An unthankful heart is like a finger trying to sift the sand for iron–it doesn’t discover God’s mercies. But a thankful heart, just like the magnet, sweeps through life’s circumstances and finds daily blessings from God. (Ellen Banks Elwell)

It's hard to believe that another year has almost passed us by and 2017 is right around the corner. But first we get to enjoy the holiday season. I hope you have many blessings to count in this month of Thanksgiving and that your Christmas will be one of love and joy. One of the blessings I count are all of you as reading friends. Thank you so much!

My Shaker book that I think has the most Shaker history, The Believer is on e-book sale for 99 cents or less according to where you e-book shop, but the sale is over November 25th. So grab it fast and always remember to check the price before you download since e-book sales can come and go quickly. In this Shaker story, I loved the character of little sister, Hannah, from her uncontrollable curly, very blonde hair to her free spirit that did not fit with the Shakers at all. Check it out on Amazon, Christianbook.com or your other favorite e-book sellers.

Then my first Hollyhill book, Scent of Lilacs, is a free download until the end of November. I smile every time I see a review that lets me know a reader has enjoyed visiting Hollyhill and getting to know Jocie and her family and friends, especially Jupiterian Wes. :) If you haven't read the story and like to e-read, now is your chance. You can find it on Amazon; Christianbook.com; Barnes & Noble or other e-book sites.

I'm also giving away ten copies of Freak of the Week. All you have to do is say you might like to win one of those copies when you enter my Christmas contest. Then I'll throw your name in an extra giveaway hat to draw those winners. It won't keep you from having a chance to win the Christmas giveaway. You'll be eligible for both.

Pesky rules are that the Christmas contest is only open to USA and Canada. (Big packages to mail.) But I'll send Freak of the Week to any location so the chance to win those books is open internationally. You must be 18 to enter. No purchase or special activity (other than the entry e-mail) is required for entry into the giveaway. Deadline to enter is midnight EST December 17, 2016.

~Did you ever notice that life seems to follow certain patterns? Like I notice that every year around this time, I hear Christmas music. (Tom Sims)

~Anyone who believes that men are the equal to women has never seen a man trying to wrap a Christmas present.

~One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don't clean it up too quickly. (Andy Rooney)

~ Never catch snowflakes with your tongue until all the birds have gone south for the winter.

That last sounds like good advice. Thank you so much for reading.

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