Book Spotlight: "40 Days to God, My Father" (devo) by Rosann S. Coulon

~*~

 

Today (March 11), we celebrate my author friend Rosann S. Coulon because it is her devotional book birthday! Rosann has graciously agreed to share an except from her book and the story behind why she wrote it. Read on for those details.

~*~

Covered by Him
Written by Rosann Coulon

“For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.”—Psalm 27:5 ESV

I struggled to swallow the lump in my throat and I willed my heart to slow its thumping. My terrier’s wide eyes matched the fear pouring into my body. The thunderous rain outside my window covered my home in darkness and the winds let out a deafening tone. I stole a glance at my husband sitting beside me. If he wasn’t panicking, maybe I shouldn’t either.

“Should we take cover in the hallway?” My voice quavered as the question tumbled from my mouth. His eyes darted to survey our outside surroundings. Already rising, he replied, “Yes!”

While I jolted to my feet to follow him, I grabbed our terrier and took a few steps before sliding my body down the wall of our narrow hallway. I had never heard such howling sounds before, so I quietly prayed for God to keep us safe until the tornado passed by.

As I sat knee to knee with my husband, I saw our pup do something that mirrored what I was experiencing inside my own fearful heart. The dog scooted up against my spouse and used her nose to wedge a hole under his armpit until her entire head was covered with his arm. Our terrier had sought shelter and security in her master’s covering during life’s calamities—and my heart longs to do the same.

In Psalm 27, King David was caught in a life- threatening situation. He was being chased by the jealous and murderous King Saul who had placed a bounty on his head. Perhaps the winds of his heart howled like the winds surrounding my home on that day we bunkered down in the hallway.

But despite this dangerous situation, David remained confident of His Father’s care—and reminded himself where to turn when everything around him was crashing down: “For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock” (Ps. 27:5).

The good news is that we can have the same confidence King David had. In times of trouble—whether literal or figurative storms—we can run into the arms of our Father for shelter and trust He will cover us with Himself. He provides the love, peace, and hope we need to endure the trials of this life—and His grace will lead us safely to our heavenly home.

Thankfully, the tornado left only scattered debris, broken tree limbs, and some missing roof shingles. But I also learned an important lesson from our dog—the safest place to be in rain or shine is the shelter of our Master. He is our hiding place. Hallelujah!

Prayer:

Dear Father, help me run into Your presence for shelter during the hard times of this life. I trust You to be my hiding place. Thank You for protection now—and forever more. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


**This devotion appears in 40 Days to God, My Father. Used by permission from Christian Focus Publications, Ltd.

~*~
Note from the author:

Rosann Coulon has written 40 Days to God, My Father: Finding Shelter in the Heart of God, releasing today. 

After experiencing a difficult season with her earthly father’s medication dependency, she found herself struggling to trust the Lord as a good Father. Rosann sensed the Holy Spirit inviting her to know Him as her One True Father.

Approaching the Scriptures with a fresh perspective, Rosann beheld the Lord’s faithfulness, presence, and care in the lives of biblical saints. And through prayer and reflection, she was able understand that God had done––and would do––the same for all of His children. Her faith was renewed.

Rosann wants to share these same truths with others. Her desire is for God’s children to comprehend His perfect Fatherhood. And she hopes that those who don’t yet know Him as Father, would join the family. The invitation is open!

~*~
Author Bio:

Rosann Coulon is the author of the book 40 Days to God, My Father: Finding Shelter in the Heart of God.  

She has contributed articles to The Gospel Coalition, The Daily Grace Co., Core Christianity, and other publications. She is the founder of Leaving a Well Ministries whose mission is to share biblical hope with hurting hearts by providing Christ-centered resources. Rosann and her husband call North Carolina home. Visit her at www.leavingawell.com to receive free inspirational content. You can also connect with her at instagram.com/rosann_coulon.

A Prelude to Christmas: HIStory as told by Amber Schamel

We made it to Christmas Eve! Are you looking forward to Christmas Day? 

Today is the last official day of "A Prelude to Christmas" but there is a very special treat in store for you tomorrow. But for now, let's focus on today and welcome our special guest Amber Schamel! She's here to share an excerpt of her story, The Swaddling Clothes. Enjoy!

~*~

Review of Amber Schamel’s book written by Amber McCalister:

The Swaddling Clothes is a surprisingly sweet treasure that deftly weaves fiction and Scripture to create a compelling tale of love, hope, and promise. This story follows the tumultuous years from King David to the birth of Jesus Christ. We get a firsthand look at the heartbreak and despair that Israel finds itself in throughout this time. It’s not a history fill of ease and peace, but it is a time full of hope and humility. God uses this time to bring Israel back to Him. He chastises His people because He loves them, and He wants their hearts to turn back to Him in sincerity and love.

The idea that something as insignificant as swaddling clothes can be passed down from King Solomon to Jesus Christ is mind-boggling and yet something that I could see God using as a way to bind His people to Him in hope and promise. While this story is a work of fiction, its inception and execution is brilliant. Watching as this cloth is handed down through the generations of kings almost lost and its meaning all but forgotten, is both heartbreaking and beautiful. The research and detail put into this story is amazing and not without great passion and heart from the author.

I love the up close and personal feel that we receive from reading this amazing story. You feel like you are invading very private moments in the lives of significant people. This new feel of intimacy makes these stories come alive for me. I get so much more from a story if I can read it on a personal level. After all, we were created to be intimate beings in constant communication with the Creator of the Universe. That is a part of our nature that we can’t erase or escape from no matter what we do.

Amber Schamel knows how to reach down deep and touch your heart. With what seems like little effort, she is able to make you feel like you are sitting next to these amazing people of God and discover that there is a way that we can relate to them on some level. They were real people who feared, hoped, loved, and dreamed just like we all do. We are all vessels that God wants to use for His purpose, but the choice is ours to allow Him to use us. I pray that you will allow Him to use you for a greater purpose than you can ever imagine. If God can use Rahab, Ruth, and Mary to prove that His love can reach this far down from the Heavens, then why can’t he use us?

~*~
Excerpt from Chapter One of The Swaddling Clothes:

Maacah pressed her back against an olive trunk. Had she really heard right? All expected this new, young wife of David’s would soon be with child, but how could the child of a commoner—a wife acquired through murder and iniquity—possibly be named the successor to the throne above her own son? Absalom was a beautiful child, beloved of all who knew him, third born, and of royal blood. What disgrace and insolence for David to consider this woman’s son over Absalom. No, this could never be.

She peeked out from behind the tree as David led Bathsheba toward the palace. “Something must be done. That woman’s son will never reign over Absalom.”

Her thoughts raced like wild stallions as she darted toward her son’s chambers. She didn’t know how, but she would blight this plan to usurp Absalom’s throne. Starting with the swaddling clothes.

*****

Absalom’s resolute step carried him swiftly toward the court. His long tresses, curly like his father’s, bounced against his broad shoulders. Could what Mother said be the truth? He refused to believe his father would plan to make Bathsheba’s child his heir. For twenty years he had worked to become his father’s favorite. She must have heard wrong. She did say she was a distance away as they spoke. He rounded the corner and entered the hall adjoining the throne room. A group of scribes stood in his way.

“You go in first. You’re the one who has served the king the longest.”

“He threw us out moments ago. Now he wants us back?”

Absalom rolled his eyes and brushed past them.

“I am going to be an abba! Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Absalom froze. The words unmistakably shouted in the king’s voice. His father’s voice.

He barely noticed the scribes bumping into him as they scurried through the doorway into the throne room. What could he mean by that? Was he not an abba already? Even with six sons?

Regaining his senses, Absalom peered around the door left ajar in the rush. King David’s chest swelled. His finger extended toward where Absalom stood obscured by the door.

“Let it be written and posted throughout every city in the land of Israel: every craftsman skillful in the art of weaving is summoned to the palace in Jerusalem. The king and queen desire to fashion swaddling clothes for the prince of the house of David. The cloths will be of the finest thread, created from the best of every land. The craftsman selected will be paid a royal wage. A decree from David, king of Israel.”

Swaddling clothes of the finest? Crafted from every land? Bile rose in Absalom’s throat. His mother had been right. His own father was conspiring against his reign, in complete disregard of his heritage. He could not allow this. Something must be done. Something—but what?

~*~

Author bio: 

Author of over half a dozen books, Amber Schamel writes riveting stories that bring HIStory to life. 

She has a passion for travel, history, books and her Savior. This combination results in what her readers call "historical fiction at its finest". 

She lives in Colorado and spends half her time volunteering in the Ozarks.

~*~
Buy Amber's book:
Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble
~*~

Connect with Amber:

Website - http://www.amberschamel.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAmberSchamel/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/amberschamel/

~*~

Enter the book giveaway contest by filling out the Rafflecopter widget below for your chance to WIN a copy of Amber's book: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Prelude to Christmas: LoRee's story about broken hearts and restoration

Welcome LoRee Peery to the blog today! She's here to share an excerpt from her holiday romance story, Christmas ‘Couragement.

Book blurb for Christmas ‘Couragement: 
Liam once approved of helping others, but not anymore. He lost his mother due to a crazed street person, and he's hardened his heart. Now a successful photographer, he’s returned to set up shop in his hometown--directly across the courtyard from his sister’s best friend. Zoe runs an outreach center and encourages the homeless and needy, especially at Christmas. 

Nursing a soft spot for Liam that started as a girlhood crush, she sets out to help him by creating her unique brand of encouragement cards. Her hope is to reignite the fire and love for Christmas and God, which Liam once had. The cards and ornaments countdown to Christmas, but what if Liam doesn’t want to be one of Zoe’s projects? What happens when her crush grows into something more? What if they both receive more than expected?

~*~

Fill out the book giveaway contest entry form on the Rafflecopter widget for your chance to WIN a copy of LoRee's book: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~*~

Review of Christmas ‘Couragement:

A charming, feel-good story that stirred the spirit of Christmas within me.

LoRee Peery’s CHRISTMAS ‘COURAGEMENT is a touching romance between two broken people who find reconciliation through God’s grace, and a rekindled love for each other.

Agape love is love in action, and Peery’s heroine embodies the very definition of Agape love. I found this compassionate character to have depth, as well as charm, as she supplies warm clothes and encouragement to the downtrodden of Lincoln’s inner city homeless. However, life had not always been so generous to her, as she struggles from a past that continually gnaws at the edges of her well-being. But instead of focusing on her own problems, this character focuses on Christ, allowing Him to work through her weaknesses to bring hope and encouragement to everyone she encounters, including the hero.

Bearing the scars of a secret tragedy, the hero goes through the motions of his black and white life, until he meets up with a childhood friend at Christmastime. As the heroine gently coaxes him out of despair with simple hand-made Christmas cards that share the message of Christ, the reader witnesses a man who finds the light of reconciliation in God’s unconditional love, as well as a budding romance that is sure to leave the reader feeling warm and satisfied.

I highly recommend this charming Christmas story for its light-hearted message of hope during the holidays.

~ Review written by Renee McBride

~*~
Excerpt from the Prologue to Christmas ‘Couragement:

15 years ago

Her heart did a flip-flop at the sound of his deep voice. They’d never be in the same school again. Next year he’d go to high school at the same time she and Meredith advanced to middle school.

“Let her be, Liam.” Meredith hit her brother on the shoulder. “So what if she says the word without the beginning letters? I want to always be a little girl at heart.”

Zoe reached for Meredith’s hand. “That man on the bench. He’s sad. He’s cold and alone. I want to make a Christmas card to ‘courage him.”

“OK, squirt.” Liam circled her tender earlobe, freshly pierced. “I got it. You want to encourage the man to make him feel better.”

“Right. Could you ask your mom to take us to the craft store on the way home so Meredith and I can make a card tonight? Let’s look for him next week after the movie.”

That night the girls sat at Zoe’s kitchen table, now covered with scrapbooking materials. “Meredith, since Mom works at the hospital on Saturdays, I’m glad your mom drives us. Do you think Liam will walk us girls around a couple blocks by the theater? I’ll pray first on Friday night.”

“I’ll pray too. I want to give this card I’m making to just the right person.”

Zoe worked her tongue while she cut silver paper. “Did you see the face of the man on the bench today?”

“I did. He made me think of Santa Claus.” Meredith swung her heavy, long braid over her shoulder.

“It shouldn’t be hard to find him with that white beard. I want this card to go to him. I wish I was older and had a job so I could buy him a big blanket to keep him warm.” Zoe handed the scissors to Meredith.

“You look for him. I want to look for a raggedy woman. Maybe even someone who has a place to sleep at night, but looks lonely and lost. God will show me if a sad lady needs Christmas cheer from my card all decorated like a beautiful tree.”

Three weeks later, the girls waited inside the lobby for Liam. He and his friends had met for a sci fi movie, yet to end. Meredith bopped to a tune plugged into her ear.

Outside the theater, the girls held hands, Liam walking behind so it didn’t appear as though they were together.

A homeless man pushed off the wall of the building and into their path. “You girls are angels.”

Liam’s shoes slapped on the sidewalk as he ran to catch up. He placed a hand on each of their shoulders, preventing them from getting too close to the man.

Zoe smiled at the man who wore a light jacket over a frayed, hooded sweatshirt that looked more gray than black. “We’re not angels, we’re ‘couragers.”

“I like that better. It takes courage to approach a reprobate like me. I’m not gonna hurt them, laddy. You girls encouraged me last week by that beautiful gold angel card. Prettiest thing my hands have held in a long, long time. You gave me hope, so much I’m gonna clean up and find a church Christmas Eve.” He gave a slight bow and moved aside.

The kids didn’t say a word as they walked the two blocks to the SUV.

Liam clamored into the front.

Zoe waited to open the door. “Meredith, let’s always remember each other at Christmastime.”

“Why would we forget? We’re best friends forever. How could we forget each other?”

“I don’t know.” She braved a look at Liam through the window, where he slouched in the seat, drumming his fingers on his knee. “He always keeps us safe when we walk downtown.” I’ll never forget Liam, either.

~*~
Author bio: Christian romance author LoRee Peery attempts to see God’s presence every day. Often that gift comes from nature, when the call of a cardinal draws her to look for the distinctive flash of crimson. A meadowlark’s melody always transports her to the farm where she grew up. A rainbow holds special significance, since one appeared over her father’s grave the day of his funeral, assuring her of the Lord’s presence. She clings to 1 John 5:4 and prays her blended family and dozen grandchildren see that faith. Find LoRee at www.loreepeery.com or Pelican Book Group http://tinyurl.com/kwz9enk

~*~
Buy LoRee's book:
Amazon - http://tinyurl.com/jd9o5e7
Pelican Book Group - http://tinyurl.com/j3h6d6r

~*~
Connect with LoRee:
Website - www.loreepeery.com
Twitter - https://twitter.com/LoreePeery
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LoReePeery
Pelican Book Group - http://tinyurl.com/kwz9enk

SaveSave

A Prelude to Christmas: Katheryn's story about Joseph and Jesus Christ

Katheryn Maddox Haddad is our guest today! Her books in the Intrepid Men of God series have been in the top ten of their Amazon category since she began writing them a year ago. Usually they are in the top five. Often one of them is the top seller. Her novels rank well in New Testament biography historical novels categories on Amazon.com. 

Today, she's here to talk about her Christmas novel from Intrepid Men of God series, Joseph: The Other Father.

Here's the cover of her book:

Today, we have an excerpt from her book for you to read. Following the excerpt is an opportunity for you to WIN a copy of her book! Enter the book giveaway contest by filling out the Rafflecopter widget toward the end of this blog post. 

~*~

Story excerpt from Joseph: The Other Father

They continue on through the Timna Desert Valley, moving always north out of Egypt to a future in their homeland they can only imagine.

Their first night is spent alone out in the desert. No oasis, no town, no people. They are grateful for the goat hair tent Joseph was able to trade for their old reed one.

The tent is set up. The desert night is cool. Four-year-old Jesus falls asleep just inside the entrance.

Joseph and Mary eat. Mary is extra tired tonight.

Joseph reaches over and picks Jesus up from the entrance so Mary can crawl inside. He looks down at the innocent boy and cradles him in his big arms as he walks over to a nearby boulder. He sits and watches the boy in his slumber, taking smooth, even breaths.

“Oh, my son, my son,” Joseph says softly. “What is ahead for you where we are going? Will others rise up and try to kill you?”

He sways back and forth and looks up at the stars.

“What awaits you there, little boy? What challenges? How long will you be able to stay happy and carefree? How long will you be able to laugh easily and chase the squirrels and wiggle your little toes?”

He stares at an especially bright star and sways still.

“I feel so inadequate, Father in heaven. I do not think I will ever understand why You chose me. Help me. Never leave me. You promised You never would. Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed.”

Silence as he watches Jesus’ little chest rise and fall, and his breathing come easy and soft and gentle.

“It is going to be dangerous for him again, I fear. Oh, I know You said King Herod is dead. But now the fight for power begins as people rise up to take his place. Will little Jesus be in on that fight? Don’t let him be, Father. He is still too young. Oh, I realize You know that. But, I have to talk to someone and explain what I am feeling.”

Joseph looks off into the darkness.

“How will he do it? How will he rise up to be the beloved divine king of the world? I do not understand. But I do not guess I need to understand.” Joseph pauses momentarily, looking down at Jesus’ lovely little face.

“Does he know yet? That he is Your words on earth? Sometimes I think he senses it, the way he is with animals—even the little ants and crickets and butterflies. He really loves them. Sometimes I think he feels he needs to protect them.”

Joseph rocks little Jesus awhile, then stands and walks in a large circle. He hums. Sometimes he draws the little boy close to his big chest as though trying to protect him from the whole evil world, then goes back to rocking him.

“Sleep on, my little boy. Sleep and dream and grow up to be as good and innocent as you are now.”

Joseph sits back down and leans against the same boulder. He leans his head back and hums a song of strong tenderness. Then it is dawn.

~*~

Author bio:

Katheryn Maddox Haddad grew up in the northern United States and now lives in Arizona where she does not have to shovel sunshine. She basks in 100-degree weather and enjoys palm trees, cacti, and a computer with most of the letters worn off.

With a bachelor’s degree in English, Bible and social science from Harding University and part of a master’s degree in Bible, including Greek, from the Harding Graduate School of Theology, she also has a master’s degree in management and human relations from Abilene University. 

She is author of thirty books, both non-fiction and fiction. Her newspaper column appeared for several years in newspapers in Texas and North Carolina ~ Little Known Facts About the Bible ~ and she has written for numerous Christian publications. For several years, she has been sending out every morning a daily scripture and short inspirational thought to some 30,000 people around the world.

She is a member of Christian Writers of the West and American Christian Fiction Writers, and is also an energetic public speaker who can touch the heart of audiences.

~*~
Review of Katheryn's book: "Great Book" (reviewed by Frances on Amazon.com and posted Sept. 21, 2016): "An awesome book. Makes you consider Jesus human side. It was a real inspiration to me. Love reading her books."

~*~
WIN a copy of Katheryn's novel: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~*~
Buy Katheryn's book:
Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble
~*~
Connect with Katheryn:

Website - http://inspirationsbykatheryn.com

Web page about Joseph: The Other Father - http://bit.ly/2aUZlvc

Newsletter: Sign up for Monthly Newsletter and Receive a Free Book,
https://inspirationsbykatheryn.com/free-book

Pinterest about Joseph: The Other Father
http://bit.ly/2b6Agzd

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KatherynMaddoxHaddad

LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/28WsEgZ

Twitter - https://twitter.com/KatherynHaddadSaveSave

25 Days of Christmas Stories: A Shenandoah Family Christmas

Welcome Lisa Belcastro to the blog! She loves chocolate, laughing, reading, writing and the great outdoors! A cool fact about Lisa is that she lives on Martha's Vineyard which is a popular destination located in the United States of America.

Now here's what's in it for you (apart from spending time getting to know Lisa's story): Today is your chance to WIN A Shenandoah Family Christmas! Lisa agreed to give away one e-book copy to one winner and one paperback copy to another winner! So that's two books that are up for grabs today!

Here's the cover photo for Lisa's book:

Enter the book giveaway contest by filling out the Rafflecopter widget below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now before you leave, Lisa invites you to spend time with her main character Rebecca Reed, who will share the "story behind the story" of A Shenandoah Family Christmas! After that, there's an excerpt from Chapter One. 

Enjoy! 

~*~
Character Rebecca Reed, introducing A Shenandoah Family Christmas: 

Hello Alexis and friends,

My name is Rebecca Reed. I live outside of Boston in the year 1777. It is the fourth day of Advent, and my world has turned dark. My 14-month-old daughter, Felicity, has contracted smallpox. Thousands of people have already died from the disease in the last year. I fear for Felicity's life, and worry that my husband Ben might also fall victim. We need a Christmas miracle.

Let me share with you a little of what my family is going through. Remember, we don't have the medicines or doctors that you have in the twenty-first century. We're at war with England, what will become the American Revolutionary War, and it's about to be one of the worst winters yet. Disease and death are common, which is why faith and prayer are a part of every day of my life. Christmas is a solemn event, without the fanfare, trees surrounded by gifts, cards, or carol singers. Advent is a scared time, with daily readings from the Book of Common Prayer both morning and night.

This is my third Christmas with Ben, and the first time I've truly grasped how the days of Advent can seem as though one is in the dark waiting for the Light. 

Here's a bit of my story:

Smallpox! It’s nearly unimaginable to consider that Felicity, my precious baby girl, has contracted smallpox. I grew up on Martha’s Vineyard, born to Irish immigrants who loved me almost as much as they loved each other. Though we weren’t rich, I wanted for nothing. Christmas was always a feast of faith, food, and family, with plenty of presents under the tree.

That was over two hundred years ago. Or two hundred years yet to come. Yes, you read that correctly. I have the amazing good fortune to have traveled back in time from the twenty-first century to 1775. I don’t understand how it happened or why me, but I have faith that I’m where I’m meant to be – married to Captain Benjamin Reed, and mother to our fourteen-month-old daughter.

After loosing both my parents when I was young, and then my grandmother’s death shortly before I arrived here, I thought the worst of life was behind me. I was wrong. Felicity is sick, with a deadly illness that was eradicated in my lifetime, or my previous lifetime. Smallpox! My baby could die. Many children did, or do. I feel helpless, terrified, and desperate. Christmas is only weeks away. Will Felicity be here? Will my arms hold her and kiss her good morning on Christmas day?

I know what I can do, what I want to do. If I take Felicity and Ben with me through the portal on Shenandoah, then Ben can be inoculated so he doesn’t get smallpox, and Felicity can be hospitalized and treated. No one would need to know where we came from. With the exception of the Roberts family, everyone “back home” believes I’m in Africa serving as a missionary.

My idea could work. The doctors would assume we were exposed in Africa. They would take care of us. Take care of Felicity. Keep her alive.

Missy says I can’t go back. She said I could change the course of history, cause a panic, or infect someone. Missy is the voice of reason, but reason won’t save Felicity.

I pray, and pray, and pray. Peace is next to impossible. Felicity is getting worse. Tomorrow the pox could cover her sweet face. Look at her now, pustules forming on her brow. Is it selfish to want my daughter to grow old and have a wonderful life? Do I lack the right amount of faith to pray the prayer that will save Felicity? Of course not. God doesn’t judge prayer, right?

Okay, I know He doesn’t judge our prayers. My mind is spinning out of fear. I cannot give into it. I must count on what I know to be true: God is love. He loves Felicity more than I do. He loves me. And He hears my prayers. My Christmas prayer is for my child:

Heavenly Father, I’m frightened. I want to take Felicity and run away to safety, but I know the only safe place is You. Fill me with Your peace, Lord. In these dark days of Advent, please show me Your light, help me to trust Your plans for our lives, and please, Lord, please, hold Felicity in Your healing hands. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Excerpt from Chapter One of A Shenandoah Family Christmas:

Determined to beat whatever ailed her daughter, Rebecca dunked a sheet into the cold water, and then covered Felicity. The goal was to bring her fever down and keep it down. She had halved two large onions and put them on rags around the crib. Whether it was an old wives’ tale or not, many women swore by sliced onions for guarding against germs. Rebecca would do all she could. She couldn’t fail Felicity. Nothing else mattered.

She glanced out the window. The diminishing light of the setting sun signified the dark days of winter and gave Rebecca an uncomfortable twist in her stomach. She moved across the small room and lit the oil lamp. She needed light—and hope.

Sitting in the rocking chair next to Felicity’s crib, Rebecca began singing the nursery rhymes of her childhood. The songs filled her with sweet memories of her mother and grandmother. She willed Felicity to hear her. How she longed to see her daughter rock from side to side, smiling as her mama sang to her.

“Rebecca!” Ben burst through the door. “I need to see Felicity.”

Startled, Rebecca jumped to her feet. “What’s wrong?”

“Let me examine Felicity first, then I shall explain.”

Her husband, Captain Benjamin Reed, was a kind and loving man, and also a man of detail. He ran a tight ship, missed little, and had earned the respect of his crew and fellow patriots. Feeling their daughter’s forehead, opening her mouth and examining her lips, Ben shook his head.

A new grip of fear crushed Rebecca’s heart. “What is it?”

“My love, I believe our daughter has smallpox.”

“No!” Rebecca wobbled, her body folding in on itself as the news delivered a brutal blow to her heart and mind. Smallpox . . .

The dreaded disease that claimed thousands of victims over the last year, the scourge that Rebecca had taken such care to protect her daughter from—how could it have happened? It wasn’t possible for her to be sick. It just couldn’t be!

“How do you know? How can you be so sure?”

Ben drew a cloth from the bucket of ice water near the crib and laid it on Felicity’s head. “I sent notice to the crew that we were to sail to Delaware Bay to bring supplies to our troops who would winter at Valley Forge. A messenger arrived at the docks an hour ago with a note from William’s father. William is covered in pox, severely ill, and in isolation.”

Rebecca gasped. Ben’s first mate, William Barton, was such a strong, rugged young man, she couldn’t imagine him sick. Felicity had looked so small in his arms the last time he visited—

“William was here two weeks ago. He played with Felicity. He—” Rebecca couldn’t finish her sentence, couldn’t say aloud what her mind did not want to hear.

~*~
Author bio: Lisa Belcastro lives with her family on Martha’s Vineyard. She loves time with her family and friends, running, gardening, outdoor activities, cooking, chocolate, reading, traveling, a healthy dose of adventure, and her cat, Ben, who keeps her company while she creates fictional lives for the numerous characters living inside her head. 

Lisa runs as an ambassador for TEAM 413 (www.team413.org), and has completed a marathon (26.2 miles) in all fifty states.

Lisa’s stories are set on the Vineyard amidst the magnificence of the ocean, the beauty of sandy beaches, rolling hills, and ancient cliffs, as well as the people and events that make the Island so very unique.

When she’s not at her desk, Lisa is living in paradise, volunteering at her daughter’s school, serving in her church community, planting and weeding her numerous gardens, training to run the Walt Disney World Dopey Challenge in January 2016, walking the beach looking for sea glass, or enjoying a great meal while she pens the cuisine column for Vineyard Style Magazine.

Holiday book Spotlight: A Boulder Creek Christmas

'Tis the season for celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and reading beautiful Christmas stories such as A Boulder Creek Christmas written by Mary Manners! 

Mary is an award-winning inspirational romance author who works with children as an educator when she's not creating beautiful Christian fiction stories. She's quite the multi-talented person!

Today, we're shining the spotlight on Mary's new Christmas romance, A Boulder Creek Christmas. Mary is hosting a book giveaway contest too! She will give away one e-book/Kindle copy of A Boulder Creek Christmas to the winner! Fill out the items on the Rafflecopter widget to enter the contest. You can find the widget toward the end of this blog post.

Enjoy reading about Mary's book, she's sharing an excerpt from her book today just for you! 

~*~

A mischievous Christmas angel is determined to have her way this holiday season...

Book blurb: Alani O'Dwyer offered her heart to Ryan Connolly years ago, and he tossed it aside without so much as a backward glance. Though the town of Boulder Creek dubs him a hero, she vows she'll never again fall victim to his charms.

Ryan Connolly captains a raucous crew of firefighters at the Boulder Creek Fire Department, yet he's unprepared for the adventure of falling in love with beautiful and headstrong Alani O'Dwyer.

But when a meddling angel at the annual Fighters for Hire charity auction brings Ryan and Alani together, even regrets from the past can't thwart Ryan's plans to make her his own.

Excerpt from A Boulder Creek Christmas:

“Ryan, what are you doing here?”

“What does it look like I’m doing?” Sawdust danced in a halo around his head as he glanced up from the redwood deck without missing a stroke of the hammer. Expertly, he jostled a new panel of wood into place as he flashed a mischievous grin. “I’ll give you two guesses and the first one doesn’t count.”

“I only need one.” Alani crossed her arms and sighed with dismay as she watched sweet-natured Moe, the chocolate lab she and Grandma Cora had rescued from the animal shelter nearly a decade ago, lope over to Ryan and curl contentedly at his side. So much for loyalty…the mangy beast must have forgotten that Ryan had dumped him—and Lani, as well—when the going got tough. “You’re trespassing on my property—and, it appears that you’ve also managed to brainwash my dog into thinking you’re a friend.”

“I am a friend…you just haven’t allowed the thought to sink into that stubborn head of yours.”

“That sort of sweet talk will get you places—not.” Alani adjusted the strap of her purse over one shoulder, fishing inside it for her cellphone. “So explain yourself, and quick, before I call the law.” She located the phone and waggled it in front of Ryan’s face to add leverage to the threat.

“Really?” Ryan’s laughter rent the air. He set the hammer down and sat back on his haunches and shake sawdust from his hair. The scent mingled with pine that danced from a grove of trees flanking eastern end of the lot. Moe inched closer to him and settled his chin on Ryan’s thigh. “You wouldn’t.”

Lani crossed her arms over her chest and lifted her chin. “I would.”

“You forget that the chief of police is my dad.” Ryan splayed a hand across Moe’s head and gave him a good scratch between the ears, eliciting a delighted yawn from the traitorous beast.

“Oh…right.” Lani sighed with frustration. “Well, I’ll call anyway and he’ll…he’ll…come out here and ground you.”

“Ground me?” Ryan’s laughter grew. Now the infuriating sound echoed from the surrounding houses. “Are we fourteen again?”

“You’re acting like it.”

“Me? I’m acting like I’m fourteen?” Ryan grabbed the porch rail, giving himself a boost to stand and face her. Moe followed at his heels, as if he and Ryan had been lifelong buddies. “Look here, Alani O’Dwyer…that hotheaded Irish temper is getting the best of you again. If you would just close that pretty little mouth of yours long enough to listen…” He kept coming until he had her penned in, her back pressed against the sliding glass door facing into the kitchen. The gleam in his eyes caused the hair on the back of her neck to tickle as his aftershave—something crisp and clean as the cool air—washed over her. “Maybe I should help you with that.”

“I think not.”

“We’ll see…” He leaned in, dipping his head as if to kiss her, then seemed to think better of it and pulled back, turning away to pace the length of decking. Of course, Moe matched him step for step.

“What are you doing here?” Alani repeated, frowning at the dog as he marched loyally along at Ryan’s side. She uncrossed her arms and tucked the phone back into her purse. “Explain yourself.”

~*~

Author bio:

Mary Manners is an award-winning romance writer who lives in the beautiful foothills of East Tennessee with her husband Tim and the cherished cats they've rescued from local animal shelters...Lucky and Gus. She loves swimming, running, flavored coffee and Smoky Mountain sunsets.

Mary believes everyone has a story to tell, and she loves to share hers. She writes inspirational romances of all lengths, from short stories to novels—something for everyone.

Learn more about Mary Manners at her website: www.MaryMannersRomance.com.

~*~
Book Giveaway contest (fill out the items on this Rafflecopter widget to enter):

a Rafflecopter giveaway