An unexpected inheritance. A pesky clause in the will. And 25 days to avoid falling in love.
Cassie Hayward hates Christmas. Especially this year.No job. Flat broke. And an ex most definitely on the naughty list. The unexpected inheritance of a charming Victorian cottage in the quaint town of Poppy Creek may be the Christmas miracle Cassie needs. Except for one itty-bitty problem: a clause in … the Christmas miracle Cassie needs.
Except for one itty-bitty problem: a clause in the will.
To inherit the house, Cassie must complete a series of festive tasks every day in December leading up to Christmas. All overseen by the handsome, Christmas-loving lawyer Luke Davis.
Luke is as strong as 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 captivating stranger collecting her inheritance is a distraction he can’t afford.
Opposites collide as the two work together to complete the daily tasks, and fighting their attraction becomes more futile than putting jolly ole St. Nick on a diet. But when Cassie’s ex reappears with the offer a lifetime, Cassie will have to choose between love and the life she always wanted.
Curl up with a cup of hot chocolate and visit a town that will quickly feel like home.
***Includes extra goodies like a recipe and your own copy of the Christmas Calendar to follow along with Cassie***
The Clause in Christmas is Book 1 in the Poppy Creek series by the fresh and emerging voice of author Rachael Bloome. The series continues with The Truth in Tiramisu. Rachael Bloome writes stories rooted in love and blossoming with hope. Each story can be read as a stand-alone but is much more fun when read in order.
Rating: PG
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I loved reading The Clause in Christmas. When I finished it I had the same warm feeling I get watching Hallmark Christmas movies. (Hallmark should consider this book for a future movie!) Cassie was a delight. It is no wonder she was so well received in Poppy Creek. Grandma’s influence and guiding spirit is felt throughout the book. I hope to read more books set in this wonderful town of Poppy Creek. I am putting this book in my to be reread frequently pile!
This book was so full of the spirit of Christmas. I loved the Christmas calendar and I would like to do this with my own family.
Cassie Hayward is such a fun character that seemed to light up everyone’s life. I cannot imagine how hard it would be to have grown up in her shoes but what a lovely person she was inside and out. It is too bad her grandmother never got to know her personally and how touching the way her grandmother impacted her life in the end.
I really liked all of the characters in the story and I look forward to hearing their stories in the future. I was touched by the small town of Poppy Creek and how welcoming they were to Cassie. How ironic that her grandmother did indeed know what Cassie needed most of all and how lucky Cassie was. I also enjoyed the romance between Luke and Cassie.
When Cassie inherits a home from a grandmother she never knew. it comes with conditions, a clause.
That clause not only changes Cassie’s life but the life of a town.
Beautifully written romantic tale that takes its time coming into its own.
Much better than arriving too soon with its gift.
Cassie has to learn to slow down, open her eyes and her heart, and learn that family is not those who share your biology.
I just discovered Poppy Creek and I feel like screaming where has this wonderful town been all my life? Author Rachael Bloome was new to me when I rode into town with Cassie to find out what she inherited from her grandma that she had never even met before. Quickly I fell in love with all these quirky characters who seem to pop up. Most of all they bring out the best in her and Luke the Attorney we met on the first day in town, well he seems to also have a magical touch in this town too. Let me just say that I would recommend a box of tissue on hand with this book and a block of time as I myself did not want to put it down once I started it.
I just loved this book. First time reading a book by this author but not my last. This was such a great Christmas book, from start to finish, just the way I love a Christmas themed book. I almost want to start drinking coffee (except I don’t really like the taste, love the smell though!). lol There are no slow spots in this book, once you start its so hard to put down.
This was a warm and delightful Christmas story. Cassie comes to Poppy Creek at Christmas time for her inheritance. It’s her Grandmother’s house, but there’s a clause to the will she has to fulfill. While there, she falls in love with the town, the people and Luke Davis. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and even found myself a little Misty eyed towards the end. Well done!
Rachael Bloome does an amazing job with this story! I loved this book from the beginning. I’m definitely reading the next book in this series.
This wonderful story had a storyline that was well written, a plot that flowed smoothly from page to page and characters that were written with such great detail and depth that I was totally engaged throughout the entire book!
Lovely heartwarming Christmas story with real life characters in a beautiful little town. Cannot wait to read more of this series by author Rachael Bloom. I was given a free ARC by the author. My review is freely and honestly given
3.5 ’s This is a nice wholesome romance. The story line was good, I enjoyed the plot of the countdown to Christmas, as a clause in an inheritance will. I kept feeling like it wasn’t complete. There were holes in the story, maybe that’s something that will be solved in future books, I’m not sure. But overall, it was an enjoyable read with a happy ever after ending. I would probably read future books by this author. The Narrator did a good job. I’ve only listened to a handful of audible books. So I might not be a great resource.
I really loved this Christmas story about two people brought together by a strange clause in a will. Cassie’s grandmother passes away, leaving her a charming house in the small town of Poppy Creek. It couldn’t have happened at a better time, considering she’s out of work, can only afford one more month of rent before she’s homeless, and just broke off a bad relationship.
When she arrives in Poppy Creek, she thinks she’ll check out the house and get it on the market right away so she can have a quick infusion of cash. Luke, the attorney in town, breaks the news that if she wants the house, she has to stay and complete a Christmas calendar worth of activities as a clause in the will. Each one verified by him.
I adored the way the grandmother we never meet ended up bringing so many people together in this story. Cassie and Luke have great chemistry from the start, and the town is described so beautifully along the way. I enjoyed reading about each of the tasks that they had to complete, most often together, and adored the way that she was able to connect with people she’d never have imagined meeting.
Cassie stumbles a bit at first, adjusting to things in a small town, but has a kind of contagious energy and stubbornness that carries her through. Luke is absolutely adorable and loveable in every way, but being the guy everyone can depend on has come at a personal cost. When Cassie walks into his life, he starts to question whether he’s missed out on too much, and how he can make room for love.
The only content warning I think might be relevant is that Cassie’s mother is an alcoholic. The mother spends very little time on the page, but when she does, it shows the problems with alcohol addiction in the story.
I enjoyed getting to meet a varied cast of characters who live in Poppy Creek, and it doesn’t take long to wrap your head around who is who. If you’re like me, by the end you’ll have already started trying to guess at who will be matched up in the next book – and thankfully they give you a clue at the end!
Speaking of the end, the way there was a recipe included at the end was an unexpected surprise. This is a sweet romance, and most of the story should work just find for any age.
I really enjoyed this book! The stars’ grandmother passed away and she has to do what’s on the Christmas calendar before she gets her inheritance! I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance!
What a wonderful story!!! Learn how a simple Christmas calendar changed the heart of a Grinch into loving Christmas. THIS IS A MUST READ.
“The Clause in Christmas” A Poppy Creek Novel, Book 1 By: Rachael Bloome Narrated by: E.L. Beckett
Yes, I loved this story, and the narration, too! Such a pleasure to read a sweet clean contemporary romance story. This is Cassie’s story of one possibly life changing December filled with choices to be made and discoveries to be uncovered. And a town filled with characters who really know how to love one another. I am looking forward to another story in this “The Poppy Creek” series!
Note: I received a free download code for this story from the author. Thank You Rachel for this read!!
I loved how Cassie handled her problems. Her ex was clueless. Cassie and Luke are such an adorable couple with a couple of roadblocks causing a few problems for them. It made me long for snow filled days, a cozy blanket, and a cup of dark chocolate cocoa (sorry don’t care for coffee). I also enjoyed how Frank played a role in her life. The ending was so sweet.
Overall Rating: 5 stars
Story Rating: 5 stars
Narrator-E. L. Beckett: 5 stars
My thoughts about this book:
• I fell in love with the town of Poppy Creek. The author’s descriptions made me feel like I was there experiencing the holiday season with Luke and Cassie.
• There was a lot of light hearted banter throughout the book. I found myself giggling. This story left me happy and feeling contented.
The narrator did an excellent job and brought this story to life.
At my request, I was given a complimentary copy of this audiobook from the author. I have voluntarily left my review and my opinions were my own.
** Audiobook Review **. I was given a copy of this audio book for an honest review. This book is well written by Rachael Bloome & narrated beautifully by E.L. Beckett. The characters are authentic with depth and traits that blend and flow, transforming into genuinely relatable personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions creating a colorful backdrop that makes the storyline pop. I loved this fun-filled, festive small town romance. We were introduced to many characters that I hope Rachael has plans to write stories about them too. I really enjoyed listening to this book & recommend reading or listening to the book
3.5 ’s This is a nice wholesome romance. The story line was good, I enjoyed the plot of the countdown to Christmas, as a clause in an inheritance will. I kept feeling like it wasn’t complete. There were holes in the story, maybe that’s something that will be solved in future books, I’m not sure. But overall, it was an enjoyable read with a happy ever after ending. I would probably read future books by this author. The Narrator did a good job. I’ve only listened to a handful of audible books. So I might not be a great resource.
I loved this book. Quite a surprise packed into a sweet story. It brought me back to my childhood and trying to do as many things as you could during your winter break for Christmas. Add to that a romance, a clause in a will and a town dying to help. How could you not love that! But most surprising was the “feel good” feeling you have while your reading and long after your finished! I also recommend the Audiobook version narrated by E. L. Beckett
This story belongs on the Hallmark channel.
This is the first title I have read by Rachael Bloome. The book caught my eye & I requested a review copy & lost no time getting into the story. The story introduces a town full of wonderful people who help change her view of Christmas…I guess a lot of that is that she was now surrounded by people who loved her. Nostalgic & hopeful, this will fill you with Christmas spirit & more. Christmas spirit in the purest sense is giving of yourself to redeem others who may have given up hope. This nails it!