First published 2016
Julia meets her match when a new neighbor moves in next door. He complains about everything from her Christmas decorations to her holiday music. He scowls at carolers and refuses her homemade cookies. Most people would give up, but Julia sees a challenge. She decides to wage war with weaponized kindness. Every snide comment gets met with a cheerful response. Every grumpy glare receives a bright smile in return. Julia bakes more cookies, hangs more lights, and cranks up the holiday spirit. Her neighbor fights back with increased surliness, but Julia refuses to surrender. As their daily battles escalate, something unexpected happens. Behind his harsh words, she glimpses moments of vulnerability. His anger might be hiding old wounds that the holidays reopen each year. Julia must decide whether her campaign of kindness can truly change a heart, or if some people are meant to stay alone.
Genres: fiction, romance, christmas, contemporary-romance
Vibes: emotional, intimate, whimsical
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
253 pages · Hardcover · Ballantine Books