The Season of Second Chances

(Paperback)

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From bestselling, acclaimed authors Kristina McMorris and T. Greenwood, two heartfelt, poignant stories filled with Christmas magic and the gift of second chances... The holidays are a time for cherished traditions and warm memories of Christmases past. But for some, Christmas also offers the gift of new beginnings. THE CHRISTMAS COLLECTOR by Kristina McMorris Jenna Matthews has made a career of decluttering other people's lives. After a childhood marked by her mother's hoarding, it feels satisfying to sort and evaluate possessions. Some items, however, defy simple categories-like the shoebox of WWII memorabilia she finds in an elderly client's home. Nestled alongside a Bronze Star is a photograph of a blushing army nurse and an adoring young serviceman. Estelle Porter, the box's owner, becomes curiously tightlipped at Jenna's discovery. Even Estelle's grandson, Reece, knows nothing about this secret in her past. But as Jenna delves deeper, she pieces together Estelle's heartrending story-one that paves new, unexpected paths for many. GIFTED by T. Greenwood Christmas Eve in New York City is a portrait in holiday cheer. Yet Alex, a young ballerina who's just been ousted from her ballet company, is contemplating a bittersweet homecoming-until she crosses paths with a stranger. At eighty, Simone's memory is rapidly failing, but something has led her back to the place where she began her career as a professional violinist. Different as they may be, both women understand the nature of ambition and self-doubt, joy, and regret. And in a moment of grace, in a place where journeys begin, each will be reminded of what matters most . . .

Reviews

Praise for Kristina McMorris:

"The Queen's Gambit meets The Alice Network in this epic, action-packed novel of family, loss, and one woman's journey to save all she holds dearincluding freedom itself." Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Forest of Vanishing Stars on The Ways We Hide

An expertly woven and richly satisfying work of historical fiction that will touch any reader who has experienced love, loss, tragedy, or the impact of family secrets. The Boston Globe on The Pieces We Keep

A tender love story enriches a complex plot, giving readers a story with grit, substance, and rich historical detail." Publishers Weekly on Sold on a Monday

Praise for T. Greenwood:

Greenwood is a writer of subtle strength, evoking small-town life beautifully while spreading out the map of Harpers life, finding light in the darkest of stories. Publishers Weekly on Two Rivers

Part family drama, part literary mystery and filled with beautiful, hypnotic prose. Bookpage on Where I Lost Her

Greenwood is an assured guide through this strange territory; she has a lush, evocative style. The New York Times Book Review on Nearer Than the Sky

Magneticthis knotty story leaves readers reflecting on the limits of family obligations. Publishers Weekly on Such a Pretty Girl

"This engrossing novel is a timely look into childhood fame, mother-daughter relationships, and how we consume media. Buzzfeed, Best Historical Fiction of Fall on Such a Pretty Girl

Author Bio

Kristina McMorris is a New York Times, USA TODAY, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of historical fiction inspired by true stories, including Sold on a Monday, which has sold more than one million copies. She's the recipient of more than two dozen prestigious literary awards and nominations, including the IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, RWA's RITA Award, and a Goodreads Choice Award for Best Historical Fiction. Prior to her literary career, Kristina was a television personality and actress who hosted an Emmy-award winning television show as a child, and most recently served as the host of the WB's Weddings Portland Style. She lives with her family in Oregon and can be found online at KristinaMcMorris.com. T. Greenwood is an acclaimed author whose novels have sold more than a quarter-million copies. A four-time winner of the San Diego Book Award, she has received grants from the Sherwood Anderson Foundation, the Christopher Isherwood Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Maryland State Arts Council. Five of her novels have been Indie Next Picks and her twelfth novel, Rust & Stardust, was a LibraryReads selection. Her novels have been translated into five languages. She lives with her family in San Diego, California, where she teaches creative writing for The Writer's Center and San Diego Writer's Ink, studies photography, and continues to write. Please visit her online at TGreenwood.com.