Obsession by Traci Hunter Abramson – Countdown to Christmas 2011

3 days until Christmas

 

Originally from Arizona, Traci Hunter Abramson spent much of her childhood exploring the little town of Pinewood. She is a graduate of Brigham Young University and a former employee of the Central Intelligence Agency. Since leaving the CIA, Traci has written multiple novels, including the Undercurrents trilogy, Royal Target, and the Saint Squad Series.

When she’s not writing, Traci loves spending time with her husband and their four children. She also enjoys cooking, although she prefers an electric stove to the wood burning variety. Traci says, “I can add to this that after going through a major kitchen remodel, I am REALLY appreciative of kitchen sinks and the idea of having my stove, microwave, and refrigerator all in the same room again!”

Connect with Traci: WEBSITE | BLOG | Twitter | Facebook

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LDSWBR: What Christmas-related activity would you like to do this year that you have never done before?

TRACI: One thing that I always wanted to do was visit the White House when it was decorated for Christmas. I actually was able to do that with a group of friends earlier this month. The best part of the tour was right at the beginning shortly after we entered and everyone was given the opportunity to write a card for a service member overseas. It was great seeing everyone stop and give some thought and thanks to those who are sacrificing their time to serve and protect especially knowing that these men and women will be away from their own families this Christmas. The funniest moment was when the “First Dog” was taken out for a walk. A lot of people got really excited about seeing a dog. The most gratifying moment came as I exited the gates with a few of my friends. One of my friends turned to one of the guards and with complete sincerity said, “Thank you for doing your job.” The guard goggled at her for a moment. Then he thanked her and said something about how rare it is for someone to show their appreciation for their service. Those few kind words really made me appreciate the women I’m fortunate enough to consider friends.

LDSWBR: If you could find one book under the tree this year, what would it be?

TRACI: Oh, the agony to choose just one! I think the one I would most love to find is Be Your Best Self by President Thomas S. Monson. The title alone inspires me.

LDSWBR: What is your favorite childhood Christmas memory?

TRACI: I am fortunate to have a lot of great childhood memories of Christmas, but I think one of my favorites was when I was a teenager a bunch of us from church were given the opportunity to do 12 days of Christmas for a family. The first few days were a lot of fun, picking out presents and then ringing the doorbell and hiding before anyone could open the door. By about day 5, the family was on to us and was getting to the door a little too quick for comfort. What were we to do? We couldn’t get caught delivering the gifts, of course. Yet, we couldn’t stop before we had completed our task. We discussed our options, about six of us who had been working together. A solution was arrived at and was unanimous. We would let my little sister deliver the gifts to the door for the last few days. She didn’t go to church with us and they might not recognize her if she was caught. Wouldn’t you know, that little kid was FAST! She never did get caught, but we sure had a great time watching her sneak up to the door like a spy in an old comedy and then hide in places she shouldn’t have logically been able to fit. The hardest part was holding back our laughter until we were all a safe distance away from our recipient’s house.

LDSWBR: Thank you so much, Traci. Merry Christmas!

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Buy Obsession by Traci Hunter Abramson

DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK | AMAZON

Read our Combined review of Obsession.

Have you ever been fortunate enough to visit the White House at Christmastime?

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To enter the Countdown to Christmas 2011 contest, complete the following and then tell us what you did:

• **Required entry (+1) – Leave a thoughtful comment on this post. (More than just “Great contest!” please.) You must leave a comment on this post for your other entries to count. If you are reading this post through email or an RSS reader, please click through to leave a comment.

• Bonus entry (+1) – Visit Traci’s blog (link above) then send us an email  at ldswbr(at)gmail(dot)com telling us the title of Traci’s next book. (Don’t tell us in the comments, please. Thanks! :) )

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• By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Christmas 2011, you agree to the contest information found here.

 

***If you haven’t read the contest rules and info, read them here.***

 

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