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Claiming His Christmas Inheritance

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Some inheritances have strings attached.

This one requires him to get married...

In her last matchmaking attempt, Zed Evans's late aunt stipulated he must find a wife--or lose his childhood home. Fortunately, the resolute bachelor needs to be married for only three months. Now he just has to convince Tasha Jenkins to be his holiday wife in exchange for funds to get her dream business started. It's the perfect plan...until love makes an unexpected appearance.

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2021

10 people are currently reading
73 people want to read

About the author

C.J. Carroll

10 books5 followers

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5 stars
36 (45%)
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24 (30%)
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14 (17%)
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Ms. Woc Reader.
791 reviews903 followers
June 21, 2024
I usually don't read Christian romance but I'm open to reading different things. Plus I needed a change of pace and was hoping for something uplifting during the holiday season.

Tasha is the singles pastor at her church and she has been unlucky with love to the point where she's given up. Zed has a dilemma. His aunt wants him to be married by Christmas or else his childhood home will be sold to developers. A kind stranger who was admiring the house may be just the person to help him out.

There were events that directly paralleled certain things I'm going through in my life right now so those sections brought me to tears. I liked how she created conflict throughout the story but the characters were a little wooden. I liked all the Christmas elements and those quiet moment where they were just two people sharing the holidays together and bonding over their complicated family situations.


3.5 stars
3,949 reviews1,764 followers
November 19, 2021
A modern day marriage of convenience romance with fairy tale appeal.

Marriage of convenience stories are my guilty pleasure (guilty because what 21st century woman would ever contemplate such a backwards approach to matrimony?!) But I still can't resist them, usually diving into historical novels where the whole M of C concept seems more plausible. Occasionally I'm brave enough...and curious enough...to give a contemporary setting a try and when I do, I'm always amazed at the clever ways an author makes it work...

And C.J. Carroll has done a brilliant job of making it work! She's taken a classic trope and spun it on its head and delivered such a divinely romantical story with splashes of holiday cheer. It's a luscious read full of imagery and banter with a beautiful balance between comedy and drama.

From the meet-cute to the happily-ever-after I was completely invested in Zed and Tasha's love story. A chance encounter leads to a business arrangement which stands to benefit them both...as long as they can keep their hearts from messing it all up. :-) Cue the angst and throw in some toe-curls and enough laughter to make this one smooth, satisfying read.
Profile Image for Ancillar.
670 reviews59 followers
November 22, 2021
A huge thanks to Love Inspired for my complimentary copy

This is my first C. J Carroll book and aren't I grateful that it's set around Christmas time. . This book follows Zed who inherits this magnificent home that is his childhood home. However for him to inherit this home he must first marry and isn't that a big dilemma for this dashing hero. This is a marriage of convenience book at it's best/ I enjoyed the characters , the plot and that cover was all I signed up for..

**I received a complimentary copy from Love Inspired. All opinions are solely my own.**
Profile Image for Toni Shiloh.
Author 56 books1,901 followers
November 7, 2021
There were so many things to love about this book. The marriage of convenience (my favorite), the Christmas elements (tis the season!), the jokes between the hero and heroine (had me loling for real), and the Victorian house (love them). Suffice to say I will be reading more of this author.
35 reviews
October 12, 2021
Lovely romance story to brighten anyone's holiday. I actually cried a couple of times. Well written and not too formulaic. Very nice!
Profile Image for Elaine - Splashes Into Books.
3,891 reviews136 followers
November 15, 2021
When your Aunt's Will has unexpected terms
That are locked solid and totally firm,
It means you need to marry to inherit the home
Where you've dreamed of living again since you were grown.

Faced with this dilemma and an approaching deadline
Zed Evan's is really cutting things too fine.
He needs a wife to live in the house with him, too
But just for three months and his dreams will come true.

Take two folks who both now live alone
And given up on finding someone of their own
Neither trust marriage so won't give a chance
To any opportunity for finding romance.

When their marriage of convenience goes to show
That more about each other they need to know
Will they succumb to the temptation to choose
To stay together or will love finally lose?

This is a contemporary, emotive romance
That I highly recommend you give more than a glance.
My complementary copy, I chose to read
And hope my honest review shows it is just what you need!
Profile Image for Robin Loves Reading.
2,900 reviews468 followers
November 5, 2021
Zed Evans must find a wife, albeit temporarily. He has to follow his aunt's stipulation in her will to find a wife. If Tasha Jenkins will be his holiday wife, he will get the mega funds will be given to him. Will Zed and Tasha be able to work with this arrangement without letting love get in the way?

I mostly enjoyed this inspirational diverse romance between Zed and Tasha. My only issue was the occasional casual language used. Although I am a POC I guess I am used to more proper speech in stories. Nonetheless, the story was quite enjoyable and I did very much love watching Zed and Tasha reach into their hearts in order to realize that love was in the cards.

Many thanks to Harlequin Love Inspired and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Profile Image for Ashlee.
459 reviews13 followers
December 13, 2021
This was a great story! I saw a different author talking about it and since I love Love Inspired books, I decided I had to try it and I was not disappointed. It's a contemporary marriage of convenience story, which you don't often see, and I just love watching marriages of convenience turn into marriages of love. And the cover on this book is stunning. Love Inspired books always make for sweet, adorable, quick reads and I recommend this one.
Profile Image for Nancy Lepri.
137 reviews5 followers
August 11, 2021
I have reviewed this title for New York Journal of Books where it will be posted on the evening prior to the release date.


"Claiming His Christmas Inheritance" by C.J. Carrol
Love Inspired
October 26, 2021
10-1335758909

Inspirational Romance


Tasha Jenkins is somewhat lonely, residing in a studio apartment in Vista Peak, Colorado, with her cat, Milo, and many debts mounting. Employed as a singles' pastor and wedding planner at her church, she herself has sworn off ever being married. The three times she thought she was in love with a possible husband in sight ended up with her getting dumped—and on three different holidays, too. So she resigns herself to the fact she'll always remain alone and won't have to face any more heartbreak.

With Christmas forthcoming and grieving the loss of her beloved mother, she follows the holiday ritual they always kept by going to a charming Victorian house in town. This year, Tasha keeps their tradition alive by driving to the place her mom adored so much.

"Tasha admired the house's wraparound porch, decorative turret, and scalloped shingles. Her gaze roamed lovingly over the carved columns, spindles, ornate molding, and lavender trim. Three massive evergreens, lightly dusted with snow, surrounded the house like stoic sentinels.

"A large white wreath hung on the front door. Multicolored ornaments filled several oversize vintage lanterns on the porch. Giant read-and-green peppermints on sticks, a nativity scene, and a miniature Christmas village were displayed in the yard.

"She bit her lip and peered heavenward. Lord, I miss my mom. She was my North Star. Sorrow at the unfairness of her mother's untimely death, after a hard life, threatened to consume her. Can You hear me, Lord? Do You really care? Grief shredded her heart!"

As tears fill her eyes, she notices a handsome man approaching, asking if she's okay. She is surprised when he hands her a handkerchief to wipe her eyes, and he states he's somewhat old-fashioned. They talk a while about the home's beauty, and Tasha tells him about her mother and their annual visits here.

His good looks and manners impress Tasha, and when he mentions his deceased parents, she feels sadness for him. Somehow, on discussing the topic of marriage, she retorts with this comment: "Marriage is not the endgame for every woman."

He introduces himself as Zedrick ("Zed") and admits he's also a fan of the homestead, though she sees an odd look flash across his face. When his phone rings, he excuses himself to take the call, so Tasha heads to her car.

Her mom cherished the old purple Victorian that was always beautifully decorated for the season. The two would fantasize about the family living there—the wonderful life they must be having in the gracious old property. Her next destination is Union Station, another place they used to delight in the festive oversized Christmas tree.

Zed's phone call is from his lawyer telling him the facts of his aunt Zora's will. It states the lovely old home that belonged to his parents, who died young, left to Zora. So Zora, who recently passed, being a hopeless romantic along with his mother stipulated the estate is to revert to him. Still, it comes with the condition that he marry within a specific time frame and stay married for at least three months. Otherwise, the home and acreage will be sold to developers to build condos.

This home holds so many memories for Zed—some good, some bad—but there are still cherished reminders of his mom, whom he loved dearly. He retains bitterness toward his father for allowing his job to be more important than his family, and Zed mourns his mother's depression at being neglected. Can he let this place be demolished? How can he marry? After seeing his mother alone and depressed, he is determined to remain single and make his career his life.

A thought hits him. He contacts Tasha with a proposition: If she agrees to marry him, on paper only, and stay wed for three months, living in the house together, he will set her up in a business she wants to start as well as pay off her bills. Money problems will be solved, and she will live in her dream house. Tasha is flustered at the proposal, but after some in-depth soul-searching, she figures she has nothing to lose and everything to gain.

A hasty courthouse wedding takes place, and they settle into their new residence. Tasha finds Zed easy to talk to and is impressed by his behavior. He treats her like a queen, something she’s never experienced. Zed goes out of his way to make the holidays special, knowing Christmas, New Year's, and Valentine's Day were the times she was let down. Soon Tasha—vowing never to really marry—falls for Zed and envisions a future with him. But how does he—a confirmed bachelor—feel about her?

For those who enjoy overly descriptive passages in novels, this one is sure to impress. The details of the characters and locations put the reader right into the story. Though a Christian inspirational romance, religious dogma is not shoved down one's throat, making this a heartwarming holiday tale.
823 reviews
October 28, 2023
A young man, Zed, is trying to save his family home from developers. It is a Victorian in Colorado that many people stop to admire, especially when it is highly decorated for Christmas.
A young woman, Tasha, frequently visits the outside of the home to admire it, continuing the tradition that her mom started while Tasha was a child.
After both of Zed's parents died, his Aunt Zora was bequeathed the home. See died later on, and her will had a strange clause: the home was to be sold unless Zed married and stayed married for at least 3 months.
Neither Zed nor Tasha want to get married--she because of being spurned 3 times in the past, and he because of distrust of marriage. They both had dysfunctional families.
Zed notices Tasha admiring the house and approaches her when she is at Union Station. He proposes to her while explaining the circumstances of the will. He promises to give her a sum of money if she will stick to the proposition for the full 3 months. She is a wedding planner and wants to open her own venue--because of that, she agrees. They marry at the courthouse and move into the Victorian, occupying separate bedrooms.
Both of them are followers of the Lord and so try to seek His leading plus those of their close friends.
Some surprises await them, and with a happy ending a book like this promises, it was an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Page Passion .
864 reviews9 followers
January 28, 2022
Loved this!

Pleasantly surprised by how fantastic this was! MOC for two broken, love phobic people who of course finally find their forever.

Tasha and Zed have been through it with past relationships and seeing their parents' dysfunction in love. Like most romance characters, they are certain they’ll never fall in love and for the reader it’s an absolute treat watching them be so wrong.

Tasha was too relatable. Many of us who have not found the one have become jaded and in effort to protect ourselves and say we don’t need anyone despite having plenty of love to give. Zed in a similar situation thinks fake marriage will be quick and painless.

I loved how they both learned that the right person can come along and change all the negative feelings a person can have about relationships. Watching these two fall for each other was so swoony! The holiday dates were my favorites!

The author's love inspired debut is spectacular and a must-read for (not so) hopeless romantics looking for a sweet and witty tale.
Profile Image for Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read.
3,441 reviews113 followers
October 22, 2021
It's a marriage of convenience romance for Claiming His Christmas Inheritance, and I'll admit that I wasn't sure about this one at first. Mostly because of the dishonesty behind a fake relationship - it just didn't feel right with an inspirational romance. But CJ Carroll did it very well, and I enjoyed the journey. Of course, you know going in that the couple has to fall in love, which always throws a kink in their plans, but the author does keep it from running the same old, same old formula for the trope. The story isn't without a fair bit of emotional ups and downs, and my heart went out to Tasha in her grief. Tasha and Zed are good together and it's easy to root for them, and the author certainly knows how to paint a picture with her words. All the elements that make this an entertaining inspirational romance come through loud and clear. The story and characters are engaging, the faith and hope can be felt, and the journey was certainly worth the read.
Profile Image for Alexis.
Author 6 books158 followers
December 20, 2022
Simply wonderful!

I loved everything about this book: The hero and heroine's adversity to finding and keeping true love. The highs that made me smile. The lows that developed the character of the leading lady and man. The way the author carefully weaved it all together to make an ending that was as beautiful as a Christmas movie on The Hallmark Movie Channel.

This story had enough plot twists to keep me guessing and enough substance to keep me reading.

"Claiming His Christmas Inheritance" is one of my absolute favorite holiday stories published by Love Inspired. SO GOOD! I finished it within four hours on the same day because it kept me engaged.

I highly recommend this story to anyone whose mind has stopped believing in true love but whose heart still secretly hopes for their own special happily-ever-after.
Profile Image for Vicky Sluiter.
Author 1 book88 followers
November 23, 2021
Author C.J. Carroll is new to me, but this won’t be the last book I read by this debut author.

A marriage of convenience story in this day and age is surprisingly fun. Especially when caused by a meddling aunt who just wants her nephew to be happy. Zed is quite the dashing gentleman and I really enjoyed getting to know him, and what makes him tick. Tasha is alone in the world and wants to feel valued. Both characters were easy to love.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story from the accidental meeting to the end. Toss in a beautiful heritage home and Christmas fluff, and you have story to relax by the fireplace with. I highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Jo|Ruth Reads.
669 reviews82 followers
April 20, 2024
I liked it! Zed and Tasha both have past experiences that take marriage and love completely off the table for them. So when a marriage of convenience is offered up they both accept, believing it'll be easy to pull off. But as always the real feelings develop, except they both are too broken to deal with it. Will they forgive the past and allow their convenient marriage become a real one? Or will their 3 months end and thats that?!

This was a great book. The main characters were sweet together. There was so much emotional baggage that at times it overwhelmed the love/relationship scenes. But all in all, a good read and gosh Zed was a total romantic for someone so against love! Lol!
380 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2022
Zed Evans needs to get married to claim the house that he grew up in. His Aunt Zora dies and is the trustee of the house. She stipulates he needs to get married and stay married for 3 months to claim the house. He meets Tasha Jenkins outside the house. She is honoring a tradition her and her mother had of visiting the house every Christmas. They do get married. Secrets are revealed for both of them.
The one thing I did not like was how the church she loved told her to leave for awhile to think about what she was doing. I really did not like the Pastor Landry.
Profile Image for Barbara Campbell.
1,787 reviews42 followers
September 30, 2024
I loved this book. Read it in one sitting. I confess that I love the marriage of convenience trope so that played in its favor. But there was more to this one than that. Both of the main characters had really been affected by issues in their parents lives and then they’re growing up years. Because of this love was not an option for either of them. Or so they thought.

Profile Image for Donna Baldwin.
59 reviews1 follower
July 21, 2023
I'm rating this for what it is, not what I like. I'm not a fan of romance, and I am not a christian. For both of these reasons, this book was not for me. But if you like Hallmark-movie style stories and christian lit, I think you'll enjoy this book. It was a good example of its genre.
Profile Image for Jackie Reid.
3 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2024
I LOVED this book! I read it cover to cover in 2 days! The dialogue was snappy, and I loved her descriptions of the decorations and the scenery. The characters were likeable and I found myself rooting for their happy ending. It was a fun read and I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Theblkrtheberry.
92 reviews
December 12, 2025
Inspiring

There was so much packed into this book. Loved the characters, the plot and definitely the ending. A great Christmas read. Thank you, C.J. Carroll. I would definitely recommend.






494 reviews
Read
November 25, 2021
Very good story line. Contains some colloquialisms that make it a bit hard to read, but all in all a good, warm story about people healing from childhood / early adulthood emotional issues.
Profile Image for Sheila.
3,140 reviews128 followers
December 11, 2021
I could not finish this book. The characters were boring and wooden, Not a good story at all.
144 reviews4 followers
March 5, 2022
Some inheritances have strings attached. This one requires him to get married.
139 reviews1 follower
June 29, 2025
So Sweet

I loved this wonderful clean, Godly read. Thank you C.J. Carroll for not selling out and for keeping the Inspirational romance the way it should be!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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