In this heartwarming, giftable comfort read for fans of Nicholas Sparks and Richard Paul Evans, a family shaken by loss experiences a life-changing season of new beginnings and Christmas magic on North Carolina’s Outer Banks.

A time for family . . .

The holidays bring a storm of emotions for Thad Wright. Mere days before Christmas, his estranged daughter passes away—leaving behind a baby, Laura. And when Thad discovers that time is not on his beloved wife Lia’s side either, he takes Lia’s last plea to heart: that Laura is not raised by strangers, that he gives the child a loving home. As difficult as the months ahead are, Thad’s granddaughter is a singular source of light in an otherwise dark season.

And for making every Christmas wish come true . . .

Thad’s friends in Morehead City are there for him, including Akila, his coworker at the local hotel where he’s an assistant chef. She’s kind, comforting, gentle, and everything her teenage son, Juri, is not. In that boy, Thad sees the same rebellion that led his own daughter astray. Yet as Thad’s relationship with Akila deepens, he’s determined to forge a bond with the young, defiant aspiring musician. Soon, helping to make Juri’s dreams a reality is an unexpected wonder for Thad. It even begins to mend his own grieving heart.

As the year passes, another Christmas approaches. What will be a second one for Laura just might be a blessed milestone for Thad, Akila, and Juri, as well.