First published 2009
Maureen Davenport has waited years to direct Avalon's Christmas pageant on Willow Lake. The meticulous librarian dreams of creating the perfect holiday show. Then she meets her co-director. Eddie Haven arrives with long hair, tattoos, and a court-ordered community service requirement. The former child star despises Christmas and everything Maureen holds dear about the season. She wants traditional carols and classic staging. He pushes for original music and unconventional choices. They clash over casting decisions, especially when it comes to working with troubled youth. Maureen suspects Eddie wants to ruin her pageant out of spite. Eddie thinks Maureen clings to an unrealistic fantasy version of Christmas. Neither expects to feel attraction growing between them as rehearsals progress. Their opposing visions create constant friction, but something deeper emerges beneath their arguments about music selections and staging choices.
Genres: drama, romance, christmas, contemporary-romance
Vibes: cozy, emotional-atmospheric, intimate
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Avalon, Willow Lake
Period: Christmas
384 pages · Hardcover · MIRA