Jingle Bell Romance. Mia Ross

      

      Falling For Scrooge

      Julia Stanton loves Christmas—almost as much as she loves the home she’s made in Holiday Harbor. So when her beloved pastor’s prodigal son returns for a brief visit, she hatches a plan to keep Nick McHenry in town. Growing up as an ambassador’s daughter, she’s charmed countless dignitaries and surely she can get the brooding bachelor to see how much joy there is in a family-filled holiday. Julia never expects to feel the spark of something more for Nick. But it will take more than attraction to turn this handsome scrooge into her hometown hero.

      Holiday Harbor: Where love is just around the bend.

      “I thought you wanted to

      keep your new life here a secret.”

      “Some reporter will track me down eventually. This way, I control the situation.” Leaning forward, Julia pinned him with a knowing look. “Yesterday, you told me you miss getting the scoop. I’m giving you one, right here, right now. Take it or leave it.”

      Nick knew if he didn’t grab this opportunity, another journalist would. Of course, agreeing meant he’d be stuck in Holiday Harbor longer than he’d planned. But a story like this was worth it. And getting to know the reclusive ambassador’s daughter through personal interviews would be downright fascinating.

      “Once folks know you’re here,” he commented, “your online orders should go through the roof.”

      “I hadn’t thought of that. It would be nice to do my books with black ink instead of red.”

      He scoffed. “Like that’s a problem for you.”

      That got him a steely glare. “Rule number one—assume nothing. Things in my life aren’t always what they seem to be.”

      MIA ROSS

      loves great stories. She enjoys reading about fascinating people, long-ago times and exotic places. But only for a little while, because her reality is pretty sweet. Married to her college sweetheart, she’s the proud mom of two amazing kids, whose schedules keep her hopping. Busy as she is, she can’t imagine trading her life for anyone else’s—and she has a pretty good imagination. You can visit her online at www.miaross.com.

      Jingle Bell Romance

      Mia Ross

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      MILLS & BOON

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      Give, and it will be given to you.

      —Luke 6:38

      For Ruth

      Acknowledgments

      To the very talented folks who help me make

      my books everything they can be: Elaine Spencer, Melissa Endlich and the dedicated staff

      at Love Inspired Books.

      More thanks to the gang at Seekerville

      (www.seekerville.net). Whether I’m looking for advice or just some cheerleaders, you never let me down.

      My wonderful—and very patient—

      friends and family surround me with support

      and encouragement every single day.

      Without you, this book would still just be

      a quirky idea floating around in my head.

      Contents

       Chapter One

       Chapter Two

       Chapter Three

       Chapter Four

       Chapter Five

       Chapter Six

       Chapter Seven

       Chapter Eight

       Chapter Nine

       Chapter Ten

       Chapter Eleven

       Chapter Twelve

       Dear Reader

       Questions for Discussion

       Excerpt

      Chapter One

      It was the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and Julia Stanton was expecting a busy day at Toyland. Looking forward to some coffee to ward off the chilly morning air, she was about to pull open the door of Holiday Harbor Sweets when a man’s black leather glove closed over top of her hand.

      “Ladies first,” said a deep voice, and she looked up into the darkest brown eyes she’d ever seen. Framed by a tanned face and hair that was just a little too long, those eyes had a piercing quality, as if their owner noticed things other people missed and didn’t always like what he saw.

      He was wearing classic black, from his briefcase and cashmere dress coat to a pair of stylish boots that were better suited to a business meeting in Manhattan than the slushy sidewalks of northern Maine. Set against the gently falling slow, his outfit gave him a dark, dangerous look. Until he smiled. The gesture lightened his intense features, and unabashed male interest flashed in his eyes.

      When he opened the door and motioned her ahead of him, she returned the smile. “Thank you.”

      “Since I know who you are,” he continued while they joined the to-go line, “I’m thinking you know who I am, too.”

      She laughed. “The notorious Nick McHenry. My friend Bree Landry tells me you’re the toughest magazine editor she’s ever worked for.”

      “Aw, she’s just being nice. Speaking of Bree, when are she and Cooper due back from their honeymoon in the Caribbean?”

      “Her last email said ‘in time