Heather Greer – How We Met – Part 1 of 1

Shannon here: Heather Greer shares how she met her husband, plus a chance to win a print copy of the Contemporary Romance Christmas Novella Collection, A Match Made at Christmas, which includes Heather’s novella, The Santa Setup. All four authors will be here over the next two weeks. Comment or answer the question in any or each post dated Oct 1st – 11th to enter the drawing. Deadline: Oct 19th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Heather:

My real-life romance is a Hallmark love story, literally.

When I was seventeen, I started my first job at the local Hallmark store. My first day on the job, I met the cutest guy. He was a previous employee who’d come back for the week to fill in for someone on vacation.

In between stocking cards, learning how to use the cash register, and perfecting (possibly just beginning) my skills at gift wrapping, Andy and I talked about everything. Neither of us wanted a relationship. We were both getting over not-so-nice ones that made us a little wary.

But the chemistry was there. We talked and we flirted, both thinking it harmless. He’d be gone in a week, and neither of us wanted a relationship. Remember?

Somehow, as the two of us and an older lady worked that week, the subject of buying flowers was brought up. I mentioned that I’d never been given flowers. Not even the guy I’d been most serious about had ever given me flowers. Andy and Connie were shocked. I didn’t think it was that big a deal.

Friday came, and I rushed to work, knowing it was my last opportunity to see Andy. His time of filling in was over, and he was scheduled to leave for his real job right about the time I was to clock in. I didn’t want to miss telling him good-bye. Whether I wanted a relationship or not, he was super cute, very sweet, and we’d talked a lot while I was being trained.

“Come to the break room for a minute.” A weird excitement filled his voice as he directed me the moment I arrived.

Not really sure what was going on, I followed. Even Connie had a strange twinkle in her eye as I passed. When we reached the break room, Andy opened the refrigerator, and my confusion intensified.

“Close your eyes.”

I complied.

“Now open them.”

A single, beautiful rose rested in his outstretched hand.

“You needed someone to buy you flowers.”

His smile and the thoughtful gift caused a smile of my own. Embarrassed at the unexpected display, I felt the heat in my cheeks. I looked up to thank him but stopped short at the tenderness in his gaze. Slowly, he leaned in and gave me the most screen-worthy kiss of my life.

Our Hallmark love story began thirty years ago and has only gotten better with time. That’s not to say we haven’t had our black moments. We have. Everyone does. But we’ve stayed true to our faith and each other, working through each one as they come up. We’ve raised four kids and now enjoy watching them raise our three grandkids. We also enjoy this new chapter in our love story as empty nesters. I look forward to where this season takes our romance.

With my own personal Hallmark love story, it’s no surprise I’m drawn to writing romance. Whether tinged with the heartache of real life or more light-hearted like in my newest Christmas novella, there is beauty in each love story. Some begin as my own did, with two strangers falling in love. Others, like in The Santa Setup, begin with friendship. I try to allow each story I write to shine with its own unique beauty and hope my readers appreciate them as much as I do.

Question for Readers: As a reader, what’s your favorite type of love story?

About Heather: Heather Greer loves all things Christmas, from the lights to baking and gift giving. Most important to her is the true meaning of Christmas and God’s gift of love to us, making the writing of a Christmas themed story a special treat. Whether her stories are contemporary or  historical romance, she prays they encourage and challenge readers to live their faith every day, in every area of their lives. While she loves that God’s allowed her to use her passion for reading and writing to minister to others, her greatest blessings are her family and friends. Heather loves spending time with her husband and four grown children, but being Gigi to three littles is especially sweet. 

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About the Novella Collection – A Match Made at Christmas:

By Amy Anguish, Heather Greer, Lori DeJong and Sarah Anne Crouch

A-parent-ly Christmas (by Amy R Anguish)—Noel and Joy Davidson didn’t mean to separate, but a job promotion and educational opportunities were too much for their marriage to withstand. Now, it’s Christmas and their son Andy wants them together. Between his mischief, an unexpected snowstorm, and the holiday spirit, they’re remembering why they first wanted to be together. But which one will give up their dream for the other?

A Match of her Own (by Sarah Anne Crouch)—Victoria Wood is torn between elation and devastation now that her sister is married and gone. When she realizes her sister’s best friend is alone and best-friend-less on Christmas, she knows just what to do. Set her up with a boyfriend! But pesky Jared Knight keeps getting in the way. Jared can’t date Victoria—she’s too immature—but he can’t convince his heart to move on. How will he keep Victoria from ruining everyone’s love lives? When will she realize her perfect match is closer than she thinks?

Jingle Bell Matchmakers (by Lori DeJong)—When country music star Aubrey Mayfield is lured home after years away, she’s bewildered when she and ex-fiance-now-widowed-dad Cody Lansdale keep finding themselves in the same place at the same time. As they become reacquainted, however, old feelings stir. Aubrey’s at a crossroads in her career and is contemplating a change. But when a chance at headlining her own tour takes her back to Nashville, Cody realizes her dreams may once again come between them. Unless God, with a little help from the Jingle Bell Committee, has a better plan.

The Santa Setup (by Heather Greer)—Turning friendship into love takes magic. Good thing Nicholas Eckert and Julie Clarke work at Christmas Wonderland. The attraction brims with holiday magic, not to mention four teenage elves determined that Mr. and Mrs. Claus stop playing a couple and become one. The teens will need more than mistletoe to pair up these two. Julie is seeing someone, and Nick won’t risk their friendship for possible love. Only the elven employees’ outrageous antics stand a chance of setting up Santa in time for Christmas.

Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win?

Need extra copies for Christmas gifts? Interested in Heather’s other titles?

Get your copy/copies now!

A Match Made At Christmas            Heather’s Books

Come back Oct 4th for Amy R. Anguish!