NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A solo holiday trip inspires one woman to rediscover her passion—and remember that, sometimes, duets are more fun—in this romantic Christmas novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber. “A perfectly delicious Christmas bonbon of a novel.”—Mary Kay Andrews, New York Times bestselling author of The Santa Suit and Bright Lights, Big Christmas Hailey Morgan’s life has always revolved around music. She once had big dreams of becoming a professional songwriter, but the reality of life has led her to working as an assistant high school band teacher in Portland. As the holidays approach, Hailey dreads the annual tradition of spending Christmas with her family and dodging her mother’s meddling questions about her love life. When Hailey’s close friend offers her the use of her family’s empty cabin for a rejuvenating solo holiday retreat, Hailey finally decides to do something to make herself happy. However, her arrival in the small town of Podunk, Oregon, is anything but peaceful when she discovers the cabin has been invaded by several wild animals. Luckily, Jay, the son of the town’s main store proprietor—and an incredibly handsome and charming former musician to boot—is more than willing to help. Soon Hailey and Jay are nearly inseparable, chopping down and decorating a Christmas tree, sipping hot cocoa in front of a cozy fire, and best of all, playing music together. Jay’s positive feedback and encouragement inspire Hailey to believe she might succeed as a songwriter after all. But even in her snow-dusted oasis, family holiday drama still finds Hailey, interrupting and threatening her newfound peace and confidence. Meanwhile revelations from Jay present complications of their own. Suddenly her Christmas paradise has become a winter storm and Hailey must weather through the challenges to stand up for herself and embrace the holiday spirit. “Debbie Macomber has delivered a perfectly delicious Christmas bonbon of a novel, all tied up in a perfect ribbon that will tug at your heartstrings.” —Mary Kay Andrews, New York Times bestselling author of The Santa Suit and Bright Lights, Big Christmas “Set against the charming backdrop of small-town Podunk, Oregon, Hailey’s story of finding herself amidst family drama and unexpected love will warm your heart and inspire you to embrace the holiday spirit.” —Susan Wiggs, New York Times bestselling author of The Twelve Dogs of Christmas Debbie Macomber is a leading voice in women’s fiction. Fifteen of her novels have reached #1 on the New York Times bestseller lists, and six of her beloved Christmas novels have been made into hit movies on the Hallmark Channel, in addition to the original series Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove, based on Macomber’s Cedar Cove books. There are more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. Chapter One Hailey Morgan’s doorbell chimed, and she hurried to answer, eager for her best friend to arrive. This was the last day of school before the holiday break, and Hailey was more than ready to celebrate. As teachers at George Washington High School, Hailey and Katherine Stockton were set for a girls’ night. They’d debated about going out, but in the end decided simply relaxing at home sounded like a far better idea. Hailey had offered to host. She had heavily spiked eggnog at the ready and would follow up with popcorn later for the Christmas movie. Katherine was ordering the pizza. Throwing open her apartment door, Hailey greeted her friend with a hug. “Free at last,” she squealed. “Has any school day ever seemed so long?” “It lasted forever,” Katherine said and groaned as she removed her hat and coat and tossed them over the arm of the chair. The two had worked at the high school for three years. They’d been hired at the same time and quickly become fast friends. “You got the eggnog?” Katherine asked. “All accounted for,” Hailey assured her. “The pizza is ordered for delivery.” She paused and glanced at the time. “At any minute.” Just then the doorbell chimed. Katherine opened it, took the pizza box from the teenage driver, and passed along a generous tip. “Thank you,” she said and promptly closed the door. Hailey got out the paper plates and red pepper flakes. Among so many other similarities, they both shared a love of spicy food. Slouching down on the sofa side by side, they indulged in the Hawaiian pizza, too busy enjoying their dinner to talk. After a few moments, Katherine paused between bites. “I take it your day was as hectic as mine.” “As bad or worse,” Hailey said with a heavy sigh. The music students had their minds on anything but schoolwork. Even her band class had been chaotic, with everyone anxious for the school day to end. The teens had been watching the clock, counting down the minutes, which was exactly what Hailey had done. Katherine taught American history, and Hailey could well imagine her friend’s day. In the best of times, it w