Dear Reader,

There’s something tough to handle about the heart of winter, those endless days and weeks that fall after all the special holidays are distant memories, when winter closes in and seems so long and endless. It often turns bitter cold, the shardlike punch of it penetrating like a fist of ice.

Darkness comes far too early and stays unreasonably late, oftentimes filling us with a longing for the joy of those sweet, shining holiday months. Or better yet, we wait for that first precious thaw that brings with it the loamy scent of an early spring.

The deepest heart of winter is that time when warmth is a precious gift. When fires are kindled and carry the embers of hope from one season into the next. There’s only one thing that brightens the fire and wards off the chill. And that’s love.

For Nick and Jayne, their deep abiding love begins one magical night at a masked ball and continues straight through the heart of winter. It’s a love that warms the heart, fills the darkness with bright happiness and fulfills both of their hearts’ desires. I hope you enjoy “Mystery Lover,” and I hope it brings you a special warmth that will ward off the chill.

All the best,

Day Leclaire