It's Christmas in July! Or, for some of us, it is. If you live in the south like author Amanda Tero, you're more than ready to think of cold weather. And what better way to do it than to grab some sugar cookies and hot chocolate (trust me, after you read the story, you'll be craving them!) and settle down for a winter read?
About the Book
Melonie Brown just wants to get away from all of the pain and
heartache that this year has brought upon her, and Starlight Lodge seems like
the perfect place to do so. With no plans beyond a Christmas escape, she drives
out to the lodge. Can she bottle up the peace and joy that she finds in this
special place to help her face the challenges she may have in the upcoming
year?
Author’s Note
July
heat causes many of us to yearn for the chill of Christmas—at least, if you’re
like me and prefer coolness over heat (and
if you live in the South, where humidity and heat combat for the highest
number). Sure, Christmas may be far from our minds, but it will be here before
we know it!
And
when Christmas season comes around, there is just that “feeling in the air.”
Christmas music plays in all of the stores, Christmas movies take center stage,
and everything is decked in red and green.
So
often though, what does not take center stage is Jesus Christ—the One for Whom
we even celebrate Christmas.
It was
Christmas 2017 and I had watched a few Christmas movies. They all just missed
the mark. It was the “joy of the season” and the “magic of the holiday” that
provided the solution to their problems. As I was thinking about it, the idea
for “Finding Christmas Joy” popped into my head. I wrote the entire rough draft
in one sitting, not 100% sure where all God was going to lead this idea.
Melonie’s struggle
was influenced by some events from people in my life. It is definitely
something different than I’ve ever written before, involving a girl who is in a
relationship (or was).
Though not everyone
is going through a break-up during the Christmas season, and though the
solution to your struggle may not be salvation (if you’re already saved), I
pray that the reminder that the true foundation of joy in Jesus is as much a
blessing to you as it was to me.
My Thoughts
Finding Christmas Joy is a short story full of healing and Christmas Joy. I found Melonie's feelings and emotions to be realistic and well done. There is a very clear Gospel message given in the story on how you have to do more than believe Jesus was born and died, but have to accept him as your Savior. There is a more thorough presentation of the Gospel, complete with Bible verses, at the end of the story. It would be nice to have a follow up story to see Melonie find her true love.
About the Author
Amanda Tero is a homeschool graduate who desires to provide God-honoring, family-friendly reading material. She has enjoyed writing since before ten years old, but it has only been since 2013 that she began seriously pursuing writing again - starting with some short stories that she wrote for her sisters as a gift. Her mom encouraged her to try selling the stories she published, and since then, she has begun actively writing short stories, novellas, and novels.If something she has written draws an individual into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ, it is worth it!
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5)
Connect with Amanda
Email: amandaterobooks@gmail.com
Website: amandatero.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amandaterobooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandateroauthor/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/truthpicsart/
Blog: www.withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AmandaTero
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/amandatero
Giveaway
Amanda Tero is giving away a copy of “Finding Christmas Joy”
with one of her piano CD’s! You’ll be
able to enjoy the music of the season as well as a story that brings you the
happiness of the season. (Note: there are two giveaways: one for physical
copies for residents of USA, and another for international residents)
Blog Tour
July 28, 2018
July 30, 2018
July 31, 2018
"Finding Christmas Joy" is available in paperback:
- Paperback: 43 pages
- Publisher: ARTStudios (July 17, 2018)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 194293128X
- ISBN-13: 978-1942931287
- Product Dimensions: 5 x 0.1 x 8 inches
and in Kindle edition:
- File Size: 1029 KB
- Print Length: 29 pages
- Publication Date: July 31, 2018
- Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
- Language: English
- ASIN: B07DGKSWS5
I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily.
Amanda Tero is giving away a copy of
“
Finding Christmas Joy
”
with
one of her piano CD
’
s! You
’
ll be
able to enjoy the music of the season as well as a story that b
rings you the happiness of the season. (Note:
there are two giveaways: one for physical copies for reside
nts of USA, and another for international
residents)
Thanks so much for your review, and for being a part of my blog tour! :) We'll see if something comes of Melonie's story. ;) As of now, I don't have plans for a sequel, but God's surprised me before. :)
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