cover image Christmas from the Heart

Christmas from the Heart

Sheila Roberts. Mira, $16.99 trade paper (304p) ISBN 978-0-77-830961-1

Car trouble strands CFO Guy Hightower in small Pine River, Wash., where he encounters nonprofit entrepreneur Olivia “Livi” Berg. The two of them have a history: his company has been the biggest donor to her organization since her great-grandmother founded the charity, but when Livi called him up to request a donation in the run-up to Christmas, she got too insistent, and he insulted her and hung up. Livi is both angry and forlorn as she realizes that without that donation, she won’t be able to provide for all those in need. She has no idea that the stranded motorist she’s giving a lift to is the guy she’s furious with. He realizes who she is and immediately assumes a fake identity, thinking it’s only for a moment—but the part needed to fix his luxury foreign car is hard to come by in Pine River, and he ends up staying with the Berg family while waiting for the car to be repaired. Thanks to a fruit cake contest, a Christmas stocking giveaway, and Livi’s tender heart, Guy learns the true meaning of Christmas and comes to adore the town’s delightful residents. This jubilant tale combines personal growth, romance, and holiday spirit. Agent: Paige Wheeler, Creative Media. (Oct.)