A cozy, romantic, second-chance holiday novella
When NHL star Axel Leclair returns to his snowy Canadian hometown for Christmas, he expects a quiet break-some family dinners, a few charity appearances, and a brief escape from the relentless spotlight. What he doesn't expect is the moment that stops him cold: seeing Lilianne "Lili" Miller, the girl he loved fiercely at seventeen... and broke without meaning to.
She hasn't forgotten.
And she hasn't forgiven.
Lili has built a careful life in Maplewood Ridge, running the town's tiny library, hiding behind books and sarcasm, and dating a man she doesn't love because loving someone-for real-hasn't felt safe since Axel ghosted her twelve years ago. Watching him stride back into town, impossibly handsome and golden-hearted as ever, is like reopening a book she swore she'd shelve forever.
But Christmas has a way of stirring up old feelings.
Of breaking down walls.
Of revealing truths neither of them said the first time.
Can two hearts once broken find their way back?
Or is some magic too fragile to rebuild?
A tender, heartfelt, slow-burn holiday romance full of nostalgia, cozy nights, and the softest kind of healing.