25 Days of Christmas Stories: SANTA TO THE RESCUE by Adele Downs

Firefighter Jamey Tucker knows three things in life to be true: An honorable man doesn't go back on his word, never hurts a woman, and lasting love isn't a myth. But with his recent move to a new job at the Appleton Fire station, the long hours don't offer hope of finding the love he’s looking for. 

When Jamey meets beautiful pediatric nurse Heather Longhurst after hearing her sing Santa Baby in a supermarket aisle, he offers her a promise he discovers he can't keep. Heather has been betrayed by men in the past, making it hard for Jamey to gain her trust. Determined to find a way to win her heart, Jamey uses firefighter engine-uity and Heather's favorite song to prove he's got Christmas spirit she can believe in all year.

Excerpt:

She laughed out loud this time, and the sound of her voice rang through the air, pure and clear. He could listen to that voice for hours. “These are for my kids at the hospital. I’m an R.N. at County. We’re decorating the pediatric ward. And spoiling the children too, a bit. I’m baking cookies for our holiday party on Saturday.”

She held out her hand for a handshake. “I’m Heather Longhurst.”

Jamey introduced himself and took her hand. He told her what he did and where he worked. Her skin felt soft against his palm, though her grasp conveyed confidence and strength.

He cocked his chin. “What kind of cookies?”

“Chocolate chip, of course. Is there any other kind?”

Jamey shook his head. He could almost taste melted dark chocolate and smell the aromas of fresh baked flour, eggs and sugar filling her kitchen. His mouth watered. He hoped she couldn’t hear his stomach rumble. He hadn’t eaten in over fourteen hours. “No ma’am.”

Heather returned a lopsided grin. “You’re not from around here, are you?”

“Southern Indiana, born and raised.”

She moved out of the way of an elderly couple trying to pass with their half-filled shopping cart. Jamey moved too and they strolled together toward the exit. “I’ll make a plate of cookies for you, if you stop by the hospital to pick it up.” She said.

Jamey smiled at her, his heart lifting at the turnaround in his day. “That’s the best offer I’ve had since I moved to Appleton.”

“You’re new in town?”

“Been here almost three months.”

“Glad to meet you, Jamey Tucker. See you about one o’clock?”

“I’ll be there. Count on it.”

“I will.” She smiled back and their gazes locked. His mood soared with the realization she was flirting with him. The day had definitely taken a turn for the better.

Review by Annie, author of contemporary romance.

Santa to the Rescue is a heartwarming romantic holiday novella that has just the right amount of attraction between the hero and heroine to pull off their instant attraction. The well-defined characterization of Jamey Tucker, a rookie firefighter who plays Santa, and Heather Longhurst, a RN with trust issues who dress up as an elf for her ‘kids’, leaves you rooting for them to the very end. Ms. Downs’ writing is smooth, seamless, and engaging. It has all the flavor and spice of a holiday romance as well as wrapping the goodwill and Christmas Spirit of the season around the challenges faced by firefighters and nurses everywhere. Turning disappointments into good deeds with a positive outcome, Santa to the Rescue is one of those magical Christmas stories that bring a smile to your face, and a warmth to your heart. It will leave you with smile on your face all day. 

Available for purchase:

• Only.99! Amazon Kindle
• Only.99! Barnes and Noble Nook
• Only. 99! Entangled Publishing

About Adele Downs:

Adele Downs writes contemporary romance inside the office of her rural Pennsylvania home. She is a former journalist, published in newspapers and magazines inside the USA, UK, and Caribbean.

Adele is an active member of Romance Writers of America and her local RWA chapter where she serves as past-president. She has written several articles for RWR magazine (Romance Writers Report), the trade journal of Romance Writers of America, and has presented workshops for writers. When she isn’t working on her current project, she can be found riding in her convertible or reading a book on the nearest beach.

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The author is hosting a giveaway for a Fire and Rescue refrigerator magnet to one randomly drawn commenter.