Author Juliana Stone brings together a heart-tugging, emotional roller coaster over the Christmas holidays. Jake Edwards has not returned home after the death of his brother - twin - and fellow soldier. After the funeral, Jake's pain is so deep that he disappears without contacting family or his deepest pain, Raine, a woman he has loved for as long as he could remember. The problem? Raine is his brother's widow. His ultimate guilt for the feelings for Raine drive him away until he hears of his father's illness. Raine is irritated and confused when Jake suddenly shows up. She wants to stay angry with him, but her own demons surface. She loved her husband, but the feelings she has for Jake are much more turbulent and she cannot explain them. The week of the funeral, they shared their passions and then he left abruptly. She, too, feels guilt for her passionate pull toward her husband's brother, so much so, that the past year had been pure hell. Lack of sleep, not eating, crying bouts, depression and a secret that Jake is unaware continues to haunt her. To top it off, Gloria, Raine's "mother" has suddenly decided to she wants to be a part of Raine's life. This just compounds her life even more. Jake brings a woman, Lily St. Claire, along for the holidays who is also suffering from the war tragedy. Her own brother is facing death. Her only support is Jake and her presence has caused friction among Jake and Raine. Raine is not sure how to handle Lily but she also feels that she has to right to claim her brother in law. She must let Jake continue his own life. Raine must overcome her anger and face her emotions for Jake and he must do the same. As misunderstanding leads to conflict, eventually, the holidays bring them closer, secrets are exposed and the healing begins. This is definitely a book that will keep your emotions on a roller coaster. The writer composes her words in such a way that you are attached to the main characters and everyone involved. As a military wife, the connection of loss, unanswered questions and guilt were realistic and pulled at the heart strings. A good, solid read!
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