The Christmas Campaign — Patricia Bradley

She's his odds-on favorite

Running for mayor of his Mississippi town wasn't even a twinkle in Peter Elliott's eye. But it could bring Cedar Grove's favorite son one step closer to his dream of building a youth center. He'd better watch out, though. Town councilwoman Nicole Montgomery has just thrown her hat into the ring.

The independent, smart-as-a-whip brunette is leagues away from the bookish girl Peter knew in high school. And he knows in his heart that Nicole would make a great mayor. So does his cousin Jake, who could be edging out Peter in his campaign to convince the love-wary beauty that he's the best candidate for her.