Happy Tuesday! I’m settled back at my home computer and, man, does it feel good! Being without my computer or laptop threw me for a loop. Apologies to Angela for her post going up late yesterday. Did you read it yet? Check it out here. It’s wonderful and I’m so glad she shared with us. I can’t wait to read her newest release Finding Love in Big Sky, Montana. Doesn’t it sound dreamy?
Today I’m thrilled to welcome Carrie Turansky to the Authors’ Open House. Carrie and I “met” through the author4TheAuthor Facebook group (a closed group but I’d be happy to add you; just ask), and had a fabulous time meeting in person at this year’s ACFW Conference. Her smile and warmth are infectious and I’m thankful to count her a friend.
Help me welcome Carrie today…
Christmas Memories
I grew up in Oregon, so having a live Christmas tree brings back wonderful reminder of my childhood Christmas celebrations. There’s nothing like the scent of a frosty Douglas fir to make me feel like it’s really Christmas.
When our five kids were young, we visited a Christmas tree lot not too far from our house to choose our tree. Then we’d spend the evening drinking cocoa, eating popcorn, and adding lights and decorations to our tree. Over the years we’ve collected lots of ornaments from places we’ve traveled, and we’ve received several others as gifts from friends and family. Each ornament has a story . . . the wooden ornament shaped like Africa with a heart painted on Kenya is from the year our family spent there as missionaries. Then there is the Santa in running gear from the year my husband ran in the Honolulu Marathon, the blue and white Delft shoes from my time in Belgium as a short-term missionary, and the little gingerbread house to remind me of the year I was a finalist in a gingerbread house decorating contest. Baby booties, a ram’s horn, crochet snowflakes, and homemade ornaments from the kids . . . they all have a special meaning and bring a smile as we hang them on the tree.
When we became empty nesters we bought an artificial tree and enjoyed that for a few years. The needles didn’t drop on the rug and the ornaments stayed in place . . . but it wasn’t quite the same. So a few years ago Scott and I decided it was time for a real tree again. We visited a Christmas tree farm only a few minutes from our church in Robbinsville, NJ, and hiked through acres of evergreens in search of our perfect tree. It was so much fun, we’ve gone back each year since, and every time we’re finished decorating, I’m sure this year’s tree is the best one yet.
As you can probably tell, Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year, and I enjoy including Christmas scenes in my books. I loved learning about Swedish Christmas traditions and including those in Mountain Christmas Brides. Snowflake Sweethearts is set in the Northwest, so I included a Christmas tree cutting scene, and that image was chosen for the cover. I researched English Christmas traditions to include in The Governess of Highland Hall, and I featured some fun New York City holiday sights and events in Moonlight Over Manhattan.
I hope you have a wonder Christmas season, make some special memories with family and friends, and enjoy some heartwarming holiday stories!
About Carrie Turansky
Carrie Turansky is the award winning author of seventeen inspirational romance novels and novellas. She writes both contemporary and historical stories and has won the ACFW Genesis Award, The ACFW Carol Awards, and the International Digital Award. When Carrie is not writing she enjoys traveling with her husband, working in her garden, walking around the lake near their home in New Jersey, and cooking healthy meals for friends and family. Carrie’s many books, including the Christmas titles listed above, are available from all major book retailers. Follow Carrie on her website, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.
Teresa Tysinger, Author 
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