title: Inspirational Romance Reader Historical Collection #1
author:  Colleen L. Reece 
description: Colleen L. Reece is a writer who brings Christianity and family together in her books Joy to the World: A Treasury of Holiday Traditions, Stories, Prayers, Poetry, Recipes, and More and Apples for a Teacher: Lesson Plans for Life. Reece also writes romance fiction and was voted Favorite Heartsong Author in 1993 and 1994.
zlib_text: # [Acknowledgments](toc01.html)
  
  
  Thank you to Rose and Emily. We make a great team!
  
  
  Thanks to Mark, Matt, and Jason for all your support and love.
  
  
  
  
  
  # [About the Author](toc01.html)
  
  
  Opal Carew is the _New York Times_ bestselling author of nineteen previous
  erotic romances for St. Martin’s Griffin. Visit her on the Web at
  [www.opalcarew.com](http://www.opalcarew.com).
  
  
  You can sign up for email updates
  [here](http://us.macmillan.com/newslettersignup?utm_source=ebook&utm_medium=adcard&utm_term=ebookreaders&utm_content=opalcarew_newslettersignup_macdotcom&utm_campaign=9781250118554).
  
  
  
  
  
  # [Advertisement](toc01.html)
  
  ![ChristmasBackAd2016REVISED_fullpage.jpg](ChristmasBackAd2016REVISED_fullpage.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  # [Chapter One](toc01.html)
  
  
  Holly stood beside Jim’s van, snow falling around her in big fluffy flakes
  that clung to her hair and jacket as Jim plunked a large gift-wrapped box on
  the snow-covered ground.
  
  
  She brushed the snow from her hair as she stared at the large present