Their Christmas Prayer. Myra Johnson

      

      A Texas pastor has a million reasons to go...

      and just one to stay: her

      Searching for a new start, Pastor Shaun O’Grady can’t wait for his next foreign missionary assignment…until he begins working with Brooke Willoughby on the church’s Christmas outreach program. Even as they clash over program specifics, Shaun and Brooke are drawn to each other. Now Shaun’s not sure where he belongs: overseas for his ministry, or at home by Brooke’s side...

      Award-winning author MYRA JOHNSON writes emotionally gripping stories about love, life and faith. She is a two-time finalist for the ACFW Carol Award and winner of the 2005 RWA Golden Heart® Award. Married since 1972, Myra and her husband have two married daughters and seven grandchildren. Although Myra is a native Texan, she and her husband now reside in North Carolina, sharing their home with two pampered rescue dogs.

       Also By Myra Johnson

      Rancher for the Holidays

      Her Hill Country Cowboy

      Hill Country Reunion

      The Rancher’s Redemption

      Their Christmas Prayer

      Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk

      Their Christmas Prayer

      Myra Johnson

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      ISBN: 978-1-474-09753-6

      THEIR CHRISTMAS PRAYER

      © 2019 Myra Johnson

      Published in Great Bri tain 2019

       by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF

      All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

      This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.

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       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      Version: 2020-03-02

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      “Oh, but you’d look so handsome in a—”

      Face reddening, Brooke pulled her lips between her teeth.

      Heat infused Shaun’s face, too, even as his chest swelled at the compliment. Before he realized he was going to ask, he blurted, “Any chance you’d save me from going stag?”

      Her eyelids fluttered. “Wow. Wasn’t expecting that.”

      “Just thought it would be more fun to attend with a friend, especially since we’re both fairly new to town and probably won’t…” He let the thought fade away.

      “Yeah.” The word came out on a sigh. She tucked her fingertips into her jeans pockets.

      “I’d love to attend the wedding with you. Thanks. Now I really must go shopping.”

      He thought she looked beautiful just as she was, paint-soaked jeans and all, and was about to tell her so before he abruptly came to his senses. Had he really been about to resort to shameless flirting? Because, seriously, this could go nowhere.

      Nowhere.

      Dear Reader,

      As human beings, we naturally want to be in control, to make our plans and see them through. This was certainly the struggle Brooke and Shaun faced. Each in their own way, they had to learn how to let go of their own agendas and turn everything over to God.

      Releasing control can be a struggle for me, too. I think I know what’s best for me, and my tendency is to push ahead until I make it happen...or make the situation worse. The problem is, I’m not God. He sees the whole picture—past, present and future—while all I can see is my own little part of it. I really don’t know what’s best for me, after all.

      Yes, letting go can be scary. But as Shaun understood, all God asks of us is that we take each step in faith. If we’re trusting in Him, He won’t let us stray. The path won’t always be easy, and we may face periods of discouragement, but God’s best is always worth waiting for, no matter how long it takes.

      Thank you so much for joining me in this return to Juniper Bluff for Brooke and Shaun’s story. The Texas Hill Country is very special to me, and I’m delighted to call it home once again.

      I love to hear from readers, so please contact me through my website,