Christmas Spirit?

 Hi, Charlotte Carter here.

My Christmas shopping is done. The presents that needed to be shipped are on their way. The Christmas letter my husband wrote is tucked into appropriate cards, sealed, stamped and mailed. I’ve wrapped the presents for those who live locally and they await delivery.

Last week my husband put up the outside lights without complaint! Yesterday I decorated inside; it seems, with an empty nest, I do less every year.

Writing? That’s been on hold, but soon I will get back to it. Deadline looms.

Amid all the activities and stress, our government is arguing about taxes, battles rage all around the world and a terrible tragedy happened in Newtown, CT.

How can we hold onto the message of Christmas? What is your secret? Share it with others so they will know.

Happy reading....
Char......
　
Books that leave you smiling....
www.CharlotteCarter.com

My Husband's Proposal

This is Margaret Daley. Mike and I had talked about getting married. I knew that he would propose when he came to visit me over Christmas break. He lived in Tulsa and I lived in Biloxi. We both went to Vanderbilt. He flew down to see me after Christmas. I met him at the airport and couldn’t wait to get the ring. I wanted him to give it to me in the middle of the airport. He did, but won’t let me forget it. He had planned a wonderful dinner to propose to me. He was going to hide the ring in the food. Yes, he was--I’m kind of glad that didn’t happen--I could see me choking on the ring. I know it wasn’t the most romantic way to propose, but I remember it vividly and treasure it. We have been married for forty-two years and he’s my best friend.

Okay, now it is your turn. Anyone want to share how their husband proposed to them or how you proposed to your wife?

LIght of the World

Terri Reed here struggling to find words.  My heart and mind grieve for the lives lost this past week.
I cling to my faith for comfort and mourn with those who are mourning.
    

  

Oh, Christmas Tree!

Jenna Mindel here, loving all things Christmas!  I get really excited for Christmas around October.  I break out the Christmas Carols, settle into reading Christmas-time romances by my fellow LI authors, and dream of that first snowfall and finding the perfect Christmas tree.
  
The beginning of December heralds my annual trek with my husband to cut down a fresh smelling Christmas Tree.  Frasier Firs are my favorite, but this year we have a lovely Balsam cut from our friends' property.  For me, nothing less than a real tree will do and I love tromping around the woods or a tree farm looking for that special tree that speaks to me.  You know, those trees really want the honor of coming home to be decorated! LOL.

2012 Tree



Silver table top tree

That's when the fun begins.  The lights, the glass, the cherished ornaments...  I happen to be a vintage ornament lover too.  I've been collecting the 1940's glass balls forever. 

Remember Shiny-Brite?  But I love blown glass and fruit & veggie ornaments too - so I've got a mix of old and new. 

What special Christmas time collections do you have?  Or have you started collecting?  



Got to have a Christmas Pickle



Christmas Wishes

Susan Sleeman, here. I’m busy with Christmas preparations. This year my family will all be together for the first time in many years and I'm excited as a little child.
We have so many plans including a trip to Disney World for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This is a fun night when Disney opens for a limited number of people. There’s a parade, fireworks and it actually snows on Main Street, which is an amazing feat in Florida. I can’t wait to see the wonder in my grandson’s eyes as he takes it all in. This is our big event but we will also be taking in some of central Florida's other attractions.

So what are your plans for the holiday season? Are you traveling or staying at home. Will your family be together?

Since this is my last blog post before Christmas I wish all of the faithful Love Inspired readers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. And in honor of the holiday, I am giving away a copy of The Christmas Witness. Simply enter your information in the box below and you will be registered.
This contest had ended.

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Interviewer info:
SUSAN SLEEMAN is a best-selling author of inspirational romantic suspense and mystery novels. Her first romantic suspense title, High-Stakes Inheritance earned a spot on the ECPA bestseller list and her Garden Gate Mystery series, which features Nipped in the Bud, and Read Between the Tines has enjoyed time on Amazon bestseller lists as well. And The Christmas Witness was named a finalist in the 2011 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense.
Much to her husband's chagrin, Susan loves to look at everyday situations and turn them into murder and mayhem scenarios for future novels. If you've met Susan, she has probably figured out a plausible way to kill you and get away with it. Don't worry, she'd never follow through on it.
In addition to writing, Susan hosts the popular internet website www.TheSuspenseZone.com.
She currently lives in Florida, but has had the pleasure of living in nine states. Her husband is a church music director and they have two beautiful daughters, a very special son-in-law, and an adorable grandson.

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To connect with Susan outside her– Website

Visit any of these social media sites-

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Christmas Traditions

HI, Terri Reed here popping in to say Merry Christmas.  I love this time of year, especially the music.  One of my personal traditions is to buy a new Christmas Album each year.
This year I've bought two.
1)Rod Stewart's Merry Christmas, Baby.  For those of you who grew up in the 80's, you're probably a fan of Rod's smoky voice and unique style. I sure am.  I saw Rod in concert in 89'.

2)MercyMe's Christmas Session.  

I have to admit MercyMe is my all time favorite group. I saw them in concert in 2006.I have every single album they've made including the newest one The Hurt and The Healer.  

Do you have a personal Christmas Tradition?

A HOPE SPRINGS CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas from Patricia Davids.
My new book, A HOPE SPRINGS CHRISTMAS, is on sale now.
Sarah, an Amish widow who dreads the holidays is enlisted by a friend to find a wife for her brother, Levi. Sarah and Levi have been neighbors for years but Sarah realizes she doesn't know him well. In a effort to find just the right woman, she decides to get to know him better and begins working at his buggy shop. Will Sarah find the perfect wife for Levi, or will she risk her heart on love again?

Christmas in Amish Country.

A Hope Springs Christmas is my third Christmas book set in Hope Springs, Ohio in the middle of Amish country. I have come to love the town and often think of it as an additonal character in my stories. It's so much fun to give readers a look at what has happened to the hero and heroine of previous stories. There are new babies, weddings, skating parties and socials to talk about. Who is causing trouble and who is turning over a new leaf?



I'm interested to hear what you like or don't like about series that take place in the same town.

Happy Holidays everyone.

May many Christmas Blessings come your way.