Under the Mistletoe Mishap

Christmas Tree, PA Sweet Romcom #3

by Jessie Gussman

Lucy’s holiday season is all about planning the perfect charity gala for her town. But when a clumsy turn lands her under the mistletoe with Samuel, her best friend’s older brother, things get a little more complicated.

One awkward kiss later, Lucy can’t stop thinking about the sparks that flew between them. Samuel, however, is known for being aloof and focused on his career.

Will this unexpected moment under the mistletoe lead to a holiday romance, or will it just be another holiday mishap?

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Humor

70 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2024

Reviews

[Yahhh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Needs an edit. The tense issues alone were enough to make me want to dnf. Thankfully, it was short, albeit not entirely painless.

[Tamera Westhoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Short Romance

Just to tell you how short it is, I’ve read the first three books in this series in one day not neglecting chores, children, or pets. This one at least lasts more than a day in their world and they knew each other before, so they had a previous relationship of sorts.

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aww! This is another superb little gem from Jessie Gussman in her Christmas Tree, PA series showcasing her marvelous talent of giving her characters life with wit and charm while delivering some good godly wisdom. Lucy, an event planner, has been hired by billionaire Samuel Barrage to organize his Christmas event for the whole town of Christmas Tree, Pennsylvania. Now Lucy is also his little sister Allison’s best friend and Samuel has developed a bit of interest in Lucy over the years but as a billionaire he’s also been tainted by women wanting to be with him for his money only. As the book opens Lucy happens to be at the Christmas ball being given privately at the Barrage mansion before the big town event occurs, when she sees Allison and starts her way across the crowded ballroom towards her but just as she gets close she stumbles and falls into the handsome broody billionaire. You just won’t believe what happens next! I am a big fan of Jessie Gussman’s writing and I’ve tried on multiple occasions to pinpoint exactly what makes her writings standout to me. I know for sure one thing is how she’s able to deliver good godly advice within her story without it ever sounding like she’s preaching. For examples here’s a quote from Samuel explaining why it’s important to him to live a better example since returning to God: “Maybe that’s part of the reason why it was so important to me to make sure that I showed it. Because I’d seen people who hadn’t, and rather than drawing people to Christ, they repel them. I didn’t want to be that kind of person. If I truly believed what I said I believed, then I should live that way.” Another gift this author has is her ability to have her stories told in first person with lots of witty banter yet there is never any confusion as to who is speaking or what their emotions are at the time. In this quote Samuel is telling his version of what happened but it’s Lucy speaking (WARNING: this could be a bit of a spoiler or maybe a teaser): “‘You’re the only billionaire I’ve ever kissed. But if that kiss was anything to judge by, I should be kissing more. It was...really nice.’Her tone kind of lowers and is soft on those last two words, and I believe she really means it.” This series is a collection of sweet clean novellas (just over an hour to read) centered around the small town of Christmas Tree, Pennsylvania and so far each book has offered an unusual mishap to introduce a couple together as the town is preparing and celebrating Christmas. Just the perfect little read while you sit beside a warm fireplace with a cup of cocoa on a cold Winters’s night. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book in this fun series Christmas Tree, Pa sweet romcom. These are concise complete stories that only have a few chapter so you can probably read through one in a few hours. Each book is a stand alone story although they all take place in the same town at Christmas and the characters do carry over from story to story. The last story had Daniel and Amber decorating the ballroom in his mansion for a morning event. This story takes place at that event.

Lucy Sims has come to the party to get a feel for the decorations and the food because she has been hired by Samuel Barrage the billionaire, holding this event, to coordinate his upcoming gala for the community.. Lucy is friends with Samuel's sister Allison so she has met her brothers. When Allison is late to arrive at the morning party, Lucy is just trying to see how it's run. When she sees Allison with her brother Samuel she goes to meet her but trips right into Samuel's arms. The next hing she knows everyone wants them to kiss because they are standing under mistletoe. How embarrassing when they keep bumping noses as they try to position for a kiss on the cheek. So when they finally get that figured out, their kiss has the room cheering.

Samuel is a pretty serious guy and he's not as easy going as his brother Daniel. Samuel has decided to move back to Christmas Tree so he holds a party to introduce his business associates to the town. He has met Allison's friend, Lucy before and he is attracted to her although he is a few years older than her. After their mistletoe kiss, Samuel would like to get to know Lucy. He decides that he's going to have her work with him for the week as she prepares for the gala. Now he has to get Lucy to agree when she doesn't understand what he wants and thinks he's not happy with her work.

Will Samuel and Lucy discover that they are perfect for one another as they work on the gala?

I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.

[Margaret P Medberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the fun Jessie Gussman’s rom-com trilogy set in the town of Christmas Tree. Billionaire, Samuel Barrage, has hired Lucy to help coordinate a huge Christmas party for the town. When she goes to a Christmas party that her friend Amber has decorated, she accidentally finds herself under the mistletoe with Samuel. Lucy thinks he is arrogant and stern (sort of a Mr. Darcy) but Samuel has noticed Lucy and shockingly, they find themselves kissing and then REALLY kissing.

Jessie Gussman writes a sweet and compelling story of how two opposites do actually attract. Watching the couple get to know each other and discover their similarities is fun.

This third book is just as delightful as the first two books. All of the books can be read as stand-alone pieces and are great diversions from our current divided and angry world. It is nice to be immersed in stories about a happy town where sweet things happen to good people.

I received this advance reader copy for free and I am offering my honest opinion.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet, clean Christmas romance is very charming and heartwarming. Lucy and Samuel may seem to be an unlikely match, but they complement each other well. He is a rather taciturn, quiet and introverted billionaire who would rather observe than take part in social gatherings. Lucy is a happy, sunshiny extrovert who enjoys social interactions. She brightens up everyone’s day, including Samuel’s. They both are attracted to the other, but are hesitant to reveal or act upon it. A bit of clumsiness and a sprig of mistletoe helps to change that. The shared kiss leads them both to let down their guards a bit. They actually converse about more than party planning and reveal that they each would like to see if they have the chance at a lasting relationship, not just a pretend one that he had announced in order to protect her from one of the guests at the party. Their shared faith and wish to help others gives them a good foundation for a successful relationship.

I wholeheartedly recommend this wonderful book.

[Elizabeth Fiscus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy has kinda sorta been aware of her best friend's brother for a few years. Partially because he makes so much money, but mainly because he has come back to faith and now is honest in all of his business dealings, letting his character shine through. Would she ever admit this to her best friend? Absolutely not. However, when Lucy and Samuel end up under the mistletoe at a Christmas party and Allison suggests they need to kiss, there isn't a bit of regret that it happens! What was originally a situation where they are thrown together by happenstance, turns into deep conversation and a realization that what they have been looking for has been right under their noses for a long time!
This is another quick Christmas read that you can finish in an afternoon or in the evening before going to sleep. It is fun and lighthearted, but still clean and shows good character in the leading couple. I received and advance copy of this ebook from the author. That in no way influenced my review.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under The Mistletoe Mishap is another funny short story that picks up the night of the gala that Tangled Up In Tinsel was about. This time Samuel has got his eye on Lucy, his younger sister's best friend. Allison gets him over near the door and calls Lucy to come over then she makes a big deal about the mistletoe above their head. Everyone at the gala starts to chanting along with Allison kiss, kiss, kiss. So Samuel and Lucy kiss and they forget everyone is watching. One of Samuel's clients comes over and makes a crude joke and Samuel makes it look like they are dating because he didn't like how that guy was looking at Lucy again. They go and talk about the kiss and decide to just not talk about it. But, the next day when Lucy shows up Samuel decides he wants to date her and needs to help her with the set up for the town Christmas party to see if she would want to date him like Amber is dating Daniel.

[Roberta aka Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy stumbles and crashes into billionaire Samuel Barrage. Unfortunately (or fortunately?) Samuel is standing under a sprig of mistletoe. Soon several people notice and start chanting "kiss, kiss, kiss". So Samuel and Lucy kiss.

That is the beginning of this short, contemporary, Christian rom-com. But the kiss raises several questions. Are Samuel and Lucy together? Did they secretly want to kiss? You'll have to read Under the Mistletoe Mishap to learn the answers.

Side Note: I enjoyed Samuel and Lucy's conversations about good and bad, and changing one's path to follow God's moral guidelines... laws that started with the Ten Commandments. Very interesting.

I was given an ARC of this story from BookFunnel at the request of Jessie Gussman, the author. All thoughts and comments are mine, given voluntarily.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucy plans the perfect holiday charity gala, and all goes as planned until she accidentally bumps into her best friend's older brother under the mistletoe. With a crowd watching, Lucy and Samuel share an awkward kiss as is expected. Wow. Neither Lucy nor Samuel saw that coming or what will happen next. Can Lucy ever find the man that she wants to spend the rest of her life with? Can a mistletoe mishap turn a friend relationship into one that lasts a lifetime?
"Under the Mistletop Mishap" is another fun Christmas story in the Christmas Tree, PA, series. Short and to the point with some good conversations between the couple. I recommend "Under the Mistletoe Mishap" as well as all the books in the Christmas Tree, PA, series by one of my favorite authors.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.

[Mary Ann Speel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third great story in the series and again is a fun read. The h accidentally falls into the H at the large party that he is hosting. The H is known as a grumpy individual, never smiling. The h is a very positive person and is always smiling. The incident occurs under the mistletoe and therefore all those present demand that they kiss and reluctantly they kiss. Much to the surprise of each it was a very enjoyable kiss. They then get to know each other and decide that they really have a lot in common and really like each other. The h brings out the positive in the H and he finds happiness. They decide to pursue the relationship and make it an everlasting one. Enjoy your read and recommend that you continue reading the series.

[JLBBM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under the Mistletoe Mishap is book 3 in Jessie Gussman’s Christmas Tree, PA sweet holiday romcom short read series. I loved this story! Samuel, the grumpy billionaire is smitten with Lucy, his little sister’s best friend and the party planner for the Christmas party he is having for the entire town. After an embarrassing trip lands Lucy in his arms under the mistletoe, which his sister of course points out, the resulting kiss sets everything in motion for them to make time to really get to know each other and see if this could possibly lead them to a happily ever after. Such a cute story. Can’t wait for the final book in this series.

[Michelle Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet and clean short Christian romance. It is the third novella in a series of 6 Christmas novellas. It can be read as a stand-alone. It is less than 100 pages.

Lucy is helping her friend Allison’s brother, Samuel, getting thing organized for his Christmas party. She has always had a crush on him, but knows that it was never reciprocated. They get ready for the party and he isn’t acting like this is business. Could she be wrong?

A good clean short Christian romance. So far, one of my favorites of the novellas in this series. Easy read when you need a quick break.

I received an ARC from the author and am leaving an honest review.

[Terrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun holiday romcom. Lucy, an event planner, has been hired by billionaire Samuel Barrage to organize his Christmas event for the whole town of Christmas Tree, Pennsylvania. Lucy just happens to be the best friend of Samuel's little sister, Allison. Lucy is at the Christmas ball being given privately at the Barrage mansion before the big town event occurs, when she sees Allison and starts to across the crowded ballroom towards her but just as she gets close she stumbles and falls into the handsome billionaire. And they just happen to be standing under the mistletoe!

I received an ARC copy of this book, but the rating and thoughts are my own.

[Leis Phinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

The is the third novella in the series set in Christmas Tree, PA, featuring couples meeting in awkward circumstances and finding true love as they spend time together. This time the heroine accidentally ends up in the arms of a grumpy billionaire under the mistletoe and they are forced into a public kiss. He falls for her and arranges for them to spend time together. Sharing their thoughts, hopes and values leads to a happily ever after. This is a sweet quick read with conversations about character and values along with humor and all the feelings of Christmas! I received an ARC of this book and it is my honest opinion that you will really enjoy it.

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A trip and a fall into the arms of your crush, can only lead to disaster, right? Wrong! Especially when that crush just happens to be standing under mistletoe and everyone in the room demands that tradition be held! One steamy kiss and Samuel announces that they are together and they’ve been hiding their private lives from everyone. This is untrue and Lucy doesn’t lie, so they agree to not talk about it if asked. Lucy needs to make sure the mansion is ready for the next event and Samuel makes sure that he’s with Lucy all day. It doesn’t take long for them to know that they have a mutual attraction and that they do belong together.

[Catherine Perschke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under the Mistletoe Mishap By Jessie Gussman appeals to me on so many levels! I enjoy stories where two people, who have admired each other from a distance, are put in a situation where their feelings are made apparent... to themselves and the reader, but maybe not to each other! It was fun to follow Samuel and Lucy as they worked through the fallout after the "mistletoe mishap!" In the midst of the humor and awkwardness, Samuel and Lucy work through the importance of integrity and seeing a person for who they truly are as they move forward in their discovery of each other! If books were food, Under the Mistletoe Mishap would be considered a delectable little morsel, a savory treat.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fun novella is perfect for the holiday season when you’re busy but you want to get to the HEA. I read it in one afternoon and loved it! The main characters are Samuel, a billionaire, and his little sister’s best friend, Lucy. This is an opposites attract story with a touch of a Beauty and the Beast vibe. The beast in this case, Samuel, is quickly tamed when put on the spot early on by a kiss under the mistletoe and he decides that although he isn’t sure how to go about it, he’s going to do all he can to charm Lucy back into his arms and his life. It’s so fun. Highly recommend! I received an ARC from the author. All opinions expressed are strictly my own.

[Linda Burnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Background, life experiences and personalities play a huge role in a relationship between Lucy and Samuel. Samuel is accustomed to making million dollar deals which generate more millions but also blesses those who his corporation supports. Lucy is building her business from the ground up but she does so with grace and happiness. Samuel is fascinated by Lucy’s ability to include others in a way that encourages their participation and commitment. He finds that his strengths and weaknesses compliment Lucy’s as hers do his. But most importantly, he finds his other half.

[Dotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great quick read. Lucy reminded me of myself when I was younger being clumsy, but in her case something good came out of her clumsiness. I think at one time or another we all have had a crush on a friend's older brother when growing up. Most of the time we outgrow that crush.
Lucy just happens to have a moment of clumsiness and runs into her best friend's brother under the mistletoe now everyone expects them to follow the rule.

I enjoyed this book. It is book 3 in the series, but it can be read alone. It's a cute sweet clean book. Quick read.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Lucy attends her best friend’s brother, Samuel’s business Christmas Party and is caught under the mistletoe with him. It’s a great kiss and he has been interested in her for a while, this only enhances it and when an associate makes fun of her, he says they’re together. Lucy has been interested in him also. She is putting together Samuel’s Christmas party for the town, and they work together on it. An uplifting Christmas story sure to make you smile.

[SJ Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed Lucy and Samuels mistletoe kiss. These two had known each other for years. Lucy was Samuels Sister Allison's best friend, but they never really knew each other. Until the misstep that put them both under the mistletoe and a required kiss was on the table. It was a short read, but very enjoyable. If you like clean bite size stories for when you are busy waiting, like in the doctors office lobby, this is for you. I highly recommend 'Under the Mistletoe Mishap'. I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.

[Elaine Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under the Mistletoe Mishap ~ Christmas Tree PA #3 by Jessie Gussman

As with all of Jessie's books, this one has been well written. Lucy and Samuel have known each other since childhood, as he is her best friend's sister. Can a stumble under the mistletoe spark a kiss? Will it turn into something more?

A great addition to this set of short Christmas stories from Jessie, a must-read. I highly recommend it.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Funny, Happily Ever After, Page-turner, Romantic, Realistic, and Wonderful characters

[Christie Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grumpy billionaire Samuel has a bit of a crush on Lucy, his sister’s best friend. Lucy has been hired as event planner for a town party he is hosting at his brother’s mansion. She doesn’t know Samuel very well, but she thinks he is a constantly grumpy man with a perpetual frown. She is just the opposite with her sunny, cheerful personality. Can Samuel change Luch’s opinion of him?

This is a humorous, enjoyable short story with Christian principles.

I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this short novella! The third in this bite sized Christian Christmas sweet romance series, it was the best so far! I adored it so much. Swoony and sweet. With a billionaire and his little sisters best friend, this small town romance had mistletoe, and opposites attract with our grumpy hero and sunshine heroine. I sailed through this romance and adored every bit of it.

I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Paula Bond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love everything this author writes. Jessie Gussman’s books are always heartwarming, there’s always something that makes me smile or laugh and her characters are lovable and relatable. And, who doesn’t love a mistletoe surprise kiss? If you need a short read to help you get into the Christmas mood, try one of these sweet stories. I received this book as an ARC reader, and it is my honor to leave this review.

[Lana Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another very darling story by Jessie Gussman! This one has the story as old as time in it, with Lucy getting caught under the mistletoe with Jackson, her brother’s best friend, and the one who has made her blood pressure rise for several years! This is a sweet, quick Christmas read that all of you will ♥️ LOVE ♥️ You better get some mistletoe, if you’re single, or wanting to get kissed by your special One! See what happens next!! Lol 🤣 I was on the AR team and this review is my own. ♥️📚🤗

[Terry Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

A grouchy billionaire can't get his little sister's awkward best buddy out of his head after a mishap under the mistletoe. The third novel in this fantastic romantic comedy series takes place here. Regardless of the genre she chooses to write in, Jessie consistently produces outstanding work. This book and the entire series are highly recommended. I was given arc of this book, all thoughts are my own.

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under the Mistletoe Mishap is book three of Jessie Gussman's Christmas Tree, PA novella series, featuring Samuel and Lucy. This is an opposites attract, sunshine h/grumpy H billionaire rom-com with inspirational elements. It's a sweet, clean story and can be read as a stand-alone. However, the series is proving to be wonderfully entertaining so you'll definitely want to read them all. Highly recommended.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part of an interconnected series that has overlapping characters. Reading in order is recommended but not required.
He shares a home with his brother when he's in town. She's his little sister's best friend. Will a rescuing catch be what is needed to get them to open up about how they feel? Why did he lie? When all is said and done will it stay a lie?
This is a quick easy read with a HEA.
I received a copy of this book from the author. Review voluntarily given.