G'morning.

Well, this is a rather bittersweet post. This is the last post here on this particular blog, as we're moving to our new Unique Enterprises Authors Blog in the New Year. The new blog is still under construction, but will be ready to go 1-2-07. We're excited about our new blog and are looking forward to Launch Week, which starts Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2007. Join us for contests, chatter and giveaways!

Today, our University Day is two-fold: We're writing scenes, adding a hero for the heroines we've created this month, and giving tips for writing heroes. Enjoy!

University Day: Holding Out for a Hero

LAURA HAMBY

Curt Wylie enjoyed a meteoric rise to fame in the Country music industry, but paid too high a price for his success. Tired physically, mentally and emotionally, he needs a break. Retiring home, where folks know him but leave him alone, he's ready for the holidays. He's not looking for a romance--- he's been burned too many times, but he can't help the attraction he feels for Melinda Calloway. He'll fight it, but ultimately, he won't be able to resist her.

ROBIN BAYNE

Jake Donovan saw her coming–straight at him from across the room. A blur of holiday red and gold, she was the best looking woman he’d seen in months. Too bad he knew why she wanted to speak with him–she wanted his knowledge, his experience; not him. They were all the same, he’d learned, but he’d listen to her request. His mother had raised him to be polite if nothing else.

Shifting to balance a plate of wings and a cup of coffee, Jake winced at the cramping in his calves. He’d overused the muscles training some new recruits for the department. Maybe he’d ask Santa for some pain relief, right after he’d asked for the key to this young woman’s heart. She smiled up at him, and he couldn’t help smiling back.

Well, he’d play along. After all, it was Christmas Eve. He’d remember what women were like tomorrow.

MEG ALLISON

PATTY MASON and JOANN BAKER

Jason walked up behind Carol as she stood by the kitchen sink. He slipped his arms around her and rested his chin on top of her silky head and looked at the falling snow. He could smell the scent of the gaily decorated pine in the living room and the much more heavenly scent of the woman in his arms. It felt good to have Carol home. He could easily imagine future Christmases with her and her son.

JOSH LOCKWOOD

Danny Brennan is a young captain of an Erie Canal line boat. He is good at his job, fiercely independent, and highly respected by everyone on the canal. He is a staunch ally to his friends and has a soft spot in his heart for those less fortunate than himself. He wants what every man wants ... a loving family around him ... and is trying to better his situation in order to provide for them. He has faults, like everyone else, but his steadfastness and personality overshadow them. He sees his equal in Molly Ryan.

SHEILA HOLLOWAY

Blake Morris is the dutiful son, visiting his mother for the holidays. His martial arts studio is closed for the seasonal trip to his old home town. As an ex-Marine, he puts a lot of stock in duty, loyalty and honesty. Blake lives his life doing what he feels is "the right thing," even when this includes living a chaste life for the sake of his devotion to the Lord. Though he is active in his church, he avoids the singles mixers with a passion. Why participate when he knows the woman he would marry isn't among the ladies of his church?

CINDY GREEN

Griffin Stevens in an FBI Special Agent who can be tough as nails when he has to, but typically maintains a sweet, playful demeanor. Abby Miller has always been the girl in the back of his mind ever since he went off to college nine years ago. It was his fault that things went so bad between them. Now that he’s back in her life, he’s determined to make amends. When mysterious things begin happening to Abby, his Bureau training kicks into gear. Even if it means jeopardizing his career, he will see to her safety and bring her back into his arms for good.

DONICA COVEY

Rand Dixon is a hulk of a man. He’s six feet ten inches tall with a broad, muscular chest. His dark blond hair falls to his waist and he wears it in a ponytail. He has molasses brown eyes and a deep rich voice that glides over your skin like silk.

Rand has a fun personality, what I mean is light hearted. He has this huge secret, (I’m being very vague I know but the book is in process. I want to keep the mystery for a bit ) and it gnaws at him to find the right time to tell Jazzy. He wants to be completely honest. His sense of protectiveness makes him admirable. He’s gentle, convinced that despite the day and age of the modern woman, all women should be treated with respect and kindness. He opens doors, gives up his seat, and generally takes care of her.

MARY CLAYMORE

Rick Morse couldn't give a flip about the fashion world. He just owned a publishing group that happened to produce a couple of glossy fashion magazines. One was even devoted to the fuller figured woman. Now that he could give more than a flip about. One model in particular, Felicia Something caught his eye, and tickled his fancy. If only he could tickle hers.

DENISE PATRICK

MG BRADEN

Jake Morgan had always flown the straight and narrow path. He believed things were pretty much black or white. He worked his way through the ranks to become the vice-president of his division, he was a corporate man. When he met Carissa he believed she was like him. Her perfect looks and dedication to the company interested him. When he decided that there should be a merger between them he didn’t realize that things weren’t always what they seemed. He expected a nice tidy relationship – what he got was an explosion.

TIPS

LAURA HAMBY

1) Make them heroic-- ie: flawed, yes, but never undeserving of being called a "hero."
2) Make them deserve their heroine.
3) Make them human, believable and masculine.

ROBIN BAYNE

1) Make them good and flawed.
2) Make them strong of character, regardless of their upbringing.
3) Make them loyal.

MEG ALLISON

1. Heroes cannot be wimps—they don’t have to be Superman or James Bond, but they can’t give up when the going gets tough.
2. A hero must have integrity.
3. Even though the heroine isn’t the most beautiful woman in the world—she should become such in the hero’s eyes.

PATTY MASON and JOANN BAKER

1. Even though a hero will never be perfect, he must be the heroine’s knight in shining armor.
2. He must be strong, but not afraid to show weakness.
3. He must always treat women with respect.

JOSH LOCKWOOD

1. A hero doesn’t necessarily have to be heroic, but his inner character must be above reproach.
2. He must, also, have definite goals and be actively trying to attain them.
3. He must have the courage to admit when he’s wrong and be willing to change and grow.

SHEILA HOLLOWAY

CINDY GREEN

DONICA COVEY

1. Don’t make him perfect. He can and should be perfect for the heroine, a "soul mate" match. But who wants to read about a man with absolutely no flaws?
2. Write according to what you look for or what you admire in a man. For me the hero should be a gentleman. And I mean a man who opens doors, pulls out chairs, and gives up his seat. One that treats me with love and respect. And for physical traits, well I prefer the man with long hair, muscles, a voice that can wrap around me and caress me.

MARY CLAYMORE

#1. Avoid the alpha male. I know some women like that whole Me-Tarzan-You-Jane thing, but really I want a man that can be a partner, not a master.
#2. Match his faults to the heroine's strengths and vice versa. Create a man that compliments the heroine.
#3. Make sure his speech, thoughts and actions are "male." If you can't imagine a man saying it or doing it, he probably wouldn't. Just don't make him a pig.

DENISE PATRICK

MG BRADEN

1. Make him sexy but fallible. If he’s too perfect and unattainable usually there’s a reason!
2. I think they should be strong and sensitive too. I don’t mean wimpy but sometimes the ones that are quietly strong are the ones that will save your bacon in the end.
3. While I think Alpha male is great, I think it can be over done. I’ve seen heroes that are so arrogant that you just want to tell the heroine to run for cover. If this isn’t the guy YOU want to introduce to your Mom, then don’t make him your hero.

G'morning!

Christmas is just around the corner, and we have the Moonlit Romance authors' Christmas traditions to share.

We'd like to congratulate Jessica Raymond on her first, stunning 5 rose review for Haunted Hearts: "The author’s special touch is in making her characters feel real..." You may read the rest of the review HERE.

Traditions, Traditions, Traditions...

JOANN BAKER and PATTY MASON

Joann: On Christmas Eve we always have friends and family come over. We make different foods, talk and relax and later we open our presents.

Patty: When he was younger, my son and I had the 25 days of Christmas. (Way before ABC Family came up with the idea!) We’d watch a cartoon or movie each day after school. I carry on that tradition without him and watch as many movies as I can. (Yes, I also watch cartoons). When I guilt him into it, he’ll watch some with me.

MEG ALLISON

My favorite Christmas tradition is decorating the tree with my children while we listen to Christmas music and sing along. It’s such an exciting time for them—I love seeing the looks of pure happiness on their faces; I love sharing the memories many of the ornaments bring back.

JESSICA RAYMOND

So many to choose from! I couldn’t really pick one favourite tradition so here are a few of them: The Christmas movies we always watch (Home Alone on Christmas Eve, The Santa Clause while dinner’s cooking on Christmas Day). Our tradition of not opening presents until after lunch, although we get to open one in the morning (makes the day’s excitement last longer). The bread sauce I make to go with the meal. How we always have Yorkshire puddings even though we haven’t cooked any beef. Dressing the dog up with a silly red bow round her neck. Encouraging the dog to open half our presents because she gets overexcited and starts making weird murmuring woofs! Having a pot of mulled wine brewing on the hob all day so the house smells gorgeous… Okay, I’m not writing any more because this is making me want Christmas now!

NELL DIXON

We always have a family night right before the big day where we put on the lights, open the chocolates and watch the Muppets Christmas Carol.

JOSH LOCKWOOD

One of our favorite Christmas traditions is that one member of the family is picked to serve as Santa Claus and deliver the presents to be opened. The rest of the family watch the recipient open that present and, if the gift is an article of clothing, the recipient must model it for the rest of the family.

LAURA HAMBY

We like to drive around, looking at the Christmas lights after the Candlelight service at Church. We see lights and say, "Ooooohhh... Aaaaaahhh..." I miss being with my extended family on Christmas, but I do love being able to spend Christmas Day in my pajamas, opening presents, nibbling on goodies, watching the movies we received, reading books, playing games...  napping.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

G'morning.

Today, the By Grace authors share their favorite family Christmas traditions.

Christmas Traditions

ROBIN BAYNE

Since my sister and I have our own families now, we enjoy gathering on Christmas day to open presents at my house. We sit in a circle and open them one at a time, so everyone sees each gift and the recipient has a moment to appreciate it before someone else goes. It makes the entire process take longer and gives us time to savor the gifts as well as each other.

DONICA COVEY

Every Christmas Eve we all gather with my mother’s family at either Nanny’s or my aunt’s home. Everyone brings a dish or two and we spend several hours laughing and sharing love and joy with each other. I love this time spent with them all.

SHEILA HOLLOWAY

My husband's family gathers at my mother-in-law's house every Christmas. We spend the entire day eating, talking, drinking hot spiced cider and opening gifts. All the children get something from everyone. The gifts are small, but usually reflect the personality of the child.

CINDY GREEN

One of my eight-year olds favorite traditions is making a Christmas chain out of red and green construction paper. He makes it long enough to tear off one chain each day thus ending on Christmas morning. I also read A Christmas Carol to him every year (We started when he was five).

My sisters and I love watching Christmas movies. And the one we love the most is While you Were Sleeping which takes place over Christmas and New Years. It has become a tradition to watch it together each year.

MARY CLAYMORE

Our little family decorates the tree together. This year we'll have two. One in the entryway, and one in our living room. We pop corn and drink hot cocoa instead of cook dinner that evening too. The weekend before the tree goes up isn't my favorite, though. We CLEAN the entire house. No fun.

DENISE PATRICK

We don't have many traditions at Christmas, but one thing we always do is get up and fix breakfast on Christmas morning as a family before we open presents. It serves two purposes - the family has a great time deciding what to fix, who is going to fix it, and then serving, and the kids get a good meal in them before they start munching on goodies.

MG BRADEN

On Christmas Eve we spread out a huge selection of appetizers in the early afternoon and basically graze our way through the rest of the day. People can come and go, plates are refreshed, final presents are wrapped and it is actually quite relaxing. Right before bedtime the kids are allowed to open one present, which is usually a pair of new pj’s and then they set out their cookies and milk for Santa. After they are safely asleep we add "Santa’s presents" to the pile, build anything that needs building, take a cookie or two, some milk and head to bed ourselves. This year, as part of a new tradition, we will also add a box under the tree as a gift to Jesus – the box will contain notes we have written (or drawn for those who can’t write yet) in this week of Advent to thank him for the various things in our life.

G'morning.

Today, the Moonlit authors have come out to play. Enjoy the holiday fun they're dishin' with the heroines they created last week.

Find one, two, three or even four that you'd love to see turned into a novel or novella? Let the authors know!

Holiday Heroines

JOANN BAKER and PATTY MASON

From her position at the kitchen sink, Carol watched the snow falling gently on the rolling hills surrounding the Double D. It felt good to be back after so many years. Being with Jason again made Carol yearn for a true family Christmas. The tree was trimmed and the presents were wrapped. The only glitch in the celebration was Jason’s reaction to the news she had to share. The thought of her son sleeping so soundly upstairs as he waited for Santa made her smile. She hoped that the present she had for both of the men in her life would make them the family she longed for them to be.

LAURA HAMBY

Melinda Calloway rubbed the hem of her ruby red velvet skirt between her palms, savoring the softness of the material. Her heart beat up in her throat and her mouth was dry despite the mug of glogg she’d been nursing for the past hour. Christmas music, with a definite Country flavor, filled the smoke-filled bar.

A Christmas tree stood in the corner near the stage. Decked out with blue, red and green lights and several strands of popcorn and pretzels, with several foil-wrapped gifts beneath, nothing could’ve screamed "sorry tree" louder than this one did. The angel on top was double roll of Charmin with a face drawn on and a circle of gold glitter around the top pretending to be the halo.

This was obviously the place to be two days before Christmas.

"Hon, you’re up now. Roy’s gettin’ the mike hooked up and roundin’ up the band." Melinda managed a weak smile at the waitress who removed the half empty mug of glogg and replaced it with a shotglass filled with whiskey. "Sing us some traditional Christmas carols, hon. Don’t matter if you croak like a frog that’s been smokin’ cee-gars for forty years, the traditional always goes down well."

Melinda nodded, worried to have her voice likened to that of a croaking, cee-gar smoking frog. Oh well. No more time for the pity party. She wanted to sing, so sing she would. Besides, it was hard to wreck "Deck the Halls."

JOSH LOCKWOOD

Molly held the small gift box in both hands and glanced longingly toward the galley door. Perhaps she could escape before the tears welling up behind her eyes spilled down her cheeks. "You shame me, Danny Brennan," she whispered. "I have nothing to give you in return."

She felt his work-hardened hands grip her shoulders and he turned her back to face him. "Of course you have," he insisted.

"And what would that be?"

"Your love."

She met his eyes then and attempted a smile. "You already have that."

He nodded his understanding. "I know, and it’s all I’ll ever want."

There was no controlling the tears any longer, but they were tears of happiness that trickled down her face. "You do have a way with words, Danny. You do have a way with words."

MEG ALLISON

Sandra sat on her plump sofa and stared at the Christmas lights blinking around her small artificial tree. She had loved the holiday as a kid, but now days she really identified with the old "Blue Christmas" song.

It really sucked to be alone this time of year.

The ring of the telephone made her jump. She frowned as she leaned over the sofa arm to answer. Who could be calling at this time of night?

"Hello?"

"Hi, Sandy, it’s Dave." The rich timbre of his voice brought an automatic smile to her lips. "I hope it’s not too late to call."

"No, of course not," she said as she sank back against the cushions and curled her feet beneath her. "You have perfect timing."

His chuckle sent a small shiver down her spine. "Well, I’m glad you like something about me."

"I like a lot of things about you," she admitted. "I just…I have a hard time showing it."

For a moment she almost kicked herself for saying too much, too soon. Then she heard the words she’d been longing for these past few weeks.

"I like a lot of things about you, too, honey." Silence stretched between them as the words flowed over and around her, making her tummy leap and somersault in odd little circles. "What are you doing for Christmas?"

Sandra grinned. "I thought you’d never ask."

G'morning.

The blog is late. This would be due to the fact that the Blog Mistress thought that it would be wise to hit the stores early in the morning, to finish up her Christmas shopping. No, she is not done. Wah.

We're using the heroines we created last week, set in short Christmas scenes--today, the By Grace authors; tomorrow, the Moonlit authors. We hope you enjoy! (And if you see any you'd REALLY like to see in a book for Christmas next year, let us know! GGG)...

Don't forget, all our holiday titles are now available! Treat yourself to an early Christmas present today.

Holiday Heroines

CINDY GREEN

Abby set out the last of the Christmas presents and then sat back on the couch to observe the decorated tree, blinking brightly in the darkened room. Her heart ached at the thought of Katie spending this first Christmas without her parents. She felt such a burden in her heart to be there for her niece. But when she thought back to the previous night at how great Griffin had been with Katie, she knew how much the little girl was missing out without a father in her life.

The time had come to make amends with Griffin. As much as she fought it, they were good together. She’d forgotten how much she loved just listening to him talk. And the very thought of him spending the holiday all alone, made her heart ache some more. Rising from her seat, she sought out the telephone. She had a Christmas message to deliver.

SHEILA HOLLOWAY

Laura Simmons looked around the room, wary of bumping into Stan. Garland sparkled from the tree in the fellowship hall as the church Christmas potluck was getting underway. Various members of the congregation were grabbing plates and lining up. So far, no Stan. Thank goodness. After dating for all of two months, he couldn't understand why she wouldn't accept another date with him. True, he was a gentleman, and a Christian. He just wasn't the man with that...that special something. In fact, he was the sterotypical boring account, and clingy to boot.

A solid, manly bi-cep bumped against Laura's shoulder. She turned to find the most tender brown eyes she'd ever seen. This was certainly not Stan.

ROBIN BAYNE

The room swirled in gold and silver garland strands, the tree’s green and red the only break in the jewel tones. Christy loved it. Eyes wide, she drank in the colors, the scent of pine and cinnamon and the soft notes of Christmas carols filtering in through the speakers.

A new scent crossed the room and she snapped to attention, shivering a bit. It was him.

The mysterious detective had arrived, dapper in tweed slacks and a leather jacket. He nodded at her and moved to the buffet table, and Christy decided to follow. If he was half the man she thought he was, he would never refuse to help her find a missing child.

Even on Christmas Eve.

DONICA COVEY

Jazmine Kincaid sat in the window looking out at the snow falling gently on the ground. Reflected in the glass merry lights twinkled on the tree. Beneath it were gifts of all sizes wrapped in the Boyd’s Bears paper she picked up at the dollar store.

Still her mood was anything but jolly. Rand said he’d come but he was almost two hours late. Where was he? Had there been an accident? She stood up and paced the room. Tonight she was going to tell him that his secret didn’t change how she felt about him. Tonight she would admit that she had accepted him for the man he is.

Headlights flashed through the glass and she rushed back to the window. The car kept creeping down the road. Her heart sank. He wasn’t coming. Another flash of lights and his car turned into her drive. Elated she hurried to throw the door open and waited as he bounced up the steps.

MARY CLAYMORE

Felicia could feel all eyes on her as she strutted down the catwalk. The red velour dress fit her curves to a "T." It also covered some of the ones she didn't want the world to think about. Soon the Real Woman Magazine fashion show would come to an end, and she would be off to the My Own Size Christmas party. Such was the life of a glamourous model. A size 20 model, but size was just a number wasn't it? She turned at the end of the stage. Her skirt gracefully fluttered and spun. Cameras flashed all around.

"Felicia, I didn't know you had a beauty mark," fellow model, Sheryl, commented with a smirk as soon as Felicia was back in the dressing area.

Felicia peeked in the mirror. A dot of chocolate graced the corner of her mouth. Maybe no one else noticed.

MG BRADEN

Carissa looked out through the doorway of her office where everyone was gathered around the round table that held their corporate Christmas tree. They were all talking, laughing and passing around plates of goodies. She knew that as one of the managers of this division she needed to get out there and join them before they started drawing names for the annual gift exchange. This exchange was always awkward for her as one was supposed to fill out a questionnaire detailing all sorts of personal information, information she wasn’t willing to give. So instead, she always gave random answers and often ended up with gifts that were entirely unsuitable to her. However, they were suitable to the Carissa this staff thought they knew. Carissa held back a snort. She wasn’t even sure she knew herself anymore. She had reinvented herself so much that it was hard to find the person she really was. At least that was the plan. Throwing back her shoulders, she plastered a smile on her face and went to join the merriment.

DENISE PATRICK

"Judy, I can't find the angel wings!" Susan's panicked voice came over the phone.

Judy sighed and rolled her eyes. "They are in the closet in the upstairs office off the library. You put them there last year to keep them out of the way."

"You sure? I thought I looked there."

"Yes. And the shepherd staffs, and I think also the gifts for the Magi to carry."

"Hold on and let me check."

She could hear Susan's heels clicking as she walked down the church hallway. Judy wanted to reach through the phone and shake her. Judy hadn't been in charge of costumes for at least two years, so why did Susan call her when she was the one who put them away last year?

Her doorbell rang while she waited for Susan to speak to her again. Getting up from the pile of lights and Christmas decorations strewn across her living room floor, she stretched and headed for the door. Looking through the peephole, she gasp and hurriedly pulled the door open.

"Merry Christmas!" chimed Dane.

G'morning!

We're thrilled to announce that all our Christmas releases will be available by the end of the day. What a Merry Christmas we're having at By Grace and Moonlit Romance.

To entice you, it's excerpt day. Sample a little piece of each of our Christmas novels, and you're sure to want more.

EXCERPTS

LAURA HAMBY
Christmas Grace/Christmas Grace Duet

She drenched Jeff’s shirt with her tears. Her shoulders shook with the force of her sobs, and the world receded. At last, she used up the well of tears she’d stored over the years, and as she quieted, she became aware that Jeff rested his head atop of hers oh-so-gently.

"That’s been a long while coming, I think," he whispered. "Do you feel better?"

Hannah wrapped her arms around his waist. A brazen move with a strange man, but he was there. And he was offering sympathy, which she so desperately needed.

"Yes, thank you. I’m sorry." Hannah forced herself to let him go and take a step back.

"No need to be." Jeff took her hand. "I’m familiar with loneliness, Miss Hannah. I’ve enjoyed being here with you. It’s been too long since I could relax. Can’t remember a nicer Christmas."

The wind howled around the cabin at that moment. Through the curtains, Hannah could see the snow swirling. She’d have her beautiful clean slate for the New Year. A spark of hope flared in her heart.

ROBIN BAYNE
The Scent of Falling Snow/Christmas Grace Duet

Wild, maybe, but slow-going, definitely, Aideen thought, but she was enjoying the ride. They sang Christmas carols, told jokes, and traded their most humiliating high school stories. She was relieved that schools in America were similar to the ones in Ireland when it came to teenagers. His truck, as he called it, handled very well in the fluffy snow.

"Looks like a Christmas card out there," she said, as they turned into her neighborhood. "Turn right and the fifth house is mine, the one on the end."

They managed to stop, and Rob put the truck in to Park. "We probably shouldn’t have chanced this, should have just stayed at the O’Fallon’s tonight." He reached for her gloved hand and squeezed it. "There’s more between you and Kiana than just a shared husband, am I right?"

She sighed. He wasn’t going to let it go. And it had been such a pleasant evening until now. "Yes, you’re right. Are you sure you want to know?

"You can tell me anything," he said, smiling. He undid his seat belt and turned toward her. "Tell me now, get it off your chest. And then I’ll walk you to your door and give you your Thanksgiving night kiss."

She doubted that.

JOANN BAKER and  PATTY MASON
The Grinch and Ms Goody-Two Shoes

Nick stared down at the woman in his arms and performed his second most impulsive act of the day. He kissed her.

A kiss, he told himself. Just a friendly, neighborly, snowball fighting, glad-you’re-okay, type of kiss. But all neighborly thoughts fled his mind as Kate’s lips parted on a soft sigh of surrender. The air sizzled between them, so fast and so hot he feared the snow around them would melt from the heat.

His tongue drew a slow wet circle around her mouth, outlining her lips before plunging inside. He pressed closer and she responded in kind. He discovered her softness and savored her tentative touches, her taste, glorying in each delectable delight and riding high upon the erotic cloud of sensation that can only come when two people give in to attraction and share their first kiss.

The pleasure built and built, spirals of tension unfolding, curling deep within him. Never had he felt such a primitive pull, a craven need to be close to another human. As close as man and woman could possibly be.

SHEILA HOLLOWAY
On a Lark/Stocking Stuffers

"How are you doing, Bliss?" Eva asked, once Bliss no longer had a guest to work with.

"Same old stuff. It’s just a different day."

"It’s a glorious day. You just see the same old stuff. Open your eyes, girl. We’ve got clear skies, the air’s got a little nip of December in it, and there’s so much to do. And look, you’re still carrying that old spring purse too. Go get a new one. It’s almost Christmas."

Bliss chuckled. Eva always had instructions for her. She had them for everyone, and the older woman commanded respect, so her audience always listened.

"I might just do that."

"And you know, it wouldn’t hurt to carry that new purse to church tomorrow. We’ve got a few people your age in the congregation."

DONICA COVEY
Dear Michah/Stocking Stuffers

It had been almost six months since Connie Rose Abernathy set foot in a church. Six months since her little boy's funeral. She took a ragged sigh and sat unmoving in the car. All around her, people passed by to step inside the building. They came to offer their prayers and praises to the Lord on High.

Connie sat back and clicked on the radio. Big mistake. Every radio station obsessively played those ridiculous carols. This was her first Christmas since her life turned upside down.

She brushed a tear away. Her being at home meant so much to her parents, but could she answer her mother’s Christmas wish this year and go to church?

MARY CLAYMORE
A Not Quite White Christmas/Stocking Stuffers

Clair Millstone sank into her bed with a sigh. Tulsa, Oklahoma wanted snow for Christmas. She was a meteorologist, not a weather maker. Channel Five paid her to report the facts. Why did tons of people stop her at the store, the gas station or even the post office every December to ask if they’d have a white Christmas? She could recite the chances on the news till she turned blue in the face, but they still asked her wherever she went. She was ready to just scream, "NO!" to everyone that even asked, "Aren’t you the weather lady?"

CINDY GREEN
The Spirit of Christmas

Kathryn closed the window and sprinted to the door hoping against all hope that it was Nick. She peered through the peephole to see Nick looking around the hallway, casually waiting for her to open the door. She noticed his hair - in perfect order as always - still had a couple snowflakes still attached to a couple strands. She didn’t think she could contain the happiness she felt inside her at that very moment.

Quickly, she unlatched the door and pulled it open with a whoosh. She knew she wouldn’t be able to control the look of joy that must be plastered all over her face. She didn’t care. She was happy to see him, overcome with elation, and it didn’t matter if he knew, because she wanted him to know.

G'morning.

How many of us stand in the book section at the store, reading the back cover blurbs of all the books that catch our attention? Here's your chance to do that!

Christmas Grace is now available at By Grace Publishing. Go purchase your copy today!

Back Cover Blurbs

LAURA HAMBY

Christmas Grace/Christmas Grace Duet

Former Southern Belle, Hannah Kelsey, now orphaned by the War Between the States, awaits patiently for news of her lone, surviving brother. A life that has been anything but easy is made more complicated by the Yankee soldier she finds lying in front of her cabin a few days before the Christmas of 1864.

The holiday season is a time for miracles as Hannah must hide wounded Union Captain Jeff Steffend, and protect her lonely heart from the kindness of the stranger. This war-weary couple need a bit of Christmas Grace to nudge them into each others arms.

ROBIN BAYNE

The Scent of Falling Snow/Christmas Grace Duet

Aideen O'Conner felt a certain twinge when Rob Novak walked into her dance studio. Was it because she thought he didn't take her seriously, or because she was afraid he would?

When Rob visits his daughter's step-dancing teacher, he makes it clear he doesn't consider the activity a challenge. The real challenge comes when he learns the teacher's secret.

PATTY MASON and JOANN BAKER

The Grinch and Ms. Goody-Two Shoes

Private investigator Nicholas Trent hates the snow and the whole sentimental hype surrounding Christmas. So it was important that he finish the job he’d come to Winterfall, Nebraska to do and get back to the sunny beaches of California. But he hadn’t counted on falling for his new assignment. The quiet beauty had a knack for melting his cold heart. But would she forgive him once she discovered the secret he harbored?

Kate Harris had never met a sexier man than Nicholas Trent. Even though he’d been sent to dig into her personal life and perhaps take away the niece she’d raised on her own for the past three years, his soul-stirring kisses fueled her dreams. This holiday season would she lose more than her heart, or would she receive a Christmas miracle?

CINDY GREEN

The Spirit of Christmas

Smart, yet stubborn, Kathryn wants more than anything to be a serious reporter, even to the detriment of her personal life. Her best friend, easygoing coworker Nick, realizes she has lost her Christmas spirit, and he is determined to help her find it again. And maybe in the process, she’ll find him too.

After the pair is assigned to work together on a story covering the toy drive for the downtown children’s home, Kathryn begins to receive anonymous gifts from a Secret Santa. But will any of this really make a difference in Kathryn? And what happens when she begins to fall for her Secret Santa, making Nick jealous?

SHEILA HOLLOWAY

On a Lark /Stocking Stuffers

Can Bliss Steadmon find what she needs in life beginning with a new purse and a trip to church? Her friend Eva Gardner thinks so.

DONICA COVEY

Connie Abernathy’s world turned upside down with her son’s death. Now it’s up to her husband, Dylan, to help her find the healing only God can give.

MARY CLAYMORE

A Not Quite White Christmas/Stocking Stuffers

Meteorologist, Clair Millstone, would like the world to just leave her alone, especially about snow for Christmas. Maybe Greg Watson can teach her to enjoy the thought of white lacy flakes on a December morning.

G'morning.

Stocking Stuffers is now available to purchase at By Grace! And, all our By Grace Christmas releases are available on Fictionwise: By Grace on Fictionwise.

Check out our contests: By Grace and Moonlit Romance. Details on the websites.

Today, the authors share nifty tidbits about their Christmas novels. Enjoy!

Christmas Tidbits

SHEILA HOLLOWAY

I got the idea for Bliss Steadmon from a desk clerk I worked with last year. Her circumstances are mostly fictional, but her first name and age are borrowed from Bliss H. in Arkansas.

DONICA COVEY

I really didn’t do much research for this novella. Dear Micah is just the story of pain and loss.

Having had been an EMT I saw personally the tragic results of drinking and driving. This coupled with the pain and loss of a child brought the idea on that someone who experienced this would need to blame someone. God, the person they believed caused the accident and maybe themselves.

Also I had an aunt lose a child and I remember the pain we all suffered. I could only imagine how hard it was for her.

MARY CLAYMORE

Clair Millstone, the heroine in A Not Quite White Christmas, is loosely based on a man I met a few years ago. This was the TV news meteorologist for a local station who was very aloof, even a little disdainful of his viewers when approached in public. I had the, um, privilage to meet him through my job, so he was somewhat warmer than if I had walked up to him on the street.

PATTY MASON and JOANN BAKER

Research for The Grinch was fun. We watched every Christmas movie we could find – from "It’s Wonderful Life" to "Christmas Vacation." The story really has Christmas flavor and will put you in the Christmas mood fast.

LAURA HAMBY

I've wanted to use the name "Hannah" for a heroine in an historical for a very long time, and that's exactly what I did in Christmas Grace. I also researched Civil War regiments to find the perfect fit for Jeff, the hero.

Christmas Grace is a true book of my heart.

ROBIN BAYNE

I began researching Irish step dancing after seeing the show, ‘Riverdance.’ After twenty years of studying ballet and jazz, I was fascinated by a dance form that required dancers to keep their arms straight down at their sides. I also learned through my research that an ancient tradition was something I could use for my heroine’s secret–a true event!

CINDY GREEN

I didn’t do a whole lot of research for The Spirit of Christmas. I was familiar with working on a small local magazine because I worked on one for a short time as an assistant to the editor when I first got married. And I based my heroine on Lois Lane (of Superman fame ) which made it quite easy to interpret what she would do and how she would react in certain situations.

G'morning.

Release day is looming. Hooray! All the releasing authors are excited... it's like being a kid waiting for Santa Claus to show up.

We'll be having a Christmas party on the Moonlit Romance Readers' Loop on Thursday (Dec. 14), 4-6 pm, US Eastern. Come join the fun!

Author Interviews

CINDY GREEN

What would you be doing if you weren’t writing?

If I wasn’t writing, I would be teaching again and working on finishing that Masters Degree of mine. I love teaching and I miss it. When I work with the 6th through 8th graders at church I really start missing it again. I started on my Masters in History when my 2nd son was first born but when we moved out to NC I had to put it on hold. I plan to eventually get back to it. But my historical background will hopefully help me to write some great historicals one day.

What are you working on now?

I just finished writing a summer/beach themed novella that takes place in the Outer Bank Islands of North Carolina. This is a story where the setting really took over the plot and the characterization of my heroine. I’ve outline a sequel to The Spirit of Christmas. I also started working on a chick-lit style Valentine story which should be very funny. On the backburner (once again), I have a suspense that centers on a CIA analyst and a FBI special agent. In the back of my mind I would like to write a Colonial, a Victorian, and a fantasy. As you can see I am never idle!

SHEILA HOLLOWAY

What would you be doing if you weren't writing?

I would be in the looney bin. The voices... the voices...

Do you have a certain routine you follow when writing?

I have no routine. I grab my writing time between editing, formatting books for publication and other business things.

DONICA COVEY

When did you first start writing romance, and why?

I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember but seriously pursuing publishing for about 7 years.

What is your all-time favorite romance novel, and why?

Joanna Lindsey’s Savage Thunder (not to be confused with Cassie Edwards book of the same title). The hero’s name is Colt Thunder. My son’s name, Colton, came from her book Brave the Wild Wind, but Savage Thunder is my favorite!

MARY CLAYMORE

Would you ever consider writing in another genre?

I want to write a mystery. Maybe romantic suspense. My only holdback is my fear that it will be too simplistic, and my readers will have it all figured out too early.

Where do you draw your inspiration?

I guess I look at things around me. My story in Stocking Stuffers stems from my run in with a local news meteorologist. He was a complete jerk. He admitted to being one too. He said it was because people thought since they saw him on TV every night, they considered him a friend, and he didnÕt want to be their friend.

LAURA HAMBY

Would you ever consider writing in another genre?

I'm rather fond of fantasy, so if I were going to write another genre, that would be it. I'd also like to try my hand at a paranormal romance, incorporating fantasy elements, of course.

Name at least one thing you would like to achieve with your writing career.

I'd like to see my books on the shelf at the local bookstore. <GGG> But most importantly, I like to make people laugh and reaffirm that love and the fairytale "Happily Ever After" do exist in this world.

ROBIN BAYNE

When did you first start writing romance, and why?

What is your all-time favorite romance novel, and why?

G'morning.

It's release week! Hooray! And boy, do we have quite the Christmas line up for you!

From Moonlit Romance: The Grinch and Ms Goody-Two Shoes by Joann Baker and Patty Mason. Be sure to drop by the Moonlit Romance Readers' Loop, where Joann and Patty are hosting for the next week.

From By Grace Publishing: Christmas Grace (Duet) by Laura Hamby and Robin Bayne; Stocking Stuffers by Sheila Holloway, Donica Covey and Mary Claymore; and The Spirit of Christmas by Cindy Green. Laura Hamby is hosting the By Grace Readers' Loop this week, so drop on by and say hello.

Meet the Authors

JOANN BAKER and PATTY  MASON

Joann Baker and Patricia Mason have been friends for more years than they care to admit. The publication of their first book "The Reluctant Rancher" was, as they say, a dream come true. They are both legal secretaries by day and "wanna be full time writers" by night. Joann is enjoying the single life with a steady beau, while Patricia has been married for over twenty years.

ROBIN BAYNE

Robin Bayne is the award-winning author of five novels and three novellas, and is a regular contributor to the "Spirit Led Writer" ezine. Her essays, articles and devotionals have been published in the God’s Way Book series, Cup of Comfort Devotionals, The Secret Place, Christian Communicator, Writer’s Journal and many other publications. She has given workshops at regional and online romance writing conferences and the Writer’s Digest World’s Largest Writing Workshop. She lives in Maryland with her husband of sixteen years, and works a "day job" as a mortgage underwriter. Visit her at www.robinbayne.com.

Robin is excited to be working with By Grace Publishing and looks forward to getting to know the editors and authors : )

LAURA HAMBY

I’ve been writing long enough now to appreciate the transition from pen and paper to typewriter to computer. (I highly recommend writing via computer. ) Writing is not only a perk, but also a necessity to my life— it’s the only way to get all those people in my head to shut up. <GGG> No, don’t send the men in white coats to chase me with their butterfly nets because I hear imaginary people— just send chocolate.

I write for Moonlit Romance, and her sister company, By Grace Publishing. I attempt to blog on a semi-irregular basis.

I have a terrific, tall husband, and three wonderful sons who are, for the time being, still shorter than I am. We live on the east coast of the U.S.A. with our five zebra finches (anyone want a finch or three?), two guinea pigs, and a cat who answers to "Meow Monster" and "Miss Meowie."

Please visit my website.

SHEILA HOLLOWAY

Sheila was born in the mountains of Arkansas. Over the years she has lived in different places, and currently resides in the Delta region of her home state. She is a member of the Church of Christ and home schools her daughter while juggling a myriad of other responsibilities. Those responsibilities include operating By Grace Publishing and Moonlit Romance.

MARY CLAYMORE

Mary Claymore writes funny. Her books are usually wild romantic comedies with outlandish situations. She's tried to write straight romance. It just always goes awry.

Originally from the mountains, Mary loves to hike in the woods, swim in rivers and be one with God's world.

DONICA COVEY

Donica Covey spent most of her childhood alone (by choice) making up stories and episodes of her favorite shows starring herself and the hunky actors of her time. From there blossomed a love of writing fiction. Family members were convinced that she would either be a politician or a writer. Thankfully she chose the latter.

When not spending time with her family, she can be found on her computer surrounded by three neurotic dogs while she is immersed in a fantasy world where the hero always win, the heroine is swept away and there is always a Happily Ever After.

CINDY GREEN

Cindy K. Green, although a California native, now resides in North Carolina with her husband and two young sons. Growing up, she loved reading and writing; but her heart always lay in teaching. After graduating from college with a degree in history, Cindy taught Jr. High in just about every subject. She currently stays home and writes as well as homeschools her children. In her spare time, she loves to read, spend time with family, and work with the youth at church. Cindy now looks forward to the release of her new book, The Spirit of Christmas. To find out more about Cindy and her books, visit her website at www.cindykgreen.com.