Events in our lives leave indelible marks. It’s how we react to these marks that determine our future. For some, it seems almost impossible to jump those hurdles. That is the central theme of THE DECEMBER MARKET carefully and talentedly crafted into a story about love. There is that expression that says no man is an island. Several characters in THE DECEMBER MARKET, seemingly have created their island.
For Amanda, she has carefully built walls around herself. To safeguard from gossip and side glances. Living in a small town makes that really difficult and yet somehow Amanda has managed to keep those walls securely in place. Her façade belies any clue. It left her with a sense of loneliness but with her enormous heart and generosity, Amanda managed to endear herself to the greater population of her small town. Albeit there is still a small group with long memories and some anger as well.
Probably most folks don’t really blame Amanda for events that were definitely out of her control. But that is not how she sees it. So when faced with the possibility of finding an escape from her loneliness she is reluctant to try. Instead of somehow sabotaging her chances.
As for family all Amanda has left is Birdie, her grandmother. She is devoted to Birdie and at the same time fears the loss of her last person.
In steps Rafe and his little boy Isaac. Rafe too is battling memories filled with remorse and regret. In contrast to Amanda, Rafe has a large support family. Totally devoted to Isaac. Reactive to those around him in much the same way Amanda is. Loving, caring and protective.
Much like two magnets Amanda and Rafe keep deflecting any idea or feeling of any relationship. Even friendship seems like too much of a risk. Amanda is truly fearful of what one more heartbreak would do to her. And Rafe has Isaac’s heart to protect as well as his own.
THE DECEMBER MARKET may just be one of my favorites by RaeAnne Thayne. But perhaps I always think that way. I am a huge fan. It must be my romantic and hopeful soul. I didn’t want this story to come to an end. I was totally smitten with these amazing characters that wormed their way into my heart. Sure to meet all expectations of RaeAnne Thayne fans. THE DECEMBER MARKET is part of the Shelter Springs series.
The magic of Christmas—and a second shot at romance—is in the air in Shelter Springs this holiday season…
Amanda Taylor isn’t a fan of Christmas, but as the owner of a local soap shop, ignoring the holiday season isn’t an option. To forget the pain of Christmases past, Amanda focuses on making the season bright for her customers at the Shelter Springs Holiday Giving Market. But when her beloved grandmother, Birdie, starts dating the dashing new resident of the Shelter Inn retirement community, Amanda smells trouble. Fortunately, Rafe Arredondo, the grandson of Birdie’s charming suitor, is equally dubious of the match. Unfortunately, he's just as fiery as his grandfather—and Amanda has zero interest in getting burned.
As a single father, paramedic and assistant fire chief, Rafe has more than enough on his plate. Sure, he and Amanda share a common goal in keeping their grandparents apart. Still, that doesn’t mean he should allow himself to feel as drawn to her as he does. Even if she is great with his young son. Even if she does help the burden of his own painful past feel a little lighter… But when their paths keep crossing at the holiday market, it starts to feel like fate, prompting them both to wonder if taking a chance on love might gift them everything they’ve been wishing for.