Harlequin published a new Christmas romance by Sarah Morgan on Nov. 29. While predictable, Miracle on 5th Avenue moves at a satisfying pace and avoids instant love, which is refreshing.

Eva runs a company called Urban Genie with her friends that caters to people’s wishes and needs year round. She’s having a tough time adjusting to the holidays this year because her grandmother died the year before. This Christmas season she’s been hired by a friendly elderly client to decorate her grandson’s penthouse while he’s at a writing retreat in Vermont. Set to house-sit for several days, she’s surprised to find Lucas still in residence and upset at the intrusion. He’s still in mourning for his wife and wants to be left alone. Polar opposites, when stranded by a snowstorm, will their differences hinder or help the holiday cheer? One believes in happily-ever-afters and the other sees sinister motives in everyone. Can they breach their differences and find love?

Lucas and Eva are a bit stereotypical. She’s happy-go-lucky and he’s dark and brooding. However, the characters do have some depth to them, both having their good and bad attributes. While the sexual tension is instantaneous, love takes longer to grow and seems natural. The story is humorous with bits of emotion. The characters learn to understand one another and themselves and secondary characters aren’t made of cardboard. Lucas’s grandmother is funny and cunning and Eva’s friends are the forever type.

Overall, this was a fun little story for some light holiday reading. Although it’s the third in a series, it can definitely be read as a standalone. If you’re looking for something cheerful to lessen the seasonal stress, this sexy romp through New York City might be just what you need. Pick up a copy today.