A Holy City Christmas: Charleston Holiday Tales
An Anthology That Helps Others With Every Purchase!
The anthology is called A Holy City Christmas. Did you know that the historic city of Charleston, South Carolina is known as the Holy City because of the sheer number of churches it contains? The anthology is made up of eight novellas written by authors who belong to the South Carolina Lowcountry Chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. We’re a small chapter with a little over a dozen members but we are all convinced that we’ve got something really special going on. Once a month we all meet to learn about our craft, listen to knowledgeable speakers, share our own questions, progress and challenges. We support each other, pray for each other, and challenge each other to keep moving forward.
Eighteen months ago, we released our first group anthology, called Charleston Light. That collection contained stories that all featured the famously awkward lighthouse on Sullivans Island. Our first effort won a silver medal in the Golden Scroll contest and by donating all our proceeds earned, we were able to support a special charity, Sanctuary of Unborn Life of Charleston. We had so much fun with our first anthology we decided to do it again! For our next group project, we wanted to incorporate the beauty of Christmas in Charleston. Each story features a Christmas storyline and takes place in a real-life landmark within Charleston. Each author brings a different take, and even within those parameters, each story is completely different! Historical and contemporary, romance and mystery. Each one is a joy to read.
DOCK STREET MIRACLE by Laurie Larsen: Susannah, raised in foster care, now making her timid path into adulthood, receives the chance of a lifetime when exuberant off-Broadway theater veteran Molly arrives to direct the Christmas Nativity play at the historic Dock Street Theater. Working with Molly changes Susannah’s life in many ways. But she could never agree to Molly’s last-minute request to play the important role of Jesus’ mother. Could she?
THE LITTLE THINGS by Robin Stearns Lee: A homeless mother, missing children, and a mystery
A SOUTH OF BROAD CHRISTMAS by Christina Sinisi: A member of Charleston’s upper-crust meets a money-grubbing tour guide when he sneaks his tour group into her backyard—without her permission. Then, life keeps throwing them together—at Christmas. It’s almost as if the good Lord knows what he’s doing.
SUNRISE SHELLS AND CHRISTMAS BELLS by Melissa Henderson: Lana Pierce has experienced the loss of her husband due to illness and then, a hurricane that almost destroyed her home. While life continues, Lana becomes involved in a mystery and possibly a new love in her life. “Sunrise Shells and Christmas Bells” brings love, faith in God, and hope for the future.
NINE O’CLOCK, DECEMBER by Jody Stallings: For 31 nights every December, the mysterious stranger appears in her backyard and gazes into the harbor. Who is he? What is he seeking? As Jennie searches for his identity, she realizes she hasn't yet found her own.
IT HAD TO BE YOU by Annette Wiley: Marie’s idyllic world is crumbling bit by bit. Now, the United States is officially at war after the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor. She hasn’t heard a word from her deployed boyfriend James. When her friends drag her to a local USO dance, she’s stunned to feel a magnetic pull to a handsome sailor. Not only is the country's future hanging in the balance, but Marie’s sense of stability and hope is shaken to the core. Would God bring hope for her future through the turmoil?
BEAUTY FOR ASHES by Dianne Miley: High school senior Calli Williams refuses to let a little pink plus sign seal her fate into a life like her mom’s. But her firefighter boyfriend, Ember Alexander is just as determined to marry Calli and raise their child together. While she explores options other than parenting, Ember is called to a fire that threatens to take his life. Only divine intervention can save their love—and their lives.
IT HAPPENED ONE CHRISTMAS by Larry and Margaret McNab Gale: Post World War II Charleston is a city where social standing matters. A chance meeting of two people on the street at Christmas could lead to something more. But can they overcome the differences between their backgrounds and the prejudices of their families? It may all depend on the outcome of a life-threatening medical procedure.
In order to help others through this special book, we chose a charity to which we’ll donate all our proceeds from sales, RISE Men’s Recovery Ministry. Our chapter member, and line editor of this anthology, Laurie Sibley and her family are heavily involved with RISE so it’s a marvelous labor of love. Here’s Laurie S telling us why RISE is such a positive ministry:
The program includes on-campus living, dormitory-style. The residents will attend classes on job readiness, soft skills, financial planning, relationships, and parenting. They’ll work on campus doing laundry, preparing meals, mowing the lawn, and whatever else is needed.
Eventually they’ll obtain an off-campus job, allowing them to begin saving up for an apartment of their own. Meals will still be provided, ensuring a “soft launch” back out to the real world. And of course, the gospel and grace and accountability will be infused over everything. We’re so excited about this ministry!”
Another exciting feature of this anthology is that Sheila Sledden, one of our Lowcountry chapter members, created exclusive charcoal line drawings of the Charleston landmark featured in each story, and the drawings are included in the anthology pages accompanying each story.
The SC Lowcountry chapter is excited to bring you this special book! Secure your own copy (paperback or ebook) on Amazon. God bless and have a very merry Christmas!
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4hS6q09
I love being part of the SC Lowcountry chapter. Each member has unique gifts given by God. Thank you for sharing about the book and our chapter. :-)
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