Christmas Diamond, a Novella: Inspired by The Jewel series and the Virtues and Valor series

by Hallee Bridgeman

  3. Do you believe God orchestrates events in such a manner?

  4. What is your experience with instant attraction or liking of someone, especially in a situation that is completely out of the realm of our normal day-to-day lives?

  5. What is your opinion about love at first sight? Is it biblical?

  When Faith collides with another aircraft, she remembers to pray. In the story, God heard her prayer and sent guardian angels to protect her and all the spectators from harm. It is also clear that her prayer helped to center and focus her in the moments that followed when others might have resorted to panic.

  6. Even if we aren't pilots, how do you think the "inspired by a real life event" collision described in this story apply to our own everyday life?

  7. Can you imagine yourself in some kind of extreme circumstances and then see yourself praying and trusting God to see you through?

  In times of crisis, people often default to prayer. After this crisis was averted in the story, TJ immediately thanked God for answering Faith's prayer for strength that helped her safely land.

  8. Do you remember to thank God daily for answered prayers?

  READER'S GUIDE MENU

  SUGGESTED luncheon menu for a group discussion about Christmas Diamond.

  Those who follow my Hallee the Homemaker website know that one thing I am passionate about in life is selecting, cooking, and savoring good whole real food. A special luncheon just goes hand in hand with hospitality and ministry.

  In case you're planning a discussion group surrounding this book, I offer some humble suggestions to help your special luncheon talk come off as a success. Quick as you like, you can whip up an appetizer, entree, side, and dessert that is sure to please and certain to enhance your discussion and time of friendship and fellowship.

  The Appetizer:

  Mini Tuna-Avocado Parfait

  with Florida Grapefruit Juice

  What kind of appetizer would the Viscolli Hotel Key West's "pretty amazing chef" serve? This parfait is a wonderful and delicious mix of fresh avocado and Ahi tuna lent a sweetness by Florida orange juice, and topped with local contrasting tartness by Florida grapefruit juice. The citrus adds the perfect amount of acid to the flavorful tuna and nutrient dense avocado. The combination of these simple ingredients will create a surprisingly rich and complex flavor you won't soon forget.

  6 ounces Ahi tuna, minced

  1 avocado

  1/2 cup Florida grapefruit juice

  2 TBS Florida orange juice

  1 TBS Spanish onion, minced

  1 TBS cilantro, minced

  1 tsp sweet soy sauce

  1 tsp sesame oil

  Pour grapefruit juice in thin layer no more than 1/2-inch thick in freezer-safe pan; place in freezer.

  Mash avocado.

  Mince tuna.

  Mince onion.

  Mince cilantro.

  Mix mashed avocado with orange juice, onion, cilantro, soy sauce and sesame oil.

  Divide half of the tuna among 6 2-ounce serving dishes.

  Layer half of the avocado over the tuna.

  Repeat with the remaining tuna and avocado.

  Top with the frozen grapefruit juice.

  Serve immediately.

  The Entrée:

  Key West Style Baked Grouper

  This delicious fish is spiced up then baked in key lime and orange juices. It has a wonderful citrus flavor that is the perfect compliment to any Key West dinner table.

  4 8-ounce grouper fillets

  1/2 cup softened butter

  12 slices of key lime

  8 slices of orange

  1/4 cup key lime juice

  1/4 cup fresh orange juice

  1 TBS lemon pepper

  2 tsp garlic powder

  2 tsp onion powder

  1 tsp salt (Kosher or sea salt is best)

  Preheat oven to 325º degrees F (165º degrees C).

  Slice the limes and the oranges.

  Lightly butter a 9x13-inch glass baking dish and set aside.

  Season the grouper fillets with salt, lemon pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Place into buttered baking dish.

  Spread about 2 tablespoons of softened butter over the top of each fillet. Pour in the lime and orange juices, then cover each fillet with 3 slices of lime and 2 slices of orange.

  Bake in 325º degrees F (165º degrees C) oven until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, about 15 minutes.

  The Side Dish:

  Cauliflower Cilantro Rice

  This is the consummate complimentary side for the Key West Grouper. It uses cauliflower instead of a grain and has a pleasing kick of cilantro.

  1 head cauliflower

  1 to 2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice

  1/4 cup cilantro

  4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

  1/2 tsp or less salt (Kosher or sea salt is best)

  Using a food processor, shred the cauliflower.

  Chop the cilantro.

  Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  Add cauliflower. Season with up to 1/2 tsp salt, then sauté until soft and just starting to turn golden brown, (usually about 10 minutes).

  Remove from heat, then add 1 Tablespoon lime juice and cilantro.

  Taste and add more lime juice if desired.

  The Dessert:

  Key Lime Pie

  No Key West menu would be complete without a Key Lime Pie.

  1 1/2 cups (28 oz) sweetened condensed milk (two 14 oz cans)

  1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)

  1 cup key lime juice

  1 tablespoon key lime zest

  2 whole large eggs

  4 TBS unsalted butter

  1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

  1/2 cup granulated sugar

  2 tablespoons powdered sugar

  Preheat oven to 375º degrees F (190º degrees C).

  Melt the butter.

  In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie pan. Bake at 375º degrees F (190º degrees C) until brown, about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven.

  Allow to cool to room temperature before filling.

  Lower oven temperature to 325º degrees F (165º degrees C).

  In a bowl, combine the condensed milk, lime juice, and eggs. Whisk until well blended and place the filling in the cooled pie shell. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Place in refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

  Once chilled, combine the plain Greek yogurt and powdered sugar and spread over the top of the pie using a spatula. Sprinkle the lime zest as a garnish on top and serve chilled.

  VIRTUES AND VALOR SERIES

  The Virtues and Valor series

  the battle begins in 2013 …

  SEVEN women from different backgrounds and social classes come together on the common ground of a shared faith during the second World War. Each will earn a code name of a heavenly virtue. Each will risk discovery and persevere in the face of terrible odds. One will be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice.

  Introduction … Heavenly Heroines

  Part 1 … Temperance's Trial

  Part 2 … Charity's Code

  Part 3 … Mission of Mercy

  Part 4 … Homeland's Hope

  Part 5 … A Parcel for Prudence

  Part 6 … Grace's Ground War

  Part 7 … Flight of Faith

  INSPIRED by real events, these are stories of Virtue and Valor.

  &&&&

  EXCERPT: TEMPERANCE'S TRIAL

  PLEASE enjoy this special preview prerelease excerpt from the upcoming Christian historical novella, Temperance's Trial, part of the exciting upcoming Virtues and Valor series.

  &&&&

  THE pounding on the door startled Marie and she let out a startled cry. The pounding came again, even louder and more insistent, and the scissors she held in her hand clattered to the table as she covered her heart with her hand.

 
She looked around the little room. The single bed was neatly made. The trifold screen in the corner had no undergarments draped over the top of it. Her sewing machine in the center of the room stood ready. Most importantly, the ceiling beams above the screen were in place and did not look like they had been moved at all.

  The visual inspection took place instantly and concluded within seconds. She had to check because in reality she was not a seamstress. The one thing she had learned about sewing over the course of the last few months that overshadowed everything else was that she never wanted to be a seamstress. Additionally, she no longer called herself Marie Gilbert, but rather Marie Perrin. Lastly, she had a code name, now; Temperance. Since accepting that code name and her mission, nothing in her life was exactly as it appeared.

  Running suddenly damp palms over her skirt, she went to the door and opened it. The sight of a German officer, a Second Leutenant, made her heart freeze in her chest. Had they finally discovered her?

  "You are the seamstress, are you not?" he demanded by way of introduction. He stood tall, a couple inches over six feet, and looked young for an officer. He had hair the color of straw and piercing dark blue eyes — the very caricature of an Arian in Hitler's army. His French accent sounded different than the accent she had heard from other Germans, though she couldn't place the discrepancy.

  Trying not to sound as nervous as she felt, Marie answered, "Yes, Leutnant. I am a seamstress." She looked him up and down. "Perhaps you need a dress?"

  He opened his mouth, closed it, then barked a laughed. "A dress? I like that, Fräulein. Very amusing." The smile completely transformed his face and made him look less formidable. Putting a hand over his heart, he gave her a stiff and short bow. "I am Leutnant Leopold Schäfer and I have an emergency."

  "What kind of emergency?"

  "An unexpected uniform malfunction. It seems I have lost a button." As his face flooded with color, he gestured toward the fly of his trousers.

  Looking over his shoulder and seeing he was alone, she said, "Well, I can't sew it on while you're still wearing your pants. Bring them back anytime today. It won't take a minute to mend."

  "No time for that. I have my promotion ceremony to Oberleutnant in twenty minutes. I cannot go to that ceremony with a button missing from my fly." He put his hands together like a child begging for a cookie. "Please, Fräulein. I am at your mercy. I beg you to help me. I am a desperate man."

  Torn, not wanting to offend a German officer but very much not wanting to help Germany either, she looked around again. "I'm very sorry, Leutnant, but men aren't allowed into my room."

  "I am aware. I sought and obtained permission from your landlady before knocking on your door."

  Marie raised an eyebrow. "How did you manage that?"

  He smirked. "Must you ask?"

  Of course. This man was a German officer, a conquerer. He represented the military might of the enitre Third Reich, of Adolf Hitler himself. And her landlady was merely a lowly French woman, a commoner. If she didn't want any trouble, she couldn't refuse. Likewise, how could Marie refuse to sew on his button right this very instant?

  Fresh anger surged through her heart, but she did not let it show on her face. Instead, she stepped back and held the door wider. "Please come in, Leutnant Schäfer. Leave the door open, if you please."

  He raised an eyebrow but pushed the door back fully open instead of shutting it behind him as he had automatically begun to do. Marie continued. "There is a dressing screen just there. Remove your trousers and pass them over to me but do not come out from behind the screen in a state of undress."

  With the door wide open and the privacy screen in place, she could hope for some decency or humility in this situation. Not that any kind of modesty would protect her from a German officer who might have other intentions. Nonetheless, nearly two decades of social etiquette drilled into her by her father could not go ignored, even in a war zone.

  While the German went behind the screen and began to disrobe, Marie looked through her jar of buttons and found a few that should work on his uniform. In a matter of seconds, he flipped his pants over the top of the dressing screen. As she reached for them, she couldn't help but glance up at the ceiling. Above the German's head, the case containing her wireless lay hidden in the ceiling.

  "I am very happy that you were in this afternoon," he announced from behind the screen.

  "I'm sure you would have been resourceful if I hadn't been," Marie answered, threading a needle with dark gray thread.

  "Are you curious to know how I lost a button on my trousers?"

  "Dare I ask?" Uninvited images raced through her imagination.

  He laughed. "I wish I knew myself. I left my room this morning in a perfect state of dress. Now, right before this important ceremony, I find myself out of uniform."

  "One hopes this is the only time you lose your fly button before a military ceremony. I'm not going to be around all the time after all," Marie said, deftly sewing on the button that most closely matched the others on his uniform. He laughed again while she sewed. It took her less than a minute. With small scissors, she snipped the thread and lay the trousers over the screen again. "All done. Here you go, Leutnant."

  "Bitte," he said enthusiastically.

  "Please, don't mention it." She crossed her arms over her chest and waited, listening to the rustle of clothing as he put the trousers back on. When he came from around the screen, he carried his boots. She gestured toward the chair facing her sewing machine.

  "I will be out of your hair in just a moment," he said, sitting down. "I can't be late, after all."

  "After he made the trains run on time, I imagine the Führer looks down on any officers who are less than punctual." her voice remained very monotone.

  He looked up at her sharply, staring at her with very serious eyes for a moment, his jaw set to speak something in anger before he apparently reconsidered and quietly said, "Yes, I imagine he does." He finished fasenting his boot strap and stood. "How much do I owe you, Fräulein?"

  Marie waved her hand dismissively. "Nothing. I'm happy to help, Leutnant."

  "I insist on paying you for your work."

  "I'm afraid I must insist on accepting nothing from you, Leutnant." She walked to the open door and gripped the handle. "Congratulations on your promotion, First Lieutenant. I hope I have not delayed you too long and that you make it to your ceremony on time."

  He stopped at the door and looked down at her. "At least accept my gratitude. Thank you, Fräulein, from the bottom of my heart."

  She felt her cheeks flush with color as he rushed from the room. When she was certain he was gone, she shut the door and locked it, pressing a shaking hand to her suddenly nausiated stomach. She stared at the ceiling, where the wireless machine sat hidden.

  "Dear God," she prayed in a whisper, thankful for whatever protection He'd just granted her. "Thank You, God. Thank You."

  &&&&

  MARIE pushed the headphones tighter against her ears. "Come on," she whispered urgently.

  After several seconds of silence, she retransmitted the message and waited. A bead of perspiration trickled down her forehead and she closed her eyes and prayed. It was taking so long. The longer she transmitted, the more time the Germans had to do the arithmetic. They would intercept her signal, intersect her frequency, triangulate the origin from more than one angle, and resect her exact location. The computations could be made within minutes. Say what you wanted about the German Army but no one could criticize their math skills.

  Suddenly, a reply sounded in her ear. "That a girl," she uttered, guessing the identity of the operator on the other end.

  Marie wrote as fast as she could then quickly dashed off a confirmation. With nimble fingers, she packed everything up into the bag, hid the equipment in the false bottom, then stacked seamstress supplies on top of everything.

  When she stood, her stomach rumbled and she looked at the barn next to her, wondering if Marcel, the owner of the farm, wo
uld mind much if she just took an egg or two. Before she could even devise a way to ask him, his wife, Armelle, came around the corner.

  "I don't want you here," she said without preamble. "You are placing my husband and I in danger."

  "Marcel said --"

  With the wave of her hand, the older, stockier woman cut her off. "I do not care what that man said, Mademoiselle. It was fine when it was another man. We could easily pass him off as a farm hand or a neighbor come by to help. But you have no business here. Do I look like someone wanting a new dress?"

  Marie pressed her lips together, and kept from replying that a new dress might make her feel better. She understood the woman's point. "Very well, Madam. After today, I won't be back."

  "See that you don't."

  Armelle glared at her while she strapped her bag to her bike and got on it. She could feel the stare right in the middle of her shoulder blades as she pedaled down the lane.