As we get closer to the holidays, the frenzy starts to increase, and
sometimes we get overwhelmed. There are decorations to put up, gifts to
purchase or make, cards to address and send, and an endless list of "to
dos". I remember, as a young working mom, counting the days until the
season would be over and done. And that's really sad, because Christmas is
supposed to be a time of happiness and joy. When something becomes work, the
joy is gone and is no longer something to celebrate.
Sophie, one of the main characters in Christmas Wishes, has her hands full preparing for Christmas. In
addition to her own preparations, she's been roped into directing the Christmas
pageant at the church in which she and her sister grew up. Since she's never
worked with groups of young children, this becomes a major challenge. Mitch is
facing his first Christmas as a single father.
Difficult times are always easier to face when we have someone to share
that burden. But finding the right person can also be a challenge! I had a wonderful
time watching Sophie and Mitch sort through the problems they faced, both in
their internally and externally. I hope you enjoy your visit with them, too!
Blurb:
Photographer
Mitch Carson is tired of big city life. He just wants to settle down in a quiet
town with his daughter, Angie. Even that doesn't quell his fear of losing his
daughter to his scheming mother-in-law.
Sophie
Gardner wants to be a screenwriter. She's ready to leave small town Zutphen,
Michigan and go to Hollywood. With a theater degree under her belt, she's busy
writing scripts while helping out her sister Joanie, who's bedridden with a
difficult pregnancy. Unfortunately, Joanie has somehow coerced Sophie into
directing the Christmas pageant at Zutphen Community Church.
When
Sophie and Mitch meet, the attraction is instant and mutual. But each wants
what the other is trying to get away from. Can they deny their feelings and
pursue their dreams? Or will the holiday prove to them that their true wishes
might not be what they'd thought?
Excerpt:
“First
graders in the front row. Second graders in the second row. Third graders in
the third row. The last one to sit down will have an extra job to do.”
Little
bodies scrambled across the room, breaking up the neat rows Sophie had set up.
The twin terrors, the sons of high school classmates Peggy DeSmit and Lyle
Longton, knocked over several chairs in their quest to race to the second row.
Unfortunately, some of the chairs they knocked over had people in them. The
pandemonium ceased, replaced by the wails of the toppled children.
“Jordan
and Joshua Longton, come here.” Sophie’s bark of authority surprised even her.
The two boys came toward her, their hesitating steps showing their uncertainty.
“You cannot run around pushing chairs over. You’ve hurt three people by doing
that, and you owe them an apology. But first you will have to stand in the
corner for five minutes. Each time you turn around or leave the corner I will
add another minute to that time.” She pointed to her left. “Jordan, you stand
in that corner. Turn your face to the wall and don’t move. Anyone caught
looking at or talking to you will also be in trouble.” She pointed to the
opposite corner. “Josh, you have that corner over there.” She hid her amazement
when both boys followed directions.
She
checked her watch. “Five minutes, and you will be able to join us, unless you
move or talk.”
Buy links: Christmas Wishes can be purchased at Amazon, Barnes
and Noble, and other ebook outlets.
Bio:
In
a previous life, Patricia Kiyono taught elementary school students by day and
changed diapers at night. Now she teaches college students part time and
changes diapers only when she's taking care of grandkids. She loves to do
anything that doesn't involve exercise. Right now her favorite activities,
other than writing, include scrapbooking, sewing, and making music. She and her
husband live in southwest Michigan, near their five children and nine
grandchildren.
Author links: Patricia Kiyono can be found
at her website, blog, facebook,
Amazon, and twitter @PatriciaKiyono
