Unfortunately Christy started writing for Special Edition not too long before RT closed up shop so I haven't read her as long as some of the other HQN authors but she's one heck of a storyteller and I've enjoyed everything I've ever read by her. Christy is sharing her family traction of picking out the Christmas Tree. Christy has 2 Christmas novels coming out this season. And she's got a generous #Giveaway including her two books plus more! Details below
Enjoy!
Anything can happen in Sugar Falls!
Home for the holidays with her adopted son from Ghana, Hannah Gregson runs straight into her former flame—fire chief Isaac Jones. Though the pair are determined to keep their distance, the local matchmakers throw them together at every holiday event, and Hannah’s son worships the brave ex-soldier. If Isaac isn’t careful, he just may go from hero to family man by Christmas!
Rust Creek Ramblings
A few weeks ago, local wedding planner Caroline Ruth took a tumble off a ladder, and when she came to, she believed Thunder Canyon cowboy Craig Clifton was her boyfriend. Trouble was, they’d never met before. What was an upstanding rancher to do? Now, until Caroline’s memory returns, Craig is acting as reluctant faux fiancĂ©. But with Christmas around the corner, dear readers, we’re hoping for a real-life happy ending for this unexpected couple!
Christy's giving both of her Christmas novels
Plus a fun pair of tree socks and
a Starbucks gift card
US Only
Please use Rafflecopter form to enter
Good Luck!
Christy's Christmas tree tradition:
Our
Surprise Tree
Christy
Jeffries
When
I saw the cover for my new book, The
Firefighter’s Christmas Reunion, I was so excited to see my main characters
with a Christmas tree. Ever since my first son was born, our biggest holiday
tradition involves picking out our tree.
We
always wait until dark, then we swing by Starbucks to get hot cocoas on our way
to the tree lot. But here’s where our tradition differs from most…
We
pick a tree sight unseen.
I
mean, obviously, we see the height of the tree and the type (I love the Noble
Firs). But we never see the tree unwrapped while we’re at the lot. We purposely
pick one still in its bundled cording, usually laying stacked in a pile off to
the side.
When
we take it home, we unwrap the tree together and see what kind of surprise we
ended up with. Some years, we’ve had great luck with full branches and even
symmetry. While other years…well, let’s just say that we’ve had to
strategically place the tree in a corner to hide all the bald spots.
It
started thirteen years ago when we took our newly walking toddler to the tree
lot on what had to be the busiest night in December. He took quite an interest
in the “fresh cut” station where the chainsaws were active and the sawdust was
flying. Fearing that our son might sneak away (again) and end up headfirst
through the netting machine, I told my husband to grab any tree so we could get
going. The workers had just unloaded a truck and my husband figured those trees
would be the freshest. And since they were still in their bindings, it would
also be the easiest to carry.
That
first year, we somehow ended up with the biggest, most beautiful tree for only
$39. It wasn’t until we had it opened in our living room that we realized it
had been mismarked. Whoops.
Ever
since then, we’ve made it a tradition to choose a surprise tree. We have figured out a few tricks along the
way, though, such as choosing the heavier trees because they’ll have more
branches. After all, it’s always easier to trim what we don’t need than to fill
in the bare spaces. Plus, it allows my sons a chance to use the electrical saw
themselves—under close supervision.
What’s your holiday decorating tradition?
Comment below and you’ll be entered to win a
giveaway of a free copy of both my November and December books (The Maverick’s Christmas To Remember and
The Firefighter’s Christmas Reunion),
as well as a pair of festive socks and a Starbucks gift card so you can enjoy a
cup of hot cocoa in front of your tree this year.
About the author:
Christy Jeffries graduated from the University of California, Irvine and received her Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law. But drafting court documents and working in law enforcement was merely an apprenticeship for her current career in the relentless field of mommyhood and romance writing. She lives in Southern California with her patient husband, two energetic sons, and one sassy grandmother. Follow her on Facebook or visit her website at www.christyjeffries.com.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
What a trusting and fun tradition!
ReplyDeleteWe have an artificial tree now, but the ornaments, especially the older ones have such great stories and memories!
DeleteIt is a great way to pick a tree. My ornaments are like that too holden
DeleteHoliday traditions are what I believe in and love. Storytelling with the entire family which is precious and treasured. Lovely meals together and gift giving which is special for the little ones. Thanks for this delightful feature and giveaway. Today is my birthday.
ReplyDeleteI agree and Happy Birthday!!! Is it hard having a birthday this close to Christmas?
DeleteI always wanted the perfect tree with perfect ornament, but then I never made them lol
ReplyDeleteLOL is right
DeleteHoliday tradition is baking on Christmas Eve. Love the smell wafting from my kitchens on Xmas eve
ReplyDeleteOh wow what a nice tradition Natasha!
Deletedecorating together
ReplyDeletethat is fun
DeleteAll I want for Christmas is a cowboy, too. lol I love the Christmas tree on the cover and tradition of it :)
ReplyDeleteLOL don't I know that from your reading list :)
DeleteHave you been naughty or nice :)
Christy is one of my faves. My family loves caroling together
ReplyDeleteOh caroling it's been years since I've done that. Thanks
DeleteWhat a grand giveaway, thank you!
ReplyDeleteShe is very generous Connie Lee, Good Luck
DeleteIt really is a cute cover and a fun tradition!
ReplyDeleteyes on both counts Kim
DeleteBack home in Europe my family and I used to decorate all windows with Christmasy gel stickers to bring a smile to everyone walking by.
ReplyDeleteOh Anissa how lovely thanks for sharing
DeleteThat is funny about the 'surprise' tree story and then tradition. Good tip about the tree weight. My mom is allergic to pine so no real tree as a kid. Our tree-related tradition has always been decorating a tree the day after Thanksgiving and leaving it up through January. :)
ReplyDeleteand you couldn't do that with a real tree either. That's a nice tradition Sophia Rose. I know I'm always sorry when I take the tree down. Mine is up from the first week in December until New Years Day.
DeleteYes, shopping for the Christmas tree.
ReplyDeleteI dont care for the shopping part unless I get to do it online. I do love the giving and look forward to it all year long!
Deletethat was my favorite part too, now I just get a box from the basement LOL
Deleteyes sam m I only like online shopping too, it's too hard to manage for me because my husband can't stay home alone and is in a wheelchair
DeleteI hope stuff like this never die.
ReplyDeleteme too
Delete