A Light in the Window by Jolyse Barnett

Adirondack girl-in-transition Jade Engel comes home to recharge after ending a career she never truly wanted, but soon realizes she’s in danger of also being swept off her feet by the boy-next-door, her former best friend, Ben Stephens. If only he’d stop kissing her every time she falls into his arms.
Everything local celebrity Ben Stephens ever wanted is in Starling. Then Jade comes home after an eternity away and sends his simple world into a tailspin. He’s determined to pursue her—the one girl who got away. But when their friends-with-benefits arrangement blows up in their faces, will they have the courage to put their pasts to rest in order to forge a future together?

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This story got really mixed reaction from me.
I really loved the best friends finding each other again, and falling in love. The Christmas traditions, helping out in the community, family parties, outdoor activities, all bringing great memories, and making me smile. I like that Ben and Jade took their time to be friends again, before moving ahead with the attraction.
Jade was a bit difficult to like. The whole 'mean girl' vibe that she came off with was not attractive. Her taking her insecurities out on a waitress just not acceptable. She runs hot and cold constantly, and came off very insecure.
Ben was delight, honest, fair man. I don't think he deserves to be treated the way Jade, her friends, and her mom treated him.
Yes, Jade mom, Gigi, I did not like at all. It is one thing to be protective of your children, a whole other matter to be mean. She runs over all the other characters in the story, and not in a positive way. Her redemption at the end was not enough for me.
So even though the romance was delightful and sweet, there were some issues with this story, that took it down a notch in my eyes.
~ Two spoons with a tiny teaspoon on the side