Christmas On My Heart: "Merry Christmas, Amor" by Cindy Flores Martinez

The Story Behind Merry Christmas, Amor by Cindy Flores Martinez:

My story, Merry Christmas, Amor, was originally published as part of Melissa Storm’s First Street Church Romances Kindle World a little over a year ago. Back then, it had another title: Love’s Second Chance. The story was much shorter, it didn’t have a Christmas theme, and the male lead character’s name was different. After Amazon closed its Kindle Worlds program and unpublished its books, I decided to rewrite the story. Explaining the inspiration behind Merry Christmas, Amor would mean going back to the previous version.

When I sat down to write Love’s Second Chance, which is now Merry Christmas, Amor, Melissa Storm had chosen me to be part of her team of authors that would help launch her Kindle World series. I had read the first book in her First Street Church Romances series, and it played a huge part in inspiring my story. I had always written romantic comedies or sweet romances that had a bit of humor in them but I decided to try something more serious this time around. Instead of writing the simple characters that I always wrote, I decided to write those that had deeper problems.

Esperanza De La Cruz was the first character that I created. She’s a young Latina woman whose family is broken, whose life is a mess and who finds strength through her faith in God and her relationship with Him. The name Esperanza De La Cruz means "Hope of the Cross."

I chose that name on purpose because I wanted that message to shine through. I took time creating all sorts of problems for Esperanza because I wanted to show how she’s okay despite everything. This is so true for me in my own life. Despite the problems that come along, I’m okay because of my relationship with God but it wasn’t always that way for me. I didn’t find Christ until just years ago and so I know the difference between going through life with God’s presence and power and going through life without Him.

Being that the series was Christian Romance, I needed to create a love story. That’s when Deputy Nuñez came along. His name was different in the first version but he’s still the same person. When I began figuring out his storyline, I had already decided that Esperanza’s father had committed a crime, which is a great source of pain for her. He’s in prison for intoxicated manslaughter. So I wondered, what if Esperanza’s love interest has strong feelings against crime? Better yet, what if he’s law enforcement? It would create a unique kind of conflict, especially if she hides her problems from him because she doesn’t know him well enough yet.

The overall main theme in the story is forgiveness. Esperanza’s father has hurt her tremendously because of his actions but she has forgiven him. Everyone in the story has forgiven someone in some way. Esperanza’s mother Milagros, which means “miracles”, has forgiven her husband. Deputy Nuñez’s mother Alma, which means “soul”, has forgiven her abusive ex-husband. Can Deputy Nuñez forgive his father who was abusive toward him in the past? How can someone forgive what seems impossible? That’s the question that Merry Christmas, Amor explores.

The story isn’t all about family problems, though. It takes place in the fictional small town of Mulberry Shores during the most wonderful time of the year—Christmastime. There’s a Christmas tree lighting ceremony on an idyllic Main Street that’s beautifully decorated. There are a few quirky characters and a bit of humor as well. The love of family and friends—and a little bit of Mexican culture—are also woven into the pages.

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Author Bio:
Cindy Flores Martinez is a USA Today bestselling author. She writes Christian Romance. She has an MFA in Creative Writing with an emphasis in Screenwriting. Her debut novel, Mail-Order Groom, started as a screenplay and movie project, which she shopped around Hollywood, New York, and other parts of the world. You can learn more about her at www.cindyfloresmartinez.com.

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Book Blurb for Merry Christmas, Amor:

It’s almost Christmas, and Deputy Nuñez isn’t in a festive mood.

Esperanza De La Cruz isn’t, either, after having left the only home she’s ever known to work at the daycare in the small town of Mulberry Shores. 

When her car and belongings are stolen, Deputy Nuñez comes to the rescue. 

Slowly, she begins to thaw his frozen heart.

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Buy A Merry Little Winter (boxed set), in which Cindy's story "Merry Christmas, Amor" is featured on Amazon,  Barnes and Noble, or Kobo

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Connect with Cindy:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cindyfloresmartinezauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorCindy
Main website: www.cindyfloresmartinez.com
Another website: www.sweetromancereads.com

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Devotionals for the Heart: Patrick's thoughts on Christmastime and Jesus

The Neglected Gift
A devotional by Patrick E. Craig

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 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. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” 
~Luke 2:8-14 (KJV)

Christmas! What a wonderful time! But the wonder doesn’t come from the festivities or the presents or the lights or even gathering together with family. The wonder comes from the truth of what really happened that long-ago morning: The Creator of the Universe set aside His glory and came into the world to redeem fallen man. It was the greatest of all Christmas gifts!

Yes, it is a miraculous gift, but how often do we forget that He gave us another gift? A gift so important, so necessary to live the way He desires us to live that He exalted it above even His own name? (Psalm 138:2) And sad to say, even in the season that focuses so completely on Jesus, this precious gift too often sits gathering dust on a shelf in our home, its power hidden between unopened covers. That gift is the written Word, a love letter from God, without which we could not be certain of the foundations of our faith.

The written word is powerful in its capacity to pervade the mind and heart of those who read it. I’m an author and when someone picks up my book, there is an implied acceptance of the ideas I am trying to get across in my writing. The reader is thereby open to my words and thoughts. Like a baby bird with its mouth gaping open waiting for mother to feed it, my reader has given me the right to speak into their lives. Because of this acceptance, my words can penetrate a resistant heart, simply because the choice to read my book opens the door to the truth it contains.

If that is true for a human writer then how much more will we benefit when we pick up our Bibles and give God permission to speak into our lives. Then the truth of God will permeate our very spirit, and wash away the things of this world that hold us back.

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
~Hebrews 4:12 (KJV)

As the ages draw to a close, it is time for Christians to understand that the task of the church is very clear. There are millions of people who will go into a Christ-less eternity unless they hear the truth of the Gospel. And they will never hear that truth unless someone tells them. But we cannot tell people what we do not know ourselves. For we cannot know it unless we open the pages of our Bible and let God speak to us—for His name and His face are on every page.

“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” 

~Romans 10:14-15 (KJV)

It is God’s will that all men should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. So in this Christmas season, remember that the greatest gift we can give is the gift of Christ. And being able to give that gift means taking up the Word and letting His words fill us with His wisdom and understanding so that we are always ready to give an answer as to why we are the way we are. 

Merry Christmas!

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Author Bio:

Patrick E. Craig is a lifelong writer and musician who left a successful songwriting and performance career in the music industry to follow Christ in 1984. 

In 2011 he signed a three-book deal with Harvest House Publishers to publish his Apple Creek Dreams series. His current series is The Paradise Chronicles. The first book in the series, The Amish Heiress, a romantic suspense novel, was published by Patrick's company, P&J Publishing, in August of 2015 and remained on the Amazon Top 100 best sellers list in three categories for seven months.

The second book in the series, The Amish Princess, a historical romance novel, was released in December of 2016 and was on Amazon's Hot New Releases for over a month. Harlequin recently purchased the print rights for both books for their Walmart Amish series. Patrick also just released Cracking The Indie Egg—A Recipe For Publishing Your Own Book and it is available in most major digital bookstores.

Patrick and his wife Judy, make their home in Idaho. They have two married children and five grandchildren. Patrick is represented by the Steve Laube Agency.

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Connect with Patrick:
Website - www.patrickecraig.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PatrickECraig
Twitter - https://twitter.com/PatrickECraig
Amazon Author page - http://tinyurl.com/n6sfagg

Christmas on My Heart: Deck the Shelves by Toni Shiloh

Interview with Kendall, a character from Deck the Shelves (book) 

by Toni Shiloh:

Alexis: Hi, Kendall! Thanks for visiting my blog today and agreeing to talk! Let’s begin the interview. First, do you think that your author Toni Shiloh told your story well?

Kendall: I do! I wasn’t sure at first because I wasn’t willing to look at my vulnerabilities, but once I started the healing process I could appreciate her process.

Alexis: Do you like the title that Toni gave your story, “Deck the Shelves?”

Kendall: I adore the title! It represents The Cozy Shelf well!

Alexis: Paint a picture of The Cozy Shelf (your bookstore) with words. Do you live there too?

Kendall: The Cozy Shelf is a gorgeous redbrick Victorian if I do say so myself. There’s a bay window on the left—if you’re looking at it from the street. There’s also a huge square window on the right that provides a view into the room with the cash register and gift options. I sale mugs, wrapping paper, and the occasional awesome shirts in there. Each room has its own title and each floor as a few rooms, except for the third and top floor. That’s my flat complete with a kitchenette, living area, and bedroom space.

Alexis: What do you love most about owning the bookstore and working there?

Kendall: All the books! It’s better than having a library in my opinion. I also love the customers. They brighten up my day with their love of reading.

Alexis: Clearly, you have a forever flame of passion for literature. What first inspired your love for books? 

Kendall: It’s something I did with my grandmother. She always read me a bedtime story before tucking me in for the night. Now it’s a way to keep her memory alive.

Alexis: What is your all-time favorite book to read? Why?

Kendall: I love Pride and Prejudice. There’s just something about walking through their misperceptions and discovering the underlying romance.

Alexis: Would you say that Christmas is your favorite holiday? Why or why not?

Kendall: I love Christmas but I would have to say Easter is my favorite holiday. I love celebrating the Resurrection.

Alexis: Quinton Hendricks is the hero of your story, fondly known by you as “Q”. Describe him. What does he look like? Talk like? Act like?

Kendall: *Fans herself* That man is pure goodness. He’s average height but oh so cute. His brown skin reminds me of my favorite suede ankle booties. And his lips form the perfect crooked smile that turns my insides to mush. I love his voice. It’s soothing and mellow and I could listen to it forever. And he’s so gentle! You see it with how he treats his son, his father, and his grandmother.

Alexis: What first attracted you to Q? Did you not like anything about him?

Kendall: His looks caught my attention but the quiet way in which he conducted himself is what drew my curiosity. And later was the bane of my existence. I mean I didn’t know where I stood with him. No hints from that man whatsoever!

Alexis: I thought it was so cute how you and Q were clearly on the same page but had to quote lines from books to share how you felt. What was that like?

Kendall: A romance straight from the classics! But also, it was terrifying. I didn’t know he would send me notes but once he did, I still was afraid to hope on what that meant.

Alexis: You were married and divorced. How did your broken heart affect the blossoming of your new romance with Q?

Kendall: Greatly. I felt like I couldn’t trust it to steer me in the right direction where Q was concerned. But it allowed me to seek the Lord more than if I had felt assured by Q’s interest and affections.

Alexis: What were your first impressions of Q’s young son, Deuce?

Kendall: Oh I love Deuce! He’s so inquisitive during story time and you can see the delight on his face while the stories are being told. I think he’ll do great things with his imagination as he grows.

Alexis: I love the way your story ended! Are there wedding bells in the future? If so, will we (the readers) get to experience it with you? I vote for a sequel!

Kendall: Well I do know Toni is planning on more Heartfall books, so we shall see.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Kendall. Merry Christmas and God bless you!

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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Book Blurb for Deck the Shelves:

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

Her life is one straight out of the pages, except she’s missing that leading man. Although she has a crush on the handsome auto mechanic, Quinton Hendricks, Kendall wants an old-fashioned type of romance—the stuff swoon-worthy romance books are made of. But Quinton seems to need a little prodding.

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

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

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Buy Toni's book on Amazon in the box set Comfort & Joy: The Christmas Lights Collection 2018

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Connect with Toni:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authortonishiloh
Twitter: www.twitter.com/tonishilohwrite
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/tonishiloh
Instagram: www.instagram.com/tonishiloh
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/tonishiloh
BookBub: www.bookbub.com/authors/toni-shiloh
My BookCave: https://mybookcave.com/profile/toni-shiloh/
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cmNFKD
Blogs where she contributes posts: http://puttingonthenew.com, http://heartwingsblog.com and http://diversitybetweenthepages.wordpress.com

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Devotionals for the Heart: Devotion

Hopefully devoted
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

When I think of the word “devoted,” my Gram immediately comes to mind.

A child of the Depression, she learned to make do in a tough world. She moved with her entire family to Miami from Brooklyn, New York, when she was thirteen, and by the time she came of age, World War II was in full swing. She met and married her husband, my grandfather, at age nineteen, and raised three kids in the suburbs while working as a bookkeeper and keeping house.

I loved him dearly, but I imagine my Gramps wasn’t an easy man to be married to—and yet my Gram was always there by his side, devoted, in spite of his temper and other quirks best left to time.

When her children grew up and left home, Gram continued to be a devoted wife, but also a woman devoted to many others in her life. Her widowed mom began a battle with Alzheimer’s, and so my great-grandmother moved in with them, and Gram became her full-time caregiver until my great-grandmother’s death. Shortly after her passing, my Great-Aunt Ethel took ill. Again, Gram didn’t hesitate—Aunt Ethel moved right into the vacant spare bedroom, and there she remained, happy and well loved until her death.

Over the years, Gram took in a host of people in need—my cousin Vikki and Vikki’s young son when they fell on hard times; her childhood friend Annie when Annie’s family no longer had enough space; eventually my Gramps himself, between cancer and a long and difficult battle with dementia. Even a litter of alley-kittens (in spite of Gram’s horrible cat allergy!) became her “flock.”

In her care and devotion for others, Gram embodied love. She embodied Jesus.

Gram’s love and devotion brings to mind for me the Apostle Paul’s reminder to the early church to “be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10 NIV).

Devotion is a big word. Essentially, it means “all-in.” It’s a sacrifice of self, a sacrifice much like Jesus made for us on the cross: one that sometimes saps our strength and our pocketbooks, our time and our energy. It means giving relentlessly, radically, fully.

It’s the kind of love embodied by my Gram, who gave of her body, her soul, her time, her heart, her home, her finances—everything she had to care for those under her watch.

Be devoted, as God is, was, and has always been to us—a nonstop, all-in, all-consuming, total love. For in loving others, we love God. And we model God’s love for us.

I pray I can follow in my Gram’s footsteps in my devotion to those in my world—family, friends, neighbors, and those in need.

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Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning Christian novelist, journalist, editor, blogger, and writing coach.  

She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism. 

Learn more about her fiction and read her blog at http://jessicabrodie.com/shiningthelight.

Falling for Books: Jenna's book

Excerpt from Chapter 9 of Rekindled by Jenna Brandt:

Playfully, she slapped him on the side of the arm. “Hey now, you’re supposed to be charming while you’re trying to win me back.”

The smile vanished from his face as he stared deep into her emerald eyes. “Is that what’s going on? Am I winning you back?”

Molly pressed her lips together and he could feel the tension in her body. “Yes,” she whispered barely loud enough for him to hear.

That one word made Spencer’s heart fill with joy. He had dreamed of this moment for years, but never thought it would actually come to be. Molly Price was in his arms telling him they had a second chance.

“You don’t know how happy hearing that makes me,” Spencer said, just as the song ended.

Everyone on the dance floor stopped and clapped as the lead singer of the band spoke between songs.

“I want to thank Spencer and the rest of the Boys and Girls Club board for inviting us here tonight to play a few songs for you. When I was a kid, there wasn’t a lot of safe things to do around Bayfield, so I appreciate the time and work of the dedicated volunteers who are making a place where kids can feel safe while having fun. This next song, Only You, is going out to Molly from Spencer.”

Molly’s eyes darted to Spencer as she gasped. “I can’t believe you did this.”

“It’s your favorite song, right? I still remember the first time you played it for me out by the lake. It’s one of my best memories.”

Tears formed in the corner of her eyes as he gathered her into his arms.

She shook her head and said with amazement, “Thank you so much. I feel so special.”

“Then all of this was worth it. The regular band will be playing the rest of the evening, but I’m friends with the drummer of Blindsided, so I asked them to come do this for you.”

“I’m starting to see you’ve really changed. The old Spencer never would have gone to all this trouble, let alone make a public proclamation that he cared enough to dedicate a song to me.”

“I really have changed, Molly, and I’m glad you’re starting to see that.”

Spencer spun Molly around the floor, loving the feeling of her in his arms. Several times, he wanted to lean in and kiss her, but he wondered if she would be upset if he did it front of everyone.

The night was wrapping up and the last song was playing. Molly shifted her hand from his shoulder to the front of his chest. Her eyes locked with his, and the intensity pushed all rational thought out of his mind. He didn’t care who was watching or how anyone would react, he was going to kiss Molly Price.

His face started to move towards hers, but just as their lips were about to touch, Tiffany’s obnoxious voice said from behind them, “Oh gross, tell me you’re not about to kiss her, Spencer.”

Molly jerked back and the moment was ruined. He was halfway tempted to turn around and yell at Tiffany, but decided against it. He didn’t want to make a spectacle during the event.

Instead, he irritably faced her and asked, “What do you want, Tiffany?”

“I want you to dance with me, for old time’s sake,” she said, reaching out and placing her hand on his arm. “We used to dance really good together, don’t you remember that Spencer?”

His stomach turned at the innuendo in Tiffany’s statement. Why couldn’t she take ‘no’ for an answer? “When are you going to realize I’m not interested in being with you, Tiffany?”

“Don’t say that,” she snapped. “I know you don’t mean it.”

Molly reached out and removed Tiffany’s hand from Spencer. “He said he isn’t interested, which means you’re wasting your time. Why don’t you do us all a favor, and leave us alone.”

Spencer was surprised to see Molly standing up to Tiffany for the first time. It appeared he wasn’t the only one who had changed.

“What are you going to do? Make me?” Tiffany challenged Molly.

“No, I don’t resort to childish tactics to get my way,” Molly stated through narrowed eyes. “You should grow up and back off. Learn the lesson you don’t always get your way.”

Tiffany placed her hands on her hips as she glared at Molly. “You’re just so smug, aren’t you? Just remember, Spencer isn’t great at being faithful. Good luck with that,” she said, before turning around and storming off.

Spencer was worried Tiffany’s words would cause Molly to put distance between them and undo all the progress they had made towards reconciling.

“Tell me she didn’t get to you,” Spencer pleaded.

“She didn’t,” Molly stated, shaking her head. “I know who you are, Spencer Conrad, and I don’t care what anyone else thinks.”

Her vote of confidence made Spencer’s heart swell with pride. Wanting to be alone with her, Spencer asked, “You ready to get out of here?”

She nodded as he took her hand and guided her to the coat check to grab their jackets along with Spencer’s umbrella. As they stepped outside, small drops of rain sprinkled down. Spencer pulled out his umbrella and put it over their heads. They rushed towards his car, but before he opened the door, he turned to her and said, “I’m proud of you for what you did in there. You standing up to Tiffany has been a long time coming.”

“Agreed,” Molly said. “You did it last time at the reunion, but I don’t want to hide behind you. She needs to know she doesn’t scare me anymore.”

“It was really attractive when you took her hand and flicked it off me,” he said, moving even closer to her. “I like it when you’re possessive over me.”

“Good, I plan to be that way from now on.”

“You won’t hear me complain,” he whispered as he stared at her. “You know, when I look into your eyes, it’s like coming home.”

Unable to resist any longer, Spencer closed the remaining distance between them. Molly placed her hand on his chest, then he placed his own over hers. “Can I kiss you?” he asked hesitantly.

She whispered, “Yes,” just before his lips touched hers. The kiss was tender, and the sound of the raindrops hitting the umbrella and sliding down and around them made the moment perfect.

As Spencer helped Molly into the car, he realized he was done for. Molly Price was the only woman he had ever, and would ever, love.

~*~
Author Bio:

Jenna Brandt is an international bestselling author who writes Christian historical and contemporary romance. Her historical books span from Victorian to Western to WWI eras and all her books have elements of romance, suspense, and faith. 

Her debut series, the Window to the Heart Saga, along with her multi-author series, The Lawkeepers and Match Made in Heaven Series, have become international bestsellers as well as garnered praise and love from readers.

She has been an avid reader since she could hold a book and started writing stories almost as early. She has been published in several newspapers as well as edited for multiple papers. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in English from Bethany College and was the Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper while there. Her first blog was published on Yahoo Parenting and The Grief Toolbox as well as featured on the ABC News, CNN Health, and Good Morning America websites. She is a contributor and curator for the website, Novel PASTimes, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW).

Writing is her passion, but she also enjoys cooking, watching movies, reading, engaging in social media and spending time with her three young daughters and husband where they live in the Central Valley of California. She is also active in her local church where she volunteers on their first impressions team, in the crisis care ministry as well as writes for the church’s creative team.

To find out more about Jenna, to sign-up for her newsletter, or to purchase her books, visit her website at http://www.jennabrandt.com.

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Book Blurb for Rekindled:

Sometimes, God gives you a second chance because you’re not ready the first time.

Spencer Conrad was the high school quarterback and Molly Price was his school-assigned English tutor. What started out as a forced arrangement turned into a secret romantic connection which ends horribly wrong.

Ten years later, Molly returns home with a college degree, established journalism career, and a hot, new boyfriend. She wants to show everyone-especially Spencer-what a great life she has made for herself. Her 10-year high school reunion is the perfect place to do it. Molly also has a secret agenda. Set on revenge, she's determined to prove Spencer is guilty of underhanded deals with the local district attorney rather than believe he has turned over a new leaf. But as Molly investigates, she’s shocked to find that Spencer isn’t what she remembered. He’s not the cocky (secretly scared) jock she once knew, he’s now a noble defense attorney, a volunteer at the local boys’ and girls’ club, and a deacon in the church.

When she runs into him at the local library, Spencer apologizes for what he did back in high school and tells Molly he would like to treat her to coffee to catch up. Worried his smoldering blue eyes and perfect dimples can still make her weak in the knees, she suggests a double date to keep him at arm’s length. Can she forgive what he did to her when they were young? Will he stand up to the people who used to bully her, and finally set the record straight? And will they both realize that the chemistry between them when they were kids still lingers just below the surface, ready to break free and be stronger than ever before?

Second Chance with You is a series written by a group of sweet, clean romance authors connected by the idea that past loves, broken apart for a myriad of reasons, can be brought back together—some by chance, some by circumstance, some by choice.

Rekindled is part of the Second Chance with You Series. All books in this series are standalone and can be read in any order.

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Buy Jenna's book on Amazon

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Connect with Jenna:
Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/2E0PjtJ
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JennaBrandtAuthor
Twitter: www.twitter.com/JennaDBrandt
Instagram: www.instagram.com/jennnathewriter/
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/jennnathewriter
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16847426.Jenna_BrandtBookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jenna-brandt
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Christmas on My Heart: "Sugarplums and Second Chances: A Lake Endwell Romance" by Jill Kemerer

Switch It Up This Christmas
A guest post by Jill Kemerer

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

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

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

Does this sound familiar?

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

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

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

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

And we wonder why it all feels a tad dull…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

He didn't expect to fall for her.

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

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Christmas on My Heart: A Picture Perfect Christmas by Candee Fick

What Inspired Me to Write A Picture Perfect Christmas
A personal essay by Candee Fick

I recently took my first plunge into independent publishing as a novelist with the release of A Picture Perfect Christmas, the fourth book in The Wardrobe series. It seems like such a simple thing, but it wasn't. Here's the rest of the story...

Focus On Love, the second book in the series, released in February and reached well over 100 reviews within the first week. However, one common theme in many of those reviews—in addition to direct emails and responses on social media—was that readers couldn't wait to read what happened next in order to find out if and how Liz reunited with her parents.

For the first time, many readers were left disappointed by one of my stories. Ouch.

But in writing Focus On Love, my intention had been to contrast religion's list of rules with a true relationship based on love and I'd used the "villain" of my heroine's father to underscore that conflict. I'd tried to drop enough breadcrumbs to leave open the possibility of a future reconciliation but still kept the immediate focus of the story on Liz's internal journey to find security in God even when life didn't turn out like she'd hoped. A few readers appreciated that message...but most wanted more.

Even worse? I'd already written Book 3 of the series (Sing a New Song featuring a secondary character, Gloria) and there wasn't a natural way to weave an additional storyline into that plot without it feeling forced or obviously tacked-on. So, if I was to give readers what they wanted, they'd have to wait for Book 4 and who knew when that book would get published.

But speaking of waiting, since the first books of the series are with a small press, readers already had to wait for over a year between books. Which was long enough for readers to lose interest in the overall storyline and even forget about me in the process. Trying to maintain marketing momentum over those gaps was difficult at best and didn't bode well for building a career as an author.

Disappointed readers and a long publication gap had me praying for a solution. Then, along came inspiration in the form of a writing group chat about Christmas stories and how they should include seasonal elements, love, a Scrooge character, and a miracle.

Hmm. I already had a Scrooge character in the form of Liz's dad... And my lovebirds would need a miracle to get him to their wedding... And I'd had my own fairytale Christmas wedding to inspire the descriptions. What if I wrote a Christmas story to wrap up all those loose ends and what if I published it this year to plug that gap before Book 3 released next May?

However, just because I had a great idea, didn't mean the logistics would work. One of the first things I did was sketch out a production schedule with personal deadlines to meet. But I also needed to check with my publisher to make sure they were open to the idea of me publishing a book that would cross-promote with the titles I had under contract with them. I also wanted their input on how to number the series. Why? Because chronologically in story world time, next May's release was Book 3 and A Picture Perfect Christmas would occur almost six months later...making it Book 4 even though it would be out before Sing a New Song was even up for pre-order.

Thankfully, my publisher was more than happy with my idea and with their green light approval, I dove into the whole process of seeing a new book from the nugget of an idea to publication in under six months.

What inspired me to write this story? One part was readers asking for more. One part was overall marketing frustrations. And a whole bunch of God-inspiration that led me to find the solution with enough time on the calendar to get it done right.

And the result is A Picture Perfect Christmas.

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Book Blurb for A Picture Perfect Christmas:

From disowned to daughter to “I do?"

Freelance photographers Liz Foster and Ryan Callahan are finally making plans for their future. And what better time to get married than during the festive holiday season that brought them together? If only Liz’s parents weren’t standing in the way of a picture-perfect wedding.

Spurred on by the ghosts of Christmases past, Dan Foster has already written Liz out of his will, so even attending the wedding—let alone walking his daughter down the aisle—is out of the question. However, this is the season for miracles and Ryan will do anything to make his bride smile. 

What will it take to bring this family back together in time for the wedding?

If you like Christmas weddings, family reunions, and happily-ever-afters, then you’ll love this next chapter in The Wardrobe series by Candee Fick.

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Author Bio:

Candee Fick is a romance editor for a small Christian press and a multi-published award-winning author. 

She is the wife of a high school football coach and the mother of three children, including a daughter with a rare genetic syndrome. 

When not busy editing or writing, she can be found cheering on the home team at sporting events, exploring the great Colorado outdoors, indulging in dark chocolate, and savoring happily-ever-after endings through a good book.

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Buy Candee’s book on Amazon 

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Connect with Candee:
Sign up for Email List: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/a5p3s2
Find all of her books: https://www.amazon.com/Candee-Fick/e/B0056B94VE/
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/CandeeFick

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