Synopsis

When Riley Madigan moves to the sleepy mountain town of Miracle Creek, she hopes her new job as a high school art teacher will help her mend her recently broken heart. A little peace and quiet would be a gift this Christmas season. The last thing on her mind is love.

Former firefighter Mark Rivers has spent the last year recovering from burns sustained during a rescue operation. He’s been trying to piece his life back together but still struggles both emotionally and psychologically. When he meets Riley, he finally sees something that might bring some light back into his life.

When Mark asks Riley to work on a special nativity project, he finds himself falling for her quirky, unaffected ways. Riley doesn’t seem bothered by his scars, but is her affection for him real, or is this just another act of charity?  One thing’s for certain, in a small town that views Mark as a fragile hero, it’s hard to pursue a relationship without everyone in his business. And although Riley has sincere feelings for Mark, is she ready to risk her heart?

Broken hearts and lives are mended as the town of Miracle Creek comes together to celebrate a Christmas to remember.

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Review

I wasn’t sure if I was ready to read a Christmas book in September, but this one kept me in stitches and had me dreaming of colder weather.

Riley and Mark have their own baggage to deal with and in a small town that isn’t always easy because everyone knows everyone else’s business. But it is also that small town vibe that helps Mark and Riley through their difficulties and towards each other.

Riley and Mark start off as friends on a secret project for Mark’s dad, but what evolves is so much more. I liked how Riley saw past Mark’s burn scars and saw the man within. I think it is what helps bring him back out of hiding. Mark helps Riley stop running from life and examine what she holds to be true in her life.

There are so many funny parts from their stumbling around each other and I liked how they brought up those moments even later to tease each other.

But their path towards a relationship is not smooth from a smarmy guy trying to make Riley another notch on his bedpost to misunderstandings between Mark and Riley. But each situation just helped to forge their bond in the end.

Love wins.

We give this book 4 paws up.

About the Author

Krista writes contemporary romance, historical romance, and fantasy. She has lived in lush Oregon and rugged Wyoming, but Washington is her beloved home state. She likes to choose familiar settings for her stories and is grateful to have such inspirational places to choose from. She is a mother of six, gramma of three, a gardener and cook, loves to travel, laugh, and hike, and lives to make the best of what she’s been given.

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