In honor of Meadowville’s Lanterns of Joy and Hope one-month anniversary, I’m hosting a giveaway! Enter for a chance to win two beautiful Meadowville-inspired postcards, two bookmarks, and one Christmas ornament.
TO ENTER: Simply drop your answer to the following question at one of the required social media sites listed below.:
– In Meadowville’s Lanterns of Joy and Hope what was the first ornament Joy hung on her Christmas tree?
The correct answer is your entry into the drawing ending Wednesday, November 19, 2025, midnight. Answers accepted only in the comment section at my Instagram OR Facebook page! One winner will be drawn at random and announced on both platforms on Friday, November 21st.
Giveaway Rules:
U.S. only.
Must be 18 years old to enter.
Answers must be in the comment section at my Instagram OR Facebook page. Not at both sites, please.
Remember—Santa’s watching, so no texting bookish friends for the answer!
GOOD LUCK!
Need to grab a copy of Meadowville’s Lanterns of Joy and Hope? Here’s the link.
E-book/paperback not included in the giveaway. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with Facebook or Instagram.
Bestseller in three categories! I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone who made Meadowville’s Lanterns of Joy and Hope such an incredible success.
I truly hope this story blesses you as much as writing it blessed me. Without your support—your preorders, reviews, shares, and messages—this powerful story wouldn’t reach the hearts that need it most.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in Joy’s journey and for helping spread hope this Christmas season.
What if the person you’re about to meet in a cottage you didn’t know existed, turns out to be the gift you need? What if that compassionate person became the path to healing your deepest wounds? Most likely, you’d return to that cottage again and again.
In Meadowville’s Lanterns of Joy and Hope, Joy Harrison does just that. Although hesitant at first to connect with the older woman, Joy found herself drawn in by the aroma of delicious food and a cozy library. Despite being decades apart in age and of different races, both share the heartache of broken dreams—and develop a genuine friendship.
Reward a friend and read this powerful Christmas tale together about the bonds of friendship, motherhood, sisterhood, and faith.
Get your Meadowville’s Lanterns of Joy and Hope copies here.
Three real moments inspired my Christmas story—and they actually happened to me.
Connie, a real person with whom I had struck up a conversation in the grocery store, told me her name then gave me one of the sunflower bouquets she had bought. She had no idea I’d just taken a medical test—one of those annual tests that bring back memories of a serious illness and creates anxiety while waiting for results. Her kindness changed my whole day. I still look for her in the grocery store hoping to thank her again and share her cameo appearance.
The bookstore lanterns on the cover are real. The moment I saw them they illuminated joy within me—just like they do in my story. That joy returned when I wrote about them, first as a short story that Bestselling Author Jerry B. Jenkins selected as a writing contest winner, and second, in writing Meadowville’s Lanterns of Joy and Hope.
Please like and share if this makes you want to read my book and also gift hope to others. The e-book is only .99¢ for a very short time. Just click here to get your copies. Thank you in advance.
Today’s the Day! Meadowville’s Lanterns of Joy and Hope is here in e-book and print! Joy Harrison’s journey from heartbreak to hope is finally in your hands. For over a century, three antique lanterns have brought miracles to those who need them most. Now it’s Joy’s turn to discover that sometimes the greatest blessings arrive wrapped differently than we imagined—and that God’s timing is always perfect, even when we can’t see it.
If you’re struggling with faith and blessings, Joy’s heartwarming journey might restore your hope. Start reading today—Meadowville’s Lanterns of Joy and Hope is waiting for you!
Exclusively on Amazon in e-book and paperback. Always check price before purchasing.
Ready for another special?
My Christmas novel Dress Shop Miracles is now available on Kindle Unlimited! I can’t wait for you to meet Molly, a small-town fashionista, and Ted, a career-guy turned farmer.
One reviewer wrote: “The twists in the story make your mouth drop and then later put a smile on your face.”
My new Christmas novel is available for preorder at the special introductory price of .99 cents, and I’m so excited to share its history and powerful story!
About the Origin
It began when I visited a charming bookstore with three Christmas lanterns on display. They were so beautiful nestled among book stacks that I photographed the lanterns, and later wrote a story about them. Bestselling Author Jerry B. Jenkins selected it as a short story contest winner! This inspired me to continue the tale in a powerful holiday novel about motherhood, sisterhood, friendship, and faith.
About the Story
When Joy Harrison learns her twin sister received the blessing she desperately wanted, their unbreakable bond begins to strain. In their parents’ small-town bookstore, legendary Christmas lanterns bring miracles to visitors in need of hope. Yet they seem to overlook Joy. As century-old secrets surface, the lanterns may now illuminate her own path forward—but how? When what she wants is beyond the bounds of possibility.
PreorderMeadowville’s Lanterns of Joy and Hope while it’s only 99¢. Exclusively on Amazon.
The old scratching gate marks the beginning of our walk today, its weathered wire masked with tufts of wool from our Dorper sheep that don’t require shearing. Can you hear the clucking of hens? Their soothing sounds transport us to simpler times and FRESH eggs.
Before we amble down the driveway, a tiny vinca minor flower catches my eye, its delicate petals a reminder of life’s small, precious moments. I can’t resist capturing its beauty – each snapshot a memory preserved.
We’re graced with a rare sight: the shy heifers, usually so quick to retreat, stand curious with their mouth’s full of oats. Their dark eyes seem to hold stories of generations past who’ve roamed these fields.
Inhale deeply as we pass the sweet-scented Star Jasmine. Its intoxicating fragrance lures wildlife to take a sniff. It’s also a good place to hide from the likes of us.
Behold the majestic landmark fig tree, stands sentinel across the private road from the driveway’s entrance. Its sprawling branches, recently trimmed from taking up part of the road, produces tiny, sweet white figs. The old fence line behind it whispers tales of long ago when the land’s rich tapestry remained void of mankind.
As we turn back, the sky unfurls a spectacular farewell – a sunset painted in swirling hues that takes our breath away. In this moment, surrounded by nature’s beauty and the echoes of cherished memories, I’m reminded of how truly blessed we are.
This lifestyle isn’t always picture-perfect. There are early mornings, late nights, and days filled with hard work that leaves muscles aching. But standing here, watching the day’s last light gild the fields we’ve tended with love, I know every challenge has been worth it.
Thank you for walking with me today. May this glimpse into rural life leave you with a renewed appreciation for the simple joys around us, and perhaps inspire your own adventure close to the land.
For most writers, the journey is extremely arduous – expenses can be outrageous, competition is steep, rewards are rare, and support is often low. So, what may seem like a small achievement to some, like my book Country Perks and Griton the cover of a social media group (image below), is everything to a writer who has poured their heart and soul into their craft.
That moment of seeing your work displayed, shared, or a 5-star review or comment is a testament to the perseverance and dedication it took to create something from nothing but words and ideas, despite the challenges.
While the writing process can be arduous, there are strategies that can help smooth the path and make it enjoyable and productive. Here are some tips for writers of all levels:
1. Manage expectations. Understanding that the writer’s path is difficult can help prepare you mentally and emotionally for the challenges ahead. Don’t get discouraged – this is par for the course.
2. Develop a support system. Having people who believe in you and your work can provide much-needed motivation when you feel like giving up. Connect with other writers who understand what you’re going through.
3. Practice self-care. The creative process can be draining. Make time for activities that restore your mind, body and spirit. Eat well, exercise and get proper rest.
4. Remember, ALL writers experience ups and downs. Determination and a thick skin will keep you going.
5. Find affordable resources that will encourage and build you up. Facebooks’ writing community offers many free support groups.
6. Celebrate each milestone, small and large. Completing a chapter, learning a new grammar rule, landing an agent or getting published are all huge accomplishments worth savoring on this arduous path.
7. Never stop learning about the craft of writing through books, classes and practicing regularly. These will pump you up.
The life of a writer is not easy, but embracing the process and persisting through setbacks is the greatest key to eventual success.
Please share tips that have helped you in your writing journey so others may reap from them as well.
I especially love my book on the cover of this Facebook group because it’s next to my critique partner’s new release, Who is the Real Amanda?. Having our work showcased by one of my favorite online communities was an exciting and uplifting surprise.
To check out Sharing is Caring Ebook Covers by Dawn, click on the image.
Too often, we try to handle everything ourselves. We consider our options based on experiences, confidence, financial constraints, and the desire to maintain control. But sometimes circumstances, and God, remind us it’s okay to seek help.
In the past, I had designed each of my e-book covers, and I had intended to do the same for my memoir. This time, I was determined to expand my skills and create a paperback cover. However, my initial efforts fell short of my expectations, so I revisited my photo achieves and selected three different photographs. With a clear vision in mind, I tried to bring my cover design to life, but as time passed and health issues kept me down, it was clear I wasn’t up to the challenge.
I needed help, but seeking assistance meant I had failed.
Or did it?
For months, I had self-edited my completed manuscript more times than I can count. I made changes (twice) based on my critique partner’s suggestions before doing the same with an editor, then a proofreader. I tackled computer and social media tech problems, spent many hours planning a book launch, creating posts to gain beta readers and launch team members, designing announcement posts, and much more. All this between health issues.
I was exhausted.
I had to make a decision.
Quit or trust God to complete the work He began in me, and reach out to Dawn LeGros, a talented book cover designer.
When I finally contacted Dawn, instantly, the burden of trying to do everything myself lifted. Dawn provided thorough explanations whenever I had questions or needed clarification. Her exceptional communication abilities and friendly demeanor made the entire experience effortless and enjoyable.
Using my photos, Dawn created an eye-catching e-book and paperback cover that perfectly captures the essence of my memoir. Here she is with her adorable 10-year-old daughter, Lilly, after receiving a complimentary copy from me.
Selfie by Dawn LeGros
By seeking help, we not only ease our own burdens, but also allow others to showcase their talents.
Are circumstances or pride stopping you from accomplishing your dream?
If so, here’s a prayer to help you move forward:
“Father, thank you for the dream you’ve placed in my heart, and the skills you’ve enabled me to learn along the way … for the wisdom to know when I need help, and the humility to seek it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
Check out Dawn’s beautiful covers on her website and Facebook:
Dianne Marie Andre 