The Best Gift — Ann Jacobs

Weary and grievously wounded in the last months of the Civil War, widowed Giles Redmond returns home to New England and is anticipating a marriage he proposed to provide his daughter with one healthy parent, worried that his old friend Laura will be repelled when she sees the extent of his wounds.

Set during the holiday season, Laura shows Giles the best gift of all--her love and acceptance despite his fears.