Today I welcome author Patti Shene Gonzales as she shares about her Christmas in July celebration that begins July 1st. She has graciously offered a giveaway of a print (US only) or ebook version of her featured book, Cathy's Christmas Confession.

Last November, my Christmas novella, Cathy’s Christmas Confession went live on Amazon as a KDP published work. A print copy of the book followed in March.

Excitement and nervousness took control as friends and family bought copies and entered reviews on Amazon.

As I watched sales numbers throughout those first couple of weeks, I thought of all the writer and author contacts I have made over the years, not to mention non-writing friends with whom I’ve shared my writing dream. Of course, they would all rush to buy my book!

Then, reality hit.

Most of those contacts don’t have any idea I’ve published a book. Of my eight hundred plus “friends” on Facebook, less than ten percent probably see my posts, and ninety percent of those who do may not care one iota about reading.

Truth be told, I’ve given away more books than I’ve sold. The total of my royalties since my first sale doesn’t equal enough to fill my vehicle with a full tank of gas. The sum might provide a couple of good meals at my favorite restaurant, if I refuse dessert. I’ve spent more money mailing out books than I have selling them.

So, is the dream of publication I’ve held for so long, once achieved, merely a fantasy that fades to disappointment under the blatant truth of numbers and dollar signs?

No, it is not.

The dream never conjured images of money. It grew around something more valuable, a desire to share a message.

Cathy’s Christmas Confession is meant to comfort the hurting and bring the joy of Christ’s birth to readers. My characters act out on the page the ways sorrow can veil our souls from the spirit of “the most wonderful time of the year” when we face loss and loneliness. It digs below the surface of decorated trees and Santa’s sleigh and toys and cold winds to reveal the goodness of God’s perfect love for us in the gift of His son.

It is a message a hurting world needs to hear.

Giveaway: Leave a comment below to enter a random drawing for a print (US only) or ebook copy of Cathy’s Christmas Confession. Cleverly disguise your email address so we can find you but the ‘bots can’t. For example: donna AT livebytheword DOT com

Join us in our Christmas in July promotion every Wednesday and Saturday at pattishene.com/Christmas-in-July starting July 1^st as nine other authors share their Christmas message.

About Cathy’s Christmas Confession

During a snowstorm, widow Cathy Fischer creams a stop sign on her way to work at the Christmas Ridge Community Church. Acquaintance David Martin stops to help. Cathy sees signs of deep grief in David, a recent widower. She reaches out with support in an attempt to help David through this most difficult first Christmas without his beloved wife.

David Martin struggles with grief over the death of his wife. He blames God for her rapid demise after her cancer diagnosis. Cathy reaches out to him with compassion and support and soon enlists him in her mission to bring joy to others at Christmas. Will their joint quest restore David’s faith?

David needs to turn loose of the past and embrace his future. Cathy has a confession to make to the entire community that may give David a different perspective of who she really is. Will her confession set her free?

Does God have plans in mind for the two of them they did not anticipate?

Cathy's Christmas Confession: Book 3 in The Christmas Ridge multi-author series now available IN PRINT, on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited https://tinyurl.com/mr26ekaj

About Patti

Patti Shene Gonzales hosts Step Into the Light, a weekly interview style podcast, where guests share their journey out of darkness or ways they lead others out of darkness. She hosts writers on her two blogs, Patti’s Porch and The Over 50 Writer. Patti enjoyed a thirty-year career as a psychiatric nurse and has always harbored a desire to write. Cathy’s Christmas Confession released in November 2022 and is her first full-length published work. Patti enjoys writing, reading, critiquing, and spending time with family and friends. She lives in Colorado with her devoted feline companion, Duncan.