First published 2010
Emily Merkle takes a job in the toy section at Finley's department store in New York City. Her new boss Jake Finley carries deep wounds from a Christmas tragedy that destroyed his love for the holiday. Now he focuses only on profits to save his family's struggling business. Meanwhile, Holly Larson desperately wants to buy her nephew Gabe the robot toy he dreams of. With her brother deployed overseas and money tight, she faces an impossible choice. Emily sees the pain in Jake's eyes and the determination in Holly's heart. She decides to work her special brand of magic on both situations. As Christmas approaches, Emily orchestrates small moments that might heal old wounds and create new possibilities. The fate of the store, a little boy's Christmas wish, and two lonely hearts all hang in the balance.
Genres: romance, christmas, family-life, contemporary
Vibes: cozy, emotional-atmospheric, intimate
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: New York City, Finley's Department Store
Period: Christmas
253 pages · Hardcover · MIRA