LAKESHORE CHRISTMAS is a love story about finding the most precious gift of all–peace. I love this photo, taken from my yard on a winter morning. It embodies the spirit of this story. In the book, Eddie and Maureen struggle against each other, but ultimately it’s only by coming together that they find the gift of inner peace. I loved exploring this concept in the book. Maureen is one of my favorite characters–a librarian with a passion for books. When budget cuts threaten a library closure, she turns from meek and mild to fierce and passionate. That’s the moment I love in a love story–when her deepest desires take flight. It’s only then that she can move to a place of true peace and serenity.

I would love to hear from readers about that peaceful moment that comes over you in the deepest part of winter. Comment below about those magic moments.

After this book was published in hardcover, I had a lot of questions from readers–sometimes frustrated readers–who were perturbed by the open-ended storyline involving Daisy Bellamy, Julian Gastineaux and Logan O’Donnell. The good news is, all will be revealed in the upcoming MARRYING DAISY BELLAMY, which will be out on January 25. I hope I did her justice!

One of my favorite things about this books is the Appendix–a collection of Christmas cookie recipes, and music to go along with the baking. Here’s an outtake–a fabulous recipe that didn’t quite make the cut.

Oreo Bars - from the Kraft website

34 OREO Cookies, divided

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted

1 jar (7 oz.) Marshmallow Creme

3 squares Semi-Sweet Chocolate, chopped

1/3 cup chopped Walnuts

PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Coarsely chop 8 of the cookies; set aside. Finely crush remaining 26 cookies; mix with butter. Press crumb mixture firmly onto bottom of greased 9-inch square baking pan.

TOP crust evenly with dollops of marshmallow creme, leaving 1/2-inch border around all sides. Sprinkle with chopped chocolate, walnuts and chopped cookies; press lightly into crust.

BAKE 15 min. or until marshmallow creme just begins to brown. Cool completely in pan on wire rack before cutting into bars to serve.

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