The Beloved Christmas Quilt by Wanda, Jean and Richelle Brunstetter

Description

One Quilt Binds Three Generations of Amish Women
Enjoy the gift of a brand new romance from New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter, along with stories by her daughter-in-law, Jean and granddaughter, Richelle.

For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me. Psalm 31:3
The scripture embroidered on the back of a beloved quilt brings hope to three generations of Pennsylvania Amish women at Christmastime.
 
Luella’s Promise
By Wanda E. Brunstetter
Luella Ebersol has been caregiver for a dying woman and her young son. When Dena Lapp gives Luella her favorite quilt, she makes Luella promise to pass it down to her daughter. But Luella isn’t sure she will ever marry if she can’t find someone with maturity and faith like Dena’s husband Atlee Zook.
 
Karen’s Gift
By Jean Brunstetter
Karen Allgyer and her husband moved to a slow-paced village to raise their children, but Karen longs for the closeness of family to help her through the challenges of managing three girls with one on the way. When life’s pressures rise, will Karen cave to her fears?
 
Roseanna’s Groom
By Richelle Lynn Brunstetter
When the unexpected happens on the day of her wedding, Roseanna Allgyer can’t help blaming herself, despite not understanding why. Then an old friend returns to town, and she battles feeling for him—afraid of being hurt again.
 

My Review

I enjoy reading Christmas books and this book has 3 novellas by 3 generations of the Brunstetter family. Book one is written by Wanda and again a really good read. We see Luella who is a caregiver of a dying women and promising to look after her son. She is given a special quilt which is passed down from eldest daughter to eldest daughter. We also see how sometimes love can come in unexpected places and family may not always be happy with someones choice.

Book two we see Karen and her husband living in a new area and Karen is missing her family and when something happens to one of the children she blames herself she finds herself and her husband becoming distant. She takes comfort in the quilt. 

Book three was my favourite of the the novella's. Roseanna is left at the alter on her wedding day and blamed herself. When an old friend returns to town she is torn over what to do. She didn't want the quilt because she thinks she will never get married and feels it would be better to give it to one of her other sisters. We watch what will happen and see if she gets her happy ever after. 

Good read.

Christmas Memories with Deborah Hale with giveaway

Please welcome Deborah Hale back to my blog to talk about Christmas. 

1.   What do you most associate with Christmas where you live?

Three things -- family, food and faith!  Nova Scotia is pretty far north, but coastal, so we often have a white Christmas, but other times it can be mild or rainy.  But we ALWAYS celebrate with our extended family, festive meals and special church services. (Jenny here for me going to church on Christmas is central to the celebration)

 2.   Do you have any special family traditions you do at Christmas time?

One I used to do when my kids were little was an advent tree, where each day there would be a special activity like mailing our Christmas cards, baking cookies, seeing a Christmas movie, going for a walk to see the lights.  They kind of outgrew that, but I hope I'll be able to resurrect it when I have grandchildren.

 3.   Do you have a favourite Christmas Carol and if so do you know why?

It's really hard to choose!  I've been singing in church choirs since I was 7 years old, and I love almost every Christmas carol out there. One of my recent favourites is The Boar's Head Carol, because of it's history and wonderful harmonies.

  

 4.   If you could spend Christmas anyway you could how would you celebrate?

Exactly the way we do now.  It's the continuity from year to year that appeal to me so much in a fast-changing world.

 5.   Do you have any special memories of Christmas?

Tons, beginning from the Christmas I was four-years-old and we got stormed in.  We were supposed to go to my great-grandmother's place for a big Christmas dinner, but the roads were impassable, so my Mum, Dad and two little sisters hunkered down at home and had tomato soup for Christmas dinner!  I also have a very vivid memory of sitting between my grandmother and great-uncle Chester on the piano bench while they played and sang Away in a Manger -- I can hear their voices whenever I sing it now.

 6.   What is a typical Christmas eve and or Christmas day for you?

Christmas Eve is actually the best part of the holidays for me.  The morning is usually spent cooking and cleaning while I listen to Patrick Stewart's "A Christmas Carol."  Some time in the early afternoon, the extended family gathers at either my house or my sister Pat's for a big

buffet. We talk, admire the tree, sing carols, take pictures and nosh. Later we go to church (some of us are usually singing in the choir). After we get home in the evening, we usually open our gifts.

On Christmas Day everybody sleeps in.  I have a baked French toast ready to slide into the oven and fry up some bacon.  Later we go to my sister Ivy's and have a big turkey dinner with all the trimmings.  In recent years, we get on Skype to talk to my sister Cyndi in Calgary and

my brother Graham in Ontario. In the evening we might watch a Christmas DVD, play boardgames or work on a jigsaw puzzle together.

 7.   Do you have any Christmas movies or Christmas books you like to see or read each year?

We always watch Emmett Otter's Jug Band Christmas. Every year during advent, I read Norah Lofts' How Far to Bethlehem.

 8.   Do you have a Christmas message for my readers?

This Christmas, may you experience the joy of giving, the peace of simple things, the hope of a bright new year and the love of God in your heart.

 Thanks to e-books, this book is available in Australia

 http://www.millsandboon.com.au/product/9781460823477

Giveaway
Deborah is giving one commenter a chance to receive The Captains Christmas Family.
To enter please comment on the interview with either a comment or question and a way to contact you if you win. (comments with looks good enter me with no other comment will be excluded). You have till 13 Dec Thursday 6.pm Australia time.

Book Review A Patchwork Christmas by Judith Miller, Nancy Moser, Stephanie Grace Whitson

Description

In late Victorian-era America, women married for convenience as often as they married for love. But in A Patchwork Christmas, three young women are surprised by true romance. Jilted by her fiance, a resident of the Amana Colonies packs away her wedding quilts and her plans for marriage. A widow traveling to marry a prosperous man she barely knows is stranded in a winter storm. A wealthy inginue inadvertently causes grave injury to a poor man she once knew well. Through faith, can they each patch together an unexpected life of love from second chances?

My Review:

Thanks to Netgalley for my review copy.

Another of the barbour novellas. I found this to be a good read. Loved the 3 totally different stories from 3 totally different walks of life. In the first book we are in the Amana colonies and see there way of life. The second a poor widow is travelling to the city in hopes of marrying a man she has been writing too and the third is a socialite who's has been sheltered from the harsher side of life and is being groomed to marry well. Each story is so different but they all have a quilt theme to them. Each story is lovely on its own and this is a lovely christmas read.

Another good book.

Book Review A Cascades Christmas by Mildred Colvin, Mary Davis, Lee Debby, Gina Welborn

Book Description

Christmas Romance Reigns in the Majestic Northwest

Historic Washington Territory forms a rich backdrop for romance when four woodsmen seek jobs and adventure but find their hearts falling in love instead.

After a fire takes his parents, Jeremiah Tucker is afraid to love. More than anything he wants a home of his own, but falling for a tomboy like Anna takes him by surprise.

Frederick Corrigan is a reckless man who blames himself for a terrible logging accident. He longs for security and love, but will he find it in the dangers of the woods—and in the heart of Emma Pearson?

E. V. Renier has his heart set on marrying Larkin Whitworth. But Larkin fears E.V.’s love might not be as strong as the shameful truth she’s hiding.

Willum Tate was burned once by the woman he loved, and he’s not sure he’s ready to risk his heart again. Natalie Bollen has been anxiously awaiting her eighteenth birthday so she can start courting. But there’s only one man she hopes comes calling.

Will time and tenderness win over hesitant hearts—just in time for Christmas?

My Review:

Thanks to NetGalley for my review copy.

This is another of Barbour's Christmas Novella's. I look forward to these each year and this one didn't disappoint. I like how all 4 stories are connected with the same location and 4 friends. The 4 friends are men who have come to the area to work in different vocations from farmer, logger, mill owner, train driver. The four come from different backgrounds with different issues. In each story there is a heroine with her own issues or problems. I love how the stories are interwoven. Each story has its own special charm. 

Good Christmas read.

KCWC tour Mama was the Queen of Christmas by Linda J. Gilden

Mama Was the Queen of Christmas!   We're happy to supply you with a fun Christmas article and recipe to be used on your blog or in your newsletter or publication. We've also included some background on the book, in case you'd like to spotlight that information. If you do chose to use the article on your site, please also include the author bio. Feel free to use the book and/or author photo as well. Contact Linda directly if you need her to send you the material in some other format. And if you're interested in reviewing the book, request a review copy from her.   One reader says: “Mama Was the Queen of Christmas combines the art of storytelling, enthusiastic instruction, and family fun to inspire you and equip you for a meaningful, Jesus-filled holiday.”

Author: Linda J. Gilden Retail: $12.95 (book) Publisher: OakTara October 26, 2012 ISBN-10: 1602903506 ISBN-13: 978-1602903500 (November, 2012 – Spartanburg, SC) Do you love Christmas but feel the real meaning of the season is lost in the busyness? Do you breathe a sigh of relief when the last holiday guest is out the door, the last gift unwrapped, and the last ornament put away? Do you struggle with balancing the preparation and celebration with honoring Jesus? After all, it is His birthday! Mama Was the Queen of Christmas is a collection of stories highlighting “Mama's” role in the season as well as quotes, scripture, and practical suggestions for keeping the holidays focused on Christ. Mama presents creative ideas to plan a meaningful holiday season. SPECIAL FEATURES: “For the Queen” helps the reader focus on the truth of each story. This feature includes suggestions for the reader to implement that truth in his or her life. “For the King” points the reader to the One whose birth we celebrate through a personal activity. “For the Court” suggests family activities to apply the truth in each story.

Article & Recipe Available for Your Use   A Game for All Adapted from the recently released book, Mama Was the Queen of Christmas by Linda Gilden   How will all the little holiday extras ever get done? I ask myself that question every year. And as much as I enjoy the holidays, there seems to be so little time.   One year I decided to let go of expectations and concentrate on celebrating Jesus.    I came up with a plan to accomplish a lot of the extras in a very short time. I created a game!   “Come on, everyone,” I said. “We are going to play a game.”   There was minor grumbling but in the end everyone agreed a family game would be fun. And I was so excited about the end result!   “Just give me an hour of your time,” I said. “Then you can get back to your homework.”   I found a cute Christmas container and deposited little slips of paper, each describing a job.   “I am going to set a timer for twenty minutes,” I said. “When you draw a slip of paper, you have twenty minutes to work at your job. When the bell rings, you will choose another job and change what you are doing. In an hour, you will have helped me with three pre-Christmas chores.”   The papers in the container had jobs like: Position the electric candles in the windows. Put the greenery on the mantle downstairs. Wrap presents. (Not your own, although most were willing!) A smile face. This job was really important. The person who got the smile was to circulate, serve refreshments, and make sure everyone was having fun. Address Christmas cards. Plan a family activity that will help us concentrate on the real meaning of the season such as memorize the Christmas story from Luke, find someone to share the season with who hasn’t yet met the Savior, concentrate on a different aspect of Jesus’ birth in daily devotions, etc.  Make a Christmas goodie or edible treat. My family favorite is “Rocks!” Christmas music playing in the background created a festive and jovial mood.   As it turned out, everybody was a winner in this game. The family gathered in the kitchen for a sample of “rocks,” pointing out that we had become happy little elves, proudly creating an atmosphere of merriment for the holidays.   Are there things you can do to make this holiday season less stressed for you and your family?   RECIPE: Rocks – Favorite Holiday Treat!   2 cups chocolate chips                                               1 ½ cups dry roasted peanuts ½ cup peanut butter                                                (1) 12.3 oz. box Crispix cereal Confectioners Sugar Melt chocolate in a large bowl in microwave oven. Heat on high for 1 minute. Stir well. Heat 30 seconds more or as needed to melt chocolate. Stir until smooth. (Chocolate could also be melted in a double boiler over low heat on the stove.) Add peanut butter and stir until well blended. Add peanuts and cereal and mix until thoroughly coated. A wooden spoon works best for this. Put confectioner’s sugar in a plastic bag. Add cereal mixture, close bag tightly, and shake gently until mixture is coated with sugar. If you do a third of the mixture at a time, it is easier to handle. Makes a lot! Store in an airtight container. Enjoy!

Linda J. Gilden Author & Speaker   About the Author: Linda Gilden’s favorite season is Christmas. But, truthfully, she and her family like to celebrate all year long, so can it really be called a season? Growing up in a home where the spirit of Christmas prevailed throughout the year, she knows she is blessed to have married a man who shares the same philosophy—Jesus is not just for a season but for a lifetime! Linda is the author of over a thousand magazine articles and several other books, such as Love Notes in Lunchboxes, Love Notes on His Pillow, and Mommy Pick-Me-Ups (all by New Hope Publishers), but Mama Was the Queen of Christmas is one she has wanted to write for a long time. Her heart’s desire is to see families enjoy each other and make memories no matter what the season. Linda lives in South Carolina with her husband, three grown children and children-in-law, four grandchildren, and a granddog, all of whom love Christmas as much as she does!

CFBA Tour A Marriage Carol by Chris Fabry and Gary Chapman

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A Marriage Carol Moody Publishers (September 1, 2011) by Chris Fabry and Gary Chapman

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

CHRIS FABRY is a graduate of W. Page Pitt School of Journalism at Marshall University and Moody bible Institute's Advanced Studies Program. Chris can be heard daily on Love Worth Finding, featuring the teaching of the late Dr. Adrian Rogers. He received the 2008 "Talk Personality of the Year" Award from the National Religious Broadcasters. He has published more than 60 books since 1995, many of them fiction for younger readers. Chris collaborated with Jerry B. Jenkins and Dr. Tim LaHaye on the children's series Left Behind: The Kids. His two novels for adults, Dogwood and June Bug, are published by Tyndale House Publishers. Chris is married to his wife Andrea and they have five daughters and four sons.

GARY CHAPMAN is the author of the bestselling Five Love Languages series and the director of Marriage and Family Life Consultants, Inc. Gary travels the world presenting seminars, and his radio program airs on more than 400 stations.


ABOUT THE BOOK

On Christmas Eve twenty years earlier, Marlee and Jacob were married in a snowstorm.   This Christmas Eve, they are ready to quit, divorce is imminent. Their relationship is as icy as the road they’re traveling and as blocked with troubles as the piling snow. They take a shortcut to get to the lawyer’s office, on a slippery, no-fault path. She thinks they need to stay on the main road. He disagrees. They fight. Story of their lives and they slam into a bank of snow , spinning, drifting, falling, out of control. Just like their lives. Reluctantly, freezing cold, hungry, scared, she trudges up the hill. Paul is nowhere to be found. Her ears frozen, fingers and hands red, she comes to a house on the hillside, built like a Bed and Breakfast, a green wreath on the red door and the door-knocker is in the shape of a wedding ring.

The red door opens and the first thing she notices is the fire in the room, blazing hot, a warm, inviting, friendly place and the voice of an old man welcomes her in. There are three golden pots on the hearth, shining, glimmering things. The old man claims that they are used to restore marriages. She laughs—and begins a journey through her past, present, and future that will test how she views her lifelong love. There are two futures available. Which will she choose?

If you would like to read the first chapter excerpt of A Marriage Carol, go HERE.

My Review:
This is an interesting book Marlee and Jacob are on the way to sign divorce papers when they hit a snow bank and have an accident. This is a different take on the the Christmas Carol with Marlee seeing different parts of her life. I found the book interesting and insightful how we can fall into a routine and forget the reason we started the relationship. I enjoyed the book and reading what happened. Its hard to review without giving away the story but is an nice christmas story of hope and encouragement and shows Marriage takes work and commitment.

Book Review Sleigh Bells for Dry Creek by Janet Tronstand

Book Description:
Rodeo rider Wade Stone never thought he'd step foot in Dry Creek, Montana, again. Not with his family's harrowing past. But nine years later, he's back on the Stone ranch and getting stared down by the townspeople. Except by Amy Mitchell, whose heart he broke after one sweet kiss. Wade knows she's afraid he'll leave again, but surely there's no second chance for them.

It seems the whole town—and her family—is against them. Until one beautiful Christmas sleigh teaches everyone the true meaning of the holiday.

My Review:
Firstly thanks to Janet for my copy of this book. I really enjoyed the book Wades mother has returned to Dry Creek after spending time in prison. She dreamed of reuniting her family and Wade is the first son to return with her. He is not sure how long he will stay and is worried how the town will accept his mother.  Amy is the girl next door who he loved before he went away. Amy Has loved Wade forever but is unsure about letting him into her heart again. It seems Wade was right to worry about the reaction to his mother but she seems to be taking it much better than him. Watching the story unfold was interesting getting ready for Christmas. I do love reading Christmas stories and I think for me its because of the snow and and the magic of a northern Christmas being I am an Aussie use to warm Christmas's. Another great book. 

Book Review A Home for Christmas by Robin Lee Hatcher and Mary Connealy

Product Description:
The Sweetest Gift by Mary Connealy

Seattle, Washington 1899
A spinster with a master's degree who is a world traveler, librarian by day and concert pianist by night, marries a Nebraska rancher with an eighth grade education. Their worlds are so far apart that each is afraid to admit their marriage of convenience is turning into a love match.

When Christmas draws near Adelaide must decide if she can give up her hopes of owning a beautiful piano so her husband can have the stallion he needs for his ranch. And Graham may need to risk his perfect brood mare to show his love for his wife by buying her the Christmas gift of her dreams.


A Christmas Angel by Robin Lee Hatcher

Idaho 1892
Ten-year-old Annie Gerrard, stuck in a wheelchair since falling from the barn loft, hopes for a beautiful angel to go atop the Christmas tree, but God’s answer to her prayer is completely unexpected.

Annie’s widower father, Mick, hated to ask his in-laws for help, but he had no other choice. He never imagined they would send his wife’s stepsister, Jennifer Whitmore, to care for his daughter. Nor did he foresee the love she would bring into their home. Did he and Annie dare hope that Jennifer might choose to stay?


My Review:
The Sweetest Gift,
This is such a delightful story and its based on a true story of Mary's Grand parents. Adelaide I a only child, educated and a spinster who loves playing the piano. Graham is a farmer from Nebraska who just happened to be married to her best friend. The story is a delightful story and perfect for Christmas. As the story unfolds we see what love can come unexpectedly. The side characters are shall I say interesting, very opinionated and like to have their say. This is a truely delightful story.


A Christmas Angel
Another delightful story. I loved Annie she's such a sweet girl. Seeing an angel in the catalogue is what she wants for Christmas only she wants an angel to help her family. Her father Mick would love to buy her one but money is tight after her accident. He as to ask his inlaws for help and Jennifer comes to help. He is worried she will be like her step sister and she is worried he still loves his wife although she died a couple years back. The way the story unfolds is also delightful and I just couldn't put the book down even though my eyes were wanting to close. I didn't want either story to end.

You can get a copy of this book at Amazon for 99cents at present by following this link.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0064DQTJS/ref=r_ea_s_t 
Its a great Christmas read.

Blog tour a Christmas Journey Home by Kathi Macias with giveaway.

How did you come up with the idea for A Christmas Journey Home?

I knew I wanted to do a Christmas book—the first of what would become an annual event that my publisher and I were discussing—and I also knew that despite the lighter tone required in a Christmas book (as opposed to the darker themes of the persecuted Church and human trafficking, which I’ve been writing about), I had to stick to my “brand” as closely as possible: hence, an “issues-related” Christmas novel, dealing with the issues related to illegal immigration.

What was your favorite scene to write in A Christmas Journey Home?

I loved writing this entire book, and the characters are delightful (except the villains, of course!), so I loved almost all the scenes. But I think I liked the scenes with Isabella’s old abuelo best, as the grandfather reminded me of my own grandpa and even my dad, both of whom I loved dearly. I love incorporating at least one elderly saint in each of my books, and in this one I decided on a man since most of the other books have had women as the elderly, praying characters. I also brought in a little boy because children can add such a delightful element to any story, and six-year-old Davey certainly does that in A Christmas Journey Home.

What was the most difficult scene, and why?

The toughest scene had to be when Francisco and Isabella thought they were finally on the verge of being able to get away from the migrant camp and find a small home of their own, where their baby could be born in relative comfort and safety. If you’ve read the book, you know that isn’t at all what happens. But this heartbreaking scene had to take place to bring the story to its miraculous conclusion.

What is there about you, apart from writing, that many people don’t know?

First, my “road name” is “Easy Writer” because my husband and I were Harley riders for many years. (We’ve traded the bike in on a 2005 Corvette, so I’m still “Easy Writer” but in comfort now!) Also, I served on staff at a large Southern California church for several years, training small group leaders and doing biblical counseling, among other things. 

Who are some of your favorite writers, and are you an avid reader?

Absolutely I’m an avid reader! I have always loved books/reading/words and been fascinated by them. When I ran out of books as I child, I started writing my own. (Voila! Look what came of that!) As for favorite writers, that’s tough, but here are just a few: Brock and Bodie Thoene, Francine Rivers, Patti Lacy, Athol Dickson, Jim Rubart, and Alan Paton, who wrote my favorite all-time fiction book, Cry the Beloved Country. That book changed my life and inspired my novel set in South Africa in 1989, No Greater Love. I also enjoy reading Brennan Manning, Jennifer Kennedy Dean, Oswald Chambers, and Max Lucado for nonfiction.

What’s on the horizon for you now, so far as future book projects?

I am currently finishing up the final book of the three-installment Freedom series (Deliver Me From Evil, Special Delivery, and The Deliverer). Then I will jump into my Christmas 2012 novel (working title is A Home For Christmas) and a novel called Last Chance for Justice, which is part of the multi-author Bloomfield Series with another publisher. After that I hope to get going on a new fiction series, which is still in the discussion/planning stages with my publisher and agent. So life is busy, but most contracts coming my way seem to be fiction right now. I am also keeping busy with very occasional editing projects and some speaking/teaching around the country.

Where can we find out more about you, The Freedom Series, and keep up with your to-be-released books? 

Please feel free to visit my website at www.KathiMacias.com.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for posting the author’s interview on my blog. This blog tour is managed by Christian Speakers Services (ChristianSpeakersServices.com).

Book description:
During Isabella Alcantara’s seventh month of pregnancy, her parents and siblings are murdered in gang- and drug-related violence, simply because their home was targeted by mistake. Isabella knows she was spared only because she now lives in a different location, but she knows too that the same thing could easily happen to her and her husband, Francisco. When her grandfather offers to hire a “coyote” to bring them across the border to America, she agrees. But Francisco and Isabella are abandoned by the coyote and left to die. Francisco then valiantly sacrifices himself to get Isabella to safety. Homeless, nearly penniless, pregnant, and alone, Isabella determines to find a way to honor her promise to her beloved husband.

Living on one of the smaller spreads along the Arizona border, Miriam Nelson becomes furious with God and turns from her faith when her
border patrol agent husband, David, is killed in a skirmish with drug smugglers. Though her mother and young son do their best to woo her back from the anger and bitterness that have overtaken her, they make little headway.

Two widows—one driven by fear and a promise, the other by bitterness and revenge—must make their journeys along different pathways, but with the same destination: a barn full of animals that stands waiting for them on Christmas Eve. Forced to face their personal demons, Isabella and Miriam soon discover a common yearning that will bind them together in a most miraculous way.


My review:
I requested this book cos it looked interesting and was a Christmas book. I got more than I expected. This book deals with issues showing things are not always black and white. Isabella and Francisco have escaped to America to get away from the violence but its not as simple as it seems they are left to die in the desert. What happens to them and their story is heart wrenching. I understand the way they entered America illegally but we learn why and what happens to many illegals. On the other side of the coin we have Miriam who's husband was killed by drug smugglers. She is bitter and angry at all illegals blaming them for her husbands death. When their paths eventually cross on Christmas Eve a miracle happens. I loved this story we learn why Isabella's Grandfather wanted her safe. There were times this book had me almost in tears and  made me think of the issues. I loved the way Kathi told the story and I hope many will see another side of this issue. I could see this book being used to break down some misconceptions and be used to create awareness. This is a good read and I would recommend this book.




For information where FREE copies of this book will be given away, please visit: 
http://christianspeakerservices1.wordpress.com/2011/10/03/1616/. 

Also follow on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/CSS-Virtual-Book-Tour-Kathi-Macias-A-Christmas-Journey-Home/210033295698304.

Happy Christmas everyone.

I just want to take this time to thank all the authors who have agreed to be interviewed on my blog this year and to all the readers who come and visit and comment on my blog, it means alot to me.

Thank you for all your support and encouragement this past year. I want to wish you all a very blessed Christmas and all the best for 2011. 

I pray you will have a good Christmas. If you are alone this Christmas I pray you will find a way to enjoy the day and something special to do and know I understand what being alone at Christmas is.

To any who are having a hard time this Christmas due to illness or loss of a loved one I pray you will receive a special blessing also.

To all who will be with friends and family have a wonderful time together.

For anyone struggling with this holiday season you may want to read the article post

a couple of weeks back 

http://ausjenny.blogspot.com/2010/12/var-docstocdocid64519447var.html.

The above photo was taken in Perth, Western Australia about 5 years ago and the graphic I used on some of my Christmas cards this year.

Once again thanks all for stopping by. I will be continuing the getting to know you interviews and I have a few Australian authors lined up to be on my blog next year which is exciting for me. I had the privilege to meet one today, Paula Vince who came into the bookshop I volunteer at and has agreed to be on my blog. This was really exciting to me meeting an author being I love books. I have now bought one of her books to read in the near future.

I am sitting listening to the carols in Melbourne on Christmas Eve.  Happy Christmas everyone.