Date Night in December

Snowe’s endearing latest holiday romance (after Christmas Sweater Weather) follows a marriage in crisis. Laney Reynolds doesn’t doubt that her husband, Connor, still loves her, but she also doesn’t think their marriage of nine years can survive him continuing to put his job as CEO of a multimillion dollar tech company over her. Tired of feeling like an “afterthought,” she heads from Chicago back to her quaint hometown of Cherrywood, Ill., to stay with her parents for the holidays—without Connor. But Connor, desperate to save the marriage, rents the house next door. He asks Laney to give him a month of dating to convince her he’s changed his ways. If he can’t, he promises to sign divorce papers on December 31. Laney reluctantly agrees. Amid a plethora of festive town events, the pair relearn how to communicate with one another and reignite their love—but Laney struggles with telling Connor a life-changing secret that will put his commitment to prioritizing her and their relationship to the test. Cozy small town charm dominates, with plenty of snowfall, cocoa, and cheer to get readers in the Christmas spirit as the romance heats up between Laney and Connor. It’s adorable. Agent: Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong, Purcell Agency. (Oct.)