With her chops as a new writer still less-than-perfectly established, Maisie has allowed her literary agent to persuade her into signing on as the ghost writer of a legendary YA heroine, with a tight Christmas deadline for her first adventure's publication. Her new role at the eclectic Quillow publishing house is on tenuous ground, adding to her woes as a struggling author. Her personal life is tangled up in knots involving Alex, which have been pulled tighter after that emotional encounter with him last autumn - one which has changed everything between them without offering any clarity as to what happens next. Meanwhile, the Penmarrow is busy once again during the busy Christmas season. The carnival troupe on the hotel's grounds is planning an idyllic pageant to entertain visitors for the hotel's winter fete, but its odd Punch and Judy show has unnerved more than one member of staff with uncanny scripts that seem to mirror their personal issues - Maisie's included. Except for Molly, she has no one she can turn to for guidance on her new place in Alex's life. Dean's usual candor turns to hesitation after the truth about Alex's unhappy past is raised, including an unexpected revelation. Maisie is beginning to worry that the shadow of Lewiston - and its bitter secrets - are more of a threat to Alex and herself than all the memories he lost. Will Christmas bring her the answer she's been waiting for - or the disappointment that will confirm her worst fears?