Devotionals for the Heart: Provision

God Provides
A devotional by Alexis Newlin

And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!”

–Luke 12:22-24 (ESV)

Have you ever dealt with lack?

In Luke 12:13-21, there is a parable about a rich farmer who had an over abundant harvest one year. Therefore, he decided knock down his current house and build a bigger barn to store up all he can of his crops so that he won’t have to worry about being in need. He builds it and then God comes to tell him that he is foolish, because his time on Earth is now done.

For a while this parable confused me. Isn’t it wise to save up? Isn’t it okay to store enough for ourselves? Why is God chastising him?

I grew up extremely poor, so when I received anything, I would cling to it in fear that I could possibly lose it at any moment. Sometimes that did happen, so I certainly get the mindset of the rich farmer and the urge to hoard things to prevent future poverty. The uncertainty of not knowing if we’d keep our home or have enough money at the end of the month caused a lot of anxiety for me growing up. When I reached adulthood, I swore that I would never have to depend on anyone and that I would always be able to take care of myself.

The problem that I and the farmer both had was a lack of trust in God to provide.

When hard times happened and I had to ask for help, it was a challenge. I felt like I failed. It revealed pride and a serious lack in trust in God. Depending only on myself is not the type of relationship God intended to have with me.

Underneath that parable are the following verses in Luke 12:22-24 (ESV):

And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!”

We are not to worry about anything because God will provide everything. If God takes care of the birds, why wouldn’t He take care of us?

In my times of poverty as a child, God did provide. One time, as my family and I were in the process of being evicted, one of my mother’s coworkers miraculously gave her what she needed to cover the rent. When we needed food, friends would step in and buy groceries. Even in my adult life when I have faced financial troubles, God has, without fail, provided the funding for what I needed. Poverty is hard, but God sees it and will always provide.

In closing, I’d like for you to remember this Bible verse found in Psalm 34:10 (NIV): “The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.”

Let’s Pray: Dear God, Help us to remember that with you, we never lack. You see us and know what we need. Thank you for always providing for us. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Alexis is a 36-year-old lover of Jesus, loose leaf tea, roller coasters, writing stories and going on adventures. Originally from Marietta, GA, Alexis now resides in Fresno, CA.

You can always find Alexis outdoors enjoying a walk in her neighborhood, scoping out the newest food truck, hanging out with friends or planning her next trip.

Her church, The Revival Center, and family mean the world to her. They have supported her through the loss of her mother and her own cancer diagnosis.

Alexis enjoys encouraging others by reminding them not to look at what they see, but to always look to God, who is working in the unseen.

Alexis currently writes for several online ministries and launched her first podcast – The Brave Podcast – in January 2020.

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Connect with Alexis:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apeachincali/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/apeachincali
Podcast: http://thebravepodcast.buzzsprout.com
Website: www.apeachincali.com

Devotionals for the Heart: A Season to Give and show God's Love to the world

The Giving Season
A devotional by Christa MacDonald

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

–Acts 20:35 (NIV)

Do you have your Christmas tree up yet?

We’re planning to do ours this weekend.

There’s something so cheerful about Christmas lights that they’re the one thing I will not procrastinate on when it comes to Christmas. I love sitting in the family room at night with just the lights from the tree shining. It has its own comforting charm. Boy, do we all need comforting. The world outside is fractious. There’s a lot of pressure in the holiday season, and this year it’s compounded by the places you can’t go, people you can’t see, and gatherings you can’t have. You can still ship gifts in from all over the world and back out again, but being present with your presents is out. It can make that shopping and wrapping feel a little empty.

In the verse above, we see Paul giving final parting instructions to people that he is sure he will never see again. Among those instructions is the reminder to work hard at what God has given you and help the weak, because it is better to give than to receive. I think there’s a potent message for us in this verse at this particular time. People of faith need to be present in their communities, actively helping the weak regardless of what that “weakness” looks like.

At our churches, we need to be sure we’re plugged in to our communities, offering whatever assistance we can to help those struggling in this challenging time. It can be as easy as calling a senior at a nursing home, writing cards, or leaving care packages on someone’s doorstep, but we need to be actively giving of ourselves. God put us here to be salt and light. He put each of us in our neighborhood, at our church, in our workplace for a reason. There are people we’re meant to serve, even if right now it has to be at a distance. God has placed us here for just such a time as this!

One of the most painful things about this pandemic has been how isolated people feel. These small acts of kindness can help ease that loneliness, as imperfect as they are. We all must reach out to those around us, checking in with each other, seeing where the needs are. And to be open when others reach out to help us. I can’t remember who said this, but I’ve often repeated it to myself: We need to practice our humility so someone else can practice their charity. Be humble enough to share your needs when asked and to accept the help that’s offered. These kinds of connections are a great way to embrace opportunities to share the Gospel.

It’s often by sharing ourselves, giving our time and energy to others that we find ourselves restored. Here’s my advice to you this holiday season: Pray for outreach opportunities then see how God leads you to connect with your church and your community.

Get out there and be the Love of God in someone’s life!

~*~
Author Bio:

Christa MacDonald is a 2017 Carol Award finalist for contemporary Christian fiction.

She began her writing career at the age of eleven, filling a sketchbook with poems and short stories. After publishing a few short pieces in her college’s literary magazine she took a long hiatus during which she embarked on a few different careers, got married, had three kids, and renovated an old barn masquerading as a house.

Her most recent work, The Redemption Road, finished the Sweet River Redemption series published by Mountain Brook Ink.

When not working or writing Christa can be found ferrying her kids around, reading, or attempting something crafty. She and her family live along the coast of New England.

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Connect with Christa:
Website: www.christamacdonald.com
Newsletter: https://christamacdonald.com/connect-with-christa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1538432676468229/
Amazon: https://amzn.to/33uk329
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CricketMacD
Christa's book publisher: http://mountainbrookink.com/about-us/authors/christa-macdonald/

Romantic Reads: Wish You Joy

Interview with Jan Thompson about her book, Wish You Joy:

Alexis: Wish You Joy is a unique and sweet, holiday-spirit giving title for a story! What was your inspiration behind this title creation? Explain the significance in relation to the story.

Jan: Thank you. The title centers on the word “joy,” which is one of the undercurrent themes of this Christmas book. In Nehemiah 8:10, we read that “the joy of the Lord” is our strength. At Christmastime, I feel that we are constantly reminded about having peace, love, and joy. Thus, my book title could have been Wish You Peace or Wish You Love as much as it is Wish You Joy. Without giving away too much of the story, let me just say that one of the main characters in my book needs to experience the joy of the Lord, so it is befitting that the title points to that.

Additionally, Wish You Joy is book 9 in my Savannah Sweethearts series of contemporary Christian romance set in the coastal city of Savannah, Georgia, and across the bridge in the beach town of Tybee Island. This entire series has books with similar titles:

Prequel: Ask You Later
Book 1: Know You More
Book 2: Tell You Soon
Book 3: Draw You Near
Book 4: Cherish You So
Book 5: Walk You There
Book 6: Love You Always
Book 7: Kiss You Now
Book 8: Find You Again
Book 9: Wish You Joy
Book 10: Call You Home

Alexis: Tell me about Christmastown. What is it about? Why do they have a new CEO?

Jan: A Christmas decorating business based in Savannah, Georgia, Christmastown has been in the Untermeyer family for years. Having undergone some health issues, Mrs. Untermeyer is no longer able to run the business on her own, especially with no help from her grown children, some of whom haven’t been home in a while. As a result, she decides to sell her majority share of the company to the businessman nephew of a family friend.

Alexis: Who is Cyrus and what role does he play in this story?

Jan: The new CEO of Christmastown, Cyrus Theroux easily takes over the reign of the business, becoming the caring and present son that Mrs. Untermeyer hasn’t had in a long time. Cyrus continues the legacy of the family business while also keeping an eye on his elderly aunt and uncle living in Savannah. When Mrs. Untermeyer’s daughter comes to town to see what has happened to Christmastown, he feels that he has to convince her of his good intentions.

Alexis: Who is Amy and what role does she play in this story?

Jan: Amy Untermeyer is the only daughter of Mrs. Untermeyer. A destination wedding photographer, she travels the world and rarely goes home to Savannah. When she finds out that her mother has sold over half the company to someone whom Amy considers to be a stranger, she hightails it home to see if her mother has been swindled. She is skeptical about Cyrus and his intrusion into her family.

Alexis: Has Christmastown always been a family-owned organization? Why was it started?

Jan: Amy’s grandfather started Christmastown many years ago. As long as Amy has been alive, she remembers visiting the warehouse where they store all the artificial trees, wreathes, decorations, and everything Christmas. Amy’s parents inherited the business, and it was up to them to keep the family business going. However, after Amy’s dad passed away, Mrs. Untermeyer ran the company alone while her three children went to school and then left town for college and careers.

Alexis: How does your real-life faith in God play into your fiction storytelling?

Jan: My Christian faith informs every aspect of my fiction books such that I let my characters behave within the scope of what it means to be a Christian. My characters have issues, as Christians also do in real life. My characters feel the pains of life and seek the healing of God. My characters learn and grow in their lives, just as a real Christian would in this world.

Alexis: Did you listen to a favorite Christmas song while writing this holiday story? If yes, which one?

Jan: I tend to write in complete silence, although from time to time I do listen to music as I write. Mostly instrumental. In planning, plotting, and penning Wish You Joy, I drew upon my favorite Christmas carols, such as “O Holy Night.” That hymn speaks volumes about Christ as our Savior and Lord.

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11, KJV).

Alexis: What do you want readers to remember most about Wish You Joy and its characters?

Jan: This is my only Christmas book so far, and I hope that, after seeing the journey of life that Amy and Cyrus go through, my readers will affirm the joy of the Lord in their own hearts by the time they reach the end of the book. The bottom line is that God is still God.

I usually include some Bible verses that play a significant role in each book that I write. In Wish You Joy, one of the Bible verse is this: “Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).

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

Jan: Thank you very much for inviting me over to Romantic Reads for the third time this year. I am happy that we have reached the end of the year as we approach Christmas. I wish you joy in the Lord!

For readers who missed my other two interviews, here are the links:

Interview about Smile for Me (Vacation Sweethearts Book 1):
https://capturingtheidea.blogspot.com/2020/09/romantic-reads-smile-for-me-book.html

Interview about Know You More (Savannah Sweethearts Book 1):
https://capturingtheidea.blogspot.com/2020/10/romantic-reads-know-you-more.html

In Christ,

Jan Thompson

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Author Bio:

USA Today bestselling author Jan Thompson writes clean and wholesome multiethnic contemporary Christian romance with flavors of women’s fiction, Christian romantic suspense with elements of mystery, and inspirational international thrillers with threads of sweet Christian romance.

Her books are for readers who love inspiring stories of faith, family, and friends.

~*~
Book blurb for Wish You Joy:

Christmastown USA has a new CEO. But owning a majority share of the holiday-decorating company makes no difference for Cyrus Theroux if the other forty-nine percent refuses to cooperate… 

A Christmas-themed holiday romance, WISH YOU JOY is Book 9 in USA Today bestselling author Jan Thompson's Savannah Sweethearts series of sweet, clean, wholesome, and inspirational multiethnic contemporary Christian romances celebrating faith, hope, and love in Jesus Christ. This series is set in the historic southern city of Savannah, Georgia, and on the beaches of small town Tybee Island by the Atlantic Ocean, two of the most romantic places in the world.

Against a backdrop of ocean, sand, and sun, this mix of novels and novellas showcases various aspects of the human need for God and for one another.


Cyrus’s Christmas…
Whoopee! Christmastime is here again.

Cyrus is so excited that he is beside himself. Never mind that it’s ninety-three degrees outside in the middle of a hot July in Savannah. Christmas will be here any day now.

He has checked his Christmastown USA warehouse twice, counted his inventory four times, and added ten new team members to join his thirty. He can spread them all over town.

Sure, he can manage the decorating teams himself, even if his business partner can’t handle it.

What’s with Amy anyway? Maybe he should consider buying her share of the company. He will keep Mr. Untermeyer’s memories and wishes alive. Yes, that’s what he’ll do. Kick Amy off the sleigh and keep Christmastown all to himself—

No. There was something about Amy that draws Cyrus to her. Something he can’t put his thumb on…


Amy’s Angst…
Christmas is too commercialized!

Amy simply cannot believe how anyone could focus on the Christ of Christmas when people overspend and get stressed out at festivities they cannot enjoy with family members and relatives they do not wish to see or buy presents for.

Why Mom has given Amy a forty-nine percent share of Christmastown USA, she’ll never know. Amy doesn’t want it, but she can’t sell it. To sell her share to some stranger would disrespect the memory of Dad, who inherited this business from Grandpa Earnest, who had started the company back in the fifties. The entire Untermeyer family lives from Christmas to Christmas. It was because of Christmastown that Amy’s parents were able to send her and her two brothers to college.

Amy cherishes the happy memories of her childhood and the Untermeyer legacy until some devastating news makes her question everything she has ever known about the Untermeyer family…

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Buy Wish You Joy on Amazon

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Connect with Jan:
Website: JanThompson.com
Book News: JanThompson.com/newsletter
Amazon USA: JanThompson.com/amazon
Goodreads: JanThompson.com/goodreads
BookBub: JanThompson.com/bookbub
Facebook: JanThompson.com/facebook
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thompsonauthor

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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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Devotionals for the Heart: Walking with God in this broken world

Walk Humbly With God
A devotional by Wade Webster

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

and to walk humbly with your God."

–Micah 6:8 (NIV)

When my brother turned 50 he went golfing because it's what he loved to do at that stage in his life...even though it was November 19 in Michigan. The temperature was in the mid-30s with a colder wind chill. It's not surprising that he had the course to himself.

A year and a half later I knew I had to do something special for my 50th birthday, too. Since I discovered my love of writing at 47, I began my blog on my 50th birthday. Yeah, much more climate controlled. I started sharing about my life growing up on a farm in Michigan. By late summer I caught everybody up on where I was then so I needed something else to write about every week. I decided to do a devotional Christmas series based on the first Christmas.

For those of you familiar with The Chosen series my devotionals were in much the same I kept the characters in their biblical setting but gave them contemporary language. To get more familiar with this very familiar section of the Bible I read and re-read the verse(s) I would be writing about while I ate my breakfast. Yeah, I had breakfast with Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, the shepherds and everyone else involved. It was quite an eye opening experience.

I didn't used to think the Bible had much to say about Joseph, Jesus's stepdad. Now I know he was an extremely remarkable teenager. The more I learned about Joe, the more I realized he lived out Micah 6:8 better than anyone I ever knew in my life.

The first part of the verse that Joseph emulated was when he acted justly about what he planned to do with Mary after he learned she was pregnant with a child that wasn't his. He knew he couldn't marry her because she wasn't trustworthy.

He had three main options when it came to putting Mary away. He could have her stoned, He could divorce her publicly and taken her dowry, or he could divorce her quietly and simply walk away from her. By choosing the third option he proved that he loved mercy on his beloved.

After Joseph's dream visit by an angel who confirmed to him that Mary was telling him the truth about becoming pregnant with the Messiah, Joseph did a mighty deed that hardly any teenager would do. By not having intercourse with his wife until after the Messiah was born, an act that he was well within his rights to do, he showed how much he humbled himself before God.

As we come into this Christmas season, let’s see what we can do to improve ourselves in living out Micah 6:8 in or own lives.

Perhaps you can act justly by not winking at sin quite so much. Admit it for what it is.

Don't condemn folks caught in sin, show them mercy as Jesus did so many times.

And walk humbly with God by remembering what He did for you to bring you into His family. The Cross was the ultimate reason for Jesus Christ coming to Earth. His death was made in our place to restore our relationship with God our Heavenly Father. Now we can walk as God’s child in complete dependence on Him.

I hope that this Christmas brings you closer to this baby (Jesus Christ) who died for you (John 3:16) and now lives for you.

A Christmas Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, break into my life like you broke into this world. Quietly, yet brilliantly. Help me be just, merciful and humble...just like Your Son. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Wade Webster is a farm boy turned city slicker, heathen turned born-again Christian, truck driver turned writer doing his best to point folks to his best friend, Jesus Christ.

He currently lives in Plano, Texas.

Wade is the author of 100 Prayers of a Writer, a book that didn't begin as a book, just weekly prayers to a group of writer friends.

He enjoys spending time in nature, running for exercise and dark chocolate, though not necessarily in that order. Apart from driving 18-wheelers for a living he has a part-time job painting houses on the side...and the front and back and inside.

As a teenager, he told his friends he never wanted to be considered normal. So far he's done a pretty good job of living up to that aspiration.

Little Lamb Books Spotlight on Cairo’s Christmas Journey

Interview with Janet L. Christensen about her book, 

Cairo’s Christmas Journey:

Congratulations on writing and publishing this Christmas story! Let’s talk about it …

Alexis: Why did you write this book?

Janet: I have always loved the Christmas story…the bright star beaming, hosts of angels singing, and a tiny baby resting in a lowly stable. But I wanted to retell it in a new way, with a slightly different message…and a super fun main character, of course!

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

Janet: This story is fun and engaging to read. There is a lot of action along the way. I know that I enjoy reading it to little ones as much as they enjoy hearing it. It is just one of those stories that begs for fun voices and dramatic reading. It is a great experience for everyone, and I hope it proves to be a story that gets read over and over as we prepare our hearts for the coming of our Savior.

Alexis: Tell us about Cairo. How did you come up with this character’s name? What is Cairo’s mission? How far will this character have to travel until he reaches his destination?

Janet: Cairo is a tiny cricket that has used his gift of music to help others find rest. He has traveled far and wide and is currently working with a bunch of shepherds outside of Bethlehem. These poor shepherds have some sheep that don’t like to go to sleep at night. Cairo uses his gifts to help them fall asleep. On the night Jesus is born, an angel comes to Cairo to ask him to play his music for the restless newborn Messiah. While the shepherds are just a few miles outside of Bethlehem, when you are only an inch tall, that is nearly an impossible journey. But nothing is impossible with God.

Alexis: What are the hardest and easiest parts of Cairo’s journey to Bethlehem?

Janet: Cairo runs into all sorts of challenges on his trip. From a cluster of grumpy blackbirds, to a sticky situation with an anthill, there is not much about Cairo’s journey that isn’t hard. But along the way he meets some new friends…friends that are just as willing to share their gifts with Cairo as Cairo is to share his gifts with the Messiah. Cairo soon learns that these helpers that God sent him along the way can help smooth out even the bumpiest of journeys.

Alexis: Why does Cairo want to play a song for the newborn Messiah? Will this be an original song that he composed? Or a tune that’s already known?

Janet: Cairo loves to play his music, and when the angel asks Cairo to play for the new baby, he is honored, even though the journey is daunting. Cairo’s music is something unique and special to him. It is a brand-new tune…a soothing tune…one that only Cairo can play. Cairo’s music has been bringing rest to the rowdy sheep night after night. He is happy to share that gift with the new family in Bethlehem.

Alexis: What role does faith in God play in this story?

Janet: The angel has asked Cairo to do a big job. Being just a tiny cricket, the journey into Bethlehem could take days. But Cairo needs to get there that night. The angel tells Cairo that God will send him all the help he needs to get there. Cairo has to believe that God will help him on his journey. Cairo’s big faith and his new friends get him to his destination.

Alexis: What lesson are you hoping to teach young children through this story?

Janet: I want kids to know that even though they are small, they have so much to offer to God and others. Maybe, like Cairo, their gift is music...maybe they like to help their grandma make cookies…maybe they are a fast runner. Whatever talents they have, those talents make them special and God wants them to share those talents with His world, to help make it a better place.

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

Janet: Thank you so much for having me! It was my pleasure. Cairo’s Christmas Journey is available for purchase at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and many other booksellers. Blessings for a joy-filled Christmas season to you and all of your readers!

~*~
Author Bio:

Janet L Christensen is an award-winning writer, speaker and encourager that loves to captivate audiences with inspiring stories.

Whether it is with the stories she writes or with the stories she tells with the help of one of her puppet friends, Janet is sure to deliver an entertaining message of hope and love.

When she is not writing, Janet enjoys living the life of a pastor’s wife and leading children’s or women’s ministry projects.

She is the proud mother of two teenage sons and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Sully.

~*~
Blurb for Janet's book Cairo’s Christmas Journey:

Cairo, I have a job for you. 

It's a special night and Cairo is a cricket on a mission: he's on his way to Bethlehem to play a lullaby for the newborn Messiah. 

If only Bethlehem weren't so far away!

Our miniature hero isn't sure he has what it takes to make the journey. But with the help of a new crew of friends, Cairo sees God always finds a way.

On this holy night, Cairo's adventure shows us that it's in sharing our gifts that we truly glorify the newborn King.

~*~
Connect with Janet:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetlchristensen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janet_l_christensen_author/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/j_l_christensen

12 Days of Christmas Joy: A Christmas Romance Collection ... Six heart-warming holiday romances

Interview with the authors of

A Christmas Romance Collection: 

Six heart-warming holiday romances

Alexis: Why did each of you write your story to be part of this Christmas Weddings collection? Share the title of your holiday story or stories (for those of you who wrote two stories for this book) and share the plot of each story in two or three sentences.

Kimberly Rose Johnson: Island Christmas is part of a series set on an island in the Puget Sound. I brought back one of the original characters and to allow readers to get to know her better. Though I didn’t set out to write a salvation story, in the end there is a beautiful one included in this book.

A Christmas Homecoming is also a part of a series. This one takes place in one of my favorite places: Sunriver, Oregon. The story has some mystery woven in but ultimately it’s a sweet Christian love story. Here’s the tagline: Can the mystery of Christmas unite two hurting hearts? It really sums up the premise.

Angela Ruth Strong: Finding Love in Big Sky is written as a sequel to my debut novel Finding Love in Sun Valley, which had been optioned for film. I wanted to get more work in front of the movie producer, and I knew that she was looking for Christmas stories on a ranch, so I wrote one. I didn’t know much about horses going in, so I had to go visit a friend’s farm as research. The book is currently in development for film.

A Caffeine Conundrum was also written because this producer wanted a mystery set in a tea house or coffee shop, so I gave her both. My heroines both want to buy the same shop, but one wants to serve coffee while the other wants to serve tea. The owner dies before deciding who to sell it to, and they both become suspects. Of course, it’s set during the holidays and they both have love interests, which makes the mystery both festive and romantic.

Vickie McDonough: The Fruitcake Scandal started as a “what-if” story. What if a young pastor sent home for his bride-to-be, and when she arrived, she had trouble fitting in with the ladies of his church? I thought it would be an interesting premise and allow for some uncomfortable situations for both the hero and heroine—situations that would be fun for a reader.

Miralee Ferrell: The Nativity Bride was originally written for a novella collection of 12 different Christmas books bound into one printed volume, released by Barbour. I had such fun with this book, as I was able to go on and write a short sequel (different characters, same location/time period) for another novella collection with the same authors, a year later. I now have the rights to both books back, and this was a perfect fit for this collection. It’s also the only Christmas book I’ve ever written!

~*~
Alexis: What was your inspiration for your main characters? Describe the hero and heroine’s looks, personality and heart. Angela and Kimberly: Please answer this question for both of your stories featured in this book.

Kimberly: In Island Christmas, Rachel is a twenty-six-year-old windowed mother of a little boy. She has returned to the island after going to culinary school and is excited to follow in the footsteps of someone she greatly admires. Being a good mom and providing for her son is her top priority.Chris, mid-thirties, has brown hair that tickles his collar, blue eyes, and black-rimmed glasses. He is a workaholic who needs to take a break before he has a heart attack. He is on the island for some much needed R&R. He is a driven and successful man with a strong faith in Christ.

In A Christmas Homecoming, Bailey wears glasses that are a bit too big for her face. She has long, kinky hair and stands at five foot seven. She has a caring and sweet disposition and is a people pleaser. She has a wound that runs deep and greatly affects her self-image. Stephen is tall with blue eyes and broad shoulders. He is caring, loyal, and an awesome uncle to his niece and nephew.

Angela: In Finding Love in Big Sky, Paisley is a cowgirl through and through. She’s got long, dark hair and doesn’t wear much makeup except for the lip gloss that keeps her lips from drying out. Josh is the handsome city guy who makes a fool of himself on her farm and eventually ends up in overalls.

In A Caffeine Conundrum, Tandy and Marissa are total opposites. I patterned them after Jo and Blair in The Facts of Life. Their love interests also help balance them out. Beauty queen Tandy falls for the contractor who drives a truck, and biker chick Tandy reconnects with her childhood friend when he arrives at the jail to represent her as her lawyer.

Vickie: The Fruitcake Scandal is what’s called a “fish out of water” story. Karen, the heroine, has landed in a place unfamiliar to her. She has honey-brown hair and brown eyes. She’s a kind-hearted woman who has left her hometown to come to a new place where her fiancé is the new town minister. She’s a bit apprehensive about meeting so many people at once, but she’s excited to be reunited with the man she loves. Clay Parsons is a bit concerned the big move will cause Karen to change her mind, but he puts his faith in God and trusts him to work everything out. 

When the church ladies get upset with Karen, his faith is sorely tested.

~*~
Alexis: Paint a picture with words of your story’s setting. What makes it special to your hero and heroine? Angela and Kimberly: Please answer this question for both of your stories featured in this book.

Kimberly: Island Christmas is set on a picturesque island on the Puget Sound. Imagine a small island without much commerce and the only way on or off is via a small ferry. Most of the island is undeveloped and wooded. It feels even smaller than a small town.

A Christmas Homecoming is set near and in Sunriver Oregon, a resort community in the high dessert. The trees are pine and very tall. In the summer it smells like baked pine needles. The resort isn’t basically a small town, with all the amenities a town needs. They have a village for shopping and recreation that is quite popular and my characters spend time there too.

Angela: In Big Sky, the setting is everything. The ranch in the ski resort town is what brings Josh and Paisley together. She inherited it from her grandfather, so her Norwegian heritage plays a part from the kind of horses she rides to the kind of ornaments she hangs on her tree.

In A Caffeine Conundrum, the small town of Grace Springs was even named after the message of grace in my story. It’s also on the river in Ohio, which is important because they go on a Riverboat cruise. When I was facing writer’s block with this one, I tried to get my husband to take a day trip (10 hours round trip) to the Columbia Gorge in Oregon to go for a cruise on the Sternwheeler, but, lucky for him, they were shut down that time of year.

Vickie: Bakerstown, Missouri, is the fictional setting for The Fruitcake Bride. It’s a typical small town with about a dozen streets—a place where everyone knows each other and knows everyone else’s business. Clay, my hero, has only been pastor at the church for a few months and is still getting to know people. Bakerstown is special to him because this is his first church to pastor. He wants to make a good impression and also meet the needs of the townsfolk, and he is eager to finally wed his fiancée.

Miralee: My story takes place in the late 1800s in a little valley in WA state. It’s actually only about an hour drive from my home, and a place I’ve visited many times over the years, when we purchased hay from farmers there. It’s contains a lovely small town (still small even now) and a wide valley of farms and ranches with a breathtaking view of Mt. Adams in the near distance. The perfect setting for a historical romance!

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Alexis: What is the main conflict in your story? Angela and Kimberly: Please answer this question for both of your stories featured in this book.

Kimberly: In Island Christmas the major conflict between the characters is that Rachel doesn’t believe in God. This poses a big issue for Chris who is determined to be with a woman who believes the same way as him. There are other issues to, but this one stands out the strongest to me.

In A Christmas Homecoming there is quite a bit of tension between the main characters. Bailey does her best to please her boss but it’s never good enough. Stephen is caught in the middle of his mother who wants to fire Bailey and his desire to keep her around because of his growing attraction toward her and he doesn’t think Bailey deserves to be fired.

Angela: In Big Sky, Paisley wrestles with worth, and Josh unknowingly added to her feeling worthless when they were teens. I’m really trying not to give away too much backstory here, but there was a Cinderella type kiss that affected them both greatly, and they think they want different things.

In A Caffeine Conundrum, they both want to buy the shop and not go to jail, so they join forces to prove themselves innocent of murder while still being enemies in every other way.

Vickie: Clay is the new pastor in Bakerstown and is still finding his way and trying to make a good impression. Then his fiancée arrives, stirring up the young women who were aiming their bonnets for Clay. Also, some of the busy-body ladies take a disliking to Karen. She tries so hard to fit in that she makes mistakes along the way and begins to wonder if she’s the right woman for Clay.

Miralee: The conflict is more between the hero and his father. Curt left home years ago over a disagreement with his father that couldn’t be resolved. He left his sweetheart behind with the promise he’d return, but it was years before he finally came home. She waited for him, but much has changed, and his father’s disapproval is still a very big issue. He must somehow find a way to reconcile with both to save the relationships he needs in his life.

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Alexis: Did you play Christmas music while writing this story or stories? If so, which song was your favorite and how did it inspire your storytelling?

Kimberly: I generally don’t play any music when I write. I find it distracting. I’m a musician and either end up counting the beats in my head if there are no words, or singing along in my mind if there are, which not conducive to writing at all since I can no longer hear myself think.

Angela: Always. I listen to the songs I imagine my characters listening to during a scene. The lyrics inspire jokes. I love to joke, but it has to be relevant to the setting and the character. Like Josh’s pickup line of, “Aren’t you supposed to be on top of a Christmas tree this time of year?” and Paisley’s retort of, “Aren’t you supposed to be giving Mary a ride to Bethlehem?”

Vickie: I can’t listen to music while writing. I need total quiet to be creative, so I hide out in my office with the door shut when I’m working on a book. When I’m not writing I enjoy listening Christmas music. One of my favorite songs is "Mary, Did You Know?"

Miralee: I’m afraid I don’t listen to music at all when I write. I actually need a very quiet space for writing, as I can get distracted too easily, otherwise.

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Alexis: What is your favorite Christmas holiday treat? Did it help you while writing your story or stories? If so, explain.

Kimberly: My favorite Christmas treat is peppermint ice cream. I didn’t write either of my books during Christmastime. Since peppermint ice cream is seasonal, eating it wasn’t an option.

Angela: Both my stories have coffee shops, so spent a lot of time researching holiday treats. Even as I’m currently writing A Mug of Mayhem set in October, Marissa is looking forward to specific Christmas goodies she plans to bake in her shop. My personal favorite to bake is chocolate chip pumpkin bread, and my secret ingredient is cinnamon.

Vickie: Since I wrote this story in the spring, I wasn’t snacking on Christmas goodies. I’ve never been one to make lots of munchies for holidays, but we do like Magic Cookie Bars and Chex Mix. I’d have to say my favorite dessert is pie. I make pumpkin pie each Christmas and then splurge by buying a French Silk pie—my favorite.

Miralee: I have two favorites—I love what we simply call our Christmas cookies, but are a kind of sugar cookie, rolled out, cut with different shaped cutters, then frosted and have sprinkles applied. They shouldn’t be overcooked, so they stay slightly soft rather than crunchy. Yum! The second is Angel Sweets—chocolate balls mixed with chopped nuts (walnuts, peanuts or cashews) and mini marshmallows, then rolled in shredded coconut. These are sinfully delicious, and you don’t want to make them if you’re on a diet.

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Alexis: If you could give one of your characters a Christmas gift, what would it be? Why? Angela and Kimberly: Please answer this question for both of your stories featured in this book.

Kimberly: I’d give Rachel the gift of a babysitter who is always reliable because that was an issue for her. I’d give Bailey a beautiful outfit that she would feel confident in because she needs to feel good about herself.

Angela: Josh and Paisley gave each other the perfect Christmas gifts, but I’d go with Paisley to get her own Min Skatt tattoo. As for Tandy and Marissa, I think I’d bring them a busload of tourists to their shop from Cincinnati for the town’s lighting ceremony.

Vickie: This is hard because it’s been so long since I wrote this story. I think Clay and Karen got a better gift than any I could bestow on them—they got married on Christmas Eve.

Miralee: A handmade nativity figures prominently in my story. That’s something most families would treasure (I know I would) and I’d love to see my young couple have one for their home.

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Alexis: What do you want readers to remember most about your story? Angela and Kimberly: Please answer this question for both of your stories featured in this book.

Kimberly: When readers are done reading any of my books I hope they will remember being entertained and that the characters will stick with them like familiar friends.

Angela: I want my readers to feel loved. In Big Sky, they can realize how treasured they are by God. In A Caffeine Conundrum, I want them to realize that they both need and have God’s grace because Christ loved them enough to offer it to them in the ultimate Christmas gift.

Vickie: I hope I’ve given my readers a story that makes them chuckle at times. I also hope to encourage them that even though hard times come our way, God will help us through them and that things will get better.

Miralee: I hope my story will help my readers remember how important family connections are, and that it’s critical we not only forgive, but accept forgiveness when given.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, ladies. Merry Christmas!

~*~
Author Bio for Angela: 

Angela Ruth Strong sold her first Christian romance novel in 2009 then quit writing romance when her husband left her. Ten years later, God has shown her the true meaning of love, and there's nothing else she'd rather write about.

Her books have since earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, been optioned for film, won the Cascade Award, and been Amazon bestsellers. She also writes nonfiction for SpiritLed Woman.

To help aspiring authors, she started IDAhope Writers where she lives in Idaho, and she teaches as an expert online at WRITE THAT BOOK.

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Author Bio for Kimberly: 

Award-winning author, Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes romantic mystery and suspense.

Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

Kimberly’s hobbies include reading, watching chick flicks, playing the piano, long walks with her hubby and their yellow lab, drinking coffee and eating dark chocolate.

Learn more about Kimberly and her books at https://kimberlyrjohnson.com/

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Author Bio for Miralee: 

I love life, love my family, love writing Christian fiction, reading, riding my horse and puttering in my garden are all ways I relax. I often have my little 7 lb Chihuahua, Lacey, on my lap when I'm working — there's nothing like a warm ball of love on your lap to act as a stress reliever!

First and foremost I'm a child of God and daughter of the King. I've been involved in women's ministries for years, I'm married to a wonderful man, have two grown children, two cats, two dogs, 10 chickens and ride my son-in-law's Arabian mare since my old mare passed in 2013. We live about 9 miles from the nearest town on 11 acres, in a peaceful setting surrounded by trees.

I started writing shortly after I turned 50, and discovered I loved it so much I don't want to stop. I have 15 novels out & a five book set of horse novels for middle-grade girls. I write both women's contemporary fiction, historical & contemporary romance, and horse/mystery novels for girls. 

One of my Western romances (Love Finds You in Sundance, WY) was awarded the Will Rogers Medallion for Western Fiction, three books have been optioned as movies, and several books have been on the ECPA best seller list. 

You can find out more about me and my books at http://miraleeferrell.com/

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Author Bio for Vickie:

Vickie McDonough is the CBA, EPCA and Amazon best-selling author of 50 books and novellas. 

Vickie grew up wanting to marry a rancher, but instead, she married a computer geek who is scared of horses. She now lives out her dreams penning romance stories about ranchers, cowboys, lawmen, and others living in the Old West. 

Vickie’s books have won numerous awards including the Booksellers Best and the Inspirational Readers’ Choice awards. When she’s not writing, Vickie enjoys reading, doing stained-glass projects, gardening, watching movies, and traveling. 

To learn more about Vickie’s books or to sign up for her newsletter, visit her website: www.vickiemcdonough.com

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Blurbs for the novellas within 

A Christmas Romance Collection: Six heart-warming holiday romances 

Get in the mood for Christmas with six heart-warming holiday romances from 

best-selling, award-winning authors!

Island Christmas by Kimberly Rose Johnson 

Sous Chef Rachel Narrelli returns to Wildflower Island looking for a fresh start for herself and her young son. She is grateful when new friend Chris Campbell offers support as she faces her new job and new life. She cares for the Chris, but is 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. He’s drawn to Rachel, but how will a woman and her young son fit into his future—a future that’s uncertain at best?

A Christmas Homecoming by Kimberly Rose Johnson 

Bailey Calderwood gives all she has to her job as an interior design assistant, but her best isn’t good enough for her demanding, bed-ridden boss. Stephen Belafonte rushes home from France to be with his mother after her stroke, and is surprised by the rift between his mom and her assistant. When his mom demands he fire Bailey, he’s torn between respecting his mother’s wishes and doing what’s best for the business. Can Stephen find a way to heal the rift in his family as well his own heart, or will he be forced to let Bailey go?

A Caffeine Conundrum by Angela Ruth Strong 

Sassy city girl Tandy Brandt moves to a small town to start a coffee shop, never imagining she'll be competing with local beauty queen Marissa Alexander and her dream of running a tea house. Unfortunately, the current store owner dies before selling the location to either of them, and they both become murder suspects. The unlikely pair teams up to find the real killer, and hopefully, with help from Marissa's ex and a charming lawyer, they'll be able to keep from going to jail...or worse.

Finding Love in Big Sky, Montana by Angela Ruth Strong 

The last thing Paisley wants for Christmas is to spend time with Josh Lake—the guy who broke her heart in high school—but until her bank loan goes through, she has to take all the free help she can get on the ranch she inherited. Unfortunately, Josh seems to want back in her life again, and the town’s quirky coffee shop owners don’t help by hanging mistletoe at every opportunity. Will Paisley succeed in driving him away, or will she find the healing needed to have hope for a future together?

The Fruitcake Scandal by Vickie McDonough 

Pastor Clayton Parsons waited a year to bring his fiancée, Karen, to his new church post. They plan a Christmas wedding, but in the meantime Karen helps the church ladies with various projects, including a bake sale. But revealing her fruitcake recipe could spell disaster for her future with Clay.

The Nativity Bride by Miralee Ferrell

Deborah Summers has waited five years for Curt Warren to return home, passing up another marriage proposal by believing in her first love. But when tragedy finally brings him home a rift with his father threatens to drive him away. Can Deborah help him reconcile and possibly save their future?

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Buy A Christmas Romance Collection on Amazon

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Connect with all the author friends ... 

Connect with Angela:
Website: www.angelaruthstrong.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1557213161269220
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ang_strong/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AngelaRStrong
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/angela-ruth-strong

Connect with Kimberly:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimberlyRoseJohnson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kimberlyrosejoh
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberlyrosejohnsonauthor/

Connect with Miralee:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/82316202888/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MiraleeFerrell/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/MiraleeFerrell/

Connect with Vickie:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VickieMcDonough
Twitter: https://twitter.com/vickiemcdonough
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/VickieMcDonough/

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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: The Loneliness Solution

 

Alexis A. Goring's Review of 

The Loneliness Solution: Finding Meaningful Connection in a Disconnected World 

by Jack Eason (Author)

 

In an era when face-to-face interactions with friends is replaced by online interactions with "Facebook friends," this book by Jack Eason is just what the doctor ordered!

 

Filled with practical advice on how to make lasting friendships that are fostered in person, Eason teaches us the value of old-fashioned community. He reminds us of a time when we actually talked to each other in coffee shops and spend quality time together, in person without modern technology as our sidekick or third wheel. 

 

Through the word and real-life stories in this nonfiction book, The Loneliness Solution: Finding Meaningful Connection in a Disconnected World, the author encourages us to connect with each other again in a way that is meaning, deep and real.

 

Loneliness is on the rise and is becoming as prevalent as the modern day technologies that keep us occupied. This book is a challenge to the status quo and a call-t0-action for every lonely heart. 

 

Beautifully written, this book is a keeper! 

 

It's also a perfect gift for your loved ones this Christmas!

 

~*~

Author Bio:

Jack Eason serves nonprofit organizations throughout the United States and around the world as a consultant for fundraising, growth and development, board governance, and other areas of ministry leadership. 

Jack is the Executive Stateside Director of Crossover CUPS Mission, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that has been privileged to serve the local Church and missions-related organizations around the world for 30 years. Through the ministry of Crossover, Jack's team led student camps on the East and West Coasts for many years. Jack also produced a nationally syndicated radio and television show aimed at students for over 15 years. Now the Crossover CUPS mission impacts the lives of families in the Dominican Republic and Malawi.
africa2.jpg

Jack is married to Lynette Eason (the real famous one in their family, an accomplished author) and is the father of Lauryn and Will. He and his family live in Simpsonville, SC. Jack loves Jesus, his family, sweet tea, and serving others. 

In the last 15 years, God has used him to raise tens of millions of dollars for organizations like Christian radio, children's homes, mission efforts, pregnancy centers, and more. 

Whether it be raising funds for your upcoming special event or facilitating a training for your Staff and Board of Directors, Jack Eason not only has a heart to serve... he has the experience to connect and impact your team. Simply put, Jack gets results for the groups he speaks for! 

Jack is passionate about helping people understand the impact we can have when we work TOGETHER.

~*~
Book blurb for The Loneliness Solution:

 

Statistics show that, despite our connected worldworld — and partly because of it —we are lonelier than ever. Social media tricks us into thinking that we are engaged in genuine friendships, except we never quite get beyond that feeling of being outside someone else's life and looking in every so often at what they choose to show the world. Instead of intimacy we get little more than what amounts to digital small talk. But there is a solution. 

With plenty of good humor and practical advice, Jack Eason invites you to discover the benefits of doing life together with other brothers and sisters in Christ. Grounding his message in Scripture, Eason helps you:

- learn the obstacles to real community
- reimagine what real friendship looks like
- discover a place of true belonging
- and more

If you're tired of feeling lonely, this encouraging and community-building book is just what you need.

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Buy this book on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

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Connect with the author:
Website: https://www.jackeason.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jackeasonspeaks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wjackeason/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jackeason
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/c/JackEasonCMI
Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jack-eason-podcast/id1485111148

 

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Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): 

Many thanks to Revel Publishers for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. 

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor FlyBy Promotions/Momentum Influencer in the last 30 days, from the same blog, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

~*~
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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