Christmastime 1940: A Love Story, Book One in the series, is set in New York City against the backdrop of impending war. It tells of the unlikely romance of a struggling young mother who is trying to make a fresh start in life and a man who has lost his connection to humanity. The curmudgeonly Charles Drooms is content with his life as the owner of a successful accounting firm. However, when the beautiful widow, Lillian Hapsey, and her two young sons move down the hall from him, his narrow world is shaken. Three converging forces – Lillian, the Christmas season, and a mysterious little boy – combine to stir up powerful memories, forcing Drooms to make a life-altering decision.