The Christmas Story & Other Beloved Stories of Jesus Guest Post by Linda Weaver Clarke

The Christmas Season - a Time to Rejoice!

Christmas is a wonderful time of year. A feeling of love and joy are in the air as we give gifts to family members and neighbors.

The Christmas season is a time to have compassion for others and to give from our hearts. If we find out that a family is in need, our hearts go out to them. We don’t want their children to be disappointed on Christmas Day so we’ll take gifts to them to put under their tree. That day will always stay etched in your mind, and your children will never forget the grateful faces of the family.

Some people give gifts in secret, by knocking at the door and hiding behind a bush. When we did this, my children saw the surprised neighbor calling his children to the door to see what was at their doorstep. My children remember those days with fond memories.

As we buy gifts for the family and listen to I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas and Jolly Old St. Nicholas, do we think about the real reason we celebrate Christmas? Do our children understand who Jesus Christ is? How about our teenagers? Do they comprehend what He did for them? This is the perfect time to help them understand why we celebrate Christmas. But what is the best way to explain who Jesus is and why He is so important on Christmas Day?

There are many children’s books about the stories of Jesus. Each one has cartoon-like drawings for young children and told in a simple way for them to understand. But how about our older children who can read and would much rather read something that fits their age? Is there something for them to read?

Thirteen years ago that very thought inspired me to write such a book for my grandchildren in narrative style so they could get to know Jesus. This style of writing brings the stories to life so they can understand the scriptures better. After much

thought, I realized it was time to share this book with others. These inspirational stories are for all ages to read… from eight years old to ninety-eight. The font is larger for easier reading, especially for children, teenagers, and grandparents.

In “The Christmas Story and Other beloved Stories of Jesus,” you will learn about the birth of Jesus, the angel who told the shepherds about His birth, and the star that led wise men miles upon miles away to visit the Christ child. How about the miracles that Jesus performed? From the healing of the sick to feeding the five thousand with five barley loaves and two small fishes… from calming the wind and the waves to walking on water. These stories help our children to realize that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

This book also includes inspirational paintings by Del Parson, the renowned artist. His paintings give us a feeling of reverence and peace. The colors are exquisite and the style of painting helps tell the stories of Jesus. You can actually feel the love that Jesus has for us as you gaze at each of the lovely paintings. To learn more about Del Parson and his inspirational paintings, visit http://www.delparson.com.

Have you noticed that more and more people are talking about Jesus and His ministry? There are movies on the Internet telling the stories of Jesus like The Chosen by Dallas Jenkins and a Christian website called Bible Videos: The Life of Jesus Christ.

After reading The Christmas Story and Other beloved Stories of Jesus, Sunnie Reviews wrote: “A beautiful book written in an easy to understand style for adults and young people alike. The words and the artwork are amazing. The art is from a renowned artist. This is a great gift idea for younger readers to help them realize the important events that are well explained in this book.”

Below is a sample to read:

Off in the distance, a group of shepherds were tending their sheep when they heard choirs of angels singing. At first, they were startled and confused, not sure what to think of it.

An angel stood before them and said, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”

With that announcement, the angels sang: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

After the angels left, one of the shepherds said, “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.”

With haste, they traveled to the city of Bethlehem. It did not take long to arrive at the stable because the shepherds felt God directing them where to go and they soon found the babe lying in a manger just as the angel had announced.

With humble hearts, they knelt in reverence before the newborn babe. The happiness they felt was indescribable. They were grateful that God had sent the angels to them with a message about the Messiah. Why had they been so privileged to know about his birth? With great joy, the shepherds went about, making it known to everyone about the spiritual experience they had seen that night.

*To read the first 22 pages of The Christmas Story and Other beloved Stories of Jesus, visit the Amazon website and click on the cover. When the book opens up, scroll down and read each page. https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Story-Other-Beloved-Stories/dp/B0BJYM9VDY

#birthofJesusChrist, #JesusChrist, #Christmas, #Christmasstories, #TheChosen

Women of Courage Series by Linda Weaver Clarke (Author Guest Post)

 

Courageous Women Throughout History

 

The women of the past were brave and spirited ladies who knew what they wanted in life and wanted to make a difference in the community where they lived. There were many who spoke out on women’s rights. Elizabeth Stanton was one of them. She stood up and said that women should have the right to vote and receive equal education. She also was an abolitionist and fought adamantly against slavery, prejudice, and inequality but it was not readily accepted.

Frederick Douglass, who was a public speaker, author, and statesman, said: “When the true history of the antislavery cause shall be written, women will occupy a large space in its pages; for the cause of the slave has been peculiarly a woman’s cause.”

Susan B. Anthony was another. When she defied the laws and voted illegally on November 5, 1872 in a presidential election, she was arrested and fined $100. But she refused to pay it. She said, “Resistance to tyranny is obedience to God.”

These courageous women made a difference in history. They fought for equal education and wanted the right to vote. Did you know the first four states to give women the right to vote were Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, and Idaho? It did not take long until women began running for office in each of these states.

Do you have some courageous ancestors that were an influence on you? I had a great grandmother who stood up for her rights and would not allow anyone to intimidate her. She was told by a group of men that if she denounced her religion then they would not burn down her home. The leader of the mob was a large burly man and she had every right to be frightened. But Martha would not give in to fear. She was a devout Christian and would not deny her Faith. With strength and courage, she stomped her foot and said: “You may burn it and be damned.”

I had another great grandmother who was an influence on my life. When she saw some thieves stealing her grapes, she knew they would not be afraid of her if she tried to chase them off. An idea came to her. Frances put on her husband’s cavalry uniform, tucked her hair inside his hat, and grasped his sword from its scabbard. Bravely marching outside onto the porch, she brandished the weapon in a threatening manner and demanded in a loud voice “Leave or perish!” I’m sure she smiled inside when she saw them take off like scared rabbits.

My great grandmothers were an example to me. If I were in either of my grandmother’s shoes, I wonder if I would have had that much courage. After reading their biographies, I took their stories and created a series of novellas called Women of Courage.

In The Light at the End of the Tunnel, Hannah is a young single mother who has had some hardships since arriving in America. But the trials in her life only make her stronger. Wanting to be independent, she opens a hot chocolate shop. At first, it’s a struggle. But she will not give up.

In A Lady of Refinement, Serenity is an educated young woman from Wales. After arriving in America, she decides to teach adults how to read and write. She is determined to help the citizens learn the enjoyment of reading. One of her favorite books is Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott. No one seems to measure up to this valiant knight until Jonathan comes along.

In A Mississippi Sunset, Laura gives lectures regularly, encouraging women to fight for their beliefs and be heard. Equality is her message. But she soon finds out that women who speak publicly are looked down upon and criticized, saying it is unwomanly and unchristian to speak publicly. But she has faith in God and knows He will help her in the cause for justice.

 

https://vimeo.com/721762655

 

Women of Courage Series

The Light at the end of the Tunnel: When Thomas finds out that Hannah's shop is struggling, he comes to the rescue with a clever plan. Will she agree to such an unconventional idea? Can he convince her to find room in her heart for one more person?

https://www.amazon.com/Light-End-Tunnel-Women-Courage-ebook/dp/B09JHRQYF1  

 

A Lady of Refinement: When Jonathan meets Serenity, an educated and courageous woman from Wales, he becomes intrigued with her and wonders how he can win her heart. Her brother gives him some advice, but Jonathan begins to question his wisdom. Should he trust his friend or is he leading him astray?

https://www.amazon.com/Lady-Refinement-Women-Courage-ebook/dp/B09PHZK76M 

 

A Mississippi Sunset: When Deputy Davies meets Laura, he is intrigued with her independent nature. He admires her spunk and wonders if such a woman would be interested in a small town deputy like himself.

https://www.amazon.com/Mississippi-Sunset-Women-Courage-ebook/dp/B09SRDBHNX

 

Amidst Trials, is there a Light at the end of the Tunnel? Guest Post by Linda Weaver Clarke

 

All of us have challenges in our lives and we feel so alone. We sometimes wonder if we are the only ones who are experiencing difficulties. Have you ever felt that each trial you have endured was so difficult that you wondered where the “light at the end of the tunnel” was? Many times we try to solve our own problems and don’t bother talking to anyone or asking for help.

 “No matter our circumstances, no matter our challenges or trials, there is something in each day to embrace and cherish. There is something in each day that can bring gratitude and joy if only we will see and appreciate it.” ~ Dieter F. Uchtdorf

 This was Hannah’s attitude as she tried to search for the “light at the end of the tunnel.” How many times do we search for that light, wondering where it is and hoping that the trials in life will soon end? Is God watching over us? Is He there when we need some comfort? In our darkest moment, does Jesus Christ know how we feel? I believe He does.

Set in 1844, The Light at the End of the Tunnel is a historical romance. Book Reviewer and Author Gail Pallotta wrote: “This romance wrapped around my heart as it took me into the struggles of Hannah, such a brave woman. The characters come to life on the page as Thomas falls for Hannah. However, Hannah is caught up in her day-to-day trials, and with her independent streak she only thinks of making a life for her and her daughter. Can Thomas get her attention and change her mind?”

 After coming to America and enduring several challenges and trials, Hannah realizes she can make something of her life by opening a hot chocolate shop. She soon finds that starting her own business isn’t as easy as she thought.

 When Thomas finds out that Hannah's shop is struggling, he comes to the rescue with a clever plan. Will she agree to such an unconventional idea? Can he convince her to find room in her heart for one more person?

 “I enjoyed this sweet historical romance very much.  This story shows the western spirit of adventure in a young widow who has faced many hardships to come to this point.  This is a Christian book and a very engaging and enjoyable read. You will enjoy this heartwarming story of a strong woman forging a new life.” Sunnie Reviews

 To buy this book or eBook on Amazon, visit Amazon here!

Linda Weaver Clarke’s Author Blog: https://lindaweaverclarke.wordpress.com

    Linda’s Audiobook Blog: https://familyfriendlyaudiobooks.wordpress.com

    Linda’s Cozy Mystery Blog: https://cozymysteryseries.wordpress.com

    Linda’s Historical Romance Blog: https://historicalromances.wordpress.com

 

Author Guest Post by Linda Weaver Clarke With a GIVEAWAY!

Hello Friends!  Linda Weaver Clarke is sharing about her books today and I hope that if you haven't read her books that you will definitely give them a try!  They are sweet, clean and wonderful! 

Never Too Late To Dream

 

I believe it’s never too late to accomplish one’s dreams. Some people have a bucket list that has daring things to do or something they longed to do for years. It is never too late and you are never too old to do something you have longed to do.

After raising six daughters and believing it is never too late to dream, I decided to go back to college. It was a scary thing to do and I don’t know why I was so worried. At the age of 50, I graduated from college with a Theatre and Arts Degree. After that, I performed for a concert series. It was unbelievably fun and enjoyable until I got reflux and lost my voice. Feeling discouraged, I didn’t know what to do with my life. But . . . when one door is closed, God opens another door for you to walk through. And that was exactly what He did for me. 

An interest in writing engulfed me. So I went to the library and studied every book available about writing. I wanted to write family friendly stories for all ages. So I sat down and wrote a few books until I was brave enough to send one to a publisher. At the age of 56, I became a published author and won an award for my first book, which surprised and delighted me. After writing five historical romances, I wrote 12 cozy mysteries and then wrote three swashbuckling romances. Since I was a fan of Robin Hood, Zorro, and the Scarlet Pimpernel, I couldn’t help it. I even wrote some non-fiction and a children’s book. Being an author has been an interesting path to travel. The most recent series that I just completed is a historical mystery romance series set in the 1830s. It is called A Willow Valley Historical Romance. Each romance has a mystery to solve. 

One Last Dance is the first book in this series, which will keep you guessing until the end of the book. When Felicity meets their charming new neighbor, she soon discovers that he is hiding his true identity. Nicholas Adams is on a quest. When she finds out that someone is after a valuable heirloom, a precious treasure found in her attic, her life takes a new turn.

 “This book has my favorite genres: historical, romance and mystery. Although I enjoyed the romance, what I liked most was the mystery. Intrigue and suspense kept me hooked and I loved the air of mystery behind a few of the characters. It kept me guessing to the end, and of course it had a sweet, happy ending. This is one of my favorite books by Linda Weaver Clarke.” –Inishowen Cailin, Book Reviewer

Book trailer:

https://vimeo.com/310912310

Angel’s Serenade is the second book in this series. Each day as Emmeline practices the piano, she doesn’t know the new doctor in town secretly sits on his porch to listen to her music. As Emmeline gets to know the charming doctor, they become intrigued by her neighbor’s mysterious behavior. Will they discover his secret? And who is the leader of the River Pirates, who is causing so much havoc?

 “Clarke has created a sweet romance that will warm the heart, and it’s wrapped up in fascinating yesteryear details of courting, medical practice and river pirates. I highly recommend the book to those who enjoy sweet romance with a bit of mystery.” –Author Gail Pallotta

 Book trailer:

https://vimeo.com/408058731

 In A Pleasant Rivalry, Angelica is surprised when she finds out that an old school chum has returned to Willow Valley. Since she writes articles for the Chronicle and Simon owns the Willow Valley News, they just happen to be rivals. The competition is on. Who will be the first to discover the identity of the jewel thief or the arsonist? To her surprise, Angelica realizes she is losing her heart to her rival.

 “I loved this book!  It was a great historical read and full of surprises.  I totally didn't expect what happened… to happen.  The time period was an interesting one and I love how the author intertwines historical events into the story.  It was a new and refreshing tale.” –Sunnie Reviews

 Book Trailer:

https://vimeo.com/427914575

 Holidays in Willow Valley is full of surprises. This book is a collection of six holiday stories, something that I hadn’t done before. What were the holidays like at Willow Valley in 1840? While writing this book, I learned to appreciate our holidays.

 

“This book contains six short stories of different holidays celebrated in the 1840 time period. These are enjoyable stories to read any time of year, not just in holiday times. The characters and the book carry Christian values, which I love. These are very entertaining stories!” --Sunnie Reviews

 Book Trailer:

https://vimeo.com/438375608

 

I soon realized that writing short stories was a pleasure and quite fun. So I decided to try it once again. So I wrote the fifth and last book in this series called Tales of Willow Valley. It is a collection of five “Love Stories.”

“If you are in the mood for some sweet, clean, historical, romantic short stories then look no further. I enjoyed each story and how the women are not sitting back waiting on a man, but are take-charge women that start their own businesses, aren’t afraid to face ruffians, and encourage women to fight for their rights. It is amazing what you can learn when an author does research into events in the past to make sure their works are as authentic as possible.” –Story Book Reviews

 As of today, I am the author of 32 books and 28 Audible audiobooks. You can order any of my books from Amazon and Audible Audiobooks at my websites below.

Meet the author: Linda Weaver Clarke

My Book Blog: https://lindaweaverclarke.wordpress.com

Audiobook Blog: https://familyfriendlyaudiobooks.wordpress.com

Cozy Mystery Blog: https://cozymysteryseries.wordpress.com

Historical Romance Blog: https://historicalromances.wordpress.com

Linda’s Website: www.lindaweaverclarke.com

Linda is also hosting a giveaway!    Linda will  give a Ebook copy of "One Last Dance" to a lucky commenter !

Blog Tour: Winds of Change Series and Author Guest Post with Giveaway!

Welcome to my blog Debbie!

I am happy to have a guest post by author Debbie Lynne Costello.  She is going to tell us about her Winds of Change Series.  

In my debut novel, Sword of Forgiveness, the hero has to work through the results of a border skirmish between his men and a Scottish village. He suffers with memories of the bloody battle until he is finds peace in the Lord. In the sequel, my new release, Sword of Trust, Bryce has his own problems with the border. It seems there is much reiving going on and he is forever having to deal with the stealing, burning, and destruction of property.

 England and Scotland have had a tumultuous past. Scotland is said to have been founded as a kingdom around 843. England became a sovereign state in 927. The two kingdoms have fought many a battle over land. Because of this, the border between the two countries fluctuated with the strength of a nation. If I counted correctly there were at least 35 wars and battles with just England!

 Because of this animosity between the two kingdoms, reivers arose who would go over the border and steal cattle, burn crops, raid houses and burn them. This type of activity went on during the end of the 13^th and turn of the 14^th century as well. The kings of both countries were tired of the battles and skirmishes that never seem to end and pretty much left it a wild and unforsaken land that the border lords tried to keep under control.

 In Sword of Trust, you’ll find Bryce, an English lord, going head to head with a strong willed female Scottish reiver, pretending to be a lad. She has been brought up to hate the English. Read Sword of Trust, a novel full of historical facts and step back in time to border conflicts, a country in turmoil, and a king about to be dethroned.

Get your copy here

Book 2 in the Winds of Change Series

Deirdre Mackenzie has spent her life hiding from her father and hating the English. However, when she is caught stealing from an English laird, his unexpected kindness begins to melt away her hatred and strums lonely heartstrings longing for love. Bryce Warwick discovers the “boy” caught with his livestock is actually a young woman. After several attempts to lure the truth from her, he determines she is as deceitful as his late fiancée who nearly cost him his life. But the woman is the least of his worries with the turbulence brought on by threats of another border war and by King Richard's distrust of the nobles.

With old wounds in need of healing and adversaries who would ruin their chances at true love, both must learn to trust in a way they never knew possible.

The stakes are high, secrets prevail, and treason is just a kiss away.

 Bio:

Debbie Lynne Costello is the author of Sword of Forgiveness, Amazon's #1 seller for Historical Christian Romance. She has enjoyed writing stories since she was eight years old. She raised her family and then embarked on her own career of writing the stories that had been begging to be told. She and her husband have four children and live in upstate South Carolina with their 4 horses, 3 dogs, a miniature donkey, and 6 pekin ducks.

Bride by Blackmail  Book 1 in Moonlight and Magnolia Series 
Sword of Forgiveness Book 1 in Winds of Change Series

Sword of Trust Book 2 in Winds of Change Series coming March 2021

Sword of the Matchmaker  Novella in the Winds of Change Series

The Perfect Bride  Novella in the Winds of Change Series

Shattered Memories Book 1 in The Charleston Earthquake Series

A Cup of Christmas Cheer(Guideposts Books) 

www.debbielynnecostello.com
www.theswordandspirit.blogspot.com
www.HHHistory.com

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE

March 15^th- https://www.thegrammarprincess.com/.../15/happy-release-day/

March 16^th –SwordOf Trust: Book Review, Author Interview, and Giveaway!! – Jessy(faithandbooks.com)

March 17^th –http://sunniereviews.blogspot.com

March 18^th –https://www.simplysusan.home.blog

March 19^th –Cross and Cutlass (marylutyndall.com)

March 20^th – https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot.com/

March 21^st –Tome Reviews By Elizabeth (@t.r.b.e)• Instagram photos and videos

March 21^st –https://annepayne.blogspot.com

March 22^nd – https://theswordandspirit.blogspot.com/2021/03/sword-of-trust-finally-releases.html

March 24^th – Reading Is MySuperPower - BOOK REVIEWS, GIVEAWAYS, AUTHOR INTERVIEWS

Please leave your comments to be entered into the giveaway! 

The winner can choose an ebook of their choice.  If there are at least 10 comments, the winner will receive a book in the format of their choice! So tell your friends!  

Please be sure to leave your email address in a safe way, so you can be contacted if you are the winner!

Guest Post With Shelley Shepard Gray and a Giveaway!

I am super excited to welcome Shelley Shepard Gray on my blog today.  I have loved her books for many years and have read both her Amish titles and other genres, as well.  She is going to share what is upcoming in this year.  I can't wait to read all of them.  They all sound so good!  

Shelley is offering a set of her two books for a lucky commenter!  So don't forget to leave a comment! 

Welcome Shelley! 

Shelley Shepard Gray Guest Post

I sometimes feel that 2021 is going to be my year of sharing what I did while quarantined in 2020.’ Last year I wrote five novels and three novellas, all of which will be released this year. Though I usually write a lot, last year I had a little more time than usual to sit at my computer since all of the trips we’d planned to take had to be canceled or rescheduled. I’m blessed that several publishers gave me the opportunity to write novels for them.

I thought it might be fun to share what is releasing this year!

First off is are three novels in my Berlin Bookmobile Series! January brought A Perfect Amish Romance and the series will continue in May and November with An Amish Surprise and A Christmas Courtship. All three of these titles feature an English matchmaking bookmobile librarian named Sarah Anne. Sarah Anne is a retired accountant, is great at listening, and meddles just enough to help three couples find love. Since both libraries and writing about the Amish are two loves of mine, I couldn’t have been happier to spend my days writing these books.

Next up in May is my novella in the Amish Midwife Collection. I was invited to join authors Amy Clipston and Kelly Long and I couldn’t have been more happy about that. My story in the collection is titled A Midwife for Susie, and it features a midwife struggling to recover from a past traumatic experience. She falls in love with her best friend and next door neighbor along the way. I’ll be with Amy Clipston and Kathleen Fuller for another Amish Novella Collection in August. This one is all about Amish Schools! My novella is titled Wendy’s Twenty Reasons.

July brings my first titled with Love Inspired! It’s called Widow’s Secrets and it’s part of a Cold Case series! This book is set in Adams County in southern Ohio. The main characters are not Amish but there are a few secondary characters. My heroine is a widow, works in a diner, and paints big abstract paintings on the side. The hero is a detective who needs to prove himself by solving a ten year old cold case involving the widow’s husband. As you might imagine from the title, there are a lot of secrets involved that have to be revealed.

September’s release of Edgewater Road launches the Rumors in Ross County series from Blackstone Publishing. These are standalone novels, with each book coming out once a year. Edgewater Road is the name of the street where most of the romantic suspense action takes place.

Finally, the beginning of October brings An Amish Bakeshop Trilogy! I teamed with authors Rachel Good and Loree Lough for a group of Christmas stories set in Lancaster County, PA. My story involves a baker known for her famous ‘Christmas cakes’ and an old boyfriend who returns to town after a long absence.

If you like to read, I’m hopeful that you might want to give one of these books a try! And, if you’re wondering what I’m doing this year…I’m writing again! I’ve got some fun surprises in store for 2022.

Thank you to Sonja Nishimoto for graciously inviting me to visit her blog! I’m also happy to share that I’d love to give away a set of the two books for someone who comments-signed copies of both A Perfect Amish Romance and Amish Midwives!

No matter what you choose to read this year, I wish you many hours of enjoyment!

Blessings,

Shelley 

 

Shelley Shepard Gray Bio

 

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray writes Amish and Inspirational romances for Simon & Schuster, and Kensington, Harlequin, and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing. With over a million books in print, and translated into more than a dozen languages, her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists.

Shelley has been featured in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations. Publishers Weekly calls her Walnut Creek series “A slow-burning, enjoyable romance… Embedded in this quaint story is a poignant message about the importance of community, compassion, and doing what’s right rather than what’s easy.”

Shelley has hosted several well-attended ‘Girlfriend Getaways’ for Amish reading fans. Her most recent Girlfriend Getaway, hosted with bestselling novelists Amy Clipston and Suzanne Woods Fisher in Sugarcreek, Ohio, was filmed by BuzzFeed and highlighted on NetFlix’s Follow This episode on the popularity of Amish fiction.

Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned her bachelor’s degree in English literature and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She now lives in southern Colorado near her grown children, walks her dachshunds, bakes too much, and writes full time.

 

 This giveaway closes on Feb. 24th.  Please include your email address in a safe format with your comment.

Guest Post by Author Linda Weaver Clarke

Today I have the pleasure of hosting author Linda Weaver Clarke on my blog.  I am excited to have her post about her short story books.  I recommend them and am sure you will love them, too!  Welcome Linda!

                                                      Short Stories to Lift Your Spirits

 Tales of Willow Valley and Holidays in Willow Valley are full-length books filled with short stories that have been released for the holidays. Historical Romance is about the adventure of living in a different time period. The romance draws the reader into a world of wonder, but the mystery keeps you turning the pages.

What was romance like in the 19th century? Suko’s Notebook wrote, “Is it just me, or are love stories set in the past more romantic than those set in the present day?” Set in the 1800s, each of the Willow Valley stories has humor, adventure, romance, and mystery.

After reading Tales of Willow Valley, Author Gail Pallotta wrote: “Ms. Clarke brings us five love stories based on the lives of real people and true events. The heroines are brave, spunky women who attract their suitors with their independence and ability to cope with the perils of the day as well as their beauty. Getting lost in the historical detail and excellent characterization, I felt I was with the characters in yesteryear times. The struggles of the heroines and the chivalry of the heroes who won their hearts touched mine and kept me turning the pages to find out what would happen next. I highly recommend these stories for those who enjoy history, people facing and overcoming difficulties and romantic scenes.”

 These short stories were inspired by the experience of Clarke’s ancestors. Linda Weaver Clarke said, “What if I gave my great grandparent’s experience to a fictional character, how would it turn out? As I did this, each story blossomed before my eyes and I was delighted with the outcome.”

 In Tales of Willow Valley, you will read five short stories.

The Light at the End of the Tunnel: When Thomas finds out that the proprietor of Hannah’s Hot Chocolate Shop is struggling, he comes up with a brilliant idea. Will she agree to such an unconventional plan?

Leave or Perish: When Jonathan watches Serenity chase off thieves with a sword in her hand, he becomes intrigued with her. How will he win her heart?

A Broom in her Hand: When Laura reports that a thief snuck into her home, William finds out that she chased the intruder off with a broom, but he soon learns the man’s invasion is much bigger than he realizes.

Deception: When Peter accepted the job of writing letters to a young lady on behalf of his employer, he soon realizes he is falling in love with Pauline.

A Cry for Help: When Joshua is sent with a message for Mary, the note says that she must go on a dangerous quest and he is determined to accompany her.

 When Sunnie Reviews read Tales of Willow Valley, she wrote: “The stories are refreshing tales of good people working through life as do we today. The title of one of the stories gives me hope for the struggles we are going through now:  The Light at the End of the Tunnel.  God is always watching out for us and there are good things yet to come. I found these happy stories just what I needed in these trying days.”

                                                 

Happy Holidays! 

It’s time to enjoy some holiday stories. Holidays in Willow Valley is full of surprises. The inspiration for these stories was based on true experiences. You will read six short stories: The Valentine Bandit, St. Paddy’s Day, April Fools Pranks, The Daring Escape, All Hallows Eve, An Unforgettable Christmas. These stories have humor with a surprise ending. This book was just released by Audible Audiobooks.

 What were the holidays like in the 1840s? How will Emmeline and Felicity celebrate Valentine’s Day? Do Sam and Josie believe in leprechauns and the pot of gold when St. Patrick’s Day comes around? Is it common to play jokes on one another on April Fools Day? Nicholas and Lucas find out first hand. Angelica’s eyes are opened when she is challenged on Independence Day. When the Scottish came to America, they brought their Halloween traditions with them. How about Christmas? Will Willow Valley accept these traditions? Find out as you share their experiences.

 Sunnie Reviews wrote: “This book contains six short stories of various characters and different holidays celebrated in the 1840 time period. These are enjoyable stories to read any time of year, not just in holiday times. The book carries Christian values, which I love. These are very entertaining stories and I hope you will take the time to read them!”

 Book Trailer: https://vimeo.com/438375608

 Bio: Linda Weaver Clarke was raised in the Rocky Mountains of Southern Idaho and now lives in the red desert hills of southern Utah. She is the author of 30 books: Historical Romance, Cozy Mystery, Swashbuckling Romance, Historical Mystery Romance, a Children’s Book, and Nonfiction. Linda works at the Family Search Center where she helps people find their ancestors so they can learn about their heritage.

 Links:

Holidays in Willow Valley: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089CQL6NB

Tales of Willow Valley: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LHJZXD4

Linda’s Author Blog: https://lindaweaverclarke.wordpress.com

Linda’s Website: www.lindaweaverclarke.com

Audible Audiobooks: https://www.audible.com/author/Linda-Weaver-Clarke/B004P47EWO