Guest Post — Paula Moldenhauer

Today I’m excited to welcome Paula Moldenhauer as she discusses Christmas and her latest story.

On the Friday after Thanksgiving some people complained on Facebook that it was too early to see Christmas decorations on their neighbors’ lawns. Others posted pictures of the newly lit tree standing in their living room. (One friend posted a picture of the hole in her ceiling from a too-tall Christmas tree.)

Where do you stand on the whole Christmas timing issue?

Me? As soon Thanksgiving is over, it’s all free game as far as I’m concerned! Truth is I haven’t met a twinkle light I don’t love. Or a snowman or a sled or a nativity scene or . . . . Maybe that’s why I created Krista Fjeld, the heroine in The Joy Scrooge who has the lawn Christmas threw up on. It’s my secret fantasy. (Only now you know, so the secret is out.)

And who better for Krista to love than a man who wants to pretend Christmas isn’t happening? Despite his grumpy attitude, I couldn’t help but fall in love with Tait Skroog and his son, Timmy, right along with Krista. After all Tait’s only a scrooge because he’s deeply grieving—and Krista’s elf costume and jingle bells aren’t exactly what he had in mind when he rushed his son to the ER that fateful night.

Even with my love of celebration, sometimes I’m a scrooge. It’s way too easy for me to get caught up in disappointment and bad memories at Christmas. And if I resist that temptation, just throw a little financial stress in.

How about you? Ever a scrooge?

Last time I was a guest here, Leeann allowed me to share a little about my struggle to celebrate during the holidays. (You can read more about that in the *FREE* Advent devotion available right now at www.paulamoldenhauer.com/gifts.) I think this struggle is what birthed this fun, little novella with a lot of heart. I kept my tissue box near as I wrote it, and I’m hearing from readers that it takes them a tissue or two before they reach the happy ending.

In The Joy Scrooge, the second title in the Tinseled Tidings Collection, Krista helps Tait move forward into healing and joy. The Holy Spirit did the same for me as I wrote. I pray He’ll do that for you as you read!

Why not grab a copy for 99 cents on your kindle (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0776BZ4GR) or pick up the Tinseled Tidings Collection in paperback (https://www.amazon.com/Tinseled-Tidings-3-Book-Series/dp/B077BWG77T)?

Here’s a summary of this story, which is very close to my heart.

The Joy Scrooge ~ Spunk pediatrician Krista Fjeld loved Tait Skroog for most of her life, but to him she was only the girl next door. When Tait and his young son, Timmy, move back to town, an asthma attack sends Timmy to the ER where Krista is working. Krista is shocked by the change in her old heart-throb. Embittered by his wife’s death, Tait is paralyzed by fear and grief. He is overprotective of his son, who he calls Tiny Tim. Krista longs to see Tait and his son free to move forward again but getting involved means risking her heart to the very man who crushed it. Determined to fight for Tait and Timmy’s well-being, Krista embodies the spirit of the Ghost of Christmas Past, reminding Tait of the passionate young man he once was. Will Krista convince him to embrace life—and her—or is the risk too great for everyone?

Thanks so much for hosting me, Leeann! And thank you, reader, for spending this time with me. Let’s connect at www.paulamoldenhauer.com!

Blessings,
Paula

PS I plan to do some book giveaways in December. Find out more about that by signing up for my newsletter. You can do that on my website!

About Paula:

Author, speaker, and mom of four, Paula Moldenhauer encourages others to live free to flourish. She shares her message speaking at women’s events, and it permeates her written work. Paula has published over 300 times in non-fiction markets and has a devotional book series, Soul Scents. Her first published novella, You’re a Charmer Mr. Grinch, was a finalist in the ACFW Carol Awards. Her most recent publication, At Home with Daffodils, is included in Barbour’s A Bouquet of Brides collection which releases January of 2018. Paula served as ACFW Colorado coordinator and was on the founding board of the first local ACFW chapter in Colorado. Paula and her husband, Jerry, are adjusting to a sometimes-empty nest in Colorado. They treasure time with their growing family of adult children, spouses, and spouses-to-be. Paula loves peppermint ice cream, going barefoot, and adventuring with friends. Visit her at www.paulamoldenhauer.com