December truly is the coldest month for heroine Larissa Ascot and her brother, Thomas. In their father's absence, and Thomas's illness, the family is rumoured to have gone bankrupt and in peril of imminent eviction. Just before Christmas, too. Faced with being turned out literally into the streets, they are saved from destitution by the charming Vincent Everett, Baron of Windsmoor, who takes them into his home.

It is, however, a home devoid of holiday cheer. Dour, stern Vincent does not keep Christmas. Believing Larissa's businessman father to be responsible for his younger brother's suicide, Vincent has hatched a ruthless plan to ruin the Ascot family for revenge. Evicting Larissa and her brother, then taking them in is only one part of his plan.

Vincent lulls Larissa into a sense of security, summoning a doctor to tend her brother and even allowing the pair to erect a Christmas tree in his house. Larissa's charm gets through Vincent's chill, and the two become lovers, though Larissa still has her doubts. It is only after she leaves that information comes to light, proving Vincent's plan pointless. The lovers reconcile, and there is much to celebrate, including a letter from Vincent's brother, now safe in America.

The historical setting, usually not a problem for Lindsey, is murky at best in this outing. There is discussion of "the ton," which would generally be Regency, yet the custom of a Christmas tree, a late Victorian import from Germany, seems to be several generations old. Diehard Lindsey fans will be pleased, as will those looking for a sweet, mildly heartwarming tale. Others may prefer Lindsey's earlier works, such as Fires of Winter or Love Only Once.