Welcome to Somerset Lake, North Carolina.

The Christmas Village by Annie Rains is a charming and heartfelt story about a second chance between former high school sweethearts, Lucy Hannigan and Miles Bruno. It’s the second book in the Somerset Lake series.

Lucy has inherited her late mother’s house on Christmas Lane in her hometown of Somerset Lake. After about a year, she is unfortunately still struggling to pay her mother’s medical bills, so when Miles needs a new place to stay, Lucy reluctantly agrees to let him become her tenant. Miles and Lucy have a heartbreaking past. They each have their own issues and grief to work through, especially since this is Lucy’s first holiday season without her mom. While living in close proximity and teaming up for the Merriest Lawn Contest, Lucy and Miles discover that they still care deeply for each other.

The writing style of Annie Rains just sparkles with holiday magic and hope throughout thoughtfully written character backstories and plot. This book has everything a heartwarming holiday romance needs, including an incredible cast of characters, adorable furry companions, and plenty of holiday spirit and festivities. Also, there are some great #HeroesWhoCuddleCats moments!

If you’re looking for an emotional and sweet holiday romance, give this one a read! I absolutely adored this book and definitely plan on going back to read the first one in this series. Hopefully, Lucy’s friend Tess’s story will be next!