A Real Christmas (Holidays in Applewood #1)

Christmas hasn't been the same for Allison Voss since losing her husband, but she's determined to make it merry for her daughters' sake. But the odds are against her. She's between jobs and simply managing day to day is a struggle—until a stranger's act of kindness changes everything.

Ward Haysgard is not a fan of Christmas. He's seen plenty of greed and selfishness and not much good will toward men. But Allison's plight touches him. As he gets to know her and her girls, they work their way into his heart. A heart he thought had hardened long ago.

As the holiday approaches, an old secret threatens their growing closeness. Allison concentrates on giving her girls "a real Christmas" with gifts and treats, but she and Ward will both discover that the only thing that makes Christmas real is the love of family and friends.

*PLEASE NOTE* Though this is a sweet romance, it does contain a few instances of mild profanity.