What do you think?
Rate this book
The Christmas Bargain
All she needs is a date for the holidays…
She needs a date for a wedding.
But a fiancé wasn’t part of the plan…
Unwilling to attend a wedding alone, artist Lila Penry makes a deal with Sam Gibson—art lessons for his adorable niece in exchange for being her date. But their Christmas agreement becomes a nightmare when everyone thinks they’re engaged. All Lila wants is to leave town for her dream job…so what happens when Sam steals his way into her heart?
From Harlequin Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
She needs a date for a wedding.
But a fiancé wasn’t part of the plan…
Unwilling to attend a wedding alone, artist Lila Penry makes a deal with Sam Gibson—art lessons for his adorable niece in exchange for being her date. But their Christmas agreement becomes a nightmare when everyone thinks they’re engaged. All Lila wants is to leave town for her dream job…so what happens when Sam steals his way into her heart?
From Harlequin Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published October 27, 2020
26 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Carter
52 books247 followersWriter. Book Lover. Avid Gardener. World Traveler.
Lisa Carter is the Publishers Weekly bestselling and award-winning author of more than thirty books. She writes the contemporary Truelove Matchmaker romance series with Love Inspired. She also writes romantic suspense—best described as “Sweet Tea with a Slice of Murder.” When not hard at work on her next fictional adventure, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family. A native North Carolinian, she has strong opinions on barbecue and ACC basketball. www.lisacarterauthor.com
Follow Lisa on BookBub for the latest book news at https://bit.ly/3G2iWGv.
Join her newsletter mailing list for book happenings at https://rb.gy/2ilkh7.
Lisa Carter is the Publishers Weekly bestselling and award-winning author of more than thirty books. She writes the contemporary Truelove Matchmaker romance series with Love Inspired. She also writes romantic suspense—best described as “Sweet Tea with a Slice of Murder.” When not hard at work on her next fictional adventure, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family. A native North Carolinian, she has strong opinions on barbecue and ACC basketball. www.lisacarterauthor.com
Follow Lisa on BookBub for the latest book news at https://bit.ly/3G2iWGv.
Join her newsletter mailing list for book happenings at https://rb.gy/2ilkh7.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 4, 2020
Bwahahaha! The Double Name club is back with their matchmaking antics. These grannies feel their civic duty lies in providing solace for the single by transforming them into pairs and they have Lila and Sam tip-toeing around town in hopes of keeping under their radar. Ha! No chance of that.
While not labeled as a series, I think this is about the fifth book set in Truelove (town slogan, "Where true love awaits") and with a name like that it's no wonder there's matchmaking in the air. i love venturing back to a favourite fictional locale and catching up with memorable characters as well as meeting new ones. This one had me grinning and whooping (and sometimes wincing) all the way through. But no worries if you haven't read the rest of the series, each book reads well as a stand alone but I bet you'll be hooked and scrambling to backtrack once you set foot in Truelove!
Carter knows how to deliver a compelling romance - emotionally driven and punctuated with humour and the kind of love 'em (and sometimes leave 'em) characters that intrigue and exasperate. And oh, did I ever feel Lila and Sam's struggles. What an enriching faith thread about resting in the joy of knowing you are exactly who God made you to be instead of always striving to somehow measure up.
What an enchanting inspirational holiday romance.
While not labeled as a series, I think this is about the fifth book set in Truelove (town slogan, "Where true love awaits") and with a name like that it's no wonder there's matchmaking in the air. i love venturing back to a favourite fictional locale and catching up with memorable characters as well as meeting new ones. This one had me grinning and whooping (and sometimes wincing) all the way through. But no worries if you haven't read the rest of the series, each book reads well as a stand alone but I bet you'll be hooked and scrambling to backtrack once you set foot in Truelove!
Carter knows how to deliver a compelling romance - emotionally driven and punctuated with humour and the kind of love 'em (and sometimes leave 'em) characters that intrigue and exasperate. And oh, did I ever feel Lila and Sam's struggles. What an enriching faith thread about resting in the joy of knowing you are exactly who God made you to be instead of always striving to somehow measure up.
What an enchanting inspirational holiday romance.
November 12, 2020
I loved this story about seeing yourself through God's eyes, not the eyes of your critics.
Artist Lila Penry is in a bind. In a moment of weakness she said that she would be bringing a plus one to a wedding, but she isn't seeing anyone so who can she ask. Her solution? She will give Sam Gibson's adorable niece art lessons if he will act as her escort for the wedding weekend's activities. It's only a weekend. After all, her dream job is across the country. She can spend time with him and not fall for him, right?
The more time they spend together, the more they realize they really enjoy each other's company. Lila has had a crush on Sam since high school, but as the high school quarterback who led the team to four straight state championships, she thinks Sam is way out of her league. Sam, for his part, thinks everyone in town looks at him and sees his con man father. Because of that, he doesn't feel worthy of Lila's attention. He's willing to do anything for his orphaned niece, Emma Cate, though, and she loves "Miss Penry".
Will Lila learn to see herself as others see her - not as the frizzy haired child she was, but as the poised, talented artist she has grown up to be? Will Sam learn that those around him see a man worthy of respect?
The main characters are just insecure enough to be human, but are willing to step out and take a leap together. I loved Emma Cate and the "nosy matchmakers". This book is a keeper!
Artist Lila Penry is in a bind. In a moment of weakness she said that she would be bringing a plus one to a wedding, but she isn't seeing anyone so who can she ask. Her solution? She will give Sam Gibson's adorable niece art lessons if he will act as her escort for the wedding weekend's activities. It's only a weekend. After all, her dream job is across the country. She can spend time with him and not fall for him, right?
The more time they spend together, the more they realize they really enjoy each other's company. Lila has had a crush on Sam since high school, but as the high school quarterback who led the team to four straight state championships, she thinks Sam is way out of her league. Sam, for his part, thinks everyone in town looks at him and sees his con man father. Because of that, he doesn't feel worthy of Lila's attention. He's willing to do anything for his orphaned niece, Emma Cate, though, and she loves "Miss Penry".
Will Lila learn to see herself as others see her - not as the frizzy haired child she was, but as the poised, talented artist she has grown up to be? Will Sam learn that those around him see a man worthy of respect?
The main characters are just insecure enough to be human, but are willing to step out and take a leap together. I loved Emma Cate and the "nosy matchmakers". This book is a keeper!
November 6, 2020
I loved the sage advice from the elder ladies in this beautiful story! Lisa Carter brought the generations together throughout this story. From Sam's darling little girl to sweet Miss IdaLee, neither Lila or Sam stand a chance of running from Truelove.
The gifts that Miss IdaLee gave for Christmas were gifts to cherish and hold onto; gifts that give everything and cost little to give. That part of the story was especially dear to me. Thank you, Lisa Carter, for gifting me with a signed copy of your wonderful book! Though the book was free my review is from my heart.
The gifts that Miss IdaLee gave for Christmas were gifts to cherish and hold onto; gifts that give everything and cost little to give. That part of the story was especially dear to me. Thank you, Lisa Carter, for gifting me with a signed copy of your wonderful book! Though the book was free my review is from my heart.
October 27, 2020
I've just read The Christmas Bargain and it was great! It's a continuation of Lisa's Truelove, NC. series. The only thing more enjoyable than this charming small town is the people who live there.
Readers are in for a treat as the ladies of The Double Name Club, also known as the Truelove Matchmakers set their sights on Sam and Lila. Resistance is futile! Matchmaker IdaLee Moore figures prominently in this story as she's Lila Penry's great aunt. IdaLee had me laughing out loud at some of her sayings. Carter knows southern vernacular and uses it well.
Art teacher Lila Penry is contemplating a cross country move for an artist in residence job offer. However when she's awakened by her high school crush working on the outside of her house, her future plans come into question. Does God have a better plan for her life than what Lila has thought of for herself?
Sam Gibson's goal in life is to take care of his daughter Emma Cate and keep his business, Paint by the Numbers, operating at the same time. Juggling both as a single dad is a big challenge.
Little Emma Cate's favorite teacher is Lila, who spots the child's artistic talent and offers to give her art lessons. But Sam won't take something for nothing so the bargaining begins.
I'm confident you'll love The Christmas Bargain as much as I did! Such a great ending too!
Readers are in for a treat as the ladies of The Double Name Club, also known as the Truelove Matchmakers set their sights on Sam and Lila. Resistance is futile! Matchmaker IdaLee Moore figures prominently in this story as she's Lila Penry's great aunt. IdaLee had me laughing out loud at some of her sayings. Carter knows southern vernacular and uses it well.
Art teacher Lila Penry is contemplating a cross country move for an artist in residence job offer. However when she's awakened by her high school crush working on the outside of her house, her future plans come into question. Does God have a better plan for her life than what Lila has thought of for herself?
Sam Gibson's goal in life is to take care of his daughter Emma Cate and keep his business, Paint by the Numbers, operating at the same time. Juggling both as a single dad is a big challenge.
Little Emma Cate's favorite teacher is Lila, who spots the child's artistic talent and offers to give her art lessons. But Sam won't take something for nothing so the bargaining begins.
I'm confident you'll love The Christmas Bargain as much as I did! Such a great ending too!
September 2, 2020
The Christmas Bargain is another awesome book by Lisa Carter. Loving art Lila had the chance to do more with her art than what she was doing if she moved out of state. But God showed her Hr had other plans for her. When Sam came to paint her house he also became a huge part of her life. They had known each other in high school. They became close and fell in love.
God changed Lila's plans for her life but in turn made better plans for her, including love, a family and a great job. A must read book and one you can't stop reading until you have finished it.....Totally awesome
God changed Lila's plans for her life but in turn made better plans for her, including love, a family and a great job. A must read book and one you can't stop reading until you have finished it.....Totally awesome
November 29, 2020
Review: The Christmas Bargain
By: Lisa Carter
@harlequinbooks
3/5 ⭐
•
Sam Gibson started his business from the ground up. Tragedy strikes while trying to make opportunities for the less fortunate in his neighborhood and a better name for himself. His sister and brother-in-law have an accident which leaves their two-year-old daughter in his sole custody. Trying to make a better life for his niece, he accepts a job working for Lila Penry. Over the course of a few weeks they make a pact. Sam will be a fake date to her bestfriends wedding in exchange for his niece's art lessons. Meddling family members are quick to spread rumors that the couple is engaged, but Lila doesn't want to stick around. She has plans of moving to California to take advantage of her dream job.
•
I don't like cinnamon roll characters and this book was full of the gooey center. The story was cute, but I don't think Harlequins "Love Inspired" line is for me. I love the Special Editions, Desire, and many others. I did have fun buddy reading with my friend, but I'm pretty sure she felt the same.
By: Lisa Carter
@harlequinbooks
3/5 ⭐
•
Sam Gibson started his business from the ground up. Tragedy strikes while trying to make opportunities for the less fortunate in his neighborhood and a better name for himself. His sister and brother-in-law have an accident which leaves their two-year-old daughter in his sole custody. Trying to make a better life for his niece, he accepts a job working for Lila Penry. Over the course of a few weeks they make a pact. Sam will be a fake date to her bestfriends wedding in exchange for his niece's art lessons. Meddling family members are quick to spread rumors that the couple is engaged, but Lila doesn't want to stick around. She has plans of moving to California to take advantage of her dream job.
•
I don't like cinnamon roll characters and this book was full of the gooey center. The story was cute, but I don't think Harlequins "Love Inspired" line is for me. I love the Special Editions, Desire, and many others. I did have fun buddy reading with my friend, but I'm pretty sure she felt the same.
December 24, 2022
This book is lovely! It was mildly rocky at first (although I was still enjoying it) but actually surprised me with its depth as I kept reading. A beautiful love story that not only focuses on the romantic love between a man and a woman, but the love of family, self, and the love God has for us.
I absolutely love IdaLee. Her wise words are what I needed at this moment. There is one quote that I have to share that is so true and riveting:
“Secrets breed misunderstanding, but truth brings illumination. And so my gift to you this year is truth.”
I thank God for leading me to read this book right now. From page 195 to 199 many of the words shared brought me joy, peace, and convicted my spirit.
I absolutely love IdaLee. Her wise words are what I needed at this moment. There is one quote that I have to share that is so true and riveting:
“Secrets breed misunderstanding, but truth brings illumination. And so my gift to you this year is truth.”
I thank God for leading me to read this book right now. From page 195 to 199 many of the words shared brought me joy, peace, and convicted my spirit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2021
The plot wouldn't even exist if people had only been able to finish their sentences. Someone would say something wrong, and the other person, rather than rushing to clarify, would trail off, or be interrupted by an opening door, or what have you. It was entirely a story based on easily clarified misunderstandings.
Also, I'm finishing this way past Christmas because I could not handle how many times the kid said "Daddy Sam." Every. Line. The kid's dialogue in general was pretty unbearable to read. Both of these things were pretty hard to see past, but everyone else reviewing it seemed to love it, so maybe it just wasn't my thing.
Also, I'm finishing this way past Christmas because I could not handle how many times the kid said "Daddy Sam." Every. Line. The kid's dialogue in general was pretty unbearable to read. Both of these things were pretty hard to see past, but everyone else reviewing it seemed to love it, so maybe it just wasn't my thing.
January 4, 2021
This is another heartwarming trip back to Truelove, NC, where the Double name gang of matchmakers work their skills to bring singles together. I like stories where I can laugh out loud, hold my breath, or wipe a tear. This book hits all the feels. Both Lila Penry, and Sam Gibson, have insecurities from their high school days. Lila was klutzy, awkward, and had frizzy hair.( she had been told) Sam was the handsome star quarterback, but he was the son of a con man. He feels he has to prove he isn’t anything like his father.
December 8, 2021
What an enchanting Christmas story! The Christmas Bargain is everything I enjoy in a Christmas tale. Author Lisa Carter knows how to pen a page-turning story, sweet authentic characters, romance, and humor! I loved the character growth, the adorable 4 year old, and a wonderful great aunt who is part of the double name club of matchmakers! What a delightful story of an artist and a painter! Lila Penry and Sam Gibson (and Emma Cate) stole my heart.
I highly recommend this sweet story by Lisa Carter.
I highly recommend this sweet story by Lisa Carter.
November 21, 2022
Fun read but also a deeper one than you might expect. This was very much the sweet Christmas story, but it also dealt with the struggle to know who we are in Christ and let Him define us.. not what others say or do. And to take everything to Him in prayer without trying to do it all on our own. While not marketed as a series, apparently there are a number of books by this author set in Truelove, NC and featuring the match-making double name club. I am looking forward to discovering and reading more of them.
December 15, 2024
Carol Award Winner 2021 for the "Short Novel" category.
I really enjoyed this "Love Inspired Romance". It was definitely a Christmas theme and so it was fun to read in December. Strong Christian threads where the characters overcame past wounds and wrong thinking to receive healing in Christ. A sweet story between Lila and Sam. Sam's little girl, Emma, is adorable and she adds "cuteness" to the story. I will definitely read more books written by Lisa Carter.
I really enjoyed this "Love Inspired Romance". It was definitely a Christmas theme and so it was fun to read in December. Strong Christian threads where the characters overcame past wounds and wrong thinking to receive healing in Christ. A sweet story between Lila and Sam. Sam's little girl, Emma, is adorable and she adds "cuteness" to the story. I will definitely read more books written by Lisa Carter.
December 18, 2022
This was just one of the sweetest book I ever read. Sam was so unbelievable thoughtful and compassionate. He dedicated his life to helping others. Lila also was very similar. Excellent characters and highly motivated plot.
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
January 2, 2024
Going through a box of books I picked up from an estate. It’s what I was looking for at this point in time. Sweet, quick, good heart, and just mindless enough to take my brain elsewhere. Who doesn’t want a mindless read about a schoolgirl crush coming to fruition years later?
November 2, 2020
Really enjoyed this book! Read like a Hallmark movie, which I love. It did get old towards the end the main character’s constant put downs to herself and her hair. Girl, get some self esteem! Ugh.
December 23, 2020
A sweet, simple, christian romance. A no-thinking enjoyable book!
September 9, 2021
Great book
This was a great book. Loved the way Lisa brought Sam and Lila together. Lisa r a very good author.
This was a great book. Loved the way Lisa brought Sam and Lila together. Lisa r a very good author.
September 10, 2021
Yet another book that knocked it out of the ball park in Lisa's series about Truelove, North Carolina.
October 14, 2021
Light, predictable, fast read. I kept reading to the end to read more from the wise old aunt.
December 20, 2021
Good book! Read with 2 other LI books. Best of 3.
July 13, 2023
A cute, lighthearted read. Very clean. Perfect for my Christmas in July reading.
January 17, 2021
Loved this book
I 💘this book because it was an easy entertaining read. So interesting from start to finish. The characters were warm and very believable. Will be looking for.more books by this author
I 💘this book because it was an easy entertaining read. So interesting from start to finish. The characters were warm and very believable. Will be looking for.more books by this author
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews