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Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt Stop #7

Welcome to the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt for Fall 2017!

If you’ve just discovered the hunt, be sure to start at Stop #1, and collect the clues through all 24 stops—in the proper order—so you can enter to win one of our top 3 grand prizes! Then I'll see you back here again in just a few minutes! ;)

The hunt BEGINS with Stop #1 at Lisa Bergren’s site
Hunt through our loop using Chrome or Firefox as your browser (not Explorer).
There is NO RUSH to complete the hunt—you have all weekend (until Sunday, 10/22 at midnight MST). So take your time, reading the unique posts along the way; our hope is that you discover new authors/new books!
Submit your entry for the grand prizes by collecting the clue on each author’s scavenger hunt post and submitting your answer in the Rafflecopter form at Stop #25.
Many authors (moi included!) are offering additional prizes along the way so watch for those extra chances to win!

It's my honor to host Lori Benton on this fall's hunt! Here's a brief summary of Lori's Many Sparrows which recently released in August:

Either she and her children would emerge from that wilderness together, or none of them would…

In 1774, the Ohio-Kentucky frontier pulses with rising tension and brutal conflicts as Colonists push westward and encroach upon Native American territories. The young Inglesby family is making the perilous journey west when an accident sends Philip back to Redstone Fort for help, forcing him to leave his pregnant wife Clare and their four-year old son Jacob on a remote mountain trail.

When Philip does not return and Jacob disappears from the wagon under the cover of darkness, Clare awakens the next morning to find herself utterly alone, in labor and wondering how she can to recover her son...especially when her second child is moments away from being born.

Clare will face the greatest fight of her life, as she struggles to reclaim her son from the Shawnee Indians now holding him captive. But with the battle lines sharply drawn, Jacob’s life might not be the only one at stake. When frontiersman Jeremiah Ring comes to her aid, can the stranger convince Clare that recovering her son will require the very thing her anguished heart is unwilling to do—be still, wait and let God fight this battle for them?

Sounds fabulous!

Now please join me in welcoming Lori as she shares with us a snippet of her own journey in the cover design of Many Sparrows.

JOURNEY OF A BOOK COVER

"Don’t judge a book by its cover."

It’s a saying we’ve all probably used yet we do exactly that, don’t we? It’s one of the reasons we take a book off the store shelf or click on a thumbnail online. That’s why crafting an eye-catching cover that accurately reflects the story’s content and the writer’s style, or brand, is a crucial aspect of a book’s publishing journey.

In the pages of Many Sparrows, characters Clare Inglesby and Jeremiah Ring make a long and dangerous journey across the 18th century Ohio-Kentucky frontier with one heart-wrenching goal in mind—recovering Clare’s son Jacob, stolen by Indians and held captive. But Clare and Jeremiah aren’t the only ones who made a journey in regards to this book.

My publisher and I took a longer than usual route to settling on the cover art for Many Sparrows. The cover artist I’ve worked with on all of my books thus far, the talented Kristopher Orr, turned out to be the Jeremiah to my Clare as we made this journey.

We started with some initial cover concepts…

My favorite of this bunch is the first one, especially the rusty-red autumn hues, because the climax of the story takes place in the fall, amidst a fiery-leafed forest. I’d have been happy had we gone in this direction, but my publisher thought it looked more like the cover for a suspense novel. None of the other covers in this batch resonated with us, so we decided to try again.

I was told that something altogether different was in works…

It is certainly different than any of my previous book covers. As covers go I liked it, but I wasn’t convinced it was the best reflection of the story, in content or style, which isn’t as light as this cover might lead a reader to expect. Also I found it too busy for the text to be as readable as I wanted it to be.

I missed the title treatment on some of the other early designs.

Kristopher went back to the drawing board, found an old landscape painting, and came up with this…

I knew as soon as I saw this cover we were almost there! I loved the river (the Ohio River figures large in the story), the figure in the canoe, the landscape, the whole classic-painting-historical-literary feel of it. And the title treatment is back to something close to the one I liked in the beginning.

I also liked how elements from the blue cover were pulled into this one, breaking up that top-third and adding visual interest.
This felt like the best of all of them rolled into one.

I had only one suggestion…

Warm it up from the grayish mauve tone and get back to those autumn colors. And that’s how we ended this cover journey happily ever after!

Thanks so much for hosting me, Tamera!

And Happy Hunting, all!

Lori Benton’s award-winning novels transport readers to the 18th century, where she brings to life the Colonial and early Federal periods of American history. Connect with Lori at her website, on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Here's the Stop #7 Skinny:

You can order Lori's book on Amazon , Barnes & Noble , CBD , LifeWay , or your local bookstore!

Clue to write down: scavenger

Link to Stop #8 , the Next Stop on the Loop: Lori Benton's own site!

But wait!!!

Before you go...

I'm giving away TWO Christmas at Carnton audio books!

Enter to win by leaving a comment on THIS blog post about your favorite Christmas memory or favorite seasonal treat!

Due to mailing costs, U.S. mailing addresses only, please.

Thanks, everyone, for taking part in the hunt!

CONGRATS to Donna Griffin and Nicole House who each won an audio copy of Christmas at Carnton!

Thanks to everyone for entering to win and for taking part in this fall's hunt!

With much love and appreciation,

Comments

Tamera Alexander

October 23, 2017 at 9:29 pm

CONGRATS to DONNA GRIFFIN and NICOLE HOUSE who won the two audio copies of Christmas at Carnton! Thank you to everyone who entered and took part in this fall's hunt! With love and appreciation, Tamera

Margaret Reznicek

October 23, 2017 at 2:50 pm

I already have and have read this wonderful book! I love love your books...always waiting for the next one! In the meantime I read them all again

Tamera Alexander

October 23, 2017 at 9:30 pm

Thank you, Margaret! Sending hugs from Nashville!

Jennifer Hibdon

October 22, 2017 at 11:03 pm

I love our family's holiday dessert, date pudding!!!

Dana Michael

October 22, 2017 at 11:01 pm

Going to my mamaw's house and to my grandmother's house for meals and to open presents.

Lisa Harness

October 22, 2017 at 10:25 pm

My favorite memory is when I received a tape recorder for Christmas and it had my Daddy talking to me on it. Oh, how I wished I had that recording.

Melissa Crosby

October 22, 2017 at 10:13 pm

Grams fruit cocktail cake on Christmas eve i haven't had any sense we lost her you can't replace that smell.

Jolena Welker

October 22, 2017 at 9:56 pm

The year I received my Bible from my parents for Christmas. My mom and dad had 6 kids. Mom usually made us one thing and they bought us one gift. This was the year I could not wait to open presents and I suck downstairs in the night and opened my first present. It was my Bible. Let's just say God has really used that gift in my life in more than one way. I was so ashamed. That was not my best Christmas but one I learned a lot.

Jolena Welker

October 22, 2017 at 9:57 pm

snuck

Karen Johnson

October 22, 2017 at 9:52 pm

My favorite seasonal treat is chocolate covered cherries, with the clear liquid, now with dark chocolate.

Amy Bottoms

October 22, 2017 at 9:36 pm

Loved waking up early to the excitement of Christmas with our boys when they were younger. We also love to make dozens of cookies to share with our neighbors and loved ones. Thank you for the opportunity! Love your books.

Julie Langevin

October 22, 2017 at 9:31 pm

My husband could talk of many places he went during Christmas while living in England, but myself i can say my memories are of spending the holiday with my children, decorating the house and yard so many who pass our home feeling the holiday season through our eyes, and the true meaning of Christmas.

Abbie Peterson

October 22, 2017 at 9:06 pm

Christmas cookies, especially coconut macaroons -all remind me of my gram

Lindsi McIntyre

October 22, 2017 at 8:59 pm

My favorite is pumpkin bread. Thanks for having this giveaway. God Bless!

Gracie Beth

October 22, 2017 at 8:56 pm

Oh gosh! I think my favorite Christmas treat is some kind of pie. Apple, pumpkin, etc. Oh, and it NEEDS whipped cream! NEEDS!! :-)

Janice Moore

October 22, 2017 at 8:36 pm

I love all things chocolate!

Donna Brookmyer

October 22, 2017 at 8:33 pm

I love scotcheroos but usually only make them at Christmastime.

Nancy M

October 22, 2017 at 8:17 pm

I love date nut balls at Christmas!

Brenda Walters

October 22, 2017 at 7:41 pm

My favorite memory is family visiting for Christmas dinner when I was a child. And I like fruit cake and fudge and chicken dressing and cranberry salad!

Colleen Hudson

October 22, 2017 at 7:39 pm

My favorite treat is cinnamon rolls. We make them just before Thanksgiving, then freeze them, then have them for Thanksgiving morning and Christmas morning both!

Renee Costner

October 22, 2017 at 7:28 pm

My favorite Christapmas treat is peanut butter balls. My best friend comes over to help and we make them every year

Tamera Alexander

October 22, 2017 at 7:11 pm

LOVE reading through your comments, friends! Thanks for joining in the hunt!

Sabrina Templin

October 22, 2017 at 7:08 pm

My favorite seasonal treat is fudge :)

Megan Williamson

October 22, 2017 at 6:43 pm

My favorite holiday treat is puppy chow (powdered sugar-covered peanut butter & chocolate party mix). I love to make it, share it, and eat it.

Rebecca Lare

October 22, 2017 at 6:26 pm

I love the snow. Where we live now, we don't get very much. The cover to your book reminds me of Christmas' past.

Melissa Thiel

October 22, 2017 at 5:56 pm

I love the lights and music and peace of Christmas. I love peppermint and snow and kids laughter.

Janice Wilkerson

October 22, 2017 at 5:50 pm

Love snow for Christmas

Gail Hollingsworth

October 22, 2017 at 5:21 pm

My favorite memory is my young son running down the stairs Christmas morning to look for baby Jesus in the manger before even looking for what Santa brought.

Sharon Warren

October 22, 2017 at 4:54 pm

I have not read your books but I think I would really like them.
When I was 12, my family and I took a trip from Texas to Ohio, leaving about 2 days before Christmas Eve. It started sleeting and snowing in Arkansas and as we kept traveling, entering Nashville, we saw the most beautiful Christmas sights and sounds. We pulled into Hamilton, Ohio, Christmas Eve morning with snow and ice on our car and had a joyous Christmas with all of my Dad's family.

Janie Turck

October 22, 2017 at 4:24 pm

My favorite Christmas memory was the last of the family as a whole. It was during the 80's recession and I was the only one that had money to buy everyone Christmas presents because I was still living at home. We had our Christmas dinner (chicken legs) at my brother's house. Not much for some, but everything for me.

Emilee Douglas

October 22, 2017 at 4:14 pm

I love pumpkin pie! Thanks for doing the giveaway and scavenger hunt!

Jan Hall

October 22, 2017 at 4:09 pm

I love fruitcake.

Sheila M McIntyre

October 22, 2017 at 4:03 pm

My favorite seasonal treat are butter tarts!

Linda Hutchins

October 22, 2017 at 4:02 pm

One of my favorite Christmas memories is the Christmas Eve service at the church I grew up in. I was in the various choirs from first grade on up - singing in the early years then accompanying them when I got older. My favorite treat is still the chocolate snowball cookies that my dad always said were Santa's favorite - now I make him his own batch every year!

Ruth Tennies

October 22, 2017 at 3:59 pm

A favorite seasonal treat is plum pudding. It's an old recipe and not easy to make, but it sure is yummy!

Kate Hudgens

October 22, 2017 at 3:42 pm

My favorite Christmas memory is the first Christmas my husband and I were married. While we were dating were enjoyed driving around to look at Christmas lights. One of our favorite houses was done in all blue lights. It was spectacular!!! So for our first Christmas as a married couple, he bought a tree to fit in our tiny apartment and covered it in blue lights! It was so sweet!!

Michelle Fidler

October 22, 2017 at 3:36 pm

When I was about ten years old I got Garfield and Smurfs stuff for Christmas. A lot of good presents.

Linda B

October 22, 2017 at 3:18 pm

The Christmas memory that always makes me smile happened at church when I was growing up. We had just finished presenting our Christmas program (and I didn't mess up on any of my lines). One of the men had dressed up like Santa to hand out our presents (they thought a couple of the little kids would get a kick out it as well as the man's new wife--they had gotten married the day before I believe). My neighbor (a sweet girl 10 years younger than me) ran and sat in my lap to watch the goings on. She eyed Santa critically and stated, "He is awfully skinny." I replied, "He must have been saving room for all the cookies. But if he is not careful he is going to lose his belt." The belt had started drooping as soon as he came In the door. When I said the word "belt" , it hit his knees and seemed to hesitate a thought before it dropped on down to the floor.

That little girl has passed away but every year I smile as I remember the year that we saw Santa lose his belt.

Thanks for the giveaway! I would love to win.

Diane Jaremko

October 22, 2017 at 3:16 pm

Every Christmas Eve morning, we make a polish cookie called "Chruschicki" (fried dough covered with powdered sugar). Our grandchildren are now included in this "special time".

Amanda Wooster

October 22, 2017 at 2:43 pm

As a child, I loved that we spent Christmas day with my large, extended family. We would travel to one grandparents house for a big Christmas mid-day dinner and then travel to the other grandparents for an evening meal and gathering. It was so much fun to see to whole family together. My cousins and I would share all our new toys and play until late at night.

Tammy Cordery

October 22, 2017 at 2:37 pm

My favorite Christmas memory is when I was little and Santa left me a Barbie town house with a convertible. I thought that was so cool.

Janice Laird

October 22, 2017 at 2:24 pm

Making spritz cookies with my daughter! (Could you send a print version if I win, please? Hearing issues.)

Sherri Godfrey

October 22, 2017 at 1:58 pm

My favorite Christmas treat is eggnog. I love it!

Phyllis Whitaker

October 22, 2017 at 1:48 pm

My favorite memory is my mom making real hot cocoa on the stove, adding marshmallows, and decorating the tree with homemade ornaments.

Taylor Docter

October 22, 2017 at 1:34 pm

Favorite Christmas memory or holiday treat. Mine kind of combines both. Every year my mom and I make Christmas cookies. We turn on the radio and sing along or just talk while we make sugar cookies and fudge and the best cookies in the world called peanut butter blossoms. Basically, a peanut butter cookie coated in sugar with a chocolate star in the middle. They're amazing and we only ever make them around the holidays. Oh, also, the fight with the cat when we have wax paper layed out to cool the cookies and she decides to walk across the table.

Tonya Summers

October 22, 2017 at 1:09 pm

My favorite seasonal treat is pumpkin pie. Its a tradition to always make a pumpkin pie for Christmas

Lynn Cherry

October 22, 2017 at 1:00 pm

Baking Christmas cookies with my children and now my grandchildren.

Leanne Whitehead

October 22, 2017 at 1:00 pm

My favorite thing is attending a Christmas Eve service. It always serves to remind me of the real reason for celebration!

Mary Tullila

October 22, 2017 at 12:19 pm

My favorite Christmas memory is being way up north visiting hubby's parents and the feel of the bitter winds and beauty of Lake Superior in its full icy glory !

Kate Mead

October 22, 2017 at 12:14 pm

I have incredibly fond memories of apricot kolacky - made by my grandma every Christmas. Food was her thing and so many of my memories of her revolve around it, but to me Christmas time just screams her special kolacky recipe.

Doris Artman

October 22, 2017 at 11:46 am

My favorite memory is decorating the tree and remembering past Christmases as we go through the ornaments.

Brandi Rawlins

October 22, 2017 at 11:10 am

Favorite seasonal treat: homemade sugar cookies. We use The Christmas Story cookie cutters and the kids get a portion of the dough to make their own. I love seeing their creativity and it always tastes so delicious!

Mary Cope

October 22, 2017 at 10:45 am

I am usually stressing over the holidays, trying to make the perfect food or give the perfect gift, or even making sure that I keep Christmas about Jesus. The last few years I have participated in mystery quilt that starts on black Friday and Ends the first week of the new year. It has changed me. No longer do i fret about making everythin perfect for my family. They all have great attitudes, love the Lord and really expect nothing..... well maybe a quilt. :)

Crystal Balzer

October 22, 2017 at 10:07 am

My very favorite Christmastime treat is white chocolate fudge with peppermint pieces inside. The white chocolate peppermint kisses are a close second. Seeing a theme here?

Vicki Vaught

October 22, 2017 at 9:10 am

Marshmallow fudge bars are my favorite---fudgy brownies topped with marshmallow cream topped with chocolate fudge.

Christi Toulouse

October 22, 2017 at 8:15 am

Our family enjoys reading the story of Christ's birth on Christmas morning before opening any gifts. We unwrap the BEST gift first!

Karen Castleberry

October 22, 2017 at 7:23 am

I love Eggnog on a cold winter day in front of a cozy fire.

Pamela Lundstrom

October 22, 2017 at 12:35 am

My favorite Christmas memory is going to candlelight service on Christmas Eve even when 'sledding' was tough in our family!

Winnie Thomas

October 22, 2017 at 12:17 am

My family has a Swiss bread recipe that we love to make at Christmas and other times through the year. My mother used to make lots of loaves to give to all her neighbors. Now that she's gone, a couple of my sisters and a brother make it. I try making it sometimes, but it's never as good as mom made it!

Deni Breitenbach

October 21, 2017 at 11:59 pm

My favorite treat is the cornflake marshmallow wreaths with red hots. Mad them with my children for years... also one of my favorite memories!

Nicole House

October 21, 2017 at 11:39 pm

My favorite seasonal treat is one my mom always bakes: julekage, a cardamom bread loaded with candied fruit peel. I've been enjoying every Christmas that I can remember, and it's just not Christmas without it! I have tried to bake it with my mom's recipe, but I just can't get it right...

Tamera Alexander

October 23, 2017 at 9:25 pm

CONGRATS to DONNA GRIFFIN and NICOLE HOUSE who won the two audio copies of Christmas at Carnton!

Virginia Burford

October 21, 2017 at 10:59 pm

My favorite Christmas memory is when my sister, my daddy, and I woke up early Christmas morning before everyone else and watched A Christmas Carol with Henry Wrinkler.

Maryann Skaritka

October 21, 2017 at 10:40 pm

My favorite christmas memory is all the wonderful cookies my sister would bake.

Daniel Morrell

October 21, 2017 at 9:42 pm

holiday cookies are always good

Becca Falk

October 21, 2017 at 9:32 pm

I love egg nog, ever since I was a little kid.

Renee Young

October 21, 2017 at 9:31 pm

Cresent Cookies! I only eat them at Christmas time.

Marlyce Hammen

October 21, 2017 at 9:22 pm

My favorite Christmas treat was my mom's homemade mincemeat pie. I know a lot of people don't care for mincemeat, but my mom would add extra apples and apricot brandy to the filling and there was just nothing like it. She also made the best flaky pie crust I ever had. I can't make pie crust to save my life. I buy pre-made pie crust. Unfortunately, my mom is no longer with us so those mincemeat pies are just memories now.

Barbara Wiginton

October 21, 2017 at 9:14 pm

Looking forward to a visit to Carnton next year..and adding the tour to our list of favorites in Nashville with Belmont and Bellmeade. Hope I win the audio book!

Lori Seybert

October 21, 2017 at 8:53 pm

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays!!! One of my most favorite memories is actually many!!! I collect Christmas ornaments as I travel about! I've been doing it since I was a kid. When I got married, my husband joined me in on it and our children have too. Some of the best memories comes at Christmas when we get to tell stories to our children behind each ornament. (My personal favorite it a small plate my husband and I bought on our first date to Mount Vernon!!)

Donna Foley

October 21, 2017 at 8:46 pm

Our girls and their families always come to our house or we go to one of theirs. We have snack foods and open presents. Family is special to me.

Erin Laramore

October 21, 2017 at 8:45 pm

I LOVE pumpkin bread. It's my favorite treat on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Sue Boggs

October 21, 2017 at 8:32 pm

My favorite Christmas memory is the Christmas cards my parents received. Mom would staple them to a red ribbon and then string the ribbon around the living room. One year we needed as second string as it circled the entire living room and still had some left over in a basket. It's sad that cards have fallen out of favor, but I must admit I'm not great at sending them out as much as I love them!

Jackie Huffman

October 21, 2017 at 8:31 pm

My favorite Christmas memory is a vacation during the Christmas season with husband, children, and parents. It was fun waking up to a lazy Christmas morning, it always seems so hectic when we are at home.

Lisa Hudson

October 21, 2017 at 8:25 pm

I have two favorite Seasonal Treats – On Christmas Eve we often have White Chocolate Bread Pudding with White Chocolate Sauce. On Christmas Morning, my Sweet Husband gets up very early and makes Beignets using the original recipe from Café du Monde! (We have a commercial fryer.) We always share them with our next door neighbors, as well.

Arletta Boulton

October 21, 2017 at 8:20 pm

I love pink popcorn (haven't had it in years) and enjoy making Raspberry Coconut cookies.

Arletta Boulton

October 21, 2017 at 8:20 pm

I love pink popcorn (haven't had it in years) and enjoy making Raspberry Coconut cookies.

Deborah Lippert

October 21, 2017 at 8:18 pm

My favorite seasonal treat is fudge.

Mary Hart

October 21, 2017 at 8:09 pm

My favorite seasonal treat is snowball cookies. My daughter loves it when I make her a tin of them for Christmas!

Sharon Honea

October 21, 2017 at 7:59 pm

My favorite memories of Christmas is when I was a little girl and thought Santa came and all the presents and tree with all the family around.

Alison Boss

October 21, 2017 at 7:56 pm

I don't have one specific favorite Christmas, but I love waking up on Christmas morning and seeing the wonder and expectation on our 2 daughters faces when they see the presents under the Christmas tree. Being together and celebrating Christ's birth as a family is my joy and warms my heart.

Jennifer Kracht

October 21, 2017 at 7:54 pm

We love chex mix as we play games.

Carol Edwards

October 21, 2017 at 7:47 pm

I love driving around and looking at Christmas lights and then getting hot chocolate afterwards. I have listened to several of your books and love a chance to listen to this one.

Alice Railton

October 21, 2017 at 7:46 pm

Our church has a cookie exchange early in December. It's so much fun eating goodies made by someone else and cookies are easy to put in the freezer to eat later.

Sabrina Kiele

October 21, 2017 at 7:45 pm

When I was a kid, we'd have family worship together on Christmas Eve, with my dad reading the Christmas story from Luke. We often had our own little Christmas program, too, with my sisters and I singing songs we had practiced. Afterwards, we'd open Christmas presents. I've always loved the feeling I get, listening to the Christmas story and singing Christmas songs, with the colored lights on the nearby Christmas tree. It's hard to describe, but it's just a really special feeling.

Jeanne Scott

October 21, 2017 at 7:33 pm

Just being with family. My mom's side of the family use to all get together not so much anymore. Now we are all kind of scattered and its harder to do so.

Jeanne Scott

October 21, 2017 at 7:33 pm

Just being with family. My mom's side of the family use to all get together not so much anymore. Now we are all kind of scattered and its harder to do so.

Lisa Fleming

October 21, 2017 at 6:50 pm

Grandmas cookies are my favorite Christmas treat

Julie Anglemyer

October 21, 2017 at 6:35 pm

My favorite Christmas memories as a child are of the Christmas eves we shared at my Gramma's house. We would have a nice meal, and while the grown-ups were cleaning up, the cousins would go into one of the bedrooms and plan a program to perform before we unwrapped gifts. We did all kinds of wonderful things over the years like playing our instruments, singing, acting out The Night Before Christmas as someone read the story, and acting out the story of Jesus' birth. When my sister and I had children, we taught them to carry on this tradition. Now I have 3 young grandchildren, and I hope someday, they will carry on the tradition as well.

Jeanne Bishop

October 21, 2017 at 6:31 pm

My favorite Christmas memory was watching my kids get so excited about Christmas morning.

Sandy Arnold

October 21, 2017 at 6:26 pm

Favorite Christmas memory was created when we lived in Williamstown, MA, early 80s. My sister and her family came from PA to spend time with my husband and two daughters. My sister painted in oils for fun and Imhad been bugging her that others had some of her artwork, but not me. She requested I open my gift from them last. And WOW, a beautiful oil painting of a little Victorian girl kneeling by her bed as she cuddled her sweet doll...blues, peaches, roses. I cried, we hugged and that painting hangs for all to see above a curio cabinet in our entryway.

Michelle Newman

October 21, 2017 at 6:22 pm

My favorite Christmases were spent at my grandma's house when I was younger, eating her homemade candied walnuts, and looking at the mountain of Christmas presents hoping that most were for me. XD Christmases look different now as the grandkids and great-grandkids have grown and my grandma passed last year. Hopefully we'll make new traditions and good memories.

Justina Wilson

October 21, 2017 at 6:02 pm

My favorite Christmas memory was going to midnight mass with my family but the most thing I loved of it all was when we got home. Whoever remembered to put baby Jesus in the nativity scene Christmas morning. We had 5 girls and 2 boys, so it was a real treat when I remembered and got to beat everyone to it.

Amanda Perl

October 21, 2017 at 5:17 pm

I don't really have a favorite singular memory, but Christmas is my favorite time of the year. It is one of the only times that my entire immediate family is together. I live hours away from my family, and being able to spend time with them celebrating the birth of Christ, is amazing.

Jen Ottenhoff

October 21, 2017 at 4:59 pm

My Mom’s family was large, 15 children large. I loved Christmas with all of them. We partied for two days with the aunts and cousins, the whole family, just her siblings and after that my mom’s birthday. I always was a little sad that my children had only a small family even though we had several gettogethers with friends.

Doreen Stewart

October 21, 2017 at 4:57 pm

My mom always makes popcorn balls at Christmas. I love them!

Sharon McClain

October 21, 2017 at 4:46 pm

When I was about eight years old, my parents were struggling to even have a Christmas for my nine siblings and myself. They got a few presents, but couldn't afford a tree. On Christmas morning, we lined up at the door to the living room. Daddy had removed the door knob, but we peeked through the hole in the door. Our house was an old army barracks. The 30' by 30' room had four posts on the grid marks. Somewhere, Daddy had found four scraggly trees and bound them to those posts. All together, they didn't add up to a single good tree, but we were overjoyed!

Jen Larson

October 21, 2017 at 4:44 pm

My favorite treat at Christmas is hot chocolate while watching the snow fall.

Halita Wilson

October 21, 2017 at 4:29 pm

My favorite Christmas memory was one year, mom and dad had a timeshare with the Von Trapp Family Cabin and we actually decided to go up during the winter season. I remember one morning waking up and getting to see baby robins in the nest out the window. It was the coolest thing ever.

Terry Grubb

October 21, 2017 at 4:08 pm

My favorite Christmas memory is my dad and mom loading us up in the car to go look at the Christmas lights on people's houses throughout the city we grew up in .

Mackenzie Dufries

October 21, 2017 at 3:37 pm

One of my favorite Christmas memories is actually a Christmas tradition; every year on the day after Thanksgiving, my sisters get together with my mom and go black Friday shopping early in the morning, while my brother and I sleep in late and then decorate our parents' house for Christmas while they're gone. It's always full of laughter and Christmas music and a bunch of Thanksgiving leftovers, and it's just the perfect way to begin the Christmas season.

Aerykah H.

October 21, 2017 at 3:25 pm

One of my favorite memories of Christmases past is when my Grandpa would sneak around taking pictures of us all without us knowing it. All of a sudden, we'd see a flash & everyone would turn to see Grandpa with his camera in hand and a silly grin on his face. I miss that...

Tina Rice

October 21, 2017 at 3:21 pm

Hi Tamera!
One of my favorite Christmas memories is taking our two very young sons out to find our Christmas tree to chop down. And Christmas caroling down town, then returning to church for hot chocolate and cookies. Christmas Eve candle light service is another one. Family gathering on Christmas day.
Blessings, Tina

Caitlin McEwen

October 21, 2017 at 3:20 pm

Sugar cookie decorating with my family!

Jennifer Dow

October 21, 2017 at 2:36 pm

My favorite Christmas memory is when my husband proposed to me on Christmas Day.

Mahalia Hilts

October 21, 2017 at 1:40 pm

My favorite Christmas tradition is when we set up the tree together. My mom makes apple cider, and we all get out the tree and ornaments. We play Amy Grant's old Chrismas music and work together. It's always so much fun!

Kathy Fleshman

October 21, 2017 at 1:23 pm

My favorite Christmas memory involves decorating the tree. Every year we purchase a special ornament for our children that tries to represent something special for them that year. When we decorate the tree and open the box of ornaments, it's like going down memory lane.

Marilyn Wegge

October 21, 2017 at 1:19 pm

Remembering the church tree with real lit candles.

Sharon Flynn

October 21, 2017 at 1:10 pm

Remember the year my dad built me portable transistor radio from scatch. Was a treasured gift.

Janis Biggs

October 21, 2017 at 12:56 pm

My favorite seasonal treat is my Dad's fudge. I'd watch him turn milk, butter and sugar into some of the best fudge I've ever eaten. Now that he is gone I make it every year as it wouldn't be Christmas without the fudge as it helps me feel so close to him.

Julie N.

October 21, 2017 at 12:50 pm

My mom's sugar cookies that we would make together and decorate together, I treasure that memory! So I guess this kind of applies to both questions lol. I can't eat them anymore because I can't have gluten, but I treasure the memories!!

Beth Courtright

October 21, 2017 at 12:47 pm

I love the wrapping paper fight we have after opening presents!

Annette Ramos

October 21, 2017 at 12:25 pm

Love the books!!

Gina McRae

October 21, 2017 at 11:48 am

Favorite Christmas memory...big family dinners with extended family! Most are celebrating in heaven now, but that warm feeling of generations of love is my favorite.

Amy Potter

October 21, 2017 at 11:40 am

My favorite Christmas memory is one of my first Christmas memories. I was 4 or5 and I got a Pitiful Pearl doll. I'm 46 and I still have her!

Phyllis Drew

October 21, 2017 at 11:36 am

For us, Christmas treats means getting some almond bark and seeing what kind of goodies we can create!

Bethany Brewer

October 21, 2017 at 11:31 am

My favorite treat was my Nannys martha washington dessert I still dont know how to explain it but they where these white balls of deliciousness and she passed away 5yrs ago and I never got her recipe!

Melinda Marks

October 21, 2017 at 11:21 am

I always enjoyed baking Christmas cookies. Best memory is eating Grandmom's very thin ginger cookies. Thanks for the giveaway.

Tracy Yohn

October 21, 2017 at 11:18 am

One of my favorite Christmas treats is Cookie-baking day with all of my children.

Kathleen Burnop

October 21, 2017 at 11:05 am

A favorite Christmas memory was on Christmas Eve. My Dad would ride us around to look at Christmas lights, we would then go to Church and home to open presents. My Sisters and I always looked forward to Christmas Eve.

Sandy Krise

October 21, 2017 at 11:05 am

My favorite memory is when my grandchildren first decorated my tree and one of the little boys was decorating with no clothes on because he just had gotten a bath. It was hilarious.

Amy McKeever

October 21, 2017 at 10:20 am

A favorite memory (and treat) is decorating Christmas cookies!

Grace Freemire

October 21, 2017 at 9:48 am

My favorite Christmas memory was finding the Bride doll I so desired under the tree when I was young. We didn't have much so I was so surprised. Loved that doll.

Shari Bradley

October 21, 2017 at 9:42 am

I loved and still love Christmas Eve candlelight wervice... being so sleepy and relaxed with all the beauty around me in both worhsip, music and sight.

Linda Horin

October 21, 2017 at 9:38 am

When our kids were little, we always went out into the local woods to find a tree and cut it down. It was quite an outing, and we always had cookies and hot chocolate When we returned and put up the tree. Christmas cookies are my favorite treat...my homemade ones!

Nina Sivula

October 21, 2017 at 9:36 am

My favorite treat is having Italian egg rolls.

Elizabeth Marcus

October 21, 2017 at 9:23 am

Favorite treats were the chocolate and peanut butter fudge my grandma used to make.

Heather Nicholson

October 21, 2017 at 9:18 am

My favorite treat at Christmas is probably hot apple cider. I love getting a cup and sipping on it while spending time with family and friends.

Valerie Stoj

October 21, 2017 at 8:57 am

Favorite Christmas memory: My elderly mother, now with the Lord, being as excited as a child to open gifts. :-)

Amanda Mahaffey

October 21, 2017 at 8:25 am

My favorite holiday treat is peppermint cookies.

MaryJane Carpenter

October 21, 2017 at 8:07 am

having all the family for Christmas dinner

Larissa Stacy

October 21, 2017 at 8:03 am

Driving around to see the lights!

Ginger Sain

October 21, 2017 at 7:19 am

My husband served in the Army and we were stationed in Germany. Some of my favorite Christmas memories are from our visits to the Christmas Markets there.

Lisa Gallup

October 21, 2017 at 5:50 am

So many great memories at Christmas. My mom made a Christmas tree perpetual calendar and every day we add an ornament to this wall hanging from ornaments she made they are felt ornaments. On Dec 24 we out the star on this wall hanging tree. I have it now and my granddaughters decorate it every day.

Sara Paschal

October 21, 2017 at 5:44 am

Christmas Eve church service and dinner with the entire family. These will be forever my favorite memories of Christmas.

Cindy Lawrene

October 21, 2017 at 5:20 am

Making Christmas cookies!

Bri Jester

October 21, 2017 at 5:13 am

Hi Tamara! My favorite seasonal treat is homemade Chex Mix. It is the one Thanksgiving tradition that we do ever year, because it just wouldn't feel like the holidays without it! :)

Charlotte Perotti

October 21, 2017 at 3:23 am

One of my favorite memories is getting married at Christmastime. Celebrating 54 years this Christmas.

Bonnie Root

October 21, 2017 at 1:14 am

As a child one of the things I loved most was bundling the entire family into the car and going up into the mountains to hunt for a tree... it was always a full days trek and we always got to play in the snow. We sang carols together up and back and the smell of the fresh tree was intoxicating!

Bonnie Taylor

October 21, 2017 at 1:06 am

Love your books!

Kristi Ann

October 21, 2017 at 1:01 am

Favorite Christmas memory would be from last Christmas... my brother joined the Army and went through boot camp and was stationed away from the family, but was able to come home for Christmas... :) You don't know how much family means to you until you are without them, even for a while.

Sarah Biggs

October 21, 2017 at 12:54 am

My favorite Christmas memory from childhood is attending Christmas Eve service with my family and then coming back home to an appetizer buffet and watching A Christmas Carol with George C. Scott. My favorite memory from adulthood is decorating the tree and cookies with my kids while we listen to Christmas carols.

Joyce Lewis

October 20, 2017 at 11:47 pm

I loved the first Christmas my brothers and their children spent with my daughter anf i and our parents. 4 kids under 5 years old.

Lynn Magnuson

October 20, 2017 at 11:43 pm

I'm excited to be introduced to you and am really looking forward to reading your books!

SARAH TAYLOR

October 20, 2017 at 11:14 pm

thank you for this awesome giveaway!

Amy Shirley

October 20, 2017 at 11:13 pm

One special Christmas memory was when my sister and I had to sleep on the floor by my bed so my grandad could have the bed. Since we were too excited to fall asleep, we piled books under the bed, brought in flashlights, and read until we fell asleep.

Nancy Larimer

October 20, 2017 at 11:11 pm

We enjoyed time together with my husband's family and his brother has 6 kids. My Mother in law had a prime rib roast. We all enjoyed each other . We talked about the Lord. We shared what we were doing. My brother in laws boys sat with my husband and talked to him. My mother in law was so giving and caring for us all. i helped her with the food.

Mallori Norris

October 20, 2017 at 10:45 pm

I love the memories created spending time with extended family--especially now that my dad's family no longer meets for the holidays--and the fun of decorating the house.

Becca Peterson

October 20, 2017 at 10:36 pm

Growing up my family and I would hand out boxes of oranges to our friends. We would go to their house, play the hand bells and give them oranges.

Angela Krusi

October 20, 2017 at 10:36 pm

My favorite Christmas treat is pumpkin roll with cream cheese frosting. My girls and I make it every year!

Irene Blamer

October 20, 2017 at 10:17 pm

My favorite Christmas treat is chocolate pepermints.

Pam Kellogg

October 20, 2017 at 10:02 pm

My favorite Christmas treat are the peppernut cookies my daughter and I make each year. We've been doing this since she was two, so about 25 years.

Cassondra Marshall

October 20, 2017 at 9:55 pm

I love Christmas because it is a time to spend with my family

Susan Grondin

October 20, 2017 at 9:52 pm

Though we weren't catholic we walked to Midnight Mass when we lived in Germany many years ago and I remember as a child looking for the Star that had stood over the Bethlehem Stable among the star laden sky. A beautiful Christmas memory on a cold crisp winter's night :)

Pamela Fallin

October 20, 2017 at 9:44 pm

I just finished your latest Belle Meade book. Fabulous and I didn't want it to end. I'm waiting a few weeks before I read this new book. Christmas has so many warm memories over the years. Celebrated all over the US. from Florida to Montana! Hot and really cold Christmases but all memorable.

Karen Morgan

October 20, 2017 at 9:04 pm

Favorite Memory would be times spent with extended family as a child, now when we can spend time with grandchildren who live too far away to see them often. I also love the times of going Christmas caroling with church group.

Nicole Stamper

October 20, 2017 at 9:00 pm

My favorite Christmas memory was at my great grandmothers. They would say the Lord's Prayer in Norwegian and the food was amazing.

Margaret Ohmes

October 20, 2017 at 8:54 pm

Watching "It's A Wonderful Life", and reading Christmas stories.

Aletta Cherry

October 20, 2017 at 8:51 pm

My favorite Christmas memory is of my mom inviting all of our friends over. We would cook for hours preparing, then we would take the meal to her employees that had to work. I miss my mom so much!

Tamera Alexander

October 20, 2017 at 8:26 pm

Hey everyone! I am LOVING reading through all these comments! It's getting me in the Christmas mood—and also reminding me of more wonderful Christmas memories I share with my family. Hope you're enjoying the hunt!

Anne Simpson

October 20, 2017 at 8:18 pm

I have so many wonderful Christmas memories but probably my favorite is my family's Christmas Eve celebration - catching last minute deals by shopping during the day, all-you-can-eat pizza for dinner, and opening presents at night.

Lizzie Farr

October 20, 2017 at 7:54 pm

Making Christmas cookies

Vicky Daniels

October 20, 2017 at 7:40 pm

I love making Christmas cookies with the kids!

Sarah Hochstedler

October 20, 2017 at 7:20 pm

My mom always made a cornflakes candy wreath for christmas. She died 2 years ago and now my oldest sister usually makes one.

Michaela Weidinger

October 20, 2017 at 6:46 pm

I have always loved climbing into the car with my family on Christmas Eve and going around town to look at the Christmas lights!! We still do it even to this day! <3

Elizabeth Little

October 20, 2017 at 6:06 pm

My favorite Christmas treat is my granny's no bake cookies :)

Jackie Lehman

October 20, 2017 at 5:53 pm

I love all the Sweet goodies that come around at Christmas!!

Beth Gillihan

October 20, 2017 at 5:46 pm

My favorite seasonal treat is eggnog pie! I usually make one every Thanksgiving.

Laura McEwen

October 20, 2017 at 5:42 pm

One of my favorite Christmas memories is making decorated Christmas sugar cookies with our children. We started doing this when they were very small and we still have so much fun together doing it, even though all of our children are now in their twenties! We have added a sweet daughter-in-law who joins in the fun when she and our son come to visit, and the decorations, designs and themes are always as entertaining as the cookies are delicious!! The laughter and love around the table as we decorate our cookies is the best part of all!

Jackie Nelson

October 20, 2017 at 5:41 pm

Can’t wait to read your new series!

Jackie Nelson

October 20, 2017 at 5:40 pm

Can’t wait to read your new series!

Megan Wilson

October 20, 2017 at 4:45 pm

One of my favorite Christmas memories was when my cousins and family all used to go up to New York for Christmas to visit my grandparents. They had this huge live tree and my uncle had an iguana. Well, the iguana would almost always go hiding in the tree and they would spend hours looking for him in the branches. It always made me giggle.

Anelise Anderson

October 20, 2017 at 4:26 pm

My favorite Christmas treat is my mom's homemade Christmas cookies that she's been making for the past 25 years.

Janet Estridge

October 20, 2017 at 4:24 pm

My favorite seasonal treat is fruit cake with lots of nuts.

Wilani Wahl

October 20, 2017 at 3:53 pm

I love Christmas. I have several very special Christmas memories. One was my Grandmother's last Christmas on this earth. Even though she had Alzheimer's she told me that it was the Savior's birthday. Another Christmas my niece who is 35 tried to say my name for the first time. Last year was my mother's last Christmas so it will always be remembered as the last time I was with my mom. Somehow I think she knew this would be her last. She entered heaven 2 weeks later. We used the china and she said "This is the last time we will ever use the china.

Amy Jo Medaris

October 20, 2017 at 3:52 pm

Thanks for offering this giveaway! When I was growing up, decades ago, Christmas Eve was always spent with the extended family at my great-grandmother house. She had this ceramic Christmas tree in her guest bedroom that I admired. She passed away when I was a young adult and I never knew what became of that tree. A few years after she passed, while in another state on vacation, I found one like it at a flea market. I bought it in memory of her and still have it even now that I have grandchildren of my own! Every Christmas when I bring it out it reminds me of her and fond Christmas memories of my childhood.

Sherry Bendorf

October 20, 2017 at 3:45 pm

My favorite Christmas memory is putting up the tree with my mom and dad growing up. We had a HUGE artificial tree that had different colors on the branches so we would know where to put them into the posts. It took us most of the evening to put it together, first we had to sort the limbs and then put the "trunk" together before we could start adding the branches, but when it was all done, it looked amazing. We would listen to Christmas music and watch the cat get lost amongst the mess. Those were the days!

Kaylee Harrison

October 20, 2017 at 3:42 pm

I love my Grandma's pumpkin roll

Connie Brown

October 20, 2017 at 3:19 pm

I enjoyed To Wager Her Heart. I am goin to go on Goodreads and Amazon and write a review.

Leandra Massey

October 20, 2017 at 3:16 pm

My favorite Christmas memory is baking Christmas cookies and making candy with my mom.

DeeAnn Plopper

October 20, 2017 at 2:59 pm

I LOVE Christmas stories and I LOVE audiobooks!

Megan Gibson

October 20, 2017 at 2:45 pm

My Favourite memory was having the whole family together and watching christmas movies and decorating the tree while listening to christmas music.

Madison Boggs

October 20, 2017 at 2:44 pm

I love some pecan pie, on a cold fall day!

Annie McMurray

October 20, 2017 at 2:42 pm

My favorite Christmas memory is watching White Christmas every Christmas Eve

Christine Szymanski

October 20, 2017 at 2:24 pm

My favorite Christmas treat is my great-grandma's sugar cookies.

Kathryn Voss

October 20, 2017 at 2:16 pm

I love fudge. It is my favorite Christmas treat and I think I could eat a whole pan. I have a high sugar tolerance..... (o:

Cyndi Burkholder

October 20, 2017 at 1:45 pm

The year my mom and I cut down our tree and it was too big to get in the house. My dad had to cut alot off the bottom, but the branches still stuck out over the sofa. That was also the year my husband and I started dating. And he married me anyway

Faith Cree h

October 20, 2017 at 1:28 pm

My favorite Christmas memory was when my husband and I first moved to Toronto and we planted a church. . Our little congregation of about 40 people celebrated Christmas together. My husband and I were still newlyweds and this little church became our family.

Donna Irvin

October 20, 2017 at 1:06 pm

Loved how you explained about the book cover journey, it makes such a difference, I wouldn't have picked up the blue cover.

Tracy Rogers

October 20, 2017 at 1:05 pm

My favorite seasonal treat is divinity. My mom always made it at Christmas time, and just the smell of it reminds me of how Christmas used to be. I love making it for my girls now.

Renee Schlough

October 20, 2017 at 12:57 pm

My favorite Christmas memory is going to the tree farm to cut down our Christmas tree with the kids, and now the grandkids as well.

Rachael Mitchell

October 20, 2017 at 12:55 pm

My favorite Christmas memory is all my family gathering at my great-grandmothers house to eat and spend time with relatives from all over the southeast and of course playing dirty santa!

Lyna M Reyes

October 20, 2017 at 12:53 pm

My favorite treat of the holiday is when our secretary would make each of us some microwave peanut brittle!! So delicious and scrumptious!!

Carrie Davis

October 20, 2017 at 12:50 pm

My favorite Christmas memory was when I was a child. The whole family(aunts,uncles,cousins)would me at my grandparents house early Christmas morning for gift giving,then a huge meal together.

Kristen Webker

October 20, 2017 at 12:47 pm

That cover is the type to intrigue me, not like about shot covers.

Sharon Omer

October 20, 2017 at 12:45 pm

My favorite Christmas memory are when we use to go out onto the woods and cut down the biggest tree we could find, and most of them would have a nest in them so I could put the red carnal that we always put in the tree. I love to read Christmas novel setting in front of the tree.

Jessica Beery

October 20, 2017 at 12:45 pm

Oh...where to begin. I love the tradition of a new ornament for our tree each year...and just MAKING TIME to get together with family that we haven't seen all year. Christmas is my favorite time of year for so many reasons...that's probably why I listen to Christmas music all year round and can't wait to "officially" get started decorating on opening day - Nov. 15. That way my hubby and I are both looking forward to the same day. ;-) Just for different reasons. LOL

Peggy Waldbillig

October 20, 2017 at 12:42 pm

My favorite Christmas memories is when the whole family would be able to get together for the day. There were nine of us children and of course that meant lots of nieces and nephews also. There would be so much noise except when we were eating which would usually be in shifts.

Kristine Klein

October 20, 2017 at 12:34 pm

My favorite Christmas memory centers on the tradition of a 4 course Swedish smorgasbord meal on Christmas Eve. It always started with coffee and cookies mid-afternoon and ended late in the evening with a creamy rice dessert with cherry sauce. We had a house full of family and then drove to a midnight candlight service at church after dessert.

Cheri Schueller

October 20, 2017 at 12:27 pm

My favorite Christmas memory is as a child, I would gather with my siblings by the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve and listen to my dad read the Christmas story from the Bible before we opened presents.

Alyssa Tillett

October 20, 2017 at 12:27 pm

My favorite Christmas memory... when I was young we lived in Michigan on a small farm. We would hook sleds to our horses and my mother would ride the horse with us trailing behind. It was all fun and games until the horse needed to use the restroom.

Melissa Scott

October 20, 2017 at 12:18 pm

I’ve always enjoyed the family trip to cut down a Christmas tree.

Melissa Scott

October 20, 2017 at 12:17 pm

Always have loved the family trip to go cut down a Christmas tree!

Kim Brady

October 20, 2017 at 12:01 pm

My favorite was always going to my grandmother's house on Christmas Eve. We had a big family gathering & it was wonderful to see everyone. After I got married, a favorite memory was going to have homemade Christmas cutout cookies my mother-in-law made. They were heavenly.

Kim Hansen

October 20, 2017 at 11:55 am

Seasonal treat is homemade norweigen cookies.

Sandra Washburn

October 20, 2017 at 11:32 am

My favorite Christmas treat was a special cookie my father liked but sorry to say the recipe was lost.

Joan Arning

October 20, 2017 at 11:22 am

One year all of my family went to church with my husband and me on Christmas Day. Some of them never go to church so this was special.

Shelia Hall

October 20, 2017 at 10:56 am

favorite seasonal treat is homemade fudge

Shelia Hall

October 20, 2017 at 10:55 am

sounds like a great christmas read!

Deena Hays

October 20, 2017 at 10:31 am

One of my favorite memories. Is when my twin sister was the center of Christmas program. Santa was short one doll and had to make more. Favorite dessert my Grandma's cherry salad supreme and cherry cheesecake.

Lissy Davis

October 20, 2017 at 10:23 am

Reading the Christmas story with my family on Christmas morning! ❤

Beth Jorgenson

October 20, 2017 at 10:06 am

Reading the Christmas story from the book of Luke every Christmas Eve as a family.

Stephanie Christianson

October 20, 2017 at 10:05 am

I love to make & eat soda cracker crunch at Christmas =) A layer of saltines in a cookie pan. Top with butter/brown sugar layer, chocolate chips & walnuts. Easy & delicious! I am excited to read your Christmas at Carnton book. My sister-in-law and I toured the Carnton House this summer while we were in Nashville & it captured my imagination also.

Tracie Butler

October 20, 2017 at 9:57 am

My favorite Christmas memory is from the year my little sister and I were given a sled for Christmas and my dad pulled us on it up and down our street.

Sarah Davis

October 20, 2017 at 9:56 am

My favorite Christmas memories is more of an on-going tradition that really is just blaring Christmas music and baking cookies with my mom and sisters!!!

Robbie Bauldree

October 20, 2017 at 9:53 am

My favorite memory is the last year that I got a doll for Christmas. I kept that doll on my bed for years. It was one of the first walking dolls to be made.

Pauline J. Cain

October 20, 2017 at 9:32 am

My favorite christmas memory is- being on of thirteen children.we didn't get alot of toys..but one year I ask for a dolly..and to my surprise Christmas morning the prettest dolly appeared under our tree just for me...to this day I have always wondered how my Daddy ever managed to get the dolly for me....♥

Brandy Tyler

October 20, 2017 at 9:31 am

My favorite Christmas treat is buckeyes! I used to make them with my mom every Christmas.

Denise Shafer

October 20, 2017 at 9:29 am

My favorite memory would be going to my Grandma and Grandpa's at Christmas, because the whole family would be there. We didn't see the cousins and Aunt and Uncles that often so this was always a fun time.

Sally Brehmer

October 20, 2017 at 8:32 am

Getting together with family friends. Celebrating, laughing and playing games like bunco ( sitting in a circle - passing dice , grabbing prizes ).

Teresa Cannon

October 20, 2017 at 8:31 am

Our first Christmas away from my extended family. I cooked a turkey for first time and when my husband started to carve it found paper inside. I didn't know i needed to take out turkey innards before cooking the turkey.

Teresa Cannon

October 20, 2017 at 8:31 am

Teresa Cannon

October 20, 2017 at 8:31 am

Teresa Cannon

October 20, 2017 at 8:31 am

Sally Brehmer

October 20, 2017 at 8:30 am

Getting together with family and friends. Celebrating, laughing and playing games like bunco ( dice game with prizes ).

Carol Wolney

October 20, 2017 at 8:25 am

My favorite memories are baking cookies with my children. Love your books, have read them all. Can't wait to read this one and to get me in the Christmas spirit!

Karen VanAntwerpen

October 20, 2017 at 8:17 am

My favorite Christmas tradition is the egg nogg we enjoy on Christmas Eve. Sometimes it's the whole family and sometimes it's just my husband and I.

LaKeisha Budges

October 20, 2017 at 8:16 am

My favorite Christmas memory is me and my three children sitting around in our PJ's on Christmas eve. We watched It's A Wonderful Life and ate popcorn.

Julia Evans

October 20, 2017 at 8:07 am

I love your books, you are one of my favorite authors! My favorite Christmas tradition is being with my mom’s entire family and after the meal and the gift exchange, all 33 of us g gather around the piano as my Grandma plays. We then sing hymns and Christmas carols for almost an hour.

Crystal Nuhfer

October 20, 2017 at 7:59 am

I love all types of Christmas baking! :)

Leah Clontz

October 20, 2017 at 7:24 am

It's not Christmas without eggnog! There's no bigger fan of eggnog than my husband, and thanks to him we have it in the fridge as soon as it hits the stores.

Cheryl Hart

October 20, 2017 at 7:23 am

My favorite Holiday treats are Yuletide cookies. They ooze with the smell and taste of Christmas!

I also love our family tradition of reading through Luke chapter 2 in our Bible, keeping the true meaning of Christmas foremost in our hearts.

I love Tamera Alexander's books and Christmas stories, so I'm excited for the chance to win the audio book of Christmas at Carnton!

Sarah Curry

October 20, 2017 at 6:59 am

My favorite memory of Christmas for our family is reading through an advent story called Jotham’s Journey (Arnold Ytreeied)... its a devotional story intended to take the emphasis OFF the trappings of commercialism and put it back ON the coming of Christ! We’ve loved it, and missed it in years we’ve not gathered as a family to do it!

Gabrielle Kiele

October 20, 2017 at 6:39 am

My favorite Christmas memories are just being with loved ones, listening to Christmas music, playing games and watching movies together, making and eating special treats.

Susan Collins

October 20, 2017 at 5:28 am

Favorite Christmas memory....Waking up early while the house is still dark and very quite watching the lights on the Christmas tree waiting on everyone to get up to open their gifts.

Anna Deaton

October 20, 2017 at 4:52 am

My favorite Christmas memory is eating a scrumptious breakfast at my grandmother's with my entire family each Christmas morning! We've been doing this since I was born (likely before that, as I'm not the oldest grandchild), and we are blessed to be able to continue this tradition even now (I'm almost 28!). There's just something special about sharing that first meal of the day together with people you love, that you don't normally get to share that with.

Barbara Hamby

October 20, 2017 at 4:46 am

My favorite Christmas memory was always going to my grandparents house and opening gifts....all of us grandkids always got silver dollars from our grandparents.....it was nice always showing them off for the camera.

Vickie Morgan

October 20, 2017 at 2:08 am

Making Christmas cookies is so much fun. It's not long till we are able to do it again!

Deana Dick

October 20, 2017 at 2:03 am

I love to have my grown boys Hone so we can go to Christmas Eve Service

Natalya Lakhno

October 20, 2017 at 12:42 am

My favorite seasonal treat is comforting food - Autumn Squash Soup - Love it!
Tamera, thank you for your books! They are inspiring and heart warming, intriguing and emotional! I love your writing! God Bless You!

Katie M. Sayles

October 20, 2017 at 12:37 am

Christmas time is my favorite time of year. So much so that my husband and I were married on December 27th. I wanted to do Christmad Eve, but I was realistic with my expectations for my guests. The 27th fell on a Saturday in 2008, the year we were married. We had a huge Christmas tree on stage, Christmas lights lining the aisle, and when the preacher announced, "You may now kiss the bride," my bridesmaid held mistletoe over us. Fast forward 4 years, and my daughter Scarlett was born on December 19th. Christmas is a rich time of year for us!

Linda Moffitt

October 20, 2017 at 12:32 am

One of My Favorite Christmas Treats (Though it can be for Thanksgiving too) Besides Cookies of course is a Pumpkin Roll
Thanks for being part of this Fun Scav Hunt

Emily Hartman

October 19, 2017 at 11:47 pm

My favorite Christmas memory is always with family-yummy treats,hot cocoa and classic holiday movies.

Roma Davidson

October 19, 2017 at 11:46 pm

One of my favorite Christmas memories was mine and my husband's 2nd Christmas together. It was our first being away from family, all the way across the US in South Carolina. Christmas Eve got very cold and our electricity went out. Being from Idaho, we had a lot of camping gear, so we ended up opening our presents in lantern light. It was very romantic!

Brenda Murphree

October 19, 2017 at 11:44 pm

Well I call my French Coconut Pie and my Pecan Pie my seasonal pie because Thanksgiving and Christmas is the only time I bake them. They are my absolute favorite and everyone always ask for them.

Beth Rumbaugh

October 19, 2017 at 11:41 pm

My favorite memory is all the family gathering at Meme and Gramps' house.

Rochelle Saldana

October 19, 2017 at 11:31 pm

I love celebrating Advent every week and anticipating the coming of Christ.

Sara Taylor

October 19, 2017 at 11:13 pm

I love making cinnamon rolls with my husband every year. It’s our tradition.

Mary Beth Handley

October 19, 2017 at 11:01 pm

My favorite Christmas memories include my dad reading the Christmas story from the Bible while my 5 siblings and I placed the figures in the nativity scene. We did this twice each year. First, before we decorated for Christmas. Second, Christmas morning before we exchanged gifts. This always helped us to remember the reason for the season.

Rhonda G Moore

October 19, 2017 at 10:56 pm

Thanks for the opportunityg!

Angie Quantrell

October 19, 2017 at 10:40 pm

My favorite Christmas memories are when our children were young, the excitement and joy. Now I'm a nana, and I enjoy the grands, but that time with our own babies was so special - and it went by soooo fast! I also love fudge at Christmas. :)

Vera Godley

October 19, 2017 at 10:20 pm

My favorite memories of Christmas are with my parents and brothers and Christmas morning with our treasures that our parents had so lovingly gotten us and the sacrifice it was for them to do so.

Melissa Grace

October 19, 2017 at 10:15 pm

My favorite seasonal tradition is gathering with family and friends at church Christmas Eve and lighting our candles as we sing Holy Night.

Trisa Sessions

October 19, 2017 at 10:12 pm

My favorite Christmas memory is the smell of the Christmas tree. We didn't have much growing up and now I'm thankful for that. I try to not overdo it with my own kids. I want them to learn that having little is ok.

Terra Price

October 19, 2017 at 10:11 pm

One of my favorite memories was sneaking a peak at the gifts under the tree Christmas Eve night with my brother.

Deena M Peterson

October 19, 2017 at 10:06 pm

Watching each of my 5 grandchildren experience their first Christmas

Mary Barrientez

October 19, 2017 at 10:04 pm

I just enjoy all the family getting together, eating, and rejoicing in the Lord.

Charis Carpenter

October 19, 2017 at 9:54 pm

Mu favorite seasonal treat is chocolate-marshmellow candy called Cathredial Windows.

Lori Skiba

October 19, 2017 at 9:52 pm

One of the favorite memories was having my Mother make her “Cheerios” Christmas trees using the rise krispies treat recipe. Adding cut gum drops as decorations too.

Kerri Kodjovi

October 19, 2017 at 9:50 pm

I love the time spent with family and the games that we usually play on Christmas day.

Karen K.

October 19, 2017 at 9:49 pm

I'm so glad that you lightened the cover! It definitely looks better that way! I also really loved the fall leaves on the other cover! It's absolutely beautiful!

Karen K.

October 19, 2017 at 9:52 pm

Haha, I just saw the comment prompt. My favorite seasonal treat is this recipe for peppermint meltaway cookies. They're SO good! https://therecipecritic.com/2013/12/peppermint-meltaways/

Janea Walker

October 19, 2017 at 9:48 pm

My favorite memory goes hand in hand with my favorite treat.
Every year my mother would bake sausage rolls and chocolate covered ginger snaps and deliver them to the fire station on Christmas eve. It's something I love doing with my own family now.

Robin Rexroad

October 19, 2017 at 9:46 pm

One Christmas Eve, our extended family went Christmas caroling to a dear family friend who lived near my grandparents. This sweet lady was dying of cancer. We loved being able to sing to her and her family.

Sue Sims

October 19, 2017 at 9:37 pm

Christmas spiced cider and a good Christmas story!

Tracy Wohlgemut

October 19, 2017 at 9:36 pm

My favorite seasonal treat is homemade toffee!

Jenny Snow

October 19, 2017 at 9:29 pm

My favorite seasonal treat is made-from-scratch cinnamon rolls!

Rosalyn Schlabach

October 19, 2017 at 9:23 pm

I love audio books!

Ruth Wengerd

October 19, 2017 at 9:21 pm

Hi Tamera,
I love your books. I enjoyed meeting you a few years ago in Franklin at the Landmark bookstore.

Deanna Holladay

October 19, 2017 at 9:20 pm

I love Christmas books!

Hanna Earley

October 19, 2017 at 9:15 pm

I love the little pecan tarts!

Jennifer Malash

October 19, 2017 at 9:13 pm

This book cover and title delight me every time I see! So lovely! And I just adore Christmas and your writing style!

Jennifer Malash

October 19, 2017 at 9:13 pm

I had to do math! :D

Orlinda Cabrera

October 19, 2017 at 9:04 pm

Tamales.

Pat Shrader

October 19, 2017 at 9:02 pm

Favorite memory - always Midnight Mass and the music!

Pat Shrader

October 19, 2017 at 8:58 pm

Many sparrows looks wonderful!

Loraine Nunley

October 19, 2017 at 8:56 pm

My favorite Christmas memory is actually a tradition that we had every year which was my mom giving us stockings that were overflowing with treats. Those stockings were the best part of Christmas for me. Thanks for the giveaway!

Jeanne Crea

October 19, 2017 at 8:49 pm

Favorite food at Christmas (other than Christmas cookies) is a food I learned to make with my husband's Italian family. We still meet in early December and make home made ravioli together, and then freeze it until Christmas Eve.

Deanna Holladay

October 19, 2017 at 8:38 pm

Green Christmas Tree shaped tea cakes.

Betty King

October 19, 2017 at 8:27 pm

My favorite Christmas memory is when I was 7 years old and got the beautiful Brides Maid doll I had wanted so badly everytime we went into the local mercantile store.

Amy Annette Radlein

October 19, 2017 at 8:22 pm

In Florida, going out on a NOT cool evening to look at Christmas lights. Air Conditioning on to make it cold, under a blanket. Drinking hot chocolate. Good times! Thanks for the chance to win!

Audrea Clark

October 19, 2017 at 8:14 pm

Christmas is also my birthday so one of my favorite memories is getting a santa clause birthday cake with Christmas tree candles on it!

Gloria Anderson

October 19, 2017 at 8:00 pm

I enjoy family time, especially when our children were young and now with grandchildren. I love Christmas carols, decorating the tree and the Christmas Eve service.

Donna Griffin

October 19, 2017 at 8:00 pm

I loved my mom baking sugar cookies for Christmas, she let us help decorate them. I liked eating them fresh out of the oven. The house smelling of freshly baked cookies. The Christmas lights on, the music playing and the whole experience.

Tamera Alexander

October 23, 2017 at 9:29 pm

CONGRATS to DONNA GRIFFIN and NICOLE HOUSE who won the two audio copies of Christmas at Carnton!

Angie Carroll

October 19, 2017 at 7:54 pm

I love Christmas cutout cookies.

Gianna Greer

October 19, 2017 at 7:50 pm

My favorite Christmas memories are all my family coming over Christmas Eve we eat a good meal,open up or secret Santa gifts from each other. If also open the gifts from the family members that came from out of town. Lastly we karaoke Christmas songs all night! Christmas Eve is our night! Christmas day is for all my siblings to be with their spouses and families.

Tina Watson

October 19, 2017 at 7:48 pm

Favorite memory as a child was getting to open one gift on Christmas Eve. We incorporated into our traditions and it became a favorite for my family. Now, my daughter has followed the tradition in her family.

Mary Whitcomb

October 19, 2017 at 7:47 pm

One of my favorite Christmas memories was waking my children up before the crack of dawn and watching them creep down the stairs to discover if Santa had come. The looks on their faces were so precious and something I have never forgotten. Such a happy time.

Linda Leonard

October 19, 2017 at 7:43 pm

My favorite Christmas memory is having all the family gathered together for our meal and then opening presents. So many memories . . .

Devon Peters

October 19, 2017 at 7:34 pm

I have a lot of sentimental memories of Christmases spent with family. I also enjoy the luxury of being able to steal away with a good book - perhaps with some hot apple cider!

Tamera Alexander

October 19, 2017 at 7:35 pm

Love that, Devon!

Donna Cochran

October 19, 2017 at 7:25 pm

My favorite memory of Christmas is the smell of oranges, cinnamon and cloves. It always reminds me of my youth.

Tamera Alexander

October 19, 2017 at 7:36 pm

Me too, Donna. I still love a slow simmer of that mixture on the stove.

Sarah Corinne Kopf

October 19, 2017 at 7:17 pm

My favorite seasonal treat is something my mom calls Angel Food Candy...however it is often called Fairy Food in stores. I love her homemade treats!

Tamera Alexander

October 19, 2017 at 7:36 pm

Yum!!

Jessica Madsen

October 19, 2017 at 7:10 pm

One of my favorite seasonal treats is egg nog, and anything made with egg nog!

Kaylene DiPietro

October 19, 2017 at 7:10 pm

During the Christmas season I love having a peppermint mocha. Especially, on really cold day like when the weather is in the negatives.

Patty Koechig

October 19, 2017 at 7:10 pm

My favorite Christmas memory is delivering baked goods to my parents friends after both my parents died. They had such wonderful friends we wanted them to know we loved them too and were very thankful they were in my parents lives.

Patty Koechig

October 19, 2017 at 7:10 pm

Tamera Alexander

October 19, 2017 at 7:37 pm

What a fabulous idea, Patty. So precious. Thanks for sharing that. And blessing to you as this time of year approaches. We still have dad with us (although he's not doing well at present), but all of our other parents and gone. And come Christmas, we miss them so. Much love!

Glenda Alexander

October 19, 2017 at 7:02 pm

Christmas dinner at my grandparents, everyone being together for christmas dinner. My father was the youngest of so it was a big dinner with the aunts, uncles and cousins and any neighbors that could stop by were always welcome. The baseball games after Christmas dinner were so much fun the the adults and kids playi

Elaine Jordan

October 19, 2017 at 7:02 pm

After my Grandmother passed away I became the proud owner of her cookbook filled with handwritten recipes. Every Christmas she made butterscotch cookies & fudge - I've continued that tradition. Just seeing her handwriting brings back such wonderful memories.

Tamera Alexander

October 19, 2017 at 7:38 pm

WHAT a treasure, Elaine! I treasure my mom's handwritten recipes too. I'm loving reading through all these comments, everyone!

Rebekah Brown

October 19, 2017 at 6:50 pm

Hi Tamera! My favorite Christmas treat is peppermint hot chocolate by the woodstove. Makes me ready for the holidays! :)

Linda Ortiz

October 19, 2017 at 6:39 pm

One Christmas, I made Apple Hot Cider and served anyone walking down our street. I was able to meet my neighbors.

Sarah Newson

October 19, 2017 at 6:39 pm

A few days after 9-11, my son, a Marine, was sent to Afghanistan and we had no word from him for weeks. I prayed for a sign to show he was safe and a few days later, on Christmas day, there was a half page color photo of him decorating a little tree in their little camp near Kandahar. What a gift. God indeed answers prayers.

Tamera Alexander

October 19, 2017 at 7:40 pm

Oh Sarah, what a gift indeed! And yes, our gracious and loving God does indeed hear and answer our prayers. Jesus is so faithful to us in ways we can never deserve. Praying for you and yours this evening.

Sinita Wilson

October 19, 2017 at 6:36 pm

This year my daughter and I have committed to making a new treat! Baklava! We've been wanting to make it for the last couple of years, so we're excited to make it for our whole family as part of our being together!

Vickie Brennan

October 19, 2017 at 6:34 pm

My favorite Christmas memory was the year we were visiting friends on Christmas eve (I was probably 9) and my dad "ran out for some ice cream." He seemed to take a long time...when we got home Santa had come! From then on Santa got to our house on Christmas eve because he just couldn't get to everyone at the same time, so we were first!

Tamera Alexander

October 19, 2017 at 7:40 pm

LOL, oh I love that, Vickie!

Dorine Good

October 19, 2017 at 6:26 pm

My favorite Christmas memory is every Christmas we would gather as a family to sing carols, the kids of the family sharing a song or playing an instrument. Then my dad would read the Christmas story from Luke. That became a highlight of each Christmas

Tamera Alexander

October 19, 2017 at 7:40 pm

What precious memories, Dorine.

Cindy Shipley

October 19, 2017 at 6:25 pm

the whole family being together and having a wonderful dinner then after the dinner the woman would do the dishes then we would all get together around the table and would play board games

Karla Baker

October 19, 2017 at 6:13 pm

My favorite Christmas memory is when Grandpa would take us out to the woods to pick the tree. We'd walk around and around looking at trees and then finally find the right one. Probably, as I look back, the one he'd chosen to start with, but he made us feel like we'd chosen the very best one ever. Precious Memories!

Tamera Alexander

October 19, 2017 at 7:41 pm

So sweet memories, Karla! Thanks for sharing!

Jackie McMurray

October 19, 2017 at 6:04 pm

My favorite Christmas memory is going to my Great Aunt's Christmas tree farm, as a child, with my family and picking out the perfect Christmas tree for my dad to cut down. Afterwards, we would go inside her home for some warm apple torte, homemade applesauce, or another homemade treat!

Nancy Brown

October 19, 2017 at 5:58 pm

One of my favorite Christmas memories is the year we were able to buy a LOT of toys and games for all 5 grandchildren! Oh, that was fun to see the big smiles and all the happiness!

Samantha Olin

October 19, 2017 at 5:57 pm

My favorite seasonal treat is Swedish Bulla. It is sooooo good!

Susan Johnson

October 19, 2017 at 5:52 pm

On of my favorite Christmas memories is putting up the tree with my husband and kids. The kids would put on their own ornaments. They are grown and I have to do the decorating myself now.

Mindy Houng

October 19, 2017 at 5:47 pm

Favorite seasonal treat - hot apple cider in the fall, hot cocoa in winter. Can't go wrong with these!

Jeanne Bilson

October 19, 2017 at 5:41 pm

My parents often held a neighborhood Christmas party with carol singing. fun times.

Lucy Reynolds

October 19, 2017 at 5:35 pm

My favorite seasonal treat is my moms fruit cake or the eggnog cake I always make for Jesus birthday.

Stephanie Halcomb

October 19, 2017 at 5:34 pm

One of my favorite Christmas memories was when I was around 3 years old, I got a Snoopy stuffed animal. I thought that was the best present ever and it must have been, because I still have it after all these years.

Julie King

October 19, 2017 at 5:27 pm

My favorite seasonal treat was Great Grandma’s Christmas Plum Pudding that originated from England my Great Great Grandfather was born in England and also enjoy Chocolate Covered Cherries.

Bethany Kellermann

October 19, 2017 at 5:03 pm

I enjoy doing a big puzzle at Christmas time with my mama.

Tamera Alexander

October 19, 2017 at 7:42 pm

We used to do those when the kids were younger, Bethany! Love that.

Donna Debo

October 19, 2017 at 4:57 pm

I enjoy reading new Christmas books every year, after reading children's books to my little ones for many years

Eva Ngare

October 19, 2017 at 4:47 pm

My favorite Chritmas memory was the year spent in my father's childhood home on the Island, going out and cutting down a pretty scraggly tree and decorating old-fashion with popcorn strings, old baubles with glitter, small clip on birds and lighting real candles at the end of the branches.

Tamera Alexander

October 19, 2017 at 7:42 pm

Sweet times, Eva. Thanks for sharing.

Paula Emmons

October 19, 2017 at 4:31 pm

My favorite Christmas memory was when I was in 1st grade and we had just moved that summer to a new house. We were told Christmas would be not real big that year. We opened presents then started getting Christmas Dinner ready when we discovered 'two-wheeler' bikes in a back storage room. There was joy in our house that day!

Charis Zdrojewski

October 19, 2017 at 4:27 pm

I love going into stores at Christmas time and smelling the cinnamon pine cones.

Connie Hendryx

October 19, 2017 at 4:00 pm

I love going out into the local National Forest and getting our own Christmas tree with my family!

Elizabeth Litton

October 19, 2017 at 3:56 pm

My favorite Christmas treats are the caramel-wrapped, chocolate-dipped pretzel rods my family makes every year. My sister-in-law and her parents come also, so we always a great time of laughter and fellowship!

Becky Smith

October 19, 2017 at 3:52 pm

My daughter first got me reading Lori Benton's books, and I'm looking forward to reading her newest one! I'm also really looking forward to reading Christmas at Carnton! I've been listening to tamera's books on audio, and they are so much fun to listen to. My favorite seasonal treat is our recipe that was brought over from Sweden by my great grandfather. It's called Oostakaka, and it's eaten with berries on top. We only make it for holidays.

Paula Shreckhise

October 19, 2017 at 3:51 pm

When my sisters and I were little and dressed up as Mary, Joseph , and a shepherd to enact the Christmas story. We used a baby doll for Jesus, of course. Another the year hubby had to go overseas, so we had to celebrate early. I didn’t join him for 4 months.

Paula Shreckhise

October 19, 2017 at 3:49 pm

My favorite Christmas memory is when I was little. My sisters and I would dress up as Mary, Joseph and a shepherd and act out the Christmas story with our baby doll! Another was the year hubby was in the Navy and we had to have Christmas early because he got stationed overseas and I couldn’t join him for 4 months.

Carole Smith

October 19, 2017 at 3:25 pm

My favorite Christmas memory was when my children were younger and we lived in Alaska, We didn't have money to fly home to Memphis and buy gifts, so the kids really wanted to go and see their grandparents. My husband was a minister of a church and one of the staff members asked for our garage opener, said he needed to make sure we were locked up before we went to the airport. When we got home to change clothes before going to the airport, we went in and the church had bought toys for each of our three children and groceries and gift certificates for us!

Nancy Latina

October 19, 2017 at 3:19 pm

My mother was widowed at a very young age but always found a way to make Christmas so wonderful for my brother and I. Likewise, tons of cookies, the candlelight service on Christmas Eve, little stocking gifts and other gifts, fun time with my cousins, drives to see Christmas lights...I loved them all!

Charlotte Faeth

October 19, 2017 at 3:10 pm

My favorite Christmas tradition is baking a variety of cookies to fill Christmas tins.

Vickey Maples

October 19, 2017 at 3:09 pm

Making homemade candy with my girls.

Rebecca Van Daniker

October 19, 2017 at 3:07 pm

Every Christmas is different, but it's always a tradition to go to the Church Street Christmas in Dade City, Florida. Basically, all of the houses decorate for Christmas and all of the churches have programs and things to see. It's so much fun every year.

Amanda T.

October 19, 2017 at 3:07 pm

Homemade sugar cookies with lots of frosting and sprinkles.

Thanks for the giveaway.

Connie Saunders

October 19, 2017 at 3:04 pm

I treasure the tradition that started with my marriage. Christmas Eve night is spent with my family and Christmas Day is devoted to my husband's family.

Ce Peterson

October 19, 2017 at 2:54 pm

My favorite Christmas tradition is watching old movies and drinking hot chocolate!

Susan Moxley

October 19, 2017 at 2:40 pm

My favorite seasonal treat would have to be candy cane hot chocolate

Elaine Rieder

October 19, 2017 at 2:40 pm

Love family time always, but especially at Christmas.

Tina Myers

October 19, 2017 at 2:30 pm

My favorite memory is when all 6 of us would line up at the top of the steps than we would all run down to see what we got.

Rhonda Gothier

October 19, 2017 at 2:28 pm

Pumpkin bread and sugar cookies

Nancy Griggs

October 19, 2017 at 2:22 pm

My favorite memory is our candlelight Christmas service and reading a legend.

Louise Elliss

October 19, 2017 at 2:19 pm

Having time with out of town family.

April Ping

October 19, 2017 at 2:18 pm

My memories are all about family - the entire family gathers together on Christmas evening, about 50 in all and we just let the kids play, and the adults talk and enjoy the kids and each other. My favorite times.

Virginia Pomeroy

October 19, 2017 at 2:14 pm

My favorite memory is decorating the Christmas tree.

Susan G Mathis

October 19, 2017 at 2:12 pm

My favorite memory is my mom going up into the attic and scratching (as if she were a reindeer) and stomping (as if she were Santa). We believed her for many years!

Beverly Jones

October 19, 2017 at 2:10 pm

My favorite Christmas memories are from the years I have gotten to spend with my little boy!

Bonnie Wenzl

October 19, 2017 at 2:08 pm

My favorite childhood Christmas memory is when we use to go around caroling. We would end at a friend's house and have hot cider. We grew up in a small town in the country with a family of 7. We felt so much like little house on the prairie and loved everything about that lifetime. Hunting for our Christmas tree in the woods every year was also a favorite.

Julia Stone

October 19, 2017 at 2:03 pm

My favorite Christmas memory from my childhood was going driving through a local Christmas light display every year. There was a huge ice storm several years back and they had to discontinue the display, so my kids never got to see it... My favorite recent memory would be my kids making Christmas ornaments to give out to strangers to brighten their holidays.

Beverly DuellMoore

October 19, 2017 at 1:51 pm

My mom's Armenian Paklava that she made every Christmas season! One of my favorite Christmases was when I was 7 years old. My aunt and grandmother were spending Christmas with us. I got roller skates for Christmas that year. Since we lived in upstate New York there was no place to go out with the skates with all the snow. So, my aunt taught me to skate in the basement. She also made sugar cookies with five young children. What fun that was! There was flour, sugar and even cookie decorations all over the floor!My bothers and I had the flour and everything all over us. Who cares about the mess, it's the memories it brought! My aunt is still alive and I remind her of this Christmas many times.

Janice Gaw

October 19, 2017 at 1:50 pm

I love reading your books. I live in Tennessee and have been to the Belle Meade Plantation so it was very interesting for me. Thanks for having the giveaway!!
My favorite dish to make at Christmas is "Cranberries in the Snow" a recipe from my Mom who passed on 6 years ago.

Dana Kamstra

October 19, 2017 at 1:42 pm

I love making my mom's homemade sugar cookies. She passed away 6 years ago, and making either just brings those memories of baking with her alive once again.

Rebecca C

October 19, 2017 at 1:41 pm

My favorite Christmas treat would be peanut butter cookies with the hershey kiss on top. We usually only make this type of cookie at Christmas time.

Ronda Leal

October 19, 2017 at 1:28 pm

My favorite Christmas memories are when ALL of my relatives would make it home to my grandparents house! So much food, fun and festivities and such a treat to visit with loved ones we didn't get to see very often ;-)

Joyce B

October 19, 2017 at 1:11 pm

My favorite Christmas memory is my parents giving me a huge polar bear for Christmas as I love bears.

Kailey Bechtel

October 19, 2017 at 1:10 pm

I have always loved getting together with my family and having dinner and sharing some laughs

Leisha Wetzel

October 19, 2017 at 1:08 pm

Such a cliche but I love sugar cookies. The memories with my own mom and now making them with my girls. They are so simple and so fun.

Diane Hadley

October 19, 2017 at 1:00 pm

My favorite Christmas memories are any time with extended family!

Leslie Clever

October 19, 2017 at 12:57 pm

Everyone sitting in my grandparents living opening presents from smallest to oldest.

Janet Brumfield

October 19, 2017 at 12:48 pm

My favorite seasonal treat is dateloaf.

Shannon Turk

October 19, 2017 at 12:47 pm

When I was very small, we would drive from Georgia to my grandparents' in Indiana for Christmas. It was always very late when we arrived, but I remember that there was always a Christmas star shining from the top of the grain elevator down the road from their home. It seemed so magical to me, and it meant that we were at my grandparents', and that it was finally Christmas!

Emma Stuck

October 19, 2017 at 12:13 pm

my favorite seasonal treat is pumpkin pie.Thank you for the additional giveaway opportunity

Victoria Mitchell

October 19, 2017 at 12:05 pm

My fav Christmas memory is decorating the entire house for Christmas!

Vicki James

October 19, 2017 at 11:49 am

Looking forward to your next book!

Lisa Phillips

October 19, 2017 at 11:27 am

My mom would make ham and cheese rolls at Christmas. They got gone so quick when she passed away 9 years ago my daughter found the recipe in a book of hers. Now at Christmas it feels like she is still there . 2 if my daughter's picked up the tradition. I am in the process of reading Many Sparrows loving it.

Patricia Neumann

October 19, 2017 at 11:25 am

I am always excited with these sweepstakes as it helps me, a church librarian, to find new authors that would appeal to our friends who use the library!

Cathy Peterson

October 19, 2017 at 11:23 am

We does a candle nativity scene every Christmas Eve.

Beth Erin

October 19, 2017 at 11:05 am

I ADORE the cover of Many Sparrows, thanks for sharing the journey, Lori!

Thank you for the additional giveaway opportunity, Tamera! My favorite Christmas memory is my first spent with my (now) husband... we had just gone from friends to dating several weeks before but my man of few words gave me a heart-shaped pendant with "I love you" on the back. That's the first time he said those words to me

Perroanne Askew

October 19, 2017 at 10:52 am

I make old fashioned marshmallow fudge and creole pralines at Christmas. I love the story about the cover art - it turned out beautifully! Thank you for the giveaway opportunity.

Missy Hungerford

October 19, 2017 at 9:35 am

I was probably about 4 or 5 and we went to my grandparents for Christmas and I got an air popper. I'm not much of a popcorn fan, but I was so excited. I still have that air popper (30+ years later) sitting in my cabinet, the plastic is cracked, it still works, and my husband wants to throw it out. But I still have it and when I open that cupboard door, I remember that Christmas.

Missy Hungerford

October 19, 2017 at 9:35 am

Pam Hager

October 19, 2017 at 6:12 am

My favorite memory is of my mom making butter cookies with a cookie press. I still make them every year.

Tish Applegate

October 19, 2017 at 5:43 am

We came from a large family and we did not have a lot. My parents always had a nice Christmas for us. We baked cookies and always got a new pair of PJ's and a robe for Christmas. They were lovely times. Simple and full of love.

Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt Stop #7

Welcome to the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt for Fall 2017!

Here's the Stop #7 Skinny:

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