Noah Wilde would rather be spending his holiday covering a mountain blanketed in snow instead of a charming, though unseasonably steamy, North Carolina coastal town. It's not that the town didn't have charm, in fact, it was oozing with Christmas spirit marked with a distinct southern flair. Sunshine and t-shirt weather spoiled his mood. Peyton James, owner of one of the historic homes, was sent to Southport to cover for Coastal Charm Magazine, takes Noah's Christmas spirit on her personal mission. While Peyton shows Noah Christmas Carolina-style, trouble is brewing for her and her family. Despite living in the James House for generations, its rightful ownership has come under question as a ruthless real estate attorney is poised to take it out from under Peyton and her family. A Christmas puzzle that Noah can't help but try to solve. As the Christmas Eve deadline looms, Peyton resolves to make what might be her family's final Christmas in the James House, a memorable one.