Dana Corbit - A Family for Christmas - The Gift of Family / Child in a Manger

“Irene Brand pens a heartwarming romance with a strong message.”

—Romantic Times

“Irene Brand’s The Christmas Children is a delightful and heartwarming reminder of the meaning of Christmas.”

—Romantic Times

“The Christmas Children is one very special story for the holiday season. Alive with the spirit of Christmas and its true meaning, this book is a charming gift of love and devotion that conquers even the hardest of hearts. For a special edition to your holiday keeper shelf, I highly recommend The Christmas Children for your holiday shopping list.”

—Romance Reviews Today

“An enjoyable read….”

—Romantic Times

“An Honest Life is a truly charming and heartwarming romance…. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Corbit’s work and hope to once again visit the church community of Hickory Ridge!”

—The Romance Reader’s Connection

“With a delicate touch, Dana Corbit weaves Scripture, spiritual teachings and romance into an entrancing tale. If you are looking for something inspirational to read over the holidays, don’t miss An Honest Life.”

—Romance Reviews Today

has had a lifelong interest in writing; she says that she started her first novel when she was eleven years old and hasn’t finished it yet. However, since 1984, she’s published thirty-two contemporary and historical novels and three nonfiction titles. She started writing professionally in 1977 after she completed her master’s degree in history at Marshall University. Irene taught in secondary public schools for twenty-three years, but retired in 1989 to devote herself to writing.

Consistent involvement in the activities of her local church has been a source of inspiration for Irene’s work. Traveling with her husband, Rod, to all fifty states and to thirty-two foreign countries has also inspired her writing. Irene is grateful to the many readers who have written to say that her inspiring stories and compelling portrayals of characters with strong faith have made a positive impression on their lives. You can write to her at P.O. Box 2770, Southside, WV 25187 or visit her Web site at http://www.irenebrand.com.

has been fascinated with words since third grade, when she began stringing together stanzas of rhyme. That interest, and an inherent nosiness, led her to a career as a newspaper reporter and editor. After earning state and national recognition in journalism, she traded her career for stay-at-home motherhood.

But the need for creative expression followed her home, and later through the move from Indiana to Milford, Michigan. Outside the office, Dana discovered the joy of writing fiction. In stolen hours, during naps and between carpooling and church activities, she escapes into her private world, telling stories from her heart. Dana makes her home in Michigan, with her husband, three young daughters and two cats.

Irene Brand

Dana Corbit

Dear Reader,

My friend Dana Corbit and I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas, filled with all of the blessings God made available through the birth of His Son. Dana and I have enjoyed working together on A Family for Christmas. As you read our novellas, we pray that you will again feel the awe and joy of the coming of the Christ Child.

In my novella, “The Gift of Family,” I’ve brought together two people who love each other, but whose family backgrounds differ so much that it seems impossible for them to find happiness together. Evan Kessler is the product of generations of close family love and Christian witness. Wendy Kenworth is the only child of a broken marriage. Evan offers Wendy the gift of his family, but it’s a gift that Wendy believes she will never be worthy to accept. On to Dana….

Through my story, “Child in a Manger,” I’ve tried to show how God uses everyday miracles—this time the arrival of a very special Christmas gift—to bring hope and healing to His children. Allison Hensley has forgotten how to dream, having spent a lifetime caring for others’ needs. For Brock Chandler, dreams are a luxury he can’t afford. But the arrival of a little “Joy” encourages them to see the possibilities God has for them—including the possibility that they might build a life together.

We hope you enjoy “Child in a Manger” and Irene Brand’s “The Gift of Family,” and that you create wonderful memories with your own family as we celebrate the season of our Savior’s birth.

The Gift of Family

Irene Brand

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Child in a Manger

Dana Corbit

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Irene Brand

To the staff of Bossard Memorial Library,

Gallipolis, Ohio, for the efficient research

help they’ve given me. And to my friends,

Torres and Maxine Williamson, who shared

their knowledge of the dairy industry with me.

God sets the lonely in families.

—Psalms 68:6

Blue eyes alight with happiness and warmth, Wendy Kenworth eagerly approached the bench where her boyfriend, Evan Kessler, sat. He laid his textbook aside, rising to his feet as his mouth curved into a soft smile of approval. Florida’s noontime sun illuminated Wendy’s raven-dark hair, sparking a series of iridescent rays. Her head resembled a rainbow appearing suddenly from behind a dark cloud.

An involuntary gasp escaped Evan’s lips, and he strode to meet her with a joyful heart. Finally he knew the answer to a question he’d been struggling with since he’d met Wendy three months ago. He loved her, and if the eager, trusting look in her wide azure-blue eyes was any indication, she loved him, too.

Wendy ran into his outstretched arms, and he hugged her tightly. She buried her head against Evan’s brawny chest, and he whispered into her fragrant hair, “I love you, Wendy. I want to marry you.”

Wendy’s heart raced as if she’d just finished a marathon. Her feet seemed to be planted on a cloud. Evan wanted to marry her! Having lived in a dysfunctional family most of her life, Wendy couldn’t believe that happiness beckoned at last.

Evan held her at arm’s length and thought he’d never seen a prettier sight. Wendy’s full-lipped mouth curved in a lovely smile. Luminous eyes, enhanced by thick black lashes under delicately arched brows, were the focal point of her oval face. He kissed her dainty nose.

“Will you be my wife?”

“Of course, Evan. This is so sudden.” She laughed as she used the timeworn cliché. “You don’t mean right away?”

“No, probably not until I’ve finished the research and written my doctorate thesis. But in the meantime, we can pay a visit to the jewelry store to check out engagement rings. You can visit me in Ohio during our Christmas break, meet my folks and we can announce our engagement to the assembled Kessler clan.”