The Last Cottage on Pinewood Lane

A disgraced figure skater. A weary small-town lawyer. One Christmas fundraiser that could be their biggest win—or their most public heartbreak.

Tasha Ramson used to live for the spotlight and the holiday season. But with her professional skating career on the skids, she’s retreated to the quiet of Berry Lake to escape the festivities and find her footing. The last thing she intended was to take over a chaotic Christmas fundraiser, and she certainly didn't plan on falling for the town’s most eligible bachelor.

Elias Carpenter is drowning in the demands of his family’s law firm and the stress of managing the local ice show. When Tasha arrives, she isn't just a professional lifesaver—she’s a personal miracle. Elias has been falling for her since the moment they met, but he’s stuck firmly in the friendzone. Convincing a guarded woman to trust in a "happily ever after" is the hardest case he’s ever had to argue.

As they work side-by-side on the ice, their connection becomes undeniable. But when a ghost from Tasha’s past arrives to threaten her new-found peace, she must decide if she’s ready to fight for the life they've built together. Will she let her future skate away, or will she finally let Elias move from the friendzone to forever?

Scroll up and one-click to see if a holiday miracle can melt a frozen heart today!

Tropes and vibe list:

– Small-town holiday romance

– Foster dog matchmaker

– Professional figure skater heroine

– Lawyer hero

– Friends to lovers / Friendzone

– Forced proximity

– Hurt/comfort

– Small-town Christmas festival

– Career in transition
Heat Level: Wholesome Tone: Emotional, Heartwarming Series: Berry Lake Cupcake Posse world Series Type: Standalone Ending: Guaranteed HEA POV: Dual POV Content Notes: Career loss, external professional conflict

A shorter version of this story was previously published in the A Keepsake Christmas anthology.