Hello readers! Shortly after the release of By Grace Draw Near, Book 3 of my Wondrous Love Series, I woke up to the fact that I really missed not writing a Christmas story this year. I like challenges, and so, The Christmas Challenge was born! In reality, I’ve had the cover for this story for a year or more, although I had no idea of the story line, characters, setting. Nothing. What I did know was that I wanted it to be a stand-alone book. Well, that notion always has the possibility to be modified in my books–meaning I often expand on those stand-alone books and make them into a series. I tend to write secondary/supporting characters who seem to be poised and waiting in the wings for their own stories to be told, and this book is no exception. So, stay tuned…
Also like in several of my books, The Christmas Challenge has the added bonus (at least I hope readers find it to be such) of fun *sightings* of characters from other series. Rest assured, this book is no different, including a character a few readers have mentioned they’d like to see again. However, I think this particular character will be a surprise for (I believe) everyone. You know, as in “I wondered whatever happened to…?” I needed to be careful, too, because of the timelines of the different series. Although important in a previous book, this is a character I never planned to give a separate story. However, there is also another character who pops up more than once in The Christmas Challenge and is, admittedly, a personal favorite, and (I hope) guaranteed to give you a smile.
If you’ve read many of my books, you might be aware I tend to write about that first blush of love when a couple discovers one another in the beginning pages of their story. This is the first book since Second Time Around, Book 2 of The Lewis Legacy Series, where I have a couple separated due to circumstances or various reasons. That book was about a married couple. But in The Christmas Challenge. . .it’s a different scenario. I think there’s something so rewarding about how the Lord works in hearts, especially during the Christmas season. Here’s the back cover blurb to give you a better idea:
The Christmas Challenge
Serendipity: finding something valuable or delightful when you’re not looking for it and least expect it.
Donovan Harper and Claire Morgan are more successful as co-owners of a thriving advertising agency in quaint Serendipity, Pennsylvania, than they were at navigating their romantic relationship.
When an eccentric client makes an unusual request, Donovan convinces Claire their agency should participate in Serendipity’s annual Christmas Challenge. With contests and activities ranging from The Snowflake Plunge, candy cane making, snowman building, wreath and tree decorating, and a snowmobile race, could this be the opportunity Donovan has prayed for to win back the love of his life?
Join the holiday fun with Claire and Donovan in a story celebrating love, faith, family, small-town charm, and the true miracles of the Christmas season.
As much as any book I’ve written, it’s difficult to give you an excerpt without giving away too much. Here are a couple of excerpts, one in Donovan’s point of view, and one from Claire’s, from the first two chapters, that will give you insights into the motivation of both of my hero and heroine.
Wham! Donovan Harper reared back. Nothing like getting whacked in the head by a little green rubber ball to wake him up. That was twice now in the span of twenty minutes. Or was it three times? He’d lost track.
“What’s with you today, Harp? Your head’s definitely not in this game.” Nick Randall lightly swatted Donovan’s arm with his racquet.
“Brilliant deduction.” Donovan frowned. “Don’t know how you figured that one out.”
“And, may I say, your sarcasm quotient is off-the-charts. Everything okay there, bud?”
“Sorry.” Donovan swiped a forearm over his brow. “I think my head’s the only part of me in this game. At least I gave you enough competition to work up a decent sweat.”
“Yeah, well, I probably could have played solo with the wall and done that much. What’s got you so preoccupied?”
“Thinking about Claire.”
Nick chuckled. “I should have known. That’s nothing new. Matter of fact, when you’re irritated with Claire, you usually swat the ball harder and are more of a competitor.”
“It’s not irritation this time, Nick.” Well, maybe partly.
“Ah, gotcha. How about let’s play our last game for the match—winner take all—and then grab something at the juice bar? We can talk about it if you want.”
“Sure, loser.” Donovan adjusted his goggles and prepared to serve as Nick positioned himself on the court. He needed to get his brain back in this game if he wanted to win, but he had a sneaking suspicion it might be a lost cause. Competition was normally his middle name, but for once, he didn’t care.
Turns out, he really didn’t care and lost every single stinking point. Game over. The best thing was it shortened their time on the racquetball court and abbreviated his eventual humiliation.
“Hey, you gave it your best shot,” Nick teased as they walked toward the locker room.
“I did not, and you know it. Thanks for trying to make me feel better, but my best shot would have whooped you.” Donovan had barely soaked his workout clothes. Pitiful.
“All I’m saying is, if obsessing about Claire helps me win, then you go ahead and think about your ex-girlfriend all you want.” With a wry grin, Nick worked the combination and then flung open the door of his locker.
“It’s not obsessing,” Donovan mumbled as he tugged off his glove and tossed it inside the locker, followed by his goggles. “Just some serious. . .contemplation.” Shoving the door closed with more force than necessary, he snatched a towel and headed for the showers.
Meanwhile, back at the HarperMorgan advertising agency office:
Claire’s cell phone rang. She was inclined not to answer since a few pesky telemarketers had recently gotten hold of her number. When it stopped ringing but then started up again, she stopped typing. Might as well check. Retrieving her purse from beneath the desk, she dug out her cell phone.
The Hanson Group. She inhaled a quick breath and her pulse thrummed. Why would someone from one of the most prestigious advertising agencies in Philadelphia be calling her? She jumped when it rang again.
“Claire Morgan.” Sitting back in her chair, she removed her glasses and closed her eyes, hoping she could keep her voice even.
“Hi, Claire. This is Frank Hanson.”
“Yes, Mr. Hanson. How are you, sir?” Her eyes flew open and her heart began to pump harder. Frank Hanson was a legend in Philly advertising circles. The only personal contact she’d had with the man was when she’d pitched a campaign early on in her career. The Hanson Group, a competing agency, ultimately won the client and the campaign, but Frank later sent her a handwritten note commending her work and unique concept. He’d called her “a bright and shining star.” A girl could hardly forget high praise like that from a well-respected expert, and she’d kept his note. Occasionally, during rare moments of professional discouragement, she’d pull out Frank’s note and read it again.
Claire quickly crossed her office to close the door. Her instincts told her this was a conversation she wouldn’t want an employee passing by in the hallway to overhear.
“I’ve been watching your progress the past few years, especially starting your business in Serendipity,” he said. “That was a smart move. You and Donovan have done very well, gained visibility in a tight, competitive market, and you’ve established a reliable brand and reputation.”
“Thank you, Mr. Hanson. I appreciate that.”
“Call me Frank, please. I’ll get straight to the point. Claire, I’d like to offer you a position as Creative Director here at The Hanson Group. Being the end of the year, this is when I like to clean house and bring new people into my agency. Professionals who have a proven track record of getting the job done successfully.”
Claire had almost hyperventilated at the first part of that statement and then practically choked when Frank quoted her a salary above and beyond what she’d make in two years at HarperMorgan, maybe even three years. Had she heard the man wrong?
*End of Excerpt*
Now, for the big news: This book will release no later than this Saturday, December 3rd, which happens to be my birthday. I’ll be celebrating in Louisville, Kentucky, with dinner and a Christmas concert by for King & Country and Lauren Daigle, but with thankfulness for the Lord gracing me with another year to tell more stories, I’m doing something I’ve never done before with my indie books. I’ll be offering this book for a very limited introductory time for only 99 cents on Amazon Kindle! This is also a short novel and not a novella. It will also be available on Kindle Unlimited!
Up next for me in late December is Pursuit, Book 8 in The Lewis Legacy Series, with my NASA Commander Will Lewis! Enjoy the beginning of this glorious holiday season, my friends. I’ve been doing something fun on my personal page on Facebook since the day after Thanksgiving–sharing some of my favorite Christmas songs (with videos). If you’d like, send me a friend request and/or come join the fun!
Blessings!
JoAnn
Matthew 5:16
USA Today bestselling author JoAnn Durgin is the author of over twenty novels since her debut, Awakening (Lewis Legacy Book 1), released in late 2010. Her books include the beloved Lewis Legacy Series, as well as its prequel, Prelude. She is also the author of Catching Serenity, Heart's Design, and Gentle Like the Rain, a sequel to Heart's Design. Other novels include Echoes of Edinburgh, The Wondrous Love Series, Perchance to Dream, and the popular Starlight Christmas Series. Her latest release is The Christmas Challenge and coming up next is Pursuit, the highly anticipated Book 8 in The Lewis Legacy Series. JoAnn lives with her family in her native southern Indiana and now enjoys writing full-time and spending time with her first granddaughter, Amelia Grace. Sharing the hope and joy to be found in a relationship with Christ is her passion, and JoAnn adores writing and reading Christian romance. She loves to hear from her readers via her website or her Author JoAnn Durgin page on FB!
OH MY GOODNESS- as I read this post, I was listening to for King and Country’s awesome song “Glorious”- enjoy the concert and happy birthday:)
Gorgeous cover and the story looks good as always, will be adding this one to my kindle as soon as it’s available. Looking forward to Will’s story too…
Blessings JoAnn:)
What a terrific birthday present from you to us! Thanks for sharing the excerpt, JoAnn and congratulations. Enjoy your birthday celebration!
I am so glad to have another JoAnn Durgin book to read before Christmas. It makes being on the mission field feel abit more like home in the States?. Happy birthday enjoy a wonderful evening! Dec 3rd was my mommy’s b-day too! Just another reason to enjoy our friendship !
From Romania with Live,
Diane Markesbery
Dear JoAnn,
Thank you for making my day brighter by giving me a glimpse at your next novel,
Your faithful reader.
Linda
Hi Wemble! Great timing re: for King & Country. I adore them. I saw them at the Kentucky State Fair a couple of years ago and have been an avid follower of their music ever since. Thank you so much for your kind comment and faithfulness in reading my books! Blessings to you during this “glorious” season. :)
Thanks so much, Jill! I appreciate your kind words. I’m almost shameless about my birthday these days and celebrate but don’t feel as though I’m any older (although there are days…). :) Blessings to you during this start of the holiday season!
I love the excerpts from books. Thanks for the glimpse into The Christmas Challenge and the discount. Happy upcoming birthday.
Hello to you, Diane! I’m always so tickled to hear from you “in person” and all the way from Romania! What an honor, and thank you for all you do on the mission field. And how special to share the honor of having the same birthday as your mother! Yes, indeed, it’s yet another reason to appreciate and value our friendship. Stay tuned for Will’s story coming by the end of the year, as well! Blessings to you, my friend.
Linda, you are indeed a faithful reader, and I value you so very much. I’m glad I could make your day brighter, and say hello to California for me. I do miss it, and we hope to visit again someday soon (and hopefully we can meet in person and share a hug in person!). I hope you’ll enjoy The Christmas Challenge. Coming very soon! Blessings, my friend. :)
Thank you, Kerri! I love sharing excerpt, but it seems increasingly difficult for me to do very far into a story for fear of giving away a plot point or something I want the reader to discover as she reads. Thank you so much re: the birthday wishes. I’m kind of shameless about it anymore, but I’m so thankful to the Lord for each year that rolls around and want to share the love! Blessings to you and wishing you and yours the best during this very special time of the year! :)
Well, now I have to hurry the week along to get this new Christmas book. So hooked already. Loved hearing how it came about and the peak at what to expect. May you have a truly blessed Birthday celebration. Love every book you have written!
Thanks for the preview!
Happy birthday! That’s an exciting birthday present. Your book sounds like fun!
Thanks so much, Robin! I can’t wait for you to read this one. Many blessings to you as we begin this joyous holiday season! :) I appreciate your stopping by Inspy Romance today and the comment, as always.
You’re welcome, Merrillee! Thanks for the comment. I appreciate you. Blessings!
Thanks so much, Diana! I like the book and hope you will, too. Many blessings, and thanks for your comment. I hope you and yours enjoy the beginning of this joyous holiday season! :)
Can’t wait for the releases! I hope you have a wonderful birthday and it sounds like you just might. Blessings to you and thank you so much for the wonderful books you provide to us.
JoAnn, This book looks like it’s going to be great fun to read!
If I forget……have a FANTASTIC BIRTHDAY!
I can’t believe you get to For King and Country! Wow…..post photos okay? They’re one of my favorites!
Wow! This is like Christmas, in that for your birthday, we get a gift. Thank you for writing another wonderful story. Happy birthday to you this Saturday, and happy reading to me. :) Enjoy your special day and all the celebrations, dear JoAnn.
JoAnn, have a wonderful birthday celebration! I can’t wait to read The Christmas Challenge. I love your books.
Oh, that sounds like a fun story! Thanks for sharing.
I am really looking forward to this one! It sounds intriguing! :) I would love to see Lauren Daigle. I hope you have a fun and enjoyable birthday!
Thanks so much, Becky! I appreciate your faithfulness in reading my books. Yes, I need to get this book finalized and into your hands and then I intend on having a great birthday celebration. Thanks for coming to Inspy Romance today and for your comment. Blessings to you and yours during this wonderful season of the year!
Thanks, Marylin! I’m also enjoying our mutual sharing of favorite and fun Christmas songs on Facebook! I’ll try to post photos of the concert although we’re on the balcony. I primarily want to soak it all in. Can’t wait! I mentioned for King & Country in By Grace Draw Near. I try to give shout-outs to some of my favorite Christian bands. Blessings, and thanks so much for the comment!
Thank you, my friend! I hope you’ll feel the same way after you read the book. LOL. I’m not worried. :) I appreciate your faithfulness. I’d love some of your delicious homemade bread for my birthday. If only… Thanks for stopping by Inspy Romance today and for the comment! Enjoy the beginning of this joyous season. Blessings! :)
Thank you, Alexa! You are so good to me, and I appreciate your faithfulness in reading my books and being my good friend and fellow author! Thanks for the comment, and blessings to you!
I hope readers will find it to be fun. Thanks so much, Val. I appreciate you. Blessings! :)
Thanks, Nina. I hope you’ll enjoy it. We saw Lauren last summer at the free Christian concert at the Kentucky State Fair. She’s fabulous (and my son has a huge crush on her now). :) Blessings to you and yours during the beginning of this joyous season! I appreciate your faithful readership.
Sounds wonderful and I can hardly wait to read it. Wonderful way to celebrate your birthday.
Thanks, Ann! I can’t wait for you to read the surprise *sightings* of other of my characters. I have such fun, and I trust my readers can tell. LOL. Thank you for your faithfulness, and I wish you and your family the BEST in this joyous holiday season. Many blessings! :)
I’m really excited to read another Starlight book!! Happy birthday to you in advance (btw, shouldn’t you be getting gifts? not that I’m complaining, I’m in line to read it.) I’m also looking forward to hear more about Pursuit.
I actually skimmed through one of your Starlight stories last week after we had our chat. I am hyper curious about “mysterious” characters appearing again (mysterious because you’re clearly making an effort not to let us know who is showing up).
Your comment about secondary characters getting their story told also made me think of Neil (Whisper to my Heart). In his own way he makes me think of Josh’s redemption story (Twin Heart).
So excited to read this! Just finished Whisper to my Heart which was (of course) another great read. Started my Christmas reading last night, and can’t wait to get started on this one!
Hi Priscila! To clarify, this isn’t a Starlight book. This may or may not be the beginning of, I don’t know, perhaps The Serendipity Christmas Series. Similar names, and both small, charming, fictional towns. :) I don’t need gifts. Going to dinner and the concert is all I need for my birthday. I love sharing this story with my readers, and I hope everyone enjoys it. I will tell you that one of the mysterious characters who makes an appearance in The Christmas Challenge is not Neil. If I write his story, it will be down the line. Thanks so much for your faithfulness. Blessings to you, your family (and especially little Sam) during this most joyous season of the year, Priscilla! Hugs.
Oops. I did it again. Priscila (one “l”). I should know that. :)
You made me smile, Pam! Thanks so much for reading Whisper, and I’m thankful you enjoyed it. :) I hope you’ll enjoy The Christmas Challenge! :) Blessings to you and your family during this wonderful season, and thank you for your faithfulness.
Oh my. I totally think we already had a conversation like this before. The cover is so similar to your Starlight series and the Christmas theme is recurrent there, plus the similar town names (and didn’t you have a diner setting in Starlight too?). I’m ashamed.
Love the preview of your new Christmas book. Looking forward to reading it. Happy Birthday a few days early. Enjoy the Christmas concert. Matthew 5:16 is one of my favorite Bible verses. I am enjoying Starlight Star Bright and I have one more to read in the series which I have really enjoyed.
Oh, please, no reason to be ashamed! I had Barney’s Diner in Starlight, but there’s not a diner central in this Serendipity book. The diner was also prominent in Whisper to My Heart, of course. I love the whimsical covers for the Christmas books, but I really wanted a purple one this year. Memorable (or at least I hope so). Hugs. :)
Hi, Nancy! Thank you so much. Dante and Amanda’s story has a really fun ending, I believe. Readers really embraced those too, anyway, which really tickled me. If you haven’t read Starlight in Her Eyes, I hope you can squeeze that one in soon. I have a reason (wink wink) for saying that. LOL. Blessings to you, Nancy, and thanks for your comment today!
Okay so I think I need to call off the day. I’m getting my book references mixed up and probably am messing up at work too. It’s been a crazy day from the start and I just learned I have a meeting in 10 minutes and it will take me at least 40minutes to get there. Not a good thing.
The only bright side was hearing Sam’s heart beating perfectly earlier today; it was a joyful experience. I am truly happy all seems good so far.
JoAnne, I have read Starlight In Her Eyes and really enjoyed the story about Colin and Serena. I have yet to read Sleigh Ride Together With You.
Ah, great! Thanks for answering. Good to know. :) Happy reading!
So excited! I just finished “By Grace Draw Near” and am anxiously waiting (and stalking Amazon) for your next release. Only a few more days until I have a new “JoAnn Durgin book” to read!! Happy Birthday friend! <3
Thanks, Elaine! Yay for finishing By Grace Draw Near. See, you’ve caught up with me. :) No need to stalk Amazon. Just keep watching for my post on Facebook. I’ll blast everywhere when The Christmas Challenge is available. I’ll admit I like that its releasing is creating a bit of anticipation, and my heart is full. :) Blessings to you, my friend. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving, and I hope you’re gearing up for the Christmas season now! Blessings, and thanks for the comment. Stay tuned… :)
Oh JoAnn! Thank you! It’s gonna be such a fun weekend of reading this. Surely can’t wait! And enjoy your Birthday celebration! Sounds so fun! Happy Birthday Sweetie!!!
Well, my bad. Linda corrected me. She’s in TEXAS, not California. You’d think I’d remember that! :) Sorry, Linda. Hugs.
Thank you, Sharon! I appreciate your stopping by and sharing in the fun here today at Inspy Romance! Blessings to you, and thanks for being such a faithful reader. :)
What a beautiful book cover JoAnn! My sister-in-law is a huge purple fan, I know she’d love this one :-) Thanks for the preview and happy early birthday to you!!
Thank you, Trixi! Blessings to you.
Oh, Priscila! I’m so happy FOR you. Congratulations. It’s so special to hear your baby’s heartbeat, and indeed what a joyful experience! Wishing you and your family a fabulous holiday season as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Hugs!
Another book, JoAnn? You are a very prolific author, and I’m way behind on your books (hanging head). I’ve loved all the ones I’ve read. This one looks and sounds wonderful, too. Thanks for the preview, and congratulations on your birthday and your book birthday. I really need to get caught up on my TBR pile. I’m so far behind.
I know, Winnie! I can hardly keep up with myself. I always want to keep the quality of my books high (keeping in mind that some stories appeal to some readers more than others, of course, depending on personal preferences). Thank you for your kind comments about my books and the birthday wishes! Just keep reading one book at a time. I know you’re an avid reader of Christian fiction, and we authors certainly do appreciate that! Many blessings to you and yours during this joyous holiday season!
You are a wonderful writer, JoAnn. You just need to give me some of your energy!
This sounds like a good book! Definitely looking into getting it on my Kindle. As a (fairly new and indie published) author, I know EXACTLY how you feel about taking a side character and giving them their own story in a new novel. I was just thinking about that today with mine!
JoAnn, Happy Birthday and Happy Book Release! Enjoy celebrating this weekend :)
Thanks so much, Julie! Welcome to the world of indie publishing. I hope you’ll love it as much as I do! I usually develop my side characters quite well. Enough so that readers ask for their stories! Thus, another story is born. If you need any advice, help, hints, etc., please feel free to call on me. I like to help new authors. Blessings to you as you write, read, and especially during this most joyous season! :)
Thank you so much, Narelle! I appreciate your kind words. I can celebrate another year but I hope I don’t look another year older! I remind myself that I’m only a day older than the day before. LOL. Blessings to you.
Thank you so much, JoAnn. I KNOW from 2 people who read my book that they want more about this minor character. So now I’m stressing- I have all next year to give her her own story! Which is out of my comfort zone because I’d be leaving ‘Carrie and David’ my main 2 characters behind. LOL.
The more you write, the easier I hope it gets to create two brand NEW characters and give them their story. Witness my Lewis Legacy Series. I have my core characters, Sam and Lexa, and they’re the mentors now and “float” (note they’re not angels or ghosts, LOL) in and out of the other books in the series (it’s a long-running series). I had a minor character in the third book of my Starlight Series I adored so much that I HAD to write his story. Thus, the fourth book was born. Blessings. :)
Thank you ! Yes I read this other day but didn’t see the reply box?.