Julia Winston's been putting her life on hold for everyone else around
her. With her parents both deceased, her life has become empty. At a
book club, she writes down a bucket list for the year. Julia knows she's
not really going to achieve her goals, but she can't be the only person
without a goal. Plus she needs to come out of her comfort zone.
Julia is currently renting out the upstairs of her house to her friend's
devastatingly handsome brother, Jamie. She knows that a librarian isn't
his type, but a girl can dream. Julia can barely hold a conversation with
him without blushing, but she can't go back on her decision now.
Hopefully, all their encounters won't be so awkward.
When she notices two young brothers in the library day after day, Julia
starts to worry about them. Julia gives them a ride home one night
when she spies them walking alone after the library closed. She
discovers their mother left them three days ago and hasn't returned.
Clint, the elder brother at age eight, has been doing his best, but
there's no heat in their place. Julia calls Child Services against Clint's
wishes. This close to the holidays, it's hard getting someone who will
take in the brothers. Not only will they have to move, but they will have
to be split apart. Julia's heart breaks when she hears this news and
offers the boys a home with her. Clint is furious at Julia for ruining his
home. It's a struggle to get Clint and Davy to trust her again, but Julia
manages it with the help of her neighbor.
One night, Jamie hears the chaos downstairs and goes to investigate.
He finds Julia at her wit's end and stays to help out. From that moment,
things take a turn. They make a plan for Thanksgiving, which involves
Jamie's family. Their holiday isn't the same, but they forget about their
family troubles for just a bit. As Christmas grows closer, Julia and the
boys cross off their holiday wishes: baking cookies, going to the
festival, getting a tree, and decorating the house. Jamie helps out with
most of them. In fact, he spotted Julia's bucket list for the year and
unbeknownst to her, he's determined to help her achieve her goals.
This is going to be a Christmas to remember—for all of them. Julia is
happy to make a difference in these boys' lives and is grateful to Jamie
for all of his help with their adventures. Meanwhile, Jamie is learning to
like having a family to come home to at night. Could this be the start of
something magical?
RaeAnne Thayne's two series crossover in this Christmas story,
merging Haven Point with
Hope's Crossing. Although
this book is a stand-alone, reading the other books help enhance the
story when favorite characters appear. Sugar Pine Trail is a bittersweet story that will tug at
your heartstrings. All of the characters have known heartache and each
of them shines while coming together. The two main characters start
out as stereotypes with Julia the librarian and Jamie the sexy pilot, but
the characters break out of their molds quickly enough. They both
learn to share their lives, but more than that, they balance each other
out. Clint and Davy steal scenes in the book with their excitement
about the holidays and overall cuteness. It's hard not to become
attached to them. The message about making a difference in other's
lives come across beautifully. It's a wonderful sentiment for all year
round, not just the holiday season. A charming holiday story that's
perfect to read by the fire with a mug of hot chocolate.
An unlikely attraction brings comfort, joy and
unforgettable romance this holiday season!
Librarian Julia Winston is ready to ditch the quiet
existence she's been living. She's made a list of new things
to experience, but falling for Jamie Caine, her sexy
military pilot neighbor, isn't one of them. Julia's looking
to conquer life, not become the heartbreaker's latest
conquest. But when two young brothers wind up in Julia's
care for the holidays, she'll take any help she can get—even
Jamie's.
Happy to step in, Jamie reveals a side of himself that's
much harder to resist. Not only is he fantastic with kids,
he provides the strength Julia needs to tackle her list. She
knows their temporary family can't last beyond the holidays,
but the closer she gets to Jamie, the more she wonders if
things could be this merry and bright forever…
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