by Tif Marcelo
Teddy and I—we’re just taking things step by step. Yesterday, we discussed Holiday by the Lake, two-person-book-club style, over hot chocolate and chess.
Right now, our next step is going down this hill.
Teddy is already seated in the tube, arms held high. “C’mon, Lila, don’t leave me hanging.”
I inhale and climb in between his legs. Closer to the ground, Wonderhill is more ominous. Steeper. A shiver runs up my spine—like climbing, this loss of control is frightening—but as if he detects my fear, Teddy wraps his arms around me. In his hold, I relax, because I trust him.
“Lean back when we start going down. I’ve got you.”
I nod. And when we push off down the hill, with the wind against my face, I only feel thrill, and freedom, and hope.
All it took was one little holiday switch.
Acknowledgments
The joy I felt writing this book can only be surpassed by the gratitude I have for the people who helped me achieve this dream. Rachel Brooks—who never, ever ceases in her support, and in this unyielding effort connected me with Wendy Loggia and Hannah Hill. Wendy, thank you for seeing to the heart of me, and, Hannah, thank you for your remarkable editorial direction. You got to Lila’s story and her romance with Teddy. You carried that same vision for Holly and the Bookworm Inn. And you had that holiday spirit that transcended edits through the rest of the year.
To the absolute amazing Underlined imprint—thank you! The oh-so-talented Jacqueline Li and Casey Moses for the most adorable cover in the whole entire universe. Kristin Dwyer of LeoPR, my dearest friend and publicist—how lucky I am to have shared all these books with you. You are truly the best. To early readers Stephanie Winkelhake and Laura Brown—you are saints, I tell you! Absolute saints! To my #girlswritenight sweethearts: Annie Rains, Rachel Lacey, April Hunt, and Jeanette Escudero. #batsignal Tracey Livesay, Mia Sosa, Priscilla Oliveras, Michele Arris, and Nina Crespo. #5amwritersclub. Tall Poppy Writers.
To my parents, who made Christmas so special for us, no matter the circumstance. To my Greg, who tolerates the extended period of time our decorations are up because inside he knows he loves it all too. And my Fab Four: Greggy, Cooper, Ella, and Anna, whose utmost belief in me is the engine to all my efforts. And finally, to readers, bloggers, reviewers, and booksellers! Thank you for following me here! I couldn’t have done any of this without you!
About the Author
Tif Marcelo is a veteran US Army nurse and holds a BS in nursing and a master’s in public administration. She believes in and writes about the strength of families, the endurance of friendship, and heartfelt romances and is inspired daily by her own military-hero husband and four children. She hosts the Stories to Love podcast and is the USA Today bestselling author of In a Book Club Far Away, Once Upon a Sunset, The Key to Happily Ever After, and the Heart Resort and Journey to the Heart series.
TifMarcelo.com
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