I just got done reading a blog about the “most annoying Christmas songs,” many of which I agreed with. Still, ‘tis the season and all that. I’d rather be jolly than annoyed, so I thought I’d share some of my favorites—at the very least, my favorite versions of some popular ones. When I set my Spotify to “private session,” there’s a good chance I’m listening to one of these songs, and I will be until the New Year.
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas | Swear and Shake
Surprise! There’s a Swear and Shake song on this list. Who knew? But for real. Listen to Kari’s caramel vocals, the happy banjo, the festive uke. Who could hate Christmas while listening to this?
Underneath the Tree | Kelly Clarkson
Someone needed to knock Mariah Carey of the Christmas Pop throne. I love that Kelly Clarkson did it with this song. Will I hate it in ten years after it’s been overplayed and overperformed on every Christmas special ever? Maybe. But for now, it makes me smile.
I Never Spend a Christmas That I Don’t Think of You | The Statler Brothers
Guys. Bring this Christmas album back now. I grew up listening to this group with my family while traveling to various family holiday functions. The nostalgia is strong with this one.
Fairytale of New York | The Pogues featuring Kirsty McColl
Probably the most depressing Christmas song on the planet. But let me tell you, you haven’t experienced Christmas until you’ve seen a full, rowdy Irish pub come to a complete standstill the moment this song begins to play.
It’s Christmas Time Again | Matthew Mayfield
Mostly I love this one because it’s Christmas Matthew Mayfield style. Since I love his music and I love Christmas, getting them both together in one song is a pretty exciting gift.
It’s Christmas, I Love You | Daniel Ellsworth and Alva Leigh
Again, who’s surprised? Daniel Ellsworth on another “Jen’s favorite music” list. Well, I love his stuff for a reason, and this is epic Ellsworth. Fun, funny, quirky, intelligent, Christmas. What’s not to love?
Over the River | The Last Bison
I love that this folk band doesn’t try to hide or downplay their classical roots. Instead, they fold it right in, the way our ancestors surely did. It’s a study of the past, present, and future of music, and then, of course, there’s Christmas.
The Lights and Buzz | Jack’s Mannequin
It’s a few years old, but I’m still not tired of it. Maybe because I only listen during Christmas, or maybe because it’s Jack’s Mannequin. Either way, it’s a nice addition to the playlist, and a break from all the same ol’ songs.
Cuddle Up | Catey Shaw
This is less a Christmas song and more a winter song, but it’s cold outside. Her voice is adorable, and I can’t get enough of the bouncy beat. It’s perfect for invoking thoughts of lit trees, hot chocolate, and Christmas movies.
So, how many will you add to your Christmas list? What’s your favorite Christmas song this year? I wanna know!
The Oracles of St. Ambrose: Going Under is part of a five-book anthology, Bewitched Beginnings. The whole anthology is only .99 for a week. That’s five whole YA paranormal and fantasy books for less than one dollar. Click the cover below to buy!
Bewitched Beginnings: Five full length YA Paranormal novels included in one bundle. Delve into the supernatural worlds created by Angel Lawson, Magan McMinimy, Jennifer M. Barry, Erin Danzer and Sharon Rose Mayes and follow the stories of strong young men and women as they hold their own against the forces of nature.
Wraith by Angel Lawson
Freak. Weird. Crazy. These are the names tossed around seventeen-year old Jane Watts by her fellow classmates. But things aren’t always as they seem. Sometimes there’s a reason for talking to yourself in the hallway at school.
Jane struggles with adjusting to her new home and school after an abrupt move. She wants one thing in life—to be like everyone else at school, but that’s hard to do when you’re the new kid. But she does manage to make one friend, Evan—he’s sixteen, charming, and protective. Everything a girl could want in a best friend…with one minor caveat.
He’s dead.
Caught somewhere between life and death, Evan is tied to Jane and the living world unable to complete the journey to the other side. She thinks he’s here to be her friend, to take care of her, and that’s why no one can see or hear him.
That is until a new boy shows up at school after a rumored stretch in Juvie. Connor can see Evan and he’s not convinced the ghost is being completely honest. From his own experience ghosts tend to need something from the humans they connect to and Evan, despite his arguments isn’t any different.
Jane is resentful of Connor’s intrusion but realizes soon enough he’s right. Evan has secrets about his past and not only did his life end tragically but members of his family are still in danger. Jane must face her fears and battle Evan’s human demons to free both of them.
Going Under by Jennifer M. Barry
Chase Bradford, king of New York City’s high school elite, is dragged to Nashville for his senior year at St. Ambrose Academy. On his second day, the Queen Bee is found dead in the school swimming pool. Chase isn’t surprised, since he saw a vision on the water’s surface during swim practice just hours before Cheyenne died.
Before Chase can properly freak out, he discovers snarky writer Natalie and narcoleptic computer genius Bryan also possess unusual abilities. The three must work together to discover how Cheyenne died and why…before the killer can get away with it. But Natalie and Bryan are from different social circles and pose a threat to Chase’s elite status. High school politics are nothing new to Chase, but the psychic abilities are.
The list of suspects isn’t surprising, since few people actually liked the popular queen of the elite. Chase, Natalie, and Bryan follow every vision, every lead – even Cheyenne’s own father – right up to the shocking end.
Twins of Aurora by Magen McMinimy
Life seems relatively normal for eighteen-year-old Avalina, who spends most of her time hanging out with her outspoken best friend, Jess, her twin brother, Aiden, and his best friend, Nick. Avalina fights against the overwhelming crush she has on Nick, harassment from her cruel ex-boyfriend, and an over protective brother while trying to make it through her senior year of high school.
Their lives are forever changed when the mysterious Araios, who looks remarkably like Nick, appears at a party in their sleepy little town in Northern Idaho. Araios holds secrets Avalina has long forgotten, secrets of a past based in a world of magic, mythical creatures and a royal lineage.
Follow the group of friends as they travel through this thrilling new world while Avalina learns to control the magic she needs to save everyone from the darkness that threatens to destroy Aurora and all who live within it.
Into the Spiral by Erin Danzer
Being struck by lightning is just the beginning…
Seventeen-year-old Veronica “Ronnie” Lambert wants to get out from under her older brother’s shadow. When Ronnie gets a tattoo and then is struck by lightning, she suddenly finds herself able to see and hear things in shadows that don’t appear to others. Then Ronnie meets Gavin Clearwater, the hot new guy in all of her classes and finds out he can see and hear the same things she can.
Gavin tells her about the Spiral Defenders, a group of warriors that travels through space and time to defend the planets of the Spiral. After meeting the Commander of the Spiral Defenders and realizing his intentions might not be pure, Ronnie struggles between following her destiny to become a Spiral Defender and trying to regain the life she had before being struck by lightning.
Blood Pact by Sharon Rose Mayes
Riley Spencer has spent most of her life doing what is normal for her: attending school, spending time with her mother, and training to hunt vampires. It was how she grew up as part of the organization and when Nick comes to town and joins her team everything changes. Now Riley and the rest of her team begin to question everything they have learned about vampires and the organization that trained them to hunt the vampires that hide in the world.
Win a Kindle Fire!
You can win a Kindle Fire just by telling others about Bewitched Beginnings. The link for the Rafflecopter is below.
Today we said goodbye to a long-time companion, our sweet girl, Rosie. Rosie was a rescue kitten who almost didn’t get rescued. Liam went with the intention of taking one cat, but after seeing shy, quiet Rosie in the corner of the cage, he thought again. After a week of agonizing, he had to go back and get her. And that’s how her life with Liam began.
When I met Rosie, she was skittish but accepting. We quickly became friends and went on several adventures together. She and her sister, Luna, moved with us to New Jersey and braved life with a dog for the first time. Then we all packed up and moved back to Tennessee after a year. By the time we settled here in Nashville, Rosie and I were tight. She still preferred Liam, but I suppose I could never fault her for that. He was her savior, after all.
Rosie was like a prize to all who visited. Because she was so shy, she rarely came out to greet anyone, preferring instead to hide under a bed or in a cabinet somewhere. Those precious few who did get to meet her and even spend time with her commented on her beauty, her gentle nature, and her silky soft fur.
Don’t be fooled into believing Rosie was a pushover, though. She knew how to stand her ground, especially when facing down Luna or the newest member of our family, Hurley. She was a fierce warrior when her turf was challenged but always returned to peaceful acceptance when the battle was over.
Liam had fourteen beautiful, loving years with his darling girl. I was fortunate to have almost ten. I can say with certainty we will never stop missing our sweet, fierce, loyal, shy, loving little girl, Rosie.
Guys. Guys! M’s preparing for the release of her upcoming novel on May 19, so I thought I’d share the cover with you here on FFYW. You know I’m almost as excited and proud as I’d be if I’d written it myself. She’s done something so different, so fresh, and I can’t wait to see what everyone thinks. Until we all get our hot little hands on it, here’s a peek at the cover. Drool with me!
Here’s the summary, so you can start with the grabby hands:
Infiltrating an international drug cartel is the dangerous chance of a lifetime for Asher Beaulieu of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Falling in love while running the op isn’t part of the plan, but he never had much use for plans anyway. Shrouded in deception and surrounded by temptation, his charmed life explodes in betrayal and tragedy.
The past few months have been a bit of a roller coaster, with more downs than ups if I’m honest. Still, through everything, I try to seek the things that bring me joy. Jesus is my ultimate joy, but earthly things make me happy, too.
Wanna know what they are? Some are simple; some are everything. Here’s a jumbled list in no particular order:
Brenya and Isaac
I’m scared to death to hold my new niece because I’m afraid I’ll break her. I was the same with Isaac and we’re super close anyway, so I don’t think she’ll hold my fear against me when she’s older. And Isaac… Never have I met a kid with such a strong moral compass and social conscience. This boy will change the world.
Mom and Dad
Liam’s citizenship ceremony
Sometimes I wonder if maybe parents as awesome as mine are actually the exception. No matter what I do, whom I love, or where I go, my parents support, help, love, smile, and encourage. Really, there can’t be better parents out there.
Ireland
If you didn’t already know this one… But seriously. Who could NOT love it?
My Irish Family
Liam’s family has always made me feel like I’m one of them, from the very first moment I met them. I’m so blessed to have them in my life and cherish the time we get to spend together.
Melissa Fox
My co-author, editor, and dear friend holds the mirror up, even when she knows I won’t like what I see. I trust her with my work, my fears, and my dreams.
Swear and Shake
Unpretentious folk rock created and performed by some of the nicest people on the planet? One of the sweetest, sultriest, strongest female voices in music? It all adds up to joy, people.
Hurley
Man, he’s cute.
Heyrocco
Just listen.
Luna and Rosie
Our sweet girls have tried so hard to give the dog a chance. They had the house to themselves for years, so I don’t blame them that they haven’t yet figured out how to love him as much as we do.
Allie
We have our differences even now, but no one makes me laugh like she does.
Smoky Mountains
Maybe the lights of Pigeon Forge are about as tacky as Vegas, but oh man, the surrounding mountains hold a treasure of memories. Even the thought of fall and winter in the Smokies makes me smile.
Hurling
Who knew I’d enjoy a sport so much? Not only am I developing a connection with Liam’s home and heritage, but I’ve also made some amazing new friends.
Eva
I can’t even put into words what this girl means to me. She’s on the other side of the world, so time zones are always weird. Luckily, I’m up early and she’s up late, so we still get plenty of time to talk every day.
Writing
This one’s probably obvious.
Christmas
Unapologetically put my tree up as early as I can get away with every year. I also start making Christmas music playlists sometime in November. Make fun if you like. I don’t care.
Daniel Ellsworth and the Great Lakes
Who could listen to these guys and not dance? Also, they’re just super nice. (As a side note, their bass player, Marshall, took the photos that appear on the cover of my latest book.)
Niki
Somehow, this girl makes even the most outrageous disasters something to laugh at. Anyone who can turn tears to laughter in a split second is someone I need in my life.
Coffee
Personally, I like the flavored stuff, but Liam hates when I run those through is coffee maker, so we have two. Best I ever had? Red Velvet.
Flats
After a leg injury, all my cute heels got thrown out and I adopted flats. I love them. I wear them everywhere. I even sometimes play hurling in them.
Sleeping with a box fan
I even lured Liam over to the dark side. I also move it around the house with me so I have that hum even when I’m working.
Driving
This is especially important to me. My dad raised me with a healthy respect for fun cars, but after my car accident, just sitting in one made me car sick. I’ve managed to find my joy again behind the wheel, even if I’m a lot more conscientious and careful now.
Tiff
If I had a long lost twin but then found again, she’d be it.
Watching Will and Liam together
When Tiff’s husband and Liam get together, it’s like watching The Hangover.
Craft beer
Just keep your IPA, please.
Harry Potter
I dare you to defy me on this one.
Irish chocolate
It’s just better than American chocolate. If you don’t believe me, try it.
Hoodies
They’re like wearing a warm, cozy, loving hug.
Steph
Is there anyone sweeter in the world? We don’t talk much, but when we do, I’m smiling the whole damn time.
My work
I’m so lucky to say this. Believe it or not, I enjoy my work. Mostly, I write blogs about ecommerce and inbound marketing for HubSpot, but sometimes I get to ghostwrite a blog or two about Nashville real estate. The fact that I do all these things in my pajamas…well, who could be so lucky?
Fireplaces—with fires in them
We have three in our house and none of them work. I’ve made it my mission to make at least one of them a functioning fireplace, but until then, the fire pit outside holds some pretty big bonfires.
Pedicures
Once a month, like clockwork, with my friend Kristie. Except for a random lunch, we really don’t see each other unless there’s a chair massage and a pedicure involved, so I’ve really grown to cherish the pampering and friendship.
Pumpkin or Cinnamon Crunch Scones
Drooooooooool.
My family
I’ve always been quite close to my extended family. When Allie and I were kids, we’d stay weekends and summers with Grandmother or aunts and uncles. My grandfather took us on road trips—most famously the cross-country trip to California for graduation. I even count some of my cousins as my closest friends. I’m fortunate to have such a tight-knit family, and just thinking about any one of them makes me smile.
Snow
Sure, it’s a pain in the ass sometimes, but it’s just so pretty. Also, I’m pretty sure I’m programmed to pray for it after only two years of teaching high school. Snow days made me happier when I was a teacher than they ever did when I was a student.
The ocean
My attachment to the ocean probably stems from our whole-family vacations when I was a little girl. Still, even without that, could anything match the joy of warm sand between your toes?
Karaoke
I relish the chance to grab a mic and wail for a bit. Twin Kegs is my karaoke joint of choice. It’s where everybody knows my name. (I have no video of me singing karaoke, but this is me singing with the Corbin High School Jazz Band starting at 14:30.)
Katie Marcario
This dollface makes me laugh even when the most annoying, irritating, and frustrating things have just pissed me off. When steam’s coming out my ears, I hit her up first because I know she’ll make me smile.
‘NSync
Don’t you judge me.
Liam
Finally, but definitely not last, there’s Liam. Dear God, this man just makes everything better. Everything. When I’m sad, he holds me. When I’m angry, he soothes me. When I’m laughing, he’s making me do it. None of the things before could mean quite so much without my ability to share them with him.
jennifermbarry.com 