A lonely earl, a competent heroine of dubious origins, family secrets, and three mischievous boys-plus a goat on the roof, kisses in the barn, and mischief in the parlor... The Earl of Chadbourn feels trapped managing his widowed sister's ruined estate and grieving son. Loneliness overwhelms him, but the woman who handles the neighboring farm brilliantly draws him like a moth to flame. Catherine Wheatly has her own problems. With Christmas coming, can they repair the damaged estate and far more damaged family? Dare they hope for love in the bargain?

Seven years have passed since Regan lost the love of her life. During that time, she found solace raising her three children, sequestering herself in the country and away from the talk and bustle of society. But now her eldest daughter is beginning her own search for a husband, and Regan finds herself drawn back into the public eye after so many - too many - years away. She meets Thomas Cranmer, a young - too young - and handsome gentleman who should have his attentions focused on other women, women lacking the age and grief she earned as a widow and mother. Yet he seeks her out, winning her over with his smiles and wit, reminding her of what it is to be a woman, and a desirable one at that. But when secrets are revealed and her respectability threatened, Regan discovers there is life beyond grief, and that perhaps it is possible to find love a second time...