Iris Nelson has started her life over in Cavanaugh Island, working as the pastry chef in the local bakery, The Muffin Corner. Having escaped from an extremely abusive marriage, Iris has remained celibate for the past three years as she has never found anyone she could feel safe with. This all changes when she meets Collier Ward, her best friend Tracy's brother, and there are instant sparks of attraction.

Collier, a military man, is only home for the holidays, so any relationship that may develop will only be short- lived. But Collier is fighting his own demons. Suffering from PTSD, he is struggling with what has happened during his army career, and is trying to figure out what he wants to do with the rest of his life.

Iris is also trying to plan her future, hoping to set up her own cake decorating business, and finally put down roots in the town she has come to love.

Spending time together, Iris and Collier begin to believe that their future may also be together, side by side. But during a nightmare, Collier unknowingly terrifies Iris, bringing to life her own horrific experiences at the hands of her ex- husband. As the holidays draw to an end, will they be able to lay the past to rest and face a new future together?

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS by Rochelle Alers is a standalone short novel that is set in Cavanaugh Island, where another series of books are set. I enjoyed the idea of the story and the characters of Iris and Collier, and their extended family. However the story did not flow naturally for me, and I felt their relationship did not seem to develop - it just suddenly existed. HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS by Rochelle Alers was a little rushed for me, but is still a nice short holiday read.

Book Summary

This Christmas novella is set in charming, Sanctuary Cove featuring popular characters from Rochelle Alers' bestselling small-town, Cavanaugh Island contemporary romance series.

Love is always in season.

There's no place like home for the holidays, especially for divorced pastry chef Iris Nelson. After escaping an abusive marriage, she's found peace on charming Cavanaugh Island. As the holiday approaches, Iris looks forward to spending it with her newfound best friend's family . . . and their very handsome visitor.

On leave from Afghanistan, Army Master Sergeant Collier Ward is excited to be reunited with his family for Christmas. But the best gift of all may be this warm, beautiful stranger who joins them for the festivities. With his visit coming to an end, Collier can't deny the heat smoldering between them. Yet Iris can't help but wonder if it's just the glow of the season-and one night of passion-or a true miracle of love that will change their lives forever . . .