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Friday Feature: Christmas Novellas

/ Carol Underhill / 1 Comment

Today I’m featuring author Katy Eeten’s three Christmas novellas. They are unrelated to each other, but each is a heartwarming holiday story. You can find out more about the books in the details below:

Wrong Turn Christmas (Anaiah Press 2021)

April is desperate to eliminate her dad’s cancer bills so her family can enjoy the holidays. But, on her way to get legal assistance, she ends up at the wrong house. There, she finds a warm and caring soul… but a boyfriend won’t solve her family’s financial issues.

Jake is surprised to find a beautiful woman on his doorstep asking for help. It’s a case of mistaken identity, but after spending just a little time with April, he knows they are perfect for each other—even if she does have bad taste in football teams. Except April is facing an uphill battle, and he believes he has nothing of real value to offer. Or does he?

One wrong turn might just end up turning a Christmas crisis into a Christmas miracle.

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Wrong-Turn-Christmas-Anaiah-Romance-ebook/dp/B09L4J3PDZ/

First Class Christmas (Pelican Book Group, 2020)

When Mandy Brockman flies home from her friend’s destination wedding, her heart is on empty at the thought of spending Christmas alone. It doesn’t help that her ex is on the plane, seemingly unaffected by their breakup. But the kind-hearted man seated next to her seems to have it all together—and he’s handsome to boot. She knows her emotional healing won’t come in the form of another guy, but will the source of this man’s peace and joy help Mandy find the Christmas she’s looking for?

CJ Hawkins is captivated by the beautiful, feisty woman he meets on his flight. The only thing is, she’s fresh out of a relationship, and he has no interest in being anyone’s rebound. But the more he learns about Mandy, the more he’s drawn to her unique mixture of compassion and spunk.

Can he figure out how to make their relationship take off before this First Class Christmas is grounded forever?

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/First-Class-Christmas-Holiday-Extravaganza-ebook/dp/B08KSJHMW4/

Christmas In Meadow Creek (Anaiah Press, 2018)

Sarah Laughlin left her big-city life and dead-end relationship behind for a fresh start as a fourth-grade teacher in the small, Wisconsin town of Meadow Creek. And it feels like home, too, despite the persistent troublemaker in her class and the lack of familiar faces. But the holidays are going to be lonely this year. Until she meets firefighter Lincoln Thompson. Suddenly, the hope of spending Christmas with someone she cares about is within reach.

Lincoln loves his home town of Meadow Creek, but ever since his long-time girlfriend left him for a better life in the city, he wonders if he’ll ever find love in this small town where everyone knows everyone. Then he meets Sarah during her class’s field trip to his firehouse, and a spark is lit. But when they discover that Sarah’s troublemaking student is none other than Lincoln’s beloved nephew, their newfound relationship is put to the test. Can they navigate through the complexities of family dynamics to find a love that will last?

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Meadow-Anaiah-Romance-Novella/dp/1947327305/

Friday Feature: Courage to Trust

/ Carol Underhill / Leave a comment

With harvest season behind us and the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, I thought this would be a good time to introduce book 2 of my historical series, Legacy of Courage. Courage to Trust is the second book in this story about a young widow and the hired hand who befriends her.

Here is a summary of the story:

Adam’s dreams are changing.

Instead of going away to the university, he decides he wants to be a farmer after all.

His family isn’t happy with his decision, but it feels right to Adam. He asks Cara if he can continue working as her hired hand after harvest.

Cara wants Adam to stay, but for the wrong reason. Her feelings for Adam are growing, and she is afraid he will discover what she holds in her heart. Yet she needs help for the winter months, so she agrees to keep Adam employed.

Then tragedy strikes, altering their plans.

Courage to Trust is only available on Kindle right now but I hope to have it published in paperback in the near future.

Meet the Author: Renee Jensen

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My guest this morning is a local author, Renee Jensen. Renee has written and published two children’s books. Her Christmas story, The Twinkling Tree, is available this holiday season. I’m excited to introduce you to Renee and her books.

Renee, tell us a little bit about yourself:

My name is Renee Jensen. I am married and have two children, Rachael and Ryan, and four grandsons.  I’m a small-town country girl and love to bike ride, walk, and be with my family. 

What is your book, The Twinkling Tree, about?

My book is about a pine tree that was cut down and taken to a house to be a Christmas tree.  At first the tree did not want to go, but then as he was beautifully decorated and adorned with presents beneath his branches, he became full of pride, thinking Christmas was all about him.  He noticed a small table beside him with a stable and nativity scene on it and wondered about its meaning.  On Christmas morning, the boy ran to the stable first instead of to the tree, and then he realized Christmas is really all about Jesus.  There is a discussion guide at the end with questions about the story, questions that relate to the kids’ lives, and then supporting Bible verses. 

What is the inspiration behind your book?

The inspiration for my story is, I asked my niece if they had their Christmas tree up yet, and she told me no, that her mom didn’t want a tree because she didn’t want it to be distracting and take away from the real focus of Christmas:  Jesus’ birth.  I thought that was pretty radical, but it got me thinking of how sometimes we do tend to put a lot of focus on the things of Christmas rather than celebrating the birth of Jesus, and some children not raised with Christian values don’t even know what Christmas is all about.  I wanted to share the message of Jesus with children and also bring an awareness even to the parents, as sometimes all the hype about Christmas skews or buries its true meaning.
I truly believe that each book title and story line was inspired by the Holy Spirit. He gave me the thoughts and the words, and I am trying to be obedient with what He has given me to share His message of truth and salvation with the world.

Do you have a day job?

I am a former court reporter of 16 years and currently have been homeschooling my son for 12 years.

What is your favorite book?

My favorite book is a devotional by Sarah Young called Jesus Always.  I love that she writes it as if Jesus is talking to me personally, and it highlights that Jesus is a God of love, gentleness, and mercy.  I have only read one other book in my lifetime for fun when I was down recuperating from foot surgery.   Otherwise, I don’t feel I have the time to read, except for my Bible and devotional.

Do you have any other books published?

I have another book that I published called The Blessed Bunny, An Easter Story, also available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  Both books are for purchase in hard cover, soft cover, and ebook formats.

Do you have any more books planned for the future?

My next hope as an author is that I will be able to get my other two books published:  The Thankful Turkey, A Thanksgiving Story; and The Praise Pumpkin, A Harvest Story.  My goal is that Jesus will be exalted all around the world through my books.  That is a big goal, but I have an even bigger God Who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly beyond all that I can ask, think, or imagine! All praise be to Jesus!

Renee, thank you for being my guest today.