Page 54 of The Bookstore on Marco Island

“Walkingawayfromyou,leaving you standing there at the altar... it tore me apart. But I thought it was the right thing to do.”

Avery Hawthorne left behind a lot when she moved to California.

Her family, the familiarity—and a small-town romance with an enigmatic ex she’s tried to forget.

As the holidays roll around, she’s determined to earn a promotion from her boss and make the sacrifices all worth it.

But this new task means going back to the place she fled twelve years ago.

Her boss is confident the deal for Mistletoe Lodge will be easy. The owners are drowning in debt and Avery has ‘history’ with the Carlisle family. What he doesn’t know is that her history with them is anything but good.

Avery’s ex, Ryder Carlisle, is determined to keep his family’s inn afloat and has ideas to revamp it. The last thing he wants is to give in to some big corporate hotel chain. But he never imagined they’d send the one person he couldn’t say “no” to!

Avery just wants to celebrate Christmas with a promotion.

Ryder wants to keep Mistletoe Lodge in the family.

In a battle of wills over Christmas festivities, Avery and Ryder reignite old flames as they wrestle with their wills—and their own feelings, which remain just as strong twelve years later.

It was official. Fate really had hijacked her festive season and was busy toying with her...

CHRISTMAS AT MISTLETOE LODGE is Book 1 of the Feel Good Holiday Romance series, a powerful women’s fiction saga in which Avery and Ryder have a second chance at romance if they can push aside their stubbornness and the wrongs of the past...

AVAILABLE ONAMAZON

COMING SOON FROM AMY RAFFERTY

COBBLE BEACH ROMANCE SERIES - BOOK 1

THE LIGHTHOUSE ON PLUM ISLAND

CHAPTER 1

CarolineShaw’sheartracedwith exhilaration after her meeting with Travis Danes. As she strolled through the bustling streets of New York alongside her lifelong friend, Jennifer Gains, palpable excitement filled the air. Travis had wholeheartedly agreed to her terms, and within three to six months, a film crew would descend on Plum Island to bring her beloved “Cobble Cove Mysteries” to life on screen. It was a dream unfolding before her eyes.

“Can you believe it, Jen?” Caroline gushed, her hazel eyes sparkling with joy. “He actually agreed to everything! The film crew will be on Plum Island soon, and we’ll be making magic together!”

Jennifer, who had been Caroline’s unwavering source of support since childhood, beamed in response. “I always knew you could do it, Caroline. Your writing is brilliant, and now the world will not only read your work but see it come to life.”

Their destination was Jennifer’s favorite coffee shop in Soho, a haven of creativity and conversation. Just as they arrived at the charming spot, Jennifer’s phone rang, and she sighed regretfully.

“It’s work,” Jennifer said apologetically. “I’m so sorry, Caroline. I have to take this.”

“No worries,” Caroline replied with a reassuring smile. They were close to the cafe entrance, and she gestured for Jennifer to go ahead. “I’ll have a coffee and write while you handle business. We can catch up later at your place for our celebration dinner.”

Jennifer made sure the owner of the coffee shop noticed them and guided Caroline to her usual table by the window before rushing off to attend to her call. Caroline settled into her seat, and Simon Newbury, the cafe’s owner, greeted them warmly.

“Good afternoon, ladies,” Simon said with a charming smile. “You both look lovely today.”

“Thank you, Simon,” they chimed in unison, and Caroline took a menu.

“Why are you still standing?” Simon inquired with a quizzical look at Jennifer.

“Because I have to get back to work,” Jennifer groaned, and then she added, “Please put Caroline’s order on my tab.”

“You don’t have to do that,” Caroline protested.

She felt her cheeks flush as she accepted Jennifer’s offer. The cafe’s prices were exorbitant, and even though Simon’s coffee and treats were top-notch, they didn’t warrant such costs.

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