It Started with Christmas

A low-stress plot and a satisfying ending define this easy-reading Christmas romance from Hale (Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses). In the two years since the death of Holly McAdams’s grandfather, Papa, her life has revolved around supporting her elderly grandmother, Nana. When Nana says that she wants them to spend Christmas at Papa’s cabin in the hills outside Nashville, Holly barely hesitates before launching into what she hopes will be a first step out of the mire of grief. However, Holly and Nana aren’t prepared for Joseph Barnes, a financial adviser from New York who’d rented the cabin the previous week, to still be there because a snowstorm grounded his flight home. Joe and Holly have immediate chemistry, but Joe is engaged to a lawyer named Katharine, and when their wedding planner quits, Holly offers to take over the preparation process for them. Decorating has always been her dream job, and she hopes investing in Joe and Katharine’s relationship will help her let go of her feelings for Joe. Of course, that’s not how it works out. This sweet small-town romance will leave readers feeling warm all the way through. (Oct.)