Christmas Novella

Posts of book giveaways. Also interviews with and
articles by Christian authors.

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Inspirational thoughts formerly on the website page "My Thoughts" are now on the new blog, Lifelines.

THE YULETIDE ANGEL

by Sandra Ardoin

 

Leave a comment on THIS post by 6 p.m. CT Tuesday, October 21, 2014 to be entered in the DRAWING for a copy of the book below. If you mention in your comment that you’re a follower (see in the left sidebar “Join This Site” and “Follow by Email”), I'll add your name a second time in the drawing. U.S. mailing address required to receive a paper book. Read book giveaway details at Disclaimers. Please leave your email address. Winner announced in next Thursday's blog post.

THE YULETIDE ANGEL by Sandra Ardoin

 

Sandra Ardoin is a multi-published author of short fiction. A fan of old westerns growing up, it’s only natural that she sets stories in the days of the horse and buggy, as she did with her newly released Christmas novella, The Yuletide Angel. She’s the married mother of a young adult and lives in North Carolina.

Welcome, Sandra. If you could have dinner with one person from today or history (except Jesus) who would it be?

For some reason, I’ve been thinking about Abraham Lincoln a great deal lately. I can’t say I’ve done any in-depth study into his life, but he carried a tremendous load on those shoulders. I would like to discuss with him the emotional struggles he went through in trying to bring the country back together. Only God knows the true state of his faith, but the quotes attributed to him make me think it was strong. Quotes such as:

"Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right." — Abraham Lincoln. How can you not want to talk to someone like that?

Please tell us a little about your novella.

The Yuletide Angel is a sweet, historical romance between two people who find love during the Christmas holiday season of 1890.

Here’s a short summary:

It's Christmastime in 1890s Meadowmead, and someone is venturing out at night to leave packages at the homes of the needy. Dubbed The Yuletide Angel, no one knows the identity of this mysterious benefactor. 

No one, except Hugh Barnes, a confirmed bachelor who finds himself drawn to the outwardly shy but inwardly bold Violet Madison, a young woman who risks her safety to help others. 

When Violet confesses her fear of eviction from her childhood home, Hugh longs to rescue her. His good intentions are thwarted, however, when Hugh's estranged brother shows up in town ... and in Violet's company. 

But Violet faces an even bigger threat. A phantom figure lurks in the shadows, prepared to clip the wings of The Yuletide Angel.

What takeaway value do you want your readers to have?

The themes of the story are forgiveness, trust, and pride. Hugh must deal with both forgiveness and trust when it comes to his brother’s previous betrayal. Forgiveness is a universal problem we all face at some time.

Violet has good intentions that lead to the less-than-honorable characteristic of pride. We can take a good thing, such as a ministry, and turn it into something that focuses the glory on us and not God. Whatever our interests and talents, we need to be especially mindful of that fact.

Where can readers find you online?

Visit me at www.sandraardoin.com and the Seriously Write blog. Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads. Check out my Pinterest board for The Yuletide Angel. Sign up for my newsletter.

Where can readers purchase The Yuletide Angel?

The Yuletide Angel is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Any parting comment?

Thank you so much for letting me visit and talk about my Christmas novella, Jo. I hope your readers will love Hugh and Violet. And Merry Christmas in October!

Also, I’m excited to announce that The Yuletide Angel has led to a contract for a follow-up novel (my debut). A Reluctant Melody (working title) is scheduled to release in early 2016 from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas’ new historical imprint, Heritage Beacon.

Thank you, Sandra, for visiting with my readers and me. I'll draw from the commenters to this post for a winner of a copy of The Yuletide Angel, which you have offered.

The winner of last Thursday’s blog post for a copy of Rachel's Contrition by Michelle Buckman is Melanie. I’ll email you. Thanks all for commenting. Watch for more book giveaways.

Till next time...keep on smiling.