Category Archives: Tinseled Tidings

Don’t forget your free novelette!

rsz_charisa_cover_55x8_96_dpiAll subscribers to my newsletter receive a free novelette, Charisa’s Chance, written just for them! Sign up today!

Charisa’s Chance tells the story of a secondary character from my award-winning novella, You’re a Charmer, Mr. Grinch. I loved her when I wrote her many years ago, and she had a story that needed to be told! You’ll remember her as the young unwed mother who helped Rick and Edie find their way back to each other. Now she’s on vacation in Towering Pines, Colorado with your favorite charming Grinch and his lovely wife–and Charisa has a romance of her own to discover! You’ll get to visit with a few characters from the Towering Pines series, too. It’s a ton of fun!

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What’s Free to Flourish?

This week the publishing arm of Free to Flourish is giving away a lot of books. (Click here for the give-away schedule.) This video shares the passion behind everything I write and speak about and tells you what you can expect if you download one of our books, whether it is fiction or non-fiction.

Next to my computer is my passion statement. Every thing we do at Free to Flourish filters through this lens: “I write and speak to join with the Holy Spirit in setting captives free and healing the brokenhearted. To call forth the true essence of life, person, self. To be a part of the grand Love Story with Jesus.”

Blessings,

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*Free Books All Week*

Free to Flourish Publishing is gifting books to our readers each week day between now and Christmas. Check out the schedule below for December 18th through 22nd, and make a plan to get the books you want FREE for Kindle.

(All of Paula’s books, except Selections for Advent, which was excerpted from Soul Scents: Flourish, are also available in paperback.)

Monday’s Free Books:

Soul Scents: Awaken and Soul Scents: Flourish Selections for Advent

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The Soul Scents collection invites readers into an ever-deepening discovery of who God is and how He interacts with us. Combined, its four volumes—Awaken, Rooted, Bloom, and Flourish—offer a year’s worth of devotional reading. Each book has thirteen weeks of down-to-earth insight gleaned from Scripture and the author’s journey into spiritual freedom.  The week-day readings include Scriptures and prayers. Rest in the Son’s embrace as you enter the beautiful heart of the Freedom Giver Himself.

The first book, Soul Scents: Awaken, invites readers to awaken to a more intimate, peaceful relationship with God.

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Soul Scents: Flourish Selections for Advent offers four weeks of devotional thoughts, Scriptures, and prayers for meditation and worship in the weeks before Christmas. If you’re celebrating Advent with candles, you can use Sunday’s reading for reflection as you light the candles of hope, peace, joy, and love. It also includes a scripted prayer and suggestions for worship. This title is FREE all week as a downloadable pdf on the author’s website: www.paulamoldenhauer.com. It can also be purchased for Kindle for 99 cents.

Tuesday’s Free Books:

You’re a Charmer, Mr. Grinch, Soul Scents: Awaken, Soul Scents: Rooted and Soul Scents: Flourish Selections for Advent

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FREE today!

You’re a Charmer, Mr. Grinch ~ Retired police officer Rick Stanton dons a Grinch costume for the holidays and “patrols” Christmas, Florida to promote the festive town. Everyone falls under his charm except the person he most wants to impress—Postmaster Edie Hathaway. The Grinch is stealing Edie’s heart, but will Edie learn to trust him before he gives up on love?

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Become rooted in your identity as the beloved! Soul Scents: Rooted, the second book in the Soul Scents devotional series, includes topics such as worthiness, spiritual battle, and destiny. The week-day readings include scriptures and prayers.

The Soul Scents collection invites readers into an ever-deepening discovery of who God is and how He interacts with us. Combined, its four volumes, Awaken, Rooted, Bloom, and Flourish, offer a year’s worth of devotional reading. Each book has thirteen weeks of down-to-earth insight gleaned from scripture and the author’s journey into spiritual freedom.  Rest in the Son’s embrace as you enter the beautiful heart of the Freedom Giver Himself.

(For a description of the other two *FREE* books see Monday’s schedule.)

Wednesday’s Free Books:

Soul Scents: Bloom, Soul Scents: Rooted,  You’re a Charmer, Mr. Grinch, and Soul Scents: Flourish Selections for Advent

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Soul Scents: Bloom ~ In His presence we bloom in sunshine and storm. His Spirit carries us through the struggle, offering the love, strength, and wisdom we need for the times of trial. In the joyous seasons, His smile deepens our pleasure.  Bloom in season and out!

The Soul Scents collection invites readers into an ever-deepening discovery of who God is and how He interacts with us. Combined, its four volumes, Awaken, Rooted, Bloom, and Flourish, offer a year’s worth of devotional reading. Each book has thirteen weeks of down-to-earth insight gleaned from Scripture and the author’s journey into spiritual freedom.  The week-day readings include Scriptures and prayers. Rest in the Son’s embrace as you enter the beautiful heart of the Freedom Giver Himself.

(For a description of today’s other  *FREE* books see previous days’ schedules.)

Thursday’s Free Books:

Soul Scents: Flourish, Soul Scents: Bloom, You’re a Charmer, Mr. Grinch, and Soul Scents: Flourish Selections for Advent

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Soul Scents: Flourish ~ At just the right time in history God sent His beloved Son to set the captives free and claim victory over the darkness. At just the right time in each life God shows His child how to step into the freedom He already won.

In this fourth volume of the Soul Scents series, Paula talks about her journey out of emotional, verbal, and spiritual abuse.  She says, “As God reveals how pain and abuse twists our understanding of who He is and how He works, the distrust falls away.  The root of the lie weed is exposed, and the Lord pulls that sucker out completely! In its place comes a deepened intimacy with Jesus and the joy we’ve prayed for but couldn’t find. We rise from the pain and live free to flourish.”

Take the Flourish journey and brave deeper healing, letting go of shame and learning to live as vibrant daughters of the King!

The Soul Scents collection invites readers into an ever-deepening discovery of who God is and how He interacts with us. Combined, its four volumes—Awaken, Rooted, Bloom, and Flourish—offer a year’s worth of devotional reading. Each book has thirteen weeks of down-to-earth insight gleaned from Scripture and the author’s journey into spiritual freedom.  The week-day readings include Scriptures and prayers. Rest in the Son’s embrace as you enter the beautiful heart of the Freedom Giver Himself.

(For a description of today’s other  *FREE* books see previous days’ schedules.)

Friday’s Free Books:

A Packaged Deal, Soul Scents: Flourish, You’re a Charmer, Mr. Grinch, and Soul Scents: Flourish Selections for Advent

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A Packaged Deal, Book one in the Towering Pines series ~ Snuggle next to a fireplace in Towering Pines, the Colorado ski town where friendship is served up in hearty helpings and love is as true as the cobalt blue sky.

When Olympic hopeful Aspen Carlisle gave up her ski-racing dreams to raise her orphaned siblings, she found out the hard way that men aren’t interested in a “packaged deal.” Thrust into a stiff learning curve on motherhood, Aspen discovers the love and support of her friends in Towering Pines, but when the handsome new resort manager Stephen Wallace shows kindness to her little family, can she drop her guard long enough to allow him into that trusted circle—and her heart?

As Aspen struggles to believe in him, Stephen battles ghosts of his own. Time with Aspen and her family causes old issues to bubble to the surface. Does he have what it takes to push through the fear and regret, or will he stay stuck in the pain of the past? If he can believe in himself enough to become the husband and father they need, he’ll discover how wonderful a packaged deal can be.

(For a description of today’s other  *FREE* books see previous days’ schedules.)

The following are 99 cents all week!

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You’re a Charmer, Mr. Grinch ~ Retired police officer Rick Stanton dons a Grinch costume for the holidays and “patrols” Christmas, Florida to promote the festive town. Everyone falls under his charm except the person he most wants to impress—Postmaster Edie Hathaway. The Grinch is stealing Edie’s heart, but will Edie learn to trust him before he gives up on love?rsz_tinseled_tidings_small_scrooge

The Joy Scrooge ~ Spunky pediatrician Krista Fjeld loved Tait Skroog for most of her life, but when Tait and his young son, Timmy, move back to town, she is shocked by the change in her old heart-throb. Embittered by his wife’s death, Tait is paralyzed by fear and grief. Will Krista convince him to embrace life—and her—or is the risk too great for everyone?

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Fruitcake Fallout ~ Family legend says that the Preston fruitcake recipe makes young couples fall in love. But when WAC Evelyn Preston sends one to her high school crush stationed overseas during WW II, she snags the wrong private! When Willie Baxter tries to clear up the unintentional deception, will Evie give his poor smitten heart a chance?

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Soul Scents: Flourish Selections for Advent offers four weeks of devotional thoughts, Scriptures, and prayers for meditation and worship in the weeks before Christmas. If you’re celebrating Advent with candles, you can use Sunday’s reading for reflection as you light the candles of hope, peace, joy, and love. It also includes a scripted prayer and suggestions for worship. This title can also be downloaded as a free pdf on the author’s website: www.paulamoldenhauer.com

Merry Christmas! I pray you are blessed by these free books!

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Guess Where I Am?

Hubby and I were gifted a lovely week away. The last day of our vacation we decided to play around with video. The one I’m sharing today is the most playful. It will be on my Amazon page to help readers learn more about the Tinseled Tidings series I wrote for this holiday season. The series is available by single title for Kindle or as a collection in paperback.

The question is . . . do you know where I am?

Hope you enjoyed the video!

Watch my newsletter for  *free days* for Kindle books published by Free to Flourish. Every weekday next week we have a free book by yours truly for you! Merry Christmas!

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Our Son is Engaged!

If you like Hallmark Christmas movies or sweet holiday romance of any kind, you’ll likely agree with me that this video of my son Sam proposing to the beautiful Ariel is the real-life thing!

Imagine his family and hers gathered to watch the annual Christmas parade in Estes Park. It’s long been Ariel’s favorite family tradition, and the last few years Sam has joined her family for the event. This year everyone was “magically” invited by Ariel herself, which made it convenient to set her up for the surprise since she thought she made the plan!

Hot chocolate and popcorn is purchased. Everyone is cozy and happy. The parade starts, and Ariel remembers her favorite floats from years past. Sam complains of a stomachache (which though he was faking was probably not too far from the truth). He disappears. Once in a while she glances around, searching the crowd at the side of the street for his return.

Little did she know he would be joining her FROM the parade.

We’ve long thought of Ariel as family. We’re thrilled it’s now official!

Here are a few of my favorite still shots from the occasion. Congratulations Sam and Ariel! You are dearly loved!

Thank you for sharing this special moment with us. I still cry happy tears when I watch that video!

Until next time,

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PS If you’re looking for holiday romance this season, check out my novella collection, Tinseled Tidings, and A Packaged Deal, the first book in the Towering Pines series. I can’t promise it will be as wonderful as the real life stuff, but I bet you wipe a sentimental tear or two as you read.

 

Stories Behind the Stories and Paperback

Ever wonder what drives the spiritual themes in your favorite stories? Do authors plan them, or do they unfold as they write? Are they ever surprised?

Collection picture lower resolutionFor me it’s both. In my new Tinseled Tidings Christmas romance collection, I had some idea of where I was going, but the Lord also added some special surprises. (BTW, the paperback just released! This volume includes the first three titles in the Tinseled Tiding Collection–and I gotta tell you, it’s gorgeous! The original artwork (by Lisa Joy Samson) and interior design (by Carmen Barber) makes the book’s fun, uplifting stories even more delightful because they are so visually pleasing!)

When I wrote The Joy ScroogeI found it interesting that when I wrote Krista and Tait’s pivotal moments, it just flowed. Usually it’s when my characters are in pain that I have to fight through the writing. (Hey, they are real to me, and I hate to see them hurting!) But this time when I got to the happy ending, I had a block. Talk about weird! The hard part was done, but I couldn’t write the fun part! (Makes me wonder how often we fight through pain—or even choose to stay in it—but are afraid of believing in the happy in real life! But I digress.)

Because I couldn’t seem to write the happy part of The Joy Scrooge, I went back and did couple of rounds of editing on the deep parts of each of the main character’s journeys. As I rewrote Krista’s, I realized that her issue was bumping up against one of my own. I needed to be willing to walk with someone I love on a path of suffering. I needed to do it whether or not this person could ever come out on the other side. It helped me be willing when I realized that the simple act of loving when it means hurting with the person we love is part of entering the suffering of Christ. It helped me feel closer to Jesus and to trust Him with how the other person’s pain affects me.

To be clear, I’m not saying that in every situation we should choose to walk closely with someone in pain. None of us have that bandwidth, and not every need is the call. We help where we can, and we follow God’s leading in that. There are also abusive situations where we have to remove ourselves from the more intimate act of walking with a hurting person who is acting out. But all of us face situations where we need to choose to enter the suffering of a loved one. Sometimes they cause their own suffering, and sometimes it is thrust upon them by health issues or evil. It brings me comfort to know in these situations, when loving means entering someone else’s painful journey, that it is part of entering Christ’s suffering. It comforts me that He understands and is with us in the pain.

Once I processed all of that, the happy ending for the book came more easily.

If learning this kind of backstory for my latest stories is interesting to you, you’ll enjoy an interview I did with Peg Thomas. Check it out! Peg is a fellow author and we are both published in a novella collection, A Bouquet of Brides, which releases January from Barbour Publishing.

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PS If you’re joining me by reading Soul Scents: Flourish Selections for Advent this December, you might enjoy liking my Facebook page and following me there. Each day I’m posting short thoughts connected to the reading. (And you can still get that as a free download at my website.)

PPS The Tinseled Tiding paperback would make an uplifting, fun Christmas gift–and for those electronic readers, all three novellas could be bundled and gifted electronically for less than $3!

Launch Day and FREE book to celebrate!

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Launching TODAY!!

My face-to-face friends allowed me “drop off the earth” for a crazy fall. Good friends of authors know that they have a “deadline” friend, who disappears for a while, and their regular friend who comes up for air ready to play! If you’d like to learn a little more about the life of an author, visit Moving the Ancient Boundaries, my friend DiAne’s blog. She asked me some great questions in her interview posted there today!

Honestly, Tinseled Tidings, the first series Free to Flourish Publishing launched this fall, was almost like playing, even with all the work! The characters are fun, a little zany, and a whole lot lovable. I fell for them all. They laughed and cried with me and until their stories were told. With today’s release of this last title, I’m happy and sad. Happy because YOU get to meet my imaginary friends, sad because I won’t be spending as much time with them. (I will get to keep talking about this series as the PAPERBACK 3-in-1 collection releases next week!)

Fruitcake Fallout is the only book in the series (for now) which has an historical setting.  As you might guess from the title, the hero is a private and his gal-to-be is a WAC in World War 2. For interesting tidbits on what I learned about this time period, visit my friend Donna’s blog, History Thru the Ages. As I write I often am surprised by little nuggets of truth and grace that appear, unplanned, in the story line. I’ve also learned that when I do historical research the Holy Spirit leads me to special true stories of LIGHT. I share some of this today on Donna’s blog.

FREE BOOK INFO

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FREE today!

To celebrate today’s launch day, Free to Flourish Publishing is offering the first title in the series, You’re a Charmer, Mr. Grinch, FREE today and tomorrow. It was an ACFW Carol Award finalist for novella of the year. In this story retired police officer Rick Stanton dons a Grinch costume for the holidays and “patrols” Christmas, Florida to promote the festive town. Everyone falls under his charm except the person he most wants to impress—Postmaster Edie Hathaway. If you’re like me, you’ll be cheering for the Grinch, hoping he can steal Edie’s heart before they both give up on love.

The second book in the series, The Joy Scrooge, is featured today on ALLBETSAREOFF. Check out that interview and see where your own scrooge barometer is! lol Remember this is the book which prompted me to offer my Advent devotion for FREE on my website. I hope you’ll download it and journey with me this Christmas season!

As I close out this post, I want to offer a shout out to some amazing people who make it possible for these stories to get to YOU.

Thank you to the Free to Flourish Publishing Team!

Carmen Barber ~ Copyeditor, interior design, and formatting

Lisa Samson ~ Artwork for cover and interior

Kim Liddiard of the Creative Pixel, Cover design

Wendi Wilkins ~ Proofreading

Laurie Spies ~ First reader

(And special thanks to Carmen, who also should have the official title of “holding the author’s hand through it all.”)

Also thank you to every person who reads, reviews, and buys my books. Reviewers–you have NO IDEA how valuable those reviews are. I REALLY appreciate you taking the time!

LEAVE A COMMENT TODAY AND I’LL PUT YOU IN A DRAWING FOR A FREE COPY OF A PACKAGED DEAL, THE FIRST BOOK IN MY NEXT SERIES, TOWERING PINES.

Secrets Revealed

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Telling secrets. Leeann Betts interviewed me on her blog this week. She asked if there is a real-life piece of my love story with my hubby tucked in “You’re a Charmer, Mr. Grinch.” The answer is yes . . . for more visit Leeann’s blog.

Lots of fun stuff in the interview about my latest release: You’re a Chamer, Mr. Grinch, available today on Kindle for 99 cents.