Poppy Owens is an eternal optimist, determined to look on the positive side of life, no matter how gloomy the circumstances. However, her sunny outlook is put to the test when a promotion she's been eagerly anticipating at the prestigious interior design firm, Home Haven, could slip through her fingers.

The only way for Poppy to secure the coveted position is to outshine a rival coworker on a make-or-break assignment-transform a small cabin on the outskirts of the city into a picture-perfect holiday haven. But upon arriving at the remote location, she is dismayed to find the cabin in a state of disrepair.

Not only that, but fate also has a wicked sense of humor. The irritable cabin owner is none other than Aaron Hayes, Poppy's high school crush. Freshly returned from a harrowing military deployment that claimed the life of his friend, Aaron is a shell of his former self. Gruff, cynical, and emotionally closed off, he regards Poppy's attitude and homemaking skills with disdain, and he's committed to undermine her work at every turn.

Poppy has never doubted her talent until coming head-to-head with Aaron, but she must decide whether remaining professional is worth more than taking a chance with the man who challenges her more than her dream job ever could.

When in December is a holiday contemporary romance novel, perfect for book clubs who love a sweet, emotional love story like those of Emily Henry or BK Borison.