Miss Dowsabella Markham and Mr. Alexander Franz-Joseph Tucker met in a very strange location. She was visiting the grave of her grandfather, while Alex was on a mission from his Grandmamma in Virginia, who had once been betrothed to the same gentleman. During their courtship, they search for a family secret that may bind them closer together or - drive them farther apart. Of course it's the Christmas season, and miracles can happen, can't they? Miss Francesca Jernygan has few pretensions, but she's an excellent cook in need of a position. Charles Everslade is a young man with fortune but no title, who is also guardian of twins: his orphaned, almost 4-year-old niece and nephew. He is sufficiently impressed by Francie's qualifications to give her an opportunity. Pleased by her intelligence and mastery of his kitchen, he begins to pay her more attention. Maybe, between them, they can create a new family recipe?