The Plight Before Christmas (Deluxe Edition) by Kate Stewart

Stats

Format: Paperback (sprayed edges)

Pages: 400

Published: August 25, 2026

Estimated spice: Smokin'

Goodreads rating: 4+

The Storygraph rating: 4.1+

Libro.fm audiobook

Publisher description

From the internationally bestselling author of The Ravenhood Trilogy, a heartwarming, hilarious, un-EX-pectedly spicy, second chance holiday romance with all the feels for readers of Meghan Quinn, Julie Murphy, and Tessa Bailey!

**DELUXE LIMITED EDITION FEATURING GLITTER GLOSS, STENCILED EDGES, AND DESIGNED INTERIOR**

The last three weeks of my life have been riddled with humbug—another breakup, a broken toe, an office promotion I didn’t get—and I’m not at all in the mood to celebrate nor have the happiest Christmas EVER.

When Mom insisted that we all gather at my grandparents’ ancient cabin for a family Christmas, I fully intended to get into the holiday spirit with the help of the three wise men: Johnnie Walker, Jack Daniels, and Jim Beam. But those boys did nothing to offset the shock of seeing my EX on our doorstep the first day. Apparently, Santa missed the memo, and this elf is pissed.

Stuck for a week with the man who obliterated my heart nearly two decades ago, I did the only thing I could do and put on my game face, thankful for the home advantage.

I knew better than to drink that last cup of eggnog.

I knew better than to get tongue tangled beneath the mistletoe with the only man to ever break my heart.

I knew better than to sleep with Satan’s wingman on the eve of the Lord’s birthday.


I could blame the nog. I could blame the deceitful blue eyes, angelic hair, and panty-evaporating smirk . . . but mostly, I blame Eli because he always knew exactly which of my buttons to push. I foolishly thought I might turn my inner Scrooge around, but this year’s festivities went up in flames. Leave it to the ghost of my Christmas past to be the one to light the match.

Fa la la la la, la FML.
The Plight Before Christmas is a full-length, second-chance Christmas romance filled with Kate Stewart’s distinctive humor and heart—and most definitely on SANTA'S NAUGHTY LIST!

A cozy, swoony autumn romance with a Sliding Doors twist, perfect for readers of Jenny Han and Lynn Painter. Like Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice for this fall!

One season, two choices for love. . .

Willa's small town is at its best in the fall. Think crisp air, golden leaves, bonfires, hayrides, and pumpkin spice. It's cozy and comforting, pretty much perfect, but sometimes Willa wonders if she's destined for more.

Then she's left some money by a distant aunt, with one condition: It must be used to see the world. The rest of the book unfolds in alternating chapters where she makes one choice or another about this inheritance.

In one strand, Willa decides to study travel journalism, but she has to hit the books if she wants to be accepted into a program. That why she spends her weekends in the library, where Theo, a grumpy out-of-towner, also hangs out. He may think everything in this town is beneath him, but. . . there's something irresistible about him when he smiles.

In the other strand, Willa begins planning a perfect round-the-world trip. Meanwhile, she's working at her favorite coffee shop. . . where she suddenly gets a new boss, monosyllabic James, who's back in his hometown to nurse a broken heart.

Each potential choice leads Willa to love, and the final chapter is classic happily ever after.