Elizabeth Holden hasn't been home in a long time, having run away from an abusive family and settled in a new place. Despite having no family around her, she is happy in her current life, or as happy as she can get. One night, she receives a call from her mother who informs her that her father is dead. Hoping to gain something from his death, she travels back to her home in North Carolina and expects to just enjoy the funeral and collect her prize in possessions. However, upon arrival, she is met with instant relief that fills her heart as she is taken back into her home, her mother and brother ecstatic to see her... And then there's Lori, Lorelei Holden, Elizabeth's twin sister. Lori isn't happy that Elizabeth is home. She hates Elizabeth with her own reasons and does all she can to ruin her return. However, Elizabeth...with the help of an old beau and a prized ornament that the sisters made their last Christmas, hopes to turn Lori's attitude up and make peace with her sister before she returns to her home. Love, tragedy, trauma, and forgiveness are all explored in this novel, written by author Tyler Rebik. Read Carrying the Garland, but be sure to have a box of tissue beside for the sadder moments.