Stories of Love: Christmas at the Inn

Today, we're featuring my author friend Ashley Clark's book, 

Christmas at the Inn.

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Book Blurb:

Fairhope, Alabama. 1952.  

Take a trip to Millie's Boardinghouse this Christmas...

When Walter and Violet fake a relationship for the sake of their families, they find themselves in a surprising situation under the mistletoe thanks to Millie, the inn's owner.

But just as sparks begin to fly and Walter prepares to confess his feelings, he gets news from his family that will have both he and Violet reevaluating what they really want this Christmas... and for their future.

Fans of The Dress Shop on King Street will enjoy this sweet, historical romance set during Millie's first Christmas as a mother.

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Author Bio:

Ashley Clark writes romantic women's fiction set in the South. 

With a master's degree in creative writing, Ashley teaches literature and writing courses at the university level. 

Ashley has been an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers for over a decade. She lives with her husband, son, and a rescued Cocker Spaniel off Florida's Gulf Coast. 

When she's not writing, she's rescuing stray animals, dreaming of Charleston, and drinking all the English breakfast tea she can get her hands on.

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Connect with Ashley:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleyclarkbooks
Website: www.ashleyclarkbooks.com

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Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this holiday book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below:  

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Stories of Love: A Picture Perfect Christmas by Candee Fick

Today, we're featuring my author friend Candee Fick's book, 

A Picture Perfect Christmas.

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Book Blurb:

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?

~*~

Author Bio:

Candee Fick is a multi-published, award-winning author. 

She is also 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 writing, editing, or coaching other authors, 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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Connect with Candee:
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/Author.Candee.Fick
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CandeeFick
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candeefick/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/CandeeFick/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/candee-fick
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Candee-Fick/e/B0056B94VE/
Website: https://candeefick.com

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Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this holiday book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below:

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Devotionals for the Heart: Your Gifts

Your Gifts Have A Unique Purpose 
A devotional by Mirachelle Canada

“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us . . .” 

– Romans 12:4-6 (NIV)

Can a hand function as a foot, or a foot as a hand?

Not effectively because each is uniquely designed for a reason. Though similar in the digits of fingers and toes, the vast differences between the two are in their design, structure, and purpose. The hand provides strength, power, and protection to the body. The foot provides support, balance, and mobility of the body.

In this same way, God created each of His children with a special purpose. To each one He establishes a unique destiny with gifts to match. Why then do we desire to change ourselves or our circumstances, ignoring our unique gifts? A choir member wishes to be the lead vocalist on the praise team. An usher wishes to be the deacon. The Sunday school teacher wishes to be the credentialed pastor. A youth pastor wishes to be the senior pastor. A band leader wishes to be the musical director, and so on.

These wishes are all a part of the proverbial “grass is always greener on the other side” mentality. Wishing to be other than you have been called or designed to be by God is the same as wanting to trade in your hand for your foot. If the position is not what He designed you for, then you won’t function properly within the body of Christ.

When we covet someone else’s gifting in the body, we are taking our eyes off the mark, which is in Jesus Christ. This type of sin will hinder us and our purpose. Hebrews 12:1-2 says that we are called to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (NIV, emphasis added). Don’t miss the enduring hope in that instruction! Jesus pioneered the way for us to fulfill our calling both faithfully and effectively. Rather than looking to someone else’s gift to fulfill your purpose, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, who knows your unique giftings and will champion them to completion within you.

In this festive holiday season, there are so many of our unique gifts that we can humbly offer to God for His purpose. More than anything else, let us be willing to be the extensions of His hands and His feet by offering to others His unending mercy and everlasting love.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, thank You for the unique gifts within me that You designed for your purpose. Help me to use my gifts as You intended them as I keep my eyes fixed on your Son, Jesus Christ, who died so that I can live in hope and victory. Show me how to be a part of the Body of Christ with a cheerful heart—whether hand or foot, arm, or leg. Thy will be done. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Reflection Question: What has God shown you is your unique gift in the Body of Christ? Tell us about it in the comments section!

~*~
Author Bio:

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

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

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

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

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

Stories of Love: The Christmas Family

Today, we're featuring my author friend Linda Goodnight's story,

The Christmas Family.

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Book Blurb for "The Christmas Family": 

Contractor Brady Buchanon can't wait to surprise single mom Abby Webster with his company's Christmas home-makeover prize.

 

Raised in foster care, the struggling waitress doesn’t want to accept charity ever again, but when her dilapidated porch almost injures her child, Abby agrees to Brady's offer. 

As the big-hearted bachelor pushes to finish the house, he starts falling for Abby and her special little girl. But there is trouble on the horizon that could ruin everyone's holiday. 

Can Brady find a way to make his-and Abby's-Christmas wishes come true?

~*~
Author Bio:

New York Times bestseller Linda Goodnight fell in love with words as a young child when her mother took her to a tiny library and let her fill a cardboard box with books.

The next week she was back again, forever hooked on the beauty and power of the written word. Her other passions are her faith and her blended family.

A former nurse and teacher, she lives in Oklahoma with her husband where she enjoys baking and travel. And pie. She loves pie.

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Connect with Linda:
Website: www.lindagoodnight.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LindaGoodnightAuthor/

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Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this holiday book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below: 

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Stories of Love: Unpacking Christmas

Today, we're featuring my author friend Beth K. Vogt's book,

Unpacking Christmas.

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Book Blurb:

As Johanna, Jillian, and Payton look forward to celebrating the Christmas holidays with their families, they’re not prepared for an announcement that changes everything they’ve grown to love and cherish. 

Their parents are selling their long-time family home. One change seems to lead to another, with Payton and Zach announcing their own decision to move, while Jillian and Geoff tackle the challenge of starting a family. The only ones maintaining the status quo are Johanna and Beckett—but romantic limbo is no place to be. Then their dad’s sudden health crisis spins life further out of control.

Instead of putting up holiday lights and decorating the family Christmas tree, the Thatcher sisters are helping pack up their childhood home. Along the way, they share treasured memories, try to hold onto valued traditions, discovering the struggles they’ve endured pale in comparison to the love they share with each other.

This Christmas, Johanna, Jillian, and Payton will laugh and cry together as they realize the true magic of Christmas isn’t found in gifts or decorations, but in the love of family.

~*~
Author Bio:

Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” 

Having authored ten contemporary romance novels and novellas, The Best We’ve Been, the final book in Beth’s Thatcher Sisters Series with Tyndale House Publishers, released May 2020. 

Other books in the women’s fiction series include Things I Never Told You, which won the 2019 AWSA Award for Contemporary Novel of the Year, and Moments We Forget. 

Beth is a 2016 Christy Award winner, a 2016 ACFW Carol Award winner, and a 2015  RITA finalist. An established magazine writer and former editor of the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth blogs for Learn How to Write a Novel and The Write Conversation and also enjoys speaking to writers group and mentoring other writers. 

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Connect with Beth:
Website: http://www.bethvogt.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBethKVogt
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethvogt
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethkvogt/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/beth-k-vogt
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/beth_vogt/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5042181.Beth_K_Vogt

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Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this holiday book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below:

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Devotionals for the Heart: Faith

A Life Lesson On Faith
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him,

“Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. 

That’s how many descendants you will have!”

And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted 

him as righteous because of his faith.”—Genesis 15:5-6 (NLT)

Have you ever watched children try to do something for the very first time?

They try and very rarely are successful on their first attempt. Let’s take a baby for instance. They attempt to move an object but it’s stuck. So, they try another angle and it moves a little but not enough to get it where they want it. They keep pushing and pushing to move the object. Their gaze is steadfast because they believe they can do it. Would you say this little person is determined? Certainly! They have convinced themselves that it can be done.

What encourages them is seeing that thing buckle and move even a tiny bit. That tiny movement gives them hope that more can happen.

We’ve all taken time when we’ve attempted to create something, laboring patiently expecting a result. There are days when I wonder if I’ve made any progress from the morning to the evening and rather than celebrate the fact that one item on my to-do list was done, I beat myself up because I didn’t get the whole list done. That has begun to change. The change has been years in the making but I’m getting better. If there is one person who teaches us about faith and believing, I would say Abraham is a great teacher. However, he had to be a student first.

Let’s examine this real-life lesson: His name was not always Abraham, it was Abram. He is known as the “father of faith”. God called him to leave the town where he lived and relocate to a place Abram had never heard of and He didn’t reveal directions to take him there. Most of us would look up with hand on hip and ask God, “You want me to do what?” I don’t think Abram was any different (although scripture doesn’t note an argument). Abram did what God asked and left his country. God was his GPS as Abram left town with his wife and his nephew. They traveled by faith, trusting God’s direction, from city to city. Abram trusted God and proved it by doing what God asked. During the journey, his belief grew that God would do what He promised. God guided Abram every step of the way. Granted, Abram made his mistakes along the way but God was teaching him about His providence as He guided Abram into an unknown future. Abram was committed to the call and God rewarded Abram’s faith. According to Genesis 15:5-6 (NLT), one night, God told Abram to look up to the sky and try to count the numerous stars. God promised to give Abram more descendants than he could count! Abram believed and God was pleased. As a result, God changed Abram’s name to “Abraham” to confirm him in the promise.

Let’s apply this life lesson to our modern-day reality: We never know what tomorrow is going to look like but God asks us to take one moment, one hour and one day at a time as we trust Him to guide our steps. In Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT), King Solomon encourages us to:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart;

do not depend on your own understanding.

Seek his will in all you do,

and he will show you which path to take.”

God has been faithful to direct us throughout this year. He is the same yesterday, today and forever! Just as God was with Abram, so will He be with us.

What are you afraid of? What has God put in your heart that you have never done before nor have you seen it done in your community or family history?

God may call you to a journey that you have not seen modeled before but if you trust Him and reply on His Providence as you step out on faith and follow Him, you will arrive at your destination.

Remember: If God said it, He will do it! Don’t despair or get distracted. Follow the example of father Abraham: Look up, keep moving, trust God and keep believing in Him!

Let's Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for your faithful character. As You were with Abraham and directed his steps, we ask You to direct our steps. Help us to believe and trust You to make every dream You have put in our hearts come true. Thank You for your protection and your provision this year. We place our fears in your hands and our faith in your tried and tested Word as You lead us forward in the days ahead. In Jesus’s Name we pray. Amen.

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Note from Alexis: Patricia’s message today reminds me of a song by Crystal Lewis called “Trust Me”. Listen to it here. It also reminds me of her song “I Still Believe”. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Patricia Russell is a speaker, worship leader, author, certified life coach and songwriter. 

Her gifts have been shared internationally with audiences to encourage, empower and share life lessons through words and songs. She has sung on national television broadcasts and shared the stage with several respected speakers. Over her 30 years in ministry, she has been a featured artist in musical cantatas locally and the United States of America.

Patricia had the honour of leading worship at the kick-off event for the 2006 the “Just Give Me Jesus” Toronto Revival with Anne Graham Lotz who is the eldest daughter of Billy Graham, a well-known American evangelist.

Patricia serves in ministry along with her husband Rev. Wayne Russell. Together, they have served as guest hosts on a local early morning call in program called “Nite Lite Live” that formerly aired on the CTS Television Network. They have two adult children: Raquel and Benjamin.

Patricia has recorded two CDs: “Lord I Trust You” and a live recording “Draw Me Nearer.” She is also an author. Her first book is titled Lord I Trust You: Words of Encouragement. It is meant to further encourage and share life lessons as a result of her cancer journey. She is a co-author of a #1 bestseller book titled Crushed Diamonds Still Sparkle, and she has compiled the recent #1 bestseller book titled Stronger Resilience.

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Connect with Patricia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/patrussellsings
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrussellonline/
Email: patrussellsings@gmail.com

Stories of Love: A Picture of Christmas

Today, we're featuring my author friend Bell Renshaw's book,

 A Picture of Christmas.

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Book Blurb:

Rhett Bradley’s home for the holidays, but it’s not by choice. Faced with a potential backward step at his company in Seattle, he’s forced to take time off, but somehow being back in Winter, Montana isn’t the dead end he was expecting.  

Olive Fitzsimons has a secret email friend who’s made her new job at the mayor’s office bearable. Still, putting her true passions aside for the political hubbub in Winter hasn’t been a step in the right direction for her. Sure, she can make her rent payments, but is she happy?

As Rhett and Olive continue to run into each other in the small town amid holiday festivals and sparkling Christmas lights, their once fiery opposition starts to settle into something more. But Olive’s interest in her email friend has grown into a crush and Rhett will be leaving Winter in in the New Year, won’t he?

Join the familiar cast of characters in Winter, Montana as the community joins together in the spirit of Christmas where hearts soften and a kiss between opposites is the perfect holiday miracle.

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Author Bio:

Emilie Haney, who also writes under the pen name Bell Renshaw, grew up in the Pacific Northwest and has a love for the outdoors that matches her love for the written word. 

She turned her passion for stories toward writing at an early age, finding entertainment and adventure in made-up worlds fed by the books her parents read to her as a child. 

Now, she's still getting lost in those worlds but they are of her own making. 

Emilie writes contemporary fiction with strong themes of romance and suspense and believes that—no matter what—love fights for what's right.

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Connect with Emilie:
Website: https://www.emiliehaney.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emiliehaney_author
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorEmilieHaney
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/emhaneyauthor

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Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this holiday book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below:

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