by Lexi Amber, Bec Benson
Community rating: 4.5/5 from 2 ratings.
Her Christmas escape plan? Cozy nights, no drama. Jessica Louis is ready to trade a lonely Serenity, Texas Christmas for literally anything else. So, when the picturesque Holly House Inn in snow-dusted Cedar Glen pops up, she books an impulsive, one-way ticket to festive solitude. But solitude quickly gets a charming, if slightly grumpy, interruption. Graham, the inn's reserved host, is more interested in managing his two curious daughters, Clara and Noelle, and the inn's meticulously planned holiday schedule than any spontaneous guest. He tries not to notice the vibrant, glittering chaos Jess brings - from wildly nontraditional gingerbread houses to a surprising knack for connecting with his girls. Then, a full-blown snowstorm descends, trapping them all. As the lights flicker out, Jess doesn't just step up; she takes charge, turning forced togetherness into impromptu charades, warm cocoa confessions, and shared moments under quiet snowfall. When Graham falls ill, Jess nurses him back to health with a quiet care that chips away at his carefully constructed walls. He finds himself battling not just the storm outside, but the long-held grief within, as Jess helps his family rediscover a joy he thought lost forever. What started as an escape becomes a heartwarming journey home, proving that sometimes, the best gifts arrive in the most unexpected packages - especially when wrapped in twinkling lights and a hint of Christmas magic. Can a Christmas escape become a permanent refuge, and can two lost hearts find a second chance at happiness in the most magical of seasons? --------------------------------------------------------------- Ready to fall for a grumpy-turned-charmed innkeeper and a heroine finding her place under the holly? Grab Heartbeats and Holly and discover the joy of second chances this holiday season!
228 pages
Published: 2026-11-01