If you'd like to read a Christmas story....

here's the link. It's a touching story of an expectant mother emailing her husband overseas in the Mideast during Christmas. The 12 Days of Christmas in today's world.

http://craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com/2010/12/twelve-days-of-christmas-part-one.html

This link takes you to the first part and then you can read from there. I'll be posting Christmas Eve on Friday!

Author Donita K Paul & How a Strong Woman Handles Poisonous People

My guest today is Author Donita K Paul who writes both fantasy and romance. Today's she talking about her latest romance, Two Tickets for the Christmas Ball. Here's Donita:

"The main character in this book is Cora Crowder. She has some very compelling needs to remain in control and an inclination to second guess herself. It is very important to her that she does things the correct way. She became a Christian in college and escaped her family life by moving far away.

I have encountered Christians who believe they are responsible for the spiritual health of their families and allow their families to diminish the fruit of the Spirit through criticism and manipulation. There comes a point when being a strong woman means being willing to walk away from people who are scoffers.

They will not listen to the Holy Spirit and have no interest in changing. They are content to continue in the current relationship even though it is poisonous. The strong woman realizes that the poison stifles her ability to serve the Lord, and the family is damaged by the poison as well. People who have the opportunity to hurt others suffer continually hardening of their hearts.

Knowing when to bail out and when to stay requires a lot of prayer. In the Bible we see times when Paul remained in a hostile city and got stoned. But there were times when he escaped over a wall in a basket. With relationships that are stagnant and harmful, it would be better to walk away. It would be better to pray for the people from a distance, and when a door opens, be willing minister without bitterness.

Cora struggled to make the decisions that would allow her to grow and also allow a more healthy relationship to develop with her non-believing family. Books have been written about tough love and setting boundaries. Cora is an example of a woman willing to do what it takes to live in God's will."--Donita

Donita, you are so right. Sometimes the hardest but best thing to do is walk away. A strong woman can't change those around her. But she can guard herself from those who want to destroy her and her witness. Thanks for sharing this with us!--Lyn

If you missed reading the first page of this book, click here.
For more info, visit
www.donitakpaul.com
www.dragonandturtle.com
http://donitakpaul.blogspot.com/ This one is the OLD Blog where she shares books by my fellow authors. Other Literary Dabblings.
http://awriterwritessometimes.blogspot.com/

First Page-A Circle of Blessings" by Author Deborah Raney

On Monday, I featured A Prairie Christmas Collection and here is an

Excerpt from "A Circle of Blessings"

by Deborah Raney

Chapter One

"Dakota Territory 1871

Stella Bradford hurried across the campus of St. Bartholomew's Academy, a stack of textbooks in arm and a bulging drawstring bag looped over one shoulder. The petticoat beneath her long-sleeved cotton dress clung to her legs, and with her free hand, she dabbed beads of moisture from her brow with a crumpled handkerchief. One should not have to perspire in October! If she didn't hurry, she was going to be late for class, and it would be the second time this week. She was having enough trouble with this infernal English grammar class as it was. It certainly wouldn't help matters to be late again.

The tower clock in the center of the campus quadrangle began to chime the hour, and Stella lifted her skirts above her ankles and broke into a very unladylike trot. She rounded the ivy-draped corner of Andrews Hall at top speed but was halted in her tracks when she bumped headlong into a broad masculine chest. The only thing that kept her from stumbling to the brick walk beneath her feet, was the strong pair of hands that reached out to grab her by the shoulders.

"Whoa, Miss! Watch where you're going there." The voice was as deep as the brown eyes that looked down into hers.

"Oh, p-pardon me," she stuttered, "but I'm about to be late for class." She took a step backward, out of the man's grasp.

The last chime of the carillon clock died away on the still autumn air, and Stella gave a little gasp of dismay.

"It looks to me as though you are late," the gentleman told her. "And at the reckless speed you were going, I'd venture to say you would have arrived so out of breath that you might as well not have bothered going at all."

"Please," she pled impatiently. "Let me pass. I simply can't miss this class again."

"Oh, I see," he said, a rather wicked gleam in his eyes. "So, you make a habit of tardiness? And let me guess––you are not exactly a candidate for honors in this particular class?"

She stamped her foot and took another step backward. Of all the impudent–– She did not have time for this."

For more information, visit http://www.deborahraney.com

Book Monday-Author Deborah Raney & A Prairie Christmas Collection

A Prairie Christmas Collection

from Barbour Books

by Tracie Peterson, Deborah Raney, Tracey Bateman

and other favorite Christian authors

Settling the vast open prairies, weathering winter storms, and finding joy to celebrate during Christmas epitomizes the pioneer experience. In a unique collection of nine Christmas romances, Barbour Publishing brings readers A Prairie Christmas Collection where they can relive a prairie Christmas with all its challenge and delights as penned by multi-published authors, including Tracie Peterson and Deborah Raney. Featuring deckled-edge pages and a foil-stamped cover with fold-under flaps, the collection makes an ideal gift for the romance reader.

In this holiday romance collection, the warmth of Christmas will radiate new love from the high plains of Minnesota and Dakota Territory, across the rolling hills of Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois, and down into the flats of Kansas. Filled with inspiration and faith, each story will become a treasure to be enjoyed again each year. Along with Peterson and Raney, other contributing authors include Tracey Bateman, Pamela Griffin, JoAnn A. Grote, Maryn Langer, Darlene Mindrup, Janet Spaeth and Jill Stengl.

For more information see Deborah Raney's website at www.deborahraney.com.

Available in bookstores everywhere, or order online at CBD.com, amazon.com or other bookstores online.

First Page-2 Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K Paul

Chapter One

"Christmas. Cora had been trying to catch it for four years. She scurried down the sidewalk, thankful that streetlights and brightly-lit storefronts counteracted the gloom of early nightfall. Somewhere, sometime, she’d get a hold of how to celebrate Christmas. Maybe even tonight.

With snowflakes sticking to her black coat, Christmas lights blinking around shop windows, and incessant bells jingling, Cora should have felt some holiday cheer.

And she did.

Really.

Just not much.

At least, she was on a Christmas errand this very minute. One present for a member of the family. Shouldn’t that count for a bit of credit in the Christmas spirit department?

Cora planned out her Christmas gift-giving in a reasonable manner. The execution of her purchasing schedule gave her a great deal of satisfaction. Tonight’s quest was a book for Uncle Eric—something about knights and castles, swordfights, shining armor, and all that.

One or two gifts purchased each week from Labor Day until December fifteenth, and her obligations were discharged efficiently, economically, and without the excruciating last minute frenzy that descended upon other people . . . like her three sisters, her mother, her grandmother, her aunts."

For more info, visit
www.donitakpaul.com
www.dragonandturtle.com
http://donitakpaul.blogspot.com/ This one is the OLD Blog where she shares books by my fellow authors. Other Literary Dabblings.
http://awriterwritessometimes.blogspot.com/

First Page-Mistletoe Prayers by Author Marta Perry

MISTLETOE PRAYERS

A BODINE FAMILY CHRISTMAS

Chapter One

Lt. Travis McCall had never had what most people would call a merry Christmas, and it was the last thing he wanted this year. The glossy door of the Southern colonial house bore a huge Christmas wreath, and the sight was nearly enough to make turn tail.

Almost, but not quite. He’d promised his buddy, and he never went back on his word.

The moment’s hesitation proved just enough. A discordant bray pierced the air of the quiet Charleston suburb. He glanced toward the driveway which swept around the house and blinked. A horse trailer had been pulled there, its ramp down. On the ramp, all four feet planted firmly, stood a small gray donkey.

A lead rope disappeared into the back of the trailer. Someone, out of Travis’s sight in the trailer, was apparently trying to pull the donkey in. Just as plainly the donkey didn’t intend to go anywhere. Travis had loaded horses and cattle enough times as a kid to know the signs.

Even as he thought it, the animal jerked back. In a minute it would be free, running into traffic as likely as not. He’d have to go give that idiot a hand.

A few quick strides took him across the lawn. Just as he reached the ramp the donkey reared, yanking the lead rope. A slight figure hurtled out of the back of the trailer, stumbled on the ramp, and barreled into Travis.

He grasped it, mind registering several things at once. This was not a teenage boy, as his first startled glimpse had made him think. And the donkey, managing to free himself, bolted.

For more info, visit
www.martaperry.com
www.booksbymartaperry.blogspot.com
Visit me on Facebook at Marta Perry Books

And there are more to come:

MISTLETOE PRAYERS: A BODINE FAMILY CHRISTMAS, novella, Love Inspired, Nov., 2010
MURDER IN PLAIN SIGHT, Amish suspense, HQN Books, Dec., 2010
SARAH'S GIFT, Pleasant Valley Amish Book 4, Berkley Books, March, 2011
VANISH IN PLAIN SIGHT, Amish suspense book 2, HQN Books, June, 2011

Author Anita Higman & the Impossible

My guest today is Author Anita Higman who shares about forgiveness. Here's Anita:

"Over the years when people have wronged me sometimes forgiveness can feel impossible—as easy as crossing an ocean without a boat. One incident that comes to mind was when someone made a promise to me and then didn’t follow through. I will call her Jane. When she made the promise it was received with great rejoicing and expectation on my part, but in the end Jane let me down. I have forgiven Jane, but from time to time, I still think of that broken promise. I admit sometimes in my humanness that those thoughts of the past threaten to return again and again.

But I know the difference between something flitting through my brain and something settling in my spirit for some serious festering time. If I start that fretting routine then I give that piece of the past right back to God. Again. And he is faithful and merciful to help me. Is it easy to forgive Jane for what she did? Not at all. Is it necessary for my sanity, for living free, and staying right with God? Absolutely.--Anita

Once Upon a Christmas Eve by Anita Higman

Hollie Goodnight's store has just been voted best Christmas shop in America. All the new publicity draws flamboyant novelist Van Keaton to the cozy town of Noel, Missouri, demanding to write Hollie's story - a dramatic tale of misfortune and triumph. She is swept up in his world of beautiful words and fanciful interludes. . .until Owen Quigly, her lifelong best friend, launches a plan to win her back."

Drop by her website for more info about Anita and her books!--Lyn

Visit the Craftie Ladies of Romance Blog

Hi, Christmas is nearly here. Hope you're getting all your tinsel-decorated ducks in a row.

Drop by http://www.craftieladiesofromance.blogspot. com and read about how I gave God a very good laugh.

Be sure to leave a comment this month if you want to be entered in the drawing for 4 copies of my Love Inspired Historical Romance, Her Patchwork Family.

Merry Christmas! Remember Jesus is the Reason for the Season!

Author Homes Tour-Merry Christmas from Lyn Cote

Several Inspirational Fiction Authors have created a loop on our blogs of videos or photos of our homes ready for the holidays. My home is buried in snow already but here's a Peek into my life-

Only weeks ago, autumn blazed outside my window--

Seasons change-winter at the lake...


A special memory of 2009, my son kisses his bride...



Here I am beside our tree (without ornaments yet!)



Merry Christmas from our home to yours! Now go on to Donita K Paul's blog http://dragonbloggin.blogspot.com/2009/12/christian-author-christmas-home-tour.html

to see her holiday preparations! I love her Dragon fantasy novels.--Lyn Cote

PS- Follow this link for a chance to win a basket of books and prizes.
http://www.bookreporter.com/features/holiday_basket_2009/contest.asp

Book Monday-Author Susan May Warren's Christmas offering

Book Monday is featuring Author Susan Mary Warren's Latest book. Here's the scoop in Susan's own words.

"Shoot...football season is over. I'm so sad....as we all know, I love Football...

So much so that I wrote a FOOTBALL STORY! Okay it's not JUST about football. It's about Christmas. And small town life. And church Christmas Teas. And family....and traditions. And the crazy things we do for each other. Basically my favorite things about the seaon!

Yes. I LOVE Christmas stories - and every year I read aloud to my kids (okay, my college kid MIGHT be too old), the Greatest Christmas Pageant Ever. And recently Dave Barry's, The Shephard, the Angel and Walter the Christmas Miracle Dog. (SOOO funny). I wanted to write my OWN Christmas Classic.

So, I did. Well, at least I HOPE it is a Christmas classic. Check it out HERE!

Are you in ministry? Want a cool bulletin insert--flyer for the GCB?

And don't forget the cool CONTEST we're running this fall! It's a recipe exchange!! Send us your favorite Christmas recipe and a cool story - we'll publish it on the blog, and sign you up to get a preview copy of my new book (a world war 2 epic!) And/or a cool Harry and David Gift basket!

Warren’s tender holiday novella invokes both laughter and some sweet tears. The vivid portrayal of family connections and football fervor will bring the Christmas spirit to everyone. (Romantic Times)"

It sounds like a great read and a great contest!--Lyn

Merry Christmas!

Just in case you drop by
please do me a favor
and have a
VERY MERRY AND BLESSED
CHRISTMAS!!!

12 Days of Christmas!

Today, I'm going to suggest that you drop by http://www.craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com and read my post on the 10th day of Christmas--a completely new version.

My topic is Ten Hunks a Strutting!

And of course only a strong man can appreciate a strong woman!

Drop by the other site and read the fun posts. And you could win $50!

Merry Christmas!
Lyn

The Strong Woman in Christ's Life

Today it's my turn to post. I hope you've read with interest the blogs of my friends over the past week as I did. And of course, we are all immersed in the Christmas season. A truly blessed time of the year.

And in the midst of all this, the birthdays of both my children occur. And both of them were over 9 lbs. at birth. Fortunately, I'm not a petite little woman. And evidently I have a very roomy womb. I was blessed with easy deliveries.

Anyway, both of the Decembers that I was expecting, the phrase "Mary was great with child" took on new, VIVID meaning to me. Believe me, a 9+lb baby qualifies as "great with child."

On a serious note, what always strikes me is Mary's wonderful expression of humility. When Gabriel gives her the news of God's plan for her life, her response is "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word."

How lovely, how beautiful was her acceptance of God's plan for her life. What a weight to carry, to be the mother of the Messiah.

In my own life, I've found that responding to any situation with humility is a win-win for me. Pride always brings embarassment and trouble. In this hectic season, it's wise to remember Mary's humble attitude. Often families who have hurting members come together and the prickly emotions of past hurt and jealousy can spark disagreements.

So remember, Mary's example of humility and call on the help of the Holy Spirit to keep this sacred holiday filled with love and joy. It's takes two to make a fight and a soft word turneth away wrath.

Don't let the past destroy your present joy in celebrating Christ's birth.

Make your Christmas Merry!

Her Captain's Heart

I don't know if any of you have noticed but Christmas is ALMOST HERE!

I always try to keep my focus on the true meaning of Christmas, God's gift of His Son to this dark world.

But I love all the holiday fun too.

I want to let you know about another way you can have some holiday fun.

Another Love Inspired author Margaret Daley has come up with her version of The Twelve Days of Christmas. Tomorrow drop by www.craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com
and join in the fun and a chance to win $50 for taking part.

I'd also like to invite all of you to the www.eharlequin.com Holiday Open House on this Thursday the 11th. Here is the link to join in the fun all day on Thursday.

http://community.eharlequin.com/forums/cafe-social/2008-eharlequincom-open-house-author-list

If you want to participate in a Live Chat: 7pm-10pm

Drop by the eHarlequin.com Community Chat Room: http://chat.eharlequin.com/

I plan to drop into the chat right at the beginning for about a half hour. There will be many book giveaways all day and during chats.

BTW, two copies of my first Love Inspired Historical will be given away during the chat. It's released today.

Most of you know that I've been a long time Love Inspired author and I am thrilled that LI now has a historical line.

My book is titled Her Captain's Heart and is the first in my Gabriel Sisters series which will be released one each December starting this year and finishing in 2010.

These three sisters, Verity, Felicity, and Mercy, live in the turbulent period after the Civil War and do their best to try to bind up the wounds of the injured nation both North and South. If you have a heart for children, you will love the first, Verity's story.

Now for the strong women to be featured today. This is Verity's day and if you read her story, you'll know she qualifies as a Strong Woman.