They would never have met without the mammoth tusk. Middle school principal Stephen Lathrop loves winning marathons. Rookie deputy Megan Snow delights in her Criminal Justice certificate. But when the 12,000-year-old tusk is found buried in Vermont, everything changes. Reporters and TV crews take over the town. To celebrate, the Deerbourne Inn plans a Twelfth Night feast and festival. Included in the events are slicing the fabulous King cake and crowning the King and Queen of Mischief. Though mischief does follow, romance, too, is in the air. Rookie Megan is added to the sheriff’s crew. Principal Stephen gets involved at the Inn. Notorious TV chef Pierre Chasse arrives with Celine, his “hostess.” She and Megan form an unusual friendship. Then, mysterious strangers appear. A child goes missing. Teens try to steal the tusk. Clamor and mischief ensue. Is this the time to plan a wedding?

Dr. Daniel Stevenson, professor of history at the University of Vermont, is a popular guest speaker at the Willow Springs Community Center. But that's not the only reason he keeps returning to the small town. He's strongly attracted to the assistant librarian who coordinates the programs. So far, they've been good friends, but his upcoming scheduled talk provides the perfect opportunity to take their friendship to a serious commitment. He's just not sure if the other man he's seen her with is only a friend or someone special in her life. Wynne Buchanan is looking forward to a certain shy professor's community center presentation about a murder committed in Willow Springs almost a century ago. Their friendship these past four years has meant the world to her, but every time she thinks they're moving toward a serious relationship, he pulls away. She's determined to find out why during his upcoming visit, because she's hoping for more…so much more.

After her sweetheart Joe dies in a road accident, twenty-four hours after he returns from Army service, grieving Karla Payne slams the door on love. Five years later, Karla's tavern business is booming, and she owns her home, but she knows forever love has no part in her future. Headed to interview for his first civilian job, retired career Army 1st Sgt. Zane Blackthorne can't resist visiting his late buddy's beloved Vermont hometown. He also can't resist looking up Joe's sweetheart, Karla, who is an alluring mix of brains, beauty, and bravery. Loyalty to his brother-in-arms demands Zane fight his attraction to Karla. Besides, even if Karla wants him, she'll never love him. Can Zane say goodbye to the woman he has no right to call his own?Even if his only true home is in her arms?

Divorced dad Birley Haynes is too busy raising his children and running his family’s music academy to start a relationship. Then Harmony Holdich, his high school sweetheart, returns home to Willow Springs, Vermont for Christmas and falls into his bed. She brings light and fun back into his life, but he can’t brush aside the threatening incidents around his workplace. Harmony hadn’t expected a complication like Birley, especially so soon after the death of her unfaithful husband. With her life a mess, she plans to move across the country and start over. All she can offer him is a fling, but her heart yearns for more. When the threats rise, how will Birley keep his children safe and convince Harmony to give love another chance?

Celtic fiddler Trina Kellander is excited to play at a local festival in Willow Springs, Vermont. While settling into her room at the Deerbourne Inn, she admires an old painting of a handsome kilted Scot. Then a man who looks exactly like the artwork turns up at a jam session to play with her. Trina is smitten with the charming, old-fashioned Malcolm Blaine and he with her. She has never fallen so hard before. After her concert, he wants her to leave with him. But Malcolm is oddly mysterious about aspects of his life. And how is he connected with the picture in Trina's room?