In the untamed wilderness of Pine Bend during the winter of 1917, Isabella and Nathaniel Evergreen seek refuge from the haunting shadows of their past. Leaving behind the bustling streets of Seattle and the dark secrets of a tragic night, they envision a fresh start as owners of the Pine Haven Inn, building a life of love and purpose in their isolated new home.
But new beginnings are never simple. As Christmas approaches, Isabella is tormented by the weight of the solstice gem’s deadly legacy and a desperate longing for justice for her best friend Lucy. While she wrestles with whether to return to the city she left behind, the fragile peace she and Nathaniel have started to build is shattered by the arrival of a man from their past—a man whose charm hides dangerous ambitions.
When life in Pine Bend is disrupted, Isabella and Nathaniel must not only fight for their future but also for their love, as haunting truths threaten to tear them apart. Together, they must decide how far they’re willing to go to protect their future—and whether the truth is worth the ultimate cost.
In the shadow of betrayal, facing the truth could cost Isabella and Nathaniel their home, their future—and each other.
Michelle Cornish is a freelance writer, author, and illustrator, crafting the kinds of stories she loves to read--complex characters, a dash of romance, and plenty of mystery and intrigue. Her specialty? Strong women in sticky situations!
A proud member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, Michelle is committed to honing her craft and supporting the writing community.