Welcome to the first edition of my Extra Edition newsletter! I’m excited to bring you bonus content each month with a special inside look at my novels and the history behind them.
Christmas seems like the perfect time of year to start as its all about happy endings and new beginnings. There’s something so magical about that time of year, and ultimately inspiring as we celebrate the birth of Christ. And while I love watching those cheesy Christmas romances all year long, there are only a few that make it onto my annual holiday list (Check out Second Chance Christmas and The Spirit of Christmas for two of my favorites.) Logically, it also makes sense that all my books, except one, include a scene from the Christmas season. Keep reading for some of my characters’ favorite Christmas moments.
Sparks Fly Over Christmas
The following letter comes from the draft of my current work in progress, Sparks Fly Upward. It’s written from Martha to Garrett during December of 1854, about two years after they’ve parted ways on the westward trail. These letters will form the foundation for their friendship during the six years Martha is in Larksong and Garrett is in San Francisco. It is during this Christmas that Martha discovers how beautiful service can be when done out of love. (Note: Final text may change by publication.)
Dear Mr. Lark,
I haven’t received your last letter yet—mail seems to take longer in the winter, or maybe it’s that I look forward to it more—but I had to send Christmas blessings. Although, when you receive this, it will probably be March and you’ll think of spring. I used to hate spring because it meant summer was coming and heat, especially when my family lived in Carolina. Remember the mosquitos? But we also had peach trees Papa loved to lift me up to pick from. He called me his sweet peach. I do miss him.
I’ve enclosed a sprig of spruce bough from above our front door. I doubt it will retain its aroma, but I aim to try. We’ve decorated the lodges this year and everything is beautiful. I still struggle to believe I celebrate Christmas in my own home, or rather Jamison and Coraline’s home, but I think of it as mine. This year I serve them because I choose to, not because I am forced to. I decorate the home alongside them rather than being watched as I do so. It fills me with such joy that I do not need the fire to warm me. There is a true beauty in a life of service to those we love.
I’ve been praying for you, Garrett, and for Josiah, that the Lord is with you in California. Coraline tells me of the stories she heard on the trail and Mr. Reed always has something to tell of his times there. They aren’t tales of a positive sort. Jamison says that you’re struggling and do not know when you’ll be home. I think of that one verse: “Do not be led astray; bad company corrupts good morals.” I pray God favors you and you can return to us soon. We all miss you.
God go with you,
Martha Louis
Pick Your Party Dress
One of the early scenes in my first novel, Across Oceans, takes place at a Christmas Eve party at the prominent Winchester family estate in Hampshire, England. All the most affluent would have attended and even some of the less affluent (what we would call upper middle class today.) Like most events of the British elite, it was essential to wear the latest fashions, so as not to make a social blunder. This was especially important for young ladies, such as sisters Maggie and Tena, who were within their season (aka debutante year) and expected to catch a husband.
The gowns below are some typical ladies evening attire of the early 1910s. None of these are quite right for the sisters’ dresses in Across Oceans (hello, copyright restrictions), but I do imagine that #1 or #3 would be a good fit for Maggie, while Tena would choose #4 or #6. Which dress would you pick to wear to the party? I love all of these, but my first choice is in the caption below.
As American As Apple Pie
In our house, one of our favorite desserts is my husband’s apple crumble pie. It is absolutely delicious, having graced many a holiday meal. In fact, it will be present again this year at Christmas.
In Broken Lines, our two main characters share an apple pie during their “getting to know you” conversation at a New Years Eve Party (not technically Christmas, but still the Christmas season). Their pie was inspired by my husband’s recipe, which can be found below. I invite you to make our tradition part of your tradition this year.
“Amara’s expression flipped into a broad smile. “Maggie says that these days you’re about as American as apple pie. Is there any truth to that?”
Emil eyed her thoughtfully, examining the thin curve of her upturned lips. “To the rumor that Americans like pie? I’m pretty sure that isn’t a trait wholly specific to the stars and stripes.”
Olden Time Christmas Playlist
Looking to switch up your Christmas music this year? How about adding some carols recorded in the 1910s? These would have been the same songs my characters listened to in the Over the Atlantic and War Across Waters series, complete with the authentic crackles of pre-modern-era recording equipment.
Recommended Christmas Reads
And finally, a few recommended Christmas reads to help us prepare for the birth of Christ:
- Santa and the Christ Child by Nicholas Bakewell is one of my childhood favorites, blending religious and secular traditions as Santa goes on a journey to Bethlehem to meet the Christ Child.
- Joy to the World: How Christ’s Coming Changed Everything (And Still Does) is nonfiction by Catholic convert, Scott Hahn, encouraging readers to dig a little deeper into how Christ’s birth changed the world.
- If you haven’t listened to the Biblical Christmas story in awhile, the Hallow app has wonderful narration by Jonathan Roumie (plays Jesus in The Chosen) of all four gospels.
Until next month, happy reading!
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Kelsey
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