Heartwarming Christmas story! Joy is perfect for Zach! She pulls him out of himself & causes him to open up. After his mother left when he was 10, Zach had closed down to get past the hurt & guilt. He thought she'd left because he needed extra help with his reading. Zach helps Joy see her life with new eyes & appreciate what she has. The supporting characters give insight & added depth. This is the first Cypress Corners book I've read & I feel it can be read as a stand alone since I wasn't lost. ( )