Mary Ellis has written twelve bestselling novels set in the Amish community and recently completed several historical romances set during the Civil War. The Last Heiress is her latest release. She is currently working on a new mystery series, Secrets of the South, for Harvest House Publishers. Before “retiring” to write full-time, Mary taught school and worked as a sales rep for Hershey Chocolate. Her debut book was nominated for a 2010 Carol Award. Living in Harmony, won the 2012 Lime Award for Excellence in Amish Fiction while Love Comes to Paradise won the 2013 Lime Award.
She can be found on the web at www.maryellis.net or on Facebook.
Christmas for Those Who are Alone
Where is this newborn king of the Jews? We saw His star as it rose, and we have come to worship Him. Matthew 2:2
Ah, the holidays. Those two words often evoke feelings of anxiety in the hearts of many Americans. So much to do to get ready: Clean the house, decorate it from top to bottom, send out greeting cards, and prepare the food ahead of time so the ham or roast turkey will look as effortless as the cooking shows on cable TV. And what about the shopping, you ask? Yes, what should we buy picky mother-in-laws, our kid’s ballet teacher, the neighbors, and the work gift exchange? And what about children and grandchildren who already have everything under the sun? It’s no wonder some people greet December with little enthusiasm. As Christians, we know to keep Christ at the center of the holiday. If we give Him the focus, then we’ll choose activities that keep the spiritual aspect of the season.
My husband and I represent a small group who’s almost never heard from…people with no one to cook for at the holidays, who clean the house expecting few guests, and whose gift list is miniscule. You might be thinking: At least you won’t find yourself deep in debt once January rolls around. But remember, once you’ve finished your list of chores and the blessed Eve and Day arrives, you’ll be surrounded by people who love you. With our small family out-of-town, my husband and I will have only each other… and the Lord.
So those of you with families close by, stop focusing on what you must accomplish. Split up the chores, settle for less-than-gourmet meals, and set limits on spending. Do whatever necessary to keep the Christmas season from spiraling out of control. Then take time to give thanks for the blessings of family. Don’t think I’m complaining, because at least my husband and I have Jesus. Pity those who are alone and don’t know the Lord. I can’t imagine a sadder holiday season than that. Merry Christmas to one and all.
Always in my Heart
An Amish Miracle Novella
by Mary Ellis
Hope fears her past will continue to threaten her future.
Hope Bowman believes God is punishing her for giving up her firstborn son when she was a teenager. She’s hidden this past from her husband, who is thankful for their daughters but longs for a son. Hope prays desperately, but the son God sends isn’t a new pregnancy. It’s the fifteen-year-old boy she gave away years ago.
Available at Amazon for $2.99.
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