First she wanted naughty. Madison Greenwood's first post-college Christmas is more Sex and the City than It's a Wonderful Life. Sure, she does the home-for-the-holidays thing, but with her cynical pal Leo tagging along, her mom confessing to an extramarital affair, and every guy she ever dated (or lusted after) in high school beating a hot path to her front door, the movie of her life is anything but G-rated. Still a girl's got to sow her wild oats while she can, right?

• Will appeal to fans of Candace Bushnell, Anna Maxted, Sophie Kinsella, Melissa Senate, Wendy Markham, Patrick Sanchez, and Roz Bailey.
• Features an excerpt from the author's new trade paperback. The Eggnog Chronicles (Strapless 10/04).