12 Pearls of Christmas The Magic of a Christmas Moment by Sarah E. Ladd

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas blog series!

Merry Christmas from Pearl Girls™! We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.

We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items from the contributors! Enter now below. The winner will be announced on January 2, 2014, at the Pearl Girls blog.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Mother of Pearl, Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace, or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

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The Magic of a Christmas Moment
by: Sarah E. Ladd

Ah, it’s Christmas! Just the mention of the word makes me think of twinkling trees, steaming wassail, glistening snowflakes, and happy childhood memories.

One Christmas Eve, when my sister and I were quite small, my parents were trying to get us to go to sleep. Of course, we were far too excited to think about sleep! We double checked our stockings and strained our ears to see if we could hear reindeer hooves prancing on the roof. I can still remember my mom saying, “Santa can’t come until you are asleep!”

And then—it happened!

We looked out of our kitchen window, and what should we see? Through our neighbor’s window, we saw HIM . . . Santa Claus . . . doing the dishes! Santa was only one house away! My sister and I could not believe our eyes. Within a flash, we were in our beds, blankets pulled up to our chins, eyes pressed tight in hopes we would fall asleep so Santa could stop by our house!

Of course, it took several years for us to realize that “Santa” was our neighbor hosting a Christmas party, but even after all these years I can still remember the excited thrill of that moment. Even to this day the memory brings a smile to my face, and every Christmas, someone always says, “Hey, remember the year we saw Santa doing dishes?”

As Christmas approaches, it is easy to get caught up on the busyness of the season. Shopping, cooking, traveling—it can be a hectic time of year, with crazy schedules and hurried timelines. But in the bustle of the season, do not forget to keep your eyes open for the magic in the simplest moments, especially if you have young children or grandchildren. Those special memories are gifts that last a lifetime, and just like that Christmas many years ago, it would have been very easy not to take a moment to look out the window. Keep your heart and your eyes open . . . you never know what magic you will find in Christmas moments.

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Sarah E. Ladd has more than ten years of marketing experience. She is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. The Heiress of Winterwood was the recipient of the 2011 Genesis Award for historical romance. Her second novel, The Headmistress of Rosemere, releases December 2013. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever. Learn more at her website or follow her on Facebook. Also, be sure to stop by for your chance to win 8 Christian Fiction novels by some of your favorite authors! Follow this link to enter the Christian Fiction Christmas Giveaway.

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Day 2: 12 Pearls of Christmas Christmas Musings by Anita Higman

 

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas blog series!

Merry Christmas from Pearl Girls™! We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.
We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items from the contributors! Enter now below. The winner will be announced on January 2, 2014, at the Pearl Girls blog.
If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Mother of Pearl, Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace, or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

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Christmas Musings
by: Anita Higman

I feel great joy in preparing my home for the holiday season. I love to drape boughs of greenery along the staircase, swirl spices into a pot of apple cider that’s simmering on the stove, make crafty floral arrangements, and sing along with all my favorite carols. Then when friends and family come over for brunches and dinners, I put out my finest decoration, my best china, and my sincerest smile. I go all out. These are my guests, and I want the event to be welcoming, satisfying, and festive. I want them to feel like royalty.

When Christ arrived in Bethlehem, I wish He could have had a more splendid welcoming, a more regal place to sleep than a wooden trough where animals were fed. Even though His birth was without majestic lodgings or kingly adornments, I’m so glad He overlooked our foolish blunders, our lack of hospitality, and chose to live amongst us anyway. Jesus certainly could have chosen a different route and easier way to offer redemption.

But He didn’t.

Jesus came in one of the humblest possibly ways. He had a divine approach that left humans surprised and puzzled. And it turned into a road of pain beyond anything we can imagine. When it comes to God’s extravagant sacrifice and love that Christmas represents, He deserves a standing ovation. After all, Christmas holds the true secrets we’ve all been searching for: meaning to our lives on earth, victory over death, and life eternal.Christmas gives us a reason to work, to laugh, to dream, to love. Christmas is a holiday of the heart and earth’s finest celebration.

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Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. Her latest release, Marriage in Middlebury, is a tale of love, hope, and forgiveness. Anita’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends. Visit Anita at her website.

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Day 1: 12 Pearls of Christmas A Hibiscus “Hug from Heaven” Margaret McSweeney

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas blog series!

Merry Christmas from Pearl Girls™! We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.

We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items from the contributors! Enter now below.The winner will be announced on January 2, 2014, at the Pearl Girls blog.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Mother of Pearl, Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace, or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

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A Hibiscus “Hug from Heaven”
by: Margaret McSweeney

The flurry of festivities during Thanksgiving weekend came to an abrupt halt as I began the first week of December 2013 with an empty nest. My husband was back at work. My daughters were back at college. And my brother, Claude, and niece, Mary, were back in Alabama and Tennessee.
Bare branches accentuated the overcast gloom in the Chicago suburbs on what marked the third anniversary of my brother Randy’s passing. Randy had been feeding a stray cat on his deck when the fatal heart attack struck.

 

 
Walking downstairs, I whispered a prayer. “Lord, I am feeling really sad right now. Please help me experience your joy.” As I walked into the family room, my heart smiled. The pruned hibiscus plant balanced a solitary flower that had blossomed overnight! This was truly a hibiscus “hug from heaven.”

In her book When Grief Is Your Constant Companion, my late mother shared her poignant poem about a hibiscus plant. She wrote this following poem several years after losing my dad to a sudden heart attack while he was in Paris on a business trip.

TEARDROPS: EVERLASTING JOY
By Carolyn Rhea
My love, how can it be
That I no longer think of you
Almost every waking moment
And grieve for your loving presence?

There are small spaces of time
When my life is so absorbed in present living
That you are not in my thoughts at all.
How unthinkable!
How sad that I should forget you even for an hour!

But I have not forgotten you, my dear.
You are forever a part of me.
You helped God shape my life
Into my present self.
I carry your love in my heart.
I miss you so very much and always will.

But now I’m caught up in trying to reconstruct
With God’s guidance
A meaningful life for myself.
One in which I can help,
Serve, share, love, grow.

I remember the hibiscus plant
We bought at the annual show.
It was called Teardrops,
For several perfectly-shaped white teardrops
Spattered the broad expanse
Of its gorgeous pink blooms.
How we loved it!

Then later, after it had grown much taller,
We saw a different kind of bloom:
Multitudes of small, sturdy, happy pink blossoms
Swaying merrily in the Florida breeze!
Teardrops had been grafted onto a stronger plant!

We named it Everlasting Joy.

Teardrops still bloomed at the lower level,
But as the plant grew ever upward and outward,
Everlasting Joy bloomed in profusion!

Lord Jesus, when teardrops fall,
Help me remember that through faith
I have been grafted in You –
You, the vine;
I, a branch –
Eternally secure in God’s love through Thee!
Blessed with Thy fullness of joy on earth
And the promise of everlasting joy in heaven!

Thank you, dear Father for sharing your everlasting joy with me today in my solitude. We are not alone in our grief. You are with us.
“Ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.” John 16:20

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Margaret McSweeney is well-published author (A Mother’s Heart Knows, Go Back and Be Happy, Pearl Girls, Mother of Pearl, Aftermath) and the founder of Pearl Girls™. Through Pearl Girls™, Margaret collaborates with other writers on projects to help fund a safe house for WINGS, an organization that helps women and their children who are victims of domestic violence, and to build wells for schoolchildren in Uganda through Hands of Hope. For the past twelve years she has served on the board of directors and leadership advisory board for WINGS. Margaret lives with her husband and 2 daughters in the Chicago suburbs. Learn more at Margaret’s website.

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Hometown Christmas Gooseberry Patch Cookbook giveaway

Be sure to read to the end of this post for the giveaway

Like all Gooseberry Patch cookbooks there just isn't enough time to try all the recipes that you want to before the posted date.  The holiday season doesn't help matters much as everyone is coming and going and there is so much going on.  However, you won't be disappointed and lack a recipe if you have the new Gooseberry Patch Hometown Christmas Cookbook.  You'll have all kinds of recipes right at your fingertips to make for those get together times with family and friends.  This cookbook even has a section of heartwarming memories that folks have shared along with the normal tip or idea at the bottom of each page.

Italian Chicken Spread found under OPEN HOUSE...You're Invited.
 (p. 117; submitted by Patrice L. Lockport, IL)

This yummy recipe was a delightful change from your normal chicken salad spread.  You add 1/3 cup Italian salad dressing and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning along with 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese to 1 - 13 oz. can chicken, drained or 1 & 1/2 cups cooked chicken diced/shredded and 1/3 cup mayonnaise.  Serve with crackers or lightly toasted Italian bread slices.  Cover and chill 2-3 hrs. to allow flavors to blend.  Serve as is or bake 350 degrees until hot and bubbly.  Makes 2 & 1/2 cups. 

Mint Chocolate Chip Mousse found under the TREE-TRIMMING Treats.
 (p. 159; submitted by Krista M. Fort Wayne, IN)

My family loved this yummy treat.  My daughter said, "It's like eating a smooth milk shake with a spoon."  It is smooth and creamy.  lovely texture.  Mine did separate some after setting a day, but that didn't stop my family from eating it. It is pretty easy..mix 1- 3.9 oz. package instant chocolate pudding mix and 1 & 1/2 cups milk for 2 minutes.  Chill in refrigerator for 5 minutes making soft-set.  Add 1 teaspoon peppermint extract to 1 - 16 oz. container frozen whipped topping that is thawed.  stir well fold in the pudding and 1 cup. semi-sweet chocolate chips.
(Note:  I used a whole bag of chips-  my family didn't object.  I also used the chocolate/mint chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate) 

Blue-Ribbon Pecan Pie found under the TREE-TRIMMING Treats.
(p. 155; submitted by Gail K. Phoenix, AZ)

I made this pie for our Thanksgiving table.  When I announced to my family I had used a new recipe for the Pecan Pie they were very much disappointed...UNTIL it was served up.  Mine however did turn out to be on the runny side when served up.  I should have cooked it longer than the recipe mentioned, but if I had done that I would have risked really burning the crust.  Not exactly sure what went wrong.  My family did gobble it down though so I can't say it was a total lose. 

1- 9 in. pie crust
1/2 cup pecan halves
3 eggs
1 cup dark corn syrup
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt

• Place unbaked crust in pie plate.  Arrange pecans in crust; set aside.  
• In bowl, beat eggs well.  Add remaining ingredients; mixing well.
• Pour mixture over pecans in crust
• Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes; reduce oven to 325 degrees baking an additional 30 minutes or until center of pie is set.
• Cool completely.  Serves 8

Now how would you like a chance to win a copy of this cookbook for your own kitchen?  I'm going to make it pretty simple and easy since we are all in Holiday mode and things are pretty hectic.  Tell me one of your favorite Holiday items that find their way onto your table at this time of the year.  Treats, main dish, beverage.  I don't care.  Please I must keep this to US residents only as I will be mailing this book out myself.  Be sure to leave your email address.  I'll keep this giveaway open till Sat. Dec. 21. 

I'd like to thank Gooseberry patch for giving me the opportunity to review this book.  They provided me with a copy of this cookbook plus one for the giveaway.  I was not compensated in any other way. This is my honest review.

The Promise (children's musical DVD) giveaway

ABOUT THE PROMISE

The Promise: The Birth of the Messiah is an animated musical celebration of one of the most pivotal events in all human history, the birth of Jesus Christ.  This beautifully crafted musical is a faithful adaptation of the birth narrative from the Gospel of Luke in both story and song. The animated production leverages optical motion technology to blend traditional animation techniques with the performance talents of ballet dancers and dramatic stage actors. The result is a unique and worshipful story experience that will inspire audiences young and old for years to come.

My Review:
I really didn't know what to expect with this I had never seen an animated musical of this type before.  I really enjoy musicals, so I jumped at the chance to watch something different.  It was very unique presentation.  The music and animation flowed very well much to my surprise.  Very beautifully done.  It was like watching animated characters performing a stage. Musical Puppet theater pretty much. I loved all the songs presented in this musical.  They weren't your normal Christmas songs.  The animated babies (John and Jesus) were a bit funny in shape, but they did get the point across.   It isn't a long movie under 45 minutes.  I would highly recommend watching The Promise this Christmas!  I was provided a copy to giveaway to one of my blog readers.  Read to the end of this post to find out how you may enter the giveaway.





The Promise site

behind the scenes video
 

 Glorious Films



Buy It!
The Promise can be purchased through Family Christian Bookstores or amazon.com for $14.99.  The running time is 45 minutes.

To learn more about The Promise, visit any of their following sites:
Website: http://www.gloriousfilms.com/thepromise/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GloriousFilms
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gloriousfilms

How to Enter:
Because there isn't much time to hold a giveaway and this is a busy time of the year for everyone.  Just leave a message telling me  your favorite holiday family activity.  Be sure to leave an email address so I can contact the winner.  I'll choose a winner on Thurs. Dec. 12th after I get off work.  Open to US residents only please. 

Other blogs with this giveaway offer:
Linda's Lunacy (12/10) 
Day by Day in our World (12/10)
Kristie's Notes (12/11) 
Giveaway Lady (12/12)

I copy of this DVD was provided in exchange for my honest review by...

*Disclosure: I was provided a copy of the following movie in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions are my own.

Lots of Leftovers Recipe Round-Up

All the crispy and moist stuffing, the tart cranberry sauce...and let's not forget the tender, flavorful turkey! As much as we're looking forward to tomorrow's feast, we can't help but think ahead to the leftovers! We're already getting excited thinking about what we'll make with them...how about you?

So tell us...

What are your favorite THANKSGIVING LEFTOVER Recipes?
Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!

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Day-After-Thanksgiving Soup from Hometown Harvest is one of our favorite things to cook up after the big day. All the wonderful flavors of that magical meal in a soup...how tasty is that?

Day-After-Thanksgiving Soup
This is one of Jo Ann's personal favorites. A warm, steamy soup with all the amazing flavors of Thanksgiving dinner, one bite and you'll be hooked.

1 T. olive oil
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 onion, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
8 c. turkey or chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1-1/2 c. roast turkey, diced
1 c. frozen peas
2 T. fresh parsley, chopped
4 to 6 c. leftover dressing, warmed
Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, onion, salt and pepper. Sauté until vegetables are crisp-tender. Add broth and bay leaf; bring to a boil. Stir in turkey; reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Stir in peas and parsley; warm through. Discard bay leaf. To serve, place a scoop of dressing into individual deep soup bowls. Ladle soup over dressing. Serves 4 to 6.
Click here to see a printable version of this recipe.

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Link up your favorite THANKSGIVING LEFTOVER recipes below and, if you're joining this hop, link back here by using this handy button!

Want to add this hop to your OWN blog?
Be our guest...just click here to get the code.

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Even if you don't have a blog to link below, tell us about YOUR recipe in the comments or, if you have a moment, share it with us on our website!

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Perfectly pinnable!

Thank You!

Derailed by Dave and Neta Jackson

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Derailed Worthy Publishing (October 8, 2013) by Dave and Neta Jackson
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

As a husband/wife writing team, we are enthusiastic about books, kids, walking with God, gospel music, and each other! Together we are the authors or coauthors of over 120 books. (You can see our Publication Record by clicking HERE.) In addition to writing several books about Christian community, we have been privileged to coauthor numerous books with expert resource people on a variety of topics from racial reconciliation to medical ethics to ministry to kids in gangs.

But over the years the we have especially enjoyed writing for children and young people! This includes our award-winning TRAILBLAZER series, historical fiction about great Christian heroes and heroines for young people ages 8-12, and the four-volume HERO TALES: A Family Treasury of True Stories from the Lives of Great Christians, and the companion book, Heroes in Black History.

Somewhere along the way, our own children grew up! Son Julian is Director of Experience Design for the Alder Planetarium in Chicago where he “provides the experience of exploring space” for visitors. He has two sons, Liam Isaac and Elijah David. Daughter Rachel graduated from Eastern Mennonite University and after working in the field of rape-crisis prevention went on to earn a Masters Degree in counseling from the University of Illinois. She is now a counselor at “Uni High School” in Champaign, Illinois. She is the loving mother of Havah Noelle (our first grandchild!) and Noah Zion, our youngest grandchild. The Jackson family also includes a Cambodian foster daughter, Samen Sang, who has four children.

We live in Evanston, Illinois, where for twenty-seven years we were part of Reba Place Church, a Christian church community. We are now members of a multi-racial congregation in the Chicago area.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Forced to give up his hard-earned retirement, Harry Bentley goes back to work as a detective. Receiving a bizarre undercover assignment that sends him across the country by train. Things suddenly go awry when it appears one of his new neighbors may be part of a smuggling ring and suspicion rises about his own son’s involvement in a major drug cartel. The second in the Windy City Neighbors series, Derailed is a contemporary, and often humorous, tale in an urban setting, featuring ordinary people wrestling with the spiritual and practical issues of real life. Intersecting with Grounded (book one), the Jacksons employ their innovative storytelling technique of “parallel novels.” Though each book follows its own drama and story arc, the characters’ lives become intertwined and affect one another. Derailed transports you to Beecham Street—a typical, isolated American neighborhood . . . until hope moves in.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Derailed, go HERE.

Guess Where I've been?

I went to the very wrong places today.  Bet you can't guess ;P  JoAnn's had a sale and Hobby Lobby was having their Grand Opening.  WRONG! places to be for me. 

Paige Rewritgten by Erynn Mangum

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Paige Rewritten NavPress (October 8, 2013) by Erynn Mangum
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A few things about her:

So, if we were having this conversation in person, we would probably be hanging out at Starbucks or one of the cute coffeehouses in town. I’m nuts about all things coffee, I’m crazy about all things pink and girly, and I love, love, love the Food Network! I’m married to my best friend and the most amazing guy ever, Jon. He is amiable toward coffee, does not like anything pink or girly and tolerates the Food Network. So, we make a good match! In July 2010, we became parents to one of the funniest, cutest, sweetest little guys in the whole world (and nope, we aren’t biased at all!), our Nater-Tot, who is legally known as Nathan. Most days, I’m cleaning up messes, making goofy faces, trying to fit some writing in, and just LOVING the life that God has given me!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Paige Alder is in a really good place. She’s dating nice guy Tyler. Her boss has offered her a raise. Her walk with God is strong. Life is great—and that’s when things start to change.

First, the youth pastor at church keeps asking Paige to work with him full-time. Then her sister shows up newly engaged and wanting to reconnect, even though they haven’t spoken in years. And now former boyfriend Luke has come back into her life. How is Paige supposed to know what the right decisions are?

This warm and humorous second book in the Paige Alder series will help young girls work through important issues, such as forgiving others and obeying God.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Paige Rewritten, go HERE

King's Faith

About KING'S FAITH

Eighteen foster homes. Nine arrests. One life-changing moment.

After Brendan King’s life spiraled to rock bottom, the teen found hope in a new relationship with Christ while serving time in a juvenile penitentiary. Recently released from prison, Brendan finds solace in the foster home of a couple struggling with suppressed grief.

As the city-bred teen enrolls at a suburban high school, he finds support from a group of believers. Yet the bonds of his old way of life—and the gang that wants to know where he hid their stash on a long-ago night—are strong. In his darkest moment, Brendan found faith. Now he must decide if it’s worth the price to hold on to it.

My Review:
King's Faith is really a great, inspiring, movie! I really can't say enough good about King's Faith.  I highly recommend watching this movie.  It is a very good movie for high schoolers to watch and see how important it is to stand up and do what is right, though it isn't always easy to take a stand.  Rated PG-13 not because of language, but scenes that younger children may have a hard time with.  Gangs and their affects, beatings and shootings, blood, etc.  Good message and acting, portraying is excellent, very superbly done.  I believe the movie is about 2 hours in length, but very much worth the two hours of your time.  I would really highly recommend that church youth groups use this as a resource tool.  I just can't say enough good about the movie.  

You may visit the movie's web site here.

I was given a pass code to watch this movie online for the purpose this review and my honest opinion. 

Traces of Mercy by Michael Landon Jr. & Cindy Kelley

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Traces of Mercy David C. Cook (October 1, 2013) by Michael Landon Jr. and Cindy Kelley

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michael Landon Jr., son of television legend Michael Landon, is an award-winning storyteller, first in television and film, and now in books. His print works include One More Sunrise co-written with Tracie Peterson.
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Cindy Kelley is the co-author of the novel The Silent Gift, and Traces of Mercy. Her career as a screenwriter with long-time writing partner, Michael Landon, Jr., began with the adaptation of Margery Williams’ classic story, The Velveteen Rabbit, which had a theatrical release. Several television movies followed, most notably Love Comes Softly, (based on Janette Oke’s novel) which won a CAMIE Award and the Epiphany Prize for Movie Guide’s most inspirational television movie of 2003. Cindy and her husband, Jim, make their home in the Southwest; have three adorable grandchildren and four big dogs who rule the house.


ABOUT THE BOOK

From Michael Landon Jr. and Cindy Kelley, authors of The Silent Gift and creators of the hit television film Love Comes Softly, comes an exciting historical romance set in post-Civil War, and filled with suspense and faith-building values.

At the war’s end, a young woman suffers an accident that leaves her unconscious and alone. Waking with amnesia, she takes the name Mercy and wants more than anything to find out the truth of her past. But then a handsome stranger arrives, who may hold the key to everything she has forgotten. What he knows could devastate her future, and even end her life.

Written by two proven storytellers, Traces of Mercy is perfect for anyone who loves historical fiction, prairie-based tales, or just a good romance.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Traces of Mercy, go HERE.