The Christmas Gift
by Candice Poarch

For some time Reginald Jones was attracted to his best friend Alyssa, but their relationship didn’t create fireworks for either of them. It wasn’t until Alyssa fell in love with another man that he realized he was attracted to Melinda who he’d thought hated him. But now that they have their chance, she has pushed him aside. Reginald has never let anything interfere with his work, but he knows that if he wants Melinda he has to work as hard to get her as he has worked to build a successful business. He only hopes he hasn’t waited too long, because the fireworks between them are absolutely sizzling. But even if Melinda doesn’t accept him, he loves her enough to try to help her find joy in her life again.

Christmas is just two weeks away and Melinda just can’t dredge up any holiday spirit. Although her sister was murdered two years ago, she’s still grieving. She loves Reginald, but she can’t be what he needs right now. Besides, his feelings might be on the rebound. But soon, he’s around all the time and she’s unsure of how to handle it. It isn’t too long before she begins to believe again, but then someone tries to kill her and she doesn’t know why. This puts an entirely new perspective on things. She’s no longer dreading Christmas but will she stay alive long enough to enjoy it?

Other Books by Candice Poarch

A Kiss So Deadly
Fifty Gone Wild Series #4

Essence of Love

Sweet Southern Comfort

Secrets in the Sand
Fifty Gone Wild Series #3

Slippery Slope
Fifty Gone Wild Series #2

Christmas Gone Wild
Fifty Gone Wild Series

Lighthouse Magic
Coree Island Series #2

Shattered Illusions
Coree Island #1

Family Bonds

The Last Dance
Welcome to Nottoway #4

A New Year, A New Beginning

Beyond Yesterday
High Desert Series 1

With This Kiss
Welcome to Nottoway #2

White Lightning
Welcome to Nottoway #1

Deadly Intentions

Show all >

Candice Poarch's Bio

Candice Poarch takes pride in crafting believable stories featuring African-American heroes and heroines.  The characters in her books demonstrate a strong sense of community and family support.  She firmly believes that everyday life in America (whether small town or major metropolitan city) has its own rich rewards.  She also likes telling stories that will leave today’s busy reader feeling refreshed and hopeful—not always an easy task, she says, but well worth the challenge.

Her fourteenth book, BITTERSWEET, (Dafina, July, 2006) deals with the heart, family, extended family and community.  "I really enjoyed Bittersweet... romance, comedy, mystery and intrigue...I would definitely recommend Bittersweet as a book club selection."  —Karen Monroe, Woman2Woman Book Club member.  Candice Poarch’s fifteenth book, SWEET SOUTHERN COMFORT, will be published by Kimani Press in November, 2006.

A native of Stony Creek, a small town in Southern Virginia, Candice Poarch holds a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from Virginia State University.  Formerly a computer systems manager, writing is now her full-time career. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, Multicultural Romance Writers, and Washington Romance Writers, where she  served as publicity coordinator for three years and worked on market news for two years. Investing is her favorite hobby. She  particularly wishes  to teach children the value of investing, feeling that children can use these skills to help provide them with financial security and confidence in their adult lives.

Ms. Poarch is married and has three children.  She currently lives in Springfield, Virginia.