Book excerpt: Christmas cookie baking isn't the only thing that's heating up in the kitchen. Amber Talbot's daughter, Beth, has invited her new best friend, Joanna, to bake Christmas cookies this year. Officer Jace Gunderson, single dad, insists on checking out the family first. From there, thanks to the two inseparable first graders, Amber and Jace's lives intertwine over the holidays where they, too, become inseparable. But Amber doesn't need another lawman in her life. Her first husband was killed in the line of duty. Can Jace win her over, despite her reluctance to commit to their fledgling relationship? Or will Amber reject his advances and ruin everyone's Christmas?