Merry Christmas

Luke 2:1,4-14 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 

Christmas Eve

Matthew 1:18-25 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. 

Ready for Christmas?

Christmas Lost

The twelfth novella in the series.

Welcome back to Holiday, USA, small town America, where nothing happens, except holidays... and a little romance, if the hero and heroine trust God.

Townie Karen Little is the resident quintessential spinster. She's lived in the same house her whole life, more than half a century. She knows she's stuck, but her plans for the future blow up in her face, on a regular basis. Why risk being wrong again?

After six years, Holiday Diner's owner, Alexander Hamilton, is still a newbie and Holiday's most eligible silver fox bachelor. Being the catch of the day for the single women of Holiday makes his vow to never marry again a challenge. Why test the three strikes you're out rule?

Sometimes, so much time passes, it feels like God has forgotten, but He is moving all the pieces into place for the right moment...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BHC1CL9/ref=sr_1_1 

Holiday, USA Anthology 2016-17

All four novellas, 9-12, are available in their entirety in paperback, including the covers on the back, for those who enjoy collecting a series.

http://a.co/5ETTtmt 

 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Yummy meal and good conversation with my sister

~ Warm enough to open the door during the afternoons

~ New book by a favorite author

~ Get together with neighbors

~ God's grace      

Christmas Lost quote

Thanks to Donna Keevers Driver for creating this.

Christmas is coming.

Christmas Present
  

The eighth novella in the series.

Welcome back to Holiday, USA, small town America, where nothing happens, except holidays... and a little romance, if the hero and heroine trust God.

Terra Connor is looking forward to her first two-week vacation, even if it means working part of the time to ease her daughter's mind. Her daughter's wedding on Christmas Eve is her only priority, and she definitely doesn't have time for romance.

Carson McDonald is in Holiday for his younger brother's wedding. The friendly town is as good a place as any to rest and recover from the upheaval of losing his job due to an accident. He has enough on his plate for the foreseeable future.

God's ways are not man's ways...

http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Present-Holiday-USA-Book-ebook/dp/B01ASDPDJQ/ref=sr_1_1

Holiday, USA Anthology 2015

All four novellas published in 2015 are available in their entirety in paperback, including the covers on the back, for those who enjoy collecting a series.

https://www.amazon.com/Holiday-USA-Anthology-2015-2/dp/153018617X/ref=sr_1_22

 

Christmas Present quote

Thanks to Donna Keevers Driver for creating this.

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Warm enough to open the door in the afternoons

~ New books by favorite authors

~ Warm and cozy fireplace for cold mornings

~ Staying under budget shopping 

~ God's grace      

Brain Dump

Why Bill Gates and his ilk are dangerously ignorant for wanting to "darken" the sun: They refuse to learn from history. Look up what happened after the volcanic eruption in 1345, failed crops and plague. Not the first time and not the last. Anyone too arrogant or stupid or inept to do simple history searches should be educated, but if they refuse then they need to be exposed, mocked, and ignored. 

TBR 2025

146.  Christmas Star Sapphire  (Second Generation Jewel series Book 6) by Hallee Bridgeman Christian romance. Audio on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3U6u2z_h6Hg?si=eSpnYsYSQwGZ5aC1

147. Christmas Diamond (Second Generation Jewel series Novella) by Hallee Bridgeman Christian romance. This one takes place before Christmas Star Sapphire. Audio on YouTube: https://youtu.be/K-xZ_XHQSyo?si=VyhJ3X0m9qeeGB_W

148. Operation Rescue  (Cutter Code series Book 18) by Justine Davis suspense romance. So grateful Cutter is back with another story. Cheering! Well worth the wait. Looking forward to the next one. 

149. Under the Mistletoe by Mary Balogh Regency romance. A collection of five unrelated novellas, my favorite of which is "The Best Give."  

150. Sunshine for Christmas  (A Regency Christmas II) by Mary Jo Putney Regency romance. While the book as several novellas by different authors, this is my favorite. I read The Rake, long ago, from which this is a follow up, for which I'm pleased to see how things turned out for a secondary character. 

TBR 2025

141.  Cowboy Daddy, Jingle-Bell Baby by Linda Goodnight contemporary western romance.

142. Sapphire Ice  (Jewel series Book 1) by Hallee Bridgeman Christian romance that isn't sanitized. Hallee has put this out in audio format on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XzgWbgfCeZQ?si=KbVkUo6OjYJDxeyj 

143. Greater Than Rubies  (Jewel series Book 2) by Hallee Bridgeman Christian romance. I own the whole series in print. Audio on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6RmVgPhAOyU?si=dCKCZvgwFH1_uWjE

144. Emerald Fire  (Jewel series Book 3) by Hallee Bridgeman Christian romance. Hallee's books gave me a peek into the possibilities outside the strict rules of Christian romance formulas. Audio on YouTube: https://youtu.be/T9WhyJjlrss?si=DKj9_3n27qX6edhq

145. Topaz Heat  (Jewel series Book 4) by Hallee Bridgeman Christian romance. Love this series. Audio on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZSwuUCKwgl4?si=5zsLEJH9IzthEtTE

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Favorite books

~ Favorite authors

~ Favorite Christmas movies

~ Favorite fast food treat

~ God's grace      

Brain Dump

I confess I enjoy watching a James Bond flick from time to time, usually when it's on television so it's a bit edited. Anywho, dear James Bond moviemakers, I love the rev of a pretty car's engine. Not so much when you demonstrate such a stupid mistake. Tesla's don't rev; they're electric, which means they're quiet. I know the movie is fantasy, but adding a rev to a Tesla takes me right out of the story. All serious tension is forever lost as I laugh out loud and roll my eyes and miss several scenes trying to get back into the story after such a ridiculous mistake. If you want a rev, then actually use a car capable of one. 

TBR

136.  A Light in the Window (A Stockingful of Joy) by Justine Dare (Davis) western romance with a Christmas miracle. I enjoy it each time I read it.

137. A Winter Night's Tale (Mistletoe Kisses) by Deborah Hale Regency romance novella. The caregiver side of the story warms my heart. I do skip the bedroom scene; a brief mention would have been enough as the details aren't necessary to the story.

138. A Twelfth Night Tale (Mistletoe Kisses) by Diane Gaston Regency romance novella. Heartwrenching with a lovely happily ever after.

139. A Soldier's Tale (Mistletoe Kisses) by Elizabeth Rolls Regency romance novella. Humorous and touching. I always enjoy rereading this tale.

140. Christmas Cinderella (A Sprinkling of Christmas Magic) by Elizabeth Rolls Regency romance novella. A follow up to the previous novella. The final bedroom scene isn't really necessary to the story but a required scene in secular romance novels by the publishing companies. I enjoy reading the rest of the story of Martindale's HEA. 

Music for the Holidays

...with some of my favorite songs that I listen to all year long...

The first one is simply totally fun.

All I want for Christmas by The Piano Guys

https://youtu.be/c16dH9QezyE 

Little Drummer Boy for King and Country

https://youtu.be/NzEX3QMuVPM 

 

Stille Nacht (Silent Night) by Manheim Steamroller on their Christmas album.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anv4FIQ4tbo 

Believe Again: O Come All Ye Faithful by David Osmond
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF__6qGtwSc 

Angels We Have Heard On High by The Piano Guys
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrLoWt2tfqg 

Baby, What You Goin' to Be by Trinity HS Alumni Choir
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsoB7mmdmFg 

Mary, did you know? by Donny Osmond
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtLCCrEVqPA 

Believe by Josh Grobin on the Polar Express album.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZ19mW-TMRk 

Merry Christmas Darling by the Carpenters.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YR1ujXx2p-I 

Silent Night by David Osmond 
https://youtu.be/PkVATabHBqc 

The Gift by Aselin Debison
https://youtu.be/YeQt6S2O0Qk 

Gentri's O Holy Night
https://youtu.be/g4fvMgNfN0I

A Soldier's Silent Night
https://youtu.be/e29nKH4DCFQ 

A Christmas dedication to our men and women in uniform. A Soldier's Silent Night was originally titled 'Merry Christmas My Friend' and written by Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt in 1987.