Chancey Presents — Kay Dew Shostak

Pretty paper and bows make promises the gift inside rarely keeps.

December comes to Chancey with promises of new birth, new love, new opportunities all tied up with shiny bows. Christmas is making a comeback in Chancey with Missus Blue ribbons tied on everything that stands still. Newcomers to town gussy up the gazebo complete with magnolia leaves, tiny lights and even a chandelier. Remembering the Christmas of 1945, the Chancey Parlor and Depot is opened with solemnity, white roses, and a renewed feud. Then the first annual Christmas parade marches through the streets, complete with TWO mayoral candidate floats. Carolina finds herself busier than ever in Blooming Books with Bonnie following new dreams and Shannon nursing a broken heart--somewhere. While back home at the B&B, surprise guests make that not such a good place to be either. Not to mention Jackson suddenly working from home and Savannah acting like her mom's best friend?

Maybe that's why they wrap presents up so nice. You don't know you don't want it until you can't give it back.