Sugar Pine Trail

Thayne’s latest Haven Point contemporary is a tender holiday tale. Quiet, organized Julia Winston is a textbook librarian. Raised by older adoptive parents, Julia’s has led a structured and chaos-free life. Heartthrob pilot Jamie Caine, Julia’s tenant, is one of seven children and very familiar with chaos. When Julia becomes foster mom to two brothers, Clinton and Davy (ages 8 and 6), her once-lonely existence is thrown into sweet upheaval. Thanks to a brood of nieces and nephews, Jamie’s experienced with dealing with children, and his male presence is just what two little boys need. Over homework, dinners, family gatherings, and a bout of the flu, the four form an impromptu family that’s as natural as snow in a Haven Point winter, but is threatened by the arrival of an aunt and uncle, Jamie’s playboy reputation, and Julia’s thin self-esteem. Endearing small-town residents and bratty cats add humor to this heartwarming, steady-paced holiday romance. Agent: Karen Solem, Spencerhill Associates. (Oct.)