State v. Claus

As a partner in a small Connecticut law firm, Meg Riley assesses her clients' cases based on logic, reason, and hard evidence. But Meg's rational approach is tested when she is appointed to represent an attractive man who was arrested on Christmas Eve for criminal trespass. His explanation for being in a stranger's house in the middle of the night? He was delivering presents to a little boy--because he, Ralph Claus, is the son of Santa Claus. Or so he claims.

From the courtroom to Santa's workshop and back again, Meg's efforts to win Ralph's case are complicated by people with competing agendas. The little boy's mother is determined to see Ralph convicted. Ralph's mother is more concerned about protecting the secrets of Santa than the niceties of the legal system. Meg's law partners are concerned about her ability to balance Ralph's case with her obligations to bigger clients--and they don't even know about Meg's romantic feelings for Ralph.

After trial, an unexpected bombshell jeopardizes Meg's career. Faced with the potential loss of her cherished profession and the man she loves, Meg must decide once and for all: Is Ralph a con man? Is he a lunatic? Or is he who he says he is?

P. Jo Anne Burgh has woven a luminous tale of love and friendship, laced with drama, humor, joy, romance--and more than a touch of magic.