Posts of book giveaways. Also interviews with and
articles by Christian authors.
articles by Christian authors.
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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.
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.
Thanks so much for having me, Jo!
ReplyDeleteSandra, you're so welcome. Glad to have you visit.
DeleteIt is such a blessing to meet Christian authors, especially through Lighthouse publishing. Thanks Jo & Sandra. I will follow both of you.
ReplyDeleteCarol, thanks for coming by and leaving your comment. I appreciate you following my blog!
DeleteThank you, Carol! Congrats on your upcoming book! :)
ReplyDeleteI love Christmas stories and this sounds like a great one! Thank you for sharing Sandra's interview and giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI am a blog follower.
texaggs2000 at gmail dot com
Thank you, Britney. I hope you enjoy it!
DeleteBritney, you're welcome. I appreciate you following my blog!! Thanks for leaving your comment.
DeleteThat'd be an interesting dinner
ReplyDeletebn100candg at hotmail dot com
Wouldn't it? I kind of like to hear Lincoln's voice. Was it deep or just average timbre? What a sad time.
Deletebn100, thanks for coming by and leaving your comment. I went to college at Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee. During the Civil while in the Cumberland Gap of Tennessee, Lincoln mentioned to one of his officers that the country needed a school there so the Appalachian children could get an education. We always had no classes on Lincoln's birthday!
DeleteSandra, I like the theme of forgiveness. It's an important one to get across by means of fiction.
ReplyDeleteI think it's pretty universal in Christian fiction -- at least it is in mine, Zillah. Maybe because that's what Christianity is all about?
DeleteHi Sandra. Enjoyed your interview and thank you, Jo. I love historical fiction and The Yuletide Angel sounds like a wonderful book! Our book club is going to read it for our December selection, so I'd love to win a copy! Blessings, Marilyn. marilynturkwriter@yahoo.com
DeleteThank you, Marilyn. Oh my! Your book club? What great news to hear! :) I hope you all enjoy it! Right now, my publisher has it at $.99 for the Kindle and Nook. They're also giving away two free ebooks with the purchase through October 31. Just email the receipt to: ChristianReaderLPC@gmail.com.
DeleteZillah, thanks for leaving your comment. I NEED YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO ENTER YOU IN THE BOOK DRAWING SO IF YOU WIN I CAN CONTACT YOU.
DeleteMarilyn, you're welcome. Thanks for commenting and letting Sandra know about your book club selection of her book.
ReplyDeleteChristmas stories are some of the best and this one sounds like a dandy!
ReplyDeleteThank you Miss Jo....you know I am a follower and always look forward to your wonderful blog.
mauback55 at gmail dot com
Thank you, Melanie. :)
DeleteMelanie, you're welcome. Glad you stopped by and left your comment. I appreciate you following my blog! Thanks for your kind words about my blog!
DeleteSounds like a great book. Enjoyed getting to know Sandra better.
ReplyDeletePatricia, glad you enjoyed the interview with Sandra. Thanks for leaving your comment.
DeleteHmm ... I left a reply the other day for you, Pat, but I don't see it. Thanks so much! I read A Promise to Protect and enjoyed it. :)
DeleteHi Jo. Thanks for leading me to a new author, tho I'm getting overloaded. LOL
ReplyDeleteI would love to win The Yuletide Angel. Sure would be neat to be able to do that. A secret santa. I can remember when the fire stations collected good used toys and fixed them up and went to needy kids homes dressed like Santa. They always came to my sister's house. Now, everything has to be new. Thanks for the give-away. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
Maxie, you're welcome. Glad you've found a new author. Thanks for leaving your comment.
Delete