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The Billionaire's Christmas Proposal

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He’s striving to reach the top. She’s standing in his way. Is taking a stance worth saying no to love?

Maria Ferraro ignores her family’s attempts to find her a husband. With a job she loves and surrounded by nieces and nephews, her life is full. A chance meeting with Rudge Garland makes her wonder at the possibilities until she realizes the real reason he’s visiting her New York neighborhood. He wants to change it and not for the better.

Rudge knows one day he’ll take over his father’s company. To prove himself worthy, he leaves no time for relationships. When he meets Maria, he finds himself questioning his plans. As he grows closer to the spitfire beauty, her opposition to his ambition creates unexpected conflict.

He’s faced worse critics. He’ll convince her she’s wrong. What shocks him is the cost of the decision he has to make. He always wins in business. Is another victory worth letting this once in a lifetime love slip away?

The Billionaire’s Christmas Proposal is the touching eighth book in the Christmas Billionaires Series. If you like larger-than-life characters and tender moments, then you'll love Laura Haley-McNeil's sweet Christmas romance.

Buy The Billionaire’s Christmas Proposal for a heartwarming story of love, laughter, and Christmas joy.

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2023

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Laura Haley-McNeil

63 books283 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Connie.
1,673 reviews6 followers
October 18, 2023
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

This is written in a dual POV format. Getting both main characters really help me to better understand and connect to them. It makes for a more enjoyable read for me.

This is a delightful and enchanting story. I felt like I was watching a Christmas movie! I could really visualize the scenes. The plot was so well written that I was just carried away into a beautiful story! I really hated for the story to end.

Can these two totally opposites overcome all of the differences and hurdles put before them? Well you will have to read for yourself. This is a delightfully tale.
Profile Image for Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy.
2,216 reviews78 followers
October 17, 2023
This is another charming romance teeming with rich, multi-layered characters and filled with Laura Haley-McNeil's signature heart. This story will warm your bones with its emotional message.

Rudge Garland has anything money can buy. He wants for nothing materialistic. He is not an unhappy man, but his life is rather empty. He is not a Grinch or Scrooge, but his childhood Christmases, or lack thereof, have soured his views on Christmas celebrations. His father's company has set its sights on another project in a small New York community. A chance meeting with a young woman is about to set his world on fire in a way he never imagined.

Marie Ferraro and her family own a local Italian restaurant which has been in the community for decades. She and her family live above the restaurant. When she first meets Rudge, she has no idea that his father's company is the company who want to revitalize her neighborhood. They definitely come from different sides of the tracks, so to speak, but the chemistry between them is undeniable.

This was a phenomenal Christmas romance that was rich with emotional moments for all parties involved. Both Rudge and Maria can learn a lot from one another. I loved the character of Maria. She was a compassionate woman with a fierce protective instinct for those she loves. Her giving spirit is such a testament to the true spirit of Christmas and her faith. There were some comedic moments as well. Once again Laura Haley-McNeil has written a powerful story that will touch your heart. The setting being at Christmas made this story even more romantic and easy to read.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Megan.
236 reviews12 followers
July 28, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5!!

I very much enjoyed this enemies to lovers story. The way the characters were able to get to know one another before conflict was endearing and sweet. I absolutely LOVED Maria and her Italian family. They kind of gave me “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” family vibes. I applaud Maria standing for and doing what’s right for everyone even if it costs her something. She is completely selfless and loyal to her family and friends and I love that about her.

Rudge, although extremely wealthy and a bit of a workaholic, had a humble attitude towards others and was kind and gentle in all his interactions with those that lived and worked in Wright Park. He comes from a broken household and the maturity on how he handles both of his parents (that are divorced), especially when it seems they are only selfish and doesn’t matter the cost to get their way. He handled defeat gracefully and that I feels shows a testament to the admiration, care and overall a love he truly had towards Maria. And I so happy at the blessing for his “happily ever after” with his parents too!!

I would say their relationship was similar to that of a love at first sight, as when they met, you can sense the sparks and attraction that they have for one another, but I did appreciate there was a little build and getting to know one another as well as the growth they shad shown through some of their “bumps” and trials they encountered along the way.

Clean, swoony kisses only, wonderfully added faith elements — a perfect read for the Christmas season!!
1,712 reviews33 followers
October 18, 2023
The Billionaire's Christmas Proposal by Laura Haley-McNeil
Book 8 of the Christmas Billionaire's Series
He’s striving to reach the top. She’s standing in his way. Is taking a stance worth saying no to love?
Maria Ferraro ignores her family’s attempts to find her a husband. With a job she loves and surrounded by nieces and nephews, her life is full. A chance meeting with Rudge Garland makes her wonder at the possibilities until she realizes the real reason he’s visiting her New York neighborhood. He wants to change it and not for the better.
Rudge knows one day he’ll take over his father’s company. To prove himself worthy, he leaves no time for relationships. When he meets Maria, he finds himself questioning his plans. As he grows closer to the spitfire beauty, her opposition to his ambition creates unexpected conflict.
He’s faced worse critics. He’ll convince her she’s wrong. What shocks him is the cost of the decision he has to make. He always wins in business. Is another victory worth letting this once in a lifetime love slip away?
This is Maria Ferraro and Rudge Garland's story.
If you like sweet romance and Christmas stories you will love this book.
The Billionaire's Christmas Proposal by Laura Haley-McNeil is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I recommend this book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Laura Haley-McNeil.
I received a complimentary copy of the book and was under no obligation to post a review.

Profile Image for Brendee Vee.
112 reviews2 followers
July 31, 2024
The story of Maria & Rudge ♥️

Rudge is a part of a wealthy family that loves buying up prime real estate in a desired location, tearing it all down and building glass and metal skyscrapers that make them a lot of money. And he has caught the site of the newest possible location and as he is scoping it out, he meets Maria! Her and her family have run the family’s restaurant her whole life (Nonna started it all). She was gracious and sweet and caring, offering a warm meal and some coffee on a chilly, snowy day and he can’t help but returning to see her and talk to her.

Maria isn’t just working in a restaurant with delicious food- but a family-like atmosphere with a warm cup of coffee on a frigid day and kindness few display anymore.

Rudge believed he is helping those that live in Wright Park- but can he understands what the area means to its residents- residents like Maria and her family that also live in the apartment above the restaurant.

He comes from a broken family that spends more time on luxury island getaways than together for the holidays and learning what means the most to him brings surprises from his own family!

I laughed at the loud, in-your-business family that Maria loves dearly. It reminds me of my own loud and intertwined family! As a lover of all things Christmas, this story brings out all the feelings of the season!

I received a copy of this book as an ARC and am posting this review voluntarily and includes my personal opinions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
51 reviews1 follower
October 3, 2023
The story is set in New York, Wright Park district. Maria Ferraro lives with her family above their family-owned pizza restaurant. Rudge is a billionaire who works for his father’s development and revitalization company, and unknown to the residents of Maria’s district, Rudge’s company has been working on plans to revitalize Maria’s district for several years. This means many would lose their homes and businesses and would have to relocate. Maria and Rudge begin seeing each other for various reasons, fall in love, and then the revitalization plan comes to light. The story is creative as to how Rudge and Maria are able to maintain their relationship despite the circumstances that divide them. Laura Haley-McNeil is one of my favorite authors, and I feel she is the best at writing tender moments between a couple without compromising their Christian beliefs. She does not disappoint in this story. If you like sweet romance stories where the hero and his lady spend lots of time and emotions together, you will love this story.

I was given an ARC copy of this story for my honest opinion.
416 reviews6 followers
October 18, 2023
Marie’s family owns an Italian restaurant in the Wright Park community of New York City. She invites Rudge in to warm up and have something hot to eat and drink when she sees him out in the cold in front of the restaurant. She does not know that he is in the process of planning to tear down her community and build glass and chrome high-rise buildings. When his project would be completed, the residents, who would have to be relocated for the redevelopment, would not be able to afford the new accommodations. When the owners in the neighborhood find out about the plans, they elect Maria as the head of the board to oversee funds for the community and help them fight the development. Maria and Rudge have developed feelings for each other, but only God can provide a solution to their dilemma.

This book contains lots of humor and well-developed, likeable characters. I most appreciate the Christian principles such as acknowledging God’s goodness and care and that our futures are in His hands.

I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
2,832 reviews13 followers
October 9, 2023
Is the price of success too high?

Maria Ferraro's family has the most popular pizzeria in Wright Park. They aren't wealthy but they always try to help their community. So, when she sees the man standing outside in the frigid weather she invites him into the restaurant for warm food and drink.

Rudge is in the neighborhood to discuss an urban renovation project between his company and New York City, not because he is hungry, but the dark-haired beauty captures his attention. He finds himself thinking about her all the time but will she still smile at him when she finds out her community will be torn down and the residents displaced?

Maria’s family made me wish I was living in her neighborhood. This story is a beautiful example of Christian love and sacrifice. I was rooting for Rudge to find a solution to an insurmountable problem so they could have a happily ever after. I received an advance copy of this book but my review is honest and voluntary.
Profile Image for Judy.
3,336 reviews
October 23, 2023
The Billionaire’s Christmas Proposal by Laura Haley-McNeil
Christmas Billionaire’s Series Book Eight
Rudge Garland had been working on the Wright Park Project for years, putting time and money into his plans. When he’s invited into Nonna’s Pizzeria while waiting for his contractor…everything changes.
Maria Ferraro loves her family and neighbors. She works at the family pizzeria, enjoying her work and the people. Sure, Maria is twenty-six and single, but Maria’s trusting God to bring the right person to her…or maybe He won’t bring anyone. She’s content. That is until the day she invites the man in the cashmere coat and a limo inside to warm up.
Can love exist between two people from two different worlds? They are on two sides of the proposal to revitalize Wright Park, which makes it seem impossible.
It is a sweet story that brings smiles and tears and grabs the heart.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
Profile Image for April Wilson.
443 reviews22 followers
October 7, 2023
Trust God even when you don’t understand.

A touching story of a lonely billionaire meeting a fiery yet compassionate commoner. Maria is full of life and always helping others. She loves her family and friends deeply and will fight for their needs against any odds. Rudge is a workaholic who has spent years devising a project for Maria’s community. His family is so scattered; he has lost sight of Christmas, love, and happiness. Will the project bring them together or drive them apart? Will there be happiness or heartache this Christmas? Enjoy finding out!

I enjoyed the story; clean and wholesome with both of them learning to continue trusting God, even when it looks impossible. It gets your heart in the Christmas mood. I would definitely revisit this story. I received a complimentary copy and these are my voluntary and honest opinions.
2,743 reviews20 followers
October 17, 2023
I liked how faith changed Rudge in this story after he met Maria.  It was like he had found home. 
Maria was a very strong female character who worked in her family’s pizzeria in New York. She was a kindhearted woman who longed for marriage and a family if it was in God’s plan for her. She would protect her family’s business and the Wright Park neighborhood from being modernized if it would change the neighborhood.
These two characters seemed like an unlikely couple but they were a good match for each other and only brought out the best in each other. Maria’s family and Rudge’s family were so different but it appeared that might change.
I was so glad the story was set during Christmas with lots of snow.  I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
Profile Image for Becky Claxon.
2,267 reviews19 followers
July 24, 2024
Maria’s family was so refreshing how they all loved and supported each other. Their pizzeria restaurant was one of the best in their area. I loved that Maria had no idea who Rudge was when she saw him standing outside their restaurant in a blinding snow storm, and invited him in her restate get warm. Little did she know he was scoping out the area to revitalize the community replacing beautiful old buildings with steel and glass building. Needless to say that the community did not want Rudge’s company to come in and change their way of life. I was so happy that Maria trusted in God which helped to bring Rudge back to the Lord. It was crazy how the community learned that there were articles put into law back in the 1600’s that could now benefit Maria’s community. This was such a heartwarming love story that put God first. I strongly encourage you to read the book.
1,705 reviews13 followers
October 12, 2023
Maria takes pity on the man standing outside her family’s pizzeria on a bitterly cold snowy night and invites him inside. They have an attraction but Rudge’s company has been working on plans to revitalise Maria’s family neighbourhood but unfortunately for him, the locals don’t want to be revitalised, rehomed or have their business disrupted. Maria discovers a way to save the locale from being forced to agree to Rudge’s plans but can be in turn find a way to keep Maria in his life as well as still keep his father’s plans for the area alive? Delightfully touching tale of a commoner and a billionaire who try to ignore their feelings for one another in order to do the right thing by those they feel responsible to. Very enjoyable.
890 reviews9 followers
October 17, 2023
How does he solve a problem like Maria...

... and her family, friends and neighborhood?

Rudge and Maria are great characters, working hard to meet professional expectations and maintain their personal integrity. I loved how they made an effort to see issues from the other point of view. They knew how they felt about the other, but placed no expectations. Maria's family is so quintessentially Old World -- close, noisy, in everyone's business, and always there with support when it is needed. The resolution of the story conflict is wonderful, with a win for all concerned.

I received an Beta/ARC copy of this story from the author via BookFunnel and voluntarily chose to share my review.
898 reviews13 followers
October 28, 2023
Rudge is the only child of divorced, wealthy parents. He hasn’t known the joy of a family Christmas. He often works over the holiday. Then he meets Maria and her boisterous and loving large family. They end up on opposite sides of an issue involving Maria’s neighborhood. Caring Maria and her family who are always looking out for those in need. A wonderful story as their friendship develops. Well developed characters and an inspirational and clean plot. I loved it! Highly recommend!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
Profile Image for Roberta aka Bobbie.
317 reviews
October 18, 2023
This was an entertaining story. Who will win the debate over what will happen to the Wright Park neighborhood? Maria Ferraro, an Italian woman that works in her family's pizzeria or Rudge Garland, a bigwig administrator of a Fortune 500 company? And all the while the passion is building between them. Could they possibly have a future?

I recommend this clean, inspirational romance with a wonderful cast of characters and a happy-ever-after ending.

I was given an ARC of this story from the author but this review is my honest opinion given voluntarily.
2,391 reviews14 followers
October 23, 2023
The Billionaire’s Christmas Proposal

What a wonderful story Maria and Rudge have. Maria helps with the family restaurant and has no time for dating. Returning to the restaurant from an errand she notices Rudge standing out in the snow. She convinces him to wait inside in the warmth of their business for his colleague. They seem to become fast friends until Maria discovers he is the one trying to make them leave their homes. How will they ever be able to work through their differences?
837 reviews3 followers
October 4, 2023
Loved this book!

Rudge and Maria come from two different worlds and totally different values. When she pulls him into her family’s pizzeria because he was waiting outside in a snowstorm, the man to whom business was his whole life met a woman who cared mostly about people. His plan, if successful, would destroy her way of life. Could they work out a plan that would bring them together to share values and direction?

Received an ARC and this is my honest, unsolicited review.
Profile Image for Lucia Valenzuela.
2,085 reviews13 followers
October 9, 2023
Wonderful story. Rudge has never really had a relationship. Meeting Maria opens him up to new feelings about many things in his life. Maria is immediately smitten without knowing who Rudge is. I love the warmth of both the family and community. I really couldn’t foresee how anything was going to work out. Great characters and storyline. I really enjoyed reading this story.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
1,392 reviews7 followers
October 10, 2023
This is such a lovely, wonderful story and reminded me of the joy and love of Christmas. I love how warm, kind and full of life that Maria is and her love for all around her. I enjoyed the meet cute that Maria and Rudge had. He is a billionaire property developer. I enjoyed how they both realized that they could understand more and make better decisions by relying on a higher power. This is just such a beautiful story that shows how people can change for the better.
1,291 reviews10 followers
October 17, 2023
Snowstorms – I love them – but this one goes on forever!
A chance meeting due to the weather sets off a whole new string of feelings for the two strangers who meet at Nonna’s Pizzeria. Maria ushers Rudge in out of the cold and offers him something hot to drink. He’s there scoping out the neighborhood for his next revitalization and she is totally against it! What happens next is a little unorthodox but leads to many discussions and time spent together.
Nicely done!
Profile Image for Angela N.
348 reviews1 follower
December 26, 2023
Cute enough story but predictable. The main reason I gave it two stars is that the writing was very immature and undeveloped. Lots of repetitions, poor story building (the same scenes happening over and over with the same dialogues even between the mother and son), and unrealistic characters and dialogue. I knew it would be a sappy Christmas romance and I was ready for that but not for the bad writing.
418 reviews2 followers
October 17, 2023
Maria Ferraro works with her parents to run the family’s pizza restaurant in New York.
Rudge Garland helps his father run a large company.
The company wants to redevelop the area where Maria lives and works.
Maria and the families in the neighbourhood will fight to stop them.

Maria meets Rudge when he comes to look at the neighbourhood he plans to redevelop.

Can Maria and Rudge maintain a relationship despite their opposing positions?
Can a solution be found that can satisfy both sides?

This is a beautiful story showing an example of Christian love and sacrifice.

I received a free copy of this book and freely and honestly leave my review.

Profile Image for Linda Lavoie.
1,218 reviews11 followers
October 18, 2023
Absolutely heartbreaking and heartwarming storyline, opposites attract at its best, Hard decisions have to be made professionally and personally. The view of an Italian family gave me goosebumps so much love without much money but lots of love of God, family is really important. Thanks to the author for providing me with my review copy.
4,719 reviews39 followers
October 21, 2023
The Billionaire's Christmas Proposal is a Christian, heartwarming, inspirational romance for Rudge and Maria. I love all the books in this series, but this one is my favorite! I just loved this touching, well written, opposites attract romance. I got little else done until I reached the end. This amazing romance left me longing to be part of Maria’s world.
575 reviews
July 24, 2024
Maria's family runs a pizzeria in Wright Park. Her 6 brothers are married but she remains single. She sees Rudge, a rich billionaire, outside the pizzeria in the snow and invites him in to get warm. He is "taken" by Maria's generosity and beauty. Soon they find themselves wishing for a relationship. Rudge's rich father is currently planning to rebuild Maria's neighborhood and she will find that out sooner than later. Rudge hopes that they can settle their differences as well as a possible HEA between 2 people with different status. Rudge will do anything to make both things happen!
1,875 reviews13 followers
July 25, 2024
Rudge meets his match when he arrives at Maria's family restaurant. His firm is going to revitalize the neighborhood but he discovers opposition and love(?). He soon realizes what a spitfire Maria is and his perfect intellectual match. I read this story as part of the box set I received from the author. I chose to write this review.
942 reviews8 followers
December 26, 2024
Good story

This one is set in New York City rather than Colorado. A neighborhood was selected to be the next project for a billionaire company. The residents had seen what had happened to other neighborhoods & didn't relish the proposal.
As the project leader met the people, he learned & experienced lots of lessons.
66 reviews
October 24, 2023
A truly wonderful story of commitment to family and community that brings two people from very different backgrounds together in a beautifully woven story. I was blown away! I highly recommend it and will definitely read it again.
I received an advance reader copy.
Profile Image for D..
1,924 reviews
November 12, 2023
Such a great holiday story. This is one of those stories that Hallmark "steals" from. I loved Maria and Rudge and could totally relate to their drive in life. This was a great romantic story where I got lost in and forgot about my day-to-day life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews