Walnut Mince Pies at the Frost Fete by Laura Briggs

Christmastime brings a flurry of exciting events for Julianne in the fifth installment of the UK romance series.

Between organizing an elegant Nutcracker ballet-inspired wedding and running a booth at the village’s upcoming Christmas market and fete, Julianne’s festive season has never been busier. Things at home are equally chaotic, with foster child Joel struggling to open up to them, and daughter Sylvia acting out at school. Cue a parent-teacher meeting with charming new instructor Ben, the latest addition to the village school’s faculty. Maybe his advice will shed some light on Sylvia’s behavior…or maybe he’ll think Julianne and Matt have taken on more than they can handle. Even Julianne thinks it might be true this time, as she juggles work, family time, and another baby on the way—all with Christmas right around the corner!

But Julianne isn’t the only one feeling the time crunch this Christmas. Lady Amanda has her hands full coordinating the Frost Fair fete, and with too few volunteers, the job of creating the children’s village falls into the cold but capable hands of … Mrs. Norris? Adding to the list of questionable seasonal recipes, chef Michael is rumored to be seeing a pretty sous chef—only Julianne can’t help wondering if he’s not quite over his feelings for a certain comedienne named Kimmie.

Will Julianne and Matt finally strike the right balance when it comes to family life? Will the strict housekeeper surprise everyone with her design, or is the beloved children’s tradition doomed? More importantly, will Julianne survive all this chaos without losing her Christmas spirit?