THE CLAUSE IN CHRISTMAS by Rachel Bloome
Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Holiday, Sweet, 292 pages
4****
Blurb: Sometimes home is where you least expect it…
Cassie Hayward hates Christmas. Especially this year. No job. Flat broke. And an ex most definitely on the naughty list. But the unexpected inheritance of a Victorian cottage in the idyllic town of Poppy Creek may be the miracle Cassie needs. Except for one problem: a clause in the will. Cassie must complete a series of festive tasks for each day in December leading up to Christmas. Overseen by the disarmingly handsome, Christmas-loving lawyer, Luke Davis. Luke is as strong and steady as the bespoke furniture he crafts as a hobby. He has to be. Stepping into his late father’s shoes as the town lawyer comes with a sleigh full of responsibilities. Which means the alluring stranger collecting her inheritance is a distraction he can’t afford. As the unlikely pair works together to complete the daily tasks, fighting their attraction becomes more futile than putting good ol’ St. Nick on a diet. But when Cassie’s ex reappears with the offer of a lifetime, she’ll have to choose between love and the life she always wanted.
Thoughts: What a sweet holiday romance! I really enjoyed this story—the whole Christmas calendar thing was wonderful. As Cassie, the main character, goes through each task, like the Grinch, her heart grows a little more each day until she completely embraces Christmas and the town and people she has come to love.
I loved that Luke also goes on his own journey of sorts and finds his way through too. There’s no doubt there’s growth for many of the characters. But my favorite was Cassie’s relationship with the old codger, and the melting of his heart too. That one had me in tears. The only thing that took it down a point for me was the relationship between Cassie and her mother. That didn’t work out in the end and that was a disappointment – but I have a feeling there will be more to this in later books. At least I hope so. I know I’ll definitely be looking for more from this author and her Poppy Creek people.
Recommendation: Definitely recommended.
Disclaimer:
Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
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