A Family Under the Christmas Tree
by Terri Reed
Inspirational Contemporary Romance
ebook & print, 340 pages
October 4, 2016 by Howard Books
In this heartwarming tale set during the Christmas season, a single father and a fashion photographer are brought together by a young boy and a mischievous Bernese mountain dog—but first they must learn to set aside their differences if they are willing to let their relationship bloom.
David Murphy never knew much about kids. But when his brother dies unexpectedly, David is granted custody of his six-year-old nephew, Troy, who he’s only seen once a year since he was born. He already has his hands full running his business, and he has no idea how to help the grieving boy. When Troy runs off one day, David finds him at a park playing with an adorable and rambunctious Bernese mountain dog—who leads him to Sophie.
Sophie Griffith has spent her life travelling around the world as a photojournalist. She has never stayed in one place for long, and her new assignment—helping her grandmother for a few weeks—is just temporary. Once Christmas day comes, Sophie is off the hook and can leave for a new adventure. Caring for her grandmother is a piece of cake—but caring for her new Bernese mountain dog, Riggs, is a different story. It doesn’t help that Riggs strikes up a friendship with a lost little boy one day at the park—and leads her to David.
Neither David nor Sophie have time for romance. But as they spend more time together, they start falling for each other even though they know it can’t go anywhere. Sophie will be gone after Christmas, and the last thing David needs is another distraction as he tries to comfort Troy. But as their faith and growing love for the boy and dog unites them, they wonder whether it’s more than a holiday romance…and maybe Troy might finally get his Christmas wish for a family.
All-Time Favorite Christmas Movie
My all-time favorite Christmas movie is A Charlie Brown Christmas, released in December of 1965. This is the longest-running cartoon special in history, airing every year but this classic almost didn’t make it on the air. The studios hated it, No television networks wanted to play it. They didn’t like the religious theme running through the story or the contemporary jazz score. It was criticized for not having a laugh track, and for using voices of real children (except for Snoopy, who was voiced by the show’s animator Bill Melendez). The creator of the show, Charles Schulz, wanted the central meaning of the show to reflect his own beliefs of Christmas. With his clout, Schulz managed to get his little animated cartoon to air.
And television viewers and reviewers both adored the show.
Words like whimsical, delightful and wonderful have been used to describe this tale of young Charlie Brown and his quest to find the true meaning of Christmas. Frustrated and disheartened by the commercialism all around him, Charlie Brown despairs because it’s supposed to be the happiest time of the year, yet he is depressed. One quick trip to Lucy’s psychiatrist desk sets him on a new path. That of director for the Christmas play. The actors aren’t sure he’s the right man for the job, especially after he brings in a forlorn little fir Christmas tree that he feels needs some tender loving care. Kind of like him. Then his friend Linus takes the stage and reminds the characters and the audience the real reason for the season.
As child I loved this show and looked forward to seeing it every year. When I had my own children, we would gather on the couch with popcorn and hot chocolate to watch the A Charlie Brown Christmas. When it became digitized I bought a copy so we can watch it anytime we want. It’s become a tradition in our house. The soundtrack, that contemporary jazz music that was so odd back in 1965, was a part of my playlist while I wrote A Family Under the Christmas Tree.
There’s nothing better than decorating the Christmas tree while listening to the relaxing, melodic tune of The Christmas Song by Vince Guaraldi Trio or hearing the angelic voices of children singing Christmas Time is Here.
I hope you all have a very merry and blessed Christmas!
— Terri
About the Author
Terri Reed’s romance and romantic suspense novels have appeared on Publishers Weekly top 25 Romance and Publishers Weekly top ten Religion Fiction, Nielsen’s Bookscan top 100 and featured in USA Today, Christian Fiction Magazine, More To Life Magazine and Romantic Times Magazine, finaled in RWA’s RITA contest, National Reader’s Choice Award contest, ACFW’s The Carol Award contest. She is an active member of both Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her college-sweetheart husband. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, gardening and playing with her dogs.
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Tour Schedule
December 11th: Launch
December 12th:
December 13th:
December 14th:
December 15th:
December 16th:
December 18th: Grand Finale
Tour Giveaway
- 1 winner will receive a copy of Love Inspired Classic 2 in 1, Love Comes Home and A Sheltering Love, a light up angle ornament, a Santa bookmark, A Family Under the Christmas Tree bookmark, a manicure set, and a Tule Book Girl book bag (US only)
- 1 winner will receive a $10 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)
- Ends December 22nda Rafflecopter giveaway
Wonderful book! Loved it!
ReplyDeleteSounds good can't wait to read it.I love the cover.
ReplyDeleteNANCY BURGESS
This book sounds so amazing and the cover is so beautiful.
ReplyDelete