Gifts of the Season

Two Christmas novellas span almost two centuries, illustrating the timelessness of this season that celebrates the birth of the Savior of the world—then and now.THEN:Inspired by a family Christmas tradition of the author’s family, "Circle of Blessings" is set in Dakota Territory in 1864.Stella Bradford is determined to win the love of James Collingwood, her English professor at the university where Stella is studying to be an architect. But the object of Stella’s affection hides a dark secret from his past. And even if Stella could capture James's attention, she is certain her father would not approve of the match. But neither James nor Stella has an inkling that his secret is woven into her own past in a way that will ultimately bring blessing to them both—if only he dares to reveal it.NOW:“Measured with Love” is a contemporary tale set in a Mississippi River town in Southeast Missouri.Benjie Gabriel believes the chef’s position she’s just taken at an award-winning bed and breakfast is temporary—only a stepping stone to greater things. The B&B’s owner, Trevor Keye, thinks the same and—given the haughty attitude of his new chef—that’s fine with him. Will five months be long enough for them to figure out that what they’ve each been longing for, praying for, is right beneath their noses? "Circle of Blessings" was first published in the novella collection A Currier & Ives Christmas and later in A Prairie Christmas Collection.“Measured with Love” was first published as “Making Room at the Inn” in the collection, Love’s Pure Light.