'Twas the Night After Christmas

Bestseller Jeffries (To Wed a Wild Lord) delivers a moving Regency with heart, soul, and holiday spirit. Asthmatic Pierce Waverly, heir to the earl of Devonmont, is just eight years old when his parents pack him off to boarding school and refuse to see him on holidays. As an adult, Pierce determinedly ignores his widowed mother until her paid companion, Camilla Stuart, sends word to his London home that Lady Devonmont is deathly ill. Arriving at the country estate, Pierce realizes he%E2%80%99s been tricked by the good-hearted Camilla, who is hoping to effect a reconciliation between mother and son. In retaliation, he demands a carnal price from Camilla, almost out of spite. But Pierce doesn%E2%80%99t expect what happens next: that he will fall in love with the feisty widow and bond with her six-year-old son. While Pierce tries hard to be a cold-hearted rake, his essential goodness is evident throughout, as is Camilla%E2%80%99s irresistible optimism. The compelling, fast-paced, and lively tale wraps up with several surprising, tear-jerking twists. Agent: Pam Ahearn, Ahearn Agency. (Nov.)%E2%80%A8