Christmas from the heart

Olivia Berg shouldn't have sent a snotty reply to Guy Hightower's email, but since he decided that Hightower Enterprises would not be supporting her charity, Christmas from the Heart, she knows a lot of families in Pine River will be left wanting. When Guy's Maserati breaks down outside of Pine River, he recognizes the woman who rescues him, but he doesn't let on that Olivia knows him, too. Instead, he lets himself get caught up in the sweetness of small-town holidays, and soon he's judging a fruitcake contest and delivering hams as Joe Ford. Olivia's best friend, Morris who would like to be more than friends doesn't trust Joe and his flashy car, and surely Olivia's not interested in his money? She's not, but she does become interested in Joe, and the feeling is mutual. Several of Roberts' previous books have been made into Hallmark movies, and this one fits perfectly into that mold. Guy is forgiven pretty quickly for his ruse, and even Morris gets a happy ending call it a Christmas miracle.--Susan Maguire Copyright 2010 Booklist

Car trouble strands CFO Guy Hightower in small Pine River, Wash., where he encounters nonprofit entrepreneur Olivia "Livi" Berg. The two of them have a history: his company has been the biggest donor to her organization since her great-grandmother founded the charity, but when Livi called him up to request a donation in the run-up to Christmas, she got too insistent, and he insulted her and hung up. Livi is both angry and forlorn as she realizes that without that donation, she won't be able to provide for all those in need. She has no idea that the stranded motorist she's giving a lift to is the guy she's furious with. He realizes who she is and immediately assumes a fake identity, thinking it's only for a moment--but the part needed to fix his luxury foreign car is hard to come by in Pine River, and he ends up staying with the Berg family while waiting for the car to be repaired. Thanks to a fruit cake contest, a Christmas stocking giveaway, and Livi's tender heart, Guy learns the true meaning of Christmas and comes to adore the town's delightful residents. This jubilant tale combines personal growth, romance, and holiday spirit. Agent: Paige Wheeler, Creative Media. (Oct.)