Christmas in July with Mistletoe Village
It’s Christmas in July, and I’m excited to bring you my Christmas book, Mistletoe Village. It was so fun to write because the inspiration for the main character, Rence Paladin, is one of my best friends. I’m hoping she’ll give me an interview. Watch for it on my to-be-revived YouTube Channel. Coming soon…I hope.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvoWVP_0TkeNt38kvJIVplQ
So who is this personality? She’s capable but humble. Self-sufficient but vulnerable. But most of all, she’s a servant of our living God. You’ll love her. When I wrote the book, I asked my friend to read it, and upon finishing, she commented, “Even if you didn’t tell me it was me…I knew it was me.” Rence is a hardworking single mom who drops everything to help those in need. She’s got a dedicated heart, always seeking after God and his purpose and direction for her life. But she and her sister are on the move to escape their past and rebuild their future. Here’s a teaser and a link for more about the book.
https://www.kathleenjrobison.com/welcome-to-my-books/
Promises of a new start. A new job at Grace General for Rence and a place to begin healing. But most of all, a promise to each of the sisters’ hurting children that a real Christmas awaits them in Grace, complete with snow on giant evergreens and lots of Mistletoe Magic.
But despite its Christmas card atmosphere, Grace, Oregon seems to hold a lot of secrets. Who is that giant of a man they encounter in the woods? Why won’t anyone talk about him? What is the hold the past seems to have over the town? Will they be able to break it before history tragically repeats itself? And will Grace be the place where love and forgiveness finally meet?
Book Covers
I have a confession. Because of the book covers, I was sucked into the whole Christmas in July thing. Some of the covers really pull me in. I envision sitting before a crackling fireplace, the man of my dreams with his arms wrapped around me, watching the sparkling tree lights. And it seemed every author, but me had a Christmas book out. Then Christmas in July happens, and all these beautiful book covers pop up. How could I not write a Christmas romance? So I did. But I had no cover imagined when I began writing Mistletoe Village. Yet, I’m so pleased with the graphic artist’s depiction of my book. I even have a sleigh in the story that plays a strategic role. I think Mistletoe Village is a perfect complement to the Christmas in July romance genre.
I have another cover that I just love too. It’s my Christmas book coming out this fall. Be the first to get the news about Let Them Eat Fruitcake and my other books by signing up for my email newsletter. Here’s the link.
https://www.subscribepage.com/essentialingredients
Though I had no idea till recently that Christmas in July was such a big thing in the book world, I certainly understand why. I can remember as a teenager wishing I had someone special to make my holiday magical. My wish came true when I met my husband and experienced Christmas love. The lights sparkled brighter, the aroma of pine scent more spicey, and shopping with the background of carols so enchanting. However, I wouldn’t know the real meaning of Christmas love till years later.
Romance
But this fetish with Christmas romance wasn’t just mine. It’s widespread. Just google Christmas romance books, and the number of sites will immerse you in lists into the holiday season and beyond. With an estimated 29 million romance readers, it’s no wonder Christmas in July romance ranks right up there.
Although the whole Christmas romance thing gets my heart soaring, I’m especially drawn to the real meaning, Christ in Christmas. I didn’t get that when I was young. Years later, the incredible revelation of Christ’s birthday took precedence.
Christ, Christmas in July
But without Christ, Christmas in July or otherwise is pretty much meaningless. Therefore, Christian Christmas devotions send me to a deeper level of affection for Christ. In essence, the real magic of Christmas love. Christmas fiction romance can do the same whether the theme of Christ’s birth is overt or subtle. Devotions come into play with the characters experiencing the power of His love in recognizing the purpose of His birth. Mention of the heartwarming stories of the shepherds, the wise men, and the manger draw me into a beautiful, awe-inspiring experience. It’s so humbling to be reminded of what Jesus did for me. His all-consuming sacrifice in coming down as a human to save you and me.
So, Christ, Christmas in July is a big yes for me. Last year I gave away some of my favorite Christmas books. That giveaway was a much-coveted contest, so I’m offering it again, with a couple of new favorites. Read more about it in the Christmas in July Giveaways below. Some of my favorite Christmas books are devotions, but I also have a few fiction favorites that I read to the family every year. This year I’m seriously searching for a new favorite. If you have any suggestions, please comment below. I would love to check out your recommendations
July Giveaways
Tomorrow begins the Christmas in July Blog Tour of my book, Mistletoe Village. I had such fun writing this book, so I’m jumping on the bandwagon with the mid-year celebration of our favorite holiday. As a special thank you to my readers, I’m offering some giveaways. Click on the links and join me all week while I share some fun things about Mistletoe Village and Christmas in July. No obligation to enter.
Christmas in July $500 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway
If you love Christmas Books, don’t miss this giveaway. I partnered with my publisher, Celebrate Lit, for a generous contest. Two great prizes. Forty-plus Christian Fiction Christmas Books or a $500 Amazon gift card. Mistletoe Village is included in the pile of books. Here’s the link to my Facebook page where you can enter.
https://www.facebook.com/kathleenjrobisonauthor
Christmas in July Blog Tour Giveaway
I want you to enjoy Christmas in July so much, so here’s another giveaway. Mistletoe Village is on Blog Tour for the next two weeks. This Christmas in July Tour will feature a review of my book with a chance to enter a giveaway for a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a signed paperback copy of Mistletoe Village. Please visit these bloggers and check out their enlightening reviews—lots of good book reading suggestions. I hope you’ll read what each one wrote about Mistletoe Village and enter each day’s giveaway.
https://www.celebratelit.com/mistletoe-village-celebration-tour/
Christmas in July Devotional Book Giveaway
Four Christmas Devotional books. August 2nd – 8th is the final giveaway. I’m offering my book, plus three devotional and advent reads. My family waits for my tears to fall whenever I some of my favorites during our family advent. I hope Mistletoe Village becomes one of your favorite Christmas in July books. Let’s get in the mood for a worshipful Christmas to come. Watch for the link in the coming blog posts.
More Mistletoe Village and Christmas in July
I fall in love a lot, in love with my characters, and I hope you will too. You never know, if Mistletoe Village is well received, I may write a series. I have another started..but let me know in the comments below what you think.
Well, I wish you a Merry Christmas, as I bring you more Mistletoe Village and Christmas in July. Lots of fun in store, and don’t forget the giveaways. Please join me every day this week as I share bits of Mistletoe Village with you. The characters, the setting, and the themes. I may include some recipes and crafts as well. We’ll see what direction my writing takes us. Better yet, tell me what you’d like to know. Either way, I hope to whisk you away in the lives of Rence, Carl, Sandy, and Nick, as well as a sweet, furry little friend, Gus. Mistletoe Village has a little bit of romance, a hint of suspense, and a whole lot of faith.