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Mistletoe #1
The Mistletoe Promise
A love story for Christmas from the #1 bestselling author of The Christmas Box and The Walk.
Elise Dutton dreads the arrival of another holiday season. Three years earlier, her husband cheated on her with her best friend, resulting in a bitter divorce that left her alone, broken, and distrustful.
Then, one November day, a stranger approaches Elise in the mall food court. Though she recognizes the man from her building, Elise has never formally met him. Tired of spending the holidays alone, the man offers her a proposition. For the next eight weeks—until the evening of December 24—he suggests that they pretend to be a couple. He draws up a contract with four rules:
1. No deep, probing personal questions
2. No drama
3. No telling anyone the truth about the relationship
4. The contract is void on Christmas Day
The lonely Elise surprises herself by agreeing to the idea. As the charade progresses, the safety of her fake relationship begins to mend her badly broken heart. But just as she begins to find joy again, her long-held secret threatens to unravel the emerging relationship. But she might not be the only one with secrets.
Elise Dutton dreads the arrival of another holiday season. Three years earlier, her husband cheated on her with her best friend, resulting in a bitter divorce that left her alone, broken, and distrustful.
Then, one November day, a stranger approaches Elise in the mall food court. Though she recognizes the man from her building, Elise has never formally met him. Tired of spending the holidays alone, the man offers her a proposition. For the next eight weeks—until the evening of December 24—he suggests that they pretend to be a couple. He draws up a contract with four rules:
1. No deep, probing personal questions
2. No drama
3. No telling anyone the truth about the relationship
4. The contract is void on Christmas Day
The lonely Elise surprises herself by agreeing to the idea. As the charade progresses, the safety of her fake relationship begins to mend her badly broken heart. But just as she begins to find joy again, her long-held secret threatens to unravel the emerging relationship. But she might not be the only one with secrets.
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2014
604 people are currently reading
7695 people want to read
About the author
Richard Paul Evans
226 books6,457 followersWhen Richard Paul Evans wrote the #1 best-seller, The Christmas Box, he never intended on becoming an internationally known author. His quiet story of parental love and the true meaning of Christmas made history when it became simultaneously the #1 hardcover and paperback book in the nation. Since then, more than eight million copies of The Christmas Box have been printed. He has since written eleven consecutive New York Times bestsellers. He is one the few authors in history to have hit both the fiction and non-fiction bestseller lists. He has won several awards for his books including the 1998 American Mothers Book Award, two first place Storytelling World Awards, and the 2005 Romantic Times Best Women Novel of the Year Award. His books have been translated into more than 22 languages and several have been international best sellers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,193 reviews
December 17, 2022
The Mistletoe Promise by Richard Paul Evans. What a great book about redemption, self love, forgiveness and acceptance. I can’t say more without giving the book away. Before you close this review, stop, examine your life and make amends to yourself. You matter
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December 21, 2018Content warnings: Mentions of mental and physical abuse by a parent, and death of a child. Very brief microaggressions toward weight and mental illness (fat character has "sausage fingers," neat character makes an "I'm so OCD" joke.)
September 29, 2022
This was a holiday romance with a fake-dating premise. Nicholas and Elise work in the same building and eat lunch together in the same food court every day. He’s noticed her sitting alone and proposes a deal. They get through the holidays and the inevitable parties and get-togethers by pretending to be a couple so they don’t have to suffer through them alone, and on Christmas Eve, they go their separate ways. Elise agrees.
First, let me say that this was a well told story, with characters I connected to and interesting backstories. As a Christmas story… there are dark moments. If you don’t mind that being included in a Christmas book, then the present-day story and the way the characters come together is nice. And as we got further in and more and more reveals happened, the knowledge of the characters deepened and this was a great well-crafted read.
Trigger Warnings:
First, let me say that this was a well told story, with characters I connected to and interesting backstories. As a Christmas story… there are dark moments. If you don’t mind that being included in a Christmas book, then the present-day story and the way the characters come together is nice. And as we got further in and more and more reveals happened, the knowledge of the characters deepened and this was a great well-crafted read.
Trigger Warnings:
December 30, 2020
Reread December 2020:
Love this book! This has quickly become an annual holiday read for me.
Original November 2019:
This was quite a bit more dark than I would have expected from a holiday romance story that was turned into a Hallmark movie.
It's filled with vibrant characters with well fleshed out back stories.
The banter and fake relationship bungles were hilarious!
Now I'm super curious about the Hallmark movie.
Update:
I watched the Hallmark movie.
Save for the title and the most basic of pieces from the plot I would not have known it was even related to the book.
If you look at the movie as a completely separate entity from the book it's pretty darn good.
Very fluffy...but it's Hallmark, so we all knew it would be. 😉
Love this book! This has quickly become an annual holiday read for me.
Original November 2019:
This was quite a bit more dark than I would have expected from a holiday romance story that was turned into a Hallmark movie.
It's filled with vibrant characters with well fleshed out back stories.
The banter and fake relationship bungles were hilarious!
Now I'm super curious about the Hallmark movie.
Update:
I watched the Hallmark movie.
Save for the title and the most basic of pieces from the plot I would not have known it was even related to the book.
If you look at the movie as a completely separate entity from the book it's pretty darn good.
Very fluffy...but it's Hallmark, so we all knew it would be. 😉
November 6, 2016
★★★★½
If you like stories that feature a domino effect, you might like the story of how I came across The Mistletoe Promise. If you don't just scroll down to the review. No hard feelings. I probably wouldn't read it either.
So...
My son and I are loyal followers of youtuber Rosanna Pansino's Nerdy Nummies and I got an alert that she was going to be filming a segment on Hallmark Channel's Home & Family. I never watch the show but I set my DVR to record anyway. That particular episode was themed with a Star Trek: The Next Generation cast reunion which drew my interest as well so it was a win/win situation. As my son and I were watching the episode, there were constant promotions for an upcoming Hallmark Channel movie apparently scheduled to air that weekend. Like, every commercial break had movie trailers, photos, movie clips, actor interviews, media buzz, it was crazy. Which movie? The Mistletoe Promise of course! Even though I was bordering on consumer overload, the previews were fun and engaging and I considered checking it out. When an interview with one of the actors indicated it was based on Richard Paul Evans's novel by the same name, I was decided. It's been a while since I purposefully planned a book to movie experience. So with the 5-hour audiobook at my fingertips and the DVR set to record the movie the next night, Christmas spirit started to call my name.
BOOK REVIEW
What started out as a simplistic, holiday-themed "let's do a pretend relationship" story quickly evolved into something much deeper. The plot change was completely unexpected and the overall message of the book was full of palpable emotion. One-dimensional characters were beautifully developed and their personal struggles brought tears to my eyes. I found The Mistletoe Promise to be a great Christmas book and I'm so glad I read it.
My favorite quote:
"It's been said that the Magi, wise men, gazed up into the night skies, following a star. But they were not looking for a star. They were looking for hope. Hope of a new world. Hope of redemption. Light is not found in dark places, and hope is not found looking down or looking back. May you always look up."
MOVIE REVIEW
This made-for-TV movie had great casting and acting quality. However, it doesn't detour into the deeper themes as the book does. There are some mild emotional elements but it stays pretty much centered on the "pretend relationship" plot line with a heavy focus on the characters' career goals. The book's latter themes may have been a bit intense for a conservative host like Hallmark Channel. Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed it as a light and happy Christmas romance movie.
Richard Paul Evans's Mistletoe Collection includes the following standalone novels as of November 2016:
#1-The Mistletoe Promise (2014)
#2-The Mistletoe Inn (2015)
#3-The Mistletoe Secret (2016)
11/04/2016:
The day after Halloween, during my evening walk, I saw a home fully decorated with Christmas lights and decorations. When I got home, I complained to my husband about it. Really, Christmas already?
And here I am...reading a Christmas book.
If you like stories that feature a domino effect, you might like the story of how I came across The Mistletoe Promise. If you don't just scroll down to the review. No hard feelings. I probably wouldn't read it either.
So...
My son and I are loyal followers of youtuber Rosanna Pansino's Nerdy Nummies and I got an alert that she was going to be filming a segment on Hallmark Channel's Home & Family. I never watch the show but I set my DVR to record anyway. That particular episode was themed with a Star Trek: The Next Generation cast reunion which drew my interest as well so it was a win/win situation. As my son and I were watching the episode, there were constant promotions for an upcoming Hallmark Channel movie apparently scheduled to air that weekend. Like, every commercial break had movie trailers, photos, movie clips, actor interviews, media buzz, it was crazy. Which movie? The Mistletoe Promise of course! Even though I was bordering on consumer overload, the previews were fun and engaging and I considered checking it out. When an interview with one of the actors indicated it was based on Richard Paul Evans's novel by the same name, I was decided. It's been a while since I purposefully planned a book to movie experience. So with the 5-hour audiobook at my fingertips and the DVR set to record the movie the next night, Christmas spirit started to call my name.
BOOK REVIEW
What started out as a simplistic, holiday-themed "let's do a pretend relationship" story quickly evolved into something much deeper. The plot change was completely unexpected and the overall message of the book was full of palpable emotion. One-dimensional characters were beautifully developed and their personal struggles brought tears to my eyes. I found The Mistletoe Promise to be a great Christmas book and I'm so glad I read it.
My favorite quote:
"It's been said that the Magi, wise men, gazed up into the night skies, following a star. But they were not looking for a star. They were looking for hope. Hope of a new world. Hope of redemption. Light is not found in dark places, and hope is not found looking down or looking back. May you always look up."
MOVIE REVIEW
This made-for-TV movie had great casting and acting quality. However, it doesn't detour into the deeper themes as the book does. There are some mild emotional elements but it stays pretty much centered on the "pretend relationship" plot line with a heavy focus on the characters' career goals. The book's latter themes may have been a bit intense for a conservative host like Hallmark Channel. Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed it as a light and happy Christmas romance movie.
Richard Paul Evans's Mistletoe Collection includes the following standalone novels as of November 2016:
#1-The Mistletoe Promise (2014)
#2-The Mistletoe Inn (2015)
#3-The Mistletoe Secret (2016)
11/04/2016:
The day after Halloween, during my evening walk, I saw a home fully decorated with Christmas lights and decorations. When I got home, I complained to my husband about it. Really, Christmas already?
And here I am...reading a Christmas book.
November 30, 2014
I know that there are people who probably think there is no way something like this could ever happen. For someone who loves Cinderella stories, I say, "why not." Thank you Richard Paul Evans for giving me a story I couldn't put down from the moment I started reading it!
December 6, 2014
I am crying as I write this review. As a Christian, you should always strive to live in forgiveness and redemption...with that being said, it is NOT always easy. This book was a bittersweet read. I loved it. I hated parts of it, not because of the writing style, it was excellent but because of the painful content. This book was filled with "unexpecteds" for me. It was never predictable. So much I didn't see coming and yet I couldn't put it down! I have never heard of this author but now want to read everything he has written. If you are looking for a good clean love story full of redemption, you need not look any further. Disclaimer: it is not an easy read. There is some darkness here but if you hang on to see what the end will be, there is redemption and light! If you are a crybaby, have your tissue box near. I tried to write around the story because I don't want to spoil it for readers but in my opinion, it is a must read! I feel like I understand Elise. I don't like Dan and if Nicholas was real, I would marry him in a New York minute! Okay, that's all you're getting from me!
November 6, 2016
I found this to be a very nice Christmas read. I have seen comments about something bad that happens and it's true but the core of the story exists because of it. It's a story of forgiveness, love and finding the right person. It felt real instead of a perfect romantic story. Maybe not for everyone but it worked for me.
June 12, 2017
I experienced several eye-rolling moments while reading this book, but I knew what I was getting into before I started. I wanted to read something light and fluffy to counterbalance the heavy mysteries/thrillers I've been reading. The story was predictable but it was good to give my mind a bit of a break. It was a good read for what it was meant to be.
December 18, 2025
I read one Richard Paul Evans book last year, so I was somewhat familiar with his work, but The Mistletoe Promise still took me by surprise with how good it was.
I'm going to need some other authors to take notes from Mr. Evans on how to write fake dating, and make it not only interesting, but also unpredictable.
There were quite a few unique twists, and the romance was incredibly sweet, I loved every single minute of it, especially the parts where Elise's coworkers were proven wrong time and time again.
I enjoyed the story so much that I couldn't put the audiobook down, even for a few minutes, so I might just have to get myself a physical copy to annotate. What a perfect Christmas read!!
I'm going to need some other authors to take notes from Mr. Evans on how to write fake dating, and make it not only interesting, but also unpredictable.
There were quite a few unique twists, and the romance was incredibly sweet, I loved every single minute of it, especially the parts where Elise's coworkers were proven wrong time and time again.
I enjoyed the story so much that I couldn't put the audiobook down, even for a few minutes, so I might just have to get myself a physical copy to annotate. What a perfect Christmas read!!
December 1, 2019
Elise and Nicholas were a cute couple. Elise had a heartbreaking backstory and so did Nicholas. Richard Paul Evans created a great fun way of bringing two broken people together.
Great read for the holidays!
Great read for the holidays!
December 28, 2015
Sweet story of redemption and forgiveness. Loved it!
December 21, 2015
I'm torn about this book. First let me say that it takes a lot for a book to affect me emotionally, and this one had me tearing up several times.
On one hand, this is almost an over the top Cinderella story. Guy meets girl, they enter into a "contract," he lavishes her with gifts, and you know they're -- predictably -- going to fall for each other...and I would have been perfectly happy with a holiday tale like that.
But then this author goes and makes things complicated. You find out a terrible event in Elise's past, one that could possibly make you condemn her if you had read an article about her in the newspaper. And, trust me, you have read something like it and you HAVE wondered how? Why? And thought, "I would never do anything like that." Yet, I couldn't turn my back on Elise, and I felt compelled to continue with the story. This event and Elise's inner thoughts about herself are what really ended up making me sympathetic to her and hope for a good ending to her story. In short, it turned this Cinderella fantasy into a story about real people.
And Nicholas -- oh, where do I start? He had me at Hello and he broke my heart when he finally told Elise his story.
This is a story that will stay with me. This is the first book I've read by this author. It won't be the last.
On one hand, this is almost an over the top Cinderella story. Guy meets girl, they enter into a "contract," he lavishes her with gifts, and you know they're -- predictably -- going to fall for each other...and I would have been perfectly happy with a holiday tale like that.
But then this author goes and makes things complicated. You find out a terrible event in Elise's past, one that could possibly make you condemn her if you had read an article about her in the newspaper. And, trust me, you have read something like it and you HAVE wondered how? Why? And thought, "I would never do anything like that." Yet, I couldn't turn my back on Elise, and I felt compelled to continue with the story. This event and Elise's inner thoughts about herself are what really ended up making me sympathetic to her and hope for a good ending to her story. In short, it turned this Cinderella fantasy into a story about real people.
And Nicholas -- oh, where do I start? He had me at Hello and he broke my heart when he finally told Elise his story.
This is a story that will stay with me. This is the first book I've read by this author. It won't be the last.
December 31, 2016
Again Richard Paul Evans is an amazing writer of love. This Christmas Promise is actually a contract between a lawyer and a travel agent that are struggling with the horrid losses both have experienced in their life and only each other knows what the other has gone through and can understand and forgive.
No matter how terrible the tragedy, an individual can overcome grief with true love and true companionship of another of similiar circumstances.
As always with Evan's books there is no negative language. The romance is hinted at and you can feel it growing. Very touching and heartwarming.
No matter how terrible the tragedy, an individual can overcome grief with true love and true companionship of another of similiar circumstances.
As always with Evan's books there is no negative language. The romance is hinted at and you can feel it growing. Very touching and heartwarming.
December 22, 2019
NOT MY CUP OF CHRISTMAS TEA
I absolutely love Christmas Romance movies - even the ones that are kind of bad still keep me entertained. However, this book just made my cringe in a way no Hallmark or Lifetime movies ever has...
👎 WHAT I DISLIKED 👎
Meet-cute: Yeah, their meeting was anything but cute. I have seen my fair share of awkward, stilted, improbable 'meet-cutes' but this one took the cringy cake!
Shallow: Maybe this is just me, but a relationship that is built upon lavish gift giving feels very shallow to me. Oh, and here personality definitely took a back seat to looks!
I absolutely love Christmas Romance movies - even the ones that are kind of bad still keep me entertained. However, this book just made my cringe in a way no Hallmark or Lifetime movies ever has...
👎 WHAT I DISLIKED 👎
Meet-cute: Yeah, their meeting was anything but cute. I have seen my fair share of awkward, stilted, improbable 'meet-cutes' but this one took the cringy cake!
Shallow: Maybe this is just me, but a relationship that is built upon lavish gift giving feels very shallow to me. Oh, and here personality definitely took a back seat to looks!
July 20, 2015
I read this book because of Chantel's recommendation. I am so glad I did ! Wow, this book left me feeling so many emotions. There was such an emotional part about half way through. I read it in one sitting, I just couldn't put it down ! This story is about redemption,renewal,hope and forgiveness ! I highly recommend it to everyone !
November 2, 2015
Quote: "I have punished myself for my mistake more times than I can remember. Each day I wake up in the court of conscience to be judged guilty and unworthy. In this sorry realm I am the judge, prosecutor, and jury, and, without defense I accept the verdict and the sentence, a lifetime of regret and guilt to be administered by myself."
Elise Dutton and Nicholas Dorr are going through the motions of daily life, but each, for their own reasons have sheltered their hearts from all that life has to offer. Christmas is approaching, and with that are the office and holiday commitments that come with the season. Nicholas has seen Elise eating alone in the food court and decides to confront her with a "contract" stipulating they would attend the holiday social events as a couple. Elise is intrigued, and the agreement is made. Part of the agreement is that the relationship be "platonic". But, as the walls they've built around their hearts begin to break down, their feelings become more real. For each, they realize that they must let go of the past, and embrace the opportunity for a second chance.
I look forward to Richard Paul Evan's Christmas books and the messages they convey.
Elise Dutton and Nicholas Dorr are going through the motions of daily life, but each, for their own reasons have sheltered their hearts from all that life has to offer. Christmas is approaching, and with that are the office and holiday commitments that come with the season. Nicholas has seen Elise eating alone in the food court and decides to confront her with a "contract" stipulating they would attend the holiday social events as a couple. Elise is intrigued, and the agreement is made. Part of the agreement is that the relationship be "platonic". But, as the walls they've built around their hearts begin to break down, their feelings become more real. For each, they realize that they must let go of the past, and embrace the opportunity for a second chance.
I look forward to Richard Paul Evan's Christmas books and the messages they convey.
November 22, 2014
Wonderful heartwarming Christmas tale with underlying sadness that comes straight from the headlines of today. Two lost souls connect although their meeting was planned by one of them. Some twists to the story but the requisite happily ever after with nice closure thanks to the epilogue.
Can't wait until next year's story.
Can't wait until next year's story.
December 20, 2016
This was so very good! One of the best modern day Christmas stories I have read in a while. It starts with a platonic contract between two people to spend holiday events together. And of course they develop feelings for each other but the story is deeper than that. Elise and Nicholas are good together and I really liked their characters. I also liked the way the secret reveal was done. It was a very satisfying and heart warming book. Highly recommend.
December 2, 2016
A sweet and unique Christmas story.
November 22, 2016
This year I decided I was going to intentionally read a Christmas story once winter hit. Problem is - snow hasn't really started flying and even though it's 2 days away from Thanksgiving, it still doesn't feel like the holidays are starting - I'm actually OK with that < I love sunshine > and warm anyway!!
So without snow and fireplace cozies I started this book and finished it in a few hours - I loved it and the audio was perfect! It was so sweet and so cozy in the simplest way. I was immediately drawn in to the "mistletoe promise" between the 2 characters and the book just unfolded so nicely and I was so emotionally connected to everything - dates, flowers, gifts....all heart melting. You could see the ending a mile away, but never have I enjoyed it more! It's a good reminder that sometimes the simplest story works great too!!
So without snow and fireplace cozies I started this book and finished it in a few hours - I loved it and the audio was perfect! It was so sweet and so cozy in the simplest way. I was immediately drawn in to the "mistletoe promise" between the 2 characters and the book just unfolded so nicely and I was so emotionally connected to everything - dates, flowers, gifts....all heart melting. You could see the ending a mile away, but never have I enjoyed it more! It's a good reminder that sometimes the simplest story works great too!!
December 8, 2024
A great book to listen to at Christmas. A story of love and forgiveness. Great writing and nicely developed characters.
November 24, 2014
This book was truly amazing and so powerful! This book was all about wanting to change the past and trying to move on from the mistakes that you have made but its also about forgiveness. This book had me happy and in tears all at the same time. This is a Christmas story but I love that it wasn't so over taken by the holiday but the holiday brought the characters together in a away that Elise never saw coming.
"I'm afraid of.. not flying. As long as you're in he air there's no problem, right? Its coming back to earth that's the problem."
"There is not only more to each soul's journey than we imagine, usually there is more then we can imagine."
" It should not surprise us that, at the end of a journey, our destination looks different than we imagined at the beginning. Everything looks different up close."
"I'm afraid of.. not flying. As long as you're in he air there's no problem, right? Its coming back to earth that's the problem."
"There is not only more to each soul's journey than we imagine, usually there is more then we can imagine."
" It should not surprise us that, at the end of a journey, our destination looks different than we imagined at the beginning. Everything looks different up close."
April 30, 2016
Old reviews went missing. How does save not working?
My favorite holiday book. A must read. How did my initial review disappear?
My favorite holiday book. A must read. How did my initial review disappear?
February 15, 2017
I have been looking for a cute Christmas story for the last couple of weeks. So when I found this book at the library and read the synopsis, I was so happy!
**FROM THE BOOK**
Elise Dutton dreads the arrival of another holiday season. Three years earlier, her husband cheated on her with her best friend, resulting in a bitter divorce that left her alone, broken, and distrustful.
Then, one November day, a stranger approaches Elise in the mall food court. Though she recognizes the man from her building, Elise has never formally met him. Tired of spending the holidays alone, the man offers her a proposition. For the next eight weeks—until the evening of December 24—he suggests that they pretend to be a couple. He draws up a contract with four rules:
1. No deep, probing personal questions
2. No drama
3. No telling anyone the truth about the relationship
4. The contract is void on Christmas Day
The lonely Elise surprises herself by agreeing to the idea. As the charade progresses, the safety of her fake relationship begins to mend her badly broken heart. But just as she begins to
find joy again, her long-held secret threatens to unravel emerging relationship.
**MY THOUGHTS**
This was such a heartwarming story, I love the premise and the characters in this book. Emily Dutton is just a character you want to root for. I enjoyed seeing the unfolding of the story from Emily's point of view. There were so many times I found myself laughing or smiling at the things she would say. There were also some pretty serious issues in this book as well. But the author did an amazing job incorporating it in without making the book depressing. This is definitely a book to look out for.
**FROM THE BOOK**
Elise Dutton dreads the arrival of another holiday season. Three years earlier, her husband cheated on her with her best friend, resulting in a bitter divorce that left her alone, broken, and distrustful.
Then, one November day, a stranger approaches Elise in the mall food court. Though she recognizes the man from her building, Elise has never formally met him. Tired of spending the holidays alone, the man offers her a proposition. For the next eight weeks—until the evening of December 24—he suggests that they pretend to be a couple. He draws up a contract with four rules:
1. No deep, probing personal questions
2. No drama
3. No telling anyone the truth about the relationship
4. The contract is void on Christmas Day
The lonely Elise surprises herself by agreeing to the idea. As the charade progresses, the safety of her fake relationship begins to mend her badly broken heart. But just as she begins to
find joy again, her long-held secret threatens to unravel emerging relationship.
**MY THOUGHTS**
This was such a heartwarming story, I love the premise and the characters in this book. Emily Dutton is just a character you want to root for. I enjoyed seeing the unfolding of the story from Emily's point of view. There were so many times I found myself laughing or smiling at the things she would say. There were also some pretty serious issues in this book as well. But the author did an amazing job incorporating it in without making the book depressing. This is definitely a book to look out for.
December 14, 2019
I usually try and read a Christmas novel this time of year to help get myself into the spirit of Christmas. This book has been on my list for a while, but every year my library has a long waiting list for it. So, this year I got on the list early. The audio book is very well done. January LaVoy is the narrator and she does a wonderful job.
This was a very sweet, wholesome story that had some substance to it, which was a nice. It was a little cheesy in places and over-the-top in others, but holiday books can be like that.
Apparently, this book inspired a movie of the same name on The Hallmark Channel, and though I have not seen it, it looks like it does not follow the book- at least based on the preview.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable Christmas read. I am happy to learn that this author has more holiday themed books in his collection, so I will be reading more from him in the years to come.
Narrator: January LaVoy
This was a very sweet, wholesome story that had some substance to it, which was a nice. It was a little cheesy in places and over-the-top in others, but holiday books can be like that.
Apparently, this book inspired a movie of the same name on The Hallmark Channel, and though I have not seen it, it looks like it does not follow the book- at least based on the preview.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable Christmas read. I am happy to learn that this author has more holiday themed books in his collection, so I will be reading more from him in the years to come.
Narrator: January LaVoy
January 1, 2016
SUMMARY: Elise Dutton dreads the arrival of another holiday season. Three years earlier, her husband cheated on her with her best friend, resulting in a bitter divorce that left her alone, broken, and distrustful.
Then, one November day, a stranger approaches Elise in the mall food court. Though she recognizes the man from her building, Elise has never formally met him. Tired of spending the holidays alone, the man offers her a proposition. For the next eight weeks—until the evening of December 24—he suggests that they pretend to be a couple. He draws up a contract with four rules:
1. No deep, probing personal questions
2. No drama
3. No telling anyone the truth about the relationship
4. The contract is void on Christmas Day
The lonely Elise surprises herself by agreeing to the idea. As the charade progresses, the safety of her fake relationship begins to mend her badly broken heart. But just as she begins to find joy again, her long-held secret threatens to unravel the emerging relationship. But she might not be the only one with secrets.
REVIEW: I absolutely loved the premise on which this story was based and the reason behind it. The ending wasn't really a total surprise, but I wasn't sure what Nicholas' secret was. Richard Paul Evans is a true artist with a love story. Have to say among the 3 best men romance authors: Evans, Nicholas Sparks and Dan Walsh.
This one was hard to put down from start to finish and Nicholas was such a sweet romantic man without being focused on any intimacy during the development of the relationship. Elise became a real Cinderella and developed more confidence, surety, and belief in herself as their relationship grew. It glowed with the spirit of Christmas: hope, love, and forgiveness.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "In a world growing increasingly entitled, you are truly grateful. It makes me want to do more for you. "
"People punish others over and over for the same mistake. We do it to ourselves. It's not right, but we still do it."
"Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. It's true. Everyone has struggles. Everyone has suffered more than you know."
"It's been said that the Magi, wise men, gazed up into the night skies, following a star. But they were not looking for a star. They were looking for hope. Hope of a new world. Hope of redemption. Light is not found in a dark place, and hope is not found looking down or looking back."
Then, one November day, a stranger approaches Elise in the mall food court. Though she recognizes the man from her building, Elise has never formally met him. Tired of spending the holidays alone, the man offers her a proposition. For the next eight weeks—until the evening of December 24—he suggests that they pretend to be a couple. He draws up a contract with four rules:
1. No deep, probing personal questions
2. No drama
3. No telling anyone the truth about the relationship
4. The contract is void on Christmas Day
The lonely Elise surprises herself by agreeing to the idea. As the charade progresses, the safety of her fake relationship begins to mend her badly broken heart. But just as she begins to find joy again, her long-held secret threatens to unravel the emerging relationship. But she might not be the only one with secrets.
REVIEW: I absolutely loved the premise on which this story was based and the reason behind it. The ending wasn't really a total surprise, but I wasn't sure what Nicholas' secret was. Richard Paul Evans is a true artist with a love story. Have to say among the 3 best men romance authors: Evans, Nicholas Sparks and Dan Walsh.
This one was hard to put down from start to finish and Nicholas was such a sweet romantic man without being focused on any intimacy during the development of the relationship. Elise became a real Cinderella and developed more confidence, surety, and belief in herself as their relationship grew. It glowed with the spirit of Christmas: hope, love, and forgiveness.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "In a world growing increasingly entitled, you are truly grateful. It makes me want to do more for you. "
"People punish others over and over for the same mistake. We do it to ourselves. It's not right, but we still do it."
"Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. It's true. Everyone has struggles. Everyone has suffered more than you know."
"It's been said that the Magi, wise men, gazed up into the night skies, following a star. But they were not looking for a star. They were looking for hope. Hope of a new world. Hope of redemption. Light is not found in a dark place, and hope is not found looking down or looking back."
December 18, 2015
What an AWESOME Heartwarming Christmas Story! A story of love, forgiveness and second chances. The book will make you cry so have a box of kleenex handy. The book has so many twists that will keep you reading trying to figure out what will happen next. A GREAT book for the Christmas season. A MUST READ!
December 4, 2014
Another wonderful Richard Paul Evans book. I don't know where the inspiration comes from but I pray it doesn't stop. I love the message of redemption and new beginnings which is really what Christmas is all about...the new life that each of us can find...even redemption...though the Son of God, whose birth we celebrate at Christmas time.
December 7, 2014
This is another wonderful Christmas story told in a way only Richard Paul Evans could do. It is a quick read and I did not want to put it down. Without giving anything away it's about two people that meet during the Christmas holidays and decide to sign a contract pretending to be a couple to help each other get through the holidays.
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