Today, it’s my turn in the holiday hot seat, discussing my latest release, Her Homegrown Christmas Wish.

Tell us how your characters celebrate the holidays

Hannah Beacon lives and works with her family so tradition is a huge part of her life. As the owners of the town’s bakery, the Beacons enjoy their busiest season from November 1st through January 2nd. Hannah’s family closes the bakery on Christmas Day (although her brother Mike is known to sneak in for a few hours mid-morning to fulfill any last minute orders) so they squeeze all the celebrating into twenty-four hours.

Daniel Ford celebrates with his momager at a fancy hotel dinner on Christmas Eve in LA.

Does you hero have a favorite Christmas carol or movie? Does your heroine?

Daniel’s favorite Christmas movie is White Christmas. Raised by a single mom, they watched it together every year and have continued to do so as he has become an adult.

Hannah doesn’t have a lot of time for TV or movies. But her favorite Christmas carol is Silent Night.

What is the theme of this book? If it’s part of a series, how does this book fit into the series?

This is book 4 in the Home to Harmony series. Every story so far has been about forgiveness and second chances. But in this book, the themes are dialed all the way up. The hero and heroine both need a lot of the former to make the latter happen.

Why do you write this genre? Do you write any other genres?

I write this genre because I love instilling my books with hope. I also write sweet, contemporary romance and readers of mine won’t notice a huge difference between the two. In my Christian books, faith takes a more prominent role.

Any tips to share with fellow authors/aspiring authors? What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?

Everyone’s journey is unique. You can’t compare yourself and where you are at with someone else. Just because you and a friend started writing at the same time doesn’t mean you’ll hit the same milestones. This can be really hard! I think having a community of fellow authors is fundamental to improving your skills and continuing to write, but when all of your friends are successful and you aren’t, you can get discouraged. Once you stop comparing yourself, you free yourself to really be joyful for others.

What is your favorite Christmas tradition and/or memory?

I love how Christmas evolves as my children grow. In recent years, we have started visiting professional, walk through light displays (in our cold Chicagoland Decembers, this isn’t something I’d recommend with a baby).

Finally! Answer for either yourself or your characters: Real Christmas tree? Or fake?

This is a hot debate at my house right now! I love a real Christmas tree but this year was thinking I’d appreciate the convenience of a fake one (our weekends are so busy).

For my characters, it has to be a real tree to be allowed in the Beacon house. No substitutions.

Click here for the Home to Harmony series

Calling all holiday-themed readers! We’re celebrating Christmas and the holidays all month long at N. N. Light’s Book Heaven’s Christmas and Holiday Book Festival. 30 holiday-themed books featured plus a chance to win a $75 Amazon gift card.

I’m thrilled to be a part of this event. My book, Her Homegrown Christmas Wish, is featured today! Each author shares a family holiday tradition, including me. You won’t want to miss it.

Bookmark this event and come back every day:

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/christmas-holiday-festival

Giveaway details:

You must have an active Amazon US or Amazon Canada account to be eligible. Open internationally.

Runs December 1 – 31 

Drawing will be held on January 3, 2023. 

Buy the book on Amazon, click here

Welcome, Katy!

Tell us how your characters celebrate the holidays

April’s family is very close, so they all gather at her parents’ house for a big meal, exchanging of gifts, and eating Christmas cookies. Except maybe this year, as her dad is battling cancer and cookies are the last thing on their minds. Jake’s celebrations are more low-key since his dad retired to Florida. If he isn’t able to travel for the holidays, he celebrates with his sister and friends.

Does your hero have a favorite Christmas carol or movie? Does your heroine?

None featured in the novella, but Jake is like a big, innocent kid so he’d probably like Home Alone. I would peg April as a fan of It’s a Wonderful Life.

What is the theme of this book?

The theme is to persevere through the challenges we face and not to shut out those trying to help in the process. There is often nothing we can do to change our circumstances, but we do have a choice about how we respond. Rely on the help of others and take our worries to God!

Why do you write this genre? What inspired this story? Do you write any other genres?

I write Christian romance because I think it’s the perfect mix of inspiration and innocent entertainment. There’s nothing like getting wrapped up in a sweet story that has you rooting for the hero and heroine while also being encouraged in your faith. I don’t recall where I came up with the plot for this story, but my dad had cancer when I was about April’s age, so it was easy to write about the feelings and events she faced in the story.  

Any tips to share with fellow authors/aspiring authors? What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?

Continue to do what you love! But do it for the joy of writing – don’t expect to get rich off of it 🙂 That said, establishing a core group of readers that will help you promote your book is helpful, as you can only reach so many people through your own network and social media channels.

What is your favorite Christmas tradition and/or memory?

I have two sons, ages 11 and 14. Ever since they were old enough, we’ve had an annual tradition of baking various kinds of Christmas cookies with my mom, my sister, and my nieces. We look forward to it every year, and we’re constantly on the lookout for new recipes to add to our stash!

Finally! Real Christmas tree? Or fake?

Real – love the smell! And each year you get a slightly different look.