Kicking Off the 12 Books of Christmas Giveaway with author, Janelle Mowery

Well, it's Monday, and you know what that means. At least, you do if you read Friday's post. It is the beginning of THE 12 BOOKS OF CHRISTMAS, a giveaway event, where 12 wonderful Christian authors will be giving away their Christmas-themed books over the course of 12 weeks (which will take you right up to the week before Christmas!)

So are you ready for Author and Giveaway #1?

Me, too!

First, a little about this week's featured author, Janelle Mowery (including her favorite holiday recipe!) followed by details about her book, A Woodland Christmas, and specific giveaway info.

Born and raised in southern Minnesota, Janelle Mowery spent hours reading a great many books during her childhood years. Janelle now resides in Texas with her husband of twenty-one years and their two sons. Her love of history, mystery, and stories led her toward her dream of writing novels. When she's not writing, she loves reading, watching movies, researching history, and spending time in the great outdoors. To learn more about Janelle and her upcoming releases, visit her Web site at www.janellemowery.com.


FUN HOLIDAY QUESTIONNAIRE:

Favorite Christmas carol: I think I'd have to say O Holy Night is my favorite Christmas carol. As with most authors, it's the words that speak to me more than the music.

A family Christmas tradition: We don't do anything outstanding. The gifts under the tree are opened Christmas eve night and we receive what's in the stockings Christmas morning.

A memorable gift you've given or received: I can't help but smile at this question. The gift I remember most is when I received Alice in Wonderland as a child. The book was huge, easily a foot wide and over a foot long. The cover was a glossy hardback. I loved that book and spent hours with it. I even had my picture taken with it. I think it was that book that opened my world to stories and imagination.

Favorite Christmas television show or movie? I have two favorites, a classic and a relatively new movie. I love It's a Wonderful Life. As for the new movie, there was one year I had a difficult time getting into the Christmas spirit. A friend told me she had the same problem one year until she watched The Polar Express and that I needed to watch it. It was great advice.

When do you start your holiday shopping? I don't start shopping for Christmas until after my youngest son's birthday, which is the middle of November.

Ever been kissed under the mistletoe? Sure, but since we rarely have mistletoe in our house, it doesn't happen often.

Do you deck the halls in style or keep it simple? I used to go all out when our sons were young. I'd hang lights from the house, down the driveway and along the fence. Now that our sons are grown, I keep it simple with just a tree, a nativity, stockings over the fireplace, and a wreath on the door.

What food do you overindulge in during the holidays? My weakness is fried turkey and dressing with gravy...and mashed potatoes...and green beans...and fresh baked rolls...and, well, need I say more? I overindulge on all the food until I have no room for dessert. Then we take a walk so we can do the same thing again that night. LOL. This happens for Thanksgiving AND Christmas.

Speaking of food...here's one of Janelle's favorite holiday recipes:

Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie (this is a family favorite, and the color goes great with Christmas.)
1 1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup flour
2 cups chopped rhubarb, fresh or frozen
2 cups strawberries, fresh or frozen
1 1/2 tbs. butter
2 pie crusts

Mix sugar and flour. Toss over rhubarb and strawberries. Pour mix into bottom of unbaked pie crust. Dot with butter. Cover with top crust. Rub more butter on top crust and sprinkle with sugar. Cut slits in top crust. Bake at 400 for about 45 minutes.

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Blurb about A Woodland Christmas: Gabe Noell, an itinerant wood-carver, moves from town to town in the Piney Woods of East Texas. His “sawdust sermons” are even more valuable than the furniture he crafts. And the advice he dispenses helps four couples find their way to the miracle of love at Christmas. A Woodland Christmas is a 4-novella collection.

Blurb about Janelle's story, A Christmas Chain: Emma Pickett is on a quest for vengeance, but meeting Caleb Kelley sidetracks her and tempts her to forgive and forget-until she comes face to face with the man she seeks.

To win a copy of A Woodland Christmas, leave a comment on this blog post, telling me your favorite Christmas Carol. No Christmas Carol, no win! Be sure to include your contact info. No email address, no win!

Contest ends at midnight, Friday, October 1st. Winner will be announced in a brief post on Saturday.

**Contest disclaimer: Void where prohibited; open only to U.S. residents. Odds of winning depend on number of entrants.**