A Lot Like Christmas

Things get stickier than fruit cake when a transient holiday fling sparks lasting love in Snow’s delightful second Blue Moon Bay novel (after A Lot Like Love). Vivacious 29-year-old bakery owner Jessica Connolly has had every detail of her wedding planned out since childhood—she’s just missing the groom. All of her recent exes have gone on to marry the next woman they date, making her doubt she’ll ever get her own chance to be a bride. Enter 39-year-old Mitch Jameson, who returns home to Blue Moon Bay, Calif., for the month of December after years away with Doctors Without Borders. When he notices Jessica, their 10-year age difference does nothing to deter him from asking her out. He’s honest about what he can offer her, given his plans to leave again on Christmas Day, but their temporary tryst gets complicated when their emotions get involved. Can they figure out how to join their lives without creating resentment? Though some of Jessica’s antics along the way come off as immature, Snow makes up for it by filling her small town with well-shaded characters, strong neighborly ties, and heaps of holiday spirit. This cute, cozy outing is sure to please. Agent: Jill Marsal, Marsal Lyon Agency. (Oct.)