Tidings of Joy: A sweet holiday romance (A Balsam Grove Christmas) by Marianne Rice

Hannah:

Independence has always been my shield, but something changed last Christmas in Balsam Grove, Maine. The town's cozy charm wrapped around me like a warm embrace, and one rugged Marine has lingered in my thoughts ever since. Ashton Simmons is everything I never thought I wanted—strong, steady, and a threat to the freedom I treasure. Yet, the idea of spending another Christmas without him scares me more than losing my independence.

Ashton:

From the moment I met Hannah, I was captivated. As we work side by side on a special project for our friends, I see beyond the walls she’s built. Beneath her quiet strength lies a woman who’s been hurt by love and guards her heart fiercely. After years of serving overseas, I’m ready to put down roots, and Hannah is the one I want to share them with. Her kindness, her vulnerability, the way she lights up when she thinks no one’s watching—she’s a gift I can’t ignore. This Christmas, I’m determined to show her that love doesn’t mean losing herself—it means finding someone to share the magic of the season and a future filled with joy.