A love story for Christmas–now a Hallmark Channel original movie–from the #1 bestselling author of The Christmas Box and The Walk. Elise Dutton dreads the arrival of another holiday season. Three years earlier, her husband cheated on her with her best friend, resulting in a bitter divorce that left her alone, broken, and distrustful. Then, one November day, a stranger approaches Elise in the … stranger approaches Elise in the mall food court. Though she recognizes the man from her building, Elise has never formally met him. Tired of spending the holidays alone, the man offers her a proposition. For the next eight weeks–until the evening of December 24–he suggests that they pretend to be a couple. He draws up a contract with four rules:
1. No deep, probing personal questions
2. No drama
3. No telling anyone the truth about the relationship
4. The contract is void on Christmas Day
The lonely Elise surprises herself by agreeing to the idea. As the charade progresses, the safety of her fake relationship begins to mend her badly broken heart. But just as she begins to find joy again, her long-held secret threatens to unravel the emerging relationship. But she might not be the only one with secrets.more
The Mistletoe Promise is a standalone novel set during Christmas-time and is part of Richard Paul Evans’s Mistletoe Collection. What started out as a simplistic, holiday-themed “let’s do a pretend relationship” story quickly evolved into something much deeper. The plot change was completely unexpected and the overall message of the book was full of palpable emotions. One-dimensional characters were beautifully developed and their personal struggles brought tears to my eyes. I found The Mistletoe Promise to be a great Christmas book and I’m so glad I read it.
My favorite quote:
“It’s been said that the Magi, wise men, gazed up into the night skies, following a star. But they were not looking for a star. They were looking for hope. Hope of a new world. Hope of redemption. Light is not found in dark places, and hope is not found looking down or looking back. May you always look up.”
Granted we know how the story is going to end it still is a wonderful love story. The story line is different than most I’ve read so that made it enjoyable. Easy read.
First of all, I love sappy stories at Christmas time. There was no foul language or extramarital exploits. The characters are believable and likable. A quich, pleasant story of hope.
It was a fun story for this time of year .
This, too, was another great book by this author. I wanted to stay up all night reading it as each chapter was packed full of surprises. I felt sorry for the girl, the main character, but things did work out for her and in ways I would never have guessed. It was a very sweet story. I was not disappointed!
I liked this book because even through tragedy there is still hope that life can go on. Happiness is there if you just let it come.
A Costco ad got me checking out this author. I was pleasantly surprised and intrigued by this 251-page holiday book. Two strangers agree to an eight-week contract to enjoy the holidays together as a couple. No deep probing questions. No drama. No telling anyone the true nature of the relationship and the contract ends Christmas Day. Enjoyable, interesting, quick read.
What an inspirational story on not judging others. Elise does not have much self-esteem. She meets Nicholas and he tries to help her to see what he sees in her. It is not an easy road that the 2 of them have to travel but with each other’s help they may just make it and enjoy life along the way.
Thank you for this wonderful story of forgiveness. A definite pleasure to read with intriguing characters. I look forward to reading more stories by Richard Paul Evans.
We listened to this audiobook while traveling and couldn’t stop listening. We loved it and can’t wait to read and listen to more.
Forgiveness can come from many directions, coming from yourself when you need it is the hardest to give and accept. This book is about forgiveness, love, pain, and moving on. It is so well written, you will not want to put it down. I love that it was set at Christmas, it’s a sad but feel good story!
Awesome, awesome book! I would give it 10 stars if I could. One of my favorite books now, for sure. I saw the Hallmark movie of this in December but wanted to also read the book. The book is ten times better than the movie. The movie was good, and I still pictured the lovely actors as I read, but I thought the movie lacked the depth of what these characters were going through. There was a whole lot more going on in this story than just two people falling in love. I would recommend this book to anyone! The ending was beautiful – the last paragraph gave me happy tears. When I grow up, I wanna be an awesome writer like Richard.
it was a warm romantic wonderful Christmas story. I read it every christmas
This book it one of my favorites. I love how Richard Paul Evans adds tragity to his characters lives that makes there lives seem more real. This is a great book.
Short story,easy read. Can you forgive your past and move on? And who else has a past that needs self forgiveness?