Of all of the Christian holidays, Christmas is the one most celebrated. With twinkling lights, department store sales, decorated trees, gift exchanging and plump bearded men promising children their hearts' desires, it's no wonder that the holiness of this time is often lost in the hoopla.
In The Midnight Clear, nearly two dozen authors, come together to remind the world of the true meaning of the season. This wonderful assortment of stories will make you laugh, cry, and celebrate with the characters, as they embark on journeys of finding gifts of healing, hope, and happiness at Chrismastime.
This book makes for enjoyable reading whether it's during the holiday season or in the middle of July. It highlights the talents of nationally acclaimed novelists: Kendra Norman-Bellamy, Patricia Haley, Tia McCollors, and Stacy Hawkins Adams, but also further introduces readers to seventeen new and rising authors to watch out for as they embark on a mission to make an impact on the growing genres of Christian fiction and nonfiction.
Thicker Than Water
A Gracious Thanksgiving (by Kendra Norman-Bellamy) is the story of fraternal twins, Deshawn and Shandi, who were raised apart and have led very different lives. When Shandi, now in her twenties, seeks out her birth mother, she instead finds Deshawn. DJ, as he is affectionately known, is now a pastor and has enjoyed a privileged middle-class life, nothing like Shandi's lifelong struggle to survive. Only with DJ's heartfelt love and guidance will she be able to break through the feelings of resentment and jealousy that threaten to overtake her.
The Devil's Advocate (by Linda Hudson-Smith) chronicles the life of Malachi Trudeaux who was estranged from his wife for many years and denied access to twins, Stephen and Stephanie, during their childhood. Now a wealthy man, Malachi invites his children to visit his New Orleans estate. His generosity divides them. Stephanie is willing to forgive, but Stephen is bitterly clinging to the hurts of the past. Can Stephanie help her brother accept the unconditional love that will bring him home?
A Healing of the Hearts (by Maxine Billings) is the tale of twins, Kenya and Zaire, once inseparable but now strangers at the age of thirty. Raised by their maternal grandmother after their parents' tragic deaths, they vowed to stay together forever. And they did...until Zaire met a man and fell in love after high school. Zaire followed her new love to New York, leaving Kenya to look after their elderly grandmother. It'll take a special wish to erase years of misunderstanding and prove that family bonds still hold strong.
This Far By Faith
A CRACKED MIRROR (by Kendra Norman-Bellamy)
Jaxon Tillman's wife's many blessings haven't eased her pain of being abandoned as a baby. Fate has given LaShun Tillman an opportunity to reveal to the world that her birth mother, former supermodel, Sariah Langston, has an ugly past. Although Jaxon tries to stop the madness, he finds himself caught right in the middle in more ways than one, and the situation goes from bad to worse. Instead of forgiving her mother, LaShun plots to hit where it will hurt the most. Through it all, LaShun learns that revenge is never simple...and neither is the truth.
MY MOTHER'S SHADOW (by Stacy Hawkins Adams)
Aspiring actress, Jessica Drake, lands a big part in Broadway diva, Diana Edmonds's latest show, only to find that her idol hasfeet of clay - plus a monumental ego. But their strained relationship is changed utterly when a reporter discovers that Jessica is really the daughter Diana thought had died long ago.
HONOR THY HEART (by Linda Hudson Smith)
Beautiful Sienna St. James has spent her life being pushed into beauty pageants by her domineering, controlling mother., Sable. Now her blossoming relationship with a thoughtful young doctor has inspired her to live her life as she sees fit, even if it means losing everything she's known.
As scandalous secrets and old lied are brought to light, the women in each of these stories must learn about redeeming faith, the power of forgiveness, and a love whose strength and endurance is second only to God's own...
