Perfect Christmas Reads

Is anyone else in search of the perfect Christmas read? Guess what? I didn't just find ONE book, I found FIVE!!! *Cue excited dancing*

I am so excited to show off 5 different books releasing (or already released) for Christmas this year! I'll include links (affiliate links) below and a brief description of each from Amazon. Maybe one will catch your eye - or like me, you'll buy all of them (Emilie regrets nothing).

Can't Get No Satisfaction | Finding happiness in the midst of wanting

This is probably something I'm sure we've all thought about already...but I felt the need to share it here.

Are you satisfied? 

I'm not talking about fake-satisfaction. Like when you tell yourself (sometimes forcefully) that you really should be satisfied in life. I'm talking about really, truly being satisfied in life. I'm asking myself this question too.

The reason I dare to ask this around Christmas time is the fact that there are so many things we can want. From the simple things like wanting a second (or third) cup of coffee or a new sweater, to the more complex things like wanting a new car, a new job, a new relationship... There is so much wanting going around.

Not all of that is bad. Sometimes wanting something new is good and can be a helpful push to get that thing--like working toward a new job or saving for a new car. But there is a type of dissatisfaction that can sink down into our souls and drain us. It's the type of deep-seated longing that tricks us into thinking things will be better if we had something else. Something more.

This dissatisfaction can show itself in pickiness: This thing isn't good enough. I want more of that thing. I'm not happy because I don't have >insert thing here<.
It can show itself in irritability: If only I had that job, that type of relationship, that new car, I'd be happier.
It can show itself in depression: I'll never get what I want/deserve. I hate my life because it doesn't look like >insert someone you envy<. Why be happy when I don't have anything to be happy about?

This is the dangerous type of wanting. The kind that creates a cavernous hole in our hearts that can only be filled by those out-of-reach things. Things that, dare I say, if we had them still wouldn't make us happy.

So, take some time to ask yourself...

• What is it that I want?
• Why do I want it? 
• This is this something I should want? 
• How can I be content without having it? 

Then, after you've made this list, take time to make a list of all the things you do have. Include some of these things too:

• Who/what encourages me? 
• Who is someone in my life I take for granted? 
• What do I have that other's don't have?
• Who is someone I know that appears satisfied? Why are they like that?
• What basic things do I have that I take for granted?

This is no big revelation, many people will tell you to think about what you're grateful for, but you know why? Because it works! It's really hard to want want want when you realize all that you already have. It doesn't change your situation, but hopefully it will change your mindset.

Be grateful. 

Instead of focusing on what we don't have, let's focus on what we do have. Let this season encourage us to be grateful for what we have and to seek out ways to encourage others to be grateful as well. Let's seek a type of satisfaction that goes deeper than things.

What is something you have to be grateful about? 

One Enchanted Eve by Melissa Tagg | Re:View

Sometimes a book comes along that just meets you in the right place. For me, that was Melissa's One Enchanted Eve.

I have a fierce love for all-things Christmas. Movies, decorations, music, food, books...the list goes on. So when I heard that the second in the Enchanted Christmas Collection was coming out I was giddy with excitement. I loved the first one, One Enchanted Christmas, and have thoroughly enjoyed the Walker Family through her Maple Valley series, so if there is any way that I can continue on in that world, I will!

Enter Colin Renwycke and Rylan Jefferson. A combustive duo if there ever was one. And isn’t that the best kind? Theirs is definitely not a situation of too many cooks in the kitchen – I’d say two is just about right! I love their interactions, their backstories coming to life, and the creative and cute ways that Melissa brought them together. I think it’s been one of my favorite stories of hers so far…though I think I say that for every one of her books.

If you are looking for a quicker read and something that will prolong the warm fuzzy feelings of Christmas while making you smile, this is the novella for you. The romance and the deeper truths Melissa brings to light will leave you feeling satisfied, if not wanting a bit of dessert too!
My rating: 5*
Purchase: One Enchanted Eve

Book Description
(from Amazon)

A delightful Christmas romance about finding the perfect recipe for love.

After years of mistakes and regret, Colin Renwycke finally has a plan: Hone his baking talent at the Denver Culinary Institute and embark on a new career as a pastry chef. If he's lucky, he might even manage to earn back his family's respect. But despite his skills in the kitchen, Colin's a mess in the classroom and his ongoing disasters are proving too much for his prickly instructor. If he loses his spot at the school, he's out of backup plans.

Culinary school instructor Rylan Jefferson has the chance to reclaim her dream of running her own bakery. But she only has until Christmas Eve to come up with the perfect recipe to impress an eccentric investor. She has no time for holiday parties or family plans . . . and especially not for the unruly student baker who couldn't follow a recipe if his life depended on it.

But Colin has the one ingredient Rylan needs most—talent. Lots of it. And when he makes a proposal that just might solve both their problems, Rylan can't say no—even if it does mean traveling all the way to Iowa. It just might be that the snow-covered plains and a charming small town full of postcard Christmas cheer are exactly what her hungry heart needs . . . along with a man who is much more than he seems.

Rachel Hauck | Spread the Christmas Joy

Christmas and the Cross

One of my favorite Christmas memories embodies the heart of the season: salvation.

Some years back, my family gathered for Christmas. At the time, almost everyone lived in Florida — that’s since changed, sigh — and we had plans to spread the holiday among a few houses.

On Christmas Eve, we went to church before loading up and heading to Tampa to see my sister. As my husband and I sat on the front row with my Mom and Dad, my brother, his wife, and their children, and another brother, the pastor dimmed the lights as we lit our candles.

He spoke of how a little light can break the largest darkness. Then he beckoned those who’d never walked with Jesus to stand and declare, “I choose the cross.”

The room was silent but weighted with a holy presence. One by one, people began to stand and declare, “I choose the cross.”

You see, the cradle of the Christ child really only makes sense when you look past it to the cross— the whole reason He came.

The pastor allowed the moment to linger. Candles flickered. Another person stood and chose the cross.

Two seats down from me was my sister-in-law. I knew the holy presence in the room beckoned her. Should I lean over and encourage her?

But some moments are meant to be between God and the beckoned. So I remained still.

“There may be more,” the pastor said. “Choose the cross.”

Then she stood, my sister-in-law, her voice wavering. “I choose the cross.”

Even now, the memory of that moment brings tears to my eyes. My mom was crying. My niece. My brother. Something changed in the atmosphere as she made her declaration.

The meaning of Christmas was fully realized in me, in my family, in the whole room, as my sister-in-law chose Love.

After the service, we said our goodbyes, wishing one another a merry Christmas. My husband and I, along with my parents and brother, piled in the car and headed to see my sister.

During the two-hour midnight drive, my heart resonated with the sound of my sister-in-law choosing Jesus. Joy flowed out of my heart. I relived that moment over and over.

Christmas morning came and gifts were exchanged. Delicious food consumed. But nothing topped that one declaration. “I choose the cross.”

It’s easy to love the Christmas season for the festivities, the gifts, the lights and decorations, and the general feeling of goodwill.

But we can only truly understand Christmas when we choose the cross.

How about you? Have you chosen the cross?

_______________
Rachel Hauck is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and award-winning author.

A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, Rachel worked in the corporate software world before planting her backside in an uncomfortable chair to write full-time in 2004.

She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and leads worship at their annual conference. She is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker.

Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pet, and writes from her two-story tower in an exceedingly more comfy chair. She is a huge Buckeyes football fan.
Visit Rachel: http://www.rachelhauck.com/

*Giveaway*

Rachel is graciously offering a copy of A Royal Christmas Wedding! Enter below.

All giveaways run until January 2nd and winners will be announced shortly after. Use the image to the left to share on social media and don't forget the hashtag: #SpreadTheChristmasJoy16

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Liz Johnson | Spread the Christmas Joy

Choosing Mary

My niece Julia was four when she decided she wanted to be Mary. I’m not exactly sure where her infatuation started, but somewhere between hearing the Christmas story in Sunday school and playtime with Grandma, it was settled. She was Mary.

And being Mary meant that she had to dress the part. There was a robe and baby doll cradled not-so-gently in her arms. There was a long trip from one side of the house to the other. The trek was so long and so realistic, I’m almost surprised Julia didn’t ask for a donkey. (If she had, I’m pretty sure her doting grandparents would have given in in a heartbeat.)

And then there was Joseph—also known as my mother. Poor Grandma got roped into playing Joseph, and no one else would do. Even if Grandpa or Julia’s dad was around, Grandma was the prime choice to play Mary’s husband, Jesus’s earthly father.

They enacted the story nearly every day for the two weeks that I visited. Sometimes I was invited to participate. (They might have needed a camel, after all.) Sometimes I was told to watch. And I did so studiously.

During one of those many viewings, I sat on the couch and watched as Julia arrived in Bethlehem and sent Joseph to knock on the inn door. There was no room. Only a stable. So she went there to have her baby.

I was more than familiar with the tale. My family had been reading the story from Luke 2 every Christmas morning for as long as I could remember. I’d seen it presented countless times in church programs and films, a hundred different actors playing the parts.

But Julia only ever played one part. She didn’t want to be the innkeeper or the angel or even a shepherd.

Watching my niece, I realized something about the Christmas story. Each of us chooses which of the roles we’ll live every day. Will we be Mary, faithfully saying, “I am the Lord’s servant”? Will we be Joseph, listening to God’s direction and accepting the difficult task of leading his family through turbulent times? Will we be shepherds falling to our knees in praise? Or magi traveling a great distance to follow God’s prompting? Will we be the innkeeper too busy to take note of the still, small voice of God? Or the king afraid of losing his kingdom?

It’s easy to forget in the midst of the hectic Christmas season that we have a choice in how we respond to the unexpected. Before the angel appeared to them, Mary and Joseph didn’t know what was to come. But they chose obedience instead of fear.

Julia chose to be Mary. I want to make the same choice.

___________
Liz Johnson is the bestselling author of eleven books and a handful of short stories. When she’s not writing, she’s the director of marketing for a Christian radio network. She makes her home in Tucson, Arizona, where she loves to dote on her nieces and nephews. She shares about her adventures in writing at www.LizJohnsonBooks.com.

*Giveaway*

Liz is offering a copy of Hazardous Holiday as a giveaway! Enter below.

All giveaways run until January 2nd and winners will be announced shortly after. Use the image to the left to share on social media and don't forget the hashtag: #SpreadTheChristmasJoy16

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Ralene Burke | Spread the Christmas Joy

Joy in All Situations

When I was a kid, my dad was in the army. In the middle of my sophomore year, he received PCS orders for Fort Knox, Kentucky. When were we moving? Christmas break.

Now Christmas is, and always has been, my favorite time of the year. I love celebrating Christ’s birth. I cherish the family traditions—from decorating the tree to fixing monkey bread for breakfast to hearing the Christmas story one more time. How were we going to maintain those traditions if we were “on the road”?

Not only that, but I was leaving my friends, my school, everything that was familiar to me. We had been lucky, my family and I, as we had been in the same place for 9 years. As a high school student, you can imagine the overdramatic reaction I had to the idea of leaving.

Over 2000 years ago, a young man faced a situation he dreaded as well. Joseph found out he was engaged to a woman who was already with child, a mark of shame in their culture. He struggled with the idea of marrying her.

But God had plans for this perceived scandal.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[c] because he will save his people from their sins.”

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”[d] (which means “God with us”).
Matthew 1:20-23

An angel appeared to Joseph and revealed the joy in his situation. This baby was the answer to the prophecies of old. His destiny would be to save the nations from sin. I’ll bet that gave Joseph a whole new perspective!

As for me, my parents made the trip memorable. They gave my sisters and I a set of small ornaments and strung a wire around the interior of our van—our mobile Christmas tree. They stocked up on Christmas CDs, goodies, and a couple of presents. We got to spend two weeks visiting family, both in Kansas and Virginia.

What I had anticipated to be a horrible holiday turned into one of the best. Even in the darkest of moments, there is joy to be found. Is your heart searching for those possibilities?

______________
Whether she’s wielding a fantasy writer’s pen, a freelance editor’s sword, or a social media wand, Ralene Burke always has her head in some dreamer’s world. And her goal is to help everyone SHINE BEYOND! Her first novel, Bellanok, is available on Amazon!

When her head’s not in the publishing world, she is wife to a veteran and homeschooling mama to their three kids. Her Pinterest board would have you believe she is a master chef, excellent seamstress, and all around crafty diva. If she only had the time . . .

You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, or at her website.

 *Giveaway*

Ralene has offered up a copy of Bellanok! Enter today.

All giveaways run until January 2nd and winners will be announced shortly after. Use the image to the left to share on social media and don't forget the hashtag: #SpreadTheChristmasJoy16


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DiAnn Mills | Spread the Christmas Joy

Christmas Through the Eyes of a Child

Christmas makes children out of all of us. Actually, writers are kids who failed to get the memo that it was time to color between the lines. We write and worship during this season with the same enthusiasm as a child.

I remember the Christmas I was three years old. The vivid accounting could not possibly be true—or could it?

As a lively three-year-old, I often woke during the night for a drink of orange juice. My parents soon learned to keep a small glass in the refrigerator.

On Christmas Eve, I woke to make the trek to the refrigerator for my OJ. The lights from the tree lit a pathway across the living room to the kitchen causing the darkness not to be so ominous. I remembered Santa was coming and quickly drank my juice then set the empty glass back inside the fridge.

On the way to my snug and warm bed, I passed by the Christmas tree. Oh, how I loved the twinkling lights, mesmerized by their quiet beauty. Still do. They remind me of the star that guided the wise men to the baby Jesus. I paused in front of a large window to gaze up at the starlit sky. To my amazement, Santa in his red and gold sleigh led by eight reindeer flew high above me.

My little heart pounded, and I raced back to bed for fear Santa would stop at my house and find me awake. The next morning, I scrambled from my bed to make sure he’d brought my toys. To my joy, the toys I’d dreamed about were under the tree.

A child’s imagination for a future writer? Or a magical happening to a wee child?

This Christmas explore the season filled with wonder. Take time to journal what this special day means to you. Perhaps it will be a birth of renewed commitment to God and the special gift of writing that He’s given you.

Be blessed!

____________

-->DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Suspense Sister, and International Thriller Writers. She is co-director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and The Author Roadmap with social media specialist Edie Melson. She teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.            

*Giveaway* 

DiAnn has graciously offered up a copy of Deadly Encounter.

All giveaways run until January 2nd and winners will be announced shortly after. Use the image to the left to share on social media and don't forget the hashtag: #SpreadTheChristmasJoy16

           

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Kristy Cambron | Spread the Christmas Joy 2016

Christmas Yesteryears

You can’t listen to 1940s Billie Holiday tunes and not expect to start thinking completely nostalgic thoughts.

It’s what I’m doing today. Billie’s belting out the notes and I’m tucked away in a coffee shop corner, ear buds in place, lost in the mountain of memories that are Christmases past. (Not to sound all Charles Dickens’ ghost about it, but it’s true.)

I’m drawn back to the days when photos like this were taken. Circa 1984, Christmas felt simple. Like Billie’s voice– it's sweet around the edges, fragile in its beauty, and all these years later, still completely unforgettable.

In my mind’s eye, there’s a gentle snow drifting down outside that window. The tree is twinkling in the front room. I’m eating sugar cookies, listening to my dad play the guitar, and snuggling in that absolutely fabulous 1980s sweater as a fire crackles on the hearth.

That girl may not be a girl any more, but she remembers a few things about Christmas from yesteryear. The tiny brunette writer gal in the front is a bit taller now, and a whole lot blonder. (Ahem…) And she still watches It’s a Wonderful Life, quoting the famous line: “Every time a bell rings, and angel gets its wings” every Christmas Eve.

A mom now, she keenly remembers the magic of Christmas at that age. She remembers how incredible a real balsam pine smells. How she could never seem to fall sleep on Christmas Eve. How Christmas in her childhood was always, always about Jesus. She loved unwrapping the old Christmas ornaments– a few that used to hang on her grandparents’ trees in the 1940s and 50s– and still hang in her home today.

She’ll tell you she misses her Dad something fierce. She’ll tell you that the memories, the music, the classic movies and the 1980s sweaters have become so engraved on her heart that she couldn’t imagine a December without them. (Okay, she’s left the 1980s sweaters behind. Sorry. That was a must to get through the 90s.)

Billie's music and the twinkling tree in the coffee shop reminds me that yesteryear really isn't that far away. As long as we share the memories, they keep going. Keep blessing. Keep Christmas joy from being bottled in one heart. And that's what we're doing.

I’m delighted to be a part of a community of writers who are sharing their heart for Christmas – for nostalgia and the incredible gift of Jesus Christ to the world – and sharing it all month long. And we're kicking it off, right here!

#SpreadtheChristmasJOY16 kicks off today -- a CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY with 20+ authors, all sharing our Christmas memories in the month of December.

I hope you’ll stick with us to the end of the tour. I hope you'll grab your own mug of cozy, turn on the tree lights, and snuggle in to share the joy. After all, there’s more than enough sugar cookies and Billie Holiday songs to go around. And we’re making new memories here. Together. Because before we know it, today will be tomorrow's yesteryear.

With love & Christmas nostalgia,

_____________

Kristy Cambron has a background in art and design, but she fancies life as a vintage-inspired storyteller. She is the author of The Ringmaster’s Wife, named to Publishers Weekly Spring 2016 Religion & Spirituality TOP 10. Her novels have been named to Library Journal Reviews’ Best Books and RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards Best lists, and received a 2015 INSPY Awards nomination for best debut novel. The Illusionist’s Apprentice (HarperCollins, 2017) is her fourth novel.

Kristy holds a degree in Art History from Indiana University and has 15 years of experience in instructional design, corporate training, and communications for a Fortune-100 Corporation. Kristy lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons, where she can probably be bribed with a coconut mocha latte and a good read.

Connect with Kristy:
Facebook: Kristy Cambron | Twitter: @KCambronAuthor | Instagram: kristycambron
Pinterest: KCambronAuthor | Web: KristyCambron.com

*GIVEAWAY*

I will be offering a "Joy to the World" bookmark from my Etsy shop (see image here).

All giveaways run until January 2nd and winners will be announced shortly after. Use the image to the left to share on social media and don't forget the hashtag: #SpreadTheChristmasJoy16

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Holiday eBook DEALS under $5 you can't miss!

It's no secret that I'm CRAZY about Christmas. Christmas lights, Christmas music, Christmas cookies, Christmas decorations...well you get the point. SO it only makes sense that I would be crazy about Christmas books too. I've compiled a list of some amazing eBooks under $5* that are perfect for this holiday season. Treat yourself to a few and get in the Christmas spirit!

*The price was under $5 at the time I made this list ;-)

eBook Deals under $5



*Just a side note: I have not read all of these books so I'm not vouching for them being "good" necessarily. I did try to choose books from authors I know and have read other things from.

Perchance to Dream by JoAnn Durgin | New Novel News + GIVEAWAY

Perchance to Dream
by JoAnn Durgin

October 18, 2015
Independently Released
Purchase: Perchance to Dream
*This book will be on SALE Nov. 24-Nov. 30 for only $0.99! Make sure you take advantage of this great deal.

Ellie Franklin has known Ryan Sullivan her entire life. As their Christmas wedding approaches, Ryan is expected home from his second deployment to Afghanistan. Excitement is in the air as Ellie prepares for his homecoming, and the citizens of Cade’s Corner, Ohio, anxiously await the wedding of their hometown sweethearts.

When an unforeseen event occurs, will Ellie’s plans be postponed or will they come to a screeching halt? With her faith and family to sustain her, as well as the support of an entire town, will this bride’s prayers for a holiday miracle be answered?

A heartwarming novel of unfailing love, family, never giving up hope, and claiming the precious promises of God. And, through it all, discovering a true Christmas miracle.

Get to know JoAnn...

If you were a superhero, what would be your super power?
Do you know how much I’d dearly love to be able to crank out books on only a few hours of sleep a night? Sometimes I feel like that’s what I do, anyway, but I’m human and require rest or I couldn’t function properly. I must qualify that by saying I never want to sacrifice quality for quantity. The good Lord gives me just what I need when I need it (in all areas of my life), so let it be known: I am content. :)

Share one pet peeve you have.
I brush my teeth a lot and always carry my toothbrush in my purse. I’m almost fanatical about brushing my teeth after every meal and, call me weird, sometimes before meals. I brush in restaurants, stores, airports, you name it. Have toothbrush, will travel! is a personal motto. However, motion-activated sensors drive me nuts because I feel foolish waving the toothbrush around in front of the sink to get the water to come on. I’m also not fond of brushing with warm or hot water. But brush I do! I’m blessed with good strong teeth as a result.

Would you rather go to the future or go to the past?
Definitely the past. A long time ago, there was a TV show called The Time Tunnel about two guys (I’m sure they were scientists) who traveled back in time. In the first episode, they were passengers on the Titanic, and I also remember an episode about Pearl Harbor on the day it was bombed. They were always in a place of impending disaster…and then they were whisked to another time period just in time to save them. I loved that show; it was educational and it even had romance (star-crossed, but I still remember it)!

::WINNERS::

Congratulations to...

Merry Z

Congratulations to...

Melody Durant

Congratulations to...

Just Commonly

Cynthia Ruchti & Nadine Brandes | New Novel News + GIVEAWAY

An Endless Christmas
by Cynthia Ruchti

October 13, 2015
Worthy Inspired
Purchase: An Endless Christmas


On the way to Christmas with his family, Micah Binder asks Katie to marry him. She says no, but there is no getting out of Christmas now. The Binder family celebrates every Christmas as if it were their last. Too many people, too much snow, and too little room should be a recipe for disaster. But sometimes too much is just enough. Especially when it's Christmas.






Get to know Cynthia...

Favorite place you’ve traveled to? Monterey, CA

Favorite dessert? 
Crème brulee…with a chaser of cheesecake!

What's one chore you hate doing? 
Taxes. That was too simple. :-)

A Time To Speak
by Nadine Brandes

October 16, 2015
Enclave Publishing
Purchase: A Time To Speak

What happens when you live longer than you wanted to?

Parvin Blackwater wanted to die, but now she's being called to be a leader. The only problem is, no one wants to follow.

The Council uses Jude's Clock-matching invention to force "new-and-improved" Clocks on the public. Those who can't afford one are packed into boxcars like cattle and used for the Council's purposes.

Parvin and Hawke find themselves on a cargo ship of Radicals headed out to sea. What will the Council do to them? And why are people suddenly dying before their Clocks have zeroed-out?

Get to know Nadine...

If you were a superhero, what would be your super power?
My power would be to be able to jump into and out of storyworlds! It’s pretty much the best superpower ever. Seriously. I’m going to Hogwarts first. Then Narnia.

Favorite place you’ve traveled to? 
I’m addicted to traveling. So far, my favorite place is Russia. 1) Because I love the people and the language. 2) Because hubby and I do ministry there and it’s just…meant for us. :D 3) Much of my writing reflects some of their culture.

Would you rather go to the future or go to the past?
Well, as long as I didn’t have to stay there forever, I think I’d probably want to go to the past. I’d go there with my super-hubby and we’d learn how to dance like pros. Plus…hubby looks good in a fedora. :D

Go join Nadine's awesome Facebook Party TOMORROW (October 20th)! There will be some awesome prizes :D
https://www.facebook.com/events/1121961131167200/ 

 _______________________

::WINNER::

It's time to announce the winner from last week's New Novel News about Vannetta Chapman and her new release, Anna's Healing! Congratulations to...

Susan Fletcher


I'll send you an email Susan! And everyone else, if you didn't win I'd recommend coming back often. I love giveaways and, speaking of, I will be hosting a fall giveaway at the end of the week!!! You heard it first here :D Thanks for being faithful readers!

Elizabeth Maddrey | Spread the Christmas Joy

Christmas will always equate to family in my head. Growing up, our family of four would make the long trek to California from New Mexico where my dad’s family was all congregating. He’s one of seven, so by the time everyone was gathered there were a ton of people running around my grandparent’s house. It was noisy and disorganized (despite Grandma’s best efforts), but it was fun. And there was food. Oh the food.

My grandpa was a Navy cook in World War I and, when he got out, he opened up several restaurants in the San Joaquin Valley area where they lived. But being from a large German Mennonite family, my grandmother was no slouch in the kitchen either. Even still, as much as I remember eating well at every meal, what I remember most was Christmas morning breakfast, because that was when we had waffles with vanilla sauce.

Grandma would man the waffle maker with precision and enlist someone to help stir the vanilla sauce. I got to do it several times and it always felt like a special job to be the one in charge of watching to catch the moment when the thickening had reached its final point, flicking off the heat before it overcooked and the sauce broke but still being sure not to quit too soon and leave the aunts, uncles, and cousins whining about soupy vanilla sauce. We’d jostle around the table angling for more, everyone heaping the sauce onto the waffles, good-hearted teasing about whether waffles should be slightly uncooked in the center or crispy or somewhere in between. When the waffles were eaten and every last drip of sauce licked up, we’d settle in the living room for a church service to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to realize that not everyone understands that a waffle is not something you dig out of a box, throw in the toaster, and then slather with butter and syrup. That will do in a pinch, but a waffle can be a thing of beauty if topped with the creamy goodness that is my grandmother’s vanilla sauce. Since it’s not a heavily guarded family secret (I double checked with my mom – we’re good), I thought I’d share the recipe. I encourage you to give it a try – I can almost guarantee you’ll never go back to butter and syrup.


Vanilla Sauce

2 Cups milk – heat in a saucepan on the stove, stirring to ensure it doesn’t stick, don’t let it boil.
1 egg
½ Cup sugar
½ Cup milk
4 heaping Tablespoons flour
1 tsp vanilla

Mix the egg, sugar, milk, flour and vanilla in a bowl until combined. When the milk in the saucepan is hot (not scalding), whisk the egg mixture into the milk. Continue stirring on the stove until the sauce is thick and creamy. Don’t let it boil and don’t stop stirring!

Spoon (I recommend liberal spooning) over hot waffles and enjoy. Leftover sauce (ha!) can be frozen in ice cube trays covered with plastic wrap. Microwave a cube or two for 20 seconds and use for everyday waffle heaven.

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Elizabeth Maddrey began writing stories as soon as she could form the letters properly and has never looked back. Though her practical nature and love of math and organization steered her into computer science for college and graduate school, she has always had one or more stories in progress to occupy her free time. When she isn’t writing, Elizabeth is a voracious consumer of books and has mastered the art of reading while undertaking just about any other activity. She loves to write about Christians who struggle through their lives, dealing with sin and receiving God’s grace.

Elizabeth lives in the suburbs of Washington D.C. with her husband and their two incredibly active little boys. She invites you to interact with her at her website www.ElizabethMaddrey.com or on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ElizabethMaddrey

Website: http://www.ElizabethMaddrey.com
Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/ElizabethMaddrey
Twitter: @elizabethmaddre
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