There are two things Rory Ellison loves in this world: the holidays and spending Christmas with her Grandma Winnie in New York City. When her best friend, EJ, tells her he's spending his holiday at home alone in their hometown of Geddington Beach, Rory can't stand the thought and invites EJ to accompany her on her trip. With one wrench thrown into her otherwise-perfect holiday traditions, Rory is certain nothing else can destroy her Christmas spirit. Until she gets to her grandmother's to find that, not only has Grandma Winnie not done an ounce of decorating, but something's off about her. Desperate to save what remains of her favorite holiday, Rory is determined to keep up the Ellison family traditions, even if it means doing them alone. Or with EJ Deans, the golden retriever to Rory's black cat attitude. EJ has been in love with Rory since the moment he laid eyes on her. At least, that's what he says. But there's no way a happy-go-lucky guy like EJ would be happy with a woman like Rory: dark, broken, and far from picture-perfect. They would never work. But the holidays have a strange way of bringing people together. Even people who are certain they aren't meant to be.