When we authors create our characters, we try to make them likable and relatable. So, since most of us have more than one thing we’re interested in, I like to give my heroes and heroines extra pastimes readers might relate to or appreciate, such as hobbies or talents beyond their job or career.

In my latest release, Cowboy Lawman’s Christmas Reunion (October 2017), my hero is a no-nonsense small town sheriff who can cause outlaws to quake in their boots. But he also has a talent for carving. Having enjoyed a Grand Tour of Europe as a young man, he took particular notice of the German displays of toy Christmas villages. In my story, he sets out to delight the hearts of his hometown’s children by carving a similar village for them.

It’s quite an ambitious project, and all the while he’s working on it, he has an ongoing conflict with the beautiful widow lady who was once his fiancée. So, of course, I had to give her a talent for painting the delicate houses, church, trees, and people he has carved. The village must be finished by the annual Christmas pageant and party at the church, so this puts them together quite a bit, even though neither of them wants to be. Will they finish the project in time? And will they discover being together is not such a bad thing? I hope you’ll read Cowboy Lawman’s Christmas Reunion to find out.

In trying to find pictures of very old toy villages, I ran into the usual problem of copyrights, but I did find this lovely little village that offered free use. Isn’t it a delight?

(By Julian Colton: I, the copyright holder of this work, release this work into the public domain. This applies worldwide. In some countries this may not be legally possible; if so: I grant anyone the right to use this work for any purpose, without any conditions, unless such conditions are required by law.)

The lights that brighten this village would not have been available in 1887 when Sheriff Justice Gareau carved his small town, but I know the children and adults were just as delighted in their time. Perhaps if they were careful, they could use candles, as they did on Christmas trees back then.

And here’s our North Pole village and train that we enjoy as part of our Christmas decorations. This year we didn’t set up the train tracks, but you can see how the train would go around the town. If you can’t quite make out the signs on the houses, I’ll explain. From left to right, we have a house where Santa and Mrs. Claus live, the post office, the train depot, the elf dormitory and workshop, the sleigh barn, the reindeer barn, the cookie factory, and the candy factory. And of course the Christmas tree stands in the middle of the town square. BTW, the train cars represent the Twelve Days of Christmas, with appropriate pictures on each car to signify the gifts from the popular Christmas song.

Here are links to some other lovely villages: http://alfa-img.com/show/lemax-christmas-village.html and http://vitalsignsblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/perfect-place-for-christmas-village.html. If you click on the links, be sure to check out the details of these beautiful creations.

Finally, my daughter-in-law has this lovely carved church she sets out each Christmas. Notice the details inside. This was an inspiration to me as I wrote about my carving sheriff.

Here’s the story:

Sheriff Justice Gareau can make outlaws quake in their boots…yet coming face-to-face with Evangeline Benoit once again takes away all his composure. She broke their engagement, and his heart, to marry a wealthy older man. Despite his reluctance, Justice can’t avoid the widowed single mother of two when they’re collaborating on a Christmas village for the town’s children.

The loving boy Evangeline once knew has become an unyielding lawman. Forced to flee New Orleans over false allegations, Evie doubts Justice will take her side when the past follows her to Colorado. Especially when he and her troublesome son butt heads. But perhaps the spirit of Christmas will soften his heart and give them a second chance at love. Copyright © 2017 by Harlequin Enterprises Limited, Cover art and cover copy text used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises. ® and ™ Limited or its affiliated companies, used under license.

I can’t leave you today without one final thought. While it may sound like a cliche these days, in truth, Jesus is the reason for this Christmas season. Don’t let the busyness of your life cloud this true, eternal meaning. We celebrate the baby born in Bethlehem, but he was born to grow up, live a sinless life, and die for you. His resurrection is the promise of eternal life for all who believe in Him. May you find your salvation, peace, and joy in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas!