A New Hope for Christmas

 

This Christmas, Two Lost and Broken Families Need Restoration.

Sam Jarrett was just starting to explore spiritual things when his world was shattered. Now, he’s completely turned his back on God. Laura Preston is a devoted believer, leaning heavily on her faith to get her through each tortured day.

Two Chance Meetings Spark a Friendship and a Glimmer of Hope.

Sam battles God’s prodding through Laura’s gentle, caring spirit. When another tragedy strikes on Christmas Eve, Sam is sure that God has completely deserted him. Laura tries to show Sam that God loves him and has been there all the time, but how can Sam trust when he has no faith?

A New Hope for Christmas is a story of restored faith in a God who never leaves us, even when we can’t see or feel Him near.

 My thoughts: This was such a beautiful, emotional read! I have noticed that we all deal with grief in different ways, which makes sense since we are all unique. Both the characters in this story have lost their spouse and are dealing with their grief over the losses in different ways. When a chance encounter brings them together, can they find healing and love? 

This is a wonderful story to pick up this holiday season! I enjoyed getting to know the characters as they grew and changed through the course of the story.

I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review.

Click here to get your copy! This post contains affiliate links.

 

About the Author

Erin Stevenson has been writing fiction since 2014. She has published independently with Pelican Book Group and Winged Publications and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

Writing is like breathing to Erin. Stories are running through her mind during most of her waking hours, and by the time she sits down at the computer, the words flow and time ceases to exist.

Erin was raised in Illinois and has lived in many places in the U.S., including on both coasts, but is a Midwest girl at heart. She spent many years as an educator from pre-school through college levels, and currently works in training and internal communications for a global corporation.

When she’s not writing, Erin loves spending time with her children and grandchildren, and playing in the garden (which equates to mostly pulling weeds) at her central Iowa home. Her secret indulgence is plain M&Ms.

 

More from Erin

Dealing with loss is a universal, shared experience. One of the most difficult things about losing someone is enduring the special days and holidays with a gaping hole in your life and memory.

In November, 2019, I saw a post on social media seeking prayers for a family in Texas who had been in a car accident. The father and one child died, the mother and the other child survived. That inspired me to write a short story about how the grieving family got through their first holidays, and when I discovered the Christmas Extravaganza opportunity, I expanded and modified it to fit. I love when real-life gives me inspiration to write.

One of the sub-themes I wanted to include in the book was the importance of having a support network, no matter what your circumstances. The book’s main female character, Laura, had a network comprised of family, church family, and co-workers. They made the difference in her ability to cope during her time of loss.

Sometimes, I’ve made better use of a support network than others. In one of the darkest times of my life, I withdrew into my shell and wonder now if I would have weathered that storm in a better way had I reached out to the many people who wanted to help.

Are you part of a support network? If not, can you think of a way to become involved with one?

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 4

Texas Book-aholic, November 5

Cats in the Cradle Blog, November 5

deb’s Book Review, November 6

Inklings and notions, November 7

For Him and My Family, November 8

By the Book, November 8

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 11

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 12 (Spotlight)

Britt Reads Fiction, November 12

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 13

Splashes of Joy, November 14

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 15

Sodbuster Living, November 16

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 17

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Erin is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/137e4/a-new-hope-for-christmas-celebration-tour-giveaway