Under the mistletoe

By Lia Rose

After a bad breakup, Junes best friend encourages her to visit her hometown for the holidays. Ready to get over her ex, June runs into someone from her past. Will she find herself and love over the holidays? Find out in this all-new romantic short story! 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lia Rose Writing
• Release date: Nov 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223495024

Book preview

Chapter 1

Heartbreak and homecoming

The greyhound bus rolled to a stop, brakes squealing, in front of the quaint bus station. June stepped off, a single suitcase in hand, and took a deep breath of the familiar crisp, countryside air.

It had been over a year since she was last home, but Clarksville looked exactly as she remembered - charmingly outdated. Twinkling lights lined the shopwindows, tinsel garlands strung between street lamps. In the distance, the clock tower chimed, signaling the noon hour.

June sighed, her breath fogging in the winter chill. Coming back for Christmas this year was bittersweet. She was happy to see her family, of course, but the circumstances could have been better. A nasty breakup with her boyfriend Rick had left her feelings raw and vulnerable. She hadn’t been sure she was ready for the cheerful holiday spirit so soon.

Still, her best friend Margo had insisted. You can't mope in the city alone all Christmas! she had scolded over the phone. Come home. We'll drink hot cocoa, go caroling, and I'll have you laughing again in no time.

June smiled slightly at the memory. Leave it to Margo to know exactly how to tempt her home. Ever the optimist, Margo had a knack for pulling June out of even the darkest moods. And June had to admit, if there was anywhere she could start to mend her broken heart, it was here.

Clarksville was comfort. Clarksville was familiarity. Clarksville was home.

Hoisting her suitcase, June started down the street towards Margo's house. The roads were lightly dusted with snow, the air filled with the faint sound of carols and ringing bells. She took it all in - the garlands, the wreaths, the decorated trees peeking through windows.

Maybe Margo was right, she considered. Christmas cheer was hard to avoid here. And she