Fresh Fiction Blog | Anna DeStefano

CHRISTMAS ON MIMOSA LANE's Polly Lombard knows how to make this holiday absolutely perfect for her and her dad—she'll forget all the wonderful things she did with her recently deceased mom. She will stop being sad, everyone will stop worrying about her, and her memories will stop making her and her dad, Pete, so lonely.

Mimosa Lane's school nurse, Mallory Phillips, is exactly the person to help her. Mallory just moved onto the lane and loves Christmas so much and has THE BEST sparkly tree in the world and never wants Polly to talk about her mom. And Mallory never, ever makes Polly feel bad about how she's feeling or what she's thinking. Mallory will know exactly what to do, to make all the bad things in Polly's world go away just in time for Christmas.

Of course Mallory's idea of perfection isn't the same as Polly's.

And Mallory's running from her own bad memories. Secrets she doesn't want her new neighbors to know stalk first her dreams and then her tranquil new life on this sleepy, picturesque cul-de-sac north of Atlanta, Georgia. The damaged parts of her connect with the Lombards on an undeniable level that quickly grows into love—just in time for Mallory's demons to drop back into her life. By Christmas, she needs help, her new community and a family of her own more than she ever has before.

I cherish writing stories that reveal the most beautiful and the most flawed parts of human nature. I hope Polly's and Pete's and Mallory's triumph over difficulty brings to life for you how hope and love heal troubled souls, until we flourish like a perfect Christmas morning.

To celebrate CHRISTMAS ON MIMOSA LANE's release and Fresh Fiction's awesome promotion for this first book in my Seasons of the Heart series, I'm giving away a $10 Amazon gift certificate today!

To enter, read this excerpt and answer the following question in the comments: "What Disney cartoon character is Mallory wearing on her pajamas in the opening of CHRISTMAS ON MIMOSA LANE?"

Then tell us your favorite holiday memory or what you would do with those you love on your ideal Christmas. I'm dying to hear your stories, too!

I also have a contest currently running on my author blog, where tons of folks are sharing poignant holiday and family memories like the ones Mallory and Pete and Polly share in my novel, and we're having a blast. The winner over there will receive an amazing vintage Trifari Rudolf pin like one of the treasures little Polly cherished from her mother's collection in COML. So scoot over and enter there as well, and tell us a bit about your Christmases past...

Thanks Fresh Fiction readers, for having me over today.

You ladies ROCK!

And before I go, here's another glimpse of CHRISTMAS ON MIMOSA LANE.

***

Anna DeStefano presents a touching Christmas story about love, loss, and healing—and the joys of coming home...

"A terrific read...by this standout author!" ~~ 4 1/2 Stars from Romantic Times

"Furls around your heart like a Christmas ribbon." NYT Best-selling Author Lori Wilde

"A charming, tender delight. Anna DeStefano is a treasure." NYT Best-selling Author Teresa Medeiros

A childhood spent on the streets leaves Mallory Phillips longing for a normal life and a perfect Christmas. Now an elementary school nurse in Chandlerville, Georgia, Mallory's dream to blend into the picturesque community isn't working out. She's once more living a loner's existence. Then an emotionally fragile seven-year-old appears in her living room in the middle of the night, and Mallory's isolated world is turned upside down.

This is Polly Lombard's first Christmas without her mother, and she won't utter a word to anyone—except Mallory. She believes Mallory holds the key to helping her father overcome his sadness. Despite Pete Lombard's lingering grief over his wife's death and concern for his daughter, his resistance to their mysterious neighbor crumbles as he spends more time with Mallory and falls for her amazing heart. But when her past returns to haunt her, is Mallory strong enough to keep the Lombard family in her life? And can the spirit of Christmas heal these broken souls and bring them all the joyous, loving holiday they deserve?

Comments

I would love to read this book...Thanks so much for the chance!!!
(Bonnie Capuano 4:23am November 8, 2012)

She's wearing Tinker Bell on her robe, if that is the same as pyjamas, which I don't see specifically mentioned.
Sounds like a good way to start Christmas, helping others.
(Clare O'Beara 5:22am November 8, 2012)

This book sounds wonderful. Christmas is a magical time of the year and we get our family together to make special memories.
(Connie Rowe 5:49am November 8, 2012)

Your book sounds just right for Christmas.
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 6:16am November 8, 2012)

I love the cover on your book. Sounds like it will be a very
good book. Thanks for the opportunity to enter this contest.
(Mary Christian 7:26am November 8, 2012)

Sounds like a good book to snuggle up in front of warm fireplace while the
snow is falling!
(Mary Ellen Trella 7:34am November 8, 2012)

Thanks for the contest. I love holiday books. Look forward to reading this one.
(Pat Lieberman 7:45am November 8, 2012)

Tinker Bell

My ideal Christmas would see my loved ones sitting around a dinner table full of delicious Christmas fare, happy and relaxed with no thoughts of the problems that plague the rest of the year.
(Michelle Donaldson 8:10am November 8, 2012)

All your stories are wonderful, ladies! I'm writing Book 2 for
the Seasons of the Heart series (Sweet Summer Sunrise), curled
up in front of a fireplace at the beach!

Cheers!
(Anna Destefano 8:33am November 8, 2012)

This story sounds like a perfect inspirational read, which is such a treat especially during the holidays. Thanks for sharing.
(Stephanie Strausberger 9:04am November 8, 2012)

Tinker Bell.

My idead Christmas is with my family. And my favorite part is that for the two nephews we have a scavanger hunt for them with clues to lead to the next clue and eventually some presents. We do this for the big ticket presents. They love it and insist we do this every year now.
(Pam Howell 9:23am November 8, 2012)

Hi Anna! She is wearing an ancient robe with Tinker Bell on
it. :) Hope you are doing well. One of my favorite
memories of Christmas as a child.... My mom has 9 children,
so there were a bunch of us. One Christmas there was not
many presents, and they were all wrapped in brown paper
bags. But my oldest brother made sure we each had something
under the tree, and I will always remember that.
(Billie Deese 9:39am November 8, 2012)

THIS BOOK SOUNDS FASCINATING I WOULD LOVE TO READ IT. LOVE TO
WIN..
(Shelly Caggiano 9:41am November 8, 2012)

"ancient tinkerbell robe" as stated on page 4 about 1/2 way down the page! love love love anything to do with Christmas so can't wait to read the whole book! Thanks for the chance to win!
(Angie Lilly 9:44am November 8, 2012)

Would love to win this. Love a good holiday read. sounds great!
(Nicole Davis 9:52am November 8, 2012)

Hi

Tinker Bell (so cute)

I read the first chapter on your site and loved it. I am
definitely reading this!

Thanks
(Pam Brewer 10:03am November 8, 2012)

Tinker Bell. The book sounds like a great read.
(Rita Wray 10:24am November 8, 2012)

Tinker Bell robe. Growing up we didn't have many gifts under our tree, but
to make the holiday special no decorations were put up and the tree
decorated until after we were in bed. In the morning we rush down stairs to
see that Santa had indeed come to our home. Even as teenagers when
asked to put the tree up and decorate we resisted by saying Santa would
do it when he came.
(Beth Charette 10:53am November 8, 2012)

Tinker Bell.
My best memories come from childhood. I come from a large Sicilian family. We would crowd into my great grandmother's house filled with family, friends, and food. During the evening Santa would knock on the door (my grandfather) with red bags filled with gifts. Each kid would be on his lap and go through their list and then as if magic a (large) gift would come out of the bag to be opened. When Santa left, we would all head to the local church and have Midnight Mass. I often was amazed at how we filled a whole church up. My family would then go to my grandparents where Santa made another appearance and handed out more presents and I would be allowed to open a few.
I loved those days and thankfully sokme of them were caught on camera, last year I transferred those memories to DVD and handed them out. Memories of good times, of all those people that are no longer with us, the joy - I am blessed to have shared it with so many.
(Carla Carlson 10:58am November 8, 2012)

Tinker Bell is on her robe (not PJs)- according to the excerpt. One of my fondest memories of Christmas is Christmas morning when all 5 kids had to be up and at the top of the stairs together - before my parents would let us come running downstairs to see what Santa had left. It was extra hard to get my two older brothers up to participate with the younger three, but once it was done, we'd be able to go down to discover all the treats Christmas had for us. What fun. Your book sounds delightful - and the excerpt was great. Thanks for the chance to win. Happy Holidays (it's never too early to share that sentiment!)
(Nancy Reynolds 11:22am November 8, 2012)

Tinkerbell.

Thanks for the fun post and congrats on the newest release :)
(Erin Fender 11:23am November 8, 2012)

Tinker Bell on her robe. When I was young and the family was
together the time spent was memorable and special. Nothing can
replicate that for me.
(Sharon Berger 11:50am November 8, 2012)

This is a heart warming story. It's just right for any time of the year, but especially for Christmas.
(Anna Speed 11:52am November 8, 2012)

She is wearing Tinkerbell. I love the feeling I get when reading holiday stories. Fav holiday memories... the ones with my grandmother.
(Colleen Conklin 12:16pm November 8, 2012)

tinkerbell
would love to win & read!
PICK ME!!
(Pamela Faye Howell 12:39pm November 8, 2012)

Tinker Bell.

Oddly, one of my favourite Christmas memories is of something that happened with my first husband at a time when I was moving toward a very happy divorce from him. I had been making beef stock over Christmas Eve, leaving the kettle overnight on a stove I didn't know well enough, and we woke to the appalling smoke of burned beef bone and cartilage. I put the kettle outside in the snow and opened some windows. And while the bullk of the snoke left the house, we went for a walk in the slow-falling snow that was so light we barely felt it. We could see it under street lights, though-- the flakes were the big, broad, shiny sort, and twinkled as they spiraled down. It was cold but beautiful.
(Mary Ann Dimand 2:17pm November 8, 2012)

What an engaging, TinkerBell-clad heroine you've given us! I hope little Polly and her Dad recover enough to enjoy their own Christmas memories.

I have lots of wonderful Christmas memories from childhood on. One Christmas was especially memorable because I was 9-months pregnant and had my daughter a few days later.
(G S Moch 2:45pm November 8, 2012)

Tinker Bell was always my favorite! I really enjoyed the excerpt..and know that there's a HEA in the end.
(Cate Sparks 3:32pm November 8, 2012)

Sounds great!
She's wearing Tinker Bell.
(Cheryl McEwen 4:07pm November 8, 2012)

She was wearing Tinker Bell on her robe. My best Christmas memory was the year my father played Santa Claus---I knew it was him but I didn't let on---we both really enjoyed it.
(Sue Farrell 4:11pm November 8, 2012)

She has a Tinker Bell robe, I love Tinker Bell & have seen all the movies so far. I celebrate both Christmas & Hanukkah and love getting together with my family & exchanging gifts with one another.
(Chelsea Knestrick 4:19pm November 8, 2012)

Tinker Bell

I love the colors on the cover. I had a good Christmas when I was ten years old and got lots of Smurf and Garfield stuff.
(Michelle Fidler 4:43pm November 8, 2012)

Tinkerbell. My ideal Christmas would see my loved ones healthy
and with jobs, and a peaceful year.
(Kathy Fowler 4:48pm November 8, 2012)

Tinker Bell.
Not great memories growing up, but lots of great ones with my own family. Can't really identify what makes one better than the other, as all have involved lots of love, laughter, and companionship. Bottom line is that we enjoy being with each other! Who could ask for anything more?
(Elaine Seymour 4:50pm November 8, 2012)

Tinker Bell My favorite memories of the kids singing Happy Birthday to Jesus and blowing out the candles on the cake that we bake in celebration of Christmas.
(Wendy Hulbert 4:53pm November 8, 2012)

I surely could use a mimosa right about now.......
(Susan Coster 5:16pm November 8, 2012)

Christmas is my favorite Holiday...At the beginning of November I start requesting all the Christmas romance novels I can get my hands on from the library...I have even bought a few...and this books sound like it would be just the thing...

The thing for Christmas that I like to do that is to me,special, is to get everyone is to give everyone on my present list a new ornament for their tree...then I have given someone else a memorable Christmas(Well I like to think it's memorable...)
(Sharon Gage 5:27pm November 8, 2012)

Tinker Bell on her robe. I cannot wait to read this book! Sounds amazing!
(Anne Martel 5:32pm November 8, 2012)

Tinker Bell on her robe. All of my favorite Christmas stories revolve around the time my children were young. The Christmas cookies, the neighbors coming in , the caroling. d
(Jo Jones 5:35pm November 8, 2012)

Can't wait to read Christmas on Mimosa Lane!
(Linda Shaffer 5:39pm November 8, 2012)

The cover attracted me and would love to read this book.
Thanks for giving me a chance
(Shelly Itkin 5:42pm November 8, 2012)

I like that - beautiful and flawed. That is what we all are in our way.
(Debra Guyette 5:43pm November 8, 2012)

She had Tinker Bell on her clothing. Would love to read your book. Thanks
for the info.
(Jackie Wisherd 5:48pm November 8, 2012)

Tinker Bell embroidered on the top of her plaid Disney pajamas.
My favorite holiday memories are from my childhood. Mom always saved her S&H Green Stamps from all her trips to get gasoline for her car in a kitchen drawer. When it was about a week before Christmas, she'd have the two oldest kids of eight children, (my sister and I), glue all the pages of stamps into books. Each filled book had a value of $2.50. This took us several hours. By the time we finished we had 16 to 22 books filled each year. The following day, I got to be the one to go to the large store to help pick out the gifts for my sisters and brothers. It was so much fun, since they had a huge assortment of toys and games. I remember all the stuff we'd come home with and my mother being so pleased she didn't have to spend any money to get it all! Back then, those items were so inexpensive so we really made a haul! We had fantastic Christmases as a result, we wouldn't have had otherwise. Can't wait to read your first book in this series. The cover is beautiful!
(Linda Luinstra 5:50pm November 8, 2012)

It's Tinker Bell. Every year, we hunt for a Tinker Bell decoration to put on the christmas tree. It's a bit crowded now, but still brings lots of smiles. Would love to read your newest book.
(Jd Simm 6:06pm November 8, 2012)

I would love to read this book. It sounds awesome and its the
type of book I like to read,.
(Gail Hurt 6:06pm November 8, 2012)

I'd love to read this book! My mom loved christmas but after she died in 1992,I losted my christmas spirit even though I had a 2yr'old son to think about, anyways a friend of mine decided to take it in her hands to make the holiday special for my son and I/Tina was my 2nd mom, and christmas Eve was so magical and I'll always remeber her making the day so special!
(Carole Fiore 6:18pm November 8, 2012)

I just go this and it's next on my list to read.
(Cathy Thomas 6:19pm November 8, 2012)

Tinker Bell is the little one on her pj's. After reading the chapter of this novel, I would love to read more.
Marjorie, November 8th.
(Marjorie Roy 6:20pm November 8, 2012)

Tinker Bell...how sweet!

My favorite part about Christmas is decorating the tree with the family. We have collected ornaments over the years that commemorate family milestones, vacations, etc. Every year we get to relive our family history and cherished memories as we decorate!
(Cheryl Castings 6:32pm November 8, 2012)

My favorite thing about Christmas is to watch my 6 year old dog (Schatzie) open all of her Christmas presents. She uses her paws and mouth to open them. We tell her the Santa Beagle is coming and she is just like a little kid, waiting for Santa's arrival. She is my four legged fur kid enjoying Christmas and is also being included in our family traditional Celebration. It doesn't get any better than that.
(Cheryl English 7:41pm November 8, 2012)

Tinker Bell
It's a combination of listening to Christmas songs, decorating the tree, waiting to open presents and eating dessert. Every activity leading up to the day is a celebration and always an event.
(Leni Kaye 7:43pm November 8, 2012)

The book sounds very good, I'd love to win it.
(Wilma Frana 7:48pm November 8, 2012)

thank you for the chance. sounds great.
(Holly Vanderhule 7:49pm November 8, 2012)

I would love to win this book thank you for the chance
(Beth Reimer 8:13pm November 8, 2012)

Tinker bell (& other fairies) =)
I liked what I read, thanks.
(Kathleen Conner 8:30pm November 8, 2012)

Tinker Bell - I have a tree full of Memory Ornaments. So every year I think of the person who gave me the ornament.
Enter me please.
(Jane Squires 9:08pm November 8, 2012)

Tinkerbell on her robe.

My best Christmas momories are when my children were small, and all family members were still with us.
(Sheila True 9:13pm November 8, 2012)

I really enjoyed the excerpt and her Tinkerbell jammies. I look forward to
hearing my Dad sing on Christmas Eve. The whole family goes to church to
see him and now that he is in his eighties it makes it even more special.
(Ann Sheiring 9:21pm November 8, 2012)

Mallory is wearing Tinker Bell on her pajamas. As far as Christmas memories go, I remember helping my Mother make her homemade bread and special Christmas cookies that she was known for. She's been gone 10 years now, and I miss her deeply, but every Christmas I keep her memory alive by making her special cookies. When they're done baking, I share them with friends in the area, since I live too far away from my family to be with them. My perfect Christmas would be to be together with my Father at least, who was put in a nursing home by my sister, and my Father isn't happy with the situation. If my apartment was large enough, I would have him here in a heartbeat, and take care of him the way he should be looked after. My Husband and I barely have room for ourselves, and this situation breaks my heart daily. I would love to read your book, and at least have a bit of sunshine come into my life, when this gloomy time enters the year. It gets dark so early, and it's always so depressing. Even the cover brings a smile to my face. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
(Peggy Roberson 9:34pm November 8, 2012)

Tinkerbell!
One of my favorie memories is attending Midnight Mass held in a small chapel. Everyone then stayed for hot chocolate and cookies before heading home.
(Mary C 10:13pm November 8, 2012)

I love reading Christmas stories. It's the best way to get ready for the Holidays.
(Kai Wong 10:28pm November 8, 2012)

Tinker Bell
My family sings carols after Christmas Eve supper and before Midnight Mass. The youngest child chooses the first song and sings the first verse. Everyone joins in for the other verses. We progress to the oldest person. We sing for at least a couple of hours. It's so much fun. :-)
(Elaine Carlini-Davis 10:35pm November 8, 2012)

I love the Christmas smells,fireplace,the Xmas tree ,hot coco,and homemade cookies around the Holidays.
(Deb Pelletier 10:37pm November 8, 2012)

I would love to win this book. Thanks for a Chance to win.
(Linda Hall 12:10pm November 9, 2012)

Tinker Bell.
My best Christmas memories are those from my childhood.
And I love so much Christmas stories.
(Roxana Perez 9:36am November 9, 2012)

Tinkerbell is on her jammies. :) I couldn't stop reading the excerpt. Love it.
Have a great upcoming Holiday season. thanksgiving & my all time fav, Christmas. ;)
(Gail Siuba 1:12pm November 9, 2012)

I like reading holiday stories and this one sounds great to include in my list. Thanks.
(Bonnie DeRosa 3:27pm November 9, 2012)

Sounds like a great holiday book to read !! Thanks for the contest
(Danielle McDonald 3:36pm November 9, 2012)

Have this on my TBR list -- would love to have my very own
copy!
(Sandy Haber 4:57pm November 9, 2012)

One of my twins had a Tinker Bell Wand and she thought it gave her extra special powers. Thanks for writing a delightful holiday story infused with light and hope.
(Alyson Widen 5:55pm November 18, 2012)

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