Hope for the Holidays

By Rachelle Paige Campbell

To save New Hope, Jill Howell sold her family's legacy. As newly installed mayor, she's determined to strike her own path. If she wins a national magazine contest for America's favorite small town, she'll prove herself a worthy leader.
Business owner Rob Carroll faces eviction from the building housing his family business since the nineteenth century. With tightly held secrets under threat of public exposure, he finds himself on the opposite side of Jill in the fight for New Hope's future.
Can they find common ground, or will civic advancement end their chance at happily ever after?

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
• Release date: Apr 21, 2021
• ISBN: 9781509235865

Book preview

Press

I don’t know. Jill held up her hands. She set her mouth in a solid line.

He smoothed his free hand over his scalp. With his world spinning off its axis, he clutched onto her honesty. I slipped from a year-long lease and into a month-to-month arrangement in the fall. He shook his head. I wasn’t paying attention. But I’ve saved enough. I can purchase the building. Mayor McKinney promised me he’d give me warning. I should have talked to the city months ago. I got busy with the new business and distracted. I have the money.

I don’t know any specifics. I rushed over as soon as I heard. Her back rounded, and she hunched.

Extending both hands toward her, he tightened his grip on the rolled paper, crinkling the sheets. He snapped to attention, dropping his arms to his sides. While his instincts urged him to close the gap and comfort her, he held a more pressing concern.

She raised her chin. I’ll find out. I can talk with the town council before the meeting tomorrow night.

He recoiled from her clear blue-eyed stare, drawing back his chin. Gripping the papers with both hands, he twisted the cylinder like a towel. Exposing his troubles to the community at large was the absolute last option he’d choose. I don’t want everyone talking about my situation. Only a handful of people know I sold. Won’t questions jumpstart speculation about my family?

Praise for Rachelle Paige Campbell

With interesting and complicated characters, a strong off-ship presence of both plot and characters and plenty of conflict with the third-wheel ex-fiancé I found [LOVE OVERBOARD] to be a well written, interesting and lovely full-length story.

~Long and Short Reviews

~*~

For HOLIDAYS INC.

Readers will surely cheer for Dani to reach her dream and catch her hero in this fresh perspective on finding love in a small town.

~In'D Tale Magazine

~*~

Heartwarming sequel to HOLIDAYS INC,, and once again I am transported to the small town of New Hope.

~Marie F.

~*~

HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS brings readers into a small Wisconsin town brimming with friendships and new opportunities. New Hope bursts alive after the successful reimagining of Holidays, Inc, a former movie theater. Readers will root for Jill Howell. The new mayor's gentle personality contrasts with her business obligations, which include a possible eviction served to her hard-working boyfriend, Rob Carroll. Well-crafted supporting characters further enhance the story and make this a memorable read.

~Gay Lynn C.

Hope for the Holidays

by

Rachelle Paige Campbell

Finding New Hope, Book 2

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

Hope for the Holidays

COPYRIGHT © 2021 by Rachelle Campbell Dio

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or The Wild Rose Press, Inc. except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

Contact Information: [e-mail]

Cover Art by Tina Lynn Stout

The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

PO Box 708

Adams Basin, NY 14410-0708

Visit us at www.thewildrosepress.com

Publishing History

First Edition, 2021

Trade Paperback ISBN 978-1-5092-3585-8

Digital ISBN 978-1-5092-3586-5

Finding New Hope, Book 2

Published in the United States of America

Dedication

For Aunt Joanne, I love you, I miss you, and I’ll see you in England.

Acknowledgments

My husband, my sons, and my parents encourage and inspire me every single day. Without my dear family, I wouldn't find the perseverance to push myself through the difficult days or enjoy the happy moments spent together. Thank you for celebrating each step along the way. I love you.

Chapter One

Striding along Main Street, Jill Howell bundled deeper into her coat, bitter wind lashing her bare cheeks. For a born and bred Wisconsinite, forgetting a scarf on the last day of March was an unforgivable rookie mistake. She curled her fingers in her leather gloves. In her rush to arrive before her assistant at her new job, however, she forgot the basics.

After waking before five and drinking a pot of coffee, she considered her options. Her racing pulse eliminated a nap. Instead, she dressed in her favorite power suit, stuffed her heels into her purse, and strode toward New Hope, Wisconsin, in a wool peacoat, knit hat, and warm boots.

Initially, the cold air neutralized the effect of caffeine on her nervous system. By the time she reached the diner two miles away, however, her skin burned from the twenty-degree wind chill. She couldn’t slow or reverse course. If she achieved her goal, she guaranteed a start to her day free from the tuts and sighs of her inherited employee.

With less than a mile to her final destination, she surveyed the quiet stretch of street. In a few hours, the town of a few thousand would teem with life. Only a year and a half ago, New Hope was practically abandoned. With determination and a brilliant idea, the town reawakened. The problem with achieving a dream, however, was waking up the next morning and putting in the hard work to maintain the reality. A week into her mayoral term, she understood the weight of the community’s faith. For the past ten days, she slept poorly, anxious for each day.

In her pocket, her cell vibrated. She retrieved her phone and swiped icy fingers over the screen, pulling up the text from Dani Winter.

—I have something for you at the theater.—

She dropped the cell back into her pocket. If she delayed, she wouldn’t arrive at City Hall first. A brisk wind howled. Knowing her assistant, she was probably already too late. She wouldn’t mind warming up. At the next block, she turned down the alley and entered a brick building through the side door.

Warmth enveloped her like the flannel duvet on her bed. She sighed and stomped her snow-and-slush-covered boots on the mat. Turning, she muffled the sound of the swiftly shutting door and scanned the surroundings. She stood in the carpeted hallway, running the length of the building. Angled on a slight incline, mirroring that of the auditorium, she blinked and adjusted to the dim light cast by the original, brass wall sconces. In the first round of renovations, the space hadn’t been updated.

With Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, and St. Patrick’s Day in the rearview, Holidays, Inc.—her family’s former movie theater turned into her friend’s holidays-only dinner theater—was quiet. The crew enjoyed a well-deserved day off. She pounded the carpet through the personnel-only hallway and knocked twice on the office door.

Come in, Dani Winter, proprietor, said.

Jill twisted the knob and stepped into another world. The pale blue paint covering the walls, built-in shelves, and ceiling matched the summer sky. She dragged in a deep breath and sniffed citrus-scented room freshener. If she shut her eyes, she was transported to a bright July day. When Dani first arrived in town, she brought California sunshine to the failing town. In the first nine-and-a-half months of operation, her business rapidly revitalized a once-forgotten manufacturing community.

Madam Mayor. Behind the desk, Dani stood and grinned.

The petite blonde with sapphire eyes shone in her tiny office. After growing up as a child actor, she carried herself with a different charisma from the rest of the Midwestern community. Jill finger combed the too-long bangs, peeking under her hat. Compared to Dani, she lacked sparkle and remained as worn-out as the town’s before picture. I don’t know about addressing me so formally.

I like the title. Dani stroked her chin. It suits you. You won by a landslide.

Her friend’s self-assured words radiated pride. Jill dragged in a shaky breath. I had a lot of help. Dropping her bag to the ground, she tilted her flushed cheeks from her friend’s gaze. For the second time in forty minutes, she regretted leaving her scarf at home. Slipping off her gloves in her pockets, she unbuttoned her coat and sat.

Behind the desk, Dani straightened.

Jill shifted in her chair, avoiding her friend’s gaze and staring at the back of the monitor. Her campaign manager, Rob Carroll, deserved the full credit for her election. Once he assumed control, he didn’t rest until achieving victory. If only defining their personal relationship—since the return of his ex—was as easy. She cleared her throat. You said something came?

Yes, I did. Dani rifled through the papers stacked on the edge of the desk.

Scanning the wall behind the desk, Jill smiled. Framed production photos and newspaper clippings filled the shelves. The room was so different from its days as the movie theater owner’s office. Dad worked in a dimly lit room with dark paneling. As a child, Jill fought claustrophobia inside the space while enduring parenting lectures.

From the bottom of the pile, Dani grabbed a large manila envelope. Here. She rose and shook the half-inch-thick parcel.

Frowning, Jill leaned forward. In her right-hand woman tenure at the theater, she never received unexpected packages. If the correspondence was mayoral business, shouldn’t it have been delivered to City Hall? She started her term as mayor a week ago. Who would send her something so professional in such a short amount of time? Grabbing the envelope, she scanned the return address and caught her next breath in her chest. Midwest Heart Magazine.

What is it? Dani lowered to her chair but lifted her chin, peering down her nose.

Crossing her arms, Jill secured the package against her rapidly beating heart. A response to her submission? In the months since sending in her essay about New Hope, she devoted her energy to the campaign and hadn’t spared a thought for anything else. Entering the competition the day after Christmas, she considered her chances almost nil. A sense of seasonal why not? spurred her to write and submit a contest entry. Why had the magazine sent such a thorough rejection? A single sentence could convey the not good enough sentiment. She didn’t need a lengthy explanation. Her mayoral win was a complete fluke. She understood defeat better than any of her peers.

Well? Dani propped both elbows, rested her chin in interlaced hands. The suspense is terrible. What’s inside?

Probably a few back issues as consolation. Exhaling a shaky sigh, she dropped her arms. The envelope fell to her lap. She ripped open the flap and reached inside, removing a two-pocket folder with a sheet of ivory letterhead clipped to the cover.

"Dear Ms. Howell, she read aloud. It is our great pleasure to inform you that New Hope, Wisconsin, is a finalist in Midwest Heart Magazine’s Favorite Small Town in America contest."

What? Dani dropped her forearms flat, pushing her keyboard forward.

Jill scrunched her burning nose and swiped her lashes, her breath quickening. In thirty years, she’d never won a single thing. With two victories in less than ten days, she needed to race to Frank’s grocery store and buy a lottery ticket before her luck evaporated. Or kiss Rob and make our relationship official. She cleared her throat and met Dani’s gaze. I entered a contest at the end of the year. I forgot about the notification dates. She shrugged. When I didn’t hear anything, I assumed my entry was disqualified.

New Hope is a finalist? Dani widened her gaze. What does the winner get?

Dragging a finger over the text, Jill scanned the sheet.

"Your town’s picture-perfect holiday celebrations make you a prime candidate. The winner of the contest will be featured in our holiday issue later this year. Please provide magazine-quality photographs of your fall and winter events along with an essay on what sets apart your town. For consideration in the next round, all materials must be received no later than April thirtieth. The winner will be announced on our website by June first. Thank you."

With a heavy sigh, she pressed a hand against her swirling stomach. She should have expected the catch. In her life, nothing was ever so easy as see, work, and achieve. But now Dani knows. If she’d been thinking clearer three months ago, she would have used her home address. Back then, however, she’d been at the Holidays, Inc. building around the clock.

Why did they specify magazine-ready photos? Dani drummed fingers against the desk.

If Jill didn’t know better, she’d assume Dani’s gesture indicated impatience for the conversation’s end. In actuality, Dani was in constant motion. New Hope needed someone with her vision and energy to spark the flame of transformation. So had Jill. I sent in pictures captured on my phone. To be honest, I didn’t think the entry had a real shot.

Looks like we do. Grinning, Dani interlaced her fingers. What do you need from me?

Jill nibbled the corner of her lip. To date, her biggest civic offering was selling the old movie theater. Her contribution was a lone footnote in the town’s history. When she applied for the contest, she’d wanted to contribute to the rejuvenation. With the rule clarification about photographs, however, she had her answer. Capitulation was the best path. She had to convince Dani. Judging by the gleam in Dani’s blue eyes, she’d forfeit the project to her friend’s standard dogged determination. Jill shook her head. Are you kidding? We don’t have better pictures. We can’t continue to the next round. Being a finalist is good enough.

Give up? Dani frowned. We have to keep going.

How? Jill crossed her arms. Did you take magazine-worthy photos of the holidays?

I should have, Dani mumbled and slouched in her chair, nibbling her lip.

Jill hated bursting the good mood with perceived censure. She shook her head. You couldn’t have imagined this opportunity.

Propping an elbow on the desk, Dani rested her chin in a palm. Too bad New Hope doesn’t have a newspaper.

Jill nodded. The New Hope Gazette folded over a decade earlier. Until Holidays, Inc. opened, the town had no news worth reporting. How do you figure we’ll get better photos?

Dani slapped a palm against the desk.

The papers jumped.

Meeting Dani’s gaze, Jill drew back her chin. Her friend had the big, crazy idea sparkle in her unblinking stare. Jill fisted her hands in her coat pockets, fighting the chill sweeping along her spine.

Let’s hire a photographer and recreate the Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas events.

How? Jill hated the heaviness in her shoulders, weighing her down. She hadn’t entered the contest with the idea of taking on more work. At the time, she had no idea she’d be adjusting to her new job. Easter is three weeks away. You and your crew are swamped with preparations for the next musical. Everyone else is hustling for the onslaught of tourists on the holiday weekend. The likelihood I’ll gather enough support before the deadline a week later is marginal.

We’ll get everyone involved. Dani rapped her knuckles on the table. The win benefits the whole town. I can’t imagine anyone who won’t eagerly volunteer. I can’t name a single person who didn’t vote for you and won’t support you one hundred percent?

Except Nora Thomas. A sour taste filled Jill’s mouth. Every encounter with Rob’s ex was barely cordial. No one else noticed. The former, high school dream girl still carried a certain cachet with long-time locals and won over newcomers. Dani sang the praises of her newest employee and wouldn’t understand Jill’s reticence.

You’re the mayor. Make this special project your top priority.

Slouching in the chair, Jill folded her arms over her chest and tightened into a ball. As teens, Nora Thomas ignored Jill like she was small and insignificant. As adults, Jill stressed every interaction with analysis bordering on paranoia. She couldn’t think about the woman without worry. I can’t.

Sure you can. I vow I’ll make time and help. I’ll guarantee Paul’s assistance, too. Say yes before I crash the city offices and tell everyone myself.

A sudden image of bright and cheery Dani bursting into City Hall and contagiously spreading the idea flashed in her mind. If Dani swept up the town in her excitement, she assumed control, and Jill would follow again. When she ran for mayor, she decided a future path in leadership. If she backtracked, she rescinded her promise to the community. Pulling back her shoulders, she lifted her chin. Fine. I’m heading to work. I’ll tell them myself. Tucking the folder into the envelope, she ignored the shaking in her hands.

Being a leader implied visibility and confidence. On election night, she stood in front of the crowd and vowed to do her best. She hadn’t fainted from being the center of attention then. She’d have to manage her insecurities now. Adding an item to the agenda at tomorrow’s town council meeting didn’t frighten her. Neither did approaching her good friends for help. She could succeed.

Stuffing the envelope into her purse, she swung the bag onto her shoulder. Reaching inside both pockets, she pulled on her gloves and strolled to the door. With a hand on the knob, she paused. Dani cared about her. Perhaps her delivery wasn’t to Jill’s taste. Jill was still adjusting to the new role. Without question, Dani had Jill’s best interest at heart. Jill needed time to adjust to her new role as a leader. Glancing over her