Gavel and Garland — Kathryn Hills

Can a humbug and a holiday lover come together when wedding and Christmas bells ring? Elizabeth McKenzie doesn't hate Christmas. As the new mayor of Dickens, the quaint New England town famous for its holiday cheer, she has no time to enjoy it. And while she understands small-town politics, what she doesn't get is people sugar coating problems during the hectic season. There's much to be done, and she intends to prove she's up to the task. However, she never imagined being blindsided by someone special. The Army officer in town for the wedding she's officiating is annoyingly upbeat and handsome. Will he derail her agenda? Or can she slow down enough to smell the gingerbread and maybe meet him under the mistletoe? Trekking around the globe to help animals and people is all Army veterinarian Daniel Murray knows. He's not a fan of settling down, but there's something wonderful about a place that embraces his favorite holiday. What's even more appealing is Dickens' feisty young mayor. Seems she has a knack for finding trouble. Dare he get involved with the beautiful humbug? Or should he avoid her like a stocking full of coal? It's decision time for the self-proclaimed bachelor for life. Stay in the military, or open a vet practice right there in Christmas town?