Behind the Story: Joy

Ready to meet some characters in my new story? 
Joy Davidson is a mom doing the best she can. When she got pregnant with Andy much sooner than she or Noel planned, it put her schooling on hold. Now that Andy is older, she has started back on the track to her nursing degree. Only one problem (or more): she lost some of her hours, and her schooling is wrapped up in a scholarship she earned so she has to finish her degree at the school she's at now if she doesn't want to lose more. Which wouldn't be a problem if Noel hadn't taken a promotion out in Oklahoma, two states away from where they're living.
So, nine years after marrying her best friend, Joy digs in her heels and stays put in Tennessee while she lets Noel move on without her. She has three more semesters after this one and then she won't have to worry about school anymore. But she wonders if their marriage can last that long.
And acting as a single parent for their eight-year-old is no walk in the park, either. He's struggling just as much, if not more, than she is, and is often acting out and misbehaving.
Now, it's Christmas-time and she's sending him to Noel for a week. Could this be the worst Christmas ever?
Find out what happens in "A-parent-ly Christmas," part of our novella collection, A Match Made at Christmas. It releases October 1, but you can save $1 if you order early!
A Match Made at Christmas

A-parent-ly Christmas (by Amy R Anguish)—Noel and Joy Davidson didn’t mean to separate, but a job promotion and educational opportunities were too much for their marriage to withstand. Now, it’s Christmas and their son Andy wants them together. Between his mischief, an unexpected snowstorm, and the holiday spirit, they’re remembering why they first wanted to be together. But which one will give up their dream for the other?
A Match of her Own (by Sarah Anne Crouch)—Victoria Wood is torn between elation and devastation now that her sister is married and gone. When she realizes her sister’s best friend is alone and best-friend-less on Christmas, she knows just what to do. Set her up with a boyfriend! But pesky Jared Knight keeps getting in the way. Jared can’t date Victoria—she’s too immature—but he can’t convince his heart to move on. How will he keep Victoria from ruining everyone’s love lives? When will she realize her perfect match is closer than she thinks?
Jingle Bell Matchmakers (by Lori DeJong)—When country music star Aubrey Mayfield is lured home after years away, she’s bewildered when she and ex-fiance-now-widowed-dad Cody Lansdale keep finding themselves in the same place at the same time. As they become reacquainted, however, old feelings stir. Aubrey’s at a crossroads in her career and is contemplating a change. But when a chance at headlining her own tour takes her back to Nashville, Cody realizes her dreams may once again come between them. Unless God, with a little help from the Jingle Bell Committee, has a better plan.
The Santa Setup (by Heather Greer)—Turning friendship into love takes magic. Good thing Nicholas Eckert and Julie Clarke work at Christmas Wonderland. The attraction brims with holiday magic, not to mention four teenage elves determined that Mr. and Mrs. Claus stop playing a couple and become one. The teens will need more than mistletoe to pair up these two. Julie is seeing someone, and Nick won’t risk their friendship for possible love. Only the elven employees’ outrageous antics stand a chance of setting up Santa in time for Christmas.