Scrooge & Marlee — Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy

Theo Scrooge, like the fictional Ebenezer, isn't fond of Christmas. Any resemblance ends there for the chef and proprietor of Bah Humbug! but his love life is almost nonexistent until he meets a teacher who plans to relocate to the small German-flavored town in the Missouri Rhineland. When Marlee falls into the turbulent Missouri River, Theo rescues her. As their relationship grows, so do the obstacles in Theo's life until his worries about making money and his profit margin overshadow their romance. He's changed but it's not an improvement. On the eve of Christmas, Marlee offers him an ultimatum and a copy of Dickens' book to read. Whether or not Theo will reorganize his priorities will affect if Marlee and their love can both survive.