A Poinsettia Paradise Christmas

Amesta (Striking Gold) returns with a cheery Christmas romance about taking chances in love. Natalie Gonzalez-Torres, manager of her uncle’s coffee house, Pony Expresso, wants to be a partner in the business, so when Tío Enrique agrees to her idea of expanding their operation with a coffee truck, she jumps at the chance to prove to herself. There’s just one problem: the mobile shop will be set up on Poinsettia Paradise Christmas tree farm—and Natalie hates Christmas. She views herself as a tradition-averse bad girl,even going so far as to frequently refer to herself as a “villain,” and she has no interest in festivities—or love, for that matter. Enter eternal optimist Mason Lavigne, the son of Poinsettia Paradise’s owners. Good natured Mason is instantly smitten with Natalie and determined to show her how fun the holiday season can be. At the same time, Mason must demonstrate his capabilities to his father, who, on the verge of retirement, still views Mason as a child. Mason has experienced his own share of heartbreak, but that doesn’t daunt him from pursuing love—even in the face of Natalie’s insistence that he’s a “Prince Charming” she’s unworthy of loving. Their romance is slow-burning but gratifying, enhanced by wit and mutual understanding. Amesta makes this sing. Agent: Ashley Herring Blake, Rees Literary. (Oct.)