Homespun Christmas

Homespun Christmas
Aimee Thurlo

Independence, New Mexico, needs a lifeline, and Myka Solis is determined to provide one. She thinks her online craft business can transform the dying town into a vibrant, creative hub. And she knows exactly the person who can help: Joshua Nez, the confident, big-city architect who’s back in town to rebuild his own life.Thanks to Josh’s expertise, Myka finds herself leading a revitalization effort that draws in the entire community. But working with Josh has to stay a business-only arrangement.Josh has dreams, too, and his involve opening an architecture firm far away from Independence.If only Myka can show him they both have a future in Independence… together.

“Do you know what I see when I look at you?”

Myka shook her head and waited, almost holding her breath.

“I see a woman who’s done her best for everyone, and who never hesitates to lend a helping hand.”

She smiled. “I appreciate you saying that, but that’s not what I’m going to see until I find Bear.”

“I wouldn’t expect anything less from you,” he said, then kissed her on the forehead. “My dad was very lucky to have a friend like you.”

As she looked up, the tenderness in Joshua’s gaze took her breath away. Her heart ached to feel his arms around her, to feel safe and protected again.

Almost as if he’d read her mind, he pulled her to him. She didn’t resist. It was too tempting, and even if it was only for a moment, she needed to feel loved for who she was….

Dear Reader,

Many years ago, my grandmother taught me how to crochet and knit. At the time, I’m sure it was simply a way of keeping me busy while she worked on her projects, but her passion became my own. In her way, she inspired this book.

I was crocheting and watching a football game with my husband when I saw a commercial about the plight of small company towns all over the U.S. Due to the recession, many were at a crossroads—having to reinvent themselves or face extinction. That’s when the idea for Homespun Christmas was born. It’s a story about the strength our country shows when the chips are down and a community that comes together to survive, finding blessings far beyond economic relief.

Myka Solis and Joshua Nez saw their dreams fall by the wayside, yet they work to rebuild their lives, finding strength in each other and daring to dream again. Christmas is a time filled with traditions large and small. In this season of love and renewal, come and join us in celebrating a true New Mexico style Christmas.

Aimée

Homespun Christmas

Aimée Thurlo

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

AIMÉE THURLO Aimée Thurlo is an internationally known bestselling author of mystery and romantic suspense novels. She’s the winner of a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews, a New Mexico Book Award in contemporary fiction and a Willa Cather Award in the same category.

Aimée was born in Havana, Cuba, and lives with her husband of forty-three years in Corrales, New Mexico, in a rural neighborhood filled with horses, alpacas, camels and other assorted livestock. Her husband, David, was raised on the Navajo Indian Nation. His background and cultural knowledge inspire many of her stories.

Dedication

With special thanks to Sydney Abernathy for her help. You’re a terrific assistant!

Acknowledgments

To Michele Kiser, who helped me by sharing her knowledge of Churro Sheep. Also to State Senator Steve Komadina, M.D., who allowed me to get to know his camels and learn about their wool. You guys were terrific!

Contents

CHAPTER ONE (#ub9682399-0135-56b7-83cd-b0768644f400)

CHAPTER TWO (#u66617b6c-4e2b-55ad-8eda-adf839ed4e7e)

CHAPTER THREE (#u7450e6e8-b178-5bf4-b946-42e75540e39f)

CHAPTER FOUR (#udc0f17a5-56f5-5186-b087-4c2c77eba6fb)

CHAPTER FIVE (#u1fa15c9b-9c14-568c-8b89-e3f17a1a324d)

CHAPTER SIX (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER SEVEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER EIGHT (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER NINE (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER TEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER ELEVEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER TWELVE (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER THIRTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER FOURTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER FIFTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER SIXTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER NINETEEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER TWENTY (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER ONE

INDEPENDENCE, NEW MEXICO, was buzzing with the news. The bad boy was back in town.

Joshua Nez had captured the hearts of half the girls in high school. She hadn’t been immune, even though they’d run in different circles. Myka Solis smiled, thinking of those carefree days. She’d been head cheerleader, the quarterback’s girlfriend, and a straight-A student. Joshua had been trouble with a capital T.

Although her parents hadn’t approved of Joshua, living next door to each other had made avoiding him almost impossible. She’d soon learned that just being around Joshua added a high voltage charge to everything. He’d followed no one’s rules except his own.

Sophie Boyer, her neighbor from across the street, called out to her as she hurried up the driveway.

“I understand he’s coming in with a rental van,” she said, catching her breath.