Charlie Morgan grew up in Boston, sheltered by his mother, in awe of his father, a well-respected doctor who lost his life when Charlie was nine. Following in his father's footsteps, Charlie becomes a well-respected doctor, retiring early and moving to Maine, to a camp used as a getaway years back by his father. Leaving Jayne is his only regret. Her wild red hair drives him crazy. Charlie's awkwardness in relationships gets in his way.
Once settled, Charlie discovers the old barn on the property holds a secret kept hidden for years. Charlie struggles for answers. His eventual reaction is surprising. When a sad, young boy comes into his life, Charlie's kindness turns the boy around. They become the best of friends. Because Charlie's parents never celebrated Christmas, the boy's belief in the wonder of Christmas leads to Charlie's embrace of the Season, and so much more.

Barbara Briggs Ward is a writer living in Ogdensburg, New York. Her short story "The Kitchens" was third runner-up in The Saturday Evening Post's 2021 Great American Fiction Contest. She is the author of a beloved Christmas trilogy for adults featuring The Reindeer Keeper, (chosen by Yahoo!'s Christmas Books Club as their December 2012 Book of the Month), The Snowman Maker, and The Candle Giver. Other works of fiction include The Tin Cookie Cutter, A Robin's Snow, and Velvet Snowflakes. Her short stories have appeared in three Chicken Soup for the Soul books and Highlights for Children. Her essay centered around her grandmother was one of eight essays selected to appear in Ladies Home Journal, July 1976, highlighting women who represent the "Real Beauties of America." Barbara's feature on Boldt Castle was published in McCall's. She has been a featured author on Mountain Lake PBS and Target Book Festivals in Boston and New York. For more, visit barbarabriggsward.com.