by Marta Perry
Allie eased back and craned her head to look up. A tiny cluster of mistletoe dangled from the bottom of the chandelier. She smiled into Jordan’s eyes. “I think that, too, can be arranged.”
He leaned in and pressed his lips against hers. “Merry Christmas, Allie.”
She kissed him back with her entire heart, joy filling her spirit to overflowing. “Merry Christmas, Jordan.”
Dear Reader,
With Christmas comes many traditions, and I was excited to give Allie the opportunity to share the joy of my favorite—lying under the Christmas tree and peering up through the shiny, twinkling branches. Like Allie, I started doing that as a child and have no idea why, other than it seemed as if for those few treasured moments I was transported to another world.
Years ago, Someone was transported to another world. Jesus came from heaven to become the best Christmas gift we could have ever hoped for—life. Because of His sacrifice, we have hope, joy and peace—all the things that make up the warmest feelings of Christmas.
This year, as you embrace the holiday season with your family and enjoy your own traditions of food, fun and fellowship, take time to remember a special Baby born in a manger on a cold winter’s night. Accept the free gift of salvation that Jesus offers us today—it won’t fit under the tree, but it’ll fit in your heart for eternity.
Merry Christmas!
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
When Allie first arrived back in Ginger Falls, she carried a negative assumption of herself and saw failure in everything she did. How did this negativity affect the way she thought others saw her?
How would you feel if you ran into an ex love you’d never fully gotten over, without warning? What would you say?
Jordan was passionate about his hometown. How did his enthusiasm to restore Ginger Falls affect the entire community?
Does your hometown host an annual event everyone looks forward to like the Gingerbread Festival? If you could start an event in your city, what would you choose to do?
Jordan and Allie carried a lot of baggage from their past, along with several misunderstandings. Do you think if Jordan and Allie had been more open in their conversation at the gazebo all those years ago, things could have turned out differently?
Jordan was afraid of staying in a relationship with Allie because of pressure from his family to do bigger and better things. Have you ever sacrificed a relationship or friendship at someone else’s prompting? What was the result of such a decision?
The gazebo held both good and bad memories for Allie, though definitely better after the story is over. Is there a specific landmark you associate with a memory in your life?
Allie’s favorite holiday tradition was lying under the tree and staring up through the lights into what was called “Christmas.” What special traditions do you and your family enjoy every year?
ISBN: 978-1-4268-6939-6
MISTLETOE PRAYERS
Copyright © 2010 by Harlequin Books S.A.
The publisher acknowledges the copyright holders of the individual works as follows:
THE BODINE FAMILY CHRISTMAS
Copyright © 2010 by Martha Johnson
THE GINGERBREAD SEASON
Copyright © 2010 by Betsy St. Amant
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