Synopsis
A relentless campaign by phone, letter, and email has persuaded Hollander Latham's parents to purchase the home of her dreams: Spring Hill, a beautiful North Carolina plantation where Holly spent her memorable thirteenth summer. Now a successful architect, Holly is intent on reuniting with Spring Hill's neighbor and her love from that long-ago summer, wealthy heir Laurence Beaumont — she dreams of working her way into Lorrie's heart while restoring his historic estate, Belle Chere. But as Christmas fast approaches, Nick Taggert — a mysterious stranger who makes her laugh and tempts her with a surprising passion — turns her plans upside down. One man can seduce her with fortune and privilege; the other can promise her the simple gift of love. And on a frost-covered Christmas night, Holly's choice will unmask astonishing truths and hidden dangers — revelations that will forever change her charmed life and her vulnerable heart.
Library Journal
When Holly Latham's penchant for exploring derelict historic homes lands her in a 12-foot-deep pit-with a rattlesnake looking on-the handsome hunk who rescues her is the last person with whom she expects to have a wild fling. But relief and passion catch them both off guard-and the results are more far-reaching than either expects. An old plantation with a sordid past, a legendary treasure, and a pair of protagonists who want to be loved only for themselves combine with jealousy, obsession, and class issues in a fast-paced tale with more than one deadly twist. Barely within the "Holiday" camp-the final chapters take place at Christmas-this sexy story is loosely linked to Deveraux's recent Forever and Always, and fans will already be waiting. Deveraux is a New York Times best-selling author and lives in North Carolina. [Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 7/03, as A Christmas Tale.] Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.