A Cup of Christmas Cheer Blog Hop Day 2 - Ashley Clark's "THE CHRISTMAS THIEF"

11/8/2013

The Christmas Thief
by Ashley Clark
A CUP OF CHRISTMAS CHEER Volume 2
Tales of Joy and Wonder for the Holidays,
Guideposts Books, October 2013

My Review of Ashley's Book:

What makes a man so desperate that he tries to steal a centuries' old Bible on Christmas Eve?

Samuel Thompson stood outside his childhood church looking for a handout. Forty, homeless and hopeless, he's not sure if he's hit the bottom, or if there are worse days ahead. Of course, if people recognized him, that would be worse because then he'd see their pity, but he could live with it if their spare change allows him to buy a meal.

Within seconds of the church doors opening, Sam drops farther in his despair as he faces the truth - his downward spiral started when he turned his back on the love of one special woman. Instead of sharing a dream with Evelyn, he'd chosen a selfish life of material wealth ... and now she stood there, staring up at him with full recognition. With empathy, Evelyn looks deep in his eyes and tells him that he's lost his hope and must find it again. Although he'd rather have food in his belly than hope in his heart, he accepts her challenge to go into the church and find his hope once more.

But hunger and hope don't balance each other out to a person who has nothing left. And there before him in all its worn glory is a Bible worth enough money to buy him meals and shelter for a very long time. Maybe enough to help get his feet back on the ground.

This is a wonderful story of finding hope. It's also a juxtaposition of opposites. It's set in Old Charleston where horses and carriages stop behind cars on lamp lit roads of cobblestones. Where expected pity is met with empathy. And where hope is found in the midst of sin.

First, Ashley allows us to see how easy it is to choose Sam's path, and then she shows how exceedingly difficult it is to climb out and start again. Many people can't do it. Yet, the miracle of Jesus' birth at Christmas is a source of hope that can't be denied. When you think you've reached your blackest moment, God's light finds a way in, and that's what Ashley uses in this story to touch the center of Sam's heart and let him know that he did indeed hit the bottom and now he must make another choice - to stay in the hole or climb out again.

Have you ever felt so low that you thought there was no hope? What changed it?

Author Ashley Clark writes romantic comedy with southern grace. She's dreamed of being a writer ever since the thumbprint-cookie-days of library story hour. Ashley has an M.A. in English and enjoys teaching literature and poetry courses at her local university. She's an active member of ACFW and runs their newcomer's loop. When she's not writing, Ashley's usually busy rescuing stray animals and finding charming new towns. You can find Ashley on her personal blog, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. She is represented by Karen Solem.

If you'd like a chance to win this Christmas mug donated by Ashley Clark, leave a comment on this post and include a way of contacting you.

Prize eligibility - please comment within one week of this post. Comment on all stops for a chance at the grand prize.

Today is Day 2 the A CUP OF CHRISTMAS CHEER blog hop schedule. Each blog "hop" or stop will have a giveaway. And at the end of all the hops there will be a Grand Prize to someone who has visited and commented on every blog stop. A $70.00 porcelain tea set from Yorktown's Victory Center will be part of the Grand Prize along with other gifts such as a $10 Amazon card, special hot cocoa packets, the two-book set of "A Cup of Christmas Cheer" and more!

Here's the complete Blog Hop schedule:
Friday, November 8th, Carla Olson Gade is on Carrie Fancett Pagels' blog
Saturday, November 9th, Ashley Clark is on Anita Mae Draper's blog.
Saturday, November 16th, Anita Mae Draper is on Johnnie Alexander Donley's blog.
Sunday Nov 17th Julie Carobini on Ashley Clark's blog
Friday, November 22nd, Carrie Fancett Pagels is on Carla Olson Gade's blog.
Saturday, November 23rd, Johnnie Alexander Donley is on Julie Carobini's blog
Friday, November 29th, Colonial Quills Blog to announce Grand Prize winner.

The Grand Prize winner must have left a comment on each of the Blog Hop blogs.
A $70 porcelain tea set from Yorktown Victory Center, a $10 Amazon gift card, special cocoa packets and more will be given away.

Presenting the authors and their story titles in the two-volume set of A Cup of Christmas Cheer short stories:

Faith and Family Volume One:

THE CHEVALIER
by Susan Page Davis

SECOND-CHANCE CHRISTMAS
by Jenness Walker

NOT QUITE HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
by Pam Hanson and Barbara Andrews

MRS. MEYER’S CHRISTMAS CALLER
by Jessica Keller

RIDING ON A CHRISTMAS WISH
by Anita Draper

UPON A CHRISTMAS TREE SCHOONER
by Carla Gade Olson

SNOWED IN
by Carrie Fancett Pagels

THE PRODIGAL
by Jennifer Johnson

Joy and Wonder Volume Two:

MEAT LOAF AND OTHER MINOR MIRACLES
by Liz Johnson

THE BEST DEAD CHRISTMAS TREE
by Linda S. Clare

BENEATH THE CHRISTMAS STAR
by Johnnie Alexander Donley

CALLING GRANDMA JEAN
by Pam Hanson and Barbara Andrews

THE CHRISTMAS THIEF
by Ashley Clark

POSTCARDS AT CHRISTMAS
by Julie Carobini

A STRANGER’S VISIT TO THE LIGHTHOUSE
by Marilyn Turk

THE SNOW GLOBE
by Ginger Kolbaba

Maxie Anderson link

11/8/2013 04:44:47 pm

Thanks Anita for the review of Ashley's story, "THE CHRISTMAS THIEF". It is intriging to me. I have seen so many homeless people in Houston, Tx. Even were sleeping on the streets in front of the businesses. I wonder what their real story is. I would be too scared to sleep. I am anxious to read this and the other stories in these books. I would love to win this Mug.
Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com

Anita Mae

11/8/2013 11:13:09 pm

Maxie, good for you to wonder what their story is instead of judging how they are now.

From the age of 13 until they left home, my Kids spent their Easter breaks at Project Aware where they learned to be sensitive to the less fortunate and try to see them as Jesus does. The kids have served in homeless shelters and brought hot chocolate to the homeless on the streets, staying to talk with them and learning their story. Part of the project is where the kid is left for 15 min beside a dumpster - alone - knowing someone is 'close' but not sure where they are. The kids faced some scary moments as people passed by. Apparently my youngest was sleeping when his 15 mins was over.

But Maxie, I'm like you... I'd probably only sleep from exhaustion... but then again, if I prayed for sleep knowing I was going to Heavan regardless what happened...

Thanks for entering the draw. :)

Ashley Clark

11/9/2013 09:14:17 am

Thank you! I hope you enjoy the story! :) I am always curious about people's stories-- and we all have our own-- so I thought it'd be really interesting to look at what might drive a man to steal a Bible on Christmas Eve.

Barbara Thompson

11/8/2013 08:41:39 pm

What a fabulous story and thank you for sharing. I have been to where I thought it was no hope, but God's people praying and loving me, then kneeling at the feet of Jesus giving it all to Him. Jesus graciously showed me compassion, mercy and grace. How people can go without God, I don't know. Thank you for the opportunity of winning this giveaway and please enter my name.
Barbara Thompson
barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com

Ashley Clark

11/9/2013 09:16:00 am

Thank you, Barbara! Isn't God great how He always has hope for us, no matter how far we stray? Hope you enjoy the story!

Anita Mae

11/8/2013 11:44:24 pm

Barbara, thank YOU for sharing. I was at the same place for over a year when I was a 6 yr old and although l slept on a bed with blankets in a warm house, I was the step-child who threatened my step-mother's future and she thought she'd make her life better by abusing me. My birth mother had taught me of Jesus and my nightly prayer was for Him to help me run away.

Barb, I'm so thankful you found hope + faith again, like l did. And I'm so glad you're here to share with us today.

apple blossom

11/9/2013 12:20:33 am

oh, this sounds like a good Christmas story. I love Christmas stories. lovely thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Anita Mae

11/9/2013 08:01:53 am

Thanks, apple blossom, but we're not giving away a book this time around... Ashley is giving the winner of the Day 2 Blog Hop a Christmas mug as shown in the photo. And yes, you're entered for the mug.

Ashley Clark

11/9/2013 09:18:29 am

Thank you, apple blossom! Good luck with the contest! :)

Carrie link

11/9/2013 02:24:06 am

Anita I love your blog!!! So pretty and so organized! ASHLEY I can't wait to read your story!!! We used to live in Charleston and I love it there--have lots of friends and a family member who live there! That mug is absolutely adorable! Hugs!

Anita Mae

11/9/2013 03:44:45 am

Thank you, Carrie. :)

Ashley Clark

11/9/2013 09:17:03 am

Thank you, Carrie! I hope you enjoy it!

angela chesnut

11/9/2013 02:37:13 am

would love to win.

Anita Mae

11/9/2013 03:46:54 am

You're entered, Angela, since you used your email address when you signed in so I have it. :)

Teresa Mathews

11/9/2013 02:40:16 am

Thank you for this terrific post! I love the excerpt from the Christmas Thief! Now I KNOW I am going to have to get these books after hearing about CARRIE's yesterday and your today!! :)

I live in West Columbia, SC, about 1.5 hours from Charleston, which is one of the most beautiful cities anywhere!!

Thanks again ANITA for taking part in this exciting Blog Hop!!

Anita Mae

11/9/2013 03:43:37 am

Thanks, Teresa, but that's not an excerpt! I need to stress that lest someone think it's Ashley's writing and I wouldn't do that to her.

All the info above is MY humble interpretation of Ashley's story.

But thank you for your kind words, and you're welcome. :)

Ashley Clark

11/9/2013 09:19:55 am

Oh, thank you, Teresa! I hope you enjoy the story! Charleston is such an interesting city!

MaryLu link

11/9/2013 04:00:32 am

Congrats, Ladies, on the great books!! The stories sound fabulous! I pray your blog tour is hugely successful... I'm sharing!

Anita Mae

11/9/2013 04:27:36 am

Thanks, MaryLu. We really appreciate that. :)

Ashley Clark

11/9/2013 09:20:40 am

Yes, thank you, Mary Lu! :)

Debbie Curto

11/9/2013 04:22:48 am

yes I have felt so low! I have tried sucide so many times, Who changed me feeling that way =it was lots of counseling and the help of a pastor who was also a dr but actually it was finally believing that God loved me! I love Christmas stories and this one sounds really good!

Anita Mae

11/9/2013 04:34:05 am

Awh, Debbie, you're amazing. So many would have given up but you and God had something going on between the two of you that no one else can imagine. Yet it sounds like spiritual warfare, too, where you have 2 sides battling over your soul. But you chose God and I'm so glad you did. I pray that you will never have to go through those dark times again, and that your faith brings you more blessings than you ever imagined. Thank you for blessing us by your courageous sharing today.

Ashley Clark

11/9/2013 09:21:48 am

Thank you, Debbie! What a powerful story you have to encourage others. I hope you enjoy "The Christmas Thief!"

Melanie Backus

11/9/2013 04:36:23 am

I love the post. I am certainly going to have to get these books. Thank you for sharing.

melback at cebridge dot net

Anita Mae

11/9/2013 08:00:00 am

And thank YOU for stopping by and leaving a comment. :)

Ashley Clark

11/9/2013 09:22:27 am

Thank you, Melanie! Good luck with the giveaway! :)

Katie J

11/9/2013 07:00:10 am

Thank you for sharing. I love reading Christmas stories and I look forward to reading these books.

Ashley Clark

11/9/2013 09:23:16 am

Thank you for stopping by, Katie! I'm so excited about the collection and hope you like it!

Diana Montgomery link

11/9/2013 08:29:53 am

Stories sound wonderful! Love to read these.
Blessings
[email protected]

Ashley Clark

11/9/2013 09:24:03 am

Thank you, Diana! I hope you enjoy the story! :)

Mary Preston

11/9/2013 09:00:40 am

What a wonderful story this promises to be. I have felt very low, but I had faith.

Ashley Clark

11/9/2013 09:25:21 am

Thank you, Mary! Faith really can pull us through the toughest spots, can't it? This story is all about finding faith again at a point of desperation. I hope you enjoy it!

Lisa Young

11/9/2013 09:23:29 am

Thanks for the teaser! I cannot wait to read and I am so looking forward to this story. I have been down on my luck but never truly hopeless. I can only imagine the despair...

Ashley Clark

11/9/2013 09:26:05 am

Thank you, Aunt Lisa! Can't wait to hear what you think!

Anita Mae

11/9/2013 08:18:06 pm

I'm glad you liked the teaser, Lisa. Thank you.

And thanks for sharing.

Ashley Clark

11/9/2013 09:26:53 am

Anita Mae, I just want to say thank you for this review and for hosting me today on your beautiful blog! :)

Anita Mae

11/9/2013 08:21:54 pm

You're welcome, Ashley. Your story is very much needed and I'm glad it's included in this set alongside mine.

And thanks for the kind word about my blog - it's a work in progress, but I like to think that people feel at home here.

chris granville

11/9/2013 09:56:36 am

The story sounds so right on
Have a terrific Christmas
God bless you
Chris Granville
granvilleATfrontiernetDOTnet

Ashley Clark

11/9/2013 02:26:39 pm

Thanks, Chris! Merry Christmas to you as well!

karen

11/9/2013 10:30:15 am

love the theme of hope this book has...love the looks of the mug

Ashley Clark

11/9/2013 02:27:38 pm

Thank you, Karen! Hope you enjoy the collection!

susan fletcher

11/9/2013 10:37:46 am

Loving this blog hop. Interesting, 'hop' turns into 'hope.' Hope is what I have and gets me from one day to the next! Can't wait to read these stories!
[email protected]

Ashley Clark

11/9/2013 02:29:00 pm

Thanks for participating in our blog hop, Susan! Hope you enjoy the stories! :)

Anita Mae

11/9/2013 08:31:06 pm

Well, Susan, I hope you enjoy stories where Faith is the theme as much as you enjoy the Hope ones because Faith is the theme of my story, which is the next stop on our Blog Hop Schedule:

Day 3 Saturday, November 16th, "Riding on a Christmas Wish" by Anita Mae Draper on Johnnie Alexander Donley's blog at http://www.johnniedonley.com/

Carla Gade link

11/9/2013 10:57:33 am

Anita, you did a wonderful review of Ashley's story. I love the premise of it and look forward to reading it soon. I just love each of the stories in A Cup of Christmas Cheer and am impressed by how wonderful they all are!!

Ashley Clark

11/9/2013 02:29:50 pm

Thank you for stopping by today, Carla! I hope you enjoy the story!

Anita Mae

11/9/2013 08:33:34 pm

Thanks Carla, I appreciate you saying that. Yes, now that my books have arrived, I've looking forward to reading each story. :)

Bonnie

11/9/2013 02:33:31 pm

I just love the storyline of The Christmas Thief, love Christmas books - in general - & would love to read both books of A Cup of Christmas Cheer!

My lowest point came in 1989 - I was raised in a Christian home, but had strayed from God, trying to do things "my way". Without going into a long story - let me just say that, I hit bottom, & finally realized that my way wasn't working, & submitted my life to His direction. He was there all along, just waiting for me to realize that His way was the only way! He has been SO good to me, always faithful, & always looking out for my good!

bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anita Mae

11/9/2013 08:51:05 pm

Hey Bonnie, thanks for sharing your story.

Although I knew Jesus was always by my side, I ignored him for many years. Watching others, I used to wonder why He allows us to reach such a dark, deep place before he starts speaking to our hearts. Some say we need to experience despair to know the full love of Christ's sacrifice. Maybe. But I think we all have a different thickness to the walls around our heart, and Jesus can breathe some down easily with his words. Others though, have walls so thick that it's only when they reach that deep place where they haven't the strength to keep the walls up that they hear Jesus on the other side.

I'm so very glad you dropped your walls and heard his call. :)

Ashley link

11/22/2013 04:44:30 am

Bonnie, thank you for sharing your story!

karenk

11/9/2013 08:37:40 pm

a great posting...looking forward to reading this Christmas novel :)

Anita Mae

11/10/2013 10:37:08 am

Thanks, Karen. Nice to see you here. :)

Ashley link

11/22/2013 04:45:11 am

Thank you, Karen! I hope you enjoy it! :)

jojo

11/10/2013 01:42:13 am

Wonderful books, and I love the covers!!!I am soo ready for Christmas! thanks for the opportunity to win a great mug!

Anita Mae

11/10/2013 10:38:53 am

You're welcome, jojo. You included your email when you signed in, so you're entered. :)

Ashley

11/22/2013 04:46:05 am

Thank you, jojo! I was so pleased with how the covers turned out too! Hope you enjoy the stories and have a great Christmas!

Joy Hannabass link

11/10/2013 01:43:29 am

I love Christmas stories and these two books sound wonderful!!
Thank you much......Joy
[email protected]

Anita Mae

11/10/2013 10:39:57 am

Thanks! And you're welcome. :)

Ashley

11/22/2013 04:46:40 am

Thank you, Joy! I hope you enjoy them! :)

amyc

11/10/2013 07:51:14 am

Sounds like great Christmas stories to read!
campbellamyd at gmail dot com

Anita Mae

11/10/2013 10:41:20 am

They are, they are! Thanks for entering. :)

Ashley

11/22/2013 04:47:08 am

Thank you, Amy! Hope you enjoy the stories! :)

Patricia Bradley link

11/10/2013 10:27:05 am

This sounds like such a good book. pat at ptbradley dot com

Anita Mae

11/10/2013 10:43:52 am

On behalf of all the A Cup of Christmas Cheer authors...THANK YOU! :D

Ashley

11/22/2013 04:47:49 am

Thank you, Patricia! :)

Teish link

11/10/2013 12:02:12 pm

That sounds like a beautiful story. The past few years, God has taught me that Christmas is about hope. And what a comfort that is!

Anita Mae

11/15/2013 07:44:18 am

Hey Teish, that's a good insight because I'm right there with you. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. :)

Beth

11/13/2013 04:13:04 am

Sounds like a realistic, yet hopeful story! I love true to life stories that show hope is still to be found!

Love the Christmas mug too! Thank you for the chance to win!

Beth

Anita Mae

11/15/2013 07:56:27 am

Actually, Beth, I'm glad you mentioned that because Guideposts is known for their true-life stories and I hope no one buys this set thinking that, and then realizes that it's all fiction. Well, fiction based on true-life. :)

Jennifer Tipton

11/13/2013 11:38:04 am

I let myself feel low when I realize I don't even have a close girlfriend to call when I'm down. God helps me a lot and I pray often so I don't fall into that trap.

Anita Mae

11/15/2013 08:14:55 am

Hey Jennifer, sorry for taking so long to get back to you... I always struggled with the same thing. I usually had several friends but no one close enough that I felt comfortable telling my secrets to knowing they'd hold them close to their heart. Over the years, I've come to believe it's a matter of trust. Because of a dark childhood, I have a hard time trusting anyone except my husband - and I was married to him many years before that even came about.

But I have to say that the best thing I ever did - socially - was to become blogmates with the Inkies - the women of www.inkwellinspirations.com who have become my sisters in life as well as sisters in Christ. For the first time, I can send out a secret or rant to them knowing it will stay with them. And the same goes with the need for prayer or anything else. Of course, I didn't let my guard down overnight, but we've been together several years now and so we've gotten to know each other pretty good and our on-line activities have spilled over into our real lives.

I'm not a psychologist or analyst or anything, so I can't offer any advice, but I will say that if you are offered the chance to join some kind of group with activities you enjoy, do it and then see where God leads you. He may be opening the door for you... but you need to be the one to take that step and go inside. Don't let your guard down completely, but be ready to see what blessings God has waiting for you.

One thing to remember... you're not the only one thinking you're alone. The difficult part is finding the others.

BTW, there is a widget in the right column of the Inky blog where if you ever need prayer or just to talk to someone, send us an email and we'll get back to you.

Lane Hill House link

11/14/2013 01:18:27 pm

I like that little wish on a star mug ~ I quilt scrappy-***s.
"Have you ever felt so low that you thought there was no hope? What changed it?" Yes, three times that I can think of through my life. I am certain that God protected me during those times and lifted me up above the circumstances. I trust Him because I know He is trustworthy. Here is a comment I read this morning in a commentary with Psalm 116:1, "Answered prayers are silken bonds which bind our hearts to God."
Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

Anita Mae

11/15/2013 08:18:14 am

Oh, Kathleen, that's a wonderful way to say how we're tied to God because silk is so strong, yet soft and flexible. Exquisite, really. Thanks for sharing.

Debbie Mitchell

11/14/2013 02:33:13 pm

I really love the cover of this book.....so inviting! I hope I am not commenting too late.

Anita Mae

11/15/2013 08:24:40 am

I like it too. :)

I really don't know if you're too late, but I don't think so since the Blog Hop girls were discussing that a week should do it and that won't be over until this weekend.

I know Ashley is doing the draw since it's her story in this post and her wonderful mug as a prize and she hasn't posted a winner here or emailed me to announce one yet.

But don't forget to check the schedule above for the link to Johnnie's blog for the next Hop which goes tomorrow (Sat) and another prize.

Susan Manchester

11/15/2013 06:14:00 pm

I am so glad I stopped by Carrie's page on Facebook, and saw the announcement about this blog hop. I already have these two books on my list, but I did not have all the novellas and their authors yet, so I am grateful for that. I am also thankful to have the schedule and the link to buy the books. I would be ecstatic if I won one of the books! I did one of these blog hops about a month ago, my first ever, and I had such a blast that I looked forward to doing another one. What a great chance to learn about new-to-me authors and books!

Anita Mae

11/19/2013 12:51:59 am

That's a great way to look at anthologies, Susan. We're very glad you stopped by too.

Ashley link

11/22/2013 04:50:15 am

Thank you, Susan! It's nice to meet you, and I hope you enjoy these stories! :)

Cheryl Baranski

11/16/2013 01:33:17 am

Thank you for the wonderful review of The Christmas Thief
by Ashley Clark! I have thought at times that was no hope.
Especially after the loss of our daughter to Trisomy 18 before we got to know her. I struggled for a year with hope and faith.
CherylB1987 AT Hotmail DOT com

Anita Mae

11/19/2013 01:09:37 am

Awh Cheryl, I may be a writer as well as a mother, yet I can't begin to imagine what you went through. You said you struggled for a year with hope and faith, which means you've come to a level of acceptance, and I'm glad to hear that.

This isn't the same thing, but I suffered through a blighted ovum near the end of a first trimester once and I still feel weighted whenever I think of the loss and yet it was way too early for ... anything. But I know we were all in God's hands and I've accepted that.

Jackie McNutt

11/16/2013 03:56:58 am

Ashley your story is very heart touching and I hope to read it soon.
There have been several times in my life when circumstances have brought me low and hope was hard to find.
The only thing that gave me hope was my faith in God. He has never left me remain so downcast that I can't find Him if I am really searching for Him not even in the times of walking in illness and death of loved ones.
mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com

Ashley link

11/22/2013 04:52:05 am

Thank you for sharing, Jackie! I hope this story shows the hope you've experienced even in your own struggles.

Linda Marie Finn link

11/16/2013 05:23:19 am

This sounds like such a sweet story. You know just when I feel like things are hopeless, God changes things to looking hopeful. I did have that feeling last years and it was with my DH and his mental health and our marriage. God changed his heart toward things and got him to get help.
Blesings
Linda Finn
[email protected]

Ashley link

11/22/2013 04:53:00 am

Thank you for sharing, Linda. It's amazing how even in the grimmest of circumstances, God is a God of hope.

Linda Finn link

12/24/2019 02:01:08 pm

Here we are 6 years later and I am a single mom and though Mark recanted on getting help and he got violent and is no longer with us at home. We are doing ok. It is a simple christmas this year but one will remember and enjoy. We are in an Apt and not our home of 13 years that was lost recently to bank fraud and mold issues again. Thankfully we are safe and living near family.
Blessings this Holiday to Everyone
and a Happy New Year!
Linda Marie

Diana Montgomery link

11/16/2013 07:07:24 am

This sounds so good I want to read it. The hardest time I have had is when my brother died. A part of me died that day.
Blessings
Diana
[email protected]

debH

11/16/2013 10:17:06 am

love reading reviews of short stories. i'm enjoying the different blog spots to learn more about the stories in the books. i am looking forward to getting the books to actually read those stories. the blog tour is looking pretty nifty. nm8r67 at hotmail dot com

Anita Mae

11/19/2013 01:11:55 am

Hey debH, good to see you here. Keep the schedule handy as we have more hops coming up. :)

Diana Flowers

11/16/2013 11:00:55 pm

This bunny isn't hopping very well...how did I miss this one? This story sounds wonderful! Congrats, Ashley!

One of the lowest times I ever experienced was when my hubby was out of work. He had a high paying job on the west coast, and when we moved to the south, he couldn't find anything that paid enough. We really struggled and prayed alot, and now he has a successful business. God is faithful!

dianalflowers(at)aol(dot)com

Anita Mae

11/25/2013 04:23:18 pm

Amen, Diana. Well said. :)

JOYE

11/18/2013 04:14:31 am

Thanks for the information about the book. I have added it to my TBR list.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Anita Mae

11/25/2013 04:24:34 pm

And a Happy Thanksgiving to you, Joye. I enjoyed mine last month. Hope your enjoy yours. :)

Ashley Clark link

11/22/2013 07:28:38 am

The winner of the Christmas mug is KatieJ! Congratulations, Katie!

Anita Mae

11/25/2013 04:25:41 pm

Thanks for appearing on my blog and giving away such a neat prize, Ashley. I really enjoyed working with you. :)

jackie tessnair

11/22/2013 06:41:49 pm

Would love to win this.Thanks for the [email protected]

Anita Mae

11/25/2013 04:27:23 pm

Jackie, you missed this one, but your comment here qualifies you for the Grand Prize. Head on over to the other Hops and enter there as well.

Vera godley link

11/23/2013 03:44:25 am

I was still in the hospital on this day of the hop, but I'll leave my comment anyway. Hoping I win something.

Wilani Wahl

11/23/2013 08:21:28 am

I am behind on this giveaway. I realize I may be too late But want to comment anyway. These books look so awesome. Have a Happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful Christmas

Susan P

11/23/2013 10:04:01 am

How on earth could I have forgotten this post? Ack- too much going on. I have felt low before - but I always knew even at the bottom that I wasn't alone.
lattebooks at hotmail dot com

Anita Mae

11/25/2013 04:29:41 pm

Susan P, that's very reassuring. So very glad you are receptive to His presence. :)

Teresa Mathews

11/24/2013 06:22:11 am

I can't believe I've waited to the last minute to leave my comments!! What a great set of books!! Thanks for the giveaway! :-)

Anne Payne link

11/24/2013 08:23:16 am

I've been in situations that certainly looked hopeless but the Lord has always been faithful and shown a way out, or provided a way through. I'm looking forward to reading the stories in A Cup of Christmas Cheer. The covers are lovely too! I'm leaving my comments late because I forgot about the grand prize!!!

Anita Mae

11/25/2013 04:30:59 pm

Thanks for sharing, Anne.

Anita Mae

11/25/2013 04:33:12 pm

Congratulations, KatieJ. I hope you enjoy your special Christmas mug. :)

Thanks for participating everyone. If you want a chance at winning the Grand Prize, please ensure you leave a way for us to contact you.

Sonja

11/27/2013 02:01:17 am

The title is very catchy! Love it. Great blog hop!

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A Cup of Christmas Cheer Blog Hop Day 2 - Ashley Clark's "THE CHRISTMAS THIEF"

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