Christmas romance, then and now. Two festive holiday novellas—one historical and one contemporary—from the award-winning author of Land of Dreams.

The Finest Gift

A plain Jane without any suitors, Arley Hoople doesn't dare dream of romance this Christmas. So she brings holiday joy to others: repairing her grandmother's nutcracker and commissioning a dollhouse for the girls at the orphanage. Yet one knock at the wood-carver's door unexpectedly brings Arley a gift of her own: love.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Romance blooms between Blythe Stensrude and Thane Davidson after their dogs tangle leashes in the park—until Thane becomes guardian to his three-year-old niece. Blythe doesn't think she's mother material, but how can she refuse Thane's request to give a neglected little girl the best Christmas ever?