The Seaside Christmas Village Tales: The Christmas Village Tales Collection Volume 3

By Maxine Johnson

Mercy, grace, and charity exemplify the Christ-centered life. As these three women, Merci, Grace, and Charity, learn to lean on Jesus and heed the voice of the Spirit, they learn more and more about their Abba Father God and His plan to use them for His glory.

Stephen, Three, and Paul also learn to heed the voice of God and His power to overcome. How do all these things come into play as they all converge in Granite Harbor? Was this out-of-the-way place in Maine really where God was leading them?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: Dec 22, 2021
• ISBN: 9781638857082

Book preview

Chapter 1

Victoria, Prince Edward Island

Two years later

Alex! You can’t be serious!

I am. I could absolutely commit the perfect murder.

How?

You know the septic system here is unique, right?

Yes. You have told me before how it was part of the experimental stage of this particular system. And it works very well here.

Yes! We could dispose of a body in any one of the septic tanks in town, and no one would ever find the body. They’d just disappear.

Why are you telling me this, again?

"You said the other day, you felt as if someone was watching you. You had a nightmare last night. You know these ‘Well Houses’ aren’t very well insulated. I heard your screams around two o’clock."

You know in America, a well house is a place with a well in it. Every time you say, ‘Well House,’ I picture that before I remember these were built to house a sick person until they got well. Tuberculosis, wasn’t it?

Yes, now they make the best craft houses, or guesthouses, if you will.

I think I’ll need a warmer place this winter, if I’m still alive!

Are you being sarcastic?

Maybe.

Well, we can dispose of him, once we find out who it is. Now, play your violin for me while I work on my candles. Archie wants to come over and listen while he whittles and Rosie said she would macramé on her front stoop if you play.

That’s just what I need, an audience!

Don’t be so bashful. You play so well!

Not well enough to be a soloist.

We think you do.

Thank you.

Mercient sat up startled, throwing the covers off and putting her bare feet on the wood floor. What had awakened her? She held her breath and listened.

There was a shuffling sound next to Alex’s house not far from her window. Someone was out there. A faint whiff of sandalwood tripped across her nose, Alex’s favorite scent. Could it be Alex coming from his house? Maybe.

She couldn’t keep living like this. Would she ever stop running? There was that shuffling sound again. It was getting closer to the front where the only door was.

That’s it. I’m done! She turned on the light, stood up, and yawned loudly. The shuffling of footfalls receded to the back of Alex’s house and up his back steps. Now, that’s not good!

Good morning, Alex!

Good morning, gorgeous! Sleep well? I didn’t hear any nightmare screaming.

Yes, for the most part. I woke up with a headache earlier and heard something shuffling outside the window. I think there was a rat outside, but it ran away when I turned the light on to get something for my headache. Maybe we should set a trap or something for it.

It might have been your stalker.

I don’t think so. If you would just set a trap near the door so it won’t come in, I’d appreciate it.

Sure.

I’m going to sail over to Point Prim to see Lori today. She may be having Bible study tonight, so I may spend the night at her house and come back tomorrow.

When are you heading out?

As soon as I load everything onto the boat. I have some things I want to take to her. I think I’ll take my violin so I can play for the study, if she has it.

Check the weather.

Yes, sir! she said as she saluted him.

Like I never check the weather before I sail. She texted Lori and checked the radar and the forecast. Everything looked good, and Lori was excited. She would drive over to the dock and pick her up.

I have just about everything I need. I’ll just pick up a lobster roll at the Lobster Barn before I go. I’m already hungry! she mumbled to herself as she loaded the last of her things onto the boat.

What a glorious day to sail. Lord, thank you for your Spirit to guide me and to protect me. I feel so close to you here. I hate leaving my car behind, but I’ll give it to Lori. She needs a newer car. Wow! You have blessed me in so many ways even before I knew you. I am in your hands.

She had just finished her lobster roll when she spotted the dock and someone waving at her. It had to be Lori.

Together they tied up the boat and headed to the lighthouse.

Wow! It’s a perfect day for sailing. I hope tomorrow is the same. Lori, I’ve decided to head back to the states. Alex is becoming a little possessive, so it’s best I get out before he becomes obsessive. I only wanted a friend. He wants more, and I don’t need that.

I do understand, but I don’t want you to go. Do you know where you’re going?

No, I just need to get back to my own country and get things more settled than they are. I’ve been running and hiding for too long now.

I’m sorry we don’t have Bible study tonight, but we can always pray together. I thank God every day for sending you to me. I needed you.

You needed me? I needed you. Claire shared the gospel with me, but my heart wasn’t ready to hear it. Also, there were other people along the way, all planting seeds. God watered and let it grow. Then you harvested. I was so ready to really know the one who made these sweet friends and caring strangers. They gave me an indelible picture of Jesus I can’t, and don’t want to, run from. I know God’s moving me on even if there’s no real threat. I’m in His hands.

I’ll miss you so much, my dear friend.

I’ll miss you as well. I’m going to leave my violin with you until I find a place to live on dry land. I don’t want anything bad to happen to it, like getting wet? Also, I want you to have my car. Here is the title I have signed over to you, and here are the keys. All you have to do is pick it up in Victoria. Try to get it in the next day or two. Otherwise, someone might decide to break into it. I don’t want you to get damaged goods.

I should pay you for it.

If it would make you feel better, you owe me a dollar, American.

I don’t have any American money.

Well, send it to me when you can. I’ll write up a receipt for it.

They both laughed, trying to keep it light even though both had tears in their eyes.

Now, let me do something useful to help out at the lighthouse until you close.

Okay. We need pictures of the lighthouse glued onto the front of the cards we had printed. There are only about a hundred of them.

I can do that. Thanks again, Lori. I’ll love you as a sister forever since we’re forever sisters in Christ.

I love you too, Merci. Here, I have this for you. I know you have a Bible on your phone. Sometimes, it’s really nice to have one in your hand you can write notes in and underline verses. I think it makes it more personal.

"Thanks! Oh, look, you even wrote a dedication to me and put Merci. I like that. I’ve had a change of heart thanks to the mercy of God. It fits. I think I’ll go by that from now on. I’ll keep this in my oilcloth bag to be sure it stays dry, she said as she hugged her friend.

Chapter 2

It seems like I’ve been passing by Nova Scotia forever. I’m glad I cut through from St. George’s Bay to Chedabucto Bay. That saved a lot of time not going completely around Nova Scotia. Okay, there’s Lockport. Once I’ve rounded this southern end, I should pick up the current going out of the Bay of Fundy. Hopefully, it doesn’t send me out farther into the Atlantic. We can do this! Lord, be with me. You be the Captain of my boat. Let me just be your hands and feet. I trust you!"

Nice wind. And from the right direction. I’m really picking up speed. Yay!

Kaboom!

What?

Merci looked behind her. She had been sailing with a great wind for several hours and hadn’t realized there was black sky behind her.

It can’t be a nor’easter! Oh Lord, please, no!

The waves became higher and more violent, pushed by the high winds. Merci quickly worked on getting her sails down. She couldn’t see a safe place to put into in which to weather this storm. She was out in the Gulf of Maine and had passed Yarmouth. She was truly at the mercy of God.

Please, Lord! Keep me safe. Be the pilot!

Merci desperately worked to get the sails down and tied in place. She was moving to better secure the boom when the boat was tossed to the side. She lost her footing and fell forward just as the boom came around, the end of it hitting her in the head. She fell to the deck cushioned by her life vest, her head bounced once, and she remained motionless. Waves splashed over the side running from the deck down the steps into the cabin below. All she could hear was peace be still, and she could see Jesus walking on the water to her.

Man, that storm came up fast. It’s been a while since we had one like that! I’m glad I wasn’t still in the bay. I could have been driven against some rocks for sure. Over.

Still, keep your eyes open out there. You never know what you can run into after a storm like that, Stephen. Over.

Thanks, Gerti. I will. I need to do some fishing. That’s the thing to do to clear my head. Over.

Good catch to you, Stephen. Check in again so I know you’re still okay. Over.

Thanks, I will. Over and out.

Over and out.

She’s a good woman, Lord. Thank you for her influence in my life. Without her, who knows where I might be. I sure wouldn’t know you.

Stephen moved to get his fishing gear ready for some recreational fishing. Just time alone out on the water. No schools of cod to gather up and haul in. No lobster traps to pull up. Just him, the open sea, and one fishing pole. Perfect. He grabbed his thermos to pour a cup of coffee and get settled in. Shoot! I don’t even need to fish. I just need some time alone with you, God. He sat down in his deck chair and took the first swallow of coffee. What was that?

He picked up his binoculars and pointed them to the northeast. Fortunately, the sun was behind his back. He scanned the horizon and decided he must have seen a bird diving for some fish. He sat back and put both hands behind his head, closing his eyes. Everything was so quiet, and then a gull screeched. Immediately, he was back in Afghanistan. The sounds and sights bombarded him. He fell down to the deck and remained flat. Nothing. Nothing was happening. He couldn’t hear anything. He knew. He knew for sure he wasn’t in Afghanistan, but tell his heart and head that. He rolled over on his back and watched several birds fly over him. Slowly, he came back to reality. He was on his boat. He was safe. He sat up, laced his hands around his shins, and put his head down resting his forehead on his knees. In the silence, he heard it.

There was a sloshing sound that was not the sea caressing his boat. It sounded more like water in a barrel sloshing around when being carried on a donkey-drawn cart. Where did that come from? He turned his head half expecting to see a donkey pulling a cart coming toward him on the water.

No! No, there’s no cart. There’s an unmanned sailboat. He sprang to his feet, got his phone out, and took a picture. Nobody was going to believe this. Maybe he should tie it up to his boat and take it back. He should try to find the owner. His boat seemed to be like a magnet drawing it closer.

Maybe he could toss a hook on a rope and catch one of the cleats to pull it in closer to his boat so he could tie it off. He went down into the cabin and came back out with a grappling hook. Good thing he kept some of his gear from his navy SEAL days. He was about to throw it when the sailboat shifted and turned a bit sideways.

He picked up his binoculars and looked closer. Sure enough there was a body on the deck. As quickly as he could, he moved to the back of his boat, and with the precision he learned in his training, he hooked the boat. His heart still pounding and his hands still shaking a bit, he fastened the rope to his winch and started pulling the sailboat to him. The boat was low in the water. He could see water on the deck. Not too much, but with it standing on the deck sloshing around with the waves, that meant the cabin had water. I need to get that woman, or man with a really long ponytail, onto my boat. Amazingly, he felt his heart calming, and his hands weren’t shaking anymore.

Hey, can you hear me? he yelled.

There was no response.

C’mon. Let’s get this thing tied off enough so I can board the thing.

He grabbed his emergency rope ladder. Once he had that clamped into place, he climbed down onto the sailboat.

Yep, definitely a woman. He checked her pulse. Strong and steady. She was out cold though. No help from her.

He lifted her with ease and carried her across his back up the ladder, placing her gently on the deck. He went back down and grabbed an oilcloth bag, which was floating around in the cabin. Seeing three leather bags on the top berth, he grabbed those as well.

Back on his boat, he saw she hadn’t moved. He needed to get her out of the sun. Fair-skinned with what looked like would-dry-to-be red hair, she probably had a pretty good burn on any exposed areas of her skin. He carried her to the cabin and put her on his berth. He decided to err on the side of caution and left the life vest fastened around her.

Gerti, are you there? Over.

Yeah, Stephen. What did you catch? Over.

Not what you’d expect. I caught a sailboat with an unconscious woman on board, alone. Over.

What? Did I hear you correctly? You have an unconscious woman on board your boat? Over.

Yes, you heard me. Is the PA there today? This woman has a pretty big bump on her head. When I touch it, she knows it. So I am guessing it hurts. Over.

How intuitive! Over.

Gerti!

That’s ‘Gerti! Over.’

Well, is the PA there today?

"No. Over."

"Sorry, over. So when does she come?"

Stephen, you don’t say over until you are finished with what you are saying. Over.

I know that. Over.

Well, quit saying it in the middle of your thoughts. I’ve answered your question twice, and you still had the button down so you couldn’t hear me. Over.

Okay, so sorry. But I still didn’t hear the answer to my question. Over.

"She is coming tomorrow. Over."

Okay, so I’m going to bring her and the boat if it makes it. I think it’s taking on water. I first thought it was just water from the storm, but the level on the deck’s getting higher. The water isn’t draining off the deck faster than it’s coming on. I’m going to take it loose from the tie downs to my boat and just pull it behind. That way if it goes down, I’ll just cut it loose completely. I’ll take another picture of it and get the number and name, maybe. Over.

Good thinking. I’ll see you when I see you. Plan on bringing her to my place. Over.

Sure. Over.

Chapter 3

That’s a nasty bump on her head. Good thing the water was cold. That side of her head was pressed to the deck. It acted like a cold compress. Sure is a pretty little thing, isn’t she?

Gerti looked up at Stephen smiling. Okay, so get out of here so I can get her out of her clothes and into something dry.

Oh, oh, yeah, sure!

Stephen turned and looked back just to reassure himself he wasn’t hallucinating. He bent down and picked up the soaked life jacket.

I’ll take care of this. Too bad we lost her boat.

Couldn’t be helped. Get!

Yeah.

Hey! Wait. Come for supper. Six o’clock. Bring some of that amazing green stuff you make.

Stephen laughed. Yes, sir. Captain, sir.

Don’t you sir me, you smart aleck.

I’m no smart aleck. I know you’re smarter than I am. So I’ll bring the green stuff, he said as he closed the door sneaking another look at the woman on the bed.

Wow! I wonder if she’s that pretty when her personality shows. It would take a while before I got tired of looking at her. And she sails!

Yes! Stephen yelled and did a fist pump as soon as he was outside Gerti’s house. I better get back to the boat and get her things. Maybe we can find out who she is and report to the coast guard about her boat.

There now, that should feel better. Washing the salt off your skin should help. Now, I’m going to put some ointment on that bump on your head. You have a slight cut where something hit you. Stephen said your foot was tangled in some rope. I bet that kept you on board the boat in that storm. I’m putting ointment on that rope burn around your ankle. You’re so blessed to be alive. You’re safe now. Just sleep and rest. I’ll be back in a few minutes. I’m going to see if I can find some clothes for you to wear. Don’t worry. Guardian angels are all around you. Gerti smiled at the lovely woman sleeping in one of the spare beds.

I hope she wakes up soon. I don’t want to call the paramedics, at least not yet. It would cost a fortune for them to come all the way out here. Oh! Margret was an army nurse in Vietnam, and I think her granddaughter’s one in Afghanistan. Maybe, I’ll call her and get her advice.

Gerti saw the leather bags on the floor by the door. Where did those come from? She picked up her phone and tapped the message icon.

Did you bring in some leather bags after you brought in our mystery woman? she texted Stephen.

She walked into the kitchen and started the white Mr. Coffee to heat some water so she could make some hot chocolate. Who doesn’t like that?

Ding!

She looked at her phone. Yes, was the reply.

So they’re hers?

Yes.

Do you think I can look in them?

I guess. That’s up to you.

I want to find her some dry clothes. The bags don’t look very wet.

They aren’t. On top berth. Held high enough. Kept out of water. Bottoms wet. Put down, situate them, carried up ladder to boat.

👍

I think I’ll just get her one of my gowns to wear. She can decide when she wakes up what she wants to wear.

Gerti returned to the kitchen and started the black Mr. Coffee brewing coffee. If nobody else wanted some, she certainly did. She looked out her window and saw Margaret piddling in her garden out back. From her back door, Gerti called over the fence. Afternoon, Margaret. How are ya farin’?

Hayya, Gerti. I’m farin’ well. Quite the storm earliah.

Yes, indeed!

I’m surprised you’re not out on your boat.

I can’t go today. I have a friend who hit her head. What do you think I should do to help her?

Well, that depends. Does she have a headache? Does she see clearly?

I don’t know. She’s asleep.

What did she say before she went to sleep?

Well, she came to me asleep?

She sleepwalked to your house?

Well, no, Gerti said as she walked across the backyard toward Margaret.

Gerti! I know I’m old. Spare me! Who’re you talking about?

I don’t really know, Margaret.

You don’t know! And she’s your friend?

Well, she isn’t an enemy.

Gerti, where’s she right now?

In a guest bed.

Take me to her. I want to see who this is.

Well, okay. Gerti opened the garden gate into her backyard from Margaret’s yard.

Here let me hold your arm. I’m not as young as I used to be.

They laughed together.

None of us are, Margaret. I’m older than I was yesterday.

Yes, well, you have some time before you catch up with me.

"If I look as well as you do at eighty-five, I’ll feel so blessed. I think I will be more wrinkled. I already am."

You are out in the sun so much more than I. The life of a lobster woman’s a hard one, Gerti. I don’t know how you still do it.

I love it. What can I say?

Just help me up these stairs. I wasn’t feeling real steady this morning, and I don’t want to chance a fall this afternoon.

No, can’t have that.

Well, I’d say, she definitely needs to go to the hospital in Bangor. Anybody who’s been out that long and has a bump on her head should be looked at. Has she thrown up any?

No, and no seizures either, Margaret.

Merci groaned and started moving her legs and arms.

Well, her spinal function seems to be okay.

Maybe she’s waking up.

Let’s hope so. Maybe we can get some answers.

Merci gasped and sat straight up in bed, then grabbed her head.

Oh, now that hurt!

Easy now. Don’t move too quickly. You were knocked out. How’re you feeling now? Margaret asked in a soothing tone.

Merci turned her head to look at Margaret. She wrinkled her brow and looked hard at her.

Do I know you?

No, I don’t think so. What’s your name?

Merci’s brow wrinkled even more, and she looked around her for something familiar. Her eyes met Margaret’s. Tears formed and started down her cheek. I don’t know. I don’t remember this place, but maybe I haven’t been here before. But I don’t remember my name.

Don’t worry. That’s not unusual for someone who’s had a head injury, Margaret assured her.

Why am I here? How did I get here?

Gerti looked at her and decided to go easy. You were found unconscious on your sailboat. Stephen, who found you, brought you to me so I could take care of you. He was worried you might be terrified if you woke up and he was standing over you. She laughed lightly. We have your luggage, but I didn’t want to go through it without your permission, so you’re wearing one of my gowns. I washed the saltwater off you and put lotion on your skin to help moisturize it some. I have some hot water ready if you want some hot cocoa or some hot tea. I also have coffee ready.

Where am I?

In Granite Harbor, Maine, my dear. I’m Gerti Hamilton.

Do you think you could walk? Margaret interjected.

Yes, I think so.

Let’s try, shall we?

Merci almost laughed out loud. The woman addressing her had to be in her eighties if she was a day. Her Let’s try, shall we? nearly got to Merci’s giggle box. She gingerly moved her feet over the edge of the bed and scooted to the edge ready to stand.

Are we dizzy? Margaret asked.

I’m not. Are you?

Margaret laughed. No, dear. I’m not. So I guess we can proceed.

Merci stood and waited a few seconds before she decided she could take a step. She wasn’t dizzy, so here we go.

Shall I walk over to the door?

Yes, that will be fine. Gerti, will you kinda watch from that side, and I’ll get this side.

Gerti rolled her eyes hopefully without notice. Certainly.

Merci walked to the door, turned and walked back to the bed, turned back around, and looked at Gerti.

Cocoa sounds delicious. Thank you.

Gerti laughed out loud. Coming right up. I’ll bring your luggage in if you want to change clothes.

Thank you.

Margaret shrugged. You seem to be okay. I still think we should get you to a hospital.

I’ll be fine. Let me do some self-assessments, and I’ll decide if I need to see a doctor.

All right, young lady. Suit yourself. I’m going back to my backyard. I think I left the hose running. I’ll just hold your handrail, Gerti. Don’t bother yourself with helping me down your back stoop.

I know you’ll be fine, Margaret. Thank you for your help. How about coming over for some soup later?

No, won’t be necessary.

Fine! Be that way.

Gerti picked up Merci’s luggage and took it to the bedroom. She knocked at the door and opened it. She set the luggage down and looked around. No young lady was in the room.

Hm. She then heard the sound of the toilet flushing.

Make yourself at home, she said to Merci, but not loud enough to be heard.

Ding.

Anything happening?

Yes, she’s awake. Come over for some cocoa or coffee.

I’ll be there in a shake with green stuff.

🙂

Apparently, my name is Mercient Ann McLaughlin, Merci said as she walked toward the noise coming from the kitchen. Suddenly, the noise stopped. Merci looked up and saw a very masculine head looking around the doorframe.

Hi. My name’s Stephen Robertson.

Nice to meet you, Stephen Robertson. I’m Mercient, evidently.

Is it okay if we just call you Merci? Mercient is kind of a mouthful.

She laughed. I think so too. Who would name their child Mercient?

Stephen wrinkled his brow and rubbed the back of his neck. He glanced at Gerti and saw her shake her head.

I have your cocoa ready. Here’s your coffee, kid!

Gert!

Let’s not have any fights over names, you two. Just be glad yours isn’t Mercient. Merci laughed along with Gerti and Stephen.

Chapter 4

Yesterday was a pretty trying day. Let’s see if we can get some answers. Did you sleep well last night?

Yes, I feel much better today. I’m still a little weary, though.

All right, what we have so far is your name, an address in Canada, American passport with an address in the Hamptons, some papers on different banks including a Swiss bank account, and the receipt for the boat.

I can’t believe I had a sailboat, went through a storm, was knocked out, all my belongings that I know of survived, I’m rescued, and then my boat sank. In another hour, maybe less, I would have gone down with my boat. You’re a godsend, Stephen.

I know if I had been working that day instead of going out for some peace and a close talk with God, I sure wouldn’t have been in that part of the ocean. Yes, I’d classify this as a God thing.

You were very proactive in getting my things off the boat. And grabbing that oilcloth bag! I wouldn’t have thought it was important.

Yes, you would. You knew to put those important papers in it, Gerti interjected.

With your permission, I want to ask a buddy of mine if he can help piece your story together. That way, we can know if there’s anyone we need to contact and let them know where you are, Stephen said seriously.

Would it be confidential? I mean, maybe I’m running, and I don’t want to be found.

Absolutely off the record. He’s one of my navy SEAL team members. He’s really good in the intel end of things. Well, just about every part—he’s good—really good.

Okay, I guess.

I won’t do it unless you feel some peace about it.

Let’s wait and see if anything comes back to me.

I just want to remind you that I reported the sinking of your boat to the coast guard. However, I did mention that there was one survivor. I couldn’t give them a name, obviously. I had a picture of the boat with what could be read of the name and number on the side. Not that that was real helpful since it’s a Canadian registration. The picture didn’t show you, just the boat before I got it all tied up to mine.

I see. So there’s a record of my boat going down. They also know there was one survivor. Do they know female?

I did tell them that.

Do they know you? she asked looking a bit worried.

Yes. He almost said ma’am. He found himself biting his tongue.

I really think I’d rather know more about myself before anyone who may be looking for me finds me and I don’t even know them. That makes me way too vulnerable. So maybe your friend could discretely look into it.

I’ll text him right now to see when we can meet with him. His name is Trevon Williams, but we call him Three or Gent. He is a real gentleman. He likes Three better, though.

Well, I can certainly see why. Three and Gent are so closely related to the name Trevon. Sarcasm oozed off her tongue.

"Oh, he will love you." Stephen laughed.

I guess it must be a ‘buddy’ thing, right?

Yep! Very astute, Ms. McLaughlin.

"You know, I don’t think I have ever heard the name Trevon before. I wouldn’t