God is Love

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

A Prelude to Christmas: Gail's story about broken trust and forgiveness

Welcome Gail Gaymer Martin to the blog. She's an award-winning author and co-founder of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), which is a wonderful organization! Today, Gail is here to talk about her novel, A Tucumcari Christmas.

Here's the blurb for A Tucumcari Christmas: Dayna Littleton has been estranged from her younger sister Sky for years. Sky's promises to visit were always met with disaster, first a broken ankle in Tucumcari, New Mexico and then more promises ended in new disasters until Dayna no longer trusted her sister. But with the last cancelled promise a call comes from Sky’s landlord. The older woman invites Dayna to visit her sister there for Christmas.

The strange invitation doesn’t set well, but she is driven by a vague hope and a powerful instinct to go. Once there, Dayna and Sky inch toward healing. Yet Dayna senses she is part of a matchmaking scheme. A difficult past, Dayna has tended to avoid relationships of any kind, but now her heart collides with her brain, and a battle ensues as she meets new people and watches her life change along with perceptions, attitudes, and her ability to love.

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You can buy Gail's book on Amazon OR you can have a chance to WIN a copy of her book by filling out the book giveaway contest entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below:

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Learn more about Gail's book in the following interview.
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Interview with Gail Gaymer Martin, author of A Tucumcari Christmas:

Alexis: What a unique title for a Christmas book! What does Tucumcari mean? Why did you choose it as the setting for your story?

Gail: Tucumcari is a town in New Mexico off I-40 which is part of Route 66, the Mother Road in its heyday. I fell in love with the unique town when we traveled back and forth for a number of years from Michigan to Sedona, Arizona when we rented a townhouse for the three winter months.

We have now moved to Sedona, but Tucumcari was one of our favorite stops. It’s an amazing city with many old original businesses left from the heyday of Route 66, two museums, and forty painted murals on various buildings depicting the old days. These paintings use real people and items from the town. One of my favorite restaurants here is Del’s. It's one of the original locations. They are known for great food especially their sopapillas with honey, an amazing dessert.

I used this setting because I learned so many things about the town through the Chamber of Commerce and realized the setting would be amazing. The first book in the series, A Trip to Remember (with a double meeting) is the story of Skylar Dawson. A Tucumcari Christmas is about her sister with whom she’s been estranged.

Alexis: What is your book about? Tell us in a few words.

Gail: The book focuses on Dayna Littleton the older sister of Skylar. The story deals with the theme of forgiveness and love. While Dayna has held a grudge against her sister for years, she realizes that the true reason and the damage it has done is something she can no longer live with. With humor, romance and serious situations, this book provides a Christmas story for all readers.

Alexis: Describe your story’s heroine Dayna. Touch on her looks, strengths, character flaws, hopes and dreams.

Gail: Dayna and Skylar are both dark-haired, attractive women, and yet Dayna sees only her younger sister’s charm and beauty. She grew up feeling that she was less worthy than Skylar and she had little to offer. Her hope was to live a single life and yet romance sometimes enters her dreams without her approval. They confuse her as does her sister whom she envies and yet holds a grudge. Dayna tends to keep the truth inside and rather than let her sensitive side show, she can be abrupt or withdrawn at times.

Alexis: Why is Dayna estranged from her younger sister Sky? What role does Sky play in this story?

Gail: Dayna sees Sky in an unrealistic view, and yet she believes what she sees. She blames her sister for all of her flaws and has distanced herself from her, unwilling to forgive her for what has happened in the past. But Dayna begins to look more deeply into the estrangement and faces some things about herself and her sister that she had never seen before.

Alexis: Why is Sky disaster-prone and how has that affected her relationship with her sister?

Gail: Sky tends to be rash. She’s been coddled in ways as a child. Therefore, she expects people to continue to respond to her needs as her parents did, mainly her daddy. She has little patience when things don’t go her way and is a slow learner about her flaws. Because of her attitude and the coddling that Dayna witnessed, Sky’s attitude has put a barrier between her and Dayna.

Alexis: Who is your story’s hero? What is his role in this story?

Gail: The hero is Dr. Jake Bonham, Dr. Doug Elliot’s best friend from Book #1. Doug is Sky’s fiancé and his grandmother Mamie has been Sky’s landlady. Dayna is also staying with Mamie who tends to be a matchmaker. Mamie wants to see love everywhere, so she maneuvers situations to make it happen. Dr. Jake Bonham is now in Mamie’s plans for Dayna who wants nothing to do with romance since she’s had too much loss in her life and doesn’t trust words of love. Jake also has avoided relationships, so Mamie has work cut out for her.

Alexis: Describe the hero’s looks, personality and heart for the heroine.

Gail: Jake Bonham has blue eyes and reddish brown hair. He’s husky and muscular and looks more like a woodsman to Dayna than a doctor who had taken care of her sister’s broken ankle. He’s a tease and loves taunting his good friend Doug about falling for Sky. He makes reference to Dayna’s good looks, but in his heart, he is determined to avoid getting involved with anyone. His lifestyle and crazy hours as a doctor doesn’t lead to well-balanced relationships and he’s had too many of the other kind. Marriage was far from his plans.

Alexis: What is your hero’s background? How was he raised and shaped into the person who he is in this story?

Gail: Little is said about Jake’s family in the novel, but it is evident that he came from a stable family and perhaps one that expected solid values and morals to be part of a relationship. He fears building another doomed relationship. His reference to the Christmas ornaments given to him by his aunt, his mother’s sister, is another clue that he was loved and appreciated also by extended family. This love is what he longed for but feared he would never find.

Alexis: Why is it difficult for Dayna to love people and form good, lasting relationships? How did her past shape her into the person she is today?

Gail: As the reader digs into the story, they learn of Dayna’s difficult childhood with a mother who had a serious heart disease that would end her life. This drew her to her father, but his death also left things unanswered, and at that point, Dayna lost her confidence in her worth. It seemed to her that love was given and then taken away, and she believed that finding long term relationships was not going to happen to her. Her best friend, a coworker, was the only person she really trusted and that had grown over time. Otherwise Dayna almost lived as a recluse in her sheltered, untrusting life.

Alexis: What was the most memorable moment for you in writing this story?

Gail: Besides the love story, I believe the moment Dayna realized what her problem had been for so many years and later when she shares that awareness with her sister. It still brings tears to my eyes when I read it.

Alexis: What was the most difficult scene to write? Why?

Gail: I think that the hospital and medical research was the most difficult since I want everything in my novels to be accurate so I spend a great deal of time finding the answers, even if it’s calling a hospital to ask about doctor’s shifts and what their cafeteria is like.

Alexis: Would you say that this story has a happy ending? Why or why not?

Gail: True romance novels must have a happy ending, and though a marriage may not end a story, the reader has the confidence that this relationship will result in a happy and lifelong marriage.

Alexis: What kind of impact do you want this story to make on the hearts of your readers?

Gail: I believe this story proposes thoughtful questions about how attitudes, point of view and misunderstandings can harm relationships and self-esteem. I hope the story shows readers that stepping back and taking a different look at situations can sometimes provide healing and new hope for the future. When we warp the truth, we are left with warped results. When we face the truth, we can face a life of hope and forgiveness.

Alexis: Complete this sentence: My faovrite feature of writing Christmas stories is _______________________ because __________________________.

Gail: My favorite feature of writing Christmas stories is the memories and joy of Christmas because Christmas takes us back to times of wonder and promise as we remember not only what Jesus Christ's birth means but also the connection with family and friends.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Gail! Do you have any closing thoughts?

Gail: Christmas has always been popular in secular and Christian fiction. I believe it’s because books present stories of family, hope, and love that draws out memories of the excitement and fun of waiting for Santa, decorating homes, baking cookies, and wrapping gifts and receiving surprises. Who doesn’t love a cozy, warm, and wonderful setting for a story?

Thanks to you, Alexis, for your willingness to share A Tucumcari Christmas with readers.

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Author bio:

Multi-award-winning novelist, Gail Gaymer Martin is the author of Christian contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and women’s fiction with 68 published novels and four million books sold. CBS local news listed Gail as one of the four best writers in the Detroit area.

Her books have received numerous awards, including: ACFW Carol Award, Romantic Times Reviewer Choice, Booksellers Best, National Readers Choice, Holt Medallion, Award of Excellence.

Gail is a founder of American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Speakers and Writers, and Christian Authors Network. She is a keynote speaker at churches, civic and business organizations and presents workshops at conferences across the country.

Gail was a lifetime resident of Michigan until moving to Sedona, Arizona.

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Connect with Gail:
Website - www.gailgaymermartin.com.
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/gail.g.martin.3
Twitter - http://twitter.com/GailGMartin
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/83354.Gail_Gaymer_Martin
LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/in/gailgaymermartin
Google Plus - https://plus.google.com/109587381229322171655/posts

Monday, December 19, 2016

A Prelude to Christmas: Interview with author Linda Rondeau

Welcome Linda Rondeau to the blog today! She's here to talk about her new novel, Miracle on Maple Street. Here's the dreamy cover of her book:

Book blurb: “Christmas is a time for miracles,” Ryan McDougal tells his mother, when he is told that a long lost cousin, Millie, has resurfaced after nearly forty years, the cousin whose picture his mother clasped the day his father abandoned him. Though they occurred decades apart, he always believed the two disappearances were connected like opposite links of a chain. With Millie’s arrival, perhaps he might finally receive the answers he so desperately sought.

However, Ryan has a third thorn in his side, more devastating than any mystery. His wife, the love of his life, has left his arms and his bed. How long before she moves out of the house and takes his beloved son with her? He prays for his own Christmas miracle. Millie’s anticipated visit prompts Ryan’s mother to reveal secrets that bring all to light. However, when past and present collide, the truth is more than Ryan can bear.

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

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Enjoy my interview with Linda!

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Interview with Linda Rondeau, author of Miracle on Maple Street:

Alexis: I like the title for your Christmas story. How did you think of it?

Linda: The title is “borrowed” from the Christmas classic, “Miracle on 34th Street". No, there’s no Santa Claus in this story, but a miracle does take place—one of spiritual healing for four people that has been four decades in the making.

Ryan says, “Sometimes miracles happen instantaneously and sometimes miracles happen over time.”

Alexis: Why did you write Miracle on Maple Street?

Linda: This story evolved over fifteen years. It is actually a revision of the first novel I ever wrote, and that was developed from a short story titled, "Marigolds Don’t Hold Grudges".

The idea first came to me when I reunited with my long-lost cousin. We hadn’t been in contact for twenty years. For us, it was merely the fact that life pulled us in different directions. It was wonderful when we saw each other again and relived wonderful memories. Now we make a much better effort to stay in touch. That made me wonder what sort of things could separate two cousins who loved each other deeply? That question led to a lot of, “what ifs” and Miracle of Maple Street evolved.

Alexis: What do you want your readers to remember most about this story?

Linda: That forgiveness is a two-way street. Sometimes we stand ready to forgive the person who wronged us; yet we fail to acknowledge that we may have contributed to the wrong done to us. We need to ask forgiveness for our part.

Also, we fail to forgive ourselves. We wear our guilt, like Dicken’s Marley, the chains we forged in life.

If God casts our sins into the sea of his forgetfulness, then we mitigate his cleansing power when we continue to be weighed down by them.

Alexis: There’s an air of mystery surrounding your main character Millie. Why? Tell us about her role in this story.

Linda: Ryan McDougal woke to a boyhood Christmas and found his father had disappeared and his mother clutches a mysterious photograph of a teenage cousin who ran away on her 16th birthday. His mother spends the better part of two decades in depression. Ryan feels like an orphan. And he wonders what part the picture plays in his mother’s sadness and his father’s disappearance.

Although Millie’s disappearance and his father’s abandonment occurred decades apart, Ryan believes they are somehow connected, like opposite links to a chain.

When his mother receives a letter that her cousin Millie is visiting for Christmas, He wonders why the cousin returns after nearly four decades. Could it be a sign? Ryan seizes the opportunity to confront his mother once and for all as to how the events connect. He can’t explain how, but he also believes his wife’s rejection is in the mix of mysteries that only Millie will unravel.

We don’t know Millie’s story until later in the book. But we learn that after she ran away from home, her life followed a much different path than his mother. Did Millie’s faith make a difference?

Millie will be the source to answer Ryan’s question, "Why didn’t my father ever come back?"

As Ryan’s mother answers these two questions, Ryan discovers the reasons for his wife’s emotional withdrawal. The pain of her revelation is more than he can bear. Will he abandon his family as his father did?

When Millie arrives, she finds a family torn apart. Through the miracle of her story, the family finds hope and a place where healing can begin.

Alexis: Tell us about Ryan. What makes him the hero of your story? Share insight into his character, flaws and strength.

Linda: Ryan wants to think of himself as a Cal Ripken, the baseball player famous for the most consecutive games played as of the setting for this story. He has grown tired of his wife’s rejection and wonders if he can “stay in the game.” He’s a good man, a good son, and tries to be a good father, and he thought he’d been a good husband. Through introspection, he sees he is flawed and in need of redemption.

Alexis: What kind of miracle are your characters hoping will happen? Why?

Linda: Ryan believes his mother’s reunion with her long-lost cousin is her miracle. He desires a healed relationship with his wife, and perhaps to finally receive an explanation why his father abandoned the family.

Alexis: You touch on emotional abandonment, which is an issue in real life. In what ways do you hope that your fictional story world will help people in the real world?

Linda: Sometimes forgiveness is a two-way street. We are quick to realize the wrong someone has done to us; however, we fail to recognize our own contribution to the problem. Sometimes we fail to forgive ourselves for our mistakes. Sometimes, emotional abandonment leaves a deep hole and mars our ability to receive love for fear we’ll be rejected once again.

Alexis: Why did you choose to make this story set at Christmastime?

Linda: Christmas is a time of deep reflection. Millie’s visit, prompts the long avoided conversation between Ryan and his mother that brings all into light. As Ryan begins to realize his need for a Savior, he contemplates the babe in the manger. When his internal struggle ends he says, “Finally, all is calm and all is bright.”

Alexis: Was there anything or anyone that you couldn’t live without while writing this story? If so, explain.

Linda: Food. When I write, I get really hungry, but I don’t like stopping to eat. I’m grateful for a spouse that likes to cook. He yells to me, “Ready!” We share our meals then I go back to work.

Alexis: Complete this sentence: If I needed a miracle, I would _________________________because________________________.

Linda: If I needed a miracle, I would ask God to reveal himself to my prodigal son because now he has a child who is curious about life. I pray that he will get right with God so he can show his little girl who he is.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Linda! Merry Christmas!

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Author bio:

Winner of the 2012 Selah Award and Carol Award finalist Linda Wood Rondeau writes to offer hope for those with damaged lives and demonstrate our worst past, surrendered to God becomes our best future.

After a long career in human services, Linda now resides in Jacksonville, Florida. When not writing, the author enjoys golfing, hiking, and spending time with her best friend in life, her husband of nearly forty years.

Her recent release, Miracle on Maple Street, has already won the hearts of many.
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Buy Linda's book on Amazon
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Connect with Linda: Readers may visit her web site at www.lindarondeau.com where they’ll find a list of her books and her blog, Snark and Sensibility. Email her at lindarondeau@gmail.com or find her on Facebook, Twitter , Pinterest, Google Plus and Goodreads.

Sunday, December 18, 2016

A Prelude to Christmas: Mary L. Ball's story about love in the valley

Welcome our guest to the blog, Mary L. Ball. She's here to talk about her novel, A Love Valley Christmas, and she's agreed to give away a copy of her book! Enjoy!

Here's the blurb for A Love Valley Christmas: Step off the pavement, onto a dirt road and join our fictional characters celebrating Christmas in Love Valley North Carolina, a real western community.

When Susie Aleman isn’t running Spurs, a mercantile in Love Valley, she’s raising her sixteen year old son, Zam. She’s content with life, and relies on no one but God. Then Ty Porter moves to Love Valley and stampedes into her heart.

Ty Porter has given up on women. All he wants is a fresh start, and a new pair of cowboy boots. That is until he meets Susie.
As Christmas Eve rolls around can he convince Susie that love after thirty-five is worth the risk?

Will Susie lead Ty to see that the Lord can be trusted?

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Interview with Mary L. Ball, author of A Love Valley Christmas:

Alexis: Is Love Valley, NC a fictional town or real one? What was your inspiration behind choosing this community as the background for your book?

Mary: Love Valley, North Carolina is very much real. It’s a small town nestled in the mountains north of Statesville, NC, a little over an hour drive from me. The quaint community thrives on its western atmosphere. The main road in town is dirt. It offers hitching rails so visitors can secure their horses while they shop at the country store, tack shop, general store, hardware store, and the blacksmith shop. The town has restaurants, saloons, and a few other businesses. The residents of Love Valley (about 120) live there year round. Just like other small town they have access to modern amenities.

Prism Book Group (my publisher) sent out a call for Cowboy Christmas novellas and when Joan (editor-in-Chief) said that they could be old west or contemporary. I thought it would be fun and wanted to be included. I’m glad that I could write about a contemporary cowboy because I’m not an author who writes westerns.

Alexis: Susie Aleman is your story’s heroine. Tell us about her. What does she like and dislike? How does she look and act? What are her deepest fears and what brings her the greatest joy?

Mary: She’s of average height and build. She’s a conservative woman with shoulder length dark blond hair who takes pride in her son and her merchandise business that she calls, “Spurs.” Her joy comes from enjoying the accomplishments made in running a business and raising a son. She is happy to be part of the community and her church. Still, there are times when she misses not having a good man to confide in.

Alexis: Susie is content with her life until Ty Porter comes to town and creates a longing in her heart she never knew she had. Can you give us insight into how Ty affects her without giving away your story’s plot?

Mary: Ty’s a handsome cowboy and has a way with words. She is immediately drawn to his polite charm. He likes to call her “Pretty lady.”

The first time they meet is in her store: With a glide in his step he approached the front and laid the shoebox on the counter. She rang his sale, he handed her cash, grinned and lifted the rim of his wide brimmed hat. “Ma’am, nice store.”

“Thanks.” Susie returned his smile. Her breath caught as she looked into eyes which reminded her of the candy bar she’d eaten earlier.

Alexis: It looks like Susie is going to learn a lesson or two in this story. Can you share one (of the lessons)?

Mary: Love can come back into your life at any age. This is a hard lesson for her to understand. It involves her letting go of her past.

Alexis: Tell us about your story’s hero Ty Porter. What makes him tick? What makes him smile? Why did he, before meeting Susie, give up on women?

Mary: Ty is a country man who likes horses and roping. He is happiness in the outdoors. He enjoyed the fast life before he moved to Love Valley and is determined not to fall prey (again) to the traps of partying and staying out at all hours with women. To keep the promise he made to himself he plans to live a quite rancher’s life alone.

Alexis: What kind of “fresh start” is Ty looking for and how does he find it in Love Valley?

Mary: He moved away from his past to become a better man.

Alexis: It looks like Ty and Susie are dealing with complications and progress in their individual faith journey with God. Can you share details on their struggles and breakthroughs?

Mary: Susie struggles with believing the Lord can change a person. Ty deals with commitment issues as he learns about God’s plan.

Alexis: What special message do you have for your readers in this book?

Mary: I believe 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) sums it up: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

Alexis: If you could play counselor to Ty and Susie, what would you tell them and why?

Mary: I would tell both of them to let go of the past and look to the Lord for help with their future. I think each of us have a place in the past that we visit too often. Sometimes, that hinders us from leaning completely on God and moving forward.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Mary! Do you have any closing thoughts?

Mary: Alexis, thank you for having me on your blog. I look forward to meeting your readers and wish everyone a wonderful Christmas.

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Author bio: Mary L. Ball is a multi-published author. She resides in the heart of North Carolina. When she isn't working on her latest story, she enjoys fishing, reading, and singing with her husband at church functions.

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Buy Mary's books:

Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ Smashwords

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Connect with Mary:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/gracefulbooks/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/inspires4mary
GoodReads - https://www.goodreads.com/Marywrites

Mary’s singing ministry site: http://heirsofsalvation2.webs.com
Website- http://www.marylball.com
Blog - http://www.marylball.com/blog-monthly-smiles

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

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Saturday, December 17, 2016

My Review for Rachel Hauck's "A Royal Christmas Wedding" book blog tour with Celebrate Lit

A Wedding Worth Waiting For
My review of A Royal Christmas Wedding (book) by Rachel Hauck

It’s every girl’s dream to marry a prince. Okay, maybe not every girl but it is quite common that the female heart wants to dream of their wedding day. It makes their imagination soar and heart sigh in bliss when they think of marrying their very own Prince Charming.

So when I found out that Rachel Hauck had written a book about a girl who marries a real (but fictional) prince, I knew that I had to read it and would be delighted to review it for the book’s blog tour coordinated by Celebrate Lit.

Naturally, a book is not complete without conflict and this story has plenty of it! The author cleverly places the conflict throughout the story. She begins with an epic throwback into her story's fictional history about a prince who fell to his death before he could declare his true love for the woman he felt destined to marry by ringing the Pembroke Chapel Bell.

This scene in history is tied into the modern day tale of Prince Colin of Brighton Kingdom, who after years of not talking to the one woman his heart loved, finds that he is still very much in love with her. All it takes is seeing Avery Truitt (the woman his heart loves) at a family reunion in the royal palace. Avery went to the reunion on guard because she was not sure if her heart could take seeing the man that she wanted to marry, again. But she went with her mother in support of her sister Rebecca who married a prince and is expecting a baby.

When Avery and Colin meet again, old feelings are stirred and the plot thickens. The reader discovers the truth as to why Prince Colin pushed Avery away years ago and it breaks Avery heart but also gives her hope.

The setting for this story is Cathedral City and when the story starts, the Christmas season is in full swing and makes every detail magical as the author paints a beautiful picture on every page with her words.

Throughout the story, the heroine (Avery) is presented with a decision: follow her heart and give love with the hero (Prince Colin) a second chance or return home to St. Simons and pursue her career dream of being a coach.

All I can say is that you need to read this book to discover how it ends. But I will clue you in…let’s just say that as I read this story, I was reminded of why the author is a New York Times bestselling novelist!

This holiday romance set in the fictional Brighton Kingdom in Europe is the perfect Christmas story just waiting for you to discover it.

So what are you waiting for? Go buy Rachel’s book, A Royal Christmas Wedding and discover the reasons why I’m giving it 5-stars!

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To purchase your copy, click here.

Genre: Christian Romance/Christmas

Release Date: October 18, 2016

Book Format: Paperback and Ebook

Book blurb: Avery Truitt aches for true love—the kind she once shared with Prince Colin. Can she dare to hope for happily ever after, or is a fairy-tale ending beyond reach?

College volleyball star Avery Truitt has not seen her former flame, Prince Colin of Brighton Kingdom, since he suddenly pushed her away five years ago. But now, the sadness of losing her father and the joy of her sister Susanna’s pregnancy have brought Avery back to Brighton just in time for Cathedral City’s enchanting Christmas season.

Avery knows she can’t avoid seeing Colin—now the Kingdom’s most eligible bachelor—whether or not her heart is ready to relive the pain. But seeing him again might bring her the closure she needs after all this time.

When Colin finds himself at the center of a centuries-old Brighton tradition, he must decide whether to follow the path laid out before him or follow his heart to the only woman for whom he would ring the Pembroke Chapel Bell.

Can Colin convince Avery to meet him at the chapel on Christmas morning—as tradition dictates—or will Avery run back to her St. Simons home and pursue a coaching career as planned?

In the fourth installment of the Royal Wedding Series, New York Times bestselling novelist, Rachel Hauck, weaves a charming story of holiday romance as two broken hearts seek the love they once knew.

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About the Author:

Rachel Hauck is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and award-winning author.

A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, Rachel worked in the corporate software world before planting her backside in an uncomfortable chair to write full-time in 2004.

She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and leads worship at their annual conference. She is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker.

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NEWS for YOU (the reader): To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card plus a copy of A Royal Christmas Wedding and a copy of The Wedding Shop. Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post to earn 9 extra entries in the giveaway! Giveaway code: aaeb. Select this link to enter the giveaway contest, https://promosimple.com/ps/aaeb

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Guest Post from Rachel Hauck about A Royal Christmas Wedding:

I don’t think we can ever get enough of royals or Christmas, do you? The two just seem to go together.

The Bible tells us eternity is written on our hearts. (Ecc. 3:11) I wonder if it’s also written on our hearts to be princesses in a grand, beautiful, perfect kingdom.

That being said, welcome to the A Royal Christmas Wedding blog tour. My deepest thanks to all the bloggers, reviewers, and readers for hosting and visiting this tour. I’m excited to share this story with you all.

The hero and heroine, Prince Colin and Avery Truitt, first met in Once Upon A Prince at King Nathaniel’s coronation.

I hadn’t planned to write a spinoff story with the two of them. In fact, I didn’t even know Prince Colin existed until Avery walked into the abbey for the coronation and glanced across the sanctuary into his eyes.

Here’s his introduction:

Lean, aristocratic with an outdoorsman ruddiness, he nearly made Susanna swoon when he winked at Avery.

I liked Colin immediately. So did Avery. As well as a lot of you.

When my publisher asked me to write their story, it would be two years before the book would release. Plenty of time, right?

But “time crunch” is the name of the game with most writers. Between life, rewrites, edits, and promotional activity, we often find ourselves hurrying toward a deadline. Well, at least I do.

In the fall of 2015 I was writing The Wedding Shop and A Royal Christmas Wedding at the same time.

I’d also dealt with a physical issue that left me shaky. Could I write two books in five months? Did I want to even make the attempt?

If I said no, publication dates would be pushed out, causing a year delay on A Royal Christmas Wedding. And I knew that was something I did not want to do.

Publishing is a long game. Books are contracted and due 12 to 18, even 24 months, before release dates. Time must be carved out for rewrites and editing, marketing and promotion. Review copies go out at least five months in advance.

So I agreed to write both books. I told my editor, “Diamonds come from pressure.”

Coming up with Avery and Prince Colin’s story wasn’t as easy as I’d planned. Since they met in Once Upon A Prince as teenagers, I struggled with how to advance their age and relationship, and how to present them as the book opened.

Where had their relationship gone “between the books?”

When I came up with the idea of the Pembroke Chapel bell, the story magic began to happen. One of the things I love in the royal wedding books is the fairytale aspect. Looking for something out of the ordinary.

Even though my writing time was tight, writing Avery and Colin’s story was a joy. Once again I wish I could visit Brighton, eat a puff, and royal watch for the Strattons!

I hope you found a few sweet spots in the story, all wrapped in Christmas holiday cheer, and enjoyed your time with me in Brighton Kingdom.

Merry Christmas!

~*~

Book tour blog stops:

December 8: Book Reviews From an Avid Reader

December 8: New Horizon Reviews

December 8: inklings and notions

December 9: Reading Is My SuperPower

December 9: Redeemed Hope Dweller

December 9: Book by Book

December 10: His Grace is Sufficient

December 10: Blossoms and Blessings

December 10: Pause for Tales

December 11: Quiet Quilter

December 11: Ashley’s Bookshelf