Sandra Merville Hart

A Holiday Tradition: Advent Candles

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by Sandra Merville Hart

When my husband was a child, his mother would light an Advent candle every evening as the family gathered for supper. She did this for four weeks, beginning on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. Only one candle burned the first week. On the second week, another candle was lit every evening. There were three burning in the third week and four in the fourth week. The candles were arranged in a wreath prominently displayed. He recalled that, by the end, the first candle was nearly gone.

As a child, my family didn’t celebrate this holiday tradition. How did this tradition begin?

Adventus is the Latin word for “coming”. Advent was a time when early Christians prepared their hearts and minds to celebrate the birth of Jesus. In the 4th century, St. Athanasius wrote of Christians preparing for a period of time leading up to Christmas.

By the time of Pope St. Gregory the Great in the 6th century, Advent started on November 12th, which was the day after the feast of St. Martin, and lasted until January 6th, the Day of Epiphany. St. Gregory shortened the Advent season to four—some historical sources suggest it was five—Sundays preceding Christmas.

Today, Advent traditionally begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. For each of the four weeks, a new candle is lit to focus on a different theme. Saying a prayer, sharing a devotion, or reciting scripture may accompany the candle-lighting.

The candles are arranged in a wreath fashioned from evergreens to symbolize everlasting life. The wreath’s circular shape symbolizes God’s unending love for us.

Candle colors are often three purple and one that is rose or pink. An optional fifth white candle in the middle of the wreath, known as “Christ’s Candle,” is lit on Christmas Day.

Each week, the focus is on a different theme that can vary. Below are some common themes.

Week 1, First Sunday, Purple candle, also called the “Prophet’s Candle”: Hope

Even youths grow tired and weary

and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the Lord

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.   

Isaiah 40:30-31 (NIV)

Week 2, Second Sunday, Purple candle, also called “Bethlehem’s Candle”: Peace

For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given,

And the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

Week 3, Third Sunday, Pink or rose candle, also called the “Shepherd’s Candle”: Joy

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

Luke 2:8-14 (NIV)

Week 4, Fourth Sunday, Purple candle, also called the “Angel’s Candle”: Love

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

John 3:16 (NIV)

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)

The Advent season celebrates Jesus’s birth, which was His first coming, and also hearkens to His Second Coming when He will return for His followers.

Lighting the Advent candles brings much symbolism as well as centuries of tradition to help Christians prepare their hearts for Christmas.

Sources

“Advent.” Bible Project, 2025/11/29    https://bibleproject.com/guides/advent/.

Britannica Editors. “Advent Calendar.” Encylopaedia Britannica, 2025/11/29 https://www.britannica.com/topic/Advent-calendar.

Compiled & Edited by Crosswalk Editorial Staff. “Advent: The Beautiful Meaning, Purpose, and Traditions Explained.” Crosswalk, 2025/11/29 https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/christmas-and-advent/the-beautiful-meaning-and-purpose-of-advent.html.

“Did St. Gregory the Great invent the season of Advent?” Aleteia, 2025/12/03 https://aleteia.org/2022/11/29/did-st-gregory-the-great-invent-the-season-of-advent/.

Richie, Laura. “Understanding the Meaning and Symbolism of the Advent Wreath & Candles,” Crosswalk, 2025/11/29 https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/christmas-and-advent/advent-wreath-candles-understanding-the-meaning-history-tradition.html.  

“St. Martin’s Day,” Wikipedia, 2025/12/03 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Martin%27s_Day.

Walker, Kristi. “What is the Meaning of an Advent Calendar?” Christianity.com, 2025/11/29 https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/what-is-an-advent-calendar.html.

Dog Groomer’s Christmas Second Chance by Cindy Ervin Huff

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Dog Groomer’s Love Stories Series

All Clare Gaylord wants is a dog from the rescue center for her fifteen-year-old grandson Braden. She didn’t plan on meeting her first husband, a man she regrets divorcing thirty years before. Had she tried to help Lloyd through his PTSD, she wouldn’t have endured a disastrous second marriage. Yet there had been reasons she feared Lloyd’s episodes.

Lloyd Harmon can’t believe it when Clare comes into the business where he supports himself as a dog groomer. Many difficult years have passed. He’s now in counseling, yet still struggles with nightmares sometimes. Should he try to befriend her? Or just allow the past to remain in the past? 

I had read other books in this series and was happy to see what happened with them after their stories ended.

Believable, lovable characters, each working through their own difficult pasts, had me turning pages. Surprising twists and turns—some revealed from the past—escalated my interest. I couldn’t put the story down.

This novel of lost love and forgiveness will also appeal to animal lovers and dog lovers.

I recommend this contemporary romance novel, and dog lovers will especially enjoy it.

I was given a copy of the book by the author. A positive review was not required.

Pumpkin Pie, A Holiday Tradition

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by Sandra Merville Hart

My mother made the best pumpkin pie when I was a little girl. Thankfully, she shared her recipe—and her secrets—with me.

I make the pie every year, usually for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. This year, baking the pie again brought back many childhood memories of cooking the festive meal with my mother, grandmother, and sisters. It’s just as delicious now as it was back then!

Ingredients

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1 ½ cups canned pumpkin

¾ cup sugar

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon ginger

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

1 2/3 cup (13 oz.) Evaporated Milk

1 9-inch unbaked pie shell

Mix eggs, pumpkin, and spices in the order given. I’m never stingy with the cinnamon in this recipe, making it a heaping teaspoon or almost doubling the amount required, just as my mother did.

Another secret she had was adding a teaspoon of Pumpkin Pie Spice. This is a blend of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice. Though this is completely optional, it rounds out the flavor of the pie.

Stir together and mix the pumpkin with all the spices before adding the last ingredient, a can of evaporated milk. Stir this together until blended and pour into an unbaked pie shell.

Bake in a preheated 425-degree oven for 15 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees and continue baking 45 minutes or until a knife inserted in the pie comes out clean. Let it cool before slicing.

May garnish with whipped cream. Most guests prefer a dollop whipped cream with their pie. My husband covers the pie with the sweet topping. 😊

Doubling this recipe makes three 9-inch pies.

My daughter now makes “Grandma’s” pumpkin pie recipe. The torch has been passed!

Hope your family enjoys this pie as much as mine does.

Hearts in Harmony by Traci Summeril

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Darcy’s mother wants to arrange for her daughter to marry a widower near her home, but Darcy has no intention of giving up her teaching position to move back home. Her demanding mother had controlled her during childhood. She won’t put herself in that position again.

Reuben, the pastor at Darcy’s church, is determined to remain a bachelor, yet he can’t deny his attraction to her. The couple is thrown together when a tornado threatens their community.


Characters I cared about drew me into the story. They had believable hurdles to overcome. I couldn’t put the book down. However, I didn’t understand why Darcy, as a protective sister, seemingly left her adopted younger sister alone with their controlling mother. The answer might be in an upcoming book.

Another quick edit would have helped minor errors. All in all, I enjoyed the story.

I will look for more books by this author.

Amazon  

Hot Apple Cider Recipe

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by Sandra Merville Hart

I hosted a party this fall where I served hot apple cider. I searched for my old recipe in vain. I hadn’t made one in several years, so I created a new one.

Simmering the cider on low heat in a crock pot allows the spicy aroma to seep into the home. The aroma welcomes guests and creates an inviting atmosphere.

Ingredients

64 ounces apple cider

¼ cup maple syrup

5 cinnamon sticks

1 teaspoon whole cloves

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 orange, sliced

Combine the cider and syrup in a crockpot. Add in the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg. Stir.

To add a splash of citrus flavor, arrange 6 orange slices over the top. Simmer on low for 2 – 3 hours.

Just before serving, remove the oranges and cinnamon sticks. Strain out the cloves.

The syrup gives a hint of maple while adding a bit of smoothness to the drink.

This comforting, delicious drink brings a warm welcome to family and friends on cold afternoons and evenings.

If you like a little extra cinnamon flavor—as I do!—add another cinnamon stick from the beginning.

I will make this again for gatherings. Enjoy!

William Lewis, a Blacksmith Who Earned his Freedom

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by Sandra Merville Hart

William Lewis was born on a plantation in Winchester, Tennessee. Sources disagree on the year of his birth, but it seems to have been either 1810 or 1815. Colonel James Lewis, a Revolutionary Soldier, was his father, yet his son remained enslaved.

Bill learned blacksmithing skills at an early age, becoming so skilled that he earned money for both the colonel and himself. Bill saved his own money toward his freedom.

Emboldened by his success, Bill asked the Colonel’s permission to move to Ross’s Landing—later known as Chattanooga—to start a blacksmith shop, which was granted. He had to pay $350 annually because he was still enslaved. He worked hard and paid installments toward his freedom.

He married Jane in the early 1840s. A son, Eldridge, was born. Both of them were enslaved. Since all of Jane’s children would be enslaved, Bill’s priority was to buy her freedom before they had any other children. Sources disagree whether Bill purchased his own freedom or his wife’s first. He paid $1,000 in installments for himself, which was paid in full soon after he moved to Chattanooga. He also paid $1,000 for Jane’s freedom, ensuring their future children were born free.

Bill’s hard work earned him respect in the community. His focus was on saving enough to free the rest of his family. Eldridge was six when Bill paid the $400 for his freedom. His mother and aunt were freed for $150 each. He purchased both of his brothers’ freedom for $1,000 each and, later, his sister’s for $400.

The townspeople respected Bill as an honest, intelligent man. They began to call him “Uncle Bill”.

After Bill’s family was safely with him in Chattanooga, he bought a large house. His business expanded. He rightly foresaw the fall of the Confederacy. He bought tobacco and sold it for a profit to provide for his family.

By the time of the Civil War, he had hired a crew for the heavy work he was no longer able to do and supervised them.

The war brought hard times. Hugh, Bill’s son, fought bravely with a U.S. Colored Troops regiment beginning in 1864. Unfortunately, in 1865, he died of a fever in Wilmington, North Carolina.

The South suffered many economic losses during the war, which also affected Bill. Union soldiers seized his blacksmith shop when they took over Chattanooga. His holdings that had been worth $7,000 in the 1860 census had dropped to $300 during the next decade.

Bill and Jane accomplished all this without being able to read or write. They encouraged their children’s education—several of their children were sent to northern schools.

Bill’s entrepreneurial spirit was a legacy to his children. His daughter Marion graduated from Oberlin College and later taught there.

Two of Bill’s sons were blacksmiths. One worked as a mail carrier. Another daughter was a teacher. A third daughter worked as a milliner.

Bill’s spirit and hard work through many difficulties are an inspiration to this day.  

Sources

Hubbard, Rita Lorraine. Hammering For Freedom, Lee & Low Books Inc., 2018.

Lorraine, Rita. “The Entrepreneur Who Bought…Himself, Part I,”  The Black History Channel, 2025/10/26 https://theblackhistorychannel.com/2021/the-entrepreneur-who-boughthimself-part-i/.  

Lorraine, Rita. “The Entrepreneur Who Bought…Himself, Part II,”  The Black History Channel, 2025/10/26 https://theblackhistorychannel.com/2021/the-entrepreneur-who-boughthimself-part-ii/.  

Lorraine, Rita. “The Entrepreneur Who Bought…Himself, Part III,”  The Black History Channel, 2025/10/26   https://theblackhistorychannel.com/2021/the-entrepreneur-who-boughthimself-part-iii/.

Lorraine, Rita. “The Entrepreneur Who Bought…Himself, Part IV,”  The Black History Channel, 2025/10/26   https://theblackhistorychannel.com/2021/the-entrepreneur-who-boughthimself-part-iv/.

“William T. ‘Bill’ Lewis: Chattanooga’s Blacksmith,” National Park Service, 2025/10/26 https://www.nps.gov/chch/learn/news/lewisprogram2021.htm.

Wilson, John. “William Lewis, Blacksmith Who Bought His Family Out Of Slavery, Lived on the West Side,” Chattanoogan.com, May 25, 2022, 2025/10/26 https://www.chattanoogan.com/2022/5/25/441637/William-Lewis-Blacksmith-Who-Bought.aspx.

Legends of Gold by Mary Connealy

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Golden State Treasure, Book 2

Tilda Muirhead came to the Two Harts Ranch in the first book in this series, when she followed the MacKenzie brothers. The teenagers had been in pursuit of their grandfather’s buried treasure and still had found only a portion of it. Tilda’s love of history lands her a job at the California ranch’s orphanage. She’s spent most of her childhood as an orphan, and her deepest desire is to help them. She has never dreamed of marriage—Josh Hart might change her mind.

Josh is part-owner of the large ranch. He took the reins to run it while his brother, Zane, was away. Now that Zane is back, Josh’s struggles to find his way are thwarted by his feelings for Tilda.

When someone claiming to be her family member comes to the ranch, Tilda is fearful. Can she trust Josh to protect her?

Unexpected danger escalates in this historical romance. The story is told through multiple viewpoints, including through characters in the first book with unresolved issues. The author leaves us with reasons to anticipate the next book.

Readers see characters they’ve learned to love in an earlier series.

The author does a good job summarizing what the reader needs to know from earlier stories. Even so, the story builds as a saga. I believe that readers of the earlier series will receive a deeper impact from the stories.

This was a page-turner for me! I will look for more books by this author.

Amazon

CelebrateLit’s Thankful for Our Readers Giveaway!

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I’m excited to announce a chance to win all these novels through Celebrate Lit’s Thankful for Our Readers Giveaway!

My book in the giveaway is A Not So Convenient Marriage, Second Chances, Book 1—and there are over 25 other books you could win!

We all wanted to take a minute to let you know how thankful we are for each one of you. To celebrate, I have partnered with Celebrate Lit for a giveaway just for you to build up your TBR pile.

Here is your chance to win over 25 ebooks and a $50 Amazon card to buy a ton of books for yourself in Celebrate Lit’s giveaway.

Going on now through November 16.

Click on the link to enter. Good luck!

https://promosimple.com/ps/3cdf3/2025-thankful-for-our-readers

Escaping the Wilderness by Carrie Stuart Parks

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Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

As part of her grandfather’s dying wish, Amanda Cotton found a small Montana to hide away and write her mother’s life story. Her stepfather has raised her to trust no one. Still, she can’t understand why strangers are trying to kill her.

Boone McGregor witnesses an attack on Amanda and comes to her rescue. But he receives more danger than he bargained for when men start shooting at him too.

Danger escalates at every turn in this adventurous suspense. Wounded characters quickly drew me into their plight. I couldn’t put the book down.

This was a page-turner for me! I will look for more books by this author.

 Amazon

2025 Angel Book Award Winners

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At their annual festival, the Faith & Fellowship Book Festival announced the Angel Book Award Winners for 2025!

Nonfiction

First place – Stitching Your Story Piece by Peace: A 13 Week Devotional Pursuing the Peace of God   by Naomi Fata

Second place – Reclaimed: A Course to Guide You Through Betrayal & Infidelity Trauma by Stephanie Broersma

Third place – 25 Symbols of Christmas: Finding Jesus–A Devotional by Annie Yorty

Honorable Mention – A Trustworthy Anchor: God’s Hope & Encouragement in the Storms of Life     by Shirley Quiring Mozena

Children’s Ages 2 – 8

First place – When I Talk to God, I Talk about Feelings      

by Chrissy Metz & Bradley Collins, Illustrated by Lisa Fields

Second place – I Don’t Like Kindness (Picking the Fruit (of the Spirit)) Book #3  by Dawn Caldwell De Wulf, Illustrated by Jen Grafton

Third place – Phooey Kerflooey vs. The Fancy, Fancy Teacup: Phooey Tales, Spring #1  by Kristin Joy Wilks

Honorable Mention – Little Sprout Says Yes! by Jennifer E. Terrell, Illustrated by Lissette Blanco

Children’s Ages 8-12

First Place – Paws-itive Inspirations: 90 Devotions for Kids and Dog Lovers by Michelle Medlock Adams & Wendy Hinote Lanier, Illustrated by William H. Hinote

Second Place – Road Trip Redemption, Book 3 in Road Trip Rescue,   by Becca Wierwille    

Third Place – Disaster! Around the Bend by P. Lynn Halliday

Honorable Mention – Just a Piece of Stone    by Mary Ann Hake    

Young Adult  

First Place – The Revelation of Emery Audubon                                by Ann Roecker

Second Place – Ride a Summer Wind     by Ann Cavera

Third Place – The Painted Fairytale         by Lara d’Entremont, Illustrated by Ellie Tran       

Historical Fiction category

First place – What I Left For You, Echoes of the Past, Book 3

by Liz Tolsma

Second place – A Song of Deliverance, The Singing Silver Mine, Book 1       by Donna Wichelman

Third place – Whatever it Takes, A Split-Time Sisters in Arms Novel           by Sarah Hanks

Honorable Mention – Heidi’s Faith, Rugged Cross Ranch, Book 4                   by Jill Dewhurst

Mystery/Suspense

First place – Lethal Standoff       by DiAnn Mills

Second place – Death Under the Ice, Trouble in Pleasant Valley, Book 4                by Deborah Sprinkle

Third place – Waterfall, The Waterfall Mysteries                                                     by Linda K. Rodante

Honorable Mention – Inheritance, The Seekers Series, Book 2              by J.A. Webb

Contemporary

First place – New Creations                   by Sarah Hanks

Second place – Love’s True Measure, True Calling, Book 3

by Lori DeJong

Third place – Escape to Whispering Creek              

by Barbara M. Britton

Honorable Mention – Every Life Filled with Purpose, A Weldon Novel, Book 3       by Shelia Stovall

Honorable Mention – Take My Hand       by Ane Mulligan

Honorable Mention – Love’s True Home, True Calling, Book 2     by Lori DeJong

Speculative

First place – The Root of the Matter, The American Puritans, Book 1       by Lynne Basham Tagawa

Second place – Starry Starry Night, Time Passengers Novel             by D.K. Till

Third place – Bronze Circle         by Becky A. Little

Novella

First place – Jingle Bell Matchmakers, from A Match Made at Christmas       by Lori DeJong

Second place – Nazar’s Journey, Time Passengers Novel             by Paul T. Mascia

Third place – Heart of Honor, Hearts of the West, Book 3                         by Patience O’Brien

Congratulations to all!