There's something magical about Christmas … but in Charleston, South Carolina, the holiday is extra-special. This collection of short stories combines the restive joy of the holiday with the beauty of the Holy City … Charleston.

Dock Street Miracle by Laurie Larsen: Susannah, raised in foster care, now making her timid path into adulthood, receives the chance of a lifetime when exuberant off-Broadway theater veteran Molly arrives to direct the Christmas Nativity play at the historic Dock Street Theater. Working with Molly changes Susannah's life in many ways. But she could never agree to Molly's last-minute request to play the important role of Jesus' mother. Could she?

The Little Things by Robin Stearns Lee: A homeless mother, missing children, and a mystery disappearance from a Christmas nativity scene -- How will Pastor Ben Owens and his wife Rachel navigate these complications during the busy season of celebrating the birth of Christ?

A South of Broad Christmas by Christina Sinisi: A member of Charleston's upper-crust meets a money-grubbing tour guide when he sneaks his tour group into her backyard—without her permission. Then, life keeps throwing them together—at Christmas. It's almost as if the good Lord knows what he's doing.

Sunrise Shells and Christmas Bells by Melissa Henderson: Lana Pierce has experienced the loss of her husband due to illness and then, a hurricane that almost destroyed her home. While life continues, Lana becomes involved in a mystery and possibly a new love in her life. "Sunrise Shells and Christmas Bells" brings love, faith in God, and hope for the future.

Nine O'Clock, December by Jody Stallings: For 31 nights every December, the mysterious stranger appears in her backyard and gazes into the harbor. Who is he? What is he seeking? As Jennie searches for his identity, she realizes she hasn't yet found her own.

It Had to Be You by Annette Wiley: Marie's idyllic world is crumbling bit by bit. Now, the United States is officially at war after the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor. She hasn't heard a word from her deployed boyfriend James. When her friends drag her to a local USO dance, she's stunned to feel a magnetic pull to a handsome sailor. Not only is the country's future hanging in the balance, but Marie's sense of stability and hope is shaken to the core. Would God bring hope for her future through the turmoil?

Beauty for Ashes by Dianne Miley: High school senior Calli Williams refuses to let a little pink plus sign seal her fate into a life like her mom's. But her firefighter boyfriend, Ember Alexander is just as determined to marry Calli and raise their child together. While she explores options other than parenting, Ember is called to a fire that threatens to take his life. Only divine intervention can save their love—and their lives.

It Happened One Christmas by Larry and Margaret McNabGale: Post World War II Charleston is a city where social standing matters. A chance meeting of two people on the street at Christmas could lead to something more. But can they overcome the differences between their backgrounds and the prejudices of their families? It may all depend on the outcome of a life-threatening medical procedure.

Presented by the authors from the South Carolina Lowcountry chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. All proceeds from six months of sales of this anthology will go to RISE Ministry SC. This worthy charity exists so that men of Orangeburg County who are trapped in poverty, homelessness, or addiction are Restored, Ignited, Supported, and Empowered to flourish by the grace of Jesus Christ.

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