Just when you think you’ve met your match . . . the charade begins. Cassie Everson is an expert at escaping bad first dates. And, after years of meeting, greeting, and running from the men who try to woo her, Cassie is almost ready to retire her hopes for a husband–and children–altogether. But fate has other plans, and Cassie’s online dating profile catches the eye of firefighter Jett Bentley. … firefighter Jett Bentley. In Jett’s memory, Cassie Everson is the unreachable girl-of-legend from their high school days. Nervously, he messages her, setting off a chain of events that forces a reluctant Cassie back into the dating game.
No one is more surprised than Cassie when her first date with Jett is a knockout. But when they both go home and find three children dropped in their laps–each–they independently decide to do the right and mature thing: hide the kids from each other while sorting it all out. What could go wrong?
Melissa Ferguson’s hilarious and warmhearted debut reminds us that love can come in very small packages–and that sometimes our best-laid plans aren’t nearly as rewarding and fun as the surprises that come our way.
“A heartwarming charmer.” –Sheila Roberts, USA TODAY bestselling author of the Moonlight Harbor series
“The Dating Charade will keep you smiling the entire read. Ferguson not only delights us with new love, with all its attendant mishaps and misunderstandings, but she takes us deeper in the hearts and minds of vulnerable children as Cassie and Jett work out their families–then their dating lives. An absolute treat!” –Katherine Reay, bestselling author of The Printed Letter Bookshop
“The Dating Charade is hilarious and heartwarming with characters you truly care about, super fun plot twists and turns, snappy prose, and a sweet romance you’re rooting for.” –Rachel Linden, bestselling author of The Enlightenment of Bees
“Melissa Ferguson is a sparkling new voice in contemporary rom-com. Though her novel tackles meaningful struggles–social work, child abandonment, adoption–it’s also fresh, flirty, and laugh-out-loud funny. Ferguson is going to win fans with this one!” –Lauren Denton, bestselling author of The Hideaway and Glory Road
“A jolt of energy featuring one of the most unique romantic hooks I have ever read. Personality and zest shine through Ferguson’s evident enjoyment at crafting high jinks and misadventures as two people slowly make way for love in the midst of major life upheaval. A marvelous treaty on unexpected grace and its life-changing chaos, Cassie and Jett find beautiful vulnerability in redefining what it means to live happily-ever-after.” –Rachel McMillan, author of The London Restoration and the Three Quarter Time series
“Ferguson delivers a stellar debut. The Dating Charade is a fun, romantic albeit challenging look at just what it takes to fall in love and be a family. You’ll think of these characters long after the final page.” –Rachel Hauck, New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Dress
- A sweet romantic comedy that can be read as a standalone.
- Book length: 76,000 words.
- Includes discussion questions for reading groups.
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I’m blown away that The Dating Charade is a debut novel because it reads like one penned by an expert, well-published author. I thoroughly loved every minute spent reading this book. The plot is highly engaging. One minute I was laughing hysterically, the next I was bawling like a blubbering baby. The characters are superb. I 1000% related to Cassie — to her ideals, to her naivety, to her well-meaning intentions, and to her insecurities and total fails. Jett is a swoony heartthrob who made me laugh so hard. I was rooting for him from the first moment he appears in the story. And, the themes in this novel are so thoughtful and timely. The Dating Charade is a true #MustRead story that I cannot recommend enough!
As I mentioned above, I really related to Cassie’s character. Cassie works with teen girls and has wanted to be a mother for as long as she can remember. Because Cassie loves kids, and because she is so naturally good with her girls from Girls Haven, she foolishly believes she is natural parent material. To Cassie’s way of thinking because she loves kids and is good with them parenting for her will be easy. I had to chuckle several times. Not at Cassie, but because once upon a time I was Cassie. Eight years ago I was pregnant with my one and only child. I knew with every fiber of my being that I was prime parent material. You see, in my family, I was called the baby whisperer. I adored children and had the canny ability to calm any child down. As a high school teacher who was really good at her job, I also knew how to speak teen. And, like Cassie, I had wanted to be a mom since I was a toddler. Naturally, all of this meant I was destined to be an excellent mom. Then I had my daughter and realized that I knew NOTHING and that I stunk real bad at the mom thing. It did not come naturally to me at all. It became very clear to me very quickly after my child was born that parenting is no joke and should never be entered into willy nilly. Like me, Cassie learns this lesson in spades and it was hilarious and heartbreaking to watch her receive her education.
The Dating Charade is a superb debut jam-packed with so much goodness I could not put this book down. I could go on and on in this review about the wonderfulness of this book, but I don’t want to spoil a thing. Suffice to say, The Dating Charade is a novel you need to get ASAP. Purchase your copy today. You will not be disappointed that you did!
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Thomas Nelson, via Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Jett and Cassie’s story is adorable and absolutely hilarious. I found myself laughing out loud at several points in the story, especially when they were getting used to their kids. The book was real in that it wasn’t without sad moments, but the overall story was funny and hopefully. The characters were delightful too!
Are you looking for the perfect book to read while relaxing and taking a break from the stresses of life? If you are, then Melissa Ferguson’s The Dating Charade is the book you should pick. It is a great romantic comedy that will make you laugh, cry and be on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen next. Cassie lives in a small town in Tennessee and is trying her best to find Mr. Right. She is even giving online dating a try but is not having much luck. In fact, she has a whole charade worked out to help her on the dates that just are going well. Everything seems hopeless in that part of her life until she meets Jett again. Then things great really interesting. If you want to know what are charade is, why I send meets Jett again, or how things get so interesting, then you’ll just have to read “The Dating Charade” for yourself. You won’t be disappointed!
With a nod to the Brady Bunch, The Dating Charade explores online dating, adoption, foster care, and childhood nostalgia. Jett and Cassie are characters that I would love to be friends with. They have good chemistry and a competitive streak that would be so fun to witness in person. I expected a little bit more emphasis on the disasters of online dating. There is a healthy dose of humor outside of dating failures and makes me appreciate again those who are willing to extend themselves and love on kids in foster care.
The Dating Charade is the debut novel by author Melissa Ferguson. From reading the synopsis, I expected a fun rom com book. Although there were aspects of a romantic comedy, there was so much more. I was totally pulling for main characters Cassie and Jett as they balance jobs, relationships, and some other curve balls thrown their way. I definitely felt like this story engaged me as the reader, tugged on my heartstrings, and had me rooting for the main characters. Her next novel, The Cul de Sac War releases in the fall and I can’t wait!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Net Galley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Super cute and fun story that includes some hard-hitting life issues. I laughed a ridiculous amount over the antics with Jett and his niece and nephews. The only downside was the romance between him and Cassie, which there was little of. But it’s a quick and easy read that I enjoyed.
Love this book!
Cassie has been on the dating circle longer than a hamster on an ever turning wheel and is about to throw the proverbial towel down when her best friend answers a message on her behalf.
Jett is ready to settle and leave his lonely bachelor life behind when his roommate tempts him into trying online dating and he finds the profile of Cassie, a distant memory from his HS days.
With each one believing the other doesn’t want children and the looming possibility of unexpected responsibilities, Jett and Cassie try to make it work without showing their full hands.
This story is sweet and belly aching funny while touching the reality of children who end up being the casualties of their parents addictions, abuse and neglect. It’s heartfelt and filled with clean and wholesome fun.
It was really enjoyable and never boring. A very different story with characters who are heroes in their own right.
The book was funny and touching. Cassie and Jett were compelling characters. Each has had their share of challenges and they both face them with humor and love. I enjoyed how they were encountering similar situations and reacted very much the same. This was a great feel good story! I received a copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
What I think you should know:
The Dating Charade is a romantic comedy by Melissa Ferguson, it is her debut novel.
Cassie Everson has given up on Dating when a guy who went to high school with her finds her dating profile. When her friend gives her an unexpected push she decides to give dating one more chance, until what she has been longing for, a family falls into her life.
What I think about this book:
Although the Dating Charade was called a romantic comedy I would not necessarily classify it as either one, however that does not mean that it is not a good book. I will admit I am a sucker for books with settings that I know, and this one is set in Gatlinburg, TN, a place near and dear to my heart. As a former teacher I had students that I would have taken home in a heartbeat so I was able to relate to Cassie and her love for “her” kids. Jett is a guy that every girl wants, one who will go out on a limb for you, one who will fight for you. I really enjoyed the beginning of the book, but I felt like the story and details got lost at the ending I wanted more information, more time in the story. Even with the rushed ending I enjoyed the book and will happily read the next book by Ferguson.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
3.5 stars
” . . . . she was about to hit the kids’ hot spot: abandonment.”
Cassie Everson is just beginning to think that she has finally met her “match” when her life plan is interrupted with three young children who need Cassie more than her future imaginings. Struggling to adjust to instant parenthood, she works hard to make her home life invisible to the one man who has the potential to fill her dreams. But ironically, it just so happens that “Mr. Right” has three little speed bumps of his own.
Enjoy this light-hearted romantic comedy with some really serious, albeit heart-breaking under-tones, forcing every reader to consider; in between smiles, how important unconditional love really is. . . . . .even when it comes in unexpected ways.
This refreshingly unique debut novel is just a foreshadowing of this author’s talent. I was fortunate enough to receive a copy from the publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
A friend gave me this book and I loved it. Loved the characters, Jett especially captured my heart. I held my breath when the accident happened and loved how the story ended. Wonderful book.
Let’s cut to the chase. This debut novel by author Melissa Ferguson is five stars. More if possible. With all the emotions you could ask for, Ferguson has done a phenomenal job of putting the reader right into the story.
When I first started reading The Dating Charade I thought it would be a cute, fluffy, rom-com. And that’s fine. Sometimes we just need to relax while reading. But whoa, this book is so much more. The author tackles tough, tough subjects. Drug abuse, child abandonment, and all the garbage that comes with them. BUT in no way is this book a downer, as Ferguson uses her personal style of humor to keep you laughing.
Drama, ups and downs, funny miscues, heartwarming moments, and light romance, I highly recommend you grab a copy of this book. I truly look forward to the next book by this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
A fantastic debut novel from Melissa Ferguson! The author’s writing style is easy to read and the book will have you laughing out loud at the hilarious encounters and events that fill the plot. But don’t let the humor and the light-hearted title of “The Dating Charade” fool you. The author addresses deep emotional issues involved in broken families and also highlights the sacrifice needed in loving and rearing children, whether blood-related or not. If you enjoy hilarious and heart-warming contemporary romance, you will love this book.
Cassie, the director of center for disadvantaged girls, and Jett, a firefighter, are both relationship-shy for different reasons but end up hitting it off after a couple of hiccups. But their relationship is littered with trials thrown their way by children unwittingly landing in their homes, well-meaning friends and acquaintances meddling, and plenty of misunderstandings. After having been in their world, I’m hoping for a follow-up book or two about the other characters in this book, like Cassie’s best friend Bree and Jett’s roommate Sunny.
I received a copy of the book from Thomas Nelson via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
I wanted to read The Dating Charade as soon as I heard about it: a couple meet through an online dating service, both having said they’re not interested in children. Within a day of their first date, both find themselves the unexpected guardians of three children.
Oops.
I expected the story to get straight into the first date and the accidental acquisition of children. It didn’t, which means I did find the beginning slow. However, I was invested enough in the premise to keep going in the hope of the eventual payoff, and I was rewarded. But it took a while, and I may have succumbed to the temptation to skim.
The characters were excellent. Cassie can’t have children, hence her dating profile. But she manages an after-school programme for at-risk children and teens, which is how she ends up with three accidental children. Jett is a firefighter whose upbringing left him certain he doesn’t want children. But then his addict sister shows up with her three pre-schoolers … and leaves without them.
Oops. Again.
The Dating Charade is a romantic comedy, so has the obligatory bizarre situations (like Cassie’s go-to plan for abandoning an undesirable first date). But it also deals with some tough real-life issues in a sensitive way—drug addiction, alcoholism, abandonment, interracial fostering, infertility.
Yes, there are times when it verges on ridiculous, but I find the comic relief is necessary when dealing with such tough subjects. It’s that old line about vinegar and honey, with the comedy being the honey.
Recommended for fans of Kara Isaac and Jessica Kate. Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
The Dating Charade is a super cute, fast paced and fun read. I knew that this was a debut novel when I started reading it but it certainly doesn’t seem like a debut novel at all, it reads as a novel penned by a more experienced author, so kudos to Ms. Ferguson for that.
Cassie and Jett are both sweet, caring and selfless characters, as evidenced throughout the story. Yes, there are some funny moments mixed in with online dating, escape plans and the advice of some well meaning characters but what really got to me was the children and how they became an important part of the story and ultimately to Cassie and Jett. It’s heartbreaking while being heartwarming at the same time. I commend the author for her sensitivity in the telling of this story. I loved all of the characters from the youngest to the eldest. I chuckled, got a little choked up but feeling different emotions is what I love when reading a novel.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
Two unsuspecting singles looking for love hit it off after the first date, and find themselves taking care of three children each, all the while keeping it a secret from the other.
A modern romance that relevantly looks at modern dating habits, mixed with a feel-good romantic comedy vibe, heartwarming, with laugh out loud moments sure to bring a smile to your face. This book has a fun cast of side characters, with fun relatable humor. Great for fans of Christian-ese comedians and Hallmark movies, there’s plenty to make you laugh and smile throughout.
There are many hilarious situations, and I loved how the children keep Cassie and Jett on their toes. A heartwarming debut, with lighthearted humor, with a heartfelt core. Highly enjoyable read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Talk about a debut. Don’t be fooled about its label. Sure, it’s Christian based with romantic elements but this book is so much more than that. The set up is hilarious. I can’t even imagine trying to date now. I’ve been married for over 15 years and I was set up. Thank goodness it worked out. LOL! What makes it fun is Cassie and her posse of friends. Cassie might have given up on dating but her friends aren’t ready for her to give up. Enter Jett. Talk about high school crush coming through. Sure it was a little insta for me but that’s what made their romance fun. It wasn’t easy for them to be together or for Cassie to even think about having a relationship with Jett.
Cassie has a big secret that she isn’t willing to share with most people but I totally get why she did hide that. It was heartbreaking in the beginning but when she gets 3 kids dropped off at her house, that maternal side of her comes out. Jett gets the same thing on his doorstep and the hijinks ensue. The humor throughout the book is fantastic. Ms. Ferguson knows when to lighten up her characters but also see the real drama unfolding before them, too. It’s a great balance that most debut authors don’t get right. She did and beautifully, too.
The reason why I kinda label this romantic elements is that at times, the romance really takes a backseat to the actual plot in the book. Is this a bad thing? No. Cassie and Jett have a lot to figure out within themselves first before a true romance can be felt between them. I did, however, love them as a couple. Ms. Ferguson has her hands full when it comes to the children that are in the book. She doesn’t sugarcoat their situations but also doesn’t dwell on it either. Plus, the children are not a plot ploy to put Cassie and Jett together. They have their own personalities and thoughts.
This is a fun read but it does go deeper than you expect. Ms. Ferguson does an excellent job of balancing out the light with the dark. I just wish, in a way, that there was more romance. But hey, I love romance books. Do yourself a favor and pick up this gem of a book. You will thank me later.
Melissa Ferguson’s story has it all, a dashing hero, a kind and beautiful heroine, one who’s smart and sassy as well.
This story made me smile, wipe years from my eyes, and laugh out loud.
It’s simply fantastic. Take it a vacation or for some quiet time, you’ll be happy you did.
The premise for this book is intriguing, although I thought it a little implausible for both of the main characters to end up with three kids each that they were trying to hide from each other. There were some humorous parts and quite a bit of fun banter between Jett and Cassie, who were both engaging and likeable characters. I was a little disappointed that, for me, it didn’t live up to its title and description. It was also lighter on the romance than I thought it would be. This is Melissa Ferguson’s debut novel, and I’m looking forward to seeing what else she can come up with.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.