Sleigh Bells in Valentine Valley

Valentine Valley, Colo., is the cheery backdrop for a sweet yet predictable holiday tale that pits ex-spouses Kate Fenelli and Tony De Luca against their supportive but not always helpful family and friends. Driven attorney Kate and hometown bartender Tony, divorced for nine years and living in different towns, share custody of their son. When Kate unexpectedly comes home to Valentine Valley, she's startled to learn that Tony still has a thing for her despite his inner avowal that he was well past succumbing to her charms. Kate slowly starts to realize she might still hold a candle for Tony, too, and their simmering attraction ignites again. The cozy familiarity of a small town and entwined local lives provides a charming backdrop for Kate and Tony's cute second courtship, which is challenged by Kate's demanding career and Tony's justified fear of being hurt by her again. Information overload and sometimes stilted dialogue take away from the sweet appeal of the setting and the characters. Series fans will enjoy this warm romance on chilly evenings. Agent: Eileen Fallon, Fallon Literary Agency. (Nov.)