Welcome to Balsam Grove, Maine.
The home of Hallmark-sweet, small town Christmas romance.
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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. |
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MARLEY
I used to do everything with my brother and Blaine. Until we didn’t. Until Blaine became too cool to hang out with me. Until he started teasing me about everything. Like everything I do. It’s not fair how ridiculously handsome and charming he is. And how everyone in town adores him. Because he is sweet and kind to everyone. Just not me. But then something shifts between us while working on our holiday parade entry. Those kind eyes, those sweet gestures, the gorgeous smile that makes all the ladies swoon are directed at me. He’s a charmer who can’t possibly see me as anything besides his best friend’s kid sister, right? And there’s no way he knows I’ve secretly been in love with him for years… right? BLAINE Marley Hudson is the most serious, organized, and fiercely competitive woman on earth. And can I say stunning? Which makes riling her up so much fun. She’s a generous, kindhearted angel to everyone in the world. But she erects walls ten feet thick and a million miles high when she’s around me. When we’re forced to work together, the sizzle in the air is no longer from snappy comebacks, but from long gazes, blushing cheeks, and simple brushes of our fingers. Until I hint at my attraction to her and she throws it back in my face. I’m comfortable, she says. Like an old couch. Worn slippers. I’ll never be good enough for a woman like Marley. Will she always see me as her brother’s best friend or will she finally see inside my heart? |
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Welcome to Crystal Cove, Maine where you're sure to laugh, shed an emotional tear, and fall in love.
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Fans of the Heartbreaker Bay series by Jill Shalvis, and the Eternity Springs series by Emily March might especially enjoy the sense of family and familiarity in the Rocky Harbor series, and discover a new go-to author in Marianne Rice. Take a trip to Rocky Harbor and see for yourself. --Passionate Reads
“The best book I have read this year. The story captured me from the very first page and never let me go. I absolutely couldn't put it down, it was exceptional.The characters were exceptionally well-written and the dialogue was funny, sad and exciting throughout the story. I wish I could give this more than five stars. This is definitely a book not to miss reading, I can hardly wait to start reading the next book in this series.” --Amazon Customer
“Marianne Rice tells a beautiful, relatable story that had me both fighting back tears and laughing out loud.” --Carolyn Laroche
"I love Marianne Rice books, and this one is no exception! Hot and steamy, sweet and lovely, exciting and adventurous, I can't put them down!" --Stephanie, Amazon Customer
"Since Book One of The Wilde Series, I have become a huge fan of Marianne. And my god, she's done it again in this book." --Michelle, Amazon Customer
"In all of her books so far I am thinking about the characters when I am not reading and for days afterword."
"I will be adding Marianne Rice to my list of favorite authors." --Kathleen Howard, Amazon Customer
"This author does a brilliant job at making flawed heroes absolutely irresistible." --M. Macijauskas, Amazon Customer
"I laughed, I cried, I had warm fuzzy feelings!" --Tracy Porell, Amazon Customer
“Marianne Rice tells a beautiful, relatable story that had me both fighting back tears and laughing out loud.” --Carolyn Laroche
"I love Marianne Rice books, and this one is no exception! Hot and steamy, sweet and lovely, exciting and adventurous, I can't put them down!" --Stephanie, Amazon Customer
"Since Book One of The Wilde Series, I have become a huge fan of Marianne. And my god, she's done it again in this book." --Michelle, Amazon Customer
"In all of her books so far I am thinking about the characters when I am not reading and for days afterword."
"I will be adding Marianne Rice to my list of favorite authors." --Kathleen Howard, Amazon Customer
"This author does a brilliant job at making flawed heroes absolutely irresistible." --M. Macijauskas, Amazon Customer
"I laughed, I cried, I had warm fuzzy feelings!" --Tracy Porell, Amazon Customer