Friday, November 22, 2013

GIVEAWAY - A Cup Of Christmas Cheer!!!

First things first, the Winner of  Patty Smith Hall's The Doctor's Bride is Debbie Wilder!!!  (Debbie, please contact me with your address since you didn't leave an email where I can reach you)
Thank you to all who entered!!

Christmas is right around the corner!! I'm always amazed at how quickly it gets here. Faster each year, it seems!  Some of you may dread the holidays because of all the expense and hustle, but I pray that this year you force yourself to take some time and enjoy the reason for the season. One thing that may help you do that is to curl up with some great Christmas stories!!!

Two of the sweetest ladies and my good friends have written stories included in these collections. Carrie Fancett Pagels who wrote SNOWED IN  and Carla Gade Olson who wrote UPON A CHRISTMAS TREE SCHOONER

I'm giving away this two volume set to one lucky winner. To enter, please leave a comment for the ladies telling us why you love Christmas. (Don't forget to include your email address)  I'll choose a winner next Friday. (US Addresses only. Sorry)



Carrie Fancet Pagels and Carla Olson Gade share about their short stories in A Cup of Christmas Cheer, a two-volume Christmas treasury from Guideposts Books.

Thank you for having us, MaryLu! Since you love the ships and the roaring sea, we thought we tell you about our stories set in the region of Great Lake Michigan.

A New England gal, I have been to the ocean (Atlantic - on the opposite coast as you, MaryLu!) countless times. I have never been to Lake Michigan, except in my internet research, but I was at Lake Erie on a trip a few years ago and truly amazed at what I experienced. The lake was rough and the winds were harsh, the waves high! For the first time, I realized how dangerous those seas were. My story, Upon a Christmas Tree Schooner, is inspired by the real Christmas tree schooners of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. When I heard about the Christmas tree ship Rousse Simmons that sank in Lake Michigan in 1912, I became intrigued how lumber schooner captains would risk so much to go out on the icy waters late in the season to bring back Christmas trees for the communities around the Great Lakes. They had been doing this since the last part of the 19th century. I didn’t want to retell the tragedy of the Rousse Simmons, but of one of the other schooners and make it a tale of Christmas hope.

Upon a Christmas Tree Schooner - A ship’s captain takes his schooner for his last haul of the season http://www.pinterest.com/carlaolsongade/cup-of-christmas-cheer/
upon icy Lake Michigan to return with Christmas trees for the German immigrants in his town of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His journey leads to an unexpected surprise of hope and healing for him and his grieving wife—a Christmas gift to treasure for years to come. Visit my Pinterest Story Board to learn more:

Carla Olson Gade writes adventures of the heart with historical roots. A multi-published author of inspirational historical romance, her books include Pattern for Romance, The Shadow Catcher’s Daughter, Colonial Courtships, Mistletoe Memories, and A Cup of Christmas Cheer. Carla writes from her home in rural Maine where she resides with her family.
Carla’s Website:  www.carlagade.com
Blog – Adventures of the Heart:  
www.carlaolsongade.com




Thank you, MaryLu, for hosting me and Carla on your blog! I’d like to chat a little about the
backstory on my hero, Henry, from Snowed In, and about his ocean-going exploits. Since this character was inspired by my father, a WWII wounded veteran, it’s not too hard for me to know details of Henry’s feelings about ocean crossings. Raised in Michigan’s upper peninsula, my father had never been to the ocean until he had training in California. A National Guardsman, my father was activated into duty when Pearl Harbor happened. He was at a camp in Arkansas and was on leave that day driving around with a buddy. But he knew he’d eventually be shipped overseas. And he wasn’t
too happy about getting on a ship and crossing the ocean. I am not sure if my great-grandparents shared their story of difficulty crossing from England, or not with him. In any event, he was sent over to England and also crossed the channel from England into Normandy. I always thought he came in on D Day but my husband says Dad told him it was a few days later. I know D Day and its aftermath profoundly affected him, especially because he knew two of his three brothers were there, too. The concern over what the soldiers faced, after crossing the channel, greatly outweighed any other thoughts. He was also returned later, after being shot, to a hospital, then sent over again before the Battle of the Bulge. When he spoke about coming home on that ship, although he was glad to be returning, frankly I believe he was terrified of getting on the ship again because of what a lousy uncomfortable crossing it would be. When offered boat rides, to my recollection he refused them. However, one happy memory I have was of my father riding with me on a ferry across to Mackinac Island. And of course, living on the Great Lakes, we had to take ferry car boats across in some places. All this to say that my character Henry, in the story, didn’t like horses but if you were to ask him—he’d tell you he’d be happy to never cross the ocean on a ship ever again! And as far as a schooner on the Great Lakes—he’d be happy for Carla’s captain to manage that by himself!

Snowed In -  Set in the upper peninsula of Michigan, 19-year-old Eliza’s (name changed to Elsie by the publisher) three younger sisters show up at her second job, seemingly abandoned by their father, after their mother’s death. Her wounded WWII veteran sweetheart takes the girls to his ailing grandmother’s log cabin near the lumber camp where they’d grown up. Although Henry promises to return for Christmas eve, the roads are quickly closed off by a blizzard. Can he make it back for Christmas when his car won’t start and his snowshoe straps break? And will a tender love bloom to a promise?

Carrie Fancett Pagels (www.carriefancettpagels.com) is author of an Amazon top-rated Civil War Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance. Carrie also contributed to God’s Provision in Tough Times, Lighthouse of the Carolinas (July, 2013). Her short story, Snowed In: A Northwoods Christmas, appears in Guidepost Books “A Cup of Christmas Cheer” (October, 2013). With a Ph.D. in School Psychology, Carrie served as a psychologist for twenty-five years. Carrie is the former ACFW Zone Mid-Atlantic Zone Director and Virginia/West Virginia Area Coordinator and continues to serve as co-hostess of the Tidewater Area Christian Writers group. Married for over 25 years to the love of her life, she resides in Virginia’s historic triangle. She has an 11-year-old son and a 24-year-old daughter.
novella
Carrie has two popular group blogs: Overcoming with God (www.overcomingwithGod.com) and Colonial Quills (www.ColonialQuills.org).

A Cup of Christmas Cheer, available exclusively from Guidepost Books: http://www.shopguideposts.org/new-releases/a-cup-of-christmas-cheer.html



To learn more about A CUP OF CHRISTMAS CHEER, please join us for our BLOG HOP!

 

MaryLu Here

Thank you, Ladies, so much for being here!!! 
Don't these stories sound great??   Leave a comment for Carla and Carrie with your email address to be entered to win (US addresses only) I'll draw a winner next Friday, the 29th! 

112 comments:

  1. Thanks so much for having us on, MaryLu! We hope your readers will be blessed by our stories and this collection!

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    1. Yes, thank you so much, MaryLu! Psst, Carrie....can you believe she is trusting us to hold down the fort while she is away for a few days? Trusting gal!!

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  2. I love the way the house feels around Christmas. The low Christmas lights give off such a cozy feeling. :)

    Crandallberries at gmail dot com

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    1. Me too, Dawn! My story is set in 1945 in a cabin that has only one electric line, which is used for the radio. Grandma likes to listen! Kerosene lamps and candles for lighting!

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    2. That's one of my favorite parts, Dawn. It is romantic to think about the way Christmas trees looked with real candles on them, too. But I'm sure they must have been so dangerous. When I was a kid the tree accidentally fell over, nearly on top of me, wouldn't have been a pretty picture if the candles were real. As it was one of my gifts got soaked so I got to open it early. It was a beautiful red and white striped scarf. I still remember this even clear as day although I was only 6 years old at the time. Lots of Christmas memories for me!

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  3. What a wonderful post/giveaway!!
    I love the magic of Christmas and celebrating Christ with my family....family, fellowship, and food :)
    Hugs and blessings MaryLu, Carrie and Carla!
    Kara
    wman4jcATaolDOTcom

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    1. Kara, thank you! Carla did a fab job on the pics for this post. The illustrations for these two books are wonderful! Blessings and hugs back!

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    2. Thanks, Carrie! You know how motivated I am by visual imagery! :)

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    3. Thanks, Cara! We hope that ACCC with add to that "magic" for many at Christmases this year and for years to come!

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  4. Can't wait to read. Christmas is one of my favorites but I love it because Jesus is the Reason for the Season. momtr3@yahoo.com If I win I will gift this copy .

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  5. These stories sound lovely! I would love to win a copy. I am thrilled that one is set in Michigan, which is from where I hail. Although, I am not a Yooper, hehe! Christmas is a wonderful time to reflect on the incarnation of Jesus Christ. Thanks for offering this giveaway! Blessing to you both and to MaryLu!

    emmamalissa(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. You are so welcome! I had never heard of the term Yooper until I met Carrie! I'm a Yankee and she's a Yooper!

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  6. I love it because I have such fond memories of going to my grandparents farm and being there with all the family and eating wonderful foods and sharing the love of Christ with them.
    I so cannot wait to read these stories.
    Blessings
    Linda Finn
    faithfulacresbooks@gmail.com

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    1. Wonderful memories, Linda! Those are the best ones of all.

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  7. no need to enter me, since Carrie graciously sent me an autographed copy :) I am loving it--read the first half of volume one in one sitting last night. Saving the best for last with CArrie and Carla's stories. Can't wait! Good luck, ladies. Super job. sharing this on FAF and all over the place :)
    KAthy

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    1. You guys are such grand cheerleaders! Thank you for coming by!!

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  8. I would love to have these. Christmas is full of all kinds of feelings. The birth of Christ now that is amazing. I love the smells of the baking special things you don't all year around. Cup of Chai tea and good book with a snuggle blanket. Christ mas is hard for me since my Dad passed away just doesn't feel same with out him there. He was a big kid. The joy you saw in his eyes as he gave each person a gift. The hardest saying goodbye and seeing the tears coming down his checks. So this year I will probably be at home alone reading a good book. Thinking of my Dad. Hubby has to work and sons will be with their other families. I will sit and think of memories of the past.
    Blessings
    Diana
    joeym11(at)frontier(dot)com

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    1. Diana, thank you for joining us here. I pray that you will have a blessed Christmas. Carrie and I both have parents that we've lost in the past few years and it is hard. We hope our stories can help brighten your day and that you can enjoy the season of celebrating Christ.

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  9. Both of these covers look warm and inviting. I am certain they reflect the stories contained within. Both books sound wonderful. Where I live in Kentucky we hardly ever experience a white Christmas, but always hope for one. One year we did and it was so special with the children being little to enjoy it. Would love to win. Thank you for the opportunity.
    Blessings
    Katrina

    eppersonkatrina@yahoo.com

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    1. I am SO excited!!! I just heard that the warehouse has SOLD OUT already!!!! Apparently there will be another print run. My family is from KY originally Katrina! Blessings!

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    2. Katrina, we are so glad to bring you these stories that can transport you to the snowy winter wonderland that can make your Christmas special!

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  10. Oh, I'd love to win these for my precious sister-in-law and her youth ministry in South Korea. The books sound wonderful.

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    1. Joy, right now I am praying that they'll get another print run done and available before Christmas!!! Am so thrilled with these books!

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  11. I LOVE Christmas because of Everything - Jesus, the nativity, the reason behind the virgin birth - the glitter and the glitz. I would love to read these.

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    1. Laura, I remember a Christmas not too many years ago when you were battling breast cancer. Such a scary time. So glad you are on the other side of that and doing well! Blessings!

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  13. I love pretty much everything about Christmas! The story of Jesus' birth, the wonderful music, the glittering lights, etc.......
    I would love to win these books, since reading by the Christmas tree is another favorite thing about Christmas!

    bettimace at gmail dot com

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    1. The shopping is difficult for me and cooking and cleaning because of my RA, BETTI, but I do love all the rest! And I love this collection of stories and am very humbled and pleased to be part of the collection!

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    2. I agree, Betti! It is a delightful time of the year worth celebrating our Savior's birth!

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  14. No need to enter me to win, I already have my copies! I just know that these stories are going to bless me! This year it will be a bittersweet Christmas for me. Even though I have two new grandbabies, I will really miss my grandson Lucas. This will be the first Christmas away from me since he was born.
    Hugs to Carla and Carrie!

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    1. Enjoy those new grand babies, Debbie! You are are special lady to us! HUGS!!!

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  15. My favorite part starts Christmas Eve! There is just something so very special about that candle light service. Then spending Christmas Day with family!! Simply blessed. Thanks for sharing with us!!

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    1. Love candlelight services but always afraid I'll set something on fire! We had a little fire at our house after we moved in. This is a great collection and I've heard the first run may have sold out!

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    2. I love candlelight services. It really is the perfect way to start the holiday!

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  16. I love Christmas because it is the time we are suppose to celebrate the birth of our Saviour! And then Christmas Eve is my birthday

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    1. I love celebrating Christ's birth, too, Debbie! And SO happy you get to enjoy your birthday then, too, with such happy times!

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  17. These sound great!
    bookwormgal2011(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Every story I've read so far has been great, Michelle!

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  18. I love being with family on Christmas! chendryx(at)nctv(dot)com

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    1. My brother is coming this year, Constance, so I hope that will be a good time for him as he is a bachelor.

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  19. Thank you for this contest and the review. This set sounds absolutely wonderful! I would so love to win and treasure this gift if I win. What I love most about Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Christ became one of us to bring us salvation. I feel so humble on this special Feastday that God would love me so. Mary Lou K
    flowersmarylou85@gmail.com
    Mary Lou Kwiatkowski 285 Bellevue Road Pittsburgh, PA 15229

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    1. Thank you for serving our Lord, Sister Mary Lou. I think you would love these stories!

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    2. Oh, yes! I share those sentiments exactly!

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  20. It's so nice to get to know authors on these blogs. I love visiting different blogs and hearing more about authors' lives and their books! The best thing about Christmas is getting together with family and friends and sharing delcious meals and goodies! What could be better? (unless it's getting cozy with a book)
    susanlulu@yahoo.com

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    1. Even better is when someone ELSE cooks, Susan, haha! Love Christmas books and so THRILLED to have my story in a book that is flying out of the warehouse!!!

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    2. I'm so glad that you enjoy visiting author blogs. It's a fun way for us to connect with our readers. We really appreciate you doing so!

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  21. I'm so excited about these books! So far I've read interviews of 3 of the authors who have written stories about Michigan, two of them featured here! This is awesome! I will get this set of books one way or another, beg, win a contest, or purchase! Thanks for featuring them on you blog!
    quiltcat26[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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    1. Well Miss Nancee, we need to get some of those folks on your blog! We're SO happy MaryLu invited Carla and me on her blog! Hugs!

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  22. Love Christmas books. Thanks for a fun to read blog. Gives me great ideas about what to read! Sonja(dot)nishimoto(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I like to read a new Christmas book every year. Last years' fave--Liz's. SO good!!!

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  23. Why do I love Christmas? First all, it's Jesus' birthday. 2nd: It brings such fond memories of my childhood and times in my past. I love the music, the excitement, the joy, seeing the children, the lights, the programs, the Christmas books that I love to read and others that I love to just peruse (like craft books, decorating books, etc).
    lgm52(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. One of my fave memories was of hearing the boys choir sing at a famous old church in NYC, while visiting with a friend. You see, I had walked away from the Lord. But in sitting there and listening, my soul was deeply stirred with the beginning of my return to the Lord.

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    2. Celebrating holidays are truly a wonderful way to make memories!

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  24. Carla and Cathy, you both sound like great authors. I would love to win these books. I love Christmas stories. Thanks for the giveaway. :) debradawn777@gmail.com

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    1. I meant Carrie. Oops, I am sorry.

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    2. Debra, these are great stories about God's power and love. That is why we write for Christ. Hope you will enjoy these stories that He put on our hearts to tell.

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  25. I love turkey and desserts at Christmas and also enjoy our family getting together. Hope to win your 2 books. They look good and I love Christmas fiction. sharon, ca wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. These are actually two stories in a two book collection of over a dozen stories. Best wishes Sharon!

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  26. Why I love Christmas.....I love to join together with family and often times friends who've been adopted as family and just spend time together laughing, talking, crying, reminiscing, my playing games, singing songs, drinking cider and eggnog, etc...
    Christmas morning is also very anticipated since my three kids, my husband and I decided to start a Christmas tradition of going to IHOP in our pajamas for breakfast. We also take our server a card and a gift. Over the years since we're pastors many of our congregation members have caught on and show up there to meet us. Now that there's so many of us we pass around a card to sign and load up with a blessing, for working on Christmas, and bring gifts to bless our server. It's so fun.
    God bless and happy holidays to you MaryLu!!!!

    Kristie
    kristie(at)connectionlifechurch(dot)org

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    1. Wow, you sound like you have a GREAT time!!! That is SO cool that your members show up!!!! Hugs!

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    2. That sounds like a wonderful family tradition!

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  27. I love everything about Christmas,the lights,music,get togethers,the peace,but most of all the true meaning of Christmas,Jesus is the reason for the Season.

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  28. Wow! Both of y'alls stories sound really neat and I can't wait to read them in these books. I've never decorated for Christmas in my home since it's just me and my chihuahua--probably b/c ive never had the money to do so, plus I have nowhere to store it when it's over! My niece and nephews in TN make Jesus a bday cake or cupcakes so I've copied them -when I'm not w/ them- and make Jesus something special for breakfast and spend time in prayer and meditation reflecting on His birth and how truly amazing the story of His birth was! Thanks for the chance to win these books, I've really been looking forward to reading them since I first found out about them!
    kam110476 (@) gmail (dot) com

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    1. In many ways your Christmas seems more reverently spent than many others. Having Jesus there for breakfast is a wonderful way to start the day!

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    2. That sounds like a beautiful way to celebrate Christ's birth, Kam! Blessings!

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  29. Hello to all of you lovely ladies. So love checking in on you. Helps to fill my days, since I don't get out much. Especially on rainy or real hot days or when it's really cold (to us) like right now. We usually have hot weather in this part of Texas. Have to use the A/C all summer and most of the other seasons. Even in the winter. I miss the changes of seasons and colors changing like when I lived in WY, OK, and KS. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving this season. I love to get together with all of my big family. Enjoy so much just watching all of my bunch being so happy together. I am so thankful for each of them. And, for friends like the three of you that I only know because of my computer. Tho, I feel like it's more than that. (And to think at one time I wouldn't let my kids get me a computer. LOL ) These books would make lovely Christmas gifts. And, in the doing maybe picking up some new followers for you. GOD bless each one of you and your families. Love ya, Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com

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    1. MAXIE!!! Did your copies get there yet? Hope you love them like we love you on OWG! Hugs!

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  30. Happy Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas to everyone! There are several reasons I love Christmas but the most important is that it's a time to remember. To remember the birth of our Savior and just what that means for me. I have been given a joyous freedom and life on this earth and, despite the downfalls, I have been majorly Blessed. I love the joy of gathering with my family and having it always feel like it's the first time in decades even though we just got together last week. And did I mention I am Blessed? I LOVE Christmas and no matter what I might be going through, whether sickness or lack of funds to lavish my loved ones with presents, it will. Always be my favorite time of the year.

    Thank you for this giveaway and I pray you have a wonderful Christmas with those you love.

    Blessings,
    Wanda Barefoot
    flghtlss1(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. You know, it's so true, that no matter what may be happening in life we can pause and enjoy the peace and true meaning of Christmas.

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    2. Wanda, you have the right attitude! May God bless you even more!

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  31. Hey carrie,

    I love this time of year!!! I love seeing all the many different kinds of lights and also the many sizes of different a kinds of Christmas trees. I love seeing Christmas songs, decorating Christmas cookies, sitting by a nice big warm fire that is built in the fire place. Carrie, I absolutely love the cover of the books it's looks so nice toasty and warm with a nice big cup of Hot chocolate with a nice warm blanket listening to Christmas music along with a nice book.
    I have a sister whose birthday is on Dec 24 so we spend the day doing stuff for her and then on the 25 we open gifts read out of Luke 2 we also pray thank The Lord for coming too this earth we sing a few songs then we open presents. It's fun. I also like spending time with family and friends on Christmas.

    Thank you for doing the giveaway.
    oh.hello.hiya@gmail.com

    MaryLu, Thank you for hosting the free giveaway.

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    1. How nice to hear about the way you celebrate, such a blessing!

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    2. Yes Carla, it is lots of fun, so how do you celebrate Christmas? Also Carrie, how do you celebrate Christmas? Thanks for both doing the Giveaway while MaryLu is away, she has done an excellent job on picking two girls too hold down the fort. Keep up the good work.

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    3. DANIE, the covers almost GLOW!!! I wonder who the illustrator was because they deserve a reward!

      I celebrate by donning my best "Winkie" servant attitude (Hogwarts has nothing on me btw!) We like to go to a church service on Christmas eve. Then my BFF has my family come to her house for a huge Christmas eve dinner. On Christmas day we celebrate slowly because we want the focus to be on Christ. Love to read the story of Christmas in the Gospels. We bake a birthday cake for baby Jesus, too!

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    4. Carrie,

      Wow that is pretty cool that they almost glow. And that sounds like a lot fun on Christmas. That I think is so cute baking a Birthday cake for baby Jesus. I've never thought of doing that. Thanks for sharing what u do.

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  32. These sounds like great books. My favorite Christmas memories is that we read the Christmas story from the Bible before we open presents.
    Tammy Hudson
    HUBTIVOLI1@YAHOO.COM

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  33. Sounds like some great Christmas stories! Thanks for sharing....would love to win :)

    ~Micaela

    bookworm9404(at)gmail(dot)com

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  34. I love Christmas for so many reasons. Love that it's a season to remember and reflect on Christ's birth and then love the worship that inspires. I love having a Christmas tree up and love the music of Christmas. I love the fun times spent with family. Love the Christmas cookies, too :)

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    1. Forgot my email address -- ckbarker at gmail dot com

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    2. Cheryl, I'll be doing some gluten-free cookies this year but enjoying them, too! Blessings!

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  35. Hi Carrie & Carla, I love Christmas because it is such a special time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, I love seeing family ,the decorations , the music, the food. but what stands out is that it seems even nature seems to pause and hold its breath waiting for the dawn of Christmas, people are nicer and there is even a hint of magic in the children's faces as they wait for Santa. It is one special day different from all the others. Thank you ladies for sharing Christmas with the rest of us
    mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. How poetic, Jackie--I really felt that way growing up in Michigan's upper peninsula. It was as though the quiet of winter was awaiting the appearance of the Christ child! Blessings!

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  36. Congratulations, Carla and Carrie, on what sounds like some fantastic books. I can't wait to read them. I enjoy Christamas because it's a time to celebrate the birth of my Lord and Savior and a time of renewal -- to look back on the past year and look forward to a new one. At our family gettogethers with relatives from ages 3 months to 92 years, it's a time to get big warm hugs from loved ones I've only been able to talk to over the phone or email. This past year our oldest passed away, but one of my neices who's coming (from only 20 miles away, thank goodness) will be one week away from her due date. So we'll be sad for our loss, but rejoice in thinking about our new arrival. Our family is very musical, so there'll be lots of singing from hymns to carols, to show tunes played on guitars, harmonicas, and the organ. I'm excited as a kid just thinking about it.

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    1. What a blessing to have such a big family to celebrate with, Susan! I hope you can spare a little time to meet with me when I get to SC again, soon! Blessings!

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  37. What I love about Christmas, aside from celebrating the birth of Jesus, is sharing time with family and friends...making memories together. :)

    Kathy
    kdmurdock1@hotmail.com

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    1. Special happy memories! Hoping you'll make many this year, Kathy!

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  38. I love Christmas because of our Saviour's birth and the joy of getting together with family and friends. I've been trying to win these books, because I know they are great. Since I've become disabled, I have to win or hope my library will have the books, but I've been unsuccessful. This medical error has cost me a lot in many different ways in my disability. Anyway thank you for the opportunity to participate in this giveaway and please enter my name.
    Barbara Thompson
    barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Barbara, may God bring you many blessings this Christmas! This book won't be at the library and is only available through Guideposts at this time!

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  39. I love Christmas because it is a time when family gets together .

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  40. I love the reason for Christmas, celebrating the birth of our Savior. It's a "wonderful time of the year" when people seem more friendly, the lights sparkle brighter and there are Christmas carols proclaiming Christ in public places. Which hopefully won't change!
    cllyrics@gmail.com

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    1. As a Tired Old Mommy (enable by God to function!) I find myself more and more reliant on Him daily to do all that is needed to prepare for Christmas. But this year the kind folks at Shirley Plantation are doing a couple of things for me that has put some cheer in my step, too!

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  41. These stories make me think of home. I grew up in Wisconsin and my husband's grandparents live in upper Michigan and we were blessed to have been able to visit them. It's amazing how calm the water can be and in know time how violent the lakes can become.
    jennydtipton at gmail dot com

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    1. Yes, indeed, Jennifer--I was in college when the Edmund Fitzgerald sunk and it was shocking. Lake Superior especially can get frothy in a heartbeat. Blessings!

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  42. Hi. Your books sound great. I have read both authors before and enjoyed their stories. Christmas is special because of Christ's birth first of all. It is also special to me because of family being together. Christmas time brings back happy memories and we are able to create new ones. Thanks for the giveaway.

    sweetdarknectar at gmail dot com

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    1. Those family memories are special as we celebrate Christ's birth together!

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  43. My favorite way to get into the Christmas season is with Christmas music and Christmas fiction. I love the way the Christmas season brings brightness into almost everyone you meet. :) And of course, the birth of our Savior is the best part of all. Thank you for the wonderful giveaway.

    KellysShining(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I've been playing Christmas songs again recently. I listened to Bing Crosby the entire time I was working on my story, "Snowed In" which is set in the year 1945.

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  44. I love Christmas because there's just something in the air. When I was a kid we had Winter Wonderland and Mr. Bingle and live Christmas trees and Christmas plays reenacting the first Christmas...I was an angel once. pat at ptbradley dot com

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    1. Oh, that is sweet about being an angel, Patricia! Blessings!

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  45. I love everything about Christmas. There are always two things that stand out - reading the Christmas story out of the family Bible with my family and the Sunday School program at church.
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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    1. Oh how I miss those Sunday school Christmas programs from church. What wonderful memories! Thanks for the reminder!!!

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  46. I love Christmas because of Christ's Birth, my brothers birthday and family.
    grammador at gmail dot com

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  47. Wow..
    Great giveaway / contest.
    I hope I can have similar giveaway like this too.
    Hope everyone enjoy it. Good luck.

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