Fern Michaels' sparkling Christmas novels have become a holiday tradition in their own right, and fans will love the chance to spend the holidays in Italy with four high school friends and their loved ones in a tale perfect for those who love Mary Kay Andrews, Debbie Macomber, and RaeAnne Thayne.

Christmas is filled with beloved and long-kept traditions, but sometimes, there's nothing better than creating brand-new ones. That's why Francesca and her high school friends Amy, Rachael, and Nina are traveling to Italy to spend the holidays with Frankie's boyfriend, Giovanni, and his family.

Giovanni and his brother, Marco, run a small Italian restaurant in Manhattan, where cherished family recipes delight tourists and locals alike. But there's one recipe that eludes the brothers. Their mama refuses to divulge the special ingredient in her coveted panettone, claiming it is "Santa's secret."

While Frankie joins Giovanni and Marco in the kitchen, hoping to uncover the mystery of Mrs. Lombardi's mouthwatering panettone, Amy, Nina, and Rachael are on their own quests. Amy wants to see the statue of David in Florence, Nina needs career inspiration, and Rachael longs to meet some eligible Italian men.

Can one trip provide the answers everyone seeks? With a stunning Italian backdrop and a sprinkling of holiday magic in the mix, there may be all kinds of sweet surprises in store.