Upon a Christmas Tree Schooner by Carla Olson Gade
Inspired by the real Christmas tree schooners, of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a ship's captain takes his schooner for his last haul of the season upon icy Lake Michigan to return with Christmas trees for the German immigrants in his town of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His journey leads to an unexpected surprise of hope and healing for he and his grieving wife with a Christmas gift to treasure for years to come.
My review: This story is the sixth one in Volume One Tales of Faith and Family for the Holidays in Guidepost Books "A Cup of Christmas Cheer" which releases this month. I love the little graphics they did for each story. Carla's "Upon a Christmas Schooner" has a little schooner ship up top.
Set in 1880 in Wisconsin and in Michigan's beautiful upper peninsula (from whence I am from!) this story about Captain Mathias Grunewald and his wife Rosina is very touching. The couple lost their only child, a son, on the Great Lakes the previous year. Mrs. Grunewald has slipped into extended mourning. As her husband prepares to obtain a shipment of Christmas trees to sell in their German community, the couple prepares to start a new beginning.
Mathias encounters treacherous weather on the lakes as he nears the Upper Peninsula and arrives after snow has begun. Once the crew gets to the lumber camp to take on the trees, Mathias has a providential encounter--with young Luca, an orphan. Although the camp boss asks Captain Grunewald to take the boy to the orphanage in Wisconsin, he refuses--he lost his own son from his schooner the previous year.
Spoiler alert:
Young Luca has his own agenda but almost brings tragedy, yet again, upon Captain Grunewald and his crew. When Mrs. Grunewald sees the young man who has come home with her husband, three lives begin to change forever.
Loved this story! I think this could really be a Christmas classic story that could be read and re-read. Having an 11-year-old son, this story did upset me a little to read. I know how rascally boys that age can be and it is sad what happened to the Grunewald's son. Carla did a great job of not letting the reader dwell on that sadness, however. I highly recommend that you read and enjoy this story by a talented author!!!
 |
| Carla Olson Gade |
BIO
Carla Olson Gade writes adventures of the heart with with historical roots. In addition to her contribution in A Cup of Christmas Cheer, she is a multi-published author of inspirational historical romance. She resides with her family in rural Maine and looks forward to celebrating Christmas with her first grandson.
Carla's Social Media LINKS:
Twitter @carlagade
Here's the rest of the Blog Hop schedule:
Saturday, November 9th, Ashley Clark is on Anita Mae Draper's blog.
Saturday, November 16th, Anita Mae Draper is on Johnnie Alexander Donley's blog.
Sunday Nov 17th Julie Carobini on Ashley Clark's blog
Friday, November 22nd, Carrie Fancett Pagels is on Carla Olson Gade's blog.
Saturday, November 23rd, Johnnie Alexander Donley is on Julie Carobini's blog
Friday, November 29th, Colonial Quills Blog to announce Grand Prize winner. Grand Prize winner must have left a comment on each of the Blog Hop blogs. A $70 porcelain tea set from Yorktown Victory Center, a $10 Amazon gift card, special cocoa packets, the two-book hardcover copies of "A Christmas Cup of Cheer" and more will be given away.
To order A Cup of Christmas Cheer two-book hardcover set from Guidepost Books, click here.
GIVEAWAY
Carla is giving away a beautiful German "Brocade Star" beeswax Christmas ornament made from antique mold, just as the Grunvald family in Upon a Christmas Tree Schooner might have had on their Christmas tree. Isn't this beautiful?
QUESTION: Have you experienced a Christmas tragedy and had God bring healing in a subsequent Christmas? Leave your email address and answer/comment to enter.
QUESTION: Have you experienced a Christmas tragedy and had God bring healing in a subsequent Christmas? Leave your email address and answer/comment to enter.
Sounds like a great read with a bit of sadness mixed in. I'm sure it's a "touching" read. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletesusanlulu@yahoo.com
Thank you for visiting! A little hope for the holidays!
DeleteMine wasn't a tragedy but my I was due with my first child in January and my water broke on December 6th and she was born on December 10th! It could have gone wrong! Other than her weight and her getting sick in the hospital due to a virus she came home on January 5 which is her daddy's birthday! When she first came early we did not know what was going to happen but God did and she is a wonderful almost 10 year old who gave her heart to God and tries to live for him everyday! a_stonecipher@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteJanuary 5th is MY BIRTHDAY too!!! and our son came almost a month early also. It is scary! So sorry u didn't get to take her home for a while. That had to have been SO stressful for Christmas. Our cutie is 11. Hugs Angie!
DeleteI have no doubt that having your new babies in your arms at Christmas time was the best gift ever!
DeleteI tried to think back in time as to whether I had experienced a Christmas tragedy or not. I have to say that so far in my personal life and that of my own closely related or close friends, we have not experienced tragedy at that time of year. In this way, I would have to say we were blessed. We have of course, had personal tragedy and near-death experiences at other times and would not have been able to deal with those without the knowledge of a Heavenly Father that watches over and listens to our cries and prayers. He is there to comfort no matter when or what. I hope that I am worthy of that love. Sonja.nishimoto (at) gmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteI think when we get to heaven we see how God has protected us with his mighty hand whether via angels or other methods. We aren't worthy but He cleanses us and makes us worthy. He's so GOOD!!! Hugs!
DeleteSo true, Sonja and Carrie! His hand covers us with protections and cradles us with his comfort and peace. How good He is!
DeleteI don't remember a Christmas tragedy. One Christmas when I was a kid, my parents gave a key tot our apartment o a friend so Santa could come while we had gone out to dinner. When we got back the apartment was locked, the manager was gone and we were outside in the cold for a long time till they were able to get in. fishingjan[at]aol[dot]com
ReplyDeleteBRRRRRRRR!!!!! almost as cold as being on a Christmas Tree Schooner in November in MI's U.P.!!!
DeleteOh boy! That makes for a memorable Christmas. I hope Santa was able to get inside down the chimney!
DeleteGreat review CARRIE! It sounds like once again CARLA has created a lovely story! I think I need to grab a copy of these books, the cover is so beautiful,
ReplyDeleteIn answer to your question praise God we have never had a tragedy at Christmas!
And as T is my mom, I never had a tragedy at Christmas either!
DeleteMarion, I did not know that Teresa is your mom! Well no wonder I like you both so much! Here's wishing continued cheer at Christmas! I do hope you both will get to read the stories in both volumes. Personally, I am enjoying them all immensely as I'm reading them now!
DeleteCarla, Your story is so heart touching about the lives of the schooners families.
ReplyDeleteI personally have not had a Christmas tragedy and I am very grateful to God for that.
Carrie, thank you for the review.
mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com
When I first head of the Christmas tree schooners I knew there were tales to tell! What an interesting and difficult life. I was inspired by there dedication.
DeleteI am glad to hear you have not experienced a tragedy at Christmastime. We have expectations that all should be well at that time of year, when it is not. But we have joy and love and hope and that I wish you in abundance!
Mine wasnt a Christmas Tragedy mine was a Memorial Day tragedy and Our Anniversary
ReplyDeleteMy husband died 5 days after my birthday, 2 weeks before our 29th anniversary and a month before Memorial Day
Every Memorial Day we attended a ceremony to honor Vets who died for our Country
That first year was so hard
and 3 years later I got the honor of seeing his name on the Vietnam Wall He still inspires people
God bless you
Chris Granville
granvilleATfrontiernetDOTnet
Holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries are always so difficult to endure such loss. What a blessing to have the inscription honor his memory and inspire others. Blessings and comfort to you.
DeleteSounds interesting! I'm looking forward to reading it!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ashley! I hope it warms your heart.
DeleteCARRIEEE, you know I read the spoiler alerts! LOL That's the nosy in me I guess, or should I use the word "inquisitive" which sounds alot nicer. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous review on what sounds like an amazing story, but perhaps a bit sad, too. Which Christmas time can be bittersweet for alot of people...especially for those of us who have lost loved ones and can no longer celebrate the holidays with them.
I'm glad Carrie put the spoiler alert. My story is somewhat melancholy, but the story is also one of adventure. How often we set sail on the unknown with empty hearts, but our sea Captain also had his hopes. And thankfully he returned with much joy! It is my prayer that those who have experienced loss, and may to come, would also discover hope to comfort them.
DeleteCARRIE gets somewhat tickled at me for reading S As and we have a long-standing joke about it, CARLA. lol Sounds like a wonderful story of hope!
DeleteThank you for having me here at OWG! Carrie, I appreciate your wonderful review. I have two sons of my own so it was hard to write this story, but I did in order to show how God can provide blessings to comfort us in our heartbreak. There is a true story of a Christmas tree schooner that sank with its crew. How awful that must have been - what a dangerous occupation they had. Unfortunately tragedies happen year round and the contrast at Christmastime seems so harsh. Christmastime is not always pleasant for folks. I hope the stories in A Cup of Christmas Cheer bring some light, comfort, and fun to its readers for seasons to come.
ReplyDeleteNope, no Christmas tragedies in my past. (that I can remember) This book sounds so good and I would LOVE to curl up next to my Christmas tree and read it.....So cheat and give me a copy! LOL Just kidding. Love you gals! You need to stop by my blog tomorrow to see some wonderfully talented ladies, including Kathleen Maher, and their gorgeous handmade items. God bless.
ReplyDeleteWould love to stop by! Thank you for coming by Chaplain Debbie! I wish we could give each and every one on the CCC blog hop a copy! Those who purchase it will get an extra gift though...an inspirational magnet to enjoy every day.
DeleteDEBBIE, actually, you will be receiving a copy of aCoCC because you were a BETA reader of mine and such a fab help at our CQ parties!!! But you can be entered for this lovely ornament, too! Hugs!
DeleteYay! Thanks Carrie! Big hugs!
DeleteI thought I'd share something from my own life. I have my own share of difficult Christmas seasons with the loss of my stepfather, the severe injury of my mother, homelessness/poverty/divorce (with two small sons), mental breakdown of a loved one. But I have always experienced the hope of Christ in my life and his abundant provision that helped me endure. I also lost a dear friend one Christmas eve who perished in a fire with her family (9 in all including twin toddlers). Another friend's mother committed suicide on Christmas eve when he was only 16, while yet another lost a sister in a car accident a few days before Christmas. For me, to share a story of finding peace and hope at a season when our expectations are so high helped me point to the LIGHT of Christmas. It is my prayer that it shines bright in all of our hearts each day of the year.
ReplyDeleteWow. Thanks for sharing, Carla. Hugs!
DeleteCarla, thank you for sharing. I pray God makes this an especially happy and BLESSED Christmas for you and your family! You've certainly been through some trials, recently, but God has brought great healing. Big hugs!!!
DeleteI enjoyed your review, Carrie, and look forward to reading the wonderful stories in this book! Thankfully, we have not experienced a Christmas tragedy. My heart aches for all those who have!
ReplyDeletetexaggs2000 at gmail dot com
Me, too, Britney--it breaks my heart to see people suffer this time of year. But often, in those valleys, we are closest to our King. Thanks, Britney! You'll be receiving a copy as our 300th Follower! <3 <3 <3
DeleteI nearly cut off my foot one Christmas. Riding behind my sister on her bicycle. I got to ride to the hospital in the back of a dune buggy. This story sounds great!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you either are from a warmer climate than I. Christmas might be in a different locale for us, but the same spirit of celebration is true. Sounds like quite an event that year!
DeleteOhmygoodness, Heather! I bet you gave your parents heart failure! Yes, CARLA--HEATHER lives in NC and she's a sweetheart--as is her son who came up to Shirley Plantation on his birthday. Clark was there on his, too!
DeleteMy was when a family lost her husband Christmas morning. She asked if I would call the rest of the family. I did but after doing it and praying for all. About an hour or two later I felt a peace come over me. Our day was spent thinking of others and praising the Lord.
ReplyDeleteWhen we invite the Lord into our situations He is so faithful to reveal Himself as the Prince of Peace.
DeleteI have not had any Christmas tragedies, thankfully.
ReplyDeletesonflower277 at gmail dot com
PTL. Thanks for coming by!
DeleteBlessings sonflower!
DeleteI really enjoyed this review. It was great. A tragedy has not happen in my family, but I lost my childhood friend the day after Christmas this past year from cancer. I still miss him. I talk to his wife and sister and see pictures of his precious grandchildren. His dying brought many memories to mind. I ask the Lord every day for comfort for his family and seeing them gradually heal has helped me. Thank you for the chance to enter this giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry I forgot to leave my email address.
DeleteBarbara Thompson
barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com
Barb, I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. Praying that you will be a blessing to his family this year.
DeleteThank you for visiting, Barbara, and sharing. Holidays can be especially difficult following a loss. Praying for your comfort and for your friend's loved ones.
DeleteThis does sound like such wonderful reading.
ReplyDeleteI've never had a Christmas tragedy - thank goodness.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Thank you, Mary! It is good to count our blessings!
DeleteWell Carrie, another good review. We had a tragedy in our siblings when a brother just older than me, lost his 2 mo. old baby girl. on the 21st of Dec. in 1964. (Also was on their Anniversary) Was the saddest thing being a baby's funeral. Also my first time to see her. we were going to see them soon. It broke my heart to see her mom and dad go through this horrible thing. I hope to never go to a funeral for a baby again. I wondered how they could make it, but was because we all had our GOD to cling to. I also was expecting at 42 yr. old, and had a missed abortion just before Christmas at just over 2 months. Broke our heart of course. I've always thought it was twins for had dreamed of me on a bed playing with my twin babies for about 5 years and it never happened again after that happened. But, before that ever hapened I had a precious baby girl born on Christmas day in 1958. But our big family have been blessed so many times with miracles through the years, it stands to reason that there will be some bad times too. I came from wonderful parents with 8 children. These books have to be great with Christmas themes. And, Diana, it's only polite to read every word of a review, right? Also, how does one not see it when just right before a sentence you would read next. LOL Thanks Carla and OWG for this chance to win. Love you all. Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com PS: Sorry Carla that you have had so many sad times near Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing, Maxie. {{{hugs}}} And thanks for your kind words. I have had some Christmas sad times, but many more times of joy in over 50 years as you also have had miracles, too! Blessings!
Deletenever experienced a Christmas tragedy; however, this does sound like a wonderful story. thanks for the chance to win a copy of this book
ReplyDeleteABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
Hi Apple Blossom ~ I hope you'll get to read our stories in A Cup of Christmas Cheer. I'm truly enjoying the heartwarming tales!
DeleteSounds like a great story, Carla. My books arrived today and I can't wait to read the rest of the stories! :D
ReplyDeleteYAY!!! I'm so glad you finally got your copies, ANITA!!!
DeleteThis sounds like a really lovely and touching Christmas story Carla. I'm looking forward to one day getting these books... perhaps I'll shout myself another Christmas gift.. ;) Yes, I've already bought a few things claiming they were my Christmas present lol, it's amazing what you can get away with, with a flutter of the eyelashes, a hopeful smile, and a sweet hubby.. :)
ReplyDeleteThankfully we've had no tragedies over Christmas, but I pray God's grace and joy for all those who have.
This reminds me about how Angel boxes need to be packed soon for overseas shipments! Hugs!
DeleteI don't remember if I have had a Christmas tragedy or not. What a wonderful story. Thank you for the review!
ReplyDeletelattebooks at hotmail dot com
Susan, one Christmas loss that stands out to me was when my Great uncle Fred Williams died. It was right before my exams and my parents made the decision to not inform me. I did not get to attend his funeral. They told me when they picked me up from Christmas break. I think they did the right thing because although I loved my uncle and was very close with him, I was 17 and going through one of those weird "I can't deal with funerals" phases and my parents knew it. I have honored my uncle's memory by including him in my short story. And what a blessing it was to "spend time" with him as I wrote it!
DeleteI also went through an "I can't handle funerals or funeral homes" stage around 17. I saw my grandfather die and I think that scarred me for a while. I am now much better at those places. I love that you added your uncle to your story!
DeleteYes I experienced the hardest to bare tragedy on Christmas. It was the death of my infant daughter. She was born on the 9th of Oct and passed on Christmas Day. In the end I realized that Jesus had brought her home on his birthday, and her earthly suffering was done. By the next Christmas I was expecting another baby, and in April my Son was born. One baby can't replace another, but it filled the aching in my arms. I can't wait to see Julie in heaven, how wonderful the I have that opportunity.
ReplyDeletealekee02 at yahoo dot com
What an ache that must have left in your heart, Maureen. That first Christmas had to be especially difficult. God does some amazing things, though, as He heals our hearts.
DeleteThe closest I can come to a Christmas tragedy is that my mom's birthday was Christmas Eve. Every year since she passed, it has cast a slight pall over the occasion, until my second grandson came along on Christmas Eve 2010.
ReplyDeleteI love that first photo!!!
Oh, that must be hard! My dad's bday was December 13th and that always makes me reflective.
DeleteThe closest thing I had to a Christmas tragedy was when my son had 7 seizures one day before Christmas Eve when he was 1 and then my husband's grandma died on Christmas Eve, which is my birthday!
ReplyDeleteI forgot to leave my email
Deletelikesmusic2@consolidated.net
Oh my, Debbie. That had to have been so frightening with your son. So you are a special Christmas eve baby, Debbie--neato!
DeleteCongrats, Deb, you are the winner of the ornament! Which is cool since you have a Christmas eve bday! Blessings!
DeleteThank you for sharing your stories. I have a headache today so I cannot respond to each one. But I do thank you for visiting!
ReplyDeleteCarla, I am sorry you aren't feeling well! I hope your headache passes quickly and you are back in the game soon :) love & hugs, sweet friend!
DeleteI've been blessed and not had a Christmas tragedy! Christmas is our favorite time of year and I can't believe it is coming up so soon. The ornament is beautiful and it would certainly look great on our tree!! Thanks!
ReplyDeletepbclark(at)netins(dot)net
Yes u have been spared! I will be doing a book signing one day after what would have been my dad's 95th bday and my friend, the director of Shirley Plantation, lost her father on that date so it will be a bittersweet day for both of us. Blessings!
DeleteNo tragedy it was hard after my parents divorce, that's what I think of for this question.
ReplyDeleteBookwormgal2011(at)yahoo(dot)com
That does make things, rough, Michelle, to have your folks split up at Christmastime and those struggles. I pray your Christmas celebrations still were a blessed time for all of you!
DeleteWhat a touching story - love stories with children involved, & love Christmas stories!
ReplyDeleteOne Christmas tragedy in my family occurred when my grandmother's brother was killed in a train wreck on 12/20/17 - just 2 days before her birthday - that was the deadliest in Ky. history, 49 people were killed, & 52 were seriously injured. Likewise, a Christmas blessing - was my birth on 12/25/43.
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
Ohmygoodness, Bonnie. That is so awful and that was during the first World War. Oh, you are a Christmas baby!!! Neato!
Deletewhen I was a child, my grandfather passed away on December 22...I'm sure that wasn't a 'merry' Christmas for my family,
ReplyDeletebut I remember having a good holiday.
karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
Karen, I bet your parents tried to make your Christmas festive for you. And I bet your grandpa would have wanted you to have a good one celebrating the Christ's Child birth.
DeleteNot exactly a Christmas tragedy, but the Christmases after Mom died have been bittersweet. But as she used to say, "God is faithful." And He sure is! I still miss her, but there is still so much joy in the season.
ReplyDeleteYes, those Christmases after losing our parents, are difficult, Teish! Blessings!
DeleteIt didn't end in tragedy, but my brother did hit a cow (we lived in a rural area), and it could have been very bad, so it was tragedy avoided!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the chance to win! The books sound lovely, and that ornament is gorgeous (I have a soft spot for ornaments).
Beth
Well, Beth, that was a good tragedy avoided!! LOL! You won the giveaway!
DeleteI need to reach you. Please leave your email address. Thank you.
DeleteNo. A great blessing directly from the Lord ~ our mailman delivered a package from my parents on Christmas Morning! Another remembrance is when I was young and I woke my sister up to show her my first little doll with yellow hair and a short-sleeved turquoise sweater with little pearl buttons. From Santa, of course, when she and her family had driven 12 hours to deliver them. What a great painting of the Christmas tree schooner. My German grandfather owned a bakery in Madison and died before I was born. Wonder if he was one of those immigrants to Milwaukee? Would love to win this neat tree ornament! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
ReplyDeleteOh, what a sweet memory, Kathleen! Thanks for sharing.
DeleteI have never experienced a rue tragedy on Christmas day by losing a friend or family member.
ReplyDeleteWe did lose our home to a fire on Christmas day in 1996. That was a really difficult time.
Thankfully we were not home at the time. We were out of state visiting family.
I most definatly remember getting the phone call from my father. I answered the phone at my
inlaws, it was like 5:00 a.m. and all he would tell me was nobody was dead over and over.
I put my mother n law on the phone and he finally told her what had happened.
We lost almost everything. The one thing I am very grateful for is my photos of my family that was saved.
When the fire fighters got there they didn't know if anyone was home since we left one car home.
That resulted in them kicking in the back door. When they did the place exploded and my pictures that were hanging on
the wall fell to the ground. The floor gave way with the explosion. Some are permantly in frames from the heat.
THat is way ok with me. I have the pictures of my grandparents.
CherylB1987 AT Hotmail DOT com
Cheryl, So great to meet you in person. That had to have been a horrible situation to drive home to. Ohmygosh about the explosion!
DeleteThis story and the entire book sounds so good and heartwarming!
ReplyDeleteThese stories are amazing, Patricia!
DeleteSorry I'm late to the blog! I did have a Christmas tragedy. We lived in Gatlinburg area in Tennessee, where they really decorate for Christmas with tons of lights and Christmas shows following Thanksgiving. And that week I discovered my 5 month old but not-yet-born child had a genetic problem that would kill it. My OB said, "It's a dead baby. We need to take it for your own health; after all, you have two young children at home to be here for." I was in love with this baby, and while what he said really scared me, I prayed to see the pregnancy through till God took the baby home. So, for about three more weeks, I carried the baby. That night after we'd had the ultrasound which showed the anomalies, I went for a long drive by myself through all those Christmas lighted streets in Gatlinburg, crying and praying. I needed to be alone, but alone with God. And He met me in my need and comforted me. I felt His love for the baby and for me, and He impressed on my that He is God: "I am" the words he'd given to Moses so long ago, really comforted me. God exists, He saw this in my life before I was even born. So, it's not lost, God is in charge.
ReplyDeleteThe Disney song, Candle on the Water, (Composed by Al Kasha and Joel Hirschhorn) really spoke to me and I listened to it over and over during those weeks until God took the baby, Abigail Leigh, home to Him. I felt it was a song written for this baby that wouldn't be born, but was so ALIVE.
"I'll be your candle on the water, My love for you will always burn, I know you're lost and drifting, But the clouds are lifting
Don't give up, you have somewhere to turn" and we both had somewhere to turn, to the Lord. He comforted me during those weeks until He took the baby, naturally. And a year later, He gave us a strong, healthy son.
Oh that gave me shivers of Holy Spirit bumps, Vicki! God has your sweet Abigail with HIm. Hugs!
DeleteI so cannot wait to read these stories... and hop with you all ! The ornament is a lovely old fashioned one. Sweet !
ReplyDeleteHappy Hopping Ladies !
Linda Finn
Faithful Acres Books
http://www.faithfulacresbooks.wordpress.com
faithfulacresbooks@gmail.com
A very long time ago, before my time the trauma was my dad's family. My Dad's brother Ralph died of juvenile diabetes that they were not aware he had. He was 12 years old and died on my grandmothers kitchen table with Dr present. So Christmas was not a good time of the year for many of them. Today my Dad is OK though.
DeleteThat had to have been so hard on the family, Linda. So sad.
Deletesounds really good. I never heard of this. wow I learned something today. I would say would be when I was little my dad took all the money he had for our Christmas and gave it to someone else to help them out. Our gifts that year was giving to others.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Diana
joeym11@frontier.com
Diana, your dad must have been a generous man.
Deletei've never experienced a Christmas tragedy. thank God. i have experienced a few christmas miracles though. i'm looking forward to going through the blog tours to get acquainted with the different stories within the books. i'm also looking forward to getting the books.
ReplyDeleteDebH nm8r67 at hotmail dot com
So many sweet ladies and so talented who contributed to this collection! Thanks for coming by Deb!
DeleteI like these blog hops since I get introduced to a lot of new authors. Your book sounds really good and one I would enjoy. Thanks for the giveaway
ReplyDeleteJWIsley(at)aol(dot)cm
Carla's story is SO good, Joye and there are a dozen lovely stories in the collection.
DeleteNever had a Christmas tragedy personally but a friend of mine's husband died on Christmas after suddenly getting ill a week before. She is such a sweet testimony and continues to be one.
ReplyDeleteI hope I am not too late for this giveaway.
wwchildren at gmail dot com
No tragedy,but a lot of heartache at Christmases.jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com
ReplyDelete