Christmas is a mystery for a lonely writer whose fortunes change, one gift at a time.

SYNOPSIS:

Casey Livingston has a problem; a deadline to a story she doesn’t want to write. Anything she can do to put it off is on the table. After all, it’s Christmas. Even the doorbell has her eagerly jump to.

On her porch is a small cardboard box with a label. It says, “Ist Day.” Confused, she takes it inside and finds a stunning Christmas tree ornament. Surprising, since she doesn’t have a tree. Or the faintest idea who left it. Little does she know, it’s the first of many perfect gifts at the perfect time.

The next morning, her curiosity alight, she sets off to Tannenbaum Nursery for a tree on which to hang her shiny new toy. There she meets Harry Willis, the patriarch of the family business. His homespun wit and wisdom just might bring her a little Christmas cheer.

The crisp air is punctuated by shrieks of joy from kids playing hide and seek through the crowded lot. When Harry’s granddaughter Marci trundles by, the gig is up. She has to help Casey take her tree home. On the doorstep is gift number two. Who needs a tree stand? Casey, it turns out.

After day three she has an idea. Won’t this make a great story? Her editor is beside himself at the change of plans, but Casey is undaunted. She ventures out to a local coffee shop to write. It’s busy on a cold winter day leaving her a corner on the floor to herself. Unfortunately, someone’s dog races in from outside dodging customers and wrapping its leash around a table. It crashes on top of Casey injuring her hand and killing her inspiration.

Parker Wills is beside himself. Though the dog wasn’t his, the table was. He helps Casey up and apologizes. He offers to take her to the hospital, but she’s upset and hurt. A writer can’t be held responsible for what she says.

At the hospital she runs into Marci and Harry in the hallway. Seems Marci had a little accident too. It’s all in the family when Casey discovers Parker is Marci’s dad. She ceremoniously dismisses him again when he shows up and leaves in a self-righteous huff. It’s the first step in a courtship neither sees coming.

Later, she comes to her senses and wants to apologize. Naturally, Parker is frosty. But, Casey is steadfast. The awkward apology over, she leaves, accidentally forgetting her purse.

Always the gentleman, Parker returns it, wanting nothing else to do with her. It’s not that simple, though as they surprisingly bond over present number seven - a snow globe of Florence, the heart of her Italian dreams.

A friendly wager turns into Italian dinner for two until an emergency with Marci cuts the evening short. Casey goes with Parker to his home where it’s a false alarm and Marci’s fine. The night turns into a homey family get together. Family, plus one, that is.

Her story’s still not done and her editor is furious. In the middle of his rant, sirens blare around the corner. Tannenbaum’s is on fire! Casey races to the scene to find Harry, Parker and Marci speechless. And homeless.

Out of sorts and unsorted, Casey takes the bold step of inviting them to her place until they can get back on their feet. They refuse, of course, until fate intervenes. Maybe it’s a gift and , maybe, a chance at a different kind of spark.

Casey and Parker share the thrill of the unknown until, on Christmas Eve, the final gift arrives. A box she gingerly opens to find a beautiful ring. It’s strange and perfect and unexpected for two former strangers who found each other.