He left her behind… but she still lays claim to his heart.

Two years ago, Matthew Whitaker left home to stake a claim in Colorado – leaving his best friend, Sarah Fleming, dateless for the annual Christmas dance. When he returns unexpectedly, Sarah is forced to confront her long-buried desire and Matthew must face his true reason for leaving Cottonwood Creek.

Forced to work together to create the yuletide magic the Christmas dance is known for, sparks between them threaten to set them both ablaze, but Sarah guards her heart, knowing Matthew must return to Colorado. Matthew realizes that much has changed in his time away, but his feelings have not, and time is running out to make things right.

As the dance (and Matthew’s departure) draws near, Sarah and Matthew must confront the choices that led them apart, the memories that linger in their hearts, and the desire smoldering just beneath the surface. Under the starlit New Mexico sky, they rediscover the magic of love and the spirit of Christmas in unexpected, if familiar, places.

Fans of heartwarming holiday reunions and friends-to-lovers stories will delight in this steamy romantic novella full of frontier spirit. Journey back to a simpler time this Christmas season with two souls searching for a chance at love.