Thursday, November 4, 2021

A New Hohpe

About the Book

Book: A New Hope for Christmas

Author: Erin Stevenson

Genre: Christian Christmas Fiction

Release date: December, 2021

Tour Dates: November 4 – November 17

9781522303237 This Christmas, Two Lost and Broken Families Need Restoration.

Sam Jarrett was just starting to explore spiritual things when his world was shattered. Now, he’s completely turned his back on God. Laura Preston is a devoted believer, leaning heavily on her faith to get her through each tortured day.

Two Chance Meetings Spark a Friendship and a Glimmer of Hope.

Sam battles God’s prodding through Laura’s gentle, caring spirit. When another tragedy strikes on Christmas Eve, Sam is sure that God has completely deserted him. Laura tries to show Sam that God loves him and has been there all the time, but how can Sam trust when he has no faith?

A New Hope for Christmas is a story of restored faith in a God who never leaves us, even when we can’t see or feel Him near.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

erinstevenson Erin Stevenson has been writing fiction since 2014. She has published independently with Pelican Book Group and Winged Publications and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

Writing is like breathing to Erin. Stories are running through her mind during most of her waking hours, and by the time she sits down at the computer, the words flow and time ceases to exist.

Erin was raised in Illinois and has lived in many places in the U.S., including on both coasts, but is a Midwest girl at heart. She spent many years as an educator from pre-school through college levels, and currently works in training and internal communications for a global corporation.

When she’s not writing, Erin loves spending time with her children and grandchildren, and playing in the garden (which equates to mostly pulling weeds) at her central Iowa home. Her secret indulgence is plain M&Ms.

More from Erin

Dealing with loss is a universal, shared experience. One of the most difficult things about losing someone is enduring the special days and holidays with a gaping hole in your life and memory.

In November, 2019, I saw a post on social media seeking prayers for a family in Texas who had been in a car accident. The father and one child died, the mother and the other child survived. That inspired me to write a short story about how the grieving family got through their first holidays, and when I discovered the Christmas Extravaganza opportunity, I expanded and modified it to fit. I love when real-life gives me inspiration to write.

One of the sub-themes I wanted to include in the book was the importance of having a support network, no matter what your circumstances. The book’s main female character, Laura, had a network comprised of family, church family, and co-workers. They made the difference in her ability to cope during her time of loss.

Sometimes, I’ve made better use of a support network than others. In one of the darkest times of my life, I withdrew into my shell and wonder now if I would have weathered that storm in a better way had I reached out to the many people who wanted to help.

Are you part of a support network? If not, can you think of a way to become involved with one?

MY REVIEW

This is a fast read but filled with a wonderful story about grief and faith. It is never easy to lose a loved one and when the holidays come around it can be a hard time for some. I liked meeting Sam and Laura. They have both experienced a tragic loss and are faced with the holidays grieving. After losing my brother in 2019 I dreaded the holidays. What really helped me was going to a grief support group sponsored by a church.

Sam was angry at God for taking his wife and finds it difficult to go back to church. The emotions go deep for him as he is left to raise their son alone. He notices that his little boy is sad and needs to help him in some way. As Christmas approaches Sam faces another tragedy that will test his faith.

Laura is going through the loss of her husband and one of her children. When Sam and her meet at an unexpected place, I just knew it was a divine appointment. Laura tried to comfort Sam and share her faith with him. We never know why things happen but as Laura explains, “God never leaves us nor forsakes us.” The enemy loves to separate us from God and Sam suddenly realizes that he walked away from God.

This is a sweet story about grief and finding your way back to God. I love how the author brought two people together to walk a path to hope and happiness.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.