By: Davis Bunn

In this heartwarming, giftable comfort read for fans of Nicholas Sparks and Richard Paul Evans, a family shaken by loss experiences a life-changing season of new beginnings and Christmas magic on North Carolinas Outer Banks.

A time for family . . .

The holidays bring a storm of emotions for Thad Wright. Three days after Christmas, his estranged daughter passes awayleaving behind a baby, Cassandra. And when Thad discovers that time is not on his beloved wife Lias side either, he takes Lias last plea to heart: that Cassie is not raised by strangers, that he gives the child a loving home. As difficult as the months ahead are, Thads granddaughter is a singular source of light in an otherwise dark season.

And for making every Christmas wish come true . . .

Thads friends in Fortunate Harbor are there for him, including Akila, his co-worker at the local hotel where hes head chef. Shes kind, comforting, gentle, and everything her teenage son, Juri, is not. In that boy, Thad sees the same rebellion that led his own daughter astray. Yet as Thads relationship with Akila deepens, hes determined to forge a bond with the young, defiant, aspiring musician. Soon, helping to make Juris dreams a reality is an unexpected wonder for Thad. Its even beginning to mend his own grieving heart.

As the year passes, another Christmas approaches. What will be a first for Cassie just might be a blessed milestone for Thad, Akila, and Juri, as well.