Christmas Tea Party & New Release

It's time to celebrate Christmas with a Tea Party to to celebrate a December new releases by Colonial Quills team member, Shannon McNear. Welcome Friends!

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December 1 marks the release of Shannon McNear's first Civil War novel, The Rebel Bride, #10 of the Daughters of the Mayflower.

From the back cover:

In the clash between Union and Confederacy, Tennessee farm girl Pearl MacFarlane is compelled to help care for Yankee wounded, but determines to remain unmoved by their cause—until she faces the silent struggle of Union soldier Joshua Wheeler, a recent amputee.

This story is set September-November 1863, against the backdrop of the Battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga in southern Tennessee. As a side note--Pearl is granddaughter to Kate and Thomas from The Cumberland Bride, and Josh is grandson to Sally and Sam from The Highwayman (from The Most Eligible Bachelor Collection.) It was fun to work in hints of the connection!

About Shannon:

Transplanted to North Dakota after more than two decades in the Deep South, Shannon McNear loves losing herself in local history. As the author of four novellas and three full-length novels, with her first novella, Defending Truth in A Pioneer Christmas Collection, a 2014 RITA® finalist, her greatest joy is in being a military wife, mom of eight, mother-in-law of three, and grammie of three. She’s also a contributor to Colonial Quills and a member of ACFW and RWA. When not sewing, researching, or leaking story from her fingertips, she enjoys being outdoors, basking in the beauty of the northern prairies.

GIVEAWAY! One signed copy of The Rebel Bride! Please comment if you're interested in winning this title to be entered. ❤

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MERRY CHRISTMAS to our Colonial Quills followers! I'm giving away free codes for my new audiobook of colonial novella Mercy in a Red Cloak!

And for my debut book in Christian Fiction on audiobook, too, Return to Shirley Plantation!

All you have to do to enter for these free codes (and I have a lot of them!) is to put "Audio" in your comment and indicate Mercy (for Mercy in a Red Cloak) Return for (Return to Shirley Plantation) or put Mercy Return for both!

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Pegg Thomas is giving away one paperback copy of A Bouquet of Brides that includes her Colonial-era story, In Sheep's Clothing, winner of the 2019 Romance Writers of America, Faith, Hope, & Love Chapter's Readers Choice Award. To be entered for this book, simply comment below and include the word SHEEP somewhere in your comment. Drawing after the close of the Facebook party.
AND THE WINNER IS: KATHY DANHEIM!

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Naomi Musch will be giving away a copy of  Mist O'er the Voyageur, a 2018 Selah and Book of the Year Finalist, and NE MN Book of the Year Nominee. If you haven't yet read this romantic adventure, let Naomi know in a comment  below to be entered in the drawing. 




 

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Janet Grunst will be giving away a copy of The Highlanders, to a continental US blog commenter. This is a Smitten Historical Romance Collection just released in November of four stories that take place in different eras. Never underestimate the heart of a Highlander.  

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Jennifer Hudson Taylor will be giving away the first two novels of her colonial trilogy to one winner. Book 1 is For Love or Loyalty, set in 1760 and begins in Scotland and follows a highland family to Charleston, SC. Book 2 is For Love or Country, set in 1781 during the American Revolution in NC and carries the story of the MacGregor family to the second generation. To a second winner, Jennifer will be giving away a copy of the Backcountry Brides, eight novella collections set during the colonial period by many of the authors here on Colonial Quills.

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Angela K. Couch will be giving a way a winner's choice of her Hearts at War series as a e-book. For more information on these stories check out www.angelakcouch.com. Also, for the Christmas season, enjoy a short story set during the American Civil War. I Heard the Bells will be free for the week on Amazon!

 Virginia, December 1864
Three years ago, Gabriel Morgan left his home in Virginia to fight for the Union army, despite his family and his fiancée’s loyalties to the South. Now, with battle fresh in his mind, and the war still raging, he chances a quick trip home with one prayer…to make peace this Christmas.

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Please be sure to also come by our Facebook Party tonight, Tuesday December 17th from 6-9 PM Eastern Time! In the meanwhile, sit down for a spell and let us serve you a lovely Christmas tea!

The Backcountry Brides Collection -- Review by Tina Rice & Giveaway!

The Backcountry Brides Collection (Barbour Books, May 2018)

The Backcountry Brides Collection: 8 Eighteenth-Century Women Seek Love on Colonial America’s Frontier

Review by Tina Rice
This is an amazing collection of novellas by eight gifted writers taking the reader “on the trail” traveling into Colonial America spanning the years of 1754-1792. We meet strong women of the backcountry who are looking for love...and hopefully husbands...strong, rugged men, with the skills and abilities to survive living in this rustic frontier land. Men who are prepared to face attacks by Indians, the fierceness and harshness of nature, unforeseen dangers and challenges or even the possibility of depleted supplies to protect their families. Can these rugged men and woman overcome the elements thrown at them and find love in the midst of it all?

The detailed descriptions of the diversity of the characters’ cultural differences and backgrounds bring to life the hardships and struggles they face. They overcome challenges and hardships, tense situations, sorrows, grief and pain and share joys and humorous moments...which had me smiling, family, hope, integrity, love and faith. I love the historical aspects of each novella and the way the authors incorporates those details within the fictional story-lines. I enjoy reading the author’s notes regarding the historical aspects of her story. This is one of the reasons I love reading Christian historical fiction, I always learn something of our history, so they are, in effect, an enjoyable “history lesson”.

1. Shenandoah Hearts by Carrie Fancett Pagels
1754..Great Wagon Road, into the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia.
With a saddened heart Magda Sehler moves with her family to the Shenandoah Valley. The man she loves has not declared his feelings for her. What does the future hold for her without the man who holds her heart? Jacob Owens surprises them all when he leaves his prosperous business behind and moves to the Valley with them. What is the real reason for his sudden move? Is there a chance for love after all? There are some surprises, danger, joys and sorrows, decisions to be made, family strength, first love and God’s faithfulness along with historical facts woven within this heartwarming story. I was happy to see the mention of one of the Christy boys from another story.

2. Heart of Nantahala by Jennifer Hudson Taylor
1757..North Carolina Colony.
Joseph Gregory is out to buy a lumber mill, but the owner will not sell. Can he convince the owner to sell to him or will he lose his heart in the bargain? Mabel Walker owns a prosperous lumber mill, which many feel is not very “womanly” even though she is capable. Will she be forced to comply with what society dictates and sell? And what of love? There are challenges and opposition Mabel faces, hard decisions to make, hope, joys and love of family at the heart and faith in this heartwarming story.

3. Her Redcoat by Pegg Thomas
1763..Fort Michilimackinac of Michigan during Pontiac’s Rebellion.
Laurette Pettigrew grew up in the northern frontier but trouble may be brewing and she is tucked away in her father’s cabin some distance from the fort. Henry Bedlow, an English soldier. . .hence the redcoat, is at the fort against his will. Ah, but if he had not been at the fort he would not have met the woman who captures his heart. I enjoyed the way Laurette and Henry met and how their love grew. But they come from diffident cultural backgrounds, will that difference keep them apart? Or will God answer their prayers and make a way for them when there seems to be no way? A story filled with historical facts, hope, love and faith. A heartwarming story.

4. A Heart So Tender by Debra E. Marvin
1764..Fort Niagara of New York.
Susannah Kimball and British Lieutenant Archibald “Arch” Walsh meet during a difficult time surrounding the fort. Susannah’s faith, attitude and caring heart soon captures Arch’s heart. With danger lurking at their door, they need to be prepared. Will their love have a chance? Historical facts bring this story to life as Susannah and Arch find themselves in the midst of an impending convergence of thousands of Native warriors. Before reading this novella, I had not heard about Sir William Johnson's Great Gathering and appreciate the historical details. Overcoming fears, prejudices and challenges, family, hope, love and faith make this a heartwarming story.

5. A Worthy Groom by Angela K. Couch
1771..Sapling Grove settlement on the Holston River of Tennessee.
Marcus Cowden has lived his whole life “taming” the Cowden temper simmering inside, vowing to never let it control him as it has others in his family. Can he earn his new wife’s trust, proving that he will never hurt her and thereby winning her heart? Lorinda Cowden knows all too well what can happen when tempers flare, the results inflicted upon her. But can she learn to trust Marcus, he is a Cowden after all. Will they allow God to mend their hearts? A heart-felt story about trust...learning to trust others and God’s leading, learning to control anger with God’s help, second chances, hope, family, love and faith.

6. Across Three Autumns by Denise Weimer
1778-1780..Wilkes County, Georgia.
Jenny White is a strong, backcountry woman in every way. The local Indians call her “War Woman” and I think even admire her. She doesn’t feel pretty compared to her young sister. And she doesn’t see her worth as God sees her and a certain Scottish scout, Caylan McIntosh. Their love was slow in coming and at times seemed to stall. Tragedy, illness and death bring them closer, as it often can. I was glad to see the surprising ending.

7. The Counterfeit Tory by Shannon McNear
1780..Charlotte Town, South Carolina.
This story based on historical facts bring Lizzy Cunningham and Jed Wheeler together. Jed has a job to do and as he stays at the tavern he witnesses the treatment Lizzy receives at the hands of her family. In the process he loses his heart and will protect her from those who would mistreat her. Can he do that and complete the dangerous task set before him? Encouragement, hope, new beginnings, heartbreak and joys, good verses evil, love, faith and trust in God weave a heartwarming story. I like that this story is a continuation of a previous novella, The Highwayman, though it stands alone.

8. Love’s Undoing by Gabrielle Meyer
1792..Fur Post at Fort McCrea, on the Upper Mississippi River along Minnesota.
Abi McCrea longs to see the world outside the fort walls where she grew up. When she does, it is not what she had envisioned. However, one good thing came out of her travels. . .not saying. Englishman Henry Kingsley came to the fort on an errand and meets Abi and has to decide if the future he had planned out is really what he wants. Abi is a special, talented young woman and Henry can learn much from her. . .about life along the river certainly but of the heart as well. Everything is not smooth for them, they run into prejudices and challenges, joys, hope, love..true love, family and faith. I enjoyed this sweet, heartwarming story.

Readers, you can purchase a copy of Backcountry Brides at:

Christian Book Distributors  

Walmart 

Barnes & Noble  

Amazon 

Check at your local Christian bookstores, e.g., Lifeway, to see if they have copies, too! 

GIVEAWAY: We're giving away a copy of the paperback to one blessed commenter on this post!

ALSO-- Don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway going on for this collection! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Backcountry Brides Collection Tea Party!!! A Dream Come True!

Carrie Fancett Pagels here. We're SO excited to have you join us in celebrating the release of our Colonial American frontier collection! This is a dream come true for me -- a collection almost a decade in the planning on my part! And now we have all these wonderful authors who are part of making that dream come true! The Colonial Quills authors who are part of this collection WELCOME you!!! We're in a virtual setting in the backcountry across our country today as we enjoy our tea in the Shenandoah Valley to New York and to parts farther west. 

Won't you come in and join us?

Authors

Shannon McNear

I'm so blessed to be part of this collection--and this blog! Who knew way back that we'd wind up having our own volume of all-colonial stories? And how amazing is God for making the way for it to happen?

Not only is this time period my favorite to write in, but I got to set this story in one of my favorite places--South Carolina, my home state for almost 23 years. The history of the upstate, known as the backcountry during this era, is a rich one, and there were almost too many events and settings to draw from. I loved the idea of merging a light spy thriller concept with colonial romance, though ... since I can't seem to write without that element of adventure!

My story, The Counterfeit Tory, set late in 1781, is actually a sequel to my previous novella The Highwayman. While tasked with infiltrating a notorious Tory gang, Jed Wheeler has no wish to endanger the leader's cousin, Lizzy Cunningham. He finds himself risking not only his life ... but his heart.

I'm giving away one copy of Backcountry Brides among those who comment today!

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Pegg Thomas

Pegg is giving away THREE sets of note cards. The blank cards showcase Michigan's Mackinac Bridge. 

Pegg's story in the collection, Her Redcoat, takes place at Fort Michilimackinac, which stands at the foot of the Mackinac Bridge today. Watch the Facebook Page for two sets to be given away and the third set will be given to a commenter here on the blog.

Gabrielle Meyer

What an amazing group of authors to partner with in this collection! This is my first foray into Colonial America, and I can honestly say it was my favorite novella to write, so far. The Backcountry Brides Collection is my tenth published story and my first set in the fur trade era. My story, Love's Undoing, begins in 1792 in what would someday become central Minnesota in a Scottish fur post on the banks of the Mississippi River.

My heroine, Abi, is the daughter of a Scottish fur trader and a Chippewa mother. My hero, Henry Kingsley, is an Englishman who is the second-born son of a nobleman, looking to make his mark in the world. When their worlds collide, they struggle to know where they fit together--or if they fit, at all.

The Northwest Company Fur Post
in Pine City, MN

I loved researching this time period and setting characters there. Many people are surprised to learn that Europeans were in Minnesota as early as the mid-1600's. Fur traders, missionaries, and explorers were drawn to the banks of the Mississippi River, as well as Lake Superior and the thousands of other waterways in the region. When Carrie asked me to be part of this collection, I immediately knew I wanted to set my story in Minnesota. Part of my research was visiting the Northwest Company Fur Post in Pine City, Minnesota, which is just a couple hours away from my home. The fur post in my story is inspired by the one I visited.

There are lots of ways to connect with me, but my two favorites are my newsletter, which you can find here, or my author page on Facebook, which you can find here. Be sure to leave a comment below, because I'm giving away a copy of The Backcountry Brides Collection to one person who comments on this blog today. Thanks for stopping by!

Debra E. Marvin

What a great honor to be part of this collection! I've long enjoyed imagining myself in a colonial setting and having the chance to write A HEART SO TENDER for the Backcountry Brides Collection was a delight. My story takes place in 1764 at Fort Niagara during The Great Gathering, a very interesting and tense time in our history.

As thousands of Native warriors converge on Fort Niagara, jaded British Lieutenant Archibald Walsh and idealistic schoolmistress Susannah Kimball learn the greatest risk lies in guarding their hearts.

I'm giving away a paperback to one commenter on the blog.

For more about my fiction, please visit my facebook page, Debra E. Marvin.. I'm also giving away a $25.00 Amazon Gift Card to a random new subscriber to my newsletter during May, June or July. Sign up here!

Thank you for all your support for colonial fiction!


Jennifer Hudson Taylor

Jennifer is an award winning author of Inspirational fiction set in historic Europe and the Carolinas. She's a speaker on writing, publishing and digital marketing. Her work has been reviewed by USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, and Library Journal. Her works have appeared in national publications, such as Guideposts, Heritage Quest Magazine, RT Book Reviews, and The Military Trader. Jennifer graduated from Elon University with a B.A. in Communications and is currently enrolled in a M.A. program at Queens University with an interactive digital strategy concentration. When she isn't writing, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, visiting historical sites, cycling, horseback riding, genealogy, and reading. You can learn more about her at www.jenniferhudsontaylor.net.

Giveaway: Jennifer is giving away a set of her MacGregor Legacy books, including: Book 1: For Love or Loyalty (1763), Book 2: For Love or Country (1781), Book 3: For Love or Liberty (1813) to one lucky winner. This series follows 3 generations of the MacGregor family as they emigrate from Scotland to the Carolinas through the Revolutionary War and to the War of 1812.

Jennifer will also give away a faith plaque show below. It has a cross and a statement that says, "Don't worry about tomorrow, God is already there." 

For today's Facebook Party, Jennifer will give away a copy of Backcountry Brides, a copy of For Love or Country, and a stationary set. 

Denise Weimer


Denise's novella, Across Three Autumns, takes place in Georgia's Revolutionary War "Hornet's Nest." Jenny White, who falls in love with Scottish militia scout Caylan McIntosh while fending off Loyalists, Indians, and British, is modeled after a real-life Rev War heroine. To a tea party participant who leaves a comment here on the blog, Denise will be gifting a free print copy of Backcountry Brides! She will also be drawing for a winner from the Facebook Page during her 5-5:30 EST slot for a choice of either a Georgia Gold Series or Restoration Trilogy print novel. https://deniseweimerbooks.webs.com

Angela K Couch

To keep from freezing in the Great White North, Angela K Couch cuddles under quilts with her laptop. Winning short story contests, being a semi-finalist in ACFW’s Genesis Contest, and a finalist in the International Digital Awards also helped warm her up. As a passionate believer in Christ, her faith permeates the stories she tells. Her martial arts training, experience with horses, and appreciation for good romance sneak in there, as well. When not writing, she stays fit (and warm) by chasing after three (almost four!) munchkins.

A Worthy Groom: 1771 - Sapling Grove settlement on the Holston River (Tennessee)
The Cowden temper has been Marcus’s lifelong bane. A trait Lorinda Cowden curses. Now, winning the heart of his bride hinges on fighting a war without raising a fist.

Find out about Angela's Revolutionary War series, Hearts at War, on her website: www.angelakcouch.com
or Facebook

Carrie Fancett Pagels

Carrie Fancett Pagels, Ph.D., is the award-winning author of fifteen Christian historical romances, including ECPA bestsellers. Twenty-five years as a psychologist didn't "cure" her overactive imagination! A self-professed “history geek,” she resides with her family in the Historic Triangle of Virginia but grew up as a “Yooper,” in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula. Carrie loves to read, bake, bead, and travel – but not all at the same time! 

Blurb: Shenandoah Hearts by Carrie Fancett Pagels
1754 - Great Wagon Road, into the Shenandoah Valley (Virginia)
As the French-Indian War commences, Magda Sehler wonders if Jacob Owens lost his mind to have abandoned his Philadelphia business and moved to the Shenandoah Valley. Or has he lost his heart?

This has been a dream come true, since founding the Colonial American Christian Writers group eight years ago and since we founded the Colonial Quills blog. I always imagined a collection set across the FRONTIER of colonial America, and my own story where my real-life ancestors lived, in the Shenandoah Valley. We even did a Christmas Anthology A Forted Frontier Holiday about five years ago set in that location (click here to read.) THANK you for celebrating with us!

Giveaway: Carrie is giving away a copy of The Backcountry Brides collection (or substitute one of her other fifteen books if you win) here on the blog party plus a cool arrowhead (got this up in the Shenandoah area where my story is set!) and a beautiful tricorner hat pin from the American Revolutionary War Museum in Yorktown, Virginia. At the FB party, Carrie is giving way a copy of her Holt Medallion finalist book, The Steeplechase, which is set in Williamsburg and Yorktown areas of Virginia.

Facebook Author Page

Twitter

Amazon author page

Bookbub

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The Backcountry Brides Collection (Barbour, May 2018) can be purchased at:

Christian Book Distributors  

 Walmart 

 Barnes & Noble  

 Amazon 

 Check at your local Christian bookstores, e.g., Lifeway, to see if they have copies, too! 

We have a big Rafflecopter giveaway going, through May 31st, with a Kindle Paperwhite (retail value $119.00), a paperback copy of The Backcountry Brides ($15 value),  a CD of Scottish fiddle music, hand-made notecards, colonial paper dolls, premium chocolate bars, a custom monogram embroidery kit, and more fun goodies for a total value of approximately $200.  (Void where prohibited by law.)

PLEASE stop by our Backcountry Brides Facebook party, too, where authors will be visiting with readers. If you have a favorite author, please be sure to go by and see when they'll be posting during the party. Be sure to leave a comment below, on the blog post, to enter for the prizes posted here on the blog. (Click here to go to the party.)

GIVEAWAYS: Leave your comments below to enter for prizes (void where prohibited by law.) Winners will be announced at the top of the blog on Wednesday, May 2, 2018, by 9 PM Eastern Time.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Backcountry Brides Collection Cover Reveal & Giveaway!

For years I had the idea of a collection of stories set in the colonial backwoods. I began discussing it with other Colonial American Christian Writers a long time ago, with the hopes that one day we'd have a collection. Well, our members have changed over the years but I'm delighted to have our new cover for The Backcountry Brides Collection from Barbour Publishing (May 2018). And I'm so pleased that nine of us have novellas in this collection. I'm in the midst of edits to my novella so I'm getting to spend time in the Shenandoah Valley, which is where my ancestors, the Rousches, lived. My novella is entitled "Shenandoah Hearts" and is set the same year the French-Indian War kicked off. We've got nine stories we hope our readers will love!

Love on Colonial America’s Frontier

Travel into Colonial America where nine women seek love, but they each know a future husband requires the necessary skills to survive in the backcountry. Living in areas exposed to nature’s ferocity, prone to Indian attack, and cut off from regular supplies, can hearts overcome the dangers to find lasting love?

Rooted in Love by Carla Gade
1748, New Hampshire Grants (Vermont)
Surveyor Shiloh Morgan pursues wild ginseng trade in America’s northern frontier. When he encounters mixed-blood healer Truelove Walden, might love take root in his restless heart and bring healing to hers?

Shenandoah Hearts by Carrie Fancett Pagels
1754 - Great Wagon Road, into the Shenandoah Valley (Virginia)
As the French-Indian War commences, Magda Sehler wonders if Jacob Owens lost his mind to have abandoned his Philadelphia business and moved to the Shenandoah Valley. Or has he lost his heart?

Heart of Nantahala by Jennifer Hudson Taylor
1757 - (North Carolina)
Joseph Gregory plans to buy a lumber mill, but Mabel Walker becomes a formidable opponent. When she’s forced to make a painful decision, she must choose between survival and love.

Her Redcoat by Pegg Thomas
1763 - Fort Michilimackinac (Michigan) during Pontiac’s Rebellion
Laurette Pettigrew grew up in the northern frontier. Henry Bedlow arrived against his will. Their chance meeting changes everything. Will a deadly clash of cultures keep them from finding happiness?

A Heart So Tender by Debra E. Marvin
1764 – (New York)
As thousands of Native warriors converge on Fort Niagara, jaded British Lieutenant Archibald Walsh and idealistic schoolmistress Susannah Kimball learn the greatest risk lies in guarding their hearts.

A Worthy Groom by Angela K. Couch
1771 - Sapling Grove settlement on the Holston River (Tennessee)
The Cowden temper has been Marcus’s lifelong bane. A trait Lorinda Cowden curses. Now, winning the heart of his bride hinges on fighting a war without raising a fist.

Across Three Autumns by Denise Weimer
1778-1780 – (Georgia)
Fighting Loyalists and Indians, Jenny White settles for strength over love . . .until Scottish scout Caylan McIntosh leads her family on a harrowing exodus out of Georgia’s Revolutionary “Hornet’s Nest.”

The Counterfeit Tory by Shannon McNear
1781 – (South Carolina)
Tasked with infiltrating an infamous Tory gang, Jed Wheeler has no wish to endanger the leader’s cousin, Lizzy Cunningham. He risks not only his life. . .but his heart.

Love’s Undoing by Gabrielle Meyer
1792 - Fur Post on the Upper Mississippi River (Minnesota)
When Englishman Henry Kingsley meets Abi McCrea, the daughter of a Scottish fur trader and Indian mother, will their worlds keep them apart, or have they finally found somewhere they truly belong?

Giveaway: Want to win a copy of this book? Share this post on social media and come back and leave a comment for a chance to win a paperback! We'll ship you a copy once it releases in May, 2018!

November New Release Tea Party with Jennifer Hudson Taylor, Kelly Long, Roseanna White, and Carla Olson Gade

Source

Welcome to tea party to celebrate the releases of Jennifer Hudson Taylor's third book in the MacGregor Legacy, For Love or Liberty, Carla Olson Gade's Christmas short story, "The Memory Shop" in volume 3 of the 2014 two book set of A Cup of Christmas Cheer, and Roseanna M. White's A Soft Breath of Wind, the long-anticipated sequel to her debut biblical novel.

Source & recipe

We are serving some Scottish tea and  shortbread and a cup of Christmas cheer to get you ready for the holiday season! So please do come in and join us and be sure to leave a comment to enter our giveaways.

A Cup of Christmas Cheer (volumes 3 & 4) is a two book, hard-cover gift set of sixteen Christmas tales offered exclusively from Guideposts Books. "The Memory Shop" is featured in volume four, Heartwarming Tales of Christmas Present. Carla also had a story in last year's A Cup of Christmas Cheer (volumes 1 & 2) along with CQ founder Carrie Fancett Pagels.

Carla takes a turn from her historical writing to pen her first contemporary story, albeit with a nostalgic twist. "The Memory Shop" takes place in present day Woodbine, Iowa. The proprietor of a revitalized downtown Main Street memorabilia shop finds his own cherished memories rekindled and relationships renewed at Christmastime.

 

Carla Olson Gade is the author of Pattern for Romance (Abingdon Fiction) and The Shadow Catcher's Daughter. Her novellas "Carving a Future" and "'Tis the Season" appear in Colonial Courtships and best-selling Mistletoe Memories and forthcoming novella "Proving Up" in Homestead Brides (2/15). She lives amidst the tall pines and plentiful lakes of rural Maine. Carla loves to connect with her readers socially and on her website.

Carla is offering one copy of the new A Cup of Christmas Cheer, volume 4, as a giveaway.

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Jennifer here - Hope you are enjoying the tea party, and please, have another piece of shortbread! I love the festivities of the holidays. It's such a joyous time of the year for so many people, and since joy is contagious, it eventually catches up with the rest of us.

For Love or Liberty

She wants to live in the past. He wants to step into the future. 

Will either of them recognize the love between them now?

Coast of NC to Lake Erie, Ohio (1813)

Grieving over her sister’s death, Charlotte Morgan leaves the Carolina coast for the shores of Lake Erie, Ohio, to help care for her niece and nephew. Conrad Deaton is also there to assist his brother after this devastating loss. Soon, Conrad and Charlotte are locked in a battle of wills as the War of 1812 rages around them.

While Conrad criticizes Charlotte for her interest in politics, lectures, and lack of domestic skills, she faults him for his insensitivity, rigid schedules, and harsh discipline. The two just can’t seem to get along. But could all their bickering be a sign of something more—an attraction between the two? Afraid of loving a man duty-bound to war, she ignores the growing affection between them.

Battle breaks out on Lake Erie. As U.S. Naval officers, Conrad and his brother attend their posts. Charlotte turns to fervent prayer and wills her faith to grow strong as she learns to wait upon the Lord. When neither returns, Charlotte fears the worst. 

"Taylor channels Jane Austen as Conrad's and Charlotte's bickering fuels their attraction to each other, in a manner reminiscent of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. Charlotte struggles with trusting the man who left her for the sea, and Conrad fights to show his affection without further alienating the woman he loves."  Publishers Weekly

Jennifer Hudson Taylor is an award winning author of inspirational fiction set in historical Europe & the Carolinas. She provides keynotes and presentations on the publishing industry, the craft of writing, building an author platform & digital marketing.

Both her debut novel, Highland Blessings and Highland Sanctuary, received a 4 1/2 star review from RT Book Reviews. Highland Blessings won the Holt Medallion Award for Best First Book and she has had reviews appear in USA Today, Publisher's Weekly & the Library Journal. Jennifer's work has appeared in national publications, such as Guideposts, Heritage Quest Magazine, RT Book Reviews, and The Military Trader. Jennifer graduated from Elon University with a B.A. in Communications/Journalism. When she isn't writing, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, visiting historical sites, parasailing, horseback riding, cycling, long walks, genealogy and reading. 

Jennifer will be giving away one package of all 3 MacGregor Legacy novels, includes "For Love or Loyalty" book 1, "For Love or Country" book 2, "For Love or Liberty" book 3. 

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Thanks so much to everyone for coming! My characters wouldn't likely know what shortbread is...but they'd invite you to try one of Dinah's famous honey cakes! And oh, would they have some traditions to tell you about, that they celebrate with the Church of Rome at their Italian villa...

A Soft Breath of Wind

A gift that has branded her for life

Zipporah is thirteen when the Spirit descends upon her, opening her eyes to a world beyond the physical goings-on of the villa outside Rome she has always called home. Within hours, she learns what serving the Lord can cost. Forever scarred after a vicious attack, she knows her call is to use this discernment to protect the Way. She knows she must serve the rest of her life at Tutelos, where the growing Roman church has congregated. She knows her lot is set.

Yet is it so wrong to wish that her master, the kind and handsome young Benjamin Visibullis, will eventually see her as something more than a sister in Christ?

Samuel Asinius, adoptive son of a wealthy Roman, has always called Benjamin brother. When their travels take them to Jerusalem for Passover, the last thing he expects is to cross paths with the woman who sold him into slavery as a child the mother he long ago purged from his heart. His sister, Dara, quickly catches Benjamin s eye, but Samuel suspects there is something dark at work.

When Dara, a fortune-teller seeking the will of a shadowy master determined to undermine the Way, comes into the path of Zipporah, a whirlwind descends upon them all.

Only the soft wind of the Spirit can heal their scars...with a love neither divination nor discernment could foresee. 

Roseanna is offering winner's choice of paperback or digital copy of A Soft Breath of Wind (US addresses only for paperback, but everyone is eligible for the digital).

Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two small children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of 9 historical novels and novellas. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

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Kelly Marie Long's new releases are the novella "A Christmas on Ice Mountain" in  An Amish Christmas Quilt and The Amish Bride of Ice Mountain. Both are part of a series set in Pennsylvania. The story line in the series revolves around the natural marvel/phenomenon of Ice Mountain.  Amish Mennonite live there and some of their customs are different from other American Amish.

This novella collection is published by Zebra, a Kensington imprint. All of Kelly's books have been published by Christian publishing houses up until now and this is her first foray into the secular market.

The Amish Bride of Ice Mountain by Kelly Long

Here are the blurbs:

The Amish Bride of Ice Mountain

Like most Mountain Amish girls, Mary King has always dreamed of her wedding day. But she never imagined that a sudden, irresistible kiss would result in marriage to the handsome Englischer professor studying her unique community. Or that doing the truly honorable thing means keeping their relationship chaste so both she and Dr. Jude Lyons can someday go their separate ways.
But when Mary accompanies her husband-in-name-only to Atlanta to meet his wealthy, overbearing family, she's tempted more than ever by Jude's kindness, humor--and vulnerability. And when a wrenching misunderstanding causes her to return heartbroken to her remote Appalachian home, she's certain she's lost the real love they have found...and the shared future she's come to want so much. But a crisis of more than faith will work surprising miracles--and show Mary that love is strong enough to make the impossible come true.

A Christmas On Ice Mountain
By Kelly Long

Matthew Beider and Laurel Lapp's secret wish to marry is a gift their feuding fathers definitely won't accept. And trying to settle their dats' long-standing quarrel is making their holiday anything but merry. Can rediscovering the joys and friendships of Christmas past finally turn their families' futures bright?



Bio:
Kelly Long is an award winning multi-published best selling Christian fiction author.  She is giving away a copy of the Christmas book An Amish Christmas Quilt, which contains her novella.



Do you have any family traditions that come from your family heritage? What are they?