The Salted Caramel Cowboy — Jamie K. Schmidt

In the cozy town of Maplewood, Connecticut, Melissa Martin faces a make-or-break moment at her candy store, The Sugar Shack. Crafting her signature salted caramels for the Christmas bazaar could save her struggling business with a coveted year-long PR contract.In the midst of the festive frenzy and tough competition, Melissa's heart skips a beat when her high school crush, the enigmatic cowboy Bryan Dawson, rides back into town after a mysterious ten-year absence. The entire town buzzes with curiosity, eager to uncover the secrets behind his departure and the reasons for his unexpected return. Bryan, a cowboy with a heart as vast as the Texas sky, left Maplewood to forge a path contrary to his overbearing father's wishes. With a code of morals and ideals that clashed with his father's vision, Bryan found solace in the rugged landscapes of Texas. However, a plea from his sister brings him back to Maplewood, a place he would have gladly left behind if not for family ties. Yet, amid the nostalgic allure of the town, Bryan discovers that Maplewood is not just a place—he left behind a girl, the one who got away. Melissa's infectious smile rekindles his belief in Christmas magic, and he can't help but wonder if her kisses are as sweet as her famous salted caramels.