What Are Your Favorite Things About the Holidays? Renee Vincent. Blog Event.

It’s almost that time. The day after tomorrow is Christmas Day! I’ve had the pleasure of having so many wonderful authors and vendors join me for my ‘What Every Woman Wants Beneath Her Christmas Tree’ blog event this year. If you’re popping in for the first time, here’s the scoop. The past thirty days have consisted of sixteen featured guests. All left a prize to win. We now have fifteen happy winners! But that’s not all. Every commenter on all posts through December 25th are entered to win the grand prize, a $100 gift certificate to Amazon.

Today and tomorrow, it’s my pleasure to welcome over a wonderful woman and author, Renee Vincent. Renee is graciously giving away an Ecopy from her backlist. Your choice! All you have to do is list your three favorite things about the holidays in a comment. In addition, I will be adding a $10 Amazon gift certificate to the jackpot. This prize will be given to a 2nd lucky commenter!

Let’s hand the blog over to Renee…

Before I begin, I’d like to thank Sky Purington for inviting me back to this great holiday event on her blog. I know she is enduring a very difficult hardship this year, and I give her kudos for continuing on with her normal routine. I know, from personal experience, that losing a loved one can be detrimental to one’s life, especially when the holidays roll around. But I want you to know, Sky, that your father would be so proud that you picked up and carried on with your career as an author. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

With that said, the Christmas season is my favorite time of the year and I’m so excited to share some of my favorite things about this great holiday with you.

Looking back at last year’s wish list, I wanted a Kindle VERY badly and to my surprise, my husband bought one for me. I was super stoked and believe me, I’ve used this Kindle more than I ever thought possible.

Last year, at this same event, I also wished to have Gerard Butler singing in his best baritone Phantom of the Opera voice that I was the next NY Time’s Best Selling author. That wish had not come true…but I’m still hopeful this year. (*ahem* Gerard….that was your cue!)

Moving on to the present, I couldn’t think of one single thing I wanted or needed. When my family asked for suggestions, I’ve found myself at a loss. I had no idea what to tell them, so this year should be quite interesting. On the same token, I LOVE surprises. So, I’m pretty excited about what they come up with.

While I’m clueless about what I want under my tree, I have no doubts as to why I enjoy Christmas as much as I do.

#1 I can’t forget the reason for the season. Through the hustle and bustle of shopping, cooking, and cleaning, I always give praise to the man of the hour: Our Savior. Now I’m not going to go all holy-roller or push religion and faith down anyone’s throats. I just know that without Him, I would not be where I am today, nor would I have the success of an author to boast. I love sharing with my children the reason why we, as a family, celebrate the season of giving.

#2 I love the whole aspect of giving gifts, from the countless hours spent searching for that perfect present, to watching their eyes light up as they unwrap it, whether it be a child or adult. In fact, I actually prefer to give than to receive. The feeling inside is twice as rewarding.

#3 And lastly, my other favorite thing about Christmas is spending quality time with family. Through the years, I’ve learned that life is short and to treasure every moment as if it were the last. Those memorable days of laughing, eating, and relaxing with loved ones are ever so precious. Nothing, not even time, can erase those instances of joy and bliss from my memory.

And since I’ve shared with you my three favorite things about Christmas, I’d like to hear yours. Leave me a comment listing your 3 favorite things about the holiday season, and you’ll be entered to win an ebook copy of any one of my backlist (winner’s choice.)

From my house to yours, I want to wish you all a very blessed and safe Christmas!

Sky here. What a great post, Renee. Thank you so very much for the kind words in regards to my Dad. My thoughts are with you this Christmas as well, my friend. Your sister is still right there with you in spirit, as is my Dad right here with me. Wishing you and yours the very happiest of holidays.

THE FALL OF RAIN

Leif Dæganssen, an archeologist from Norway, is determined to trace back his Scandinavian roots as far as the Dark Ages and find proof of their existence on the Emerald Isle. After several years of living off the west coast of Ireland, he finally uncovers an ancient artifact—an intricately decorated chest with pagan carvings—buried beneath the very porch of his coastal cottage. Knowing it only confirms the presence of a glorified Norse-influenced settlement on Inis Mór, he’s determined to establish a link between himself and those who once inhabited the rugged isle.

For as long as she can remember, Lorraine O’Connor has had dreams of a Norse warrior kissing her. And even though she’s never fully understood the reason for her vivid subconscious imagination, she welcomes the meaningless and wanton pleasure of being in a Viking’s protective embrace—until the day she meets that brazen Northman on an impulsive vacation trip to Ireland.

Though blindsided by the relevance of her dreams and the strange familiarity of the man within them, Lorraine can’t help but feel a deep-seated intimacy toward Leif. And the more she gets to know him, the more she’s convinced they’ve shared a life together in a time long forgotten.

Are the clues to their ancestral past hidden within the contents of the chest or buried deep within their hearts?

Purchase THE FALL OF RAIN at Amazon.

Renee Vincent’s Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Don’t forget to list your three favorite things about the holidays in a comment for a chance to win. Contest ends December 25th, 12 AM, EST.