What’s Happening In Narelle’s World?

Dear Friends,

Welcome to December! It’s hard to believe we’re only a week out from Christmas and two weeks away from the arrival of 2024. It’s summer in Australia and we’re getting a reprieve in the weather this weekend after heatwave conditions with unseasonal high humidity for the last week or so. I’m glad the Christmas weather prediction is pleasantly warm days rather than hot with humidity. I’ve had a busy month catching up with family and friends. I’m looking forward to taking a break at Christmas and spending more time with my family as we move into the New Year and our summer vacation season.

I’ve watched a few Christmas movies and they often talk about Christmas being a season for miracles. In our family we’re welcoming a family member for Christmas who is sober and doing well after struggling for decades with alcoholism. It reminds me of the Biblical prodigal story, and how God never gives up on His lost sheep. I’m now experiencing the joy of having a healthy relationship with this person who has hope for a better life without being a slave to an addiction. God is good. I hope and pray you have a wonderful and blessed Christmas and New Year break with your family and friends.

StoryChats @ InspyRomance Podcast/YouTube 

Valerie Comer, Elizabeth Maddrey, and I have so much fun recording our StoryChats @ InspyRomance episodes for the Podcast and YouTube. Here's the list of our recent episodes.

Episode 153: Can’t Fight the Mistletoe by Jaycee Weaver

Episode 152: December Recent Reads

Episode 151: Falling for a Real Cowboy by Karen Baney

Episode 150: CCR set in Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona

Book Recommendations

I’ve shared a few book recommendations on my blog since I sent out my last newsletter.

Book Recommendation – Falling for a Real Cowboy by Karen Baney

Book Recommendation – Heart in the Clouds by Jennifer Mistmorgan

My recent Christmas book recommendations are included below in my December giveaway. I’ll be sharing my Christmas reading journal entries on my blog in my 7 Day Countdown to Christmas — starting Monday.

For those interested in learning about Christian fiction new releases, I also compile a monthly new releases post on my blog — Christian Fiction New Releases - December 2023.

Christmas Paperback Giveaway - Winners Choice

This month I’m switching my focus to Christmas books. I have 7 books that I’ve read in recent months that are included in my 7 Day Countdown to Christmas blog post series starting December 18. The books are either CCR (contemporary Christian romance) or sweet/clean contemporary romance with a Christian worldview underpinning the story. Here are the links to my Christmas book recommendations:

Book Recommendation – The Christmas Box by Jessica Wakefield

https://www.narelleatkins.com/book-recommendation-the-christmas-box-by-jessica-wakefield/

Book Recommendation – Christmas Ella by Angela Ruth Strong

https://www.narelleatkins.com/book-recommendation-christmas-ella-by-angela-ruth-strong/

Book Recommendation – Can’t Fight the Mistletoe by Jaycee Weaver

https://www.narelleatkins.com/book-recommendation-cant-fight-the-mistletoe-by-jaycee-weaver/

Book Recommendation – Potato Flake Christmas by Cathe Swanson

https://www.narelleatkins.com/book-recommendation-potato-flake-christmas-by-cathe-swanson/

Book Recommendation – Mama Dated Santa by Amy R. Anguish

https://www.narelleatkins.com/book-recommendation-mama-dated-santa-by-amy-r-anguish/

Book Recommendation – All’s Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon

https://www.narelleatkins.com/book-recommendation-alls-fair-in-love-and-christmas-by-sarah-monzon/

Book Recommendation – You Make It Feel Like Christmas by Toni Shiloh

https://www.narelleatkins.com/book-recommendation-you-make-it-feel-like-christmas-by-toni-shiloh/

The paperback giveaway is open to readers with USA and Australian mailing addresses who can receive paperback books from Amazon USA or Amazon Australia, The choice of book is subject to availability from Amazon.

I’m happy to substitute an ebook for readers who live outside USA and Australia, as long as they have digital access to ebooks at either Amazon USA or Amazon Australia and can redeem an Amazon gift card for the equivalent US or Australian ebook price at the US or Australian store.

To enter the giveaway, please reply to this email by DECEMBER 26, 2023 (USA Pacific West Coast Time Zone) and include your first name and the name of the country where you live and include the book title that you'd like to win. 

The winner will be contacted by DECEMBER 28, 2023 to arrange the delivery of their paperback book. 

Our November winner, Lana B from USA, chose A Wide and Pleasant Place.

Questions for You

Have you read many Christmas books in recent weeks? Do you read Christmas books during the Christmas season or all year round?

I look forward to hearing your thoughts, and I will do my best to reply to your emails within 7 days. If I receive an undelivered email message, I’ll try again and send a second reply. If you don’t receive a reply from me, please let me know because emails can go astray. I can be contacted via my website.

Final Thoughts

Thank you for journeying with me on my often crazy and challenging book publishing journey. If you’re a praying person, I’d love continued prayers for my writing schedule. Life has been busy and I miss having time to focus on my writing. I’m thankful that Long Covid hasn’t returned and my mother’s health is stable. I appreciate all your prayers, good thoughts, and support.

Blessings and love to you,

Narelle xo