Better Than a Crown — Valerie Comer

As a runner-up in 27 competitions, Heather Francis tries to teach young contestants there's more to pageants than winning, even though her mother never got that memo. It's hard enough to focus and ignore the inner voice calling her a fraud without being attracted to Grizzly Gulch Resort's brooding temporary chef.

Levi Esteban's temp job as chef in Helena, Montana, and caregiver for his niece, Shelby, would be perfect if it weren't for the Miss Snowflake Christmas festivities at the resort. Levi's been against pageantry all his life and isn't about to change his stance, regardless of his fascination with Shelby's coach.

When Shelby's parents' trip is extended, Levi and Heather must join forces to care for her and pull off the pageant. Is there something better than a crown in their future?