A broken hero. A betrayed artist. A fifty-year-old secret that could burn everything to the ground.

Noelle Parker has lost everything. After her ex-partner stole her business and her designs, she flees to the only place she can afford: a wind-swept island in the middle of nowhere. But her "fresh start" turns out to be a crumbling ruin of a workshop, and her new landlord is the most powerful man on the island—a tyrant determined to intimidate her into leaving before she even unpacks.

Deputy Finn is known around town as "The Jinx." Ever since he accidentally set the Winter Market on fire last year, he’s been battling panic attacks and the town’s ridicule. He just wants to survive the holiday season without another disaster. The last thing he needs is a suspicious mainlander like Noelle causing trouble in his precinct.

But then she slams an old diary onto his desk.

Inside is the truth about a fifty-year-old crime. A fire covered up as an accident. And a name that rules the island with an iron fist.

Suddenly, Finn’s past failure is the least of his worries. Sterling will stop at nothing to drive Noelle away, and the only thing standing between her and total ruin is the one man who has never done anything right in his life.

Can a disgraced deputy and a desperate artist solve the mystery before history repeats itself? Or will a powerful enemy extinguish their hope—and their growing spark—forever?

Pack your bags for a return to the island! This cozy mystery features a slow-burn romance, a redemption arc that will melt your heart, and enough warm cinnamon rolls to feed a village. Perfect for fans of Hallmark movies with a twist of suspense.