The Christmas Wager is the upcoming release from Holly Cassidy. With an anticipated release date of September 26, 2023 by Penguin Group Putnam, The Christmas Wager transports readers to Maple Falls, Colorado in the week before Christmas. Bella Ross is heading to the small town to acquire a local business. Jesse Harrison shows up just before his grandfather signs on the dotted line. To resolve the issue, they make a little Christmas wager for the business. What could go wrong?
I want to thank Penguin Group Putnam, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Christmas Wager. All opinions presented here are solely mine.
Synopsis from Goodreads
One rivalry. Eight days until Christmas. Let the holiday games begin.
When L.A.-based real estate developer Bella Ross arrives in the sleepy, mountain town of Maple Falls, she has one mission: to acquire the local failing Christmas shop, Always Noelle, securing the promotion of her dreams. Nothing can get in her way. Except the shop owner’s stubborn grandson, Jesse Harrison.
Both refuse to budge, until an unlikely wager is struck: Bella and Jesse will compete in the Maple Falls Holiday Games, an annual tradition of eccentric feats of strength and skills. Winner decides the selling price. They’ll give each other a run for their money, but as the competition heats up, Bella and Jesse’s icy feelings toward each other begin to thaw. It’ll take a Christmas miracle for them to admit there’s a spark, but what if it’s just another game?
Positives
- Fun read!
- Quaint little town full of wonderful characters.
Negatives
- A bit predictable.
My Opinions
The Christmas Wager is a quick fun read. In many ways, it gives Hallmark vibes. Small town that loves Christmas? That is Maple Falls. Big city hotshot shows up to buy a local business? That’s basically what Bella is there to do. A sexy family member stops the sale? That’s exactly what Jesse does. Nosy town folks? Sounds like several people in town. A happy ending? What do you think?
Honestly, I would love to visit Maple Falls for myself. There are so many wonderful sights to be able to see and experience. Though I could do without the prospect of an avalanche. But to be able to wander around a store like Always Noelle could be so much fun.
Yes, The Christmas Wager is a romance, and that means there’s bound to be some intimate moments. Cassidy wrote some wonderful scenes that lead up to those moments, but they are all fade to black. Yes there is a scene or two in the bedroom, but all that happens is some cuddling and talking. The scene fades to black before anything too intimate happens.
Do you like watching Hallmark movies? Or reading about Christmas in a small town? What about a story that offers the main characters a chance for healing and growth? Then you should read The Christmas Wager.
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Since you likened this to a Hallmark movie, I’m not surprised that you also found it a bit predictable. 😉 Though… how are we are the season where Christmas reading has started? It seems like the year just started.
I felt weird reading a Christmas book in September! I normally don’t starting reading holiday books until at least Thanksgiving.