Title: The Kristmas Project
Wintergreen Village Series - Book One
Author: Mary Martinez
Genre: Romance - Holiday
Book Blurb:
Kris’s childhood memories of the holidays were not filled with peace and joy.
Kristmas Noel Holly was born in December, so her parents named her after Christmas. She had no idea why because they hated everything about the holidays. The older she got, the greater her disappointment grew until she no longer tried to capture the spirit of the season. Since Kris can’t escape the festivities, work is her salvation. An invitation to present at a prestigious conference in Germany the first week of December is something she can’t pass up. Her business associate is one unhappy camper when she insists he join her.
Nicholas Joseph Holladay loves the holidays, every Christmas tree, carol, and Hallmark movie. Nick’s idea of a perfect Christmas for his daughter doesn’t include working every December. His job is perfect, so he can’t quit. Fine, he’d go, but he had a few conditions along with an idea of how to remedy Kris’s holiday workaholic tendencies. He planned to use the conference in Germany to share with her the special magic of the season by introducing her to the Christmas markets. Show her how much she missed while working.
Will his plan work, or will he blow it by falling in love with her?
Excerpt:
“Nicholas Joseph Halladay, mind your manners,” his mother, Cora, huffed then went back to her wrapping. The signal for the rest to do the same.
He glanced over at his dad, Ben, who was trying hard not to laugh at his predicament. Fine he’d go over and just talk to his parents. Once he reached his parents at the table, he placed a hand on both their shoulders which caused his mother to finally stop and frown up at him.
“Good gracious what is so important that it can’t wait?” She asked.
“I need help with Angelina,” he began.
“Don’t tell me the tyrant you work for has an assignment for you. Why do you stay with that job.” Before he could reply she held up her hand. “I know. She’s a good person. Not to mention it is a good career and you love it. But every Christmas she does something to disrupt our holiday.”
“I know, I’m sorry. Maybe I can teach her the true meaning of the holiday season of giving.”
His mother snorted in answer. He had to smile. That would happen when pigs could fly.
“What do you need help with son?” his father asked.
“I need to go to Dresden, Germany the first week in December, it’s…”
“That’s next week!” His mother informed him as if he didn’t know that. “We were going to go skating at the Noël Market, I guess we can go the next week, since you don’t like to miss the skating.”
“Yes, especially since Angel is turning into a good little skater.”
His father chuckled. “I see a figure skater in our future.”
“Thank you. We’ve been invited to give workshops about our company and technology. I thought Angel could stay with you?”
“Uncle Nick, you’re really going to Dresden? Isn’t that a place where they have a big Christmas Village?” his niece, Joy asked.
Startled, he turned. He hadn’t realized anyone else was nearby. His gaze swung back to his mother’s. She nodded toward his niece who was obsessed with Christmas markets and villages. Comparing them to their market that grew every year. Then a thought struck.
“Where are your parents?”
Joy frowned. “Why? Was I not supposed to hear about your trip?”
Man, she’d heard more than he thought. “Yes, you can hear about my business trip. I just wanted to talk to your mom. Would you check on Angel for me?”
She raised a brow at him. “Trying to get rid of me are you?”
She was too wise for her sixteen years. “If I am, that’s my business.”
He shooed her with his hands, and she giggled and finally went to find his daughter.
“What are you thinking?” his dad asked, beating his mom to the punch.
“I would love Angel to see the Christmas market and you know Joy’s obsession.” He waved his hand when his mother was about to say something. “I know we have one of the best in the states. It would be fun for both of them to see a European one, where the markets originated.”
His mom looked at him shrewdly, she knew him well. Nick really didn’t want to miss a minute of the holidays with his daughter. She was growing up too fast. Her innocence would soon drop away. He just hoped she loved Christmas as much as the rest of the family.
“Joy would make an excellent babysitter while you’re at that conference.” As if his mom had read his mind. “Now you need to talk Brenda into it.”
He frowned. “Not an easy task. I better find her. What about Henry? He’s more of a worry wart than Brenda.”
“That he is,” his dad said with a twinkle in his eye.
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub):
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4aNyKvY
Share a holiday family tradition:
We have Papa and Nana Christmas bowling and pizza. We started this tradition when the kids were all too old for Santa. Its fun.
Why is your featured book perfect to get readers in the holiday mood?
It’s a fun holiday romance. What readers are saying: “A Perfect Hallmark Romance Novel” “Heartwarming Christmas story” and “The Promise of Christmas”.
Giveaway –
One lucky reader will win a $100 Amazon gift card.
Open internationally.
Runs December 1 – 31, 2024
Drawing will be held on January 2, 2025.
Author Biography:
Award winning author Mary Martinez lives in Magna, a little town west of Salt Lake City, Utah. She loves to spend time with family and friends--she includes good books as friends!
Mary and her husband love to travel, especially to the Caribbean for relaxing, Ireland and Scotland for her heritage, and Italy for the wine. One of her favorite US destinations is New York/Brooklyn, where her beloved Beckett's live. When she visits, she can wander their neighborhoods, favorite parks, and visit their favorite pub, Putnam's.
Mary writes mostly romantic suspense, romance, women's fiction, and she has just begun to dabble in young adult mystery.
Mary also writes as ML Foxx. This is her first jaunt into Fantasy and Sci-Fi, she loves it. It gives her freedom of choice. You’ll see more books soon…
Mary and her husband are also enthusiastic college football fans. They have season tickets to the UTES; University of Utah Football and they tailgate every game. They love tailgating so much, that they were married at a tailgating in 1999.
GO UTES!
Social Media Links:
X: https://x.com/marylmartinez @marylmartinez
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