She's a ray of sunshine. He's a moody man. Can Christmas rekindle the spark that once fused their hearts?

When Ivy, Countess of Ritchfield, arrives at the earldom's country estate for one of the chilliest Christmases on record, she discovers she won't be alone for the holiday. Her husband of nearly thirty years is already there. Robert's unexpected presence means they'll be forced to spend time together-something they haven't done much of for the past decade.

Ever since his countess began living in London year-round, and with his four children grown and on their own, Robert has struggled with loneliness. Seeking to escape the ghosts of his past, he flees to the earldom's seat in York on the worst day of winter to spend a fortnight at Ritchfield Park.

When his wife arrives with the same intention, he wonders if their forced proximity will revive what's become an ambivalent relationship. Despite the winter cold and incessant snow, will they have a second chance at love? The Christmas season may find hearts thawing and second-chance love blooming for The Ivy of an Earl.