Review | The Christmas Wager by Holly Cassidy
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The Christmas Wager by Holly Cassidy
2023 Publication Date: September 26
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐
T.I.M.E. Best Books By Genre | Best Christmas Romance Books
T.I.M.E. Most Anticipated Books of 2023 | Christmas Romance Books
Table of Contents
T.I.M.E. BOOK REVIEW
A Fun and Festive Enemies-to-Lovers Romance for the Holiday Season...
Nothing screams Christmas like heartwarming Christmas romance books with a festive twist! If you're in the mood for a delightful holiday read filled with holiday spirit, then The Christmas Wager by Holly Cassidy is the book for you.
This enemies-to-lovers rom-com set in the picturesque fictional (but completely familiar) town of Maple Falls, Colorado will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside this holiday season.
Let's dive into the details of this charming Christmas holiday book and discover what sets it apart from other best Christmas romance books out there...
Plot Points
The Christmas Wager revolves around Bella Ross, a driven and ambitious real estate developer from LA, who's in Maple Falls to acquire the struggling Christmas shop, Always Noelle, at the bequest of her boss to get the best deal possible... while dangling a significant promotion "over her head" dependent upon Bella's success or failure.
Hmm... Sound like an odd and grumpy storyline for the holiday season? Stay tuned then...
The shop owner's grandson, Jesse Harrison, blocks what was a "simple contract agreement" and becomes the thorn in Bella's side to close the deal in a way that will both satisfy her boss... but also satisfy Jesse's expectations of what his grandfather deserves.
They both refuse to budge, leading to an unlikely wager... Bella and Jesse will compete in Maple Falls Holiday Games where the winner will decide the selling price.
This competition sparks their mutual competitive natures and underlying chemistry as well, melting away their icy feelings toward one another.
The book follows their potential holiday romance journey as they discover what matters most to each of them in the most unexpected ways securing a spot on my Best Christmas Romance Books list.
Charming Setting
One of the most outstanding features of The Christmas Wager is its delightful small-town setting. Maple Falls is a charming town and the perfect backdrop for the story.
Cassidy's descriptions of traditional holiday traditions, both homemade and vintage Christmas decorations, and cozy interiors make the readers feel like they're part of the town. Everything is beautifully brought to life through Cassidy's vivid storytelling.
Engaging Characters
The Christmas Wager is a delightful Christmas romance book that is filled with engaging characters that you will instantly love. The book's characters are well-developed, and their individual stories add depth to the plot. Bella's professional drive and Jesse's love for his hometown create a fantastic contrast, making their chemistry even more exciting.
Another aspect of this Christmas holiday romance book that is worth highlighting is the character development of both Bella and Jesse. Both of them are flawed characters who have their own set of issues to deal with.
As the story progresses, they both gradually start to open up to each other, and their relationship evolves from enemies to friends to something more. The chemistry between Bella and Jesse is palpable, and their banter is both funny and charming.
Unique Holiday Traditions
But it is the community's "unique" holiday traditions that elevate this story to my Best Christmas Romance Books List. Without spoiling the details for you, you will be immersed (and more than a little inspired) by the town's fun and quirky holiday cheer-inspired competition "games"... And as a reader, you will feel like you are actually a part of the holiday festivities too!
Engaging and Witty Writing Style
The book's pacing is just right and the plot is well-balanced, with just the right amount of romance, humor, and drama which never leaves the reader bored or overwhelmed. Cassidy knows when to take readers on an emotional rollercoaster and when to give them a romantic break.
The wager idea is an excellent plot device that breathes new life into the enemies-to-lovers romance trope, making it feel fresh yet familiar.
Cassidy's writing style is engaging, funny and witty, and her descriptions of the holiday traditions in Maple Falls will make you wish that you were part of the town festivities making the book a fun and enjoyable read.
Her dialogue writing is particularly impressive, capturing the characters' personalities and emotions perfectly.
And... The book's themes of forgiveness, understanding, and second chances are well-explored without being preachy. Sprinkling the perfect amount of holiday magic and Christmas spirit throughout the story.
Overall, The Christmas Wager is a delightful rom-com perfect for the holiday season. It's a heartwarming read that'll leave you feeling uplifted and cheerful. Holly Cassidy's writing style combined with the town's charming setting and the characters' charming chemistry creates a reading experience that's hard to forget.
And what better Christmas wish to make (and get granted!) than a holiday-themed romantic comedy that will both entertain and inspire you?!
Perfect for readers who love enemies-to-lovers romance stories and adore festive holiday settings in Christmas romance books... A delightful holiday romance that is sure to put a smile on your face.
Grab your cocoa... Light a fire... And start smiling with The Christmas Wager by Holly Cassidy…✨😎✨
BOOK DETAILS
Pages: 352
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Sub-Genre: Christmas Romance | Enemies To Lovers Romance
Time Period: Contemporary
Location: Maple Falls, Colorado
Publisher: Penguin Group Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons
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♡ Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Books for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
BOOK SYNOPSIS
Set in Maple Falls, a quaint little town overflowing with community holiday spirit, The Christmas Wager by Holly Cassidy will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. From the very first page, you'll find yourself rooting for Bella Ross, the determined LA-based real estate developer and Jesse Harrison, the stubborn grandson of the owner of the local Christmas shop, Always Noelle...
The story in The Christmas Wager starts with Bella Ross arriving in Maple Falls with one goal in mind — to acquire the local struggling Christmas shop, Always Noelle, and secure the promotion of her dreams.
However, her plan hits a major roadblock when she meets Jesse Harrison, the shop owner's grandson. Both Bella and Jesse are stubborn, and their hostility towards each other is palpable.
As they reluctantly agree to compete in the annual Maple Falls Holiday Games to settle the terms of the sale and close the deal, their relationship starts to heat up in more ways than one.
Holly Cassidy's writing is engaging, witty, and fun, and her characters are lovable and relatable. The book is a perfect mix of romance, humor, and drama, and it will keep you entertained from start to finish.
If you're a fan of heartwarming enemies-to-lovers holiday romances, small-town settings, and holiday traditions, then Holly Cassidy's The Christmas Wager is the perfect fit to add to your Christmas romance books list this year...
BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION
The importance of forgiveness and understanding in relationships, especially when it comes to family conflicts and grudges.
The power of community and traditions in bringing people together and creating a sense of belonging.
The reminder to always keep an open mind and not let assumptions or preconceived notions dictate our actions or decisions.
BOOK QUOTE
"Rage, tears, and desperation weren't what I needed. It was determination. A plan... And I knew exactly what to do..." — The Christmas Wager by Holly Cassidy (Best Christmas Romance Books)
Holly Cassidy | Photo by Robert McKinnon
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Holly Cassidy is the pen name for internationally bestselling author Hannah Mary McKinnon. Her suspense novels include The Neighbors, Her Secret Son, Sister Dear, You Will Remember Me, Never Coming Home, and The Revenge List. McKinnon was born in England, grew up in Switzerland, and now lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and three sons. The Christmas Wager is her first novel writing as Holly Cassidy.
Learn more online at Holly Cassidy Website
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