Ever since Holiday Homecoming, series 1, I wanted to do another long distance romance. When I met my hero, a devoted Force Recon Marine, I knew I had my chance. Between emails, instant messaging and chats, I had a blast keeping Kelly and Mitch connected emotionally. I loved the contrast between two young adults who had chosen different paths to better their lives—Mitch, serving his country, sleeping out in the elements and enduring tough deployments. And Kelly, struggling on a student’s budget, studying long hard hours and working to put her past behind her.

First appearances in this book:

Katherine and Spence are both introduced for the first time as well as the bookstore that plays a central part in the series.

Kelly is the babysitter for Amy in Series 2. I had fun revisiting Amy and Heath’s life and seeing how full of love it turned out to be. (of course!)

A peek into Kelly’s future:

She and Mitch are married in California, live on base until he is discharged, and they return to Montana. In Spence’s book there is a glimpse of Kelly working at the bookstore. She is happily married, attending graduate school and Mitch has started his major in Math. Down the road they have three kids—two girls and a boy and Mitch’s mother adores her daughter-in-law and her grandchildren. Kelly has the family she's always dreamed of. Another happily-ever-after.