holds the answer to every prayer and the wisdom to face any challenge. It will not leave you empty, incomplete, or unsatisfied. In fact, it promises the more you read it, seek its truths, and grow closer to God with all your heart, you will find all your heart can desire or even imagine. No other story in history holds that much power.

So, while you may have selected the perfect gift to be opened to shouts and tears of joy or can’t wait to hunker down on a cold winter’s night with a good book, I hope on Christmas morning that you take time to open the pages to Jesus Christ’s never-ending story in the Bible book of Luke, and read it with your family, friends, and loved ones. I pray that as you read, you are met with great wonder, discovery, and delight. It is the only story that never stops giving and will last forever.

Let’s Pray: Father God, thank You for sending us your son, Jesus who is the ultimate gift. We praise You and give thanks for all the wondrous and miraculous ways His story continues to connect and bless us. Thank You for Your Word that never stops giving and transcends time. We give You all the glory, honor, and praise. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: Handel: Messiah “For Unto Us a Child is Born” performed by The London Symphony Orchestra. Listen to it here: https://youtu.be/MS3vpAWW2Zc

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Author Bio:

Mirachelle Canada is a writer, playwright, screenwriter, and theatre director/producer from Northern Virginia, where she teaches television production at her high school alma mater. 

She earned her Master of Fine Arts in Script & Screenwriting from Regent University and is an alumnus of Act One: Hollywood Film & Television Writing Program.

Mirachelle is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, American Fiction Writers Virginia Chapter, The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and Your Novel Blueprint.

She is currently working on her first historical fiction novel set during WWII.

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Connect with Mirachelle:
Website: www.mirachellecanada.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mirachellecanada/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/miracan

Devotionals for the Heart: God's Love for Humankind and Our Savior

The Holy Gift of Love
A devotional by Karen Marstaller

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased.” – Luke 2:14 (ESV)

During this time of year, Christmas carols are heard all around us.

Our hearts are often softened when hearing “Oh Little Town of Bethlehem” or “Joy to the World”. But this year I’m hearing, “Gloria in Excelsis Deo.” Glory be to God on high. The song, written in 1862 by James Chadwick, is titled, “Angels We Have Heard on High.” It is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of some shepherds.

On a quiet Judean hillside in the darkness of night, a sudden light pierced the sky. Four hundred years of silence were swept away by an angel’s appearance before the frightened men. The message was a simple one. “Fear Not,” the shepherds were told in Luke 2:10 (ESV).

Of course, they needed reassurance. Blinding light surrounded them. A heavenly choir sang. These were simple, lowly men who smelled like the sheep they tended. They were men of the outdoors, fighting for the health and growth of their flocks. Bright lights and an angelic chorus had never happened before.

“Fear Not.”

In a heartbeat, the shepherds left their flocks and raced into Bethlehem to see The Lamb of God (Jesus). Their excitement was palpable. Their journey led them to a barn, an animal pen, and to two dusty, weary travelers, and to a Baby (Jesus). It had to be hard to understand that the infant they encountered was the One of whom the angels sang in verse 11, but the message the shepherds had received was irrefutable. Luke 2:11 (ESV) tells us their announcement to the shepherds, “Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

The angel went on to describe the newborn King. Exactly as the angel had declared, there was the baby wrapped in swaddling cloth and lying in a manger. The Son of God. The Son of Man. A helpless infant in a feeding trough.

Jesus left His throne in Heaven to become like us, born just as we are. Weak and vulnerable. Dependent on a mother’s milk to sustain Him. Needing to be washed. Needing to sleep. Needing to be fed. Needing loving arms around Him to keep His tiny body warm. Cold. In an animal pen. Our Lord Jesus came with His love in order to share our human experience.

From the foundation of the world, God had planned this moment in history. God knew we needed a Savior, a perfect sacrifice for our sins, so that we could come freely to Him as His beloved sons and daughters.

He’d known it all along, since way before the beginning, even before Genesis. God knew that humankind would sin and ruin this perfect world He’d created, yet He still spoke the world into existence. His voice created light, dry land, water, animals, and food. Crowning creation, God reached down to fashion a man out of the very clay on which He stood, knowing that what He created meant that His only Son would be sacrificed for the sins of mankind.

And on that night in an obscure village, Jesus was born, part of the same clay as us. Fully God and fully man. His birth changed everything. Even our calendars reflect Christ's momentous birth: B.C. became A.D. ("Anno Domini"), which is Latin for the year of our Lord. History is hinged on the day when a virgin gave birth to the Son of God, but Jesus came for more than that. He came to save us from ourselves, to teach us how to live life abundantly, and to bring us into His family.

So, in joyful preparation for the season of God’s Love in a manger, we sing, “Gloria!” We lift our hearts to Heaven in humble gratitude, and we worship Christ our Messiah, the Savior of the world, and the Lord of our lives.

“Fear Not!” Emmanuel has come and He is with us. “Gloria!”

Let’s Pray: Dear Holy Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to become one of us, and then to become our Savior. Thank You for setting us free from sin. Please help us to be filled with wonder as we contemplate Your divine love and care for us. We pray in the Mighty Name of Jesus. Amen.

~*~
Note from Alexis:
Karen’s devotional reminds me of this song, “Here With Us” by Joy Williams. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

During this time of quarantine, Karen enjoys reading, writing, and connecting with friends and family via phone calls, texts, emails, blogs, live-streams, and video conferencing.

She is grateful that the Lord has provided so many ways for humankind to stay in community, even when we are all hunkering down in our homes.

Karen says, “In this unprecedented time, we know that He has prepared us for such a time as this! To God be all the glory!”

You can reach Karen by emailing her at this address: klmarstaller@gmail.com

Christmas on My Heart: "Sugarplums and Second Chances: A Lake Endwell Romance" by Jill Kemerer

Switch It Up This Christmas
A guest post by Jill Kemerer

Happy jingles fill the air, and snow falls gently to the ground. Commercials tug at our heartstrings as they show joyful family reunions. Christmas is coming!

My new Christmas novella, Sugarplums and Second Chances, just released. I love writing Christmas stories. This one is set in fictional Lake Endwell, Michigan, and both the main characters are facing very different holiday seasons from what they’re used to. Courtney Trudesta not only lost her beloved husband a few years ago but she also recently lost her mother to cancer. Chase McGill just spent three years in prison for attempting to avenge the murder of his son’s mother. He’s filled with regrets and not sure how to move forward. Neither Courtney or Chase know what to expect this Christmas, but I can’t say the same for myself.

I keep our family’s Christmas traditions alive and well each year, but I can abuse them, too!

Does this sound familiar?

You get out your Christmas decorations and place them around the house in the same spots as you did last year and the year before…

When your family asks what you’re having for the big Christmas dinner, you list off the exact items of last year’s meal.

On the first Saturday in December, you jump in the car to drive around to see the lights. And if the lights seem familiar, they are. Because you drove around the same neighborhood as you did last year and the year before…

The cookies you bake are the same ones you bake every year, too. Ditto for the Christmas movies on television. Let’s face it, you could recite It’s a Wonderful Life word for word!

And we wonder why it all feels a tad dull…

Traditions are great. I personally love baking peanut blossom cookies every year and watching White Christmas for the umpteenth time. But when I go on autopilot with everything related to Christmas, I don’t enjoy it as much.

To keep Christmas feeling…well…Christmas-y, try switching it up!

Last year, my husband and I opened our bins of decorations, and we just couldn’t do it. We’d had the same tired ornaments and candles for twenty years! It was time to switch it up. We headed to HomeGoods and bought new things for our mantel. Every time I sat down in our living room, I smiled at the pretty display.

When I bake, I still make our favorite cookies, but I try one or two new recipes as well. Some are keepers, and others aren’t. It’s fun to sneak new treats into the rotation.

One year on Christmas Eve, we hiked at a local park and stared in awe at two deer standing in the fresh snow. I’ll always remember the quiet peacefulness of that Christmas Eve. We don’t have moments like those very often.

If you always go to the Nutcracker ballet, by all means, go! But if you want to skip this year and attend an orchestra instead, it might be just the change you need.

Other ways to switch it up are really easy. When I start to feel stressed out or stale from Christmas prep, I buy myself a decadent coffee drink and people watch at the coffee shop. Or I head to one of the local libraries and browse their children’s book section. Checking out a stack of beautiful picture books reminds me of how much I enjoyed them as a child. I also like to spread out a difficult jigsaw puzzle right before Christmas break. The whole family adds to it here and there, and it takes us days to finish it. I buy new puzzles to keep it fresh, but if we get bored of those, we’ll find a different activity to replace it.

One thing I’ve learned? Just because you always do it, doesn’t mean you always have to!

Find ways to make this Christmas extra special and meaningful for you. And don’t be afraid to switch it up! You might find you like your new way better!

~*~
Author Bio:

Jill Kemerer is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of inspirational romance novels through Harlequin Love Inspired. 

Her essentials include coffee, M&Ms, a stack of books, her mini-doxie, and long walks outdoors. She resides in Ohio with her husband and two almost-grown children.

Please visit her website, jillkemerer.com, and sign up for her newsletter.

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Book Blurb for Sugarplums and Second Chances:
Are some mistakes beyond redemption?

When former NFL star, Chase McGill, invites Courtney Trudesta, the widow of his former teammate, to spend Christmas with him and his son in Lake Endwell, he simply wants to repay her for the weekly letters she sent while he was in prison.

He didn't expect to fall for her.

Chase regrets his past and knows it will take more than sugarplums and wishful thinking to heal Courtney's lonely heart. But with a dose of small-town charm and plenty of Christmas cheer, they might have a second chance at happiness...with each other.

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Buy Jill's book on Amazon

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Connect with Jill:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJillKemerer
Twitter - https://twitter.com/jillkemerer
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jillkemerer/
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/jillkemerer/

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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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Book Review for Litfuse Publicity Group: The Gift of Christmas Past

Welcome to my blog's stop on this book tour coordinated by Litfuse Publicity Group!

Today, I’m sharing my thoughts on a book called “The Gift of Christmas Past.” It’s a fiction story that's co-written by New York Times bestselling author Cindy Woodsmall and her daughter-in-law Erin Woodsmall.

Here's a blurb from Litfuse Publicity Group, about The Gift of Christmas Past:

Arson wasn't the only fire that ignited between them. 

Promises shattered.

Lies spoken.

She was arrested.

He returned to the safety of his wealthy parents.

Almost ten years later, Hadley and Monroe are both specialists in the field of speech therapy. They meet again . . . thrown together to help a four-year-old-girl rendered mute after being rescued from a fire.

Years of secrets and anger beg to be set free as Hadley and Monroe try to push aside past hurts and find common ground in order to help the traumatized child and her family.

Can the love of Christmas past drift into the present, bringing healing and hope for all?

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My Review:

“The Gift of Christmas Past” is a Southern Romance fictional story written by Cindy Woodsmall and her daughter-in-law Erin Woodsmall.

Despite being a work of fiction, this story touches on real-life issues and desperate situations. The story’s heroine (Hadley) is a victim of the foster care system. Her anger issues to me, as a reader, were totally understandable given all that she’s been through as a foster child. However, it was her anger issues and alleged arson that caused her foster mom to reject her and landed her in jail at age 17. Hadley’s boyfriend (Monroe) at the time tried to rescue her but his wealthy parents stepped in and blocked him from seeing Hadley. So she carried that confusion of being abandoned by a young man she loved with her…for ten years. The story opens with these scenes (Hadley at age 17, being accused of arson and arrested along with Monroe’s failed attempt at rescuing her from a hard life).

The story continues ten years later with a reunion in the works: Hadley and Monroe now work as therapists at the same clinic. Only problem is, Monroe is now her boss and Hadley is having trouble forgetting and forgiving him. Monroe is conflicted—he’s happy to see Hadley again and has so much that he wants to tell her but their decade apart has caused pain in their hearts, the kind of pain that you can’t just easily forgive or forget.

The authors did a delightful job of digging deep into the characterization of Monroe and Hadley. I liked how they layered the backstory especially in how they involved Monroe’s parents. The authors painted a vivid picture of the wealthy and luxurious world Monroe grew up in and they gave a good hook to his story because he wants nothing to do with it. He’d leave it all behind for Hadley if only she would find it in her heart to hear him out and forgive him.

As a reader, I was often on the edge of my seat, wondering if this would be the moment where Hadley listened to Monroe’s side of the story, forgave him and rekindled their romance. The authors are really good at thickening the plot with the turn of every page and keeping the reader’s attention. As a reader, I cared about these characters and wanted to see them all live happily ever after…including Hadley’s best friend from her foster care years, Elliott and her love interest Trent.

Speaking of Elliott and Trent, I liked how the authors showed another side of Hadley and Monroe through the lenses of their best friends (Hadley + Elliott and Monroe + Trent). There were scenes where Elliott came to Hadley’s defense when talking to Trent and Trent vouched for Monroe when talking to Elliott because both Elliott and Trent saw a different side to their best friends. I like that they were not too pushy in their viewpoints but allowed room for debate. It was great to see how the authors used these lenses of the best friends in this story to soften Monroe and Hadley’s hearts.

The way that the authors wrote Elliott and Trent’s love story for the subplot was downright adorable! I loved the witty banter and their date scenes. It was lighthearted and refreshing but not without challenges because Elliott was playing worse than hard to get, Trent had to knock down brick walls to get close to her heart. The authors kept me as a reader, on the edge of my seat with this subplot romance!

The sweetest part of this story is the Epilogue, which takes place at Christmastime. I’d tell you more, but then I’d be giving away the story!

As a truly sweet treat from the authors, readers in real-life can enjoy making some of the recipes that the fictional characters make in this story because the authors included a few recipes on the few pages following “The End” of this story. This fun feature reminded me of Hillary Manton Lodge’s books which I also love!

I’d like to conclude my review by saying that this book is worth a five-star rating. I’d recommend it to anyone who deals with tough issues and needs a glimpse of hope.

*Litfuse Publicity Group provided me (Alexis A. Goring) with a complimentary copy of The Gift of Christmas Past. My opinions in this book review are my own.

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About the authors:

Cindy Woodsmall is the "New York Times" and CBA best-selling author of eighteen works of fiction. She's been featured in national media outlets such as ABC's "Nightline" and the "Wall Street Journal." Cindy has won numerous awards and has been finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards. Cindy and her husband reside near the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains in Flowery Branch, GA. 

Erin Woodsmall is a writer, musician, wife, and mom of three. She has edited, brainstormed, and researched books with Cindy for almost a decade. She is very excited about their first coauthored book.

Find out more about Cindy and Erin at http://www.cindywoodsmall.com.

A Prelude to Christmas: Teresa's story "Cocoa Courtship"

Teresa Ives Lilly is the first author to kick off my blog's holiday series, "A Prelude to Christmas"! You're in for a treat! 

Please welcome Teresa to the blog. Here's her picture:

She lives in Texas and writes Christian romance novels. She loves to connect with her readers via e-mail, teresaiveslilly@yahoo.com.

Today, we're featuring an excerpt from her Christmas story, Cocoa Courtship. Here's the book cover:

You can buy her book on Amazon and learn more about Teresa via her website, Teresa Ives Lilly.

After you read the story excerpt, enter the book giveaway contest by filling out the Rafflecopter widget located at the end of this blog post.

Take care and God bless you! Enjoy your time with Teresa today!

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Story excerpt from Chapter 1 of Cocoa Courtship:

“And during this Christmas season, let us remember to love our enemies and forgive those who have hurt us. In this way, we free ourselves…”

Tricia sat in the back pew of the small Harbor Inn’s Church of Hope and listened to the words spoken by the wise, older preacher. However, it was hard to absorb and accept them. The idea of being able to love her enemy and forgive the one who hurt her seemed impossible.

It had been six months since she’d driven home from work one day and noticed her fiancé Peter’s car by the park. Curious, she’d pulled over and scanned the area, only to come face to face with the fact that Peter was having an affair with her best friend Lacy.

Who is my enemy, Lord? Is it Peter? Lacy? Both of them hurt me. How can I love them? How can I forgive them? The pain is just too deep?

The church was silent, as every head was bowed in prayer. Tricia’s face was down, but her cheeks were stained with tears.

I want to be free, Lord. Free to forgive, free to love and perhaps find someone else who will be faithful to me. But how can I ever trust anyone? I feel as if I will never want to date again.

Just then, she felt the seat beside her press down. Tricia looked up.

“Hello, Tricia. I’ve been looking for you in the foyer.”

Tricia cringed. Amanda Atwell, the oldest woman in the congregation, who was pushing eighty. Tricia knew what was coming. She had the urge to jump up and run from the room, but respectability caused her to cock her head sideways and act as if she had no idea what the woman was about to say.

“There’s someone I want you to meet, dear.” The older woman’s voice and eyes were filled with excitement.

Tricia tried to smile, but couldn’t quite lift her lips that far. “Ms. Atwell. I know you mean well, but ever since I came to live here in Harbor Inn, Maine, you’ve introduce me to a different man in the church every week. It’s too embarrassing. I’m not interested in dating since I caught my fiancé cheating on me with my best friend.”

Ms. Atwell gave a gentle smile.

“And besides that, most of the men you introduce me to are old enough to be my father.”

Amanda’s face creased with her wrinkled smile and nod. “I know, dear. I’ve been foolish, trying to find you an older man, someone you could lean on and trust. Someone to help you forget about that no-good boyfriend, I mean fiancé.”

“That’s just it. I need time to get over him and forget and forgive. I don’t believe jumping into a new relationship is the answer for me. You’ve been sweet to try, but I think it will be better if I don’t enter the dating game again too soon.”

Amanda nodded slightly. “But this man is different. He’s younger, handsome and very single.”

Tricia sat back with a sigh. “I know you mean well, but I’m not interested. Not only am I not ready, but I don’t believe in dating anymore.”

“That’s good, because I don’t believe in dating either,” a deep voice from the pew behind her stated.

Tricia’s head shot up and turned. She had to crick her neck back to look up into the young man’s face. She gulped. If this was the man Amanda was talking about, the older woman had gotten one thing right; he was handsome, tall with dark wavy hair and piercing grey eyes. The corner of his eyes crinkled slightly when he smiled. A very nice feature.

~*~
Review of Cocoa Courtship, posted to Amazon.com: 

"5.0 out of 5 stars: Delightful"

By Robin Bunting on November 12, 2016

Format: Kindle Edition

A delightful courtship story around the 12 days of Christmas celebrated with a different hot chocolate each night. Tricia and Gathe are both strong characters which work well together. I really enjoyed this story. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

~*~
WIN a copy of Cocoa Courtship: 

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25 Days of Christmas Stories: Interview with Davalynn Spencer, author of "The Snowbound Bride"

Today, we're featuring one of Davalynn Spencer's holiday stories, "The Snowbound Bride"! It's her contribution to a new collection of Christmas stories called The 12 Brides of Christmas and it's a treasure! Here's the cover of Davalynn's novella: 

Davalynn decided to give way one e-book copy of her featured novella, "The Snowbound Bride" to one reader who lives in the U.S.A.

All you have to do is to fill out the book giveaway contest entries on the Rafflecopter widget which is located toward the end of this blog post. The winner will be announced on Dec. 11.

Meanwhile, enjoy your visit with Davalynn! She's here to answer my questions about her book.

*Words from Alexis in bold, words from Davalynn not in bold:

~*~
Alexis: Would you please share your elevator pitch for “The Snowbound Bride”?

Davalynn: On the run from a heartless uncle, Arabella Taube steps off the train in Spruce City, Colorado, and hides in a nearby farm wagon. Nate Horne returns to his wagon and heads home to the ranch just as a harsh winter storm sweeps in—stranding his surprise stow-away with the family for Christmas. Despite Ara’s mysterious background, Nate’s mother thinks she is the answer to a prayer and the hope for her son's future.

Arabella is a unique name for your leading lady. Why did you choose it?

My maternal grandmother’s name was Ara and she was German. As I put together the ideas for this novella, I thought what fun it would be to use my grandmother’s name. I extended it to Arabella for the heroine’s given name, but throughout the book she is called Ara.

Paint a picture of Arabella. What does she look like? What or who does she love? What makes her mad? What is she doing this Christmas (talking about your story’s plot)?

Ara has long, near-black hair like my grandmother. She is also a spitfire and not afraid of striking out on her own. This Christmas—because of a blizzard—she’s experiencing a family Christmas like she’s never known before and wondering if a tall, quiet rancher feels the same way about her as she does about him.

Give us insight into your leading man, Nate Horne. What’s his background? What role does he play in this story? What does he like, or not like, about Arabella? What are his strengths and weaknesses?

Nate takes strong and silent to the extreme. His father was killed when Nate was 12, and Uncle Buck, his mother’s brother, came to the Horne Ranch to help out. Nate’s biggest problem is wrangling words as well as he wrangles horses. Ara takes his breath away to the point that most of his sentences are comprised of three words, just not the three words Ara wants to hear.

In what ways do Arabella and Nate impact each other’s lives?

Nate is not exactly what Ara planned to run into on her way to Leadville. Nate always wanted to bring a bride home, but he didn’t figure one would show up in the back of his wagon.

What was your favorite scene to write from “The Snowbound Bride”? Why?

I had the most fun writing the tree-cutting adventure and the snowball fight.

What was your go-to drink or food while on deadline for this story?

Chocolate, of course! And coffee.

What did you enjoy most about creating these characters and setting the scene for “The Snowbound Bride”?

These are simple people with simple dreams. Life is hard, but they find joy in everyday activities and in the context of family and faith.

Why did you write this story?

Christmas is my favorite time of year. I wanted to write a warm, wintry tale of someone who did not have good Christmas memories but discovers love and new beginnings in the arms of a welcoming ranching family.

What do you want readers to remember most about “The Snowbound Bride”?

Our life path is rarely what we think it will be, but we have a constant companion in our Lord. He knows every turn in the road and often takes our breath away with His surprises.

Thanks for the interview, Davalynn! Would you like to share any closing thoughts?

Merry Christmas!

~*~
Author bio:

Davalynn Spencer writes inspirational Western romance complete with rugged cowboys, their challenges, and their loves. 

She won the 2015 Will Rogers Gold Medallion Award for Western Inspirational Fiction and makes her home on Colorado’s Front Range with her handsome cowboy and their dog, Blue. 

Connect with her at www.davalynnspencer.com.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Interview with Diane Dean White, author of Winter Wonderland

It's the most wonderful time of the year, almost! Join me as we celebrate the joy of the Christmas season a few weeks early (before it all starts in December) with this interview of author Diane Dean White! 

She's stopping by the blog today to talk about her book, Winter Wonderland and to host a book giveaway contest! Yes, you guessed it, Diane is giving away one e-book copy of her book right here:

Isn't it a lovely picture for the book cover? The winner will receive their copy of Diane's book well before the 25 Days before Christmas countdown! All you have to do to enter the contest is to: 1) Leave a comment below this blog post and (2) Leave your e-mail address with your comment so we can contact you if you win the contest.

The contest starts today (Nov. 15) and will end on Sunday, Nov. 29. After an old-fashioned random drawing conducted by me (Alexis), the winner will be announced here, in the comment section of this blog post on Monday, Nov. 30.

But the first step is to read Diane's interview. Enjoy! :)

*Questions from Alexis are in bold, answers from Diane are not in bold.

~*~
Alexis: Thanks for agreeing to this author interview, Diane!

Diane: Thank you, Alexis for inviting me into your world of readers. I hope I can contribute something worthy and put a smile on some faces.

Why don’t you start by telling my readers about yourself? What’s your passion (outside of writing)? Why did you choose a writing career? What do you love the most about being a writer? Anything you don’t like about your work as an author? Feel free to talk about your family and favorite season too!

Writing really is my biggest passion now. Our children are grown and live around the globe, and I’m fairly restricted due to a back injury, so I’m up early with my portable keyboard on my lap, on my chaise lounge in my office. I’ve written since a young age; poems first on an old Royal Manual. I did newspaper reporting when the kids were young, and then put that on hold and did my best job ever, raising our three children.

During those years I did stringer work for area newspapers, ancestral history and I wrote appeal letters for large non-profit organizations. I’ve written over 300 hundred short-stories and had a four year weekly column in a Michigan magazine. Many stories have been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul (book series), Ideals Magazine and various other books and magazines. My first book was Carolina in the Morning, written when we lived on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, and loved the research that took us to Charleston.

I think what I enjoy most about writing is creating my characters and make them come alive. I feel bad when the book ends, having to say good-bye to them. I dislike mostly the promotional part. Since it’s hard for me to sit I no longer do book signings like I did for my first couple of books, and it’s something I enjoyed. Meeting people, talking and sharing with others and getting their feedback is wonderful! Now I do it via email and Facebook!

Your novel, Winter Wonderland, is set in 1951 after the end of World War II. Why did you choose that timeline for your story?

I was born after the war and my father was in both fleets of the U.S. Navy. I was raised in the college town of East Lansing, Michigan, across from Michigan State (University now). We had a large older home and Mom and Dad rented rooms to the students, and the time period was very special to me. We had family in Grosse Pointe Woods, a Detroit sub, and often went to visit them. When I got older, Mom and I often went to JL Hudson Company in Detroit. We’d visit Sander’s Ice Cream Shop and enjoy the Gingerale Company. They were all special places, as well as other stores and Detroit. This was in the mid to late 1960’s. But back to 1951, the economy was booming. The Big Three Auto companies were drawing people into Detroit from all over the US to work in the automotive industry. I tried to capture this, and the feelings some may have experienced coming different areas.

Tell us about your character Jeb Willis. What makes his role in this story significant? What are his character flaws? Describe his looks.

Jeb is a good provider and brings his family from a rural area in Florida to secure a job with Ford Auto Workers. He has contacts and makes a wise decision to buy a home in the area, and his family is his life. He’s in his late forties and a rugged good-looking kind of man; with a natural type of wisdom that comes with a good heart and easy manner.

Tell us about your character Cora Willis. What is her role in this story? What are her greatest strengths? What is her secret passion? Describe her personality.

Cora is Jeb’s helpmate in every way, and a kind loving mother to her children. Ruth is their oldest, and after one year of book keeping out of high school, has her sights set on continuing with a career. Cora encourages Ruth, and they are close. Cora sees to the needs of her family as they adjust to the Detroit suburb Dearborn, and she gets involved in an area church and women’s group.

How does Ruth’s business savvy and independent spirit play into your telling of this story?

Ruth is a go-getter and learns as much as possible about the new area, taking instruction from a knowledgeable man who knows the city. She takes advantage of her benefits working at Hudson’s and knows her siblings needs, purchasing things on lay-away; something we don’t often see today, and she helps her family.

Ruth meets a man named Clint who you say, “changes everything.” Who is this Clint fella and how does he go about changing everything?

The best laid plans…and with Ruth she continues to keep her eyes on her goal, but they take a second glance at Clint too. Clint has a good position with Vernor’s Gingerale Company, and a chance meeting with Ruth at the revolving doors on her first day going for an interview at JL Hudson’s, gives him pause to reconsider his priorities in life too.

Why did you choose Detroit for the city in which to set your story?

JL Hudson Company was once the largest building in Detroit, and it’s during the time period, after WWII I wanted to capture. My mother, now age 90, speaks about going to JL Hudson’s with her parents and older brother as a young girl. Consider the early 30’s and young children were safe to walk from the Vernor’s plant with their free cream ales, and back to meet Mom and Dad at Hudson’s. Steve and I went shopping in Detroit when we were first married, but the malls started taking over and although people continued to shop in the motor city, Hudson’s was well known in many malls around the state. 

What did you enjoy most about writing this Christmas story? Explain.

Although I was a little one during this time period, I enjoyed the research, the styles and the gentle spirit people had, helping one another. The excitement of the booming city and simple walks along the sidewalks looking into store windows, night or day; with snowflakes falling is something I’ve experienced, and wanted to share that with readers.

What do you want your readers to remember most about this book? Why?

The excitement that happens when change takes place and setting a goal, trusting God to provide can lead through detours, but also wonderful experiences.

Thanks for stopping by today, Diane! Do you have any final thoughts?

Wishing you and your readers a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas, Alexis! Thank you for the opportunity to share my book, Winter Wonderland, with your readers!

~*~
Author bio:

Diane started her writing career at an early age when she asked for a typewriter for Christmas. She pounded the keys writing poetry and short stories in grade school on an old black Royal manual. It wasn’t until her husband’s work took them to a southern town she wrote her first column, “Yankee Viewpoint’s” for a local newspaper, covering hard news and feature stories in the area. 

Upon returning to their home-state of Michigan, she did stringer work, ancestral history, and donor appeal letters for non-profit organizations; while doing her favorite job ever, a stay-at-home Mom. She is the author of Beach Walks and Carolina in the Morning, On a Summer Night, Stories from a Porch Swing, Winter Wonderland and Texting Mr. Right. Diane was a columnist for a weekly magazine, for four years, and her stories have appeared in a number of magazines and books. She is the author of over three-hundred short stories. 

Diane and her hubby Stephen have been married for 43 years. They are the parents of three grown children and three grand-gals. Diane thanks the Lord daily for her loving husband, three great kids and for giving her the desires of her heart. Her next book, This Side of Heaven, will be released in Winter 2016. 

~*~

Book blurb for Winter Wonderland:

In 1951 WWII has ended and the economy is booming around the country. Jeb and Cora Willis are excited about a new start. 

Like many families, they decide to move to the city of Detroit for a factory job that will bring prosperity and a better life. 

While most young women are looking for husbands, Ruth tries to further her career and concentrates on obtaining a job with her business skills at Detroit’s JL Hudson Department Store. She feels good about her new office position and then meets Clint…who changes everything. Was he part of the reason for their move? 

Celebrate the Christmas holiday and follow Ruth in this romantic story, during Detroit’s heyday, in Winter Wonderland.

~*~

Buy Diane's book:

Amazon - http://amzn.to/1L11GwZ

~*~

Connect with Diane:

Facebook - Diane's Author Page 

Website - www.DianeDeanWhite.com 

Interview with Kimberly Rose Johnson featuring Island Christmas

We're visiting with a very familiar author today, Kimberly Rose Johnson returns to the blog to talk about her new novel, Island Christmas!

Kimberly would like to give away one Kindle copy of her book to the person who wins the book giveaway contest! :)

Contest rules: In order to enter the book giveaway contest, leave a comment for Kimberly saying why you want to read her book Island Christmas. The contest starts today (Nov. 8) and will end on Sunday, Nov. 22. You must leave your e-mail address with your comment so that if you are the winner, we can contact you and make arrangements for you to receive your prize. The winner will be selected via an old-fashioned drawing conducted by me (Alexis) and the winner will be announced on this blog post on Monday, Nov. 23. 

It's just in time for the holiday season, wouldn't you agree? I hope you enjoy your time with Kimberly today! :)

~*~
Congrats on the third installment to your Wildflower B&B Romance series! What is Island Christmas about and why did you write it? 

Island Christmas features a strong secondary character from the first book in the series who returns to Wildflower Island with her three-year-old son. Here is the back cover blurb.

Should Rachel take a risk, or play it safe and possibly lose the man who could help fulfill her dreams?

Sous Chef Rachel Narrelli returns to Wildflower Island looking for a fresh start for herself and her young son, but discovers that life has a lot of bumps in the road even on idyllic Wildflower Island. She is grateful when new friend Chris Campbell offers support as she faces obstacles with her new job and new life. She cares for the Chris but must decide if she is willing to risk her heart to a man with an uncertain future.

A self-proclaimed workaholic, Chris Campbell comes to Wildflower Island hoping to take life at a slower pace. When a new guest at the Wildflower B&B catches his eye, he is drawn to her. But how will a woman and her young son fit into his future—a future that’s uncertain at best? And most of all, how can he reconcile her lack of faith in God with his strong religious beliefs.

Tell me about your leading lady Rachel. Who is she? What is her role in the story? What is her Christmas dream? What makes her special?

As I mentioned above Rachel was originally in Island Refuge, at that time she was pregnant and recently widowed. It is now a little more than three years later and she has returned to Wildflower Island to pursue a career as a chef. She is the new sous chef at the resort restaurant (also new, since book one).

Although never stated, I believe her Christmas dream is to find love. Rachel is special to me because she played such a big role in the first book in this series, and now we are inside her head. I loved getting to know Rachel better. She has a lot of baggage she is carrying around, but she doesn’t let that stop her—don’t want to say anymore and risk spoiling the story for readers.

Tell me about your main man Chris. Who is he? What is his role in the story? What is his Christmas dream? What makes him special?

Chris is a software and web designer. He’s a driven man, he loves the Lord, and practices his faith. The men in his family have all died young from heart issues. His doctor warned him that he needed to slow down and cut the stress from his life, or he would end up like his dad and grandfather, so he moved to Wildflower Island to invest in a property and take advantage of the slower pace of the island. Chris is special because he has a huge heart and he lives his faith.

Why is Rachel torn between taking a risk and playing it safe? 

Risks can lead to hurt and she’s been hurt enough to know, she doesn’t want that. On the other hand she could miss out on a lot by playing it safe.

What is one of the hurdles Rachel must overcome in this story?

Poor Rachel does not have an easy time of it when she first arrives on the island. One of the things she must understand is that her past does not determine her future.

What is the greatest challenge Chris will face in this story? 

Chris thought he had come to terms with his medical history, but in reality, he hadn’t. For lack of a better explanation at this moment, Chris needs to trust that the Lord is always in control and not try to play God

Rachel has a young son. Is the father of her son in the picture? What happened?

Rachel’s husband died two weeks after they were married of a cancerous brain tumor that he didn’t know he had.

How does Chris help Rachel and how does she help him?

Chris is a great friend to Rachel. He is there for her time and again when she needs someone. Rachel opens his heart to a future.

As the author, what did you most enjoy about creating Chris and Rachel? 

I loved being able to drop them into a Christmas setting and I especially enjoyed writing Rachel’s character. There is so much more to her than I had realized when she was originally in Island Refuge.

What role does faith in God play in this storyline?

It’s huge! Here’s a little behind the scenes tidbit: I had written half of the story, when it I found out I had an issue with my editors schedule and the only time she could fit me in was two weeks from that date, or I’d have to find someone else. I LOVE my editor and have worked with her on every book I’ve had published, so I wrote the rest of the book in two weeks time.

That being said, I relied heavily on the Lord to guide my writing and guide it He did! Wow. This story took a turn I didn’t expect and looking back I see His hand in it.

What’s the moral of the story?

I think there is so much to this story, that each reader may find a different moral. For me it was you are not defined by your past. An online reviewers thought it was faith and another forgiveness.

If you could attend a Christmas party with Rachel or Chris, who would you choose and why?

Oh my goodness! That’s like asking which one of my children I’d rather spend Christmas with. How can I choose? I guess if forced to choose I’d go with Rachel because I wouldn’t want to make my husband jealous. LOL!

Thanks for the interview, Kimberly! Do you have any final comments?

Thanks for hosting me! It’s been a pleasure visiting you and your blog once again. Finally for the readers, if you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited all of the books in this series are included, so you may read them for free.

~*~

Author bio:

Kimberly Rose Johnson, soon to be empty-nester, lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their yellow lab.


Island Refuge is her sixth published book and the first in a series of three.


Kimberly enjoys long walks, chocolate, and mochas, not necessarily in that order.

~*~

Book blurb for Island Christmas:

Should Rachel take a risk, or play it safe and possibly lose the man who could help fulfill her dreams? 

Sous Chef Rachel Narrelli returns to Wildflower Island looking for a fresh start for herself and her young son, but discovers that life has a lot of bumps in the road even on idyllic Wildflower Island. She is grateful when new friend Chris Campbell offers support as she faces obstacles with her new job and new life. She cares for the Chris but must decide if she is willing to risk her heart to a man with an uncertain future. 

A self-proclaimed workaholic, Chris Campbell comes to Wildflower Island hoping to take life at a slower pace. When a new guest at the Wildflower B&B catches his eye, he is drawn to her. But how will a woman and her young son fit into his future—a future that’s uncertain at best? And most of all, how can he reconcile her lack of faith in God with his strong religious beliefs.

~*~

Buy Island Christmas:

Amazon - http://amzn.to/20zGcmr

Barnes & Noble - http://bit.ly/1iHwCvt
Books-A-Million - http://bit.ly/1Qj1S1r

~*~

Connect with Kimberly:
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/krose1990/
Twitter link - https://twitter.com/kimberlyrosejoh
Website - http://kimberlyrjohnson.com/

Holiday author interview with Valerie Comer of Snowflake Tiara

"Whether you have already seen the first of the season's snow or are still awaiting its arrival, you'll want to curl up with a cup of cocoa as you enjoy these two sweet tales." ~Sarah, 4-star customer review on Amazon.com.

If you haven't already guessed from Sarah's review on Amazon.com, today we're talking about Christmas stories! Actually, two Christmas stories in one book called Snowflake Tiara written by Angela Breidenbach and Valerie Comer.

We're going to focus on Valerie's novella called More than A Tiara. Valerie will share information about the writing process, the Christmastime story setting, the characters and she will also talk about collaborating with Angela to write this book.

Most fun of all is the news of what's in it for you-- a free book! :) Valerie is willing to give away one free e-book of Snowflake Tiara to the lucky winner! Here's how you can qualify to win: After reading Valerie's interview, answer her question at the end. You must include your e-mail address with your answer in the comment section in order to enter the contest because we need to contact you if you're the winner so you can receive your free e-book! :) 

The contest starts today, Dec. 7 and will end Sunday, Dec. 21. I will announce the winner on Monday, Dec. 22 so if you're the winner, you'll have time to read your book before Christmas Day! :)

Now read on to Valerie's holiday author interview (questions from Alexis in bold, answers by Valerie not in bold)...

~*~
Alexis: Why is your latest release (2014) titled Snowflake Tiara, Two Christmas Romances 125 Years Apart? What type of book is it—a novel or novella or another category?

Valerie: The title is Snowflake Tiara, and the remainder is a quick description of the contents. It is a collection of two long novellas.

Who is Angela Breidenbach? Did you two write this book together? Or are there two separate stories, one written by each of you, in Snowflake Tiara?

I should be really good at introducing Angela by now! She visited recently and we did several events together at which she was the main speaker and I was her sidekick. She is pretty awesome, frankly! She's Mrs. Montana 2009, a sought-after speaker, and an author as well as a pageant and life coach.

Can you speak for Angela and tell my readers why she wrote The Debutante Queen which is the first story in Snowflake Tiara?

Angela is passionate about volunteering and believes we can make the world a better place by pitching in. She's a pageant queen herself and knows how much light pageantry can shine on worthy organizations, so the combination is a natural one for her. She set her main character, Calista, on a quest to help the children abandoned at the last stop of the Orphan Train in Helena, Montana, in 1889.

Who is your favorite character in your story? Explain why and include details on their character traits.

I protest. This isn't a fair question! I like all the characters. Well, except for the one who… Never mind. Hmm. I'll go with Bren Haddock. She's a good friend of the heroine, a single mom who's been kicked in the teeth by life, but she's determined to make a better life for her two young kids. I loved her spirit and was thrilled to find I could help in her quest in some small ways.

Are your leading ladies in both stories related? Is there any connection between the first story by Angela and the second story by you? If so, please explain.

There's a lot of connection between the tales. My heroine, Marisa, is the triple-great granddaughter of Angela's heroine, Calista. They have a similar passion for helping children. Angie and I had a great time working back and forth while planning, writing, and editing, to tie the two stories together on numerous levels. The most obvious is that both of them compete in the Miss Snowflake Pageant in their time periods.

Why did you write More Than a Tiara? What is it about and how does it tie in with Angela’s story? Explain the concept.

More Than a Tiara is set 125 years after The Debutante Queen with ties back in numerous ways. I'd have to say I wrote it because God had things to teach me. I was born into a very traditional Mennonite family, and I can assure you beauty pageants were not on my radar growing up. Through knowing Angela and writing this story, God showed me how beautiful I am to Him. I think this little snippet from Jases's point-of-view may explain some of it:

How much time did you spend writing More Than a Tiara? How did you research for creating your holiday story world?

This story is about half the length of my other books, but it took at least as long to write. I struggled with the story line, and it took me a while to figure out what the problem was. I usually interview my characters, create a few notes and ideas for a story, and jump in. More Than a Tiara required a more rigid structure because the second half (about the spot where I usually swing out into no-man's-land as a seat-of-the-pants writer) took place during the beauty pageant with defined events and expectations. Once I realized the issue, I found ways to work through and around it, but I'd been stuck at that point for several weeks.

What was your favorite part of writing More Than a Tiara?

The children, hands down. I mentioned Bren earlier. Her kids are 8 and 6 and were a delight to write, especially once I'd added in the hero's niece (6) and nephew (4). There is nothing like child-like wonder at winter and Christmas!

Which character in More Than a Tiara do you relate to the most? Why?

That's a tough one. Because Marisa has been a super model and is now competing in a pageant, I identified with her less than I usually do with my heroines. Still, I gave her some of my passions to run with, and that helped a lot. She simply had a very different angle of pursuit of our mutual passions than I do as a middle-aged wife of a farmer and beekeeper!

Does Snowflake Tiara have a happy ending?

Definitely. It was fun to bring it all the way around to add a bonus closure to The Debutante Queen as well in the final scenes.

What do you hope your readers will take away from reading More Than a Tiara?

So many things! I hope they'll see again the wonder of Christmas. I hope they'll revel in their beauty and value in God's eyes. And I hope they'll consider the value of good, healthy food every day…and how to provide that for folks less fortunate.

Complete this sentence: My favorite Christmastime memory is _______________________because____________________.

My favorite Christmastime memory is spending the day after Christmas at my grandmother's house every year when I was growing up because my cousins and I had so much fun together.

Alexis: Thank you for the interview, Valerie! Please leave a question for my readers to answer which will qualify them to enter the book giveaway contest to win an e-book from you.

Valerie: What organization embodies your passions so much that you'll spend precious time volunteering to help them meet their agendas?

~*~
Author bio:

Valerie Comer’s life on a small farm in western Canada provides the seed for stories of contemporary inspirational romance. Like many of her characters, Valerie and her family grow much of their own food and are active in the local foods movement as well as their creation-care-centric church. She only hopes her creations enjoy their happily ever afters as much as she does hers, shared with her husband, adult kids, and adorable granddaughters.

Valerie writes Farm Lit where food meets faith, injecting experience laced with humor into her award-winning Farm Fresh Romance stories.

Connect with Valerie: 
http://valeriecomer.com
http://valeriecomer.com/blog
http://twitter.com/valeriecomer
http://pinterest.com/valeriecomer

Info and buy links for Valerie's books at various online stores:
Raspberries and Vinegar: A Farm Fresh Romance (Farm Lit) by Valerie Comer
Wild Mint Tea: A Farm Fresh Romance (Farm Lit) by Valerie Comer
Sweetened with Honey: A Farm Fresh Romance (Farm Lit) by Valerie Comer
Snowflake Tiara: 2-in-1 Christmas Collection by Angela Breidenbach, Valerie Comer

Buy Snowflake Tiara: Amazon, Kindle, iBooks, Nook, Kobo