Recommendations based on "The Christmas Ball"

A solo holiday trip inspires one woman to rediscover her passion—and remember that, sometimes, duets are more fun—in this romantic Christmas novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.Hailey Morgan’s life has always revolved around music. She once had big dreams of becoming a professional songwriter, but the reality of life has led her to working as an assistant high school band teacher in Portland. As the holidays approach, Hailey dreads the annual tradition of spending Christmas with her family and dodging her mother’s meddling questions about her love life.When Hailey’s close friend offers her the use of her family’s empty cabin for a rejuvenating solo holiday retreat, Hailey finally decides to do something to make herself happy. However, her arrival in the small town of Podunk, Oregon, is anything but peaceful when she discovers the cabin has been invaded by several wild animals. Luckily, Jay, the son of the town’s main store proprietor—and an incredibly handsome and charming former musician to boot—is more than willing to help.Soon Hailey and Jay are nearly inseparable, chopping down and decorating a Christmas tree, sipping hot cocoa in front of a cozy fire, and best of all, playing music together. Jay’s positive feedback and encouragement inspire Hailey to believe she might succeed as a songwriter after all. But even in her snow-dusted oasis, family holiday drama still finds Hailey, interrupting and threatening her newfound peace and confidence. Meanwhile revelations from Jay present complications of their own. Suddenly her Christmas paradise has become a winter storm and Hailey must weather through the challenges to stand up for herself and embrace the holiday spirit.

FRAME-UP Someone has framed Darci Tucker for embezzlement--and she's pretty sure it's her boss. The real criminal will do anything to make sure she doesn't talk, from breaking into her home to hacking her computer. Her only hope for regaining control, and protecting her young son from danger, is Conner Stevenson. Desperate for answers about his sister's sudden disappearance, Conner is determined to uncover why the bookkeeper was named a target. Now Darci and her son have become pawns in a deadly game, and as Conner races to protect them, he finds he wants more than justice. He may want a family for Christmas after all...if they live that long.

All Emery Kendall wanted was to flee painful memories of Christmases past. She craved distraction and healing, and the mountains of Idaho offered both...plus the key to a long-buried family secret. But when she met her host, rancher Nate Cavazos, she hardly got a warm welcome.... The former army ranger's smoldering good looks masked deep emotional scars. And now he had his hands full as guardian of two orphaned nieces. That seemed to be all the involvement he could handle right now. Still, Nate couldn't ignore his fierce attraction to Emery or his nieces' instant attachment to her--until Emery's secret shattered their happiness. Would it be a lonely Christmas for four lost souls? Or the best family holiday ever?

As of Christmas Eve, Hank McCabe will lose his chance to bid on the Mesquite Ridge ranch. But ever since Ally Garrett delivered her ultimatum, Hank's more set than ever on snapping up her land. He's ready to build his future, and is crazy enough to think generosity would overtake the holiday-hating Ally this season. Apparently not!Ally came home to say goodbye to her family ranch and sever her ties to Laramie County once and for all. Not find herself smooching with the hunkiest cowboy in Texas. And not having a litter of adorable golden retriever pups take over the house she's trying to sell!It seems that with a McCabe around, things always get complicated. So it's time to make a choice—sell to the highest bidder, or give in to the spirit of the holiday. After all, what could be better than a cowboy under the mistletoe?

Miranda Carson can't wait to return to England for Christmas and to be with her boyfriend, Ian. She has spent a lifetime yearning for a place to call home, and she's sure Carlton Heath will be it, especially when a hinted-at engagement ring slips into the conversation. But Miranda's high hopes for a jolly Christmas with the small circle of people she has come to love are toppled when Ian's father is hospitalized and the matriarch of the Whitcombe family withholds her blessing from Miranda. Questions run rampant in Miranda's mind about whether she really belongs in this cheery corner of the world. Then, when her true identity threatens all her relationships in unanticipated ways, Miranda is certain all is lost. And yet . . . maybe Father Christmas has special gifts in store for her after all.

In Kristi Ann Hunter's "Legacy of Love," Sarah Gooding never suspected returning a brooch to an elderly woman would lead to a job . . . and introduce her to the woman's grandson, a man far above her station.In Karen Witemeyer's "Gift of the Heart," widow Ruth Albright uses the family brooch as collateral for a loan from the local banker. But the more she comes to know the man behind the stern businessman, the more she hopes for a second chance at love.In Sarah Loudin Thomas's "A Shot at Love," Fleeta Brady's rough-and-tumble childhood means she prefers hunting to more feminine activities. She never expected her family's brooch might be how a fellow hunter turns her attention from competition to romance. In Becky Wade's "Because of You," Maddie Winslow has spent years in love with a man whose heart was already spoken for. When a church Christmas project brings them together and she stumbles upon an old family brooch, might it finally be her turn for love?

‘Lynsey James has written a lovely feelgood Christmas romance... As warming as a hot chocolate with extra cream and marshmallows. Loved it.’ – My Chestnut Reading Tree This Christmas pantomime is about to be the talk of the town! Luna Bay’s festive preparations are well under way and the much anticipated annual pantomime is to be, once again, the highlight of the season. Too bad that the village’s very own actress and darling of Broadway, Alice Woods, isn’t feeling in the mood for Christmas. Until the pantomime comes under threat and a grief-stricken Alice is forced to push her personal pain aside and step up to direct – after all, the show must go on... So with (more than) a little help from her new found friends, not to mention one very gorgeous Hollywood A-list celebrity, the play begins to come together, but will Alice finally believe that Christmas is a time for miracles after all? What reviewers are saying about Lynsey James ‘What an enchanting and heart warming story to lead you up to the Christmas period this year.’ – Rachel’s Random Reads ‘This charming story is heartwarming, witty and romantic!’ – Rae Reads ‘It was a wonderful festive tale absolutely perfect for this time of year!’ – Becca’s Books ‘This is a very heart warming read just in time for Christmas. Put your feet up and get lost in the world of Alice and Luna Bay.’ – Grass Monster (Goodreads)

TO SAVE HER DAUGHTER Former army ranger Boone Anderson immediately senses danger when he spots Scout Cramer and her precious little girl while holiday shopping. Then two cars suddenly give chase in the parking lot--kidnapping the child. His worst suspicions are confirmed, and professional instincts propel him into action. Having lost his own infant daughter years before, Boone is determined to reunite the beautiful single mother and her missing child. But when a secret from Scout's past finally catches up to her, she must work with her self-appointed guardian to save her daughter. Before the kidnappers cancel Christmas for all of them...permanently. Mission: Rescue--No job is too dangerous for these fearless heroes

Finally, a home for the holidays… Eric McKnight’s only priority is his disabled daughter’s happiness. Her temporary nanny, Jenny Winslet, is eager to help make Lilly’s Christmas wishes come true. She’ll even teach grinchy Eric how to do the season right—surrounded by garland, glitter and Lilly’s giggles! It isn’t long before visions of family dance in Eric’s head. But when Jenny leaves them for New York City…there’s still one Christmas wish he has yet to fulfill. From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness. Home to Oak Hollow Book 1: A Sheriff's Star Book 2: In the Key of Family Book 3: A Child's Christmas Wish

NAACP nominee and USA Today bestselling author Beverly Jenkins returns to her beloved Blessings series with a Christmas wedding in the town of Henry Adams, Kansas. Ever since Bernadine Brown bought the town of Henry Adams, her relationship with diner owner Malachi "Mal" July has had its share of ups and downs. But now they're finally ready to say "I do." Or are they As wedding preparations go into full swing, and families both local and extended begin to gather for the festivities, that long awaited walk down the aisle hits a speed bump that may derail everything. But Mal and Bernadine's relationship isn't the only one being tested. Preston Mays aka Brain, loves his girlfriend as much as he does physics but when she decides being a couple is no longer a good thing, his heart is broken. Will connecting with his bio dad's family ease his pain Reverend Paula Grant has been patiently waiting for God to send her someone to share her life. When the town's charming new chef arrives in town, she wonders if he could be the one. And then there's former mayor Riley Curry who throws a parade with his hog Cletus! There's always a lot going on in Henry Adams, and this will be a Christmas to remember.