Christmas is an especially exciting season in aptly named Noel, North Carolina, host of the annual twelve competitions of Christmas, not to mention one of the largest producers of Christmas trees in the country—and it’s not a bad place for a newcomer to put down roots either …

Barrel racer Jordyn Banks is thrilled to discover affordable land for sale in charming Noel, perfect for breeding her horses. But that’s not all. A nomad with no family—other than her beloved quarter horse, Star—she also hopes to find a home within the close-knit Appalachian Mountain community. Yet Jordyn didn’t bargain on inheriting a controversial Fraser fir—or falling for a handsome single dad whose adorable little girl tempts her to dream of being far more than a property owner …

Since losing his wife in childbirth six years ago, Nate Reed has devoted himself to their daughter, Roxanna, and built up their thriving Frosted Firs Ranch. For nine years straight he’s won Noel’s contest for the most perfect Christmas tree for the town square. It’s a tradition he began with his late wife. But this year, Jordyn Banks is determined to harvest her Fraser fir and compete—meaning Nate will finally be challenged—in more ways than one …

Throughout the event, Nate can’t help noticing that Roxanna is dazzled by Jordyn’s strength, beauty, and quirky sense of humor. Soon enough, Nate is falling for her, too. But can a feisty wanderer ever really settle down? Is Nate ready to open his heart to someone new? And is it possible that sometimes love does grow on (Christmas) trees?