For almost a month now, I've been giving sneak peeks into MY story in the novella collection releasing TOMORROW! But today, I'm passing the torch and letting Heather Greer post about her story and why winter is such an intrinsic part of it. Be sure to read to the end so you won't miss the next clue in our scavenger hunt! Spring is too wet and the ground is a big muddy mess. Summer is too hot and not even the draw of a great glass of lemonade can make it less so. Autumn is perfect. Always. Winter is often cold and dark. Why, then, did I choose winter for my novella, Sugar and Spice? While the temperatures may leave something to be desired, I cannot deny the beauty of the season. Despite the cold, there’s beauty in winter. When snow blankets the bare branches of trees and rests on the needles of evergreens set against a wintery blue sky, the result is breathtaking. When sunlight hits the snow-covered ground creating an ocean of sparkling diamonds out of the field behind my house, the two sights blend with the unique hush accompanying snow to evoke a sense of serenity. The peacefulness ushers in a spirit of fellowship with God and the desire to create my own beautiful work. And when I can enjoy God’s presence in the stillness of His creation from behind the window of my office while enjoying a mug of rich hot chocolate, that’s even better! As beautiful it is, there’s something even more inspiring than snow in winter. Christmas. The spiritual meaning behind “God with us” that starts in the manger and ends at the cross is the reason I write faith-filled stories. Re-reading the story I’ve heard since I was born and finding new depth and meaning with each reading amazes me. Listening to those gifted with music praise God’s provision in song each year helps lead me straight into God’s presence and settle His message of love and hope into my heart. It’s beautiful and wonderful and completely beyond my understanding how God constantly causes His story to come alive in new ways each year. Even looking beyond the spiritual aspects I find wonder and joy. The visual comfort food of enjoying the same Christmas movies each year adds to the experience. Colorful lights twinkling from porches and around windows bring a smile as I drive through festive neighborhoods. Exercising my love of baking and gift giving at the same time by creating cookie trays to give away lifts my spirits. Traditions enjoyed each December tie me to those who came before me and convince me that I’ll be connected to my loved ones long after I’m gone. Christmas is the highlight of a season already full of beauty on its own. The time of God’s greatest gift is the perfect season for Emmie and Ryker’s story of forgiving hurts and finding hope. And I can easily imagine the warmth of Emmie’s ovens chasing away the cold as the sweet scent of sugar and the earth scents of ginger and cinnamon mingle together in the air. I don’t think a warm oven would as welcome during the heat of summer. With the beauty, serenity, and love captured in the season of winter, I can’t think of a time of year I’d rather write about. Unless, of course, it’s autumn. Maybe next time. Sugar and Spice by Heather Greer Emeline Becker, owner of Sugar and Spice Bakery, loves New Kuchenbrünn, except for the Gingerbread Festival. As the only bakery, she supplies the one treat she can’t stand. It’s gingerbread everywhere. Emmie’s cookie threatens to crumble completely when Ryker Lehmann returns to town to photograph the festival. Her secret teen crush and witness to her worst humiliation. His leaving broke her heart. Now he’s back and determined to fix their friendship before the festival ends. With gingerbread and Ryker together, how will Emmie survive the festival with her mind and heart intact? Heather Greer is a preacher’s kid and pastor’s wife who loves using her passion for reading and writing to encourage others in their faith. She has been a finalist for the Selah awards twice. In addition to all things book related, Heather loves baking. Christmas baking is her favorite, and each year, she makes dozens of treats to pass on to her family and friends in southern Illinois. And while it isn’t her favorite, she’s even been known to add gingerbread people to her cookie trays. Follow her here. Join the Love in Any Season Social Media Scavenger Hunt. Collect all 15 clues to complete the phrase. Submit the phrase to enter the drawing. Clue # 5 is ROMANCE. If you’ve missed a clue, check out my website at abitofanguish.weebly.com where an updated list of clue links and the link to entry submission can be found. Contest ends 11:59pm on October 4th. Open to US Only.
3 Comments
9/26/2022 08:43:20 am
Even though our cold weather usually comes after Christmas, winter is the season for “getting all up in my feels.” With so many traditions and celebrations, romance is everywhere. Looking forward to your gingerbread love/hate novella!
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9/26/2022 10:33:25 am
Our coldest weather generally comes after Christmas too, but we do enjoy the occasional white Christmas. Not as many as when I was a kid, but maybe that makes them more memorable. And I'm with you. I love the traditions of Christmas. They tie the me of today together with the me at each stage in my life so far. There's something special about that.
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Cindi Knowles
9/30/2022 03:13:52 pm
I like Thanksgiving the most during the winter. We come together more as a family.
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