I cannot imagine the pains and emotions that a person would go through in leasing his own family in an instant. That's what happened to Gabe, and he loved them so deeply that any thought of loving another seemed unfair and cruel. He loved with a selfish love, almost wishing for death to take him.

Then comes Abbey...She meddles into his sad life, after her father warns her not to. She falls in love with the big, depressed man, and stirs emotions inside him that had long ago died. Now they are coming to life and it scares him considerably...

But once love takes hold, it won't let go. Gabe is hooked. He is burried so deep inside himself that he is cruel to Abbey. He doesn't deserve her, yet the love she has for him trumps what he deserves. She is his Christmas Rose!!!

Kudos to the author. I wondered how she would ever work this out, and she did excellently. This is a great read. There is not alcohol, no cursing, and no sex (except for the epilogue, but that's okay!) This is a DEFINATE must read!!! ( )