Nobody should be lonely for Christmas. It’s not Piper Woodhull’s first Christmas alone, but living in a small-town where she can’t escape the heartache of her past is its own kind of torture. Seeing her ex-best friend with her perfect family is a reminder of everything Piper almost had, and maybe never will. Rudger Pierce moved to Holly Wreath looking for a fresh start by leaving his painful past where it belongs. He’s sure it’s ruined his chances for a new relationship, but when he keeps crossing paths with Piper, he finds himself wanting her. As they spend more time together, they feel they need each other—both to heal from their pasts, and create hope for their futures. Piper believes Rudger might be the one until she discovers a secret of Rudger’s that might be too much to forgive. ★★★Includes Rudger’s secret peach caramel cake recipe at the end of Rudger and Piper’s happily ever after.★★★