When Amy Carroll is laid off from her teaching job in Chicago she takes a temporary position in tiny Harrisville, Michigan, the home of her grandmother. Almost immediately, she is introduced to the most disruptive students in her class, twin girls suffering from the aftermath of their mother’s death three years earlier. She also meets their apologetic, overwhelmed father. The two hit it off almost immediately, but Amy’s past makes her unsure about entrusting her heart to him. And Chicago is never far from her mind. How could quaint, little Harrisville possibly compete with the exciting lifestyle the Windy City provides? As Christmas approaches, she learns that her temporary position could become a permanent one, and Amy is forced to make a life-changing decision, one that will force her to rely upon the God she fears has abandoned her. As usual, Martin’s characters are believable and engaging. We are immediately drawn into their lives and quickly come to care for them.

Small Town Christmas is paired with another charming tale, Her Christmas Cowboy by Brenda Minton in the book Christmas Gifts from Harlequin’s popular Love Inspired imprint. This title is a quick and easy read that will provide the perfect retreat from the hectic pace of holiday preparations and will help us to refocus our attention on the real reason for the season. The phrase “curling up with a good book” could have been invented for Martin’s latest romance.

P.S. Don’t forget the hot chocolate! ( )