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Small Lights Forward
When the beloved Chicago Christmas Market faces demolition, city project director Clara Bennett is determined to save it even if it means working with a quiet, stubborn architect who believes good design can fix almost anything.
Ethan Walker doesn’t do chaos, but there’s something about Clara’s passion — and her habit of lighting candles in the cold that keeps drawing him back. Together, they rebuild more than wooden stalls and lantern lines; they rebuild hope, one small light at a time. But when politics threaten to turn their creation into a spectacle, Clara must decide what she’s really fighting for — a project, a city, or the man who’s quietly become her home.
Set against the glow of a Chicago winter, Small Lights Forward is a cozy, Christmas romance about finding love, community, and courage in the places you rebuild together.
Ethan Walker doesn’t do chaos, but there’s something about Clara’s passion — and her habit of lighting candles in the cold that keeps drawing him back. Together, they rebuild more than wooden stalls and lantern lines; they rebuild hope, one small light at a time. But when politics threaten to turn their creation into a spectacle, Clara must decide what she’s really fighting for — a project, a city, or the man who’s quietly become her home.
Set against the glow of a Chicago winter, Small Lights Forward is a cozy, Christmas romance about finding love, community, and courage in the places you rebuild together.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 16, 2026
Every once in a while, a story of quiet strength blesses us
A temporary Christmas village, the Market, hits all the right notes with the citizens who visit. It is a neighborhood for everyone, bringing hope and seasonal peace to vendors, choirs, buskers, providers of seasonal treats and most of all to the public who see how life could be. Unfortunately, the powers-that-be see it as a wonderful vehicle to promote consumerism, commercial sponserships, sleek, glossy fittings in place of the human-scale neighborhood that is the reason for its success. The director, Clara, and the archtect, Ethan, zigzag every which way to keep their original vision from being pre-empted by city politicians who see every thing as an instant photo op, a choice that would kill the soul of the Market, replacing it with what would be a faceless mall dedicated to the making of more money. The effort to preserve the spirit of the beloved Market requires the pair to stretch themselves, to become more than they imagined they could. They are beautifully supported by those who treasure the original. It's a lyrical story, with characters who become friends. I think it's a lovely read!
A temporary Christmas village, the Market, hits all the right notes with the citizens who visit. It is a neighborhood for everyone, bringing hope and seasonal peace to vendors, choirs, buskers, providers of seasonal treats and most of all to the public who see how life could be. Unfortunately, the powers-that-be see it as a wonderful vehicle to promote consumerism, commercial sponserships, sleek, glossy fittings in place of the human-scale neighborhood that is the reason for its success. The director, Clara, and the archtect, Ethan, zigzag every which way to keep their original vision from being pre-empted by city politicians who see every thing as an instant photo op, a choice that would kill the soul of the Market, replacing it with what would be a faceless mall dedicated to the making of more money. The effort to preserve the spirit of the beloved Market requires the pair to stretch themselves, to become more than they imagined they could. They are beautifully supported by those who treasure the original. It's a lyrical story, with characters who become friends. I think it's a lovely read!
September 30, 2026
Small Lights Forward
This is Hallmark all the way. I so would be watching. A beautiful Christmas holiday read that checks off all my cozy, fun, romance list. Well developed storyline and fun, career driven and strong characters. I was hooked before I finished the first character. Looking for a Christmas holiday romance this is it. Enjoy
This is Hallmark all the way. I so would be watching. A beautiful Christmas holiday read that checks off all my cozy, fun, romance list. Well developed storyline and fun, career driven and strong characters. I was hooked before I finished the first character. Looking for a Christmas holiday romance this is it. Enjoy
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews