Hollie Luckie

When I agreed to take the job as fire chief in the small town of Springside, Alabama, I don’t know what I expected, but Caroline Tyler walking into my life was not on the list. I hadn’t been in Springside for more than twenty-four hours before I managed to become enemy number one in town. Now I have to find a way to fix my image and convince the townspeople that I deserve to be their chief. Between juggling my new job, a rundown farm property, and my new title as a volunteer football coach for the Springside Saints, I have more on my plate than I can handle. Despite all that, I can’t seem to keep my mind off a certain local teacher. There’s no doubt Caroline Tyler is way too good for a man like me, but that’s not going to stop me. But can I keep my past from catching up with me?

Christmas has always been my favorite holiday, but I guess you could say this December is not exactly going the way I hoped. After divorcing my cheating ex-husband, I’m determined to get out of the city and find a fresh start. Unfortunately, fate has other plans, and I find myself caught in a bizarre snowstorm and wind up totaling my vehicle, which means I’m stranded in the small town of Springside, Alabama, for the holidays. Thankfully, one of the local townspeople comes to my rescue and calls in a favor with the mayor. When Mayor Brian Jones offers me a job planning the annual Christmas events at Deer Valley Inn, I don’t really see any reason to say no. Between organizing the Midnight Mistletoe Maze to coordinating the annual Gingerbread Gala, I have my hands full with all the holiday cheer. Despite the fact that I’m definitely not looking for a relationship, I can’t seem to stop thinking about my hot new boss, especially when random accidents keep forcing us to spend more time together. Ending up in Springside wasn’t at the top of my Christmas list, but the more time I spend with Brian I can’t help but wonder if a happily ever after might be in my future after all.

People say that there are no secrets in a small town. At one point in my life, I might have believed them. But now? Now, I know that isn’t true. Seven years ago, I gave away my heart to a man who promised me forever. We spent a perfect summer in secret, falling for each other while working on Falling Oaks Farm–before life got in the way. And despite what I say or how much I pretend to hate him now, I’m not sure if I’ve ever gotten the pieces of myself that I handed him back. Now, Will Thompson and I are forced to pretend that there was never anything between us. I already have my hands full between teaching high school science, coaching cheerleading, and keeping the farm running. I definitely don’t have time to think about my attraction to the football coach who once stole my heart. I know a happily ever after isn’t in our future anymore, but I can’t help but feel like our past is catching up with us. And I don’t think I’m strong enough to let him walk away again.