All he wants for Christmas...
Widower Luke Forresterâs fortune canât buy happiness, but heâs counting on it to give his twin daughters the magical Christmas they deserve at Poppy Gold Inns. Activities director Carlie Benton, with her upbeat seasonal spirit, definitely isnât impressed by money. Sheâs all about holiday cheer and he canât resist.
While Luke and Carlie try to restore the sparkle in his kidsâ eyes, the heat between them melts the winter chill. And in the season of miracles, anything is possibleâincluding a tempting second chance at love.
Luke released a harsh breath as he watched Carlie walk away.
While heâd already noticed she was attractive, this time her appeal was striking a primal chord.
There was nothing indifferent about Carlie; she was passionate, vital and far more beautiful than heâd recognized at first. She reminded him of being in the desert after a spring thunderstorm, where everything had been dry and desolate, only to awaken with a roar after a dose of life-giving rain.
A wry smile curved Lukeâs mouthâflash floods through an arroyo werenât uncommon after a spring storm, either, and they could be lethal. Besides, he wasnât a desertâhe was a man whoâd lost his wife.
The last thing he needed was to get fanciful about someone like Carlie.
Dear Reader,
Christmas is a cherished time of the year and I love writing stories based around the holiday. In Christmas with Carlie I indulged in creating a setting filled with evergreen swags and twinkling lights, along with the scent of baking cookies and wassail.
For my first three stories placed around Poppy Gold Innsâmy imaginary bed-and-breakfast complexâI wanted to include a military theme to honor the men and women who serve their country. And it occurred to me that a wealthy hero, whoâd lost his wife in the army, would be interesting to explore. Luke Forrester has two small girls who are struggling to understand why Mommy never came home. In helping them, he discovers love again with a special woman who creates her own place in his heart.
Classic Movie Alert: Thereâs a wonderful 1988 TV movie called Iâll Be Home For Christmas starring a host of talented actors, including Hal Holbrook, Peter Gallagher and Eva Marie Saint. The title is shared with multiple holiday films, but this one is set in the last days of WWII. I havenât had luck getting this on DVD yet, but I keep hoping!
I enjoy hearing from readers and can be contacted c/o Harlequin Books, 225 Duncan Mill Road, Don Mills, ON M3B 3K9, Canada.
Julianna Morris
Some of JULIANNA MORRISâs most cherished childhood memories are of sitting by the fire and listening to Christmas music as she crafted gifts for her family. Since then Julianna has experienced Christmas in many different parts of the United States. Traditions vary, but she finds the spirit of the season wherever she travels. Perhaps one of her most unique memories is Christmas Eve in Albuquerque, New Mexicoâspent, of all places, in the old cemetery, where people light luminarias to remember family and friends. Sheâll never forget the warmth and love found in the flickering glow of thousands of candles.
To all the men and women who serve their country. May you find peace.
PROLOGUE
âMR. FORRESTER?â
Luke jerked, realizing heâd been staring into space, thinking about Erika again.
âYes, Tilly?â he asked, shaking his head to clear it.
âIâve made all the holiday arrangements you requested, but I wish youâd reconsider.â
Her face was tense and she only called him Mr. Forrester when she was annoyed. Tilly Robinson had been with him since soon after heâd started his business and often acted more like a mother hen than an executive assistant. Most recently she had been encouraging him to take his daughters away for Christmas. Maybe she was right. Beth and Annie were hurting over their motherâs death and no words seemed to comfort them.
Hell, he didnât understand.
Heâd never expected to fall in love with a soldier, but he hadnât been able to ask Erika to give up something sheâd believed in, even after their twin daughters were born. Her father and grandfather had served in the army and sheâd prepared her whole life to follow in their footsteps. The night heâd proposed, Erika had reminded him that it couldnât always be someone elseâs husband or wife or daughter who served.
The sound of a throat clearing made Luke realize his thoughts had drifted yet again. He looked into Tillyâs determined eyes. âWhy are you so sure that going away is the right idea? Even the grief therapists Iâve consulted canât agree.â