BRIGHT IS THE LIGHT: A Christmas Novel
A Single Holiday Title that stands alone
September 1 – Ebook, KU & Print
Publisher: Epitaph Press
Sometimes the brightest Christmas miracle begins with a single lantern in the window.
Two weeks before Christmas, former soldier Calder Jackson drifts into Jubilee, Texas, half-frozen and desperate to escape a blinding snowstorm. Looking for nothing more than shelter, he never expects to find a family who welcomes him as though he belongs. He hasn’t belonged anywhere for a long while.
Kate Walsh hesitates to take in a male boarder, knowing small-town gossip can ruin a woman’s reputation. However, with a disabled mother and a simple-minded brother depending on her, she needs the money. Before long, Calder becomes more than a tenant. His kindness brings laughter back into their home and gives young Micah the acceptance he’s longed for.
Together, Calder and Micah build a Christmas lantern to place in the window on Christmas Eve, honoring an old Irish tradition that welcomes blessings and guides the way home. Can Calder finally find the elusive peace he’s been chasing? The love he feels for Kate makes everything seem achievable as though the light has been waiting in the window all along.
Filled with hope, faith, and the warmth of family, this heartwarming holiday romance celebrates second chances, unexpected love, and the light that guides us all home.
AMAZON
EXCERPT
Ducking her head against the wind, Kate Walsh clutched an armful of sewing and hurried toward the home she shared with her little brother and mother. From the looks of it, they’d have snow in a matter of hours. It wasn’t this frigid when she’d gone home several times during the day to see to her mother’s needs. She shivered inside her long wool coat and dreamed of summer.
This Christmas would be meager but there was no help for that since they hadn’t been able to rent their vacant room in two months. Not many folks passed through Jubilee these days and those who did rode right on through. The burdens weighing her down had gotten heavier.
As the sole support of her invalid mother in addition to her mentally slow little brother, she was beaten down by the magnitude. If only she had someone to help take a little of the load. But there wasn’t anyone. And now cooking supper awaited.
When she neared their home, she noticed Micah hadn’t put the sign out that she’d made the previous night. Darn that boy. She loved her brother dearly, but he could try her patience something awful. He seemed unable to remember anything important. He would remember Christmas morning when they had no gifts, no food.
Kate reached for the doorknob but before she could turn it, the door swung open. “Thank you, Micah.”
“Wasn’t me.” Micah grinned. “It’s Calder Jackson, our new boarder.”
Boarder?
“Who?” She unwound her muffler and removed her gloves.
A stranger stepped from behind the door. “Calder Jackson, ma’am. I rented your room.”
The deep voice set her heart fluttering. When had that happened last?
“A gentleman always helps a lady with her coat.” His soft gray eyes held sadness.
What was his story? In spite of herself, she was curious.
She stared at the tall stranger for a full second, taking in his dark hair and eyes. Then she undid the buttons of her coat and he removed it, his hands warm on her arm. “Thank you, Mr. Jackson.” Her gaze sought her brother’s. “Can you help me in the kitchen a moment, Micah?”
“Yep.”
When they were behind the closed door, she spun and whispered feverishly. “What have you done? You know we only rent to women. I told you that.”
“You never think I can do anything,” Micah said defiantly. “I can do lots of stuff.”
“You don’t know anything about this man.” Her voice rose several octaves and she waved her arms. “He could be an outlaw or a bank robber. Or maybe he’ll murder us in our sleep.”
“You’re just mad ’cause I did something you couldn’t. I ain’t an imbecile like everyone says.” He pulled the silver dollar from his pocket and plunked it into her hand. “See? The first week’s rent.”
The precious coin shone in the lamplight.
Hurt in her brother’s eyes pierced her heart. Kate put her arms around him and made a mental note that his sandy hair had gotten too long. “I’m sorry. You’re not an imbecile. Don’t listen to what they say. Of course, you can do things.” She swallowed the last of bit of disappointment and kissed his cheek. “I’m very proud of you.”
“He’s real nice. Give him a chance, Kate. Mama liked him.” He whirled and left without giving her a chance to say more.
