Tis the season to remember”¦
The city falls silent as snow gently paves the streets with small frozen crystals that glisten in the sun. The presents are wrapped, the lights are hung, and trees have been decorated in nearly every home. You snuggle under blankets, your hands warmed by a cup of hot coco, and you listen to your child’s laughter and cheer that Christmas is almost upon us.
It is a time of year where everyone is a little kinder, a little more giving, and a little more thankful for the blessings in their life. But sometimes the spirit of Christmas fades in both our hearts and minds. Money gets tight. Bills need to get paid. Stores get crowded. And traffic worsens. And for those who can see past the stress, stay humble.
This year, unlike any year, marks a new milestone for me. This is the first Christmas without my dad. He passed away, unexpectedly in an ATV accident. Died instantly. I was angry with him before he died. Recently separated, he took my husband’s side over mine, and though the last words I spoke to him was “I love you”, other words before that I wish I had not said.
If I have learned anything from my father’s death, it would be to do what makes you happy. I have lived my life living for the weekends. I always found myself saying, “I can’t wait till Friday” But I started asking myself, what about the rest of the week? I wasn’t really “living” them and making the most of them As I should have. On top of that, I hated doing things on Sundays just because I knew that the next day was Monday so I refused to go out with friends, or go to family dinners because it was my only day for me”¦but now, I don’t think that way. I no longer wait until the weekend to do things because you never know when it is your time. Instead, I do what makes me happy and I no longer live for the weekends. As you read this, I hope you too live each and every day to the fullest and above all, do what makes you happy!
One thing I plan on focusing more attention on is my writing. I have not published any books this year as my heart and mind was just not into it, but there are so many stories inside of me that I am excited to put onto paper. Readers will be happy to hear that my goal for 2017 is to publish three new books!
Currently, I am working on my Protector of the Crown Series. The first book, Heart of the Highlands: The Beast was published last year, and the second installment:
Heart of the Highlands: The Wolf is available now for pre-order and will be published on January 8th, 2017! I am very proud of this series as I have begun to perfect my skill and have really started to build an audience.
The series follows a secret group of warriors (Protectors) that serve King James V of Scotland. After giving their oath to protect king and country, each man must learn to balance both duty to the crown and the responsibilities to their clans. And of course, each warrior come across a woman who is meant to challenge the decisions they make. Filled a rich historical background, each story is filled with intrigue, suspense, mystery, and romance.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/April-Holthaus/e/B00FG76R9U/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1482168459&sr=1-2-ent
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33139012-heart-of-the-highlands?ac=1&from_search=true
Website: www.aprilholthaus
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/author.april.holthaus
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