The Mistletoe Contract

by Jennifer Chastain

He needs a wife. She needs money. Is their modern-day marriage an answer to their prayers or a disaster waiting to happen?

Confirmed bachelor, Nathan Rutledge shut his heart to romance when he was forced to break the heart of the only woman he ever truly loved. Now, with his father’s retirement from the family conglomerate, the torch has been passed to him. But there are two problems—first, he needs a wife in order to take over the family business. Second, someone has been embezzling company funds. With the pressure mounting, and time expiring to find both a wife he can trust and the thief, Nate needs a Christmas miracle.

Forensic Accountant, Meredith Mitchell’s life is in a shambles. Her mother needs a lifesaving transplant, Mom’s medical bills have bankrupted Meredith’s meager savings, and she’s sold everything of value, but it’s still not enough. To make matters worse, she’s now tasked with discovering accounting errors for a new client—none other than Nathan Rutledge—the same man who gave her a broken heart for Christmas eight years ago.

Meredith wants to run. Nate wants the chance to right his wrongs. So, naturally, when he proposes a modern-day marriage of convenience, she balks at the idea. But he desperately needs a wife, and she really needs the money he offers. Is this the answer to her prayers? Or will this mutually beneficial arrangement re-open old wounds that can’t be healed?

Genres: Christmas

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2020

Reviews

[Abigail Harris]

RTC... Maybe...

[Mandy Boerma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holiday romance

If you like Hallmark-type romance this story covers the bases. A marriage contract, a second chance at love, a match-making sister and a gorgeous home make this a sweet romance.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my writing pal Jennifer's debut novel. Yay! The premise is a modern update of the marriage of convenience type story with some really fun dialogue. She's on her way as an author, so I'm giving this cute story 4 happy stars. Congrats, Jennifer!

[Mary Albers Felkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, contemporary romance between two unlikely matches - a heroine presently down to her last nickel who agrees to a 6 month contractual marriage to the same guy who jilted her 8 years before. He simply needs to get married to protect his company from falling into the wrong hands. Hence, what the two willing parties refer to as the Mistletoe Contract. Initially, it was hard to imagine anything good coming from this arrangement...but hang on tight and keep reading to the happily ever after that's promised -and delivered- in this well-paced Christmas novella! It doesn't hurt that the mistletoe contract results in reconciliation and reigniting of feelings between the two whose hearts are then free to enjoy all the blessings of being legally married and very much in love ❤️ I received a complimentary copy of this book. the opinions are my own.

[Lori Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is truly a feel good Christmas romance that is a fantastic, fun read for any time of the year. With its small town USA setting and well developed characters, each page keeps you reading. I love how Chastain tells a deeply compelling and relatable story that allows the reader to quickly plant him/herself into the story. What is most impressive to me in this story is how the author doesn't shy away from embedding thoughts of faith into the character's lives while continuing to build the reader's interest in a passionate story of healing, hope, and hearts that are a flutter! This is a great read! (I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.) - Lori

[Ashley Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. Jennifer's book is a breath of fresh air in the romance novel genre. Her storyline is creative. Her writing is descriptive making the reader feel as if he is a part of the story. I also really like the Christian perspective from which she writes knowing the content is not vulgar or displeasing to the Lord. This feel good Christmas romance is a must read!

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full disclosure, I did NOT read the entire book. I read the first few chapters, figured out some things, couldn't get into it, and then skipped ahead to the last few chapters to find out that, yes, I was right, and that the ending was good. The book moves a little slow for me, and if I can figure out so much in the first few chapters, it's just not a good read for me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first saw the cover of The Mistletoe Contract, I thought it looked like a Lifetime or Hallmark Christmas movie. I opened the book, and started turning the pages, I wasn’t disappointed. I could see the story playing out as a movie I’d watch.

If you love sweet romance with a dash of faith, The Mistletoe Contract is the holiday book for you!

[Gloria Bartlett]

If you love a Christmas story that includes romance, intrigue, as well as spiritual insight, you will want to read “The Mistletoe Contract” by newly published author, Jennifer Chastain! Captivating and well written, I enjoyed every page! It has all the makings of a Hallmark movie!!! Give yourself a gift and indulge in this book today!!! Thanks Jennifer for the privilege of being one of the first to read your delightful Christmas novel!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

This Kindle version needs editing to remove the editors-reviewers comments from the text of the story; such as KF..... As they increase in quantity, it stops or hinders the flow of the story.
A good story that began with bucket loads of mistrust. Who is embezzling from the firm? The marriage demand piles more stress on to the CEO. A great story as the characters gain faith & decide to trust.

[Debbie Blanton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a simple holiday read! It is a perfect escape from the stresses of the season. A bit predictable, but a few subplots woven through provide a few surprises.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

[Debb Hackett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christmas romance to keep you guessing

I enjoyed this story of rediscovered love. Thought the bad guy needed to be a little less obvious, but liked seeing Nate grow up and Mer learn to trust.

I hope Tori and Cole come next. I’ll be on the lookout.

[Dorothey Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mistletoe Contract

This story was an enjoyable read. Rich man fell in love with no so wealthy lady, father convinced him, she would not do, even though, he really loved her. This story starts the romance over, enjoy.

[Christina Sinisi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a classic marriage of convenience plus a reunion story. Add in Christmas and you have the comfort story we all need right now!

[Joni Truex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christmas story

Set in North Carolina at Christmas time, this story is about forgiveness, taking chances, trust and faith. The characters are very likable.

[LA · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun Christmas read. A modern twist on the marriage of convenience story with some pretty sweet moments. Loveable and dislikeable characters - this novel has both!

[Felicia Bridges · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is more delightful than a Christmas romance? If you love the warmth of a love story aglow with Christmas charm and sparkling with snowflakes and tinsel, The Mistletoe Contract will not disappoint. Jennifer Chastain’s debut novella introduces the characters of her fictional small, southern town of Providence, and provides a great seasonal romance to savor as you sip hot chocolate under a cozy blanket by the fire. With moments that are reminiscent of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice or Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, Chastain brings her heroine and hero together in spite of their propensity for misunderstanding, regrets, and cynicism.