A cottage in a secret garden is where two strangers discover the true meaning of Christmas.With dark memories of a past Christmas taunting him, Lord Percival Hamilton wants nothing to do with silly kissing boughs or any manner of festive celebrations at his brother's castle. Deciding to stay away until Twelfth Night passes, he heads to an abandoned cottage in a secret garden in the woods, wanting to escape this burdensome time of year. When he arrives, he discovers he is not alone.On her deathbed, Holly Wakefielde's mother gives her a heart-shaped brooch and tells her to flee the evil Lord Neville. Holly and her young brother travel to their grandmother's cottage in the woods, hoping to find refuge. However, they are serfs, bound to their lord and his land and are not allowed to leave. If caught, they will be punished or perhaps even killed.A woman on the run and a man trying to escape his past are housed together at Christmastime. Now, the biggest danger is falling for each other while hoping to keep their secrets.