This paperback reissue of a short romance originally published in 1987, and offered in hardcover last year, is a pleasant, sexy read about an appealing couple who struggle to deal honorably with the consequences of one night of irresponsible passion. At a luxurious Christmas Eve party, successful, levelheaded architect Ria Lavender becomes dazzled by champagne, snow, and charming mayoral candidate Taylor MacKensie. Impulsively, they spend the night together. Two months later, realizing she"s pregnant, Ria demands that Taylor legitimize the impending birth by marrying her. But what she intends will be a marriage in name only escalates into much more as the two begin sharing a house and, inevitably, a bed. Then tragedy strikes, threatening their tenuous union and leading to some new realizations about love. Tidings of Great Joy is a classic short romance told with flair and enjoyable in any season. --Ellen Edwards