Harry Pennyngton, Earl of Anneslea, is surprised when his estranged wife, Elise, arrives home for Christmas, especially as she is still intent on divorce! The festive house party is in full swing when the guests are snowed in, and Harry and Elise find themselves together beneath the mistletoe.

Maybe the magic of Christmas is just what these two need to reignite their love....

Christine Merrill lives in rural Wisconsin about ten minutes outside of pizza delivery range with her high school sweetheart and two sons, a one hundred pound golden retriever, a pond full of goldfish and two cats with active social lives. She talks frequently about getting "just a few sheep or maybe a llama." Everyone breathes a sigh of relief when she stops.

Chris has wanted to be a writer for as long as she can remember, and during a stint as a stay-at-home-mom decided that it was time to "write that book." It would be a part-time job. She could set her own hours, and would never have to wear pantyhose to work.

How hard could it be?

Seasons changed, as did the century. Manuscripts piled up, along with rejections. But she slogged onward and seven years later, she got the thrill of seeing her first book hit the bookstores.

When not writing, Chris can be found at the movies, halfway back and towards the center, with a large buttered popcorn (but only if the film has a happy ending).

Visit her on the Web at www.christine-merrill.com.