The Blessing

Wealthy corporate genius Jason Wilding is accustomed to being solicited for money. But his beloved younger brother, David, asks him for more than access to his bank account. David is infatuated with a lovely young widow, Amy Tompkins, but she's so attached to her son, Max, that he can't wangle a moment alone to court her. David wants Jason to come home to Kentucky for Christmas and act as Max's nanny for a week, thus freeing Amy to date. Much as he'd like to, Jason can't refuse his little brother's request and he puts his high-powered life on hold to move in with the widow and her adorable son.

Amy Tompkins is nothing at all like the glossy, high maintenance women that have decorated Jason's life in New York. She's poor, has no marketable skills, and is so determined to be independent that Jason has to trick her into accepting food and clothing. Before long, her sparkling humor and zest for life, not to mention her little 6-month-old dynamo, Max, soon enchant the difficult, reluctant Jason. He swiftly decides to negotiate a "takeover" and acquire Amy and Max for his very own. But Amy is wise enough to know that she needs more from Jason than to become a part of his corporate world. She needs a loving husband and devoted, full-time father.

Jason and Amy must search their hearts and face difficult truths about themselves before they can find a way to mesh their lives and love. Set in a small town in Kentucky during the Christmas season, The Blessing is a story filled with unforgettable characters and heartwarming romance, a blessing for readers regardless of the season. --Lois Faye Dyer