High-spirited Grace Nettleton had once believed in exciting escapades and magic—so much so, she eloped with a man who promised both. But her husband offered little beyond betrayal and heartache, except for their son, Oliver, the one good and pure thing to come from their union. Now widowed, Grace has returned to Hartstone Hall, resuming a position in the kitchens and setting aside her former fanciful notions of adventure in order to provide stability for her son.

Rhys Wilton, Grace's dearest childhood friend, has loved her all his life, but his position as third son of a noble family seemed an insurmountable obstacle in their youth. Putting Grace's happiness first meant silently stepping aside when she departed to begin a life with someone else, despite the blow to Rhys' soul. With her return, he will not make the same mistake twice. Finding his place in Grace's and Oliver's hearts is easy. Convincing her to ignore their stations, and embrace a new adventure as his wife, will require all the magic of the season.

~~Previously published in the Winter Wishes: A Regency Holiday Romance anthology~~