Starry Night

Chapter One

Carrie Slayton s feet were killing her. She d spent the last ninety minutes standing in two-inch heels at a charity art auction in a swanky studio in downtown Chicago. She couldn t understand how shoes that matched her black dress so beautifully could be this painful. Vanity, thy name is fashion.

My name is spelled with two l s, the middle-aged woman, dripping in diamonds, reminded her. That s Michelle, with two l s.

Got it. Carrie underlined the correct spelling. Michelle, spelled with two l s, had just spent thirty thousand dollars for the most ridiculous piece of art Carrie had ever seen. True, it was for a good cause, but now she seemed to feel her name needed to be mentioned in the news article Carrie would write for the next edition of the Chicago Herald.

It would be wonderful to have my husband s and my picture to go along with your article, Michelle added. Perhaps you should take it in front of the painting.

Carrie looked over her shoulder at Harry, the photographer who d accompanied her from the newspaper.

Of course, Lloyd and I would want approval of any photograph you choose to publish.

Of course, Carrie said, doing her best to keep a smile in place. If she didn t get out of these shoes soon, her feet would be permanently deformed. She wiggled her toes, hoping for relief. Instead they ached even worse.

Harry, bless his heart, dutifully stepped forward, camera in hand, and flashed two or three photos of the couple posing in front of what might have been a red flower or a painting of a squished tomato or possibly the aftermath of a murder scene. Carrie had yet to decide which. The title of the work didn t offer a clue. Red. Yes, the painting was in that color, but exactly what it depicted remained a mystery.

Isn t it stunning? Michelle asked when she noticed Carrie staring at the canvas.

Carrie tilted her head one way and then another, looking for some clue as to its possible significance. Then, noticing

Debbie Macomber, the author of It's Better This Way, A Walk Along the Beach, Window on the Bay, Cottage by the Sea, Any Dream Will Do, If Not for You, and the Rose Harbor Inn series, is a leading voice in women's fiction. Thirteen of her novels have reached #1 on the New York Times bestseller list, and five of her beloved Christmas novels have been hit movies on the Hallmark Channel, including Mrs. Miracle and Mr. Miracle. Hallmark Channel also produced the original series Debbie Macomber s Cedar Cove, based on Macomber s Cedar Cove books. She is, as well, the author of the cookbook Debbie Macomber s Table. There are more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide.

Contemporary romance queen Macomber (Rose Harbor in Bloom) hits the sweet spot with this tender tale of impractical love. . . . A delicious Christmas miracle well worth waiting for. Publishers Weekly (starred review)
 
[A] holiday confection . . . as much a part of the season for some readers as cookies and candy canes. Kirkus Reviews
 
A sweet contemporary Christmas romance . . . [that] the best-selling author s many fans will enjoy. Library Journal
 
Macomber can be depended on for an excellent story. . . . Readers will remain firmly planted in the beginnings of a beautiful love story between two of the most unlikely characters. RT Book Reviews (Top Pick, 4½ stars)
 
Macomber, the prolific and beloved author of countless bestsellers, has penned a romantic story that will pull at your heartstrings with its holiday theme and emphasis on love and finding that special someone. Bookreporter
 
Magical . . . Macomber has given us another delightful romantic story to cherish. This one will touch your heart just as much as her other Christmas stories. Don t miss it! Fresh Fiction