Celebrating Christmas Themed Books 2025

It's that time of year again. Get ready for a joyful journey through the world of Christmas-themed books! Starting today through Christmas, my blog posts will be filled with chats from various authors, who will share their unique writing approach for holiday books. You’ll hear about heartwarming children's tales to cozy mysteries, romantic comedies, and nostalgic historical romances. 

In these posts, each author will share their favorite Christmas traditions, the inspiration behind their festive books, and valuable writing tips. Plus, you'll get an exclusive sneak peek into their upcoming projects. And since we’re celebrating the season of giving, there will be an assortment of giveaways sprinkled generously throughout the season!

To kick it off, I’m highlighting my own Christmas themed books. This is my favorite season of the year and I love writing stories set in this time frame. I've written two this year. The first book is The Innkeeper's Son: Witness to a Miracle! It's a fictionalized account of the birth of Christ as told by a young boy who was there. Here are the details... 

Marcus's play time with his toy soldiers is interrupted when his mother asks him to deliver blankets to a poor couple staying in a stable down the road. Frustrated, Marcus grumbles—"Nothing exciting ever happens in Bethlehem."

Or so he thinks.

What begins as a simple chore turns into an unforgettable night of excited shepherds, choirs of angels singing, and a very special birth. In the quiet of the stable, he meets a newborn baby—Jesus—and feels joy stirring in his heart. There’s something different about this child… something powerful and wonderful.

This book would pair well with one of my other books, The First Noel: Digging Deeper into Christ's Birth. This Advent devotional includes additional Biblical insights into that time period with links for more details.

When you buy this book, you will be supporting a prison ministry that gives hope to the incarcerated and guidance when they are released. All my royalties from this book are being donated to EE Prison Ministries. Learn more about what they do here: https://eeprisonministry.com/services/about-us.

The second book, Falling in Love Despite Christmas Miscalculations, is a sweet romance. Here are the details...

Natalie Baynton has finally landed her dream job at Rothwell’s, the glitzy fashion store in Aspen, Colorado. This coveted apprenticeship is her one shot at becoming the store’s major fashion buyer, and she’s determined to succeed. Nothing will get in Natalie’s way. Romance is the last thing on her mind—until she meets Alexander.

Alexander Davies-White, a brilliant numbers whiz from Britain, is on track to become Rothwell’s next CFO. His past romances have always been more about image calculations than chemistry, leaving him longing for something genuine. Arriving in Aspen two months early to observe the store staff incognito, he meets Natalie. Captivated by her charm and ambition, Alexander pretends to be a personal shopper to spend time with her.

As their connection deepens, Alexander's ruse grows increasingly difficult to maintain. Will a season of miracles bring them together? Or will Christmas miscalculations shatter their chance at love?

So, snuggle up with a cup of hot cocoa or cider and join me in celebrating the magic of Christmas in the most delightful way—through the joy of reading from now till the end of December. I'll be setting up eBook giveaways throughout that time.
If you'd like to learn more about these books and others I've written, here's the link to my Amazon author page. https://www.amazon.com/stores/Christine-L.-Henderson/author/B09L2Y7XNP

Bringing Life's Remembrances to Print: Author Interview with Paula Rose Michelson

How did you come up with the idea of your Christmas themed book?

When my daughters asked me to write about our life – they were married and had families of their own – I wrote about things they would remember and want to share with their children.  These remembrances were printed out and sent to each of them at Christmas time.

A few years later, I felt the Lord encouraging me to add real stories about what it was like to grow up Jewish in a country that seemed to us to be mostly Christian. I loved doing this because I could share the blessings God gave me when I received His son by faith.

Could you give me a short synopsis on the book for my readers?

The Elephant’s Christmas is a collection of true stories, which span many years. Though some seemed unimportant when they happened, Jesus showed me that each one was important to Him. I mention this because you, like me, may only know the eternal value of what you’re experiencing many years after.

What made you decide to do a Christmas themed book?

I knew this was to be a Christmas book before I started writing it. The hardest thing I had to do was think of the right title for what is now chapter six. I was blessed when my husband Ron suggested I title that story The Candy Cane Lane Caper.

One reader said of The Elephant’s Christmas…5-Stars! “If there were a Chicken Soup book for Christmas, I think these remembrances would be in it!” 

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?

I love everything that is Christmas. However, now that I’m in my 70’s my favorite tradition is remembering all the blessings God has given us starting with His son. 

With our daughters and their families living far away, our family traditions with them are phone chats. As a Pastor’s wife, many of our traditions occur at our church and include friends, our faith family, and making sure that all are included. Since some can’t come to us, we go to them.

What’s next?

Thanks for asking! In time for Christmas, the first of my 23 Gracie & The Save a Soul Prayer Team book titled A Heartbroken Father (A Fruit of the Spirit, Volumn1) for middle readers just released. Also, just released is a short novella titled Rosa & Miguel ~ Love’s Legacy ~ The Prequel to The Naomi Chronicles. 

These Inspiration Christian Fiction’s written from a Messianic viewpoint have been enjoyed by many. Also released is the first of 23 children’s 10-year-old Gracie & the Save a Soul Prayer Team books.

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given that you’d like to share? 

Write everything first. Do not edit. Do not try to make sense of what you’re writing. Once you’re finished, set the work aside. A week later pick it up again. Edit. When you think you’re ready to submit, read the work out loud without inflection, and correct.

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?

My first publishing experience was with what I thought was a partner publishing company. In reality, they were a vanity press, I highly recommend you research every publisher before you commit. After pulling my first two books from them, I self-published the books and discovered the joy of that option. I recommend it to those who want to be in control and know what’s going on.

I’m blessed to say I am now a Pen It Publications, LLC author. I chose this publisher because they and I are believers. If you want your work to be traditionally published, find a publisher who values what you do, is easy to communicate with, and whose authors say wonderful things about them.

Any last words or tips?

Yes, as my writer husband says, “Writers write. They write every day. Good writing requires more time rewriting than the original draft took.”

That’s all for today’s interview. Here are some links to connect you to Paula’s writing.

Amazon:  https://goo.gl/jYagKJ 

To join her VIP Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/2SnvCjz

Christmas from the Shepherd's Viewpoint with Crystal Vines

Christmas Day may have come and gone, but I believe the season should continue with this latest blog interview with a Christmas book that truly celebrates the season

How did you come up with the idea of your Christmas themed book?
I teach children's church. One Christmas, I was teaching about Jesus' birth when it dawned on me that I had never seen the shepherd's point of view in a children's book. 

Could you give me a short synopsis of the story for my readers?
A Gift for All of Us: A Shepherd's Tale is the nativity story from the shepherd's perspective. We know the story of Jesus' birth, but have you ever wondered how the event impacted those who witnessed it? My story gives children a glimpse into how a shepherd might have been touched by the awesome experience of being present at Jesus' birth.

A Gift for All of Us follows the shepherd,  Nathaniel, on his journey as he is directed by an angel to go to Bethlehem. He is so moved by his experience that he feels compelled to share it with others. Children will learn the joy of sharing their testimony along with the story of Jesus’ birth.

What made you decide to do a Christmas themed book?
I enjoy writing children's books and when the inspiration came to write about a shepherd, I thought it was a great idea. 

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
We open a Christmas Eve present, usually in pj's and while watching movies. We make gingerbread houses and drink cocoa. Christmas morning we come downstairs as a family and read Luke chapter 2. We open the rest of the presents. Then we spend the day watching Christmas movies.

What’s next? (future books, novellas, special appearances you want to mention)
Through December, I've done book signings. After the Christmas season, I will continue to work on more illustrations for a couple of my other books. 

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been give that you’d like to share?
I've learned to keep trying. If your books are rejected, see how you can improve them or try another. But don't give up. 

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
It's not as simple as getting your story to a publisher. There is more ground work than I assumed there would be. There are expenses involved in promoting and marketing a book. That starts with the little things like bookmarks and flyers and goes on from there.

Any last words or tips?

I love what I do as an author and illustrator. For me, writing is about creating and sharing stories. God has blessed me with the greatest opportunity. I am so thankful a publisher accepted my book and I started this awesome journey. I hope everyone enjoys my book as much as I did in writing and illustrating the story. I look forward to writing and sharing many, more to come. 

That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Crystal and her writing, here are some ways to get you started.
My Twitter page-https://twitter.com/AuthorCrysVines
My Website-http://mommavines.wixsite.com/authorcrystalvines
My Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/authorcrysvines/

A Suspenseful Christmas: Author Interview with Maggie K. Black

How did you come up with the idea of your Christmas themed book?
I write romantic suspense and I really liked the idea of a Christmas-themed stalker who used things like ribbons, presents and wrapping to scare the heroine. It was a fun and creepy idea.

Could you give me a short synopsis of the story for my readers?

Our heroine, journalist, Samantha Colt, is suddenly abducted right before Christmas. She wakes up to find herself tied up with Christmas ribbon and an explosive device on her boss’s front porch, with no memory how she got there. She’s saved by a soldier, Joshua Rhodes. They feel an immediate romantic attraction, which they both fight against. But their connection only grows stronger when Joshua agrees to be Samantha’s bodyguard, and she continues to be tormented by her deadly, Christmas-themed stalker.

What made you decide to do a Christmas themed book?
I always knew that this would be a winter book, with heavy snow, storms and the freezing cold. I’m not quite sure when I decided to set it over Christmas, but once I did, I think it really made the story come to life.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
That’s a tricky question because recently I’ve been focusing on making Christmas smaller and simpler. Right now, my daughters are twelve and eight. When they were younger, I found we had so many traditions the holiday was getting crowded, so we started scaling back.

We always decorate a tree together, and put up lights outside and hang our stockings. My daughters are always in the Christmas pageant at church, and last year, we started putting the Christmas village out again too.

My favorite tradition is that we always take a family trip between Christmas and New Years. Usually, we go to Niagara Falls to see the lights, but one year we went to Florida. The family trip really helps stretch out the Christmas holiday to a whole week of togetherness and fun. Christmas is more than just a one-day celebration for us. We try to make it last until school starts again. Sometimes I save certain presents until later in December or give them one or two early, so they have things to open on different days.

What’s next?
Kidnapped at Christmas is my first book in the True North Bodyguards series. Joshua’s best friend Alex, who’s a fellow bodyguard, is the hero of Rescue at Cedar Lake which comes out this Spring. I’m currently writing the third and final book in the series right now. It’s called Protective Measures and focuses on Zoe.

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given that you’d like to share?
I think there are a lot of different "right ways" to write a book, and no two writers approach a book the same manner. I think it’s important to just go for it, do your best and write the best book you can. Then when you’re done, get help from critique partners and editors. It’s very important to get help and advice from editors because they can make a book a lot stronger. My favorite quote is from Jodi Picoult who said, “You might not write well every day, but you can always edit a bad page. You can't edit a blank page.”

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
I wish I’d known that I would succeed in getting published because I wasted so much time agonizing over whether or not I should be a writer! But I also wished I learned sooner that there is a whole world of help available for new writers. There are writing groups, helpful agents, amazing editors, writing coaches, freelance editors and associations like the Romance Writers of America. There are even writers who support each other on Twitter with the hashtag #amwriting. I felt very alone when I started out. I wish I’d found help and support earlier, and spent less time feeling too afraid to start.

Any last words or tips?

I do think it’s important to get up and try to pursue your dreams instead of agonizing over whether or not you’ll fail if you do. The biggest problem a lot of writers face is self-doubt. Whatever dream or goal we’re pursuing in life, we need to find encouragement and support to believe we can do it. Especially at Christmas!

That's it for today's interview. To learn more about Maggie's writing, here are some links to get you started. 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaggieKBlack
Harlequin page: http://books.harlequin.com/search#w=maggie%20k%20black
My blog: http://www.maggiekblack.com

Christmas is Evergreen: Author Interivew with Emily Mims

How did you come up with the idea of your Christmas themed book?
It’s part of the Smoky Blue series. I came up with the ukulele player because I play the uke myself and it fit in with the ongoing theme of folk and regional music showcased in the series. I came up with the theme because our hero gets the family he’s always wanted for Christmas.

Could you give me a short synopsis of the story for my readers? 

Leilani Mahuiki is searching for her father to provide the bone marrow to save her daughter’s life. Bradley Barstow is in search of the traditional family he’s never had. He loves Leilani and she loves him, but she can never give him the old-fashioned family he longs for so badly.

What made you decide to do a Christmas themed book? 

My publisher loves them and wants as many as they can publish. This is my third.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions? 

Norfolk Island Pine Christmas trees and lights on the San Antonio Riverwalk

What other stories are in the pipeline for you? 

I have hopefully three more books to write in the Smoky Blue series.

Any special awards or achievements you’d like to mention? 

I have passed the twenty-fifth book mark and am about to pass thirty.

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been give that you’d like to share? 

Sit down and WRITE. Push yourself past the blahs and the block. It will come.

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner? 
I wish I hadn’t waited so long to revive my career. Twenty-eight years is a long time.

Any last words or tips? 

Have faith that you can do it! If a San Antonio chemistry teacher can do it, so can you!

That's it for today's interview. If you'd like to buy the book or learn more about Emily's writing, here is the Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MYZUFMM 

Christmas Duo Team Up: Authors Rachel McMillan and Allison Pittman

Today I have the pleasure of introducing two authors who teamed together to create one book featuring both of their novels. Could you give me a short synopsis of the stories for my readers?

Rachel: Falling for a Christmas Star is about two people ---a tenure track Medieval Women’s Studies professor, Merry Strathford  and a made-for-TV Christmas star, Sam Medina, who find love during the holidays. It takes you behind the scenes of the filming of a Serendipity Network movie.

Allison: Lone Star Christmas Lights is a San Antonio tale about coffee bar owner Mari Medina and Texas craft beer brewer Larsen Clarke who date via social media marketing campaigns while finding their way to each other.

What made you decide to do a Christmas themed book?

Rachel: I love Christmas. It is my favourite time of the year by far. I start celebrating November 1. One of the reasons I love Christmas is the warm fuzzies you get from the endless roster of Made for TV Christmas movies that start Hallowe’en night.  It is my love for these movies ( and my chats with Allison about these movies) that really informed the creation of Starring Christmas.

Allison: I was excited for an opportunity to write in a contemporary voice. I love writing historical, but the idea of setting a story in this world—in my city—was just too enticing to pass up. Writing a Christmas-themed novella seemed a great way to dip my words into this water.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?  

Rachel: I always go up to my parent’s house ( in a small town in Ontario) and I love the snow and decorating the tree.  My favourite part of Christmas is the carols --- so candlelit Christmas eve services are another favourite tradition. We also go through my little hometown at night on a drive to look at the Christmas lights—that is another favourite tradition.  Toronto (where I live) hosts a European Christmas market in one of the oldest, Victorian areas of the city and that is a favourite visit of mine each year.  

Allison: Because I’ve spent my entire life living on a school calendar, Christmas has always been about that long vacation in the middle of the year. Visiting family, sleeping late, cooking and eating and cooking and eating…Just taking the day-to-day schedule and ignoring it for days on end. Our only real family tradition is that there are no traditions. Families are different from year to year. We just try to live with year-long forgiveness and grace.

What’s next? (future books, novellas, special appearances you want to mention)

Rachel: My Herringford and Watts series about trouser-wearing lady detectives in Edwardian Toronto have two new releases happening in 2017: Conductor of Light releases in January and The White Feather Murders in May.

Allison: My next novel release is still under wraps—another reason why I wanted to take this chance to get something out to my readers! Stay tuned, though. By this time next year, you’re going to read about a romance for the ages.

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given that you’d like to share? 

Rachel: You cannot wait for writer’s block to pass.  I am someone who has a career and writes in my spare time.  With deadlines looming and edits to do, if I waited for writer’s block to pass, I would never get anything done. If you get stuck, move ahead, work on another piece, rework a scene. But, always be writing.  

Allison: Don’t ever feel like you’ve learned enough. Continue to study the craft, ask questions, forge relationships with writers with whom you can exchange ideas and advice. Turn friendships into mentorships and vice-versa. Also, trust that your editing and marketing team come with a completely different skill set. Trust their instincts and judgment.

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner? 

Rachel: That the first book you submit to an agent or publisher may not be the one that gets you through the door.   It takes perseverance and always having another manuscript in your back pocket. You have to be malleable.

Allison: Be ever-aware of opportunities to promote your books. Not obnoxiously, but in places where they’ll fit into the conversation.

Any last words or tips?  

Rachel: If writing stops being fun, then find something else to do!

Allison: hahaha…because I would never characterize writing as “fun” for me. Satisfying? Usually. But fun—not until the project gets to the written stage. What makes it fun is being a part of the writing world. Find people who do what you do and nourish those relationships. 

Starring Christmas is largely a product of the friendship between Rachel and me. Lots of internet chats and messages. We talk about writing and books and stories—we see each other through that lens. Find someone to be that other part of you. Non-writers don’t get it.

That's it for today's interview. If you would like know more about this book and their writing, here are some links to get you started.
To buy Starring Christmas: http://amzn.to/2hPU0Y6
Allison's page: https://www.amazon.com/Allison-Pittman/e/B001JP0ZG4
Rachel's page:http://amzn.to/2hvE94o 

An Alaskan Christmas: Author Interview with Teri Wilson

How did you come up with the idea of your Christmas themed book?
SLEIGH BELL SWEETHEARTS is a Christmas romance about a woman who unexpectedly inherits a struggling reindeer farm that comes complete with three dozen unruly reindeer and one handsome, brooding ranch hand. I first got the idea for this book when I was watching the Westminster Kennel Club dog show on television and saw a dog that had been bred for herding reindeer. I'd already written two books set in Alaska and really wanted to write a Christmas-themed story set there. When I saw that dog on television, the rest of the plot just came to me.

You've had one book that became a Hallmark Movie (Unleashing Mr. Darcy) and I understand this book is also in the process of becoming a movie. Could you give me the details about that?
The book has been optioned for film by the Hallmark Channel and is currently in pre-production. The script has been written, and filming should start soon. The movie will most likely air on Hallmark during the 2017 holiday season.

Could you give me a short synopsis on the story for my readers?

Owning her own plane is all charter pilot Zoey Hathaway's ever dreamed of. So when she inherits a struggling reindeer farm, with three dozen unruly reindeer and one dangerously attractive ranch hand, Zoey's well-crafted plans seem to fly out the window. Now she must put her trust in Alec Wynn, and hope that the troubled cowboy's past won't interfere with her plans to save the farm. Zoey knows that if she wants to succeed, she can't do everything on her own. But as she accepts Alec's help, she'll soon realize it's not just her farm that's at stake—but her heart.

What made you decide to do a Christmas themed book?
SLEIGH BELL SWEETHEARTS is part of my Alaska series for Harlequin Love Inspired. As soon as I started writing books set in Alaska, I wanted to write a Christmas story set there because it's just the perfect setting for a holiday story. Alaska looks like a gorgeous Christmas card all year round.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?

I love to go see the living nativity scene at our church, and going to the candlelight service on Christmas Eve is also a family tradition. Afterward, we come back home to eat chips and queso and open Christmas gifts. On Christmas Day, my family always goes to see a movie together. I'm a huge fan of Christmas movies. My favorite is It's a Wonderful Life. Every year I watch it while I bake a batch of cookies during the weeks leading up to Christmas.

What’s next? (future books, novellas, special appearances you want to mention)
I have six books releasing in 2017. Three of them are part of my Drake Diamonds series for Harlequin Special Edition. The other three are a new series I'm writing for Pocket Books called The Royals. The first book in The Royals series is called ROYALLY ROMA, and it's a modern retelling of the Audrey Hepburn/Gregory Peck movie, Roman Holiday.

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been give that you’d like to share?
Write every day whether you feel like it or not. It's important to develop the habit of writing. Once you start, the inspiration will come. If you wait to feel inspired before you start writing, you will never finish anything.

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
Every writing career has ups and downs, but you will have countless opportunities to reinvent yourself. If you love writing, don't give up.

Any last words or tips?
Read, read, read!

That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Teri's current books and upcoming projects, here are some options for you. 

Website: www.teriwilson.net

Twitter: @teriwilsonauthr

Amazon link for SLEIGH BELL SWEETHEARTS: https://www.amazon.com/Sleigh-Bell-Sweethearts-Love-Inspired-ebook/dp/B00D4MVG7W/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1477275894&sr=1-1&keywords=sleigh+bell+sweethearts

Amazon link for ROYALLY ROMA: https://www.amazon.com/Royally-Roma-Royals-Book-1-ebook/dp/B01JGQAHQU/ref=la_B002BLJIU4_1_14?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1477276894&sr=1-14&refinements=p_82%3AB002BLJIU4

Writing the Christmas Theme: Author Interview with C.J. Carmichael

C. J. Carmichael is a USA Today Bestselling author has written over 45 novels in her favorite genres of romance and mystery. She has been nominated twice for the Romance Writers of America RITA Award, as well as RT Bookclub’s Career Achievement in Romantic Suspense award, and the Bookseller’s Best honor.

What made you decide to write several Christmas themed books
Over the years I've discovered that I enjoy writing Christmas romance more than any other type of romance, possibly because of the feeling of magic that surrounds the holiday, at least for me. I enjoy edgy, provocative main characters as much as the next person, but when I'm looking for a holiday read, I want to root for a woman who is truly a kind and good person, and an honorable man who is willing to put his woman's best interests ahead of his own. I also love including a child in my stories who is need of "rescuing" of some sort. Because Christmas if for children, right?

Could you give me a short synopsis of your favorite for my readers?
A Bramble House Christmas is one of my favorite holiday stories. The hero of his story, Finn Knightly (a.k.a. Finn Conrad) wants to know why his recently deceased father left his nurse fifty thousand dollars after knowing her a mere six weeks. So he travels to Bramble House B&B in Marietta, Montana to find answers.

But Willa Fairchild is not the conniving woman he expects to find. Before he knows it, Willa-and her six-year-old son Scout-are stealing his heart. And that’s before he finds out Scout’s secret and the real reason this Christmas is so important.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
There are many! Baking and getting the house decorated for Christmas. Watching holiday movies with my family. And waking up Christmas morning to open stockings by the fire.

What’s next? (future books, novellas, special appearances you want to mention)

Currently, I'm working with 5 other authors on a year long series Love at the Chocolate Shop. We'll be putting out one book a month for a year beginning with October 2016 and ending September 2017. These books have a lot of the heartwarming appeal of the Christmas stories I love so much.

Any special awards or achievements you’d like to mention?
I've very excited that A Bramble House Christmas is currently on option for a TV movie, with plans for a Christmas 2017 release. Plus, it was nominated for a RITA award by Romance Writers of American in 2016, so I guess there are others who like this story besides me!

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been give that you’d like to share?
Learning how to use conflict to create compelling stories and characters was crucial for me. Whenever my writing seems to be lagging, it's generally a lack of conflict that's to blame.

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
In romance, it's smart to create a fictional community and write a series of at least 4 or 5 books. That's the best way to get known and to build a readership.

Any last words or tips?
At the beginning of a career, I think it's smart for an author to focus on one genre for at least five to ten years.

That's it for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about C.J.'s books, here are some options to get you started. 

A Bramble House Christmas: http://cjcarmichael.com/books/bramble...
Love at the Chocolate Shop FB Page:https://www.facebook.com/LoveattheCho...
My website: http://cjcarmichael.com/

An Oklahoma Christmas read: Author Interview with Linda Brooks Davis

How did you come up with the idea of your Christmas themed book?
A Christmas to Remember is a natural next step after The Calling of Ella McFarland. Readers asked what happens with Ella and Andrew in the future. Since their love for one another is such a strong thread in Ella’s story, a Christmas novella focusing on them—and the challenges to their relationship—seemed a natural next step. 

In addition, in the last few pages of The Calling of Ella McFarland, readers learn Ella and Andrew have taken in five orphaned sisters. What better time than Christmas to see what’s going on with those girls?

Could you give me a short synopsis of the story for my readers?

Readers first met Ella in the multi-award winning, The Calling of Ella McFarland. They cheered as feisty Ella battled to raise women from dark places, and they fell in love with Andrew alongside Ella. In the novella, A Christmas to Remember readers revisit Ella and Andrew three years into their marriage. Oklahoma has achieved statehood, and life in the cottage on the banks of Rock Creek has changed. What could have prepared the couple for the challenges thus far? Or those ahead? It's Christmas, 1908, and Ella's life is about to be transformed. Again.

What made you decide to do a Christmas themed book?
What time of the year is more saturated in love than Christmas? What better gift is there than Jesus? What better time to focus on children? For a couple as deeply in love as Ella and Andrew, Christmas is the perfect time to highlight love, gifts, children, and Jesus.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?

My favorite tradition is our grandchildren’s gathering at our house for the opening of the ornament boxes. Snapping off the lids … folding back the paper … peeling aside the batting … and holding up the same ol’ ornaments never lose their appeal. The ornaments don’t change from one Christmas to the next. Nor do the stories that accompany them. “This tiny wooden angel was made in Germany and bought for your mother for her first Christmas” … “This one was from our trip to the Passion Play in Oberammergau” … “Your dad gave me this little hedgehog when he was nine” … on and on they go. Each lifting of an ornament from a box, holding it to the light, and recounting its history is a gift to me each year.

This year I went through my mother’s old ornaments and divided them four ways—for myself and my three brothers. Now the tradition that began in Mother’s living room and is continued in mine is multiplied four times over! Can’t get any better than that.

What’s up next for your writing?

I’m currently working on a second novel telling the story of a different character from The Calling of Ella McFarland. It’s set in 1914 Oklahoma but moves elsewhere. Stay tuned!

Any special awards or achievements you’d like to mention?
After winning the 2014 Jerry Jenkins Operation First Novel award, The Calling of Ella McFarland debuted in December 2015. It just recently won the 2016 ACFW Carol Award in the debut category. I never dreamed it would be so honored. The story is fictional, but it’s sewn together with threads of truth from my ancestors’ lives and the Gospel.

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been give that you’d like to share?
From Jerry Jenkins: “Get the story down.”

This may seem like one of those “Duh” comments, but it couldn’t be more helpful to someone like me. I catch myself trying so hard to perfect a chapter, a paragraph, even a sentence as I go along that I can’t progress. And so the reminder to get the story down, that the first draft is me telling me the story, is a tip worth gold.

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
The publishing world is tough. Few velvet gloves exist even in Christian publishing. Not everyone will appreciate your story. Or come away inspired. Not everyone will rave about your prose. Or your captivating plot. But that’s okay. Not everyone drives the same make or model or color of car. Do we all enjoy sweet tea? Or choose shabby chic decor?

Readers’ tastes vary. And so do agents’ and publishers’. But that doesn’t change the why we write. Or the for Whom.

Any last words or tips?
Focus on why you’re writing. Prepare yourself. Put in the time and effort. And release the rest to God.

That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Linda's writing and upcoming books, here is how to get started.
Website: http://lindabrooksdavis.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LindaBrooksDavis/
Twitter: @LBrooksDavis
A Christmas to Remember: http://amzn.to/2e5rlw7
The Calling of Ella McFarland: http://amzn.to/2duESxx

Hope at Christmas: Author Interview with Laurie LeClair

How did you come up with the idea of your Christmas themed book?
The idea for a Christmas-themed book began the moment Gabriel Angel was born in my mind years ago. I wanted to know if a man who had lost everything could find faith again. In 2014, I finally wrote that touching book, The Heart Remembers. It took me two more years to try to do justice to that first book and write the sequel, The Gift Of Hope. The holiday themes of hope, faith, love, family, and friends continue with this heartwarming series.

Could you give me a short synopsis on the story for my readers?
The Gift Of Hope (An Angel Mountain Novel) - Can a man who has lost faith in others dare to believe in the magic of the Christmas Angels to lead him and the townspeople to the faith, hope, and love they need to save Angel Mountain?

What made you decide to do a Christmas themed book?
There’s something about Christmas that brings out the best in people. We’re more giving of ourselves and more compassionate to the plights of others. It’s a wonderful and humbling time of year. Also, I wanted to write an inspirational holiday book to touch on the meaning of hope and faith in each of us and how just clinging to them can bring us through the worst of times and carry us to be the best people we can be.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
Growing up, we would go to my grandmother’s house where she, my aunts, and my mother would cook pork pies and another Portuguese dish for Christmas Eve. “Santa” would arrive a few hours later with his sack of gifts, select a present and call out the family member’s name listed on the gift, and that person would have to sit on Santa’s lap and take a picture as they received it. Everyone in the family – more than forty of us – would get a present and have our turn. 

The next day, everyone would go back to my grandmother’s house where she made the best chicken and stars soup, a big ham dinner, and serve delicious desserts my mom and my aunts made. My dad, my aunts. and uncles would spend the afternoon playing cards, my mom and her sisters would catch up and gossip, and all the cousins would play and share our new toys. Also, we’d have a little birthday party for my mom (my family’s miracle Christmas baby).

Today, I continue that tradition of making a pork pie every Christmas Eve and my husband and I watch my favorite movie, It’s A Wonderful Life. On Christmas day, my husband and I spend a quiet morning opening gifts. Later, we cook Christmas dinner together while catching up on the phone with family and friends who live far away.

What’s next? (future books, novellas, special appearances you want to mention)

I have so much going on the rest of this year and into the new year. I’m working on my new series for Tule Publishing! The three, sweet contemporary western books will be out in 2017. Also, I’m plotting my next book in my romantic comedy series, Once Upon A Romance. I love writing these funny romances and the next one – number 11 - will be out in early 2017. More books in this series are on the schedule.

Any special awards or achievements you’d like to mention?
I have an honorable mention award for one of my books, cover awards for three others (one was for the cover and the blurb), and Amazon bestselling status with some of my books in the romantic comedy series. Honestly, after writing for twenty-six years, I just feel so blessed to be writing the books. I love and connecting with readers who love them.

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been give that you’d like to share?
Write the “crappy” first draft – no stopping, no editing, just write. Get the words down. Edit later. Polish again and again until it shines. As the great Nora Roberts says, you can’t edit a blank page. 

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
On writing: I don’t know who said this, but it is something that resonates with me now. Being a writer means you always have homework. Study your craft and keep studying it. It is a never-ending process that helps you grow as a writer. 

Find what works for you. I would attend a workshop, hungry for tidbits, and immediately follow the speaker’s advice, hoping that it would be the “secret code.” I wasted a lot of time chasing someone else’s method that was great for them, but not so great for me. Knowing who you are and how you operate – on a learning level and in your writing process - is invaluable in discovering the key to unlocking what works best for you.

On publishing: What worked then, doesn’t necessarily work now. What works now, will not always work in the future. The one thing that is guaranteed in this industry is that it will change and you must adapt and change with it or you’ll be left behind.

Any last words or tips?
DON’T GIVE UP ON YOURSELF! If writing is your dream, don’t allow your fears to dominate you so much so that it stops you from pursuing that dream. The time will pass no matter what you are doing in your life. 

Five years from now, wouldn’t you rather look back and know you tried your best to go after your dream than to curse at the time you wasted not doing anything to further your dream?

That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to know more about Laurie's current and future books, click on her link:  www.laurieleclair.com

A Texas Christmas: Author Interview with Jolene Navarro

How did you come up with the idea of your Christmas themed book?
It did not start out as a Christmas story. I had a heroine that had been in one too many weddings and now she was in her twin brother’s second wedding. Can you imagine how that made her feel? 

Where does the romance for her come in?
Her brother’s best man is the opposite of everything she wants in a husband. So we know where this is going, right? I love putting people together that don’t look like they would fit, but the side of her that is afraid of risk and lives in fear of making a mistake needed to be challenged. In walks the hero.

He’s an artist that lives in the moment and thrives on spontaneity. He was in and out of foster care as a child and has no family or traditions. He sees life as short and lives in the moment. This gets him in trouble, so together they learn to trust in God’s plan and enjoy every day with arms wide open while planning for the future. What better time for new beginnings and hope for the future than a Christmas wedding. So the story became a Christmas story with a lost soul in the midst of a huge family. It had to be Christmas. 

What made you decide to do a Christmas themed book?
Some fellow authors with Love Inspired and friends were doing an anthology and invited me to join them. The theme they already had was mistletoe memories. Of course that brings kissing to mind and for me I thought of the end of a wedding ceremony.

“You may kiss the bride.”

It makes me sigh every time.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions? 

When I think of Christmas, I think of family. It has always been a big family event, from loading in the car to see the lights or getting the kids together to build gingerbread houses. Our town has a night time Christmas parade on Main Street. Christmas Eve is spent with my mother’s family out on a ranch in the Texas Hill Country. Christmas day is spent hanging out with my kids. With all the family get-togethers, comes the need for lots of food. I love cooking for the holidays.

What’s next? (future books, novellas, special appearances you want to mention) 

In July I will have my first Historical out. It's called, Lone Star Bride. It is set in the young county of the Texas Republic. Sofia De Zavala wants more than to be a housewife so she dresses up as a boy and joins the cattle drive leaving from her father’s ranch.

Right after that, in August my fifth Clear Water book will hit the shelves. A much loved reoccurring character single dad, Adrian De La Cruz, will get his chance at a happy ending with the Bergmann’s prodigal sister.

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been give that you’d like to share? 

Writing takes perseverance and the wiliness to fail. In failure, you learn and go at it again. Other than that I’m a craft junkie. Book, workshops and conferences are a great way to sharpen your writing tools, but you have to finish the book and start a new one – edit, repeat.

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner? 

As an author, you have more control that you know, but always take the time to listen to those in the business.

Any last words or tips?

Finish a story. There is power in writing the end. Then write another story. Enjoy the process.

That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Jolene's writing and upcoming books, here's how to do that.

https://www.amazon.com/Jolene-Navarro/e/B00CGBRMCA/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_1

http://jolenenavarrowriter.com/