Why Shouldn't We Rejoice?

There's a predominant ideology floating around that we should keep religion to ourselves. It's not popular to believe. It's not cool to adhere to morals and principles that have long been treasured or to hold ourselves accountable to a higher deity.

It breaks my heart.

I see this mentality reflected in the popular music on the radio. Even what's considered "Christmas music" rarely reflects the reason for the season. It's all about partying, shopping, and being with loved ones. Yes, that's how we celebrate, but what are we celebrating?

This is my last post for the year. I'll be busy rejoicing in the reason for the season, giving my time to bless others, and teaching my children why.

Whether you celebrate or not, I wish you a merry CHRISTmas.

 

And what is Christmas without a giveaway?

Last week Jules Smith shared with us a SOPHIE'S THROUGHWAY, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win a signed paperback.

Jules' Game:

1. I have broken my nose 5 times.
2. I once shaved my head for charity.
3. I once met Duane Eddy (famous American guitarist) and asked him who he was. He said, “Duane Eddy,” and I said, “And what do you do?

The lie: #2. Jules would never mess with her hair as sexy hair has made her what she is.

Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:

...DRUM ROLL...

Deniz Bevan!

Congrats, Deniz! 

And now for this week's feature... 

Eleven-year-old Fairday Morrow is less than thrilled that her family is moving thousands of miles from civilization to the quiet country town of Ashpot, Connecticut, where she’s absolutely certain she’ll die of boredom. 

As if leaving Manhatten and her best friend, Lizzy, the only other member of the elite Detective Mystery Squad, weren’t bad enough, Fairday is stuck living in the infamous Begonia House, a creepy old Victorian with dark passageways, a gigantic dead willow tree, and a mysterious past. 

Before she can even unpack, strange music coming from behind a padlocked door leads Fairday up a spiral staircase and into a secret room, where she finds an ancient mirror, a brass key, and a curious  portrait of a red-haired lady. These seemingly unrelated items prove to be the first in a series of clues that takes Fairday, the visiting Lizzy, and their new squad member, Marcus, on an amazing adventure. 

Can the members of the Detective Mystery Squad piece together the puzzle before it’s too late? Or will whatever’s causing trouble find Fairday and her friends first?

Get your copy HERE.

Ready to meet the authors?

Jessica Haight is a true New Englander, with a deep desire to be near the ocean and a love of the four seasons. She enjoys drawing while standing up and cultivating magic in her garden. She easily floats away in the pages of a good story and is still waiting for her owl from Hogwarts. Jessica lives in Connecticut with her charming fiancé, James; dog, Jack; cat, Bill; and a very entitled bunny named Alice.

Stephanie Robinson lives with her husband in a quiet town, though not as quaint as Ashpot. After teaching fifth grade for almost fifteen years, she is now enjoying her role as a school media specialist. One of the many benefits of her job is that she learns something new every day. When Stephanie isn't working, she spends her time creating stories, getting lost in books, and traveling to new places.

These ladies both gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out EITHER lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win a signed, hardcover of THE SECRET FILES OF FAIRDAY MORROW. (Open Internationally.)

You have until Tuesday, January 5 at 1 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on January 6.

TRUTH OR LIE

Jess:

1. I do not have a cell phone, nor do I want one. 
2. I love the feel of flannel, and I like to have flannel sheets even in the summer. 
3. I am a fan of graphic novels, and someday I plan to write one of my own.

Stephanie:

1. I’ve never eaten a Big Mac or Whopper.
2. I love hot dogs with baked beans and coleslaw. The perfect easy meal and delicious too! 
3. Sardines with or without crackers are a delectable treat that I can’t resist.

So sleuths, which are the lies? Do you celebrate Christmas, and if so, what are you doing to celebrate this year? Do you have a favorite Christmas tradition? Do you like mysteries?