Wrapped With a Beau

Lillie Vale

Putnam, 2023

Agent: Jessica Watterson

In its heyday, Piney Peaks and its beloved Christmas House were made famous by Sleighbells Under Starlight, a romantic holiday movie. 50 years later, the small town is ready for a new love story.

As a successful film liaison, Elisha Rowe has her heart set on one thing and one thing only: putting her hometown back on the map. So, when she gets the chance to secure a sequel to Sleighbells, she's willing to do whatever it takes to make sure everything goes smoothly. Unfortunately, that includes claiming to have already secured permission to film at the historic Christmas house—permission she was very much denied by the gorgeous new owner.

Ves Hollins is only back in Piney Peaks long enough to sell the house he inherited from his great-aunt. The holidays have always been tough for Ves, and it's not any easier when he's distracted by memories of a Christmas long, long ago, and the undeniable charm of neighbor Elisha. Ready to return home to New York as quickly as possible, he has no plans to put down roots or fall in love...even if Elisha unravels his hesitations like a bad Christmas sweater. 

There's no question the two are oppposites in every way. Ves is unquestionably frosty. Elisha is brimming with warmth. He doesn't do commitment. She never runs from a challenge. But as the two grow closer, they quickly realize that the growing spark between them may be just what the season calls for.

Accolades:

USA Today Bestseller

Reviews:
"[A] spicy holiday rom-com...Complete with love scenes as hot as a crackling fire, sweet romantic overtures, and all the comforts and joys of small-town living, this scintillating contemporary will make a great gift for any romance lover." —Publishers Weekly

"Vale's small-town snow globe has a cosmic heart....Everyone is entitled to joy. And good food. A typical holiday sleigh ride but with quick wit and good sex." —Kirkus Reviews

“Vale adds depth to her characters with relatable themes of bad breakups and fractured families, while also creating a slow-burn romance that is sure to satisfy.” —Library Journal

“If you simultaneously love heartwarming romances and are unhealthily obsessed with visiting the Christmas Story house one day, does Lillie Vale have the perfect romance for you! Wrapped with a Beau has one of my favorite meet cutes of all time, and the banter and chemistry between generous, big-hearted Elisha and seemingly aloof Ves is too good. A new Christmas comfort read for sure!” —Alicia Thompson, bestselling author of Love in the Time of Serial Killers
 
"Wrapped with a Beau is the perfect addition to any holiday romance list! Full of charming characters, a picture perfect small town, and just the right amount of steam, this book is like a mug of hot chocolate in front of a cozy fire. Lillie Vale continues her streak of romances that tug on the heartstrings with this instant holiday classic I can't wait to read again and again!" —Falon Ballard, author of Just My Type

“Reading Lillie Vale's Wrapped with a Beau is like stepping into the warmest, coziest Christmas movie you can imagine. I wish I could walk down the streets of Piney Peaks, a town so festive that even the most disastrous meet-cute involves a large candy cane lawn decoration. Even if you aren’t in a cold climate, this book will make you feel like you’re snuggled under a blanket beside a crackling fire as snow falls outside.” —Kerry Winfrey, author of Faking Christmas

Wrapped with a Beau is the gift of the season. Lillie Vale perfectly captures the thrill, beauty, vulnerability, and depth of falling in love—and I dare you not to fall scarf over snow boots for Elisha and Ves. Piney Peaks is the cozy, heartwarming, fairy-lit haven you’ve been dreaming of. This warm embrace of a book begs to be savored by firelight.” —Courtney Kae, author of In the Event of Love
 
“I love a Hallmark movie in book form, especially with some extra holiday spice. Lillie Vale’s charming holiday rom-com, Wrapped with a Beau, grants all my Christmas wishes: hilarious meet-cute complete with a giant candy cane, cookie decorating, hot cocoa drinking, and Christmas tree decorating, all in the perfectly picturesque town of Piney Peaks. Snuggle up and enjoy this cozy holiday read!” —Amy E. Reichert, author of Once Upon a December

Wrapped with a Beau is a delightful holiday romance bursting with humor, heart and the magic of Christmas.” —Sonya Lalli, author of A Holly Jolly Diwali

Wrapped with a Beau is everything a holiday romance should be: full of heart, heat, and cozy intimacy. Lillie Vale’s writing is clever and compulsively page-turning, and the banter-filled chemistry between Elisha and Ves had me melting all the way from their hilarious meet-disaster to their well-earned HEA. The idyllic setting of Piney Peaks felt so real that I wanted to book a flight there as soon as I turned the last page, just to live in Elisha and Ves’s sparkling world a little longer. I loved every minute of this absolute gift of a book!” —Jessica Joyce, author of You, with a View

“I’m ready to move to Piney Peaks! I devoured this delicious, opposites-attract holiday rom-com that’s as sweet as Ugly Christmas Sweater cookies and as hot as Spicy Grinch cocktails. Lillie Vale’s Wrapped with a Beau is an utterly heartwarming tribute to found family, small-town charm, and finding magic where you seek it. Bursting with cozy holiday cheer, heartening family dynamics, and sparkling banter, these lovable characters and their instant chemistry will stay with you long after the last snowflake has melted. This book will wrap you up in a big, warm hug—tied with a bow!” —Lauren Kung Jessen, author of Lunar Love