An Aspen Creek Christmas. Roxanne Rustand

      

      Second Chance Holiday

      All Hannah Dorchester wants is to give her orphaned niece and nephew a happy Christmas. She’s ready for anything—except their uncle Ethan Williams. Thirteen years ago she was planning their wedding and he was planning his escape—joining the military without even a goodbye. Ethan never meant to break Hannah’s heart, but now the recovering soldier’s back and he wants his late brother’s kids. He’s got one month to prove he’ll be the better parent. But as they start sharing in the joys of the season, he’s determined to show Hannah he’s also become a better man. Could this be their final chance at family—and their second chance for love?

      “We have to think of the children.”

      Ethan’s eyes narrowed. “I am.”

      “I know you mean that, but—”

      “There’s nothing that’ll prevent me from taking care of my brother’s kids.” He stood up. “And now I’m turning in. Good night.”

      After he left, Hannah sat there, thinking over every minute since he’d arrived in town.

      Years ago Ethan had been a handsome daredevil who could make a girl fall in love and want to take off on wild adventures with him.

      But he was different now. A man seasoned by the military. A man with a good heart who could be kind and gentle with kids and animals, yet who still possessed that charisma that drew her as much now as it once had.

      But he was not the one who should have custody of the children.

      No matter how strong it was, she had to put aside her attraction and focus on getting her sister’s kids settled before the caseworker arrived.

      And she had just thirty days to do it.

      With Ethan watching every move.

      Dear Reader,

      Welcome to Aspen Creek! I have so enjoyed writing about the folks in this quaint, fictitious town on the western edge of Wisconsin. If you enjoyed Hannah and Ethan’s story, there are three earlier books in the Aspen Creek Crossroads series: Winter Reunion, Second Chance Dad and A Single Dad’s Redemption.

      I love small towns and country life. We live on a rural acreage with horses, two rescue dogs and an abundance of barn kitties—all neutered, friendly and well fed. It’s such fun setting books in this type of world...and I especially loved writing this story involving the reunion of a jilted bride and her handsome soldier, who have no intention of ever getting back together, but want only the best for two orphaned children.

      This book involves Christmas and my holiday gift to you is my favorite Christmas cookie recipe—one my family has been making for over thirty years!

      I love to connect with readers and to hear your comments.

      You can find me at:

       www.roxannerustand.com

      @roxannerustand (Twitter)

       www.Facebook.com/roxanne.rustand

       www.Pinterest.com/roxannerustand

      Email: [email protected]

      Snail mail: Roxanne Rustand, PO Box 2550, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52406.

      Blessings to you all,

      Roxanne Rustand

      A USA TODAY bestselling and award-winning author of over thirty-five novels, ROXANNE RUSTAND lives in the country with her husband and a menagerie of pets, including three horses, rescue dogs and cats. She has a master’s in nutrition and is a clinical dietitian. RT Book Reviews nominated her for a Career Achievement Award, two of her books won their annual Reviewers’ Choice Award and two others were nominees.

      An Aspen Creek Christmas

      Roxanne Rustand

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

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      And we know that in all things God works for

      the good of those who love Him,

      who have been called according to His purpose.

      —Romans 8:28

      To Danielle, Ben, Lilly, Violet and Finn,

      with all my love.

       Acknowledgments

      Many thanks to Dr. Erin L. Garman, DVM, for her wonderful assistance with the veterinary details in this story. Any errors are mine alone!

      And also, many thanks to Lisa Mondello for her research assistance on foster care and adoption.

      Contents

       Cover

       Back Cover Text

       Introduction

       Dear Reader

       About the Author

       Title Page

       Bible Verse

       Dedication

       Acknowledgments

       Chapter One

       Chapter Two