SWIMMING IN THE DEEP END by Christina Suzann Nelson, Reviewed by Kim

Swimming in the Deep End by Christina Suzann Nelson is a well written poignant story about four women whose lives intertwine in various ways. I was immediately drawn in to this story and felt varying degrees of empathy for each character. 

I really had trouble connecting with Jillian. She seemed more concerned about her past and the opinions of others than her family and the situation they unexpectedly found themselves in. She came across as pretty selfish and I just couldn’t like her or her choices. 

I really felt for Izzy and what she was going through. It would be hard enough for a mature adult, let alone a teen who didn’t have the best support. 

What Stacey and her husband had been through was truly sad. I liked her growth throughout the story, it was very believable and led me to believe that whatever happened

with their situation, she would trust God and be okay. 

Margaret’s story is the one I thought I’d like the least, but actually liked the most. She grew tremendously throughout the story and I really liked her relationship with officer Hobbs. He was one of my favorite characters. 

Overall, it was a good story, but I did struggle connecting with some of the actions and thought processes by both Izzy and Jillian. They just didn’t seem realistic to me and the ending was tied up a little too neatly for me. I wish I could explain more without going into spoiler territory!

*I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own. 

BackCover Blurb:
Olympic dreams on the line.

A beloved son's lost future.

Long-buried secrets uncovered.

A broken heart and empty arms.

In this moving, masterful saga from best-selling novelist Christina Suzann Nelson, four women's lives collide. Their tangled courses and attempts to find grace in the midst of crisis combine in one heartfelt story showing the many faces of motherly love.

Available in digital ebook and paperback:
Buy Swimming in the Deep End at Amazon

LOVE ON A LIMB by Laurie Lewis, Reviewed by Karen Klepsteen

This book was such a beautiful take on the marriage of convenience plot! Matt and Mikaela's journey together in their new marriage is told in a beautiful, tender way. Their faith in God was made very evident in the story, and all aspects of their love were written in a classy, tasteful way. 

I loved that everything wasn't perfect between them as they learned to communicate. It was also so satisfying to watch them grow together as they supported each other through such a daunting medical prognosis. This book is the perfect combination of faith, miracles, and the holiday season!

Author Laurie Lewis says a sequel Love on the Line is on the way!

*I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.

BackCover Blurb:

Matthew Grayken is young, successful, and dying, which is why he’s about to propose to a total stranger. He isn’t interested in love. He needs a caregiver, a companion, and someone to be his legal voice when he can no longer speak for himself.

Lonely, compassionate nurse Mikaela Compton is intrigued by Matt Grayken’s tender request, but when their friendly marriage turns into love, she rejects the inevitability of Matt’s death and prays for a miracle instead.

Mikaela succeeds in reigniting Matt’s will to fight, but his body is losing the battle, and her determination to save him had causes her to betray the fundamental promise she made him--to help him die peaceably.

Their last hope at saving Matt's life will require a sacrifice from each of them, and force them to decide how far out on a limb they're willing to go for love.

Available in digital ebook and paperback:
Buy Love on a Limb at Amazon

DELAYED JUSTICE by Cara Putman, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

 "That 'might' is everything . . . . . . When we live with 'mights', we live with regrets."

Jaime Nichols' life might have been different if she had spoken up sooner, or if her mother had listened to her earlier, or if her father had not been deployed for such long periods of time . . . . but those what-ifs are simply a mirage and now is the time for Jaime to find her voice, for she is determined for those who take pleasure in preying upon innocent children to face justice. After months of intense counseling, she is ready to put her law degree to work; she's going to press charges against one of the rising stars in the United States military.

Military veteran Chandler Bolton takes his vocation seriously, helping soldiers who faithfully served their country to re-connect with their families, providing valuable counseling and the necessary resources to re-enter civilian life. His therapy dog Aslan, actually introduces him to another kind of wounded soul, a very beautiful one, with a feisty cat named Simba. Lovely, but guarded; Jaime Nichols is a puzzle that Chandler Bolton decides is worth the time and effort to solve.

With danger lurking around the corner for both of them, Chandler and Jaime work hard to overcome their hurdles, while cautiously celebrating new beginnings and putting the past to rest. The author selected a very poignant topic, navigating around its ragged edges with grace and truth, while allowing her heroine to discover a different kind of "Aslan" for herself, not at all tame but consistently good. 

*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to review.

See Karen Klepsteen's Review!

BackCover Blurb:

She had long given up the desire to be loved. Now she only needed to be heard.
Jaime Nichols went to law school to find the voice she never had as a child, and her determination to protect girls and women in the path of harm drives her in ways both spoken and unspoken. As Jaime, now a criminal defense attorney, prepares to press charges against someone who wronged her long ago, she must face not only her demons but also the unimaginable forces that protect the powerful man who tore her childhood apart.

Chandler Bolton, a retired veteran, is tasked with helping a young victim who must testify in court—and along with his therapy dog, Aslan, he’s up for the task. When he first meets Jaime, all brains, beauty, and brashness, he can’t help but be intrigued. As Chandler works to break through the wall Jaime has built around herself, the two of them discover that they may have more to offer one another than they ever could have guessed—and that together, they may be able to help this endangered child.

This thrilling installment of the Hidden Justice series explores the healing power of resolution and the weight of words given voice. And as Jaime pursues delayed justice of her own, she unearths eternal truths that will change the course of her life.

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover and audiobook:
Buy Delayed Justice at Amazon
Buy Delayed Justice at Christianbook.com

MIND GAMES by Nancy Mehl, Reviewed by Trixi Oberembt

First off, I must confess that I have a few other books by Nancy Mehl sitting on my shelf unread. It's not due to lack of interest, but a case of way too many books and way too little reading time! I've often fantasized I could clone myself just to get more reading in! That being said, I wished I wouldn't have waited this long to discover her writing because this book was beyond my expectations! I've read a LOT of suspense in a LOT of various topics and subjects written in this genre, however, the combination of thriller/psychological angle added an extra layer that had me hooked from the start. It's just like the title conveys, a definite mind game for both the reader and Kaely Quinn. Step into her world and it's as if you've stepped into a whole other dimension where the game of cat and mouse has dangerous and fatal consequences!

Kaely's character was excellently portrayed; she's smart as a whip, excels in her job as an FBI behavioral analyst, and has a natural knack for reading people. She's what I would call a slayer of human monsters; those who kill without remorse or thought for life. The killer who has a personal vendetta against her wants to trip her up, make her doubt her abilities and mete out revenge for some unknown crime committed against him. She's desperately racing against time to save not only herself but those who are victims in a sick and twisted poem the killer writes just for her. With the help of special agent Noah Hunter as lead, can they stop this reign of terror and bring the psycho to justice before its too late?

Like I said, this exceeded my expectations! I had an inkling of who might be behind it all about halfway through, but not until the very end did I find out if I was correct or not. Mehl throws in a lot of twists and turns to throw off the reader. The only thing I was a little disappointed in, there wasn't a lot of romance in the story. It was hinted at, and subtly under the surface, but it never fully developed. I love romantic suspense and watching the hero and heroine falling in love in the midst of danger. In spite of this, it didn't deter my enjoyment of the story. And I get to look forward to the second book where we revisit both Kaely and Noah, so there's hope for romance yet! A definite page turner and a thrilling mind game all through the pages, I honestly couldn't put this down. She hooked me from the start and never let up on the tension throughout. I really love an author who can stump you and keep you guessing until the very end.

*I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House and was under no obligation to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own. *

BackCover Blurb:
Kaely Quinn's talents as an FBI behavior analyst are impossible to ignore, no matter how unorthodox her methods. But when a reporter outs her as the daughter of an infamous serial killer, she's demoted to field agent and transferred to St. Louis.

When the same reporter who ruined her career claims to have received an anonymous poem predicting a string of murders, ending with Kaely's, the reporter's ulterior motives bring his claim into question. But when a body is found that fits the poem's predictions, the threat is undeniable, and the FBI sends Special Agent Noah Hunter to St. Louis.

Initially resentful of the assignment, Noah is surprised at how quickly his respect for Kaely grows, despite her oddities. But with a brazen serial killer who breaks all the normal patterns on the loose, Noah and Kaely are tested to their limits to catch the murderer before anyone else--including Kaely herself--is killed.

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover and audiobook:
Buy Mind Games on Amazon 
Buy Mind Games on Christianbook.com
 
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HOPE UNDER MISTLETOE by Jesscia R. Patch, Reviewed by Susan Snodgrass

I only discovered Jessica Patch's work when she recently released her debut novel. I then found she had written 4 novellas! Hope Under Mistletoe is the first and it is such a precious work! Felt more like a novel than just a 95 page novella. Rich and full with a strong spiritual message, great characters who seemed real and the setting was wonderful. I plan to read the next 3 in the series. I am very glad I found this author, for now I intend to follow her. Always. She is seriously talented.

 
Widowed pastor's wife Eden Snow is still living in the parsonage when the church burns. She needs to find a place to hold services for at least a month. With Christmas coming, it's important to have a church to worship in.

Rowdy bar owner Knox Everhart has always had a soft spot for Eden, even after she married his best friend Nathan. She asks to use the back room of his bar for church services and events. He wants to say no, but how can he? Knox has a horrible secret, one he fears will turn Eden against him for good.

This book is a prime example of how God moves in our lives, even when we think we don't deserve it. He fills in all the empty places and makes us new. I just reread this book and found it even more wonderful.

*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to review it. 

BackCover Blurb:
A rowdy bar owner. A widowed pastor’s wife. And Christmas hope that brings them together.

After widow Eden Snow’s church almost burns to the ground, she’s compelled to find a temporary place to hold services and Christmas cantata practices.

Has-been hockey player, Knox Everhart, has a reputation for being fast on the ice and with women. Except Eden. She’s always been a fascinating mystery to him, which is why he agrees to let her use the back room of his bar—with one rule: No converting his customers.

But when Eden brings the church to the bar, it offers something the bottle can’t. Hope. And he finds himself falling in love with a woman and a Savior he feels unworthy to pursue.

Available in digital ebook:
Buy Hope Under Mistletoe at Amazon
 

A HONEY OF A CHRISTMAS by Jessica R. Patch, Reviewed by Kim

I have been anxiously waiting for Tuck’s story and it was well worth the wait! I won’t say much about his past- yes, those pesky spoilers, but I am so happy with how his story played out and who he ended up with. 

This is a stand-alone, but the first story, Under the Honey Moon, is totally worth reading! This is a really fun Christmas story with a friends first trope and tons of hilarious banter - two of my favorite things! 

I’ve only read a few of Jessica’s books, but she’s definitely an author whose books I am adding to my TBR list. This is a great novella to start off your Christmas reading! 

*I purchased this book with no obligation to review it, or provide a positive review.

See Susan's Review! 

BackCover Blurb:
They say opposites attract; it’ll take a Christmas miracle to keep this couple from killing one another!

Agnes Piercy is finally going to make her mark now that she’s in charge of the Honeyhaven Winter Wonderland. She’s created a new event this year—Santa’s Village—which will bring in tons of tourists and money for charities and church ministries, and secure her a full client list when she opens up her own event planning business. But things go haywire from the get-go, including her feelings for one Tuck Renner.

Tuck Renner has been tasked (against his will) with building the Santa’s Village which means taking orders from Miss Bossy Pants herself—Agnes Piercy. Sadly, she’s off to a seriously rocky start. Feeling sorry for her, and a lot sorry for himself having to hear about it day in and out, he vows to make this the greatest event ever. Except nothing goes as planned. But everything may end up exactly like it was meant to.

Available in digital ebook:
Buy A Honey of a Christmas at Amazon

Reaching in to our Christmas Stockings!

Deb posed a question to the crew here at the Inkwell. Read through and then tell us...What would you like in your Christmas stocking if money wasn't an issue?  

Reviewer Trixi Oberembt starts us out:

"How about the whole world turns to Jesus, broken families mended, crime a thing of the past and people loving people? Those are things money can never buy :-)

... An unlimited, never expiring, Amazon card, two all-expense paid tickets to New Zealand for a 3 month visit with mom. The title to a brand new Ford Explorer with the optional third-row seating. An all-expense paid ticket to the CFRR. A coupon for a personal cook for life and a coupon for lifetime access to Acorn TV and BBC America.  That's not asking too much is it? 

Oh yes, and...world peace...lol!"

Author Jennifer (AlLee) Farey (She gets a tiny stocking so that Susie Johnson can have the super sized one!) "I'd like a check big enough to let my hubby retire, and enable me to run Journey Fiction and hire a full-time sales/marketing person. And – I’d love to find my grandmother's ring, which I lost years ago. I still get sad if I think about it."

Author Susan Diane Johnson needs the big stocking (Can a two-year old fit?). "Otherwise I want tickets to take my toddler granddaughter to Disneyland." (Why are we not surprised…)

Author Lisa Karon Richardson’s stocking will be light. It’s all paper! "Airline tickets and a hotel reservation—just about anywhere is fine! Hamilton tickets. My Master’s degree."

Reviewer Susan Snodgrass went with simple pleasures: "Amazon gift cards."  (Maybe we should look into those never-expiring unlimited ones from Trixi’s list!)

Author DeAnna Julie Dodson (aka Julianna Deering): "Well, everybody's being so nice and altruistic. Mine would be enough money to have enough to give me a guaranteed income for the rest of my life so I can write what I want. :D" (I guess that might work for a debit card, DeAnna. I’ll look into that!)

Reviewer Karen Klepsteen's list is pretty doable!

"Cozy winter socks, Land O Lakes hot cocoa (mint, caramel, and raspberry are my favorites), an iTunes gift card because I live and breathe music, Burt’s Bees chapstick, a Cara Cara orange, and Ghirardelli peppermint bark squares. And, a donation to my church’s Giving Machines!"

Author C.J.Chase really put thought into what would fit! "I have a simple request, just 3 things in my stocking: (1) the energy of a two-year-old (bottled), (2) a package of eternal happiness, (3) a contract with a 7-figure advance. P.S. It’s okay to roll the contract around the bottle of energy so it fits in the stocking."

Author Susie Dietze offered: "Since the whole world knowing about Jesus won't fit into a stocking, nor will world peace or the cure for cancer, I'll go with something totally selfish: keys to new-to-us cars for the kids. And cruise tickets. I don't care where the ship goes."

Reviewer Winnie Thomas reflects the trend: "World peace or an end to hunger in the world, but (let’s be practical!) since you can't put those in a stocking, I'll say two tickets to Hawaii with all expenses paid. As long as I'm dreaming, let's make it 31 tickets, and I'll take my whole family."

Author Anita Mae Draper opts for a small stocking too! "I would LOVE a mortgage-free deed to my dream house."

Reviewer Rebecca Maney (no surprise here…) "an Amazon gift card in any amount would make this book nerd very happy!"

Author Niki Turner: "I would like a time portal. Surely one will fit in a stocking, right?"
(There’s a possibility that a time portal might work like those holograms from Star Wars…projected onto a wall, so uh, sure. Or a very small standing stone?)

Author Dina Sleiman can probably fit her new grandson in a stocking (We all try that, right?) "I could use keys to a new-to-me small to mid-size SUV. I'm tired of driving a 2003 mini-van with only one kid left at home!"

Reviewer Paula Shreckhise "would like to have my family all together for Christmas." (Isn't the best thing! But I'm not sure how to fit that in a stocking, so we'll try one of those limitless credit cards --or a magic wand!)

I've added these thoughts of my dear friends here to my prayers for a blessed Christmas and New Year.
Seems to me that the trend here was enjoying peaceful times with family and friends and those all important quiet times alone with a loved one or even a company of a good book.

2018 has been a year of deep losses and lovely gains for all of us. What doesn't change is God's promises.
The ladies of Inkwell Inspirations hope that like us, you can enjoy the celebration of Christ's birth and that promise that came with it. 

Philippians 2: 6 
...Who, being in very nature God,
   did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7 but made himself nothing,
   taking the very nature of a servant,
   being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
   he humbled himself
   and became obedient to death—
      even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
   and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
   in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
   to the glory of God the Father.

We wish you all a wonderful season and thank you for your support throughout the year!


"What's in YOUR stocking?"

CHRISTMAS HIDEOUT by Susan Sleeman, reviewed by Winnie Thomas

Filled with the heart-pounding suspense and masterful writing I’ve come to expect from Susan Sleeman, Christmas Hideout is the latest installment in the McKade Law series. Matt and Nicole’s story kept me turning pages far into the night. Little Emilie was adorable and Matt’s family is still charming, welcoming, and protective. I enjoyed revisiting them in this story. Sleeman’s knowledge and research skills are shown to advantage in her writing, and her characters are realistic and engaging. If you like stories filled with suspense, intrigue, and romance with a side measure of faith and inspiration, you’re sure to enjoy Christmas Hideout.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.

BackCover Blurb:

Cowboy lawmen make the best protectors
A McKade Law novel

Fleeing from her dangerous ex-boyfriend, on-the-run single mother Nicole Dyer takes refuge in a cabin—and is discovered by the ranch owner, Deputy Matt McKade. It’s easy to fall for the handsome lawman and his kind family, but staying at the ranch endangers them all. When everything Nicole loves comes under direct fire, can Matt keep her—and her heart—safe? 
Available in paperback and digital ebook:
Buy Christmas Hideout at Amazon
Buy Christmas Hideout at Christianbook.com

HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS by C.C.Warrens, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

This is a novella in the Seeking Justice series about Detective Richard Marx and Holly Cross.

A relatively new voice in the suspense genre, C.C. Warrens writing grabbed me from the first paragraph and has not let go! She deals with some tough subjects about the streets of New York but also shows the topics of faith and forgiveness and spiritual growth. 

This novella will not make sense unless you have read the Holly Cross books or the Seeking Justice books.

All the characters you love are back and you get to meet Marx’s mom and Dad! Marx is hoping to show Holly a real family Christmas but will it even be civil when he and his dad don’t get along? Who knows what mischief Holly will get into and will she be able to charm Marx’s parents? Trouble seems to meet them in the form of neighborhood punks when they arrive at Marx’s boyhood home. Can they figure out who is behind the vandalism? Will old wounds be healed and old mysteries come to light? Will this truly be a family Christmas?

I especially liked the interaction between Holly and Gus Marx. And the ending back in New York was just a pretty bow on a gorgeous package! I am looking forward to reading more stories about Holly and her friends.

*I was given a ecopy of this book for review by the author. I was under no obligation to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

BackCover Blurb:
 
Beneath the twinkling lights and neatly wrapped packages, lay bitter memories and carefully-kept secrets . . .
Three decades have passed since Marx last set foot in his family's Georgia home. The house has faded over the years, but the haunting memories contained within its walls remain crisp and unforgettable.
If not for the girl asleep in the passenger's seat of his car, Marx would turn his car around and head back to his life in New York City. But it's time to face his demons.

This novella is a Seeking Justice Christmas novella that falls between "Injustice for All" and "Imperfect Justice."

Available in digital ebook and paperback:
Buy Holly Jolly Christmas at Amazon
 

THE MAKING OF MRS HALE by Carolyn Miller, Reviewed by Susan Snodgrass and Winnie Thomas

Susan's Review:

'She should have known it was too much to ask for help from a God she scarcely believed in.'

When I read Carolyn Miller's very first novel, I knew I had found a wonderful author. Miller writes a top-notch Regency and does it very well. If you're a fan of Jane Austen, give this author a try.

This last novel in Miller's 'A Promise of Hope' series in her Regency brides format, tells Julia Hale's story. Julia ran off to Gretna Green to marry Thomas Hale in the last book, going against the wishes of her family for love. Now her husband is gone and she has no idea where to find him or even if he will return, so she goes home, bedraggled, hungry and moneyless, hoping her family will forgive her and take her in.

Major Thomas Hale has spent all his life trying to get away from his horrible past, but he can never avoid the consequences of his actions. He is being marked by those who want nothing more than to eliminate him as a threat to their existence. He can't seem to shake those who pursue him and now he may lose his wife forever.

Will this broken-hearted wife and downtrodden husband manage to make their marriage work? Even if everyone is against them? Will they find the strength to hang onto what they vowed to do?

Carolyn Miller has written a super good one this time, although all her books are great. I've been waiting for Julia's story and I was not disappointed. Miller takes us to their heartbreaks, joys and hopes and even their relationship with Christ. There were points in the story where I wept at the goodness of God. Miller has outdone herself here. I loved her wonderful spiritual theme of redemption and forgiveness! It was akin to hearing a great sermon. Bravo! Highly recommended.

*My thanks to the publisher and author for a preview copy of this book. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.

Winnie's Review:

With rich historical detail and vividly-drawn and memorable characters, Carolyn Miller has another winner with her new book, The Making of Mrs. Hale. Miller’s knowledge of societal proprieties during Regency England and her beautiful writing bring the time period alive and give the reader a feeling of authenticity. The layered characters and complex plot kept me enthralled and turning pages. Miller excels in the pacing of the story and in disclosing piece by piece the backstory of the characters. The thread of redemption, forgiveness, and grace woven into the story felt a bit overdone to me during the latter part of the story, although it helped to show the growth in both Julia and Thomas.

With lots of suspense, intrigue, adventure and added wit, humor, and romance, this book neatly wraps up the Regency Brides: Promise of Hope series. It can be read as a stand-alone book, but it’s probably more enjoyable to read the other books first, as the characters make appearances in this one. I’m eagerly looking forward to Miller’s next series. Her books are definitely on my “must read” list!

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

BackCover Blurb:

 
Marry in haste, repent in leisure—Mrs. Hale is about to find out how painful that repentance can truly be.

Julia Hale ran off to be married in Gretna Green, following romance instead of common sense. But her tale isn't turning into a happily ever after. Her new husband is gone and she doesn't know where—or if he's ever coming back. Julia has no option but to head home to the family she betrayed by eloping and to hope they'll forgive her. Especially now that she might be carrying a baby from her brief marriage.

Carolyn Miller's clean and wholesome Regency romances continue with The Making of Mrs. Hale, following familiar characters as they learn how restoration can occur by finding hope and healing through a deep relationship with God. Full of rich historical details and witty banter, this series continues to draw in fans of Jane Austen, Sarah Ladd, and Julie Klassen.

Available in paperback and digital ebook:

Buy The Making of Mrs. Hale at Amazon

Buy The Making of Mrs. Hale at Christianbook.com

 

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All I Want For Christmas is Spending Time With You

It seems the older I get, the less I want for Christmas. I've reasoned that this is due to several things. First, I have the means to buy something I want when I want it, instead of waiting for someone else to maybe put it under my tree. Second, my house is so full of things I thought I needed, but later realized I simply wanted for a brief moment in time. Third, I value time more than things these days, and that's something you can't buy or give.

In response to the question of what I wanted for Christmas, this is the first year that I've found myself saying, "Spending time with you at Christmas is the only thing I need." It may be a cliche, but there is a profound truth in such a statement and it doesn't have to do with age.

During my junior high years, my economics teacher surprised me by injecting a life lesson into the middle of his talk on wise spending. The funny thing is that of all the time I spent in his class that year, the only thing I remember is this: If you need to decide between spending money on a new sofa, or spending it on a trip with the family, choose the trip. Ten years down the road, your kids won't remember when they got a new sofa, but they'll tell their kids and grandkids about the family vacation. My teacher said you have to determine the long term benefit to realize the true value.

And everyone who's shared a family vacation knows that the more memorable times will be when things go awry, such as playing Pictionary by lantern and flashlight in the garage during a ferocious electrical storm that zapped out the power. That's our most memorable family get-together to date.

But some of the best memories are when two family members of different generations share an activity they both enjoy, such as the image below of my daughter and her grandma briskly walking in the biting wind of a wintry prairie day. They both came back to the house tired, yet invigorated. A special moment to treasure for all three of us, brought together for Christmas.

A Walk With Grandma

So if I can give you one piece of advice to end this year, it's this...cliché or not, spending your time with someone is more valuable than anything money can buy.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from our house to yours.

The Draper's, 2010