Christmas Interview ~ Betsy St. Amant

Betsy St. Amant lives in Louisiana and is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers group. Betsy is multi-published through Steeple Hill and has been published in Christian Communicator magazine and Praise Reports: Inspiring Real Life Stories of How God Answers Prayer. One of her short stories, “Kickboxing or Chocolate‚” appears in a Tyndale compilation book, and she is also multi-published through The Wild Rose Press. Betsy has a BA in Christian Communications and regularly contributes articles to Crosswalk.com. She is a wife, mother, author, and an avid reader who enjoys sharing the wonders of God’s grace through her stories.

Learn more about Betsy by visiting her at http://www.betsystamant.com/ and http://www.betsy-ann.blogspot.com/

We’re focusing on Christmas all this month! What do you most associate with Christmas where you live?

I love how the city decorates! Every November, my city puts a bunch of wreaths on the light poles downtown, and they light up at night like fluffy green halos. That always serves as my first reminder that Christmas is coming! :-)

Do you have any special family traditions you do at Christmas time?

Even now that I’m married with a child of my own, we still all pile up in one or two cars with blankets and Starbucks coffee or hot chocolate and go “Christmas-light-lookin’”as we so dearly call it here in the South. :-) We drive around town and look at everyone’s houses lit up for Christmas. It’s a fun time of family togetherness and festive fun! Another tradition is sausage balls on Christmas morning at my mom’s house.

Do you have a favorite Christmas Carol and if so do you know why?

I absolutely love O Holy Night. It puts me in the Christmas spirit and reminds me what Christmas is truly about – Jesus Christ’s birth!

If you could spend Christmas any way you could how would you celebrate?

I honestly don’t think I’d change anything from the way it is now – lots of family togetherness and food, fun, gifts, and stories. It’s just perfect. :-)

Do you have any special memories of Christmas?

One of my most memorable gifts was the year I was in junior high school and got a horse a month before Christmas – a real Paint horse I had begged for and begged for, for years. That Christmas, I woke up to a ton of new (and hand me down but new to me) tack for my beloved horse. Saddle, bridle, halter, blanket, brushes, buckets, etc. It was a horse-crazy girl’s dream come true!

What does a typical Christmas Eve and or Christmas Day look like for you?

Christmas Eve is as special to my family as Christmas Day. We always go to my grandparent’s house, just my immediate family, and do gifts with each other on that side. Then Christmas morning I do gifts with my husband and daughter at our house, then go to my parent’s for the rest of the day for lunch and those yummy sausage balls. :-) We usually grab a nap and head to my other grandparent’s house that night for a huge “Dirty Santa” game gift exchange with my extended family there. It’s always a fun and crazy time!

Do you have any Christmas movies or Christmas books you like to see or read each year?

I always end up watching The Christmas Story on TBS when they run their yearly marathon on Christmas Eve. I also have to watch Elf starring Will Ferrell. Hilarious movie!

Tell us a little about your book:

Mistletoe Prayers is a two-in-one Christmas novella compilation. Marta Perry and myself each contributed a Christmas novella for the compilation. My story is titled "The Gingerbread Season." Here’s the back cover blurb!

Allie James returns to her hometown in need of a holiday job. Never did she expect old boyfriend Jordan Walker to hire her as his secretary! Years ago Jordan shredded her heart like wrapping paper. Now he must convince Allie that all he wants for Christmas is her love.

Where did you get the idea for THE GINGERBREAD SEASON?

My publisher actually contacted me and asked me to write a Christmas novella for the compilation. Of course I said yes, and I brainstormed with my best friend. I knew I wanted the hero and heroine to have been high school sweethearts, and I needed a way to bring them back together after years apart. We came up with the idea for a story of community renewal and well, the rest is history. :-)

Do you have a Christmas message for my readers?

I think each holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in the stress of shopping and lists and budgets, and forget the true meaning of Christmas—the birth of Jesus Christ which led to His offer of salvation. That’s what it all boils down to! Gifts are fun and family time is important, but if we go through the season without spending time with Jesus, we’ve missed the entire point.
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Betsy is giving away a copy of her book, Mistletoe Prayers. Be sure to stop by The Borrowed Book on Friday for your chance to win!

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Journey into 2011

Another year is wrapping up. Reflections of the year 2010 will abound and be posted everywhere you look. Tech sites will review the emergence of the tablet computer, while celeb sites will regurgitate every divorce and birth, award and embarrassing moment. And let's not forget the Best and Worst of 2010 articles that will abound in all manner of magazines.

For me, I'm more interested in the spiritual side. What have I learned? What area has God revealed to me in 2010 that needs tending? Is my faith stronger, or is it waving goodbye to 2010 feeling bruised and confused?

This Wednesday, over at the Heartsong Author blog, I am publishing an article that has taken me nigh on to eighteen years to write. It is both my confession and a very painful memory. Though I didn't go into nearly the detail I would have liked, I felt the need to share my story in hopes someone might take the message to heart. Perhaps this, then, is part of my New Years Resolution. To take down the guard around my heart and pour more of my own life's lessons into my stories. Not because my life is anything special, but the events and circumstances, tragedies and triumphs, are all things He has lined my path with not so I can hide them in a closet, but so I can give voice to the testimony of a lesson learned.

I welcome you to share what spiritual lesson you have learned this year. Perhaps by sharing you will encourage someone else that they are not alone, or give them renewed strength to keep fighting, helping to ease their journey into 2011.

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A Social Network Christmas

Just in case you haven't already seen this...



May you carry the message of Christmas with you throughout the New Year. God's blessings to you and yours from all of us here at The Borrowed Book.

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Sunday Devotional

My husband has given me many nice gifts over the years, the best one being a tiny dog that fit into the palm of my hand. The first time I laid on eyes on him I proclaimed, “Max is here!”

And just like that, he was Max.

Max has proved to be a lot of things over the years, loyal buddy, compassionate friend. Not once has he failed to forgive my every fault. In his eyes, I am perfect. Best of all, Max has given me one very special gift: his undying love. From the depths of his heart, he showers me with his affection.

All the more reason to be sad that I won’t be spending Christmas with him.

Every year, this displaced Yankee travels over the river and through the. . .terminal, to grandmother’s house. Max seemed to sense my sadness as we packed our things and got ready to go. He sulked through the house, head lowered, depressed to think that we would go through the entire holiday without him.

Which got me to thinking. There’s been such an uproar this year about the use of Happy Holidays over Merry CHRISTmas. It made me aware that many people with cross jewelry around their necks or tattooed on their forearms would spend Christmas without Jesus. Good people. Kind people. But lost people.

Which is why, of all the gifts I will receive this Christmas, I am most thankful for the one I do not deserve. God’s most precious gift, the shining example of His undying love, was given to me years before I drew my first breath. In His sovereignty, God looked down from heaven and had compassion on me. Without reservation, He gave me His son. Without stipulation, He showers me with His affection. And I am so humbled.

Best of all, He offers the same gift to you.

Luke 2:1-20 (New International Version)

The Birth of Jesus

1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.

4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

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MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

It's always so much fun to give away great books!! Congratulations to this week's lucky winners:

Lisa Nelson - Cowboy Christmas by Mary Connealy

Christina - A Door County Christmas by Becky Melby, Cynthia Ruchti, Eileen Key, and Rachael Phillips

Amber S. - Christmas Love at Lake Tahoe by Lena Nelson Dooley, Jeanie Smith Cash, Jean Kincaid, and Jeri Odell

Winners of this week’s books, please use the button in the upper right side of this page to email me with your mailing address so I can forward your information to the authors. Then, sit back and wait for your book to arrive.

Thank you all so much for stopping by The Borrowed Book and thank you, Mary Connealy, Becky Melby, Chythia Ruchti, Eileen Key, Rachael Phillips, Lena Nelson Dooley, Jeanie Smith Cash, Jean Kincaid, and Jeri Odell, for your generosity in providing books!

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Weekly Drawing

Entering our weekly drawing is easy:

1. Leave a comment on Fridays or...

2. Sign up to follow The Borrowed Book. Followers will automatically be entered for a chance to win that week's drawing!

This week, The Borrowed Book is giving away three great books:

Cowboy Christmas by Mary Connealy ~ Get ready for a fun and suspenseful Christmastime romance. Trouble follows singer Annette Talbot to Wyoming—and rancher Elijah Walker finds himself directly in its path. Though still wounded by the betrayal of his ex-fiancée, Elijah finds himself attracted to the secretive singer. When it appears Annie is a threat to his mother’s life, Elijah must decide if Annie’s deep faith and love of God is genuine or if it’s all just a ruse. He decides to trust her—until he discovers she’s a wanted woman. As Christmas draws near, will Elijah respond to God’s gentle persuasion to find the truth before he loses Annie forever?

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A Door County Christmas by Becky Melby, Cynthia Ruchti, Eileen Key, and Rachael Phillips ~ Peer behind the closed doors of a Wisconsin tourist town gone dormant for the winter season. Watch as the drama and romance start to heat up—just as Lola the innkeeper promised her four single friends a year ago when she gifted them with her prayers and a Christmas cactus. Will each woman find love—along with cactus blooms—as promised?

Christmas Love at Lake Tahoe by Lena Nelson Dooley, Jeanie Smith Cash, Jean Kincaid, and Jeri Odell ~ Reserve time for romance in this inspirational Christmas collection where four college grads major in love at a Lake Tahoe lodge. After meeting a handsome paramedic, registered nurse Bethany Stillman discovers there are some wounds only God can heal. A cautious Scarlett McKaye is reluctant to risk her heart to a handsome daredevil who won t take no for an answer. Stephanie St. John is determined to spurn the advances of a manipulative businessman. Mikayla Christiansen s resolve for a male-free existence is threatened by a widowed forest ranger. Will love lodge in the hearts of these career-minded women?

Winners will be announced on Saturday, 12/25/10.

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Reader Excerpt ~ Cowboy Christmas by Mary Connealy

Annie hoarded her pay, pinching every penny, working her way home. Now she was almost there. One more leg to this centipede of a journey.

She climbed the steps of the stage. The familiar blackness that plagued her circled in. It always passed, but, until it did, the world swam around. She groped for the door frame and it wasn’t where it should be. Just when the darkness was deepest, the paper thin souls of her worn-out, toe pinching boots slipped. She fell backward with a little squeal of alarm.

She made a soft landing in someone’s strong arms.

“Excuse me. I’m so...” Her effort at good manners was ignored as she felt herself set upright. Then she was more or less tossed into the stagecoach.

Whoever was manhandling her climbed in behind her, steadying her at the same time he urged her forward. “Move across, Miss. There’re four of us riding.”

Annette’s head cleared and she found herself sprawled along one side of the stage. Weakly, she said, “I’m sorry.” She wrestled with her skirts and heard something rip. Her last good dress.

“Oh, no.” She made herself small in the corner of the seat and scrambled to inspect the damage. She tried not to let it upset her. She would repair it. This was nothing to get upset about.

She fingered the rend with shaking hands. It crossed the entire front of her skirt at knee level and drooped open to show her muslin petticoat. Fumbling to cover herself, it all caught up with her.

She broke down and cried.

“Oh, please,” an exasperated voice rumbled in her ear.

The voice tugged on something deep inside her. She used the strength of that voice to get ahold of herself. She knew it was the man who had caught her, because he’d never stopped touching her since she fell.

“Miss, don’t cry now. It’s not that bad.”

Another voice. Annie glanced across from her. A young man in an ill-fitting business suit, wearing thick round spectacles, smiled as he settled himself into his seat. He offered her a handkerchief.

Brokenly she whispered, “Thank you.” She didn’t take his hankie. She pulled her own out of her sleeve.

Dabbing her eyes, she noticed another man sitting beside the businessman. He was a cowboy with a heavy brown mustache that covered his mouth and hung down on the corners to his chin. His eyes were shaded by the brim of his white, trail-stained Stetson. He had the hard look of the west on him, which the businessman didn’t.

The cowboy touched the brim of his Stetson. “Miss.”

He didn’t smile. Something flickered in his eyes, something intense, almost fixating. She had to force herself to look away from him. When she did, she accidentally looked at the man beside her.

This time she couldn’t force herself to look away.

“So you tore your skirt. Better head back east where folks care about such things.” His voice was deep and smooth with a trace of roughness, like water rippling over stones.

The businessman gasped and she glanced at him. She could tell he wanted to speak in her defense, but he looked fearfully at the man beside her and held his tongue. A wise man perhaps but a coward none the less.

She looked back at the man beside her, and, for just a second, she was the untamed girl she’d been when she’d run wild on her father’s ranch. “What I remember about the west,” she said, “is that men spoke politely to women, or they didn’t speak at all.”

The businessman clasped his hands together in front of him. It might have been panic, but Annie got the impression the poor man was praying—probably to be miraculously transported somewhere far away before the shooting started.

But oddly, Annie wasn’t afraid. She’d taken the measure of the man beside her and knew she was safe, except maybe from his rude mouth. She caught herself holding back a smile and that’s the first she realized she wasn’t crying anymore.

“Better now?” Sparks of humor flashed in eyes as blue as the Montana sky.

“You did it on purpose.”

“Can’t stand tears, Miss. Had to step in.”

This time Annie couldn’t stop herself from smiling.

He wasn’t dressed like a cowboy, but everything except for the clothes, told her he was one. His skin was weathered from sunlight in the summer and windburn in the winter. His crisp, flat topped black hat and vested suit seemed like a costume, although he looked comfortable in them. He had eyes as blue as the Wyoming sky. He’d removed his hat and his hair was too long, as if finding time to cut it was just one thing too many. It was light brown and the ends were burned to blonde from hours in the sun.

“Wise of you.” She folded her hands in her lap and did her best to behave like the prim maiden the St. Louis boarding school had tried to convert her into. “I’m afraid I’m exhausted. I’ve been traveling a long time and, between facing this last, long stagecoach ride, falling on the step, and tearing a gaping hole in the last good skirt I own, I lost my composure. If you hadn’t been handy to insult me who knows how long I’d have spent embarrassing you?”

The man studied her with narrowed eyes.

She couldn’t imagine what a mess she must be. And she feared her cheeks were hollow from hunger and her grey-blue eyes—so light Annie thought they were spooky—were even more startling with dark circles under them from lack of sleep. Altogether, she was sure she made a very unfortunate picture.

“A woman who’d cry over a skirt doesn’t belong in Ranger Bluff.” His expression relaxed. His expression relaxed. With a quirk of amusement, Annie wondered if the man would go so far as to challenge her to a shootout—as a technique for keeping her tears under control. “I doubt you’ll survive a week.”

“Really, sir," —Annie folded her hands in her lap and sassed him right back— "although it was most kind of you to insult me out of my tears, you can stop now. I’m drowning in your charity.”

The man smiled.

She had the impression his face wanted to crack from being bent in an unfamiliar direction. She found herself eagerly awaiting his next insult.
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Mary is giving away a copy of her book Cowboy Christmas. Be sure to stop by The Borrowed Book on Friday for your chance to win!

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