Advent: The season of waiting is here!

Ruthy here, with Mindy and we are so excited for so many reasons!

First, well, it's Christmas time and we love, love, love Christmas... the thought of that baby in the manger, a Savior, a newborn King, a Wonder Counselor, a King of Kings!!! In a manger with hay and fur and woolies... oh my, who would have ever predicted such a thing and yet... it was predicted and foretold and it came to pass... but not without some waiting and that's what Advent is all about.

We get mind and soul ready for the celebrations!

It's not about the food or the gifts, it's about Him. And them... them being people in need, who need help, who are waiting also... So this season isn't about a season of plenty... it's about a season of giving. 

MINDY AND I HAVE A TWO-IN-ONE BOOK COMING OUT TODAY! AND WE'RE GIVING AWAY TWO COPIES!!!!

And Mindy has a single book coming out today! And I had a book come out four weeks ago, so we are blessed to be doing what we love, to be friends, to be together even though she's in Texas and I'm in Western New York.

We are still friends!

Here's our two-in-one:

And I have to say that "The Lawman's Yuletide Baby" is one of my favorite Christmas stories because it has all the feels... you'll laugh and I'm pretty sure you'll cry and if you don't win this book today, you should (and I say this with great humility, mostly!!!) go buy it... Two great stories. One great price. Deal! In Walmart nationwide starting yesterday!

So that's how we're kicking off our season of waiting, of anticipation... With great news and so many blessings and a marvelous recipe, darlings! 

Floating Island Punch:

1 12 oz. can frozen orange juice (thawed or softened)

1 12 oz. can frozen lemonade (same deal!)

1 quart apple juice

1 2-liter bottle Ginger Ale

Rainbow sherbet

Combine apple juice with frozen lemonade and orange juice, stir thoroughly... pour in Ginger ale and float generous scoops of rainbow sherbet on top. A Herne/Blodgett Family favorite for decades!

Mindy here, and I cannot begin to tell you all how excited I was when I learned one of my books was going to be paired with one of Ruthy's for Christmas. You see, I have always looked up to Ruthy (don't tell her I said that). She is and has always been a cheerleader for up-and-coming authors, published or not. Which is only one of the reasons we love her. So to see my name with hers on a book cover is one of the best gifts ever.

But that's not all! I have a brand-new book that just released yesterday. A Christmas Bargain is the second book in my Hope Crossing series and is set on--wait for it--a Christmas tree farm in Texas! I'm sure that'll have some of you scratching your heads.

Here's a little bit about the story:

Can a property dispute turn into a holiday blessing?
When single mom Annalise Grant inherits a fledgling Christmas tree farm in Texas, she vows to do whatever it takes to make it a success. But when neighbor Hawkins Prescott claims some of her trees are on his property, the only option is a partnership. As Christmas draws closer, Annalise and Hawkins find themselves growing closer as well. Could a family by Christmas become part of the deal?

I love Christmastime. But with so many things vying for our attention, it's easy to forget the true meaning of this blessed season. A baby born to save the world. Jesus. The same baby in the manger is also the Savior who died--and more importantly, rose again--to save the souls of mankind. 

Of course, Christmas is filled with traditions and this easy recipe is a favorite in the Obi household. And best of all, it's super easy. 

Peanut Clusters:

• 1 pkg vanilla almond bark
• 1 pkg chocolate almond bark
• 12 oz pkg semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 bar Baker's German Chocolate
• 35 oz container dry roasted peanuts 

Chop barks and chocolate and melt on low in crockpot, stirring occasionally, or melt in the microwave in one-minute intervals, stirring after each minute. Once the chocolate begins to melt, switch to thirty-second intervals until the chocolate is completely melted. Stir in peanuts. Spoon clusters onto waxed paper. Once the chocolate has set, they're ready to serve or you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.

Hey, friends, leave a comment below to be entered into this absolutely wonderful drawing for this wonderful duo!!!!