

But can the welcoming familial nest help resolve festering romantic entanglements, amid long-held traditions, heartfelt reunions and farewells? A host of clever complications ensues in Merry and Bright by Debbie Macomber, where a single, 20-something office temp reluctantly pursues a new relationship after her well-meaning, but meddling mother and special needs brother set up an online dating profile for her during the holidays.

This year, everyone is finally celebrating together under the same roof of the family-owned and -operated Winter Street Inn. Elin Hilderbrand has expanded her trilogy of Christmas novels into a quartet with Winter Solstice, which reunites the extended Quinn family of Nantucket. Several new novels-stand-alones and additional installments of well-established series-offer feel-good stories of romantic dilemmas. Sometimes, however, the sparkly cheer of intended amorous bliss sours at the most wonderful time of the year. Christmas-the season known to foster peace, love and good tidings of joy-is on the way.
