Mistletoe Prayers: The Bodine Family Christmas/The Gingerbread Season »

Marta can't resist the lure of a new story idea.

"Characters appear in my mind and start talking to each other. That's when I know I'm in trouble. I can't stop following them until I know their story... their joys, their secret fears, most of all the things that keep them from loving each other."

This fascination has led the author to write numerous short stories and novels. But with Steeple Hill's Love Inspired books, she feels she'd found her perfect niche.

"I'm so thankful to have the opportunity to tell love stories that include the characters' spiritual lives. Their relationship with God is a strong thread running through the story. Without that relationship, they won't find the happiness they seek or the love God has for them."

When she's not writing, Marta and her husband enjoy traveling, spending time with friends, and keeping up with their far-flung family.

"Thank goodness for e-mail," she says. "With a son and daughter in Georgia and North Carolina, and a daughter, son-in-law, and grandson in San Francisco, we'd never keep up otherwise!"

Her new baby grandson is the current light of her life. "I don't think I realized the depth of love I'd feel at the sight of this new little person. It's absolutely amazing!"

You can visit her on the web at home.sunlink.net/~mpjohn/. She'll be delighted to hear from you.

THE BODINE FAMILY CHRISTMAS

By Marta Perry

Left at the altar on Christmas Eve, Annabel Bodine has lost her holiday spirit. When her big brother brings home handsome Coast Guard buddy Travis McCall, can she summon the courage to open her heart to love for the holidays—and maybe for a lifetime?

THE GINGERBREAD SEASON

By Betsy St. Amant

Allie James returns to her hometown in need of a holiday job. Never did she expect old boyfriend Jordan Walker to hire her as his secretary! Years ago Jordan shredded her heart like wrapping paper. Now he must convince Allie that all he wants for Christmas is her love.