Book Review - Country Courtship by Kathy Carmichael, Texas Two-Step Series Book 3 plus FREE EBOOK & $20 Amazon/Paypal Giveaway!!

Only 99c reduced from $3.99 until 12/31
The Texas Two-Step romantic comedy series is a reader favorite. All of the stories in the series are sweet, charming and emotional contemporary romance. Each story in the series stands alone, but all Texas Two-Step novels and novellas feature love stories about members of the Nelson, Murphy or Palmer families — and sometimes, more than one!

When Kelli Palmer meets Bobby Gray Nelson at a family get-together, their attraction is immediate. But Kelli's kid sister already has dibs on Bobby Gray.

Bobby Gray Nelson never takes no for an answer, a resolve that made him a rodeo champion.

But Kelli is standing her ground.

Now Bobby Gray must do something he's never done: woo the woman who's already claimed his heart, and earn permission to place his brand on hers.

Country Courtship is the third sweet romance in the Texas Two-Step contemporary romance series from USA Today bestselling author Kathy Carmichael. Previously titled: Kissing Kelli

Available to buy at only 99c (until 12/31) from...

Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble   iBooks   Kobo

“I have always had a hard time leisurely reading any of Kathy Carmichael’s books and this one was no exception. This delightful story is sure to please her many and varied fans!” ~ Kathy Boswell, Fresh Fiction

Another beautifully sweet romance from Kathy Carmichael. I simply adore this series. Country Courtship is sweet, funny, and incredibly romantic. I highly recommend it.

~ Reviewer on Amazon

Our Book Review
A fun loving romance with Kathy's enjoyable writing flair that brings a smile to your face as your read it.

Having loved the characters in her first book, Chasing Charlie, I was really looking forward to reading this one too. Although these are in a series they are complete stand alone reads.

Persistence is the key in this romance, bringing two people together who initially consider the situation as doing a favor for each other, 'one good turn deserves another'.  Kelli is a vet who seems to attract all the male attention even when she doesn't want it, leaving her younger sister, Lori, fed up and full of jealousy.  When Bobby Gray enters the scene, Lori's ranch owner friend, he only has his mind set on Kelli which stirs up a heap of sister trouble, whether there is a relationship or not.

With cowboys, animals in need of tlc and these two trying to figure it all out it this is another entertaining quick read from the author.

Our Rating

Also Available
Chasing Charlie, Texas Two-Step Series Book 1 FREE EBOOK
Raised in a family of rodeo champions on a South Texas cattle ranch, Charlie wants only one thing: to avoid thrill-seeking cowboys.

Davis Murphy, cowboy wannabe and one of Dallas's most eligible bachelors, needs a pretty and witty faux fiancée so his widowed mother will marry her longtime gentleman friend.

Charlie, his local librarian, seems the prefect choice.

Charlie's first reaction is to run, but she's promised herself to step out of her plain-jane routine.

When Charlie accepts, Davis's plan is set. But now Charlie's sweet ways are challenging his bachelor heart.

FREE from the following sites....

Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble   iBooks   Kobo

The Lassoed Bride (a novella), Texas Two-Step Series Book 2 NEW RELEASE
A Novella. Six years ago, Barbara Palmer fell head-over-heels for cocky cowboy Ben O'Shea. He was devastatingly appealing, and he knew it. He had her heart—until the day he stood her up and disappeared. Now he’s back, determined to take up again where they left off—even though she's about to marry another man.

Despite all the growing up Ben has done in the past six years, including the highly successful dude ranch he's built that's made him a millionaire—he's never forgotten Barb and he wants her back.

But her wedding grows closer every day. He has to win back her love and her trust, before she's lost to him forever.

Available to buy from...

Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble   iBooks   Kobo

THE TEXAS TWO-STEP, in series order
Western Pleasure (A Novella) (Book 0)
Chasing Charlie (Book 1) 
The Lassoed Bride (A Novella) (Book 2)
Country Courtship (Book 3)
Courting Trouble (Book 4)
My Southern Bride (Book 5)

About the Author
USA Today Bestselling author Kathy Carmichael resides on the west coast of Florida with her Scottish husband, two not-so-wee sons, three cats, a part-time dog, and a huge collection of dust bunnies.

Kathy writes award-winning romantic comedies and humorous mysteries. Her Texas Two-Step romance series is a reader favorite. Kathy's romantic comedy, Hot Flash, was named by the American Library Association's BOOKLIST magazine as one of the Top 10 Romance Fiction titles for 2009.

In addition to her novels, she’s sold short stories and wrote a bi-monthly column on the business of writing for a national writing trade magazine. Kathy is also a contest judge for Writers Digest. She’s a member of the International Thriller Writers, an active member of the Mystery Writers of America, Sisters-in-Crime, Novelists Inc., the Florida chapter of MWA, is the published author liaison of the Tampa Area Romance Authors, and is an active member and past national board member of the Romance Writers of America.

Kathy loves hearing from readers.

Find the author on the following sites...

Website   Facebook   Twitter   Google+   Pinterest   Goodreads   Amazon Author Page

Subscribe to Kathy’s Readers Group HERE and receive the link to download your free digital copy of Western Pleasure! You don’t want to miss out on the fun stuff Kathy offers, including contests just for her subscribers

Read an excerpt from Country Courtship HERE

Follow the Book Tour

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY

Win $20 Amazon.com GC / Paypal Cash (winners choice) 
Open Worldwide
Ending on Tuesday 22nd December at 11.59pm EST

Enter Below and Good Luck !!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sharon x

Are you a book reviewer or book blogger? Join our book tours reviewers team - Apply Here x

    

http://www.beckvalleybooks.co.uk 

http://www.beckvalleybooks.blogspot.com

BOOK TOUR & Giveaway - Country Courtship by Kathy Carmichael, Texas Two-Step Series Book 3 plus FREE EBOOK!!

The Texas Two-Step romantic comedy series is a reader favorite. All of the stories in the series are sweet, charming and emotional contemporary romance. Each story in the series stands alone, but all Texas Two-Step novels and novellas feature love stories about members of the Nelson, Murphy or Palmer families — and sometimes, more than one!

When Kelli Palmer meets Bobby Gray Nelson at a family get-together, their attraction is immediate. But Kelli's kid sister already has dibs on Bobby Gray.

Bobby Gray Nelson never takes no for an answer, a resolve that made him a rodeo champion.

But Kelli is standing her ground.

Now Bobby Gray must do something he's never done: woo the woman who's already claimed his heart, and earn permission to place his brand on hers.

Country Courtship is the third sweet romance in the Texas Two-Step contemporary romance series from USA Today bestselling author Kathy Carmichael. Previously titled: Kissing Kelli

Available to buy from...

Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble   iBooks   Kobo

“I have always had a hard time leisurely reading any of Kathy Carmichael’s books and this one was no exception. This delightful story is sure to please her many and varied fans!” ~ Kathy Boswell, Fresh Fiction

Another beautifully sweet romance from Kathy Carmichael. I simply adore this series. Country Courtship is sweet, funny, and incredibly romantic. I highly recommend it.

~ Reviewer on Amazon

Also Available
Chasing Charlie, Texas Two-Step Series Book 1 FREE EBOOK
Raised in a family of rodeo champions on a South Texas cattle ranch, Charlie wants only one thing: to avoid thrill-seeking cowboys.

Davis Murphy, cowboy wannabe and one of Dallas's most eligible bachelors, needs a pretty and witty faux fiancée so his widowed mother will marry her longtime gentleman friend.

Charlie, his local librarian, seems the prefect choice.

Charlie's first reaction is to run, but she's promised herself to step out of her plain-jane routine.

When Charlie accepts, Davis's plan is set. But now Charlie's sweet ways are challenging his bachelor heart.

FREE from the following sites....

Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble   iBooks   Kobo

The Lassoed Bride (a novella), Texas Two-Step Series Book 2 

A Novella. Six years ago, Barbara Palmer fell head-over-heels for cocky cowboy Ben O'Shea. He was devastatingly appealing, and he knew it. He had her heart—until the day he stood her up and disappeared. Now he’s back, determined to take up again where they left off—even though she's about to marry another man.

Despite all the growing up Ben has done in the past six years, including the highly successful dude ranch he's built that's made him a millionaire—he's never forgotten Barb and he wants her back.

But her wedding grows closer every day. He has to win back her love and her trust, before she's lost to him forever.

Available to buy from...

Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble  Kobo    iBooks   

THE TEXAS TWO-STEP, in series order
Western Pleasure (A Novella) (Book 0)
Chasing Charlie (Book 1) 
The Lassoed Bride (A Novella) (Book 2)
Country Courtship (Book 3)
Courting Trouble (Book 4)
My Southern Bride (Book 5)

About the Author
USA Today Bestselling author Kathy Carmichael resides on the west coast of Florida with her Scottish husband, two not-so-wee sons, three cats, a part-time dog, and a huge collection of dust bunnies.

Kathy writes award-winning romantic comedies and humorous mysteries. Her Texas Two-Step romance series is a reader favorite. Kathy's romantic comedy, Hot Flash, was named by the American Library Association's BOOKLIST magazine as one of the Top 10 Romance Fiction titles for 2009.

In addition to her novels, she’s sold short stories and wrote a bi-monthly column on the business of writing for a national writing trade magazine. Kathy is also a contest judge for Writers Digest. She’s a member of the International Thriller Writers, an active member of the Mystery Writers of America, Sisters-in-Crime, Novelists Inc., the Florida chapter of MWA, is the published author liaison of the Tampa Area Romance Authors, and is an active member and past national board member of the Romance Writers of America.

Kathy loves hearing from readers.

Find the author on the following sites...

Website   Facebook   Twitter   Google+   Pinterest   Goodreads   Amazon Author Page

Subscribe to Kathy’s Readers Group HERE and receive the link to download your free digital copy of Western Pleasure! You don’t want to miss out on the fun stuff Kathy offers, including contests just for her subscribers

Read an excerpt from Country Courtship HERE

Follow the Book Tour

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY

Win $20 Amazon.com GC / Paypal Cash (winners choice) 
Open Worldwide
Ending on Tuesday 22nd December at 11.59pm EST

Enter Below and Good Luck !!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sharon x

Are you a book reviewer or book blogger? Join our book tours reviewers team - Apply Here x

    

http://www.beckvalleybooks.co.uk 

http://www.beckvalleybooks.blogspot.com

Only 99c !! Comedy & Cozy Bundle by Kathy Carmichael

Only 99c for limited time!!

Four complete stories: Sweet Romance and Cozy Mystery Reads from USA Today bestseller Kathy Carmichael. 

This boxed set features the first two titles from Kathy's Texas Two-Step Series and her Skullduggery Inn Cozy Reads Series. "For charming romantic comedies, Kathy Carmichael never disappoints." ~ Debra Webb 

Western Pleasure — The Texas Two-Step Series —Novella — Book 0 

Jim Turner has always loved Ellen Murphy. But Ellen was already happily married. 

Following the death of Ellen’s husband, Jim was right by her side, helping her. Now, more than friendly support and business advice seems possible, but what will her friends and family think? 

While Jim works to find the courage to step out of the ‘friend zone,’ Ellen worries she’s about to lose a friendship of a lifetime. 

Chasing Charlie — The Texas Two-Step Series — Book 1 

Raised in a family of rodeo champions on a South Texas cattle ranch, Charlie wants only one thing: to avoid thrill-seeking cowboys. 

Davis Murphy, cowboy wannabe and one of Dallas’s most eligible bachelors, needs a pretty and witty faux fiancee so his widowed mother will marry her longtime gentleman friend. 

Charlie, his local librarian, seems the prefect choice. 

Charlie’s first reaction is to run, but she’s promised herself to step out of her plain-jane routine. 

When Charlie accepts, Davis’s plan is set. But now Charlie’s sweet ways are challenging his bachelor heart. 

My Favorite Corpse, a Skullduggery Inn Cozy Read — Novella — #1 

My Favorite Corpse centers around Ashley Sands, the owner of the mystery-themed Skullduggery Inn located on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay. An amateur sleuth, Ashley finds a corpse washed to shore at her inn's private beach. She must learn what happened before her guests begin checking out. While Ashley’s mystery weekend guests usually enjoy the occasional dead body, they prefer the never-previously-animated kind. 

Mayhem on the Winterland Express, a Skullduggery Inn Cozy Read — Short Story — #2 

A valuable necklace disappears, and Ashley Sands, owner of the mystery-themed Skullduggery Inn located on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay, must discover who-dun-it or the fundraiser to build a no-kill animal shelter will be terminated. 

About Chasing Charlie: "One word, charming! Second word, delightful. ... A refreshingly written book and would make a great movie." ~ Diane Russel, New Book Reviews 

Don't Miss Out!!

Kindle: http://amzn.com/B00YZ5ZH7M

Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/comedy-cozy-bundle-kathy-carmichael/1122141476?ean=2940152166439 

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/comedy-cozy-bundle/id1006851093?mt=11

Sharon x

Are you a book reviewer or book blogger? Join our book tours reviewers team - Apply Here x

    
http://www.beckvalleybooks.co.uk 
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Reduced to $1.99 until 5/16 ONLY!! Here Comes Trouble by Kathy Carmichael

Reduced to $1.99 until 5/16 ONLY!! 

Here Comes Trouble by Kathy Carmichael

RIO AWARD OF EXCELLENCE: 1st Place Short Contemporary Romance 

"A laugh a minute riot of a book." - Kathy Boswell -- From The Best Reviews 

Grab it now for only $1.99!!

on KINDLE  

For Paperback readers $9.99

AMAZON

Will the reunion between Quin and Stella lead them to a love that will last a lifetime? 

When international investigative reporter Quin Gregory returns home to the small town of Littlemouth, Kansas, to recuperate from injuries sustained on the job, he never imagined that he would go dumpster diving for an injured dog or that his mother would interfere with his love life. She and her zany group of friends called TROUBLE (The Readers Organization Uniting Book-loving Littlemouth Elites) decide to set him up with homebody school teacher, and his childhood love, Stella Goody. 

Once he recovers, Quin plans to go right back into the danger, and that’s exactly what Stella Goody is determined to avoid. She loves the challenges of teaching school and the safe life she’s made for herself in Littlemouth. She knows Quin has always been trouble, and the last thing she wants is for him to break her heart again. 

Can he convince Stella to risk a chance on love and on him?

Remember this fab offer ends 16th May !!

Sharon x

Are you a book reviewer or book blogger? Join our book tours reviewers team - Apply Here x

    
http://www.beckvalleybooks.co.uk 
http://www.beckvalleybooks.blogspot.com

Book Review - Hot Flash by Kathy Carmichael plus $25 Amazon / Paypal Giveaway

What's the recipe for a happy marriage?

That's what chef Jill Morgan Storm wants to know, and according to responses to the "Marriage Satisfaction Surveys" she and her closest friends cooked up, the answer is to marry a traveling salesman who is rarely home.

And Jill certainly deserves some happiness, after everything she's been going through. Her teen-aged son, who only speaks to her in French, needs college tuition. Her crazy mother is determined to find her a man—and only brings her unsuitable ones. A pesky schoolteacher keeps annoyingly trying to fix her life. Her sous chef job is in jeopardy, and, most aggravating of all, her ex-boyfriend has absconded with her favorite skillet.

What's a single mom to do?

Faced with the answers to her surveys, she sets off to find the traveling salesman who can share her dreams. Along the way, can she find herself and a man who will claim her heart?

Available to buy from...

Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble    iBooks   Kobo

"Witty dialogue and wickedly funny characterizations make Kathy Carmichael’s Hot Flash a jewel among romantic comedies. Great fun!"
~ Eve Gaddy, Harlequin Superromance author

"Hot Flash is a keeper! It has heart, and I’m going to read it again. And again. Wonderfully well done! 

~ Kay James, Romance Reader at Heart

"I have never laughed or cried so hard as I have with this truly wonderful book!" 

 —Kathy Boswell, managing editor, The Best Reviews

"I highly recommend Hot Flash to anyone who loves to read romance. You will not be disappointed." —Romance Junkies

Our Book Review
Sit down, relax and get ready to smile your way through this fun read.  Poor Jill, her life is basically in chaos, not only is her failed marriage unusual, her ex is now a woman, she's been recently dumped, her fathers in prison and she's working as a Sous Chef in a highly acclaimed restaurant alongside a drug/alcohol addict of a Head Chef who enjoys the odd grope or two.

As if that wasn't enough, now single, her one aim is to find a way to fund  her sons college.  What is she to do?  Well she sends a survey, of course, to happily married women on the secrets of marital success.  The only common factor is hubbie being away from home so there's the mission, to find Mr Right in the Travelling Salesman shopping mall!!

Join Jill and her crazy friends on her hunt, but could the answers be staring her in the face, or sorted out in time with patience?  The needed outcome to a problem isn't necessarily what you first thought it was.

Kathy Carmichael certainly knows how to make you laugh in her books, I've got to be honest and say that the charming read of Chasing Charlie is still my favorite, but not by much distance.

Our Rating

About the Author
USA Today Bestselling author Kathy Carmichael resides on the west coast of Florida with her Scottish husband, two not-so-wee sons, three cats, a part-time dog, and a huge collection of dust bunnies.

Kathy writes award-winning romantic comedies and humorous mysteries. Her Texas Two-Step romance series is a reader favorite. Kathy's romantic comedy, Hot Flash, was named by the American Library Association's BOOKLIST magazine as one of the Top 10 Romance Fiction titles for 2009.

In addition to her novels, she’s sold short stories and wrote a bi-monthly column on the business of writing for a national writing trade magazine. Kathy is also a contest judge for Writers Digest. She’s a member of the International Thriller Writers, an active member of the Mystery Writers of America, Sisters-in-Crime, Novelists Inc., the Florida chapter of MWA, is the published author liaison of the Tampa Area Romance Authors, and is an active member and past national board member of the Romance Writers of America.

Kathy loves hearing from readers.

Find the author on the following sites...

Website   Facebook   Twitter   Google+   Pinterest   Goodreads 

A special fun survey has been prepared to accompany the book. You can take the survey or read the responses HERE.

Read an excerpt from the book HERE

Follow the Book Tour

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY

Win a $25 Amazon.com Giftcard or Paypal Cash
(winners choice)
Open Worldwide

Ending on Thursday 23rd April at 11.59pm EST

Enter Below and Good Luck !!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sharon x

Are you a book reviewer or book blogger? Join our book tours reviewers team - Apply Here x

    
http://www.beckvalleybooks.co.uk 
http://www.beckvalleybooks.blogspot.com

BOOK TOUR & Giveaway - Hot Flash by Kathy Carmichael

What's the recipe for a happy marriage?

That's what chef Jill Morgan Storm wants to know, and according to responses to the "Marriage Satisfaction Surveys" she and her closest friends cooked up, the answer is to marry a traveling salesman who is rarely home.

And Jill certainly deserves some happiness, after everything she's been going through. Her teen-aged son, who only speaks to her in French, needs college tuition. Her crazy mother is determined to find her a man—and only brings her unsuitable ones. A pesky schoolteacher keeps annoyingly trying to fix her life. Her sous chef job is in jeopardy, and, most aggravating of all, her ex-boyfriend has absconded with her favorite skillet.

What's a single mom to do?

Faced with the answers to her surveys, she sets off to find the traveling salesman who can share her dreams. Along the way, can she find herself and a man who will claim her heart?

Available to buy from...

Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble   iBooks   Kobo

"Witty dialogue and wickedly funny characterizations make Kathy Carmichael’s Hot Flash a jewel among romantic comedies. Great fun!"
~ Eve Gaddy, Harlequin Superromance author

"Hot Flash is a keeper! It has heart, and I’m going to read it again. And again. Wonderfully well done! 

~ Kay James, Romance Reader at Heart

"I have never laughed or cried so hard as I have with this truly wonderful book!" 

 —Kathy Boswell, managing editor, The Best Reviews

"I highly recommend Hot Flash to anyone who loves to read romance. You will not be disappointed." —Romance Junkies

About the Author
USA Today Bestselling author Kathy Carmichael resides on the west coast of Florida with her Scottish husband, two not-so-wee sons, three cats, a part-time dog, and a huge collection of dust bunnies.

Kathy writes award-winning romantic comedies and humorous mysteries. Her Texas Two-Step romance series is a reader favorite. Kathy's romantic comedy, Hot Flash, was named by the American Library Association's BOOKLIST magazine as one of the Top 10 Romance Fiction titles for 2009.

In addition to her novels, she’s sold short stories and wrote a bi-monthly column on the business of writing for a national writing trade magazine. Kathy is also a contest judge for Writers Digest. She’s a member of the International Thriller Writers, an active member of the Mystery Writers of America, Sisters-in-Crime, Novelists Inc., the Florida chapter of MWA, is the published author liaison of the Tampa Area Romance Authors, and is an active member and past national board member of the Romance Writers of America.

Kathy loves hearing from readers.

"Pop on over to my Website, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Goodreads pages"

A special fun survey has been prepared to accompany the book. You can take the survey or read the responses HERE.

Read an excerpt from the book HERE

Follow the Book Tour

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY

Win a $25 Amazon.com Giftcard or Paypal Cash
(winners choice)
Open Worldwide

Ending on Thursday 23rd April at 11.59pm EST

Enter Below and Good Luck !!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sharon x

Are you a book reviewer or book blogger? Join our book tours reviewers team - Apply Here x

    
http://www.beckvalleybooks.co.uk 
http://www.beckvalleybooks.blogspot.com

Christmas Advent - Angel Be Good by Kathy Carmichael

Heartwarming, Sexy and Fun 

Angel Be Good by Bestselling Author Kathy Carmichael

Billionaire CEO Nat Danvers has good looks, money, power, prestige--everything--except the one thing he really needs. But only in the loneliest corners of his frozen heart is he aware something is missing. Christmas Eve arrives to find Nat alone in his penthouse office, filling out layoff notices while his employees unknowingly celebrate at the office holiday party. In breezes the most incredibly beautiful woman he's ever seen. Daphne, part angel, part human, has been sent by the Angelic Council to teach Nat some tough lessons in the hope his hardened heart will melt. She has only one night in which to help him. With the clock ticking before she must go, can love find a way to touch them both?

Only $.99 12/1 - 12/31

Now available at...

Amazon.com

Amazon.co.uk 

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

iTunes

USA Today Bestselling author Kathy Carmichael resides on the west coast of Florida with her Scottish husband, two not-so-wee sons, three cats, a part-time dog, and a huge collection of dust bunnies. Kathy writes award-winning romantic comedies and humorous mysteries. Her Texas Two-Step romance series is a reader favorite.

Kathy's romantic comedy, Hot Flash, was named by the American Library Association's BOOKLIST magazine as one of the Top 10 Romance Fiction titles for 2009.

Website     Facebook     Twitter

Kathy's Christmas Wishes.....

"It sounds cliched, but I truly wish for “Peace on earth, goodwill to men.” This quote comes from the Christmas carol, “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear,” which is based on Luke 2 and the Annunciation to the Shepherds in the Bible. What does this mean to me? We live in a world where various peoples do not get along, some because of religious reasons, some because of moral or societal beliefs, some because of misunderstandings, need, or greed, or power. To me, Christmas is about loving one another as best we can. In our very real world, I try hard to put this into practice. People tend to be frenzied during the holidays and I do what I can to spread good cheer. Sometimes this just means giving a friendly smile when one is needed. Sometimes this means donating money, goods or items to charity. Sometimes this means volunteering. We get to decide what we have to offer, and by offering it we are bringing the world one step closer to peace. Big steps often begin with tiny ones. I wish this season we can all make tiny steps toward achieving peace and goodwill."

Fondest Christmas Memory...

"I have two fondest Christmas memories, but they are related :) 

 At Christmas when I was expecting my second child, I took my oldest, then four years old, to the toy store to consider some things he’d like for Christmas. One thing we discussed was finding a life-like baby doll so he could learn how to hold him and change his diapers. He was extremely interested in how to best take care of a baby and this baby doll was on the top of his Christmas list. We located the aisle with the baby dolls in the toy store, and went and looked at the selection. My oldest son looks like me, with dark brown hair and eyes, dominant traits. I pointed out a life-sized soft baby doll that looked like us. My son shook his head and pointed to a doll with pale blond hair and blue eyes. “This one.” “Don’t you want one that will look like your baby?” I asked. “This one does,” he insisted. I tried to explain about genetics, about his father having brown hair and green eyes, but nothing doing. At last, with tears in his eyes, he pleaded, “But Mommy, I prayed to Jesus for a baby brother with golden hair and blue eyes. This one looks like him.” What could a mother do? For Christmas, that baby doll was under the Christmas tree. And his prayer was answered in May when I gave birth to a baby boy with golden hair and blue eyes that looked uncannily like the baby doll. Whenever their father or I saw that baby doll, we’d often mistake him for our child — they looked that much alike. 

 When my sons were 5-1/2 and 1-1/2, I took them to the local mall to have their photos taken with Santa Claus. The mall was beautifully decorated, with enormous Christmas bulbs dangling from overhead, fake snow and elves wandering around in bright greens and reds. There was even a Christmas train we all rode. After the train, we got in line to see Santa and the boys and I talked about what they’d each ask Santa for Christmas. I remember something about Ninja Turtles and Care Bears. It took about half an hour to work our way to Santa and my youngest son was first. A pert elf took his hand and he toddled toward Santa. About two feet away, he stopped dead. The elf tugged his hand, but nothing doing. He took one look at Santa’s bushy white beard and bowl full of jelly, and screamed as if his life depended on it. There was no way he was going to sit on that big guy’s lap! I tried comforting him, but it didn’t help. My eldest son stepped forward. “Don’t worry, Mommy. He’ll be okay," and took his little brother's hand. “Do you want to tell Santa what you want for Christmas? Let’s go see him together.” He led his little brother forward and helped him onto one of Santa’s legs, while he climbed on the other. The photo was snapped, and it’s one of the sweetest I own of my two boys: Santa is holding them on his lap, and my oldest son is smiling lovingly at his little golden-haired and blue-eyed brother, and there are dried tears in the eyes of my smiling youngest. You never know when life is going to reach out and yank your heartstrings. Whenever I glance at that photo, it touches me deeply." 

 Here’s a photo of my boys

Kathy's Top 3 Films to watch at Christmas.....

It’s a Wonderful Life (I adore Jimmy Stewart) 

A Christmas Carol (US Title — British Title Scrooge) made in 1951 

White Christmas (I watch it every year)

Click another date for a Christmas Surprise 

Sharon x

Are you a book reviewer or book blogger? Join our book tours reviewers team - Apply Here x

    
http://www.beckvalleybooks.co.uk 
http://www.beckvalleybooks.blogspot.com