Edward has lost his faith in the Catholic Church. But he believes in the power of love. Lisette has lost her faith in fairy tales. But she believes in Edward. Each would gladly put the past behind them. Fate has other plans.

An unexpected guest turns up in Port Townsend for Thanksgiving dinner at the O'Connell Compound. Edward, the eldest brother, has cast aside his Roman collar and arranged for an extended stay in a hotel. In his youth, he sowed some impressive wild oats. Joining the priesthood meant turning his back not only on his checkered past but also his worldly family.

Edward becomes a regular at Café Lisette, owned by the alluring and lissome Lisette Manegold. Based on scant evidence, his brother-in-law believes Lisette is a man-eater and a former call girl. Though those labels are off the mark, she has in fact buried an identity that would shock any family, let alone one as wealthy and respectable as the O'Connells.

Edward rejoices in his own fresh start and is prepared to overlook any and all dark secrets. It is Lisette who can't forgive herself and move on. This Christmas season, they hope to reimagine the holiday together. If only the ghosts of the past will let them.