My Love of the First Snowfall (and a prize pack!)
Can you feel the holiday spirit beginning to sweep across the land? I can! This is the time of year when I love to begin reading Christmas books and watching Christmas movies, so I’m delighted that my friend Jill Kemerer is visiting today and giving away a prize pack that includes her Christmas novel, Thanksgiving dishtowels, and a Thanksgiving notepad and pen set! Welcome, Jill! -Becky
I grew up in the country in the middle of Michigan where snow every year was guaranteed. As a kid, I couldn’t wait for the first snowfall. By the end of October, anticipation would set in of seeing those first flakes. I remember sitting in class, staring out the window while the teacher droned on as I willed the snow to come.
I’m sure some of my excitement had to do with the fact that snow signified the start of the holiday season, my favorite time of the year. When the first flakes danced down from the sky, I could barely contain my excitement. I’d spin around outside with my arms wide, face tipped to the sky, mouth open trying to catch each frozen wonder on my tongue.
When my homework was finished, I would gather various scraps of paper—from gum wrappers to construction paper—and cut out snowflakes. Each one would be lovingly placed in a shoebox decorated with Christmas wrapping paper, and as the weeks wore on, I would add to my collection.
One year, my teacher taught us how to make snow ice cream. I don’t recall the exact recipe, but I think it consisted of a bowl full of snow, a raw egg, and a lot of sugar. I, naturally, loved it. Looking back, it kind of grosses me out!
If the snow got deep enough, my sister and I would drop to the ground to wave our arms and legs into snow angels. Then we’d roll balls to make snowmen. We also loved creating snow forts and sledding around the yard. There was a large brush pile behind our old shed, and when the snow covered it, there were little paths to slide down on your bottom. Talk about fun!
Now I live in northwestern Ohio, and we still get snow, but it doesn’t always appear before Christmas. Sometimes it will wait for January. Regardless, the old excitement brings a smile to my face when I see those first flakes floating down.
And I can’t help myself—I get out a few scraps of paper and make paper snowflakes again.
To celebrate the release of The Prodigal’s Holiday Hope, I’m hosting a giveaway! One commenter (US residents only) will receive a gift package with a signed copy of The Prodigal’s Holiday Hope, a set of Thanksgiving dishtowels and a matching notepad. If an international winner is selected, they will receive an ebook of The Prodigal’s Holiday Hope. I’ll randomly select a winner on Tuesday. Thank you!
He’s learned from his mistakes…
But can he prove he’s changed?
When Sawyer Roth is hired to work on his childhood ranch, he knows he has a damaged reputation to repair. Tess Malone, the new ranch owner’s daughter, is the hardest to win over. But as Christmas approaches, Tess and her toddler son find a way into Sawyer’s heart. He lost everything the last time he put his trust in love. Can he risk it all again?
Click here for purchase links and more!
Jill Kemerer is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of heartwarming, emotional, small-town romance novels often featuring cowboys. Over half a million of her books have sold worldwide. Jill’s essentials include coffee, caramels, a stack of books, her mini-doxie, and long walks outdoors. She resides in Ohio with her husband and two almost-grown children. For more information, visit her website, jillkemerer.com.
