Featured Title: Gifts From the Afterlife, 2011 Christmas Anthology
In recent years, I’ve spent a few Christmases alone. I found during those times when my Christmases were nothing like the warm, cozy stories on television, that I missed the people that I have lost in my life—my parents and my oldest sister.
When I decided to write a short story for the 2011 Christmas Anthology from Victory Tales Press, I thought I’d try to share that lost feeling of Christmas spent alone through my lead character, Lydia Sinclair. Of course, she gets a little help from some ghosts and an angel to find the strength to accept an alternative to her melancholy Christmas.
Exactly what is Gifts From the Afterlife about? Here's the story blurb:
How dark must it get before Lydia sees the light?
Lydia Sinclair’s life has run off the rails. She has lost everyone she loves and Christmas has lost its meaning. As Christmas approaches, Lydia wants to go to sleep and never wake up again. Perhaps an angel, some ghosts and a childhood sweetheart can convince her that life is worth living again. Can Lydia let go of what once was, renew her joy in Christmas and find the promise of hope for her future?
And a little peek, just to give you a taste:
She felt the heat surge up her neck into her face. Lydia turned away from him and headed toward her house. If she ignored him, maybe he wouldn't insist on asking her about her feelings or about that kiss, and she could escape from her vulnerability.
Just as she reached her back door, he caught up with her, grasped her arm, and turned her around to face him. His sea green eyes were flecked with heated gold as he peered at her. "Don't just walk away. Tell me what I did wrong. Was it because I kissed you?"
She wanted to say something, to tell him that the kiss meant everything to her. It wasn't the kind of kiss that led straight to the bedroom. It felt more like a prelude to something richer, deeper, longer—like an unspoken promise. She tried to form the words but they resisted expression.
He pressed his fingertips to her lips. His voice, when he spoke, rose just above a whisper. "Wait. I know what you're going to say. It's too soon. Hell, you hardly remember me." He held on to her. The wind feathered his hair and swept it over his brow. "But for me, you've been here my whole life." He fisted his free hand and tapped his chest over his heart.
Snow gathered in his hair and melted on his face. He sighed. "All I ask is that you give me a chance. I know it's been hard for you in recent years—so many losses, so much sadness, but when you're ready..." His words trailed off.
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| Sarah J. McNeal, author |
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Thank you, Sarah!
Comment to win a copy of Sarah's Gifts From the Afterlife and be sure to leave your email address! Winner for each day, plus the Grand Prize winner will be announced on Sunday's Chicken Dinner post.
Romancing The West is featuring wonderful Christmas books all week, and each day's author will be giving away a free book, so check back tomorrow for Markee Anderson.
Prizes Every Day!
Monday: A Warrior for Christmas and Somewhere the Bells Ring by Beth Trissel
Tuesday: Gifts from the Afterlife by Sara J. McNeal
Wednesday: A Dream to Share by Markee Anderson
Thursday: Feliz Navidad by Kit Prate
Friday: (TBA) by Cheryl Pierson
Saturday: Faery Merry Christmas by Jacquie Rogers
Sunday: Chicken Dinner! Yes, one commenter this week (any post) will win a book from each author--that's SIX Christmas books--AND a $10 Amazon gift certificate
Love Christmas stories?
