A sergeant from Fort Laramie plans to muster out of the Army after twenty years in order to go into ranching--and start a family. A new widow, grateful to have work as a housekeeper, struggles to provide Christmas gifts for her two children. An eleven year-old boy, still fiercely loyal to the dead father who neglected him while alive, struggles to learn how to grow to be a man. A younger sister is starved for the attention and affection only a father can give. This heartwarming tale of a bleak Christmas set in 1873 Wyoming tells of the gift of second chances and a promise for a brighter future.
Links for purchasing the book for Kindle, Nook, or from Smashwords (offers a variety of formats) are on the left. Links to my Pinterest board for A Christmas Promise are on the right.
Still want to know more? Here is an excerpt from the book:
“’Bout time!” Samuel grumbled as he burst through the door.
“Do we get our presents now?”
“No, not until the mornin’, Samuel,” Annie responded in
the calm manner she had cultivated over the years from dealing with her wayward
husband and disruptive son. “You know that.”
“Mrs. Clayton was a-sayin’ they open a gift on Christmas
Eve,” Samuel countered. “Reckon we outta, too.”
“That’s not how our family does it Sam. You know that. If
we open our gifts tonight, there won’t be anything for Christmas morning.”
“Figures,” Samuel snorted. “That’s mighty sorry, Ma.”
“I’m sorry, Samuel, but that’s how it’s a-goin’ to be. I guess
we might read the Christmas story from the New Testament,” Annie said in an
attempt to steer her son away from his disappointment. “Reckon it’d be best,
what with it being what Christmas is all about, not just a-gettin’ presents.”
“But we like a-gettin’ presents, Ma,” Arletta piped up.
“I know, Letta,” Annie remained calm, refusing to allow
the frustration she felt worming its way through her insides to erupt in her
voice or expression. But we need to remember that it’s because Jesus was born
into this world to save us that we celebrate Christmas. And, if you both listen
to just a smidgen of the story, I’ve a special treat I’ve saved for you all.
But, you gotta wait until we’re done a-readin’. Come around the table, now, and
I’ll get the lamp.”
The three had no sooner settled in their chairs than they
heard the sound of boots stomping on the back porch. A knocking on the outside door
to the kitchen followed.
“That Saint Nicholas, Ma?” Arletta asked, her voice full
of wonder. Samuel snickered in response. Annie glanced over to Samuel with a
warning frown.
“Too early for him, Letta. Probably one of the hands a-needin’
something from Mr. Clayton. You two wait here while I see who it is.”
What family tradition regarding opening Christmas presents does your family practice? Please leave a comment below.
I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas this year with a new year full of promise.
