REMAIN: A Small-Town Second-Chance Holiday Romance

by Deborah Bladon

I didn’t come home for Christmas.

I came back to Pineview to finalize my mother’s estate, sign the paperwork, and leave before the memories had a chance to catch up to me.

My mom has been gone long enough that people assume the hardest part is over. But grief doesn’t fade quietly, especially not in a small town during the holidays, when traditions are loud and everyone remembers who you used to be.

I wasn’t supposed to run into Erik Beaumont.

Erik stayed when I left. He built a life here that is steady, rooted, and quietly magnetic. He is familiar and different all at once, the kind of familiar that still knows exactly where it hurts.

When Pineview pulls us back into its Christmas traditions, old feelings resurface. So do unanswered questions, buried truths, and a past that refuses to stay behind me.

With my return flight booked, my life in New York City waiting, and Christmas closing in fast, I am forced to confront what I have been avoiding for years. What it means to leave. What it means to stay. And whether some loves ever truly let you go.

Because in Pineview, Christmas doesn’t just bring people together.

It brings the truth you can’t outrun.

A deeply emotional, slow-burn small-town Christmas romance about second chances, childhood sweethearts, enduring traditions, and the kind of love that lingers long after you think you have moved on.

Genres: Christmas, Second Chance

152 pages, Paperback

Published December 20, 2025

About the author

Deborah Bladon had never read a romance hero she didn't like. Her love for romance novels began when she was old enough to board the bus, library card in hand to check out the newest Harlequin paperbacks. She was a Canadian by heart, and by passport, but you could often spot her in New York City sipping a latte and looking for inspiration for her next story. Manhattan was definitely her second home.

She cherished her family and believed that each day was a gift for writing, for reading, and for loving.

Reviews

[I’m a Paula too… Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely…

I loved this author so much. She was so talented and gave the best cliffhangers! I was really saddened to learn of her passing. It takes a lot of effort to work through the grief, and this story actually demonstrates that.

People like to say that time heals all wounds. But it doesn’t. You have to want to heal, and you have to work on it. The FMC here learned that lesson.

I like to imagine that Savannah will finally come home and marry Erik. She’s left him for too long…

KU read but this is a keeper.

[Dana zamora · Rating 5 out of 5]

A coming home

Savannah left her small town life for the big city life in NYC, leaving behind her high school boyfriend and family, coming home to finish her mom's estate, closure, running into Erik her old flame those feelings that never went away come flooding back for both of them, this is a beautiful, heart wrenching, tear jerker, HEA, remembering her mom and the selfless Christmas work she started, learning more than she never knew about her mom, RIP Deborah Bladon, your son did you justice and finished this story, you would be proud of it, thank you for this amazing story, Dana Zamora

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first met Deborah years ago at a NYC signing. My friend introduced me to one of her books and I fell in love with her writing. She became a staple author of mine and I took pride in binge reading all her books and later became an arc reader! It feels like a lifetime ago.

Fast forward to the present, I’m shocked and heartbroken that she’s gone. Her storytelling was brilliant and I’m truly going to miss her. Remain is a beautiful tribute to her.

[Aimee Parkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

just beautiful

This was such a beautiful story, and I’m so glad it was shared with us. Deborah was such a wordsmith, always weaving the stories together perfectly, and her son has completed this final book in her words. It’s hard to see how this entire story wasn’t written by Deborah herself. Just beautiful

[Glenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching

I enjoyed reading this last book by Deborah Bladon and finished by her son after her death.
A very touching story of love,regrets,and helping those in need.
I will miss this lady and her books. May you rest in peace lovely lady..
My world is a little brighter from reading her stories.
Please read her final book.
Thank you.

[Roxanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is emotionally draining. The sadness of Savannah is palpable, you feel her loss.
Erik who is the love of her life gives her space while being her support.
I feel that loss as my dad is gone, it can at times consume you and that is what this book brings to life.
It also shows in loss things can surprise you and the legacy lives on.
Deborah you will be missed.

[lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!!

What a fantastic Christmas love story. This author would love how this book turned out. This story shows how a little of your past can lead you back to future. I highly recommend reading this book, it was so good.

[Natalie Brill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remain - it remains with you

A beautiful touching story that is perfect in today’s world of hate and intolerance. This story teaches us the importance of dignity as we help others. The greatest gift is not giving but rather helping without knowing why or who.

[Lisa Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

love f Christmas

This story was a little different from her regular romance novels, but it was a beautiful love story, not just for a lover but the love of a mother daughter and the love of Christmas. It’s a short enjoyable rad.

[Maria Costantino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this last book by Deborah Bladon and finished by her son after her death.
A very touching story of love,regrets,and helping those in need.
I will miss this lady and her books. May you rest in peace lovely lady...
Please read her final book.
Thank you.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remain

A beautiful heart felt romantic story that touches you in ways Deborah's novels always do! Authentic raw and real. Loved this story ❤️ Thank you Deborah for all your novels I will each story you shared with us x

[Ann Jourdan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it

Well written as always. What a great way to honor your mom. She was so good about humanizing her characters. She will always be one of my favorite authors.

[buveurdencre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming, tender, and beautifully written. Such an exceptionally touching and special read to end the year with, and another one of my favorite holiday books.

[Maria Espaillat · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful story

This is a beautiful story. Reminding us to be true to oneself , kindness and love. Will miss Deborah Bladon books. I hope you keep them going

[Kelly Cartmail · Rating 5 out of 5]

tissues…..lots of them

Beautiful second chance story. Sadness and grief but a good read. Will miss Deborah Bladons books and writing style. Definitely recommend reading her books.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was different from her usual style but I still loved it.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful story

I have read every book by this author. This one hits harder since her passing. It’s a beautiful story with a beautiful message. Grab some tissue and enjoy.

[Nahe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book started my new year off with so many feels. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[Kim Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remain

Always love Deborah's books it took me little longer to read because I wanted to savor it as she has passed away! Lover her books and Remain doesn't disappoint!!!

[Lesley · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not what I expected and honestly was a little too sad for me to be a Christmas romance.