Tis the season for unexpected gifts.
High school teacher Reed Mason wants a family to call his own. When his prayers seem to remain unanswered, he expects to spend Christmas alone working on home improvement projects. But plans change when a chance encounter with a child's letter to God touches his heart. Inspired to help someone in need, Reed sets his sights on assisting his beautiful new neighbor.
Independent-minded widow and single mom Emma Richards wants a fresh start. When she moves to Shenandoah Valley with her son, she expects to handle life's challenges on her own. But plans change when her handsome neighbor takes a sudden interest in her well-being.
As Reed maneuvers his way into her heart, Emma sets out to discover his true intentions.
High school teacher Reed Mason wants a family to call his own. When his prayers seem to remain unanswered, he expects to spend Christmas alone working on home improvement projects. But plans change when a chance encounter with a child's letter to God touches his heart. Inspired to help someone in need, Reed sets his sights on assisting his beautiful new neighbor.
Independent-minded widow and single mom Emma Richards wants a fresh start. When she moves to Shenandoah Valley with her son, she expects to handle life's challenges on her own. But plans change when her handsome neighbor takes a sudden interest in her well-being.
As Reed maneuvers his way into her heart, Emma sets out to discover his true intentions.
Extract:
“It
is beautiful here. A nice place to start over.”
“Just you and your son?” Reed asked.
Had he seen she wasn’t wearing a wedding
ring? Or had he noticed the absence of a man at her house? Didn’t matter, she
supposed. Although she didn’t want just anyone to know she was a single mom,
Reed wasn’t just anyone. He was her neighbor. “Yes. It’s the two of us. My
husband, Ben, passed away about three years ago.”
Reed’s gaze softened. “I’m sorry.”
Emma drew in a deep breath and exhaled,
determined to make this move to Shenandoah Valley the new beginning she’d
dreamed of. And, with that new beginning came a new level of independence. “Thank you for your help. I should wake up
Luke before he sleeps too long. Or he won’t want to go to bed tonight.”
“You sure you don’t need a hand setting up
the tree? I don’t mind.”
She could use Reed’s help, but if he came
inside he would see the bucket under the leaky kitchen sink. She opened her
mouth to say no—
“Mommy?” a sleepy voice interrupted.
Emma glanced toward the car. Luke had woken
and climbed out. He blinked a couple of times. His eyes lit up when he spotted Reed. “Hi! I remember you. Do you like my tree?”
Instantly alert, Luke bounded up the porch steps. “I picked out the biggest and
bestest one.” He craned his neck to look up at Reed. “Wow. You sure are tall.
My dad was tall. I bet you can reach super high to put the angel on top for us
like my dad used to.” He turned to Emma. “Can he? Pleeeze.”
Comments