A Christmas House Wedding

Bestseller James’s cozy sequel to The Christmas House delivers holiday atmosphere worthy of a Hallmark movie, a romance to root for, and grounded family drama. Olivia Harris returned home to Silver Springs , the site of her Grandma Ruby’s charming Christmas House Bed and Breakfast, following her divorce a year ago. A newly single mother with a toddler to take care of, Olivia’s been working hard to open the dance studio that will be her primary source of income. Now—six weeks before her January grand opening—her contractor quits. Family friend Scott Martin, the widowed father of a teenage girl, happens to be a contractor and offers to help. It seems too good to be true; if Olivia’s past relationship taught her anything, it’s that she can’t trust a handsome man’s kindness. Scott, of course, has baggage of his own, but, though both are wary, they can’t deny their connection. A charming subplot provides a double dose of romance as Grandma Ruby prepares for her Christmas wedding to a long-lost love. The complex family dynamics make for meaty discussions even as, thankfully, James never allows the family drama to distract from the love story. This is a welcome series installment. Agent: Louise Fury, Bent Agency. (Oct.)