Counting on Christmas (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781734022261)

"Forever is composed of nows."

- Emily Dickinson, American Poet

Jessica Rivers believes that no matter what is happening in her life, she can always count on Christmas to make her happy. As the owner of the Bedford Falls Shop, and with the assistance of her older sister, Melissa, she tries every day to bring Christmas to life through her songs, her art, and her stories in her hometown of Modesto, California.

Her belief in the healing power of Christmas is severely tested when a precious holiday keepsake disappears. And her oldest brother, Michael, severely criticizes her for living in the past and among the illusions of Christmas. Then her fiancé, Brandon, breaks off their engagement because she is spending too much time sharing the cheer and merriment of Christmas.

Disheartened, she begins to think they're right. That everything she does is a waste of time. That she has no worth and nothing to give her community. That it's time to grow up. She's about to give up when she's visited by the spirits of her parents, her youngest older brother, and two close friends of Michael's. Each of the spirits reminds her of her value and all that she has to offer. Her renewed optimism and belief in herself and what she's doing is immediately dashed when Michael is involved in a near-fatal auto accident. Convinced it was all her fault because of their recent clashes, she contemplates doing something rash. Until another familiar spirit intervenes. Having been given a new lease on life and a reinforced perspective, she tentatively reaches out to her old boyfriend, Josh, only to discover that that they are both still in love.

On Christmas day, the family gathers at Jessica's house. They receive an unexpected gift when Michael surprises them by having recovered enough to join them.

In the end, Jessica discovers that Christmas wasn't the only thing she could count on. It was family. The one thing we take for granted when it's the one thing we should treasure most.

Tagline: The true gift of Christmas is the comfort and joy of family.