Lone Star Christmas — Karen Hulene Bartell

Deep in the heart of Texas, the miracle of Christmas brings hope, but darkness threatens this joyful season. As December 25th nears, San Antonio prepares with twinkling lights, riverboat caroling, and frosty nights. The air is fragrant with Mexican hot chocolate and homemade tamales. But Maria, seven months pregnant, abandoned, and losing hope, encounters a darker force in the air. Recently released from jail, her boyfriend Mal wants her back in his life, but he doesn't travel alone. Latched onto him are a dark angel seeking revenge and a demon destroying him with meth. When she meets José -- considerate, spiritual, and protective -- he's a gift, the answer to her needs. But is he the answer to her prayers? Obsessed with Mal, can Maria escape his grip and fight off the evil forces at work? Will this Christmas be a celebration of life for Maria -- or a deadly failure?