The Christmas Bet

Mountain Springs Christmas

by Meg Easton

Neither of them is looking for love this Christmas.
Their six-year-olds have other plans.

Rachel Meadows has her dream job, a new lease on life after beating cancer last year, and extensive plans to make this the most merry, bright, and wonderful time of the year for her six-year-old son since she missed so much of it last Christmas. But all her carefully crafted plans fly off faster than a reindeer-pulled sleigh when her coworkers challenge her to a bet—say yes to every holly jolly and not-so-holly jolly thing that comes her way. Except there’s one thing she never expected to say yes to—meeting Nick.

Nick Stewart just moved to the small town of Mountain Springs, Colorado, hoping for some stockings, snow, and faces all aglow—but mostly a fresh start for him and his six-year-old daughter after losing his wife the year before. His late wife didn’t want him to wait long before remarrying, but he loved her with all his heart and isn’t sure he’s ready to jingle all the way to the world of dating again.

When Rachel’s son begs for help with his school Christmas program and Nick’s daughter asks for the same, both parents say yes. Neither of the two little first-grade enemies ever guessed that their begging would lead to their parents meeting—or that their competitiveness would turn into cooperation for what has become Operation: Christmas Matchmaker. Six-year-old style, of course.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Audiobook, Contemporary, Clean Romance, Fiction

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2022

About the author

Meg Easton is the USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romances and romantic comedies with fun, memorable, swoon-worthy characters, and settings you’ll want to pack up and move to. She lives at the foot of a mountain with her name on it (or at least one letter of her name) in Utah. She loves gardening, bike riding, baking, swimming before the sun rises, and spending time with her husband and three kids.

Reviews

[Regina the Constant Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -Kindle Book

I really need to stop reading these sweet romance books. They just remind me my husband is as romantic as a dead fish. 😂

[Laura Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely adorable!
Another perfect Christmas read from
Meg Easton! She has a way of capturing the magic of the season in this sweet romance.

If you read The Christmas Pact you will be as happy as I was to see Rachel get her own story. But don’t worry if you haven't because they each can definitely stand alone. After the last year when Rachel was so sick her friends challenge her to a season of yes. Basically saying yes to new opportunities when asked. With a 6 year old son, Rachel has her work cut out for her especially when her son decides he wants her to fall in love with Nick, a widower, who’s 6 year old daughter joins forces with Aiden.

This story really melted my heart. Rachel and Nick were so sweet together, I loved how how much they cared for each other and were so considerate to the kids feelings as well. The meet cute gave me a laugh and this book had me smiling ear to ear. I was so excited to see old favs back from the last book and literally cheered in my head when Jack showed up in downtown park. Visiting Jack and Noelle‘a relationship again was a real treat.

This is a curl up with some hot cocoa and escape to another world kind of book that will lift your spirits and have you ready for the holidays. If you like hallmark movies and sweet romances you will want to read this.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own,

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet and cute Christmas story! Rachel and Nick don't know what's coming for them this Christmas but they're going to discover it's going to be wonderful and magical!

I loved these two so much. Especially Rachel and her close friends who are trying to help her. It's "Yes" season and Rachel is supposed to say yes to most everything. Of course she can say no and not have it backfire in the bet her friends made with her. "Yes" within reason. And I loved how it not only opened Rachel up to more opportunities and experiences than she could have imagined, but it taught her to let life come and experience it instead of holding on tightly to that carefully planned out and organized life.

There are a couple of cute little kids in this one. Rachel's son and Nick's daughter. Neither of which have had the easiest go at life. They've been loved and well cared for, but they're missing pieces of their hearts. Having them team up and get their parents working together was pure genius. What they discover is magic and healing and love in their lives.

Super sweet and delightful read. I highly recommend it!

Content: Clean. Some kisses but nothing further.

I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading this type of book at this time of year. It just makes me feel happy and like all is right with the world, even when it isn’t. This one by Meg Easton kept me wanting to read more and more. I loved it!

Rachel is a character that we first met in The Christmas Pact. It made me so happy to see her doing well. And getting her own story too. Rachel’s friends talk her into having a season of yes. She has to say yes to everything, within reason. That leads her to doing things she wouldn’t normally do. I loved that! And her little boy, Aiden, was so cute!

I loved the way Nick and Rachel meet. Nick is tangled up in the whole display of noisy Christmas wreaths. And he may accidentally throw one or two. So funny! Nick’s daughter Holly is in Aiden’s class, and they don’t get along. When Holly and Aiden sign Rachel and Nick up to help make a class project, things get really interesting.

I loved the pace of this one. Rachel and Nick’s story moves really fast. And that was really fun to see. This book is one I didn’t want to put down. I loved it so much!

[Deena Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! RTC.

[Lunabookaddict · Rating 3 out of 5]

Très cute.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As much as I loved the first book in this series, I think I loved this one even more! I mean who doesn't love a couple of cute kids matchmaking their parents!? They added so much heart to this story and I loved that. Having read the previous book, I loved seeing Rachel get her happily ever after after her battle with cancer. It definitely made her story all that much sweeter too. (Though you can absolutely enjoy this as a standalone as well!) Both other these characters have had their share of hardships, and I loved seeing them come together and finding love. Definitely a Christmas romance you'll want to add to your TBR!

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[B.M. Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though I'm listening to this series out of order, I'm absolutely enjoying it. This was my kind of second chance romance story. So pure and so sweet with matchmaking kids too...and set at Christmastime. A happy, clean, fluffy holiday read. <3 I recommend if you want something light to enjoy that's also on the shorter side.

[Susy Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adoro a escrita desta autora.
As personagens estão muito bem desenvolvidas, a temática é simples mas bem explorada.
Não podia ter-me feito melhor ao coração.
Amei e recomendo.

[Stefani · Rating 2 out of 5]

A common theme in several Christmas books I read this year and this one didn’t deliver a fresh or different perspective.

[a · Rating 3 out of 5]

nothing like a cute christmas romance in the middle of january

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love sweet little small town Christmas gems and this story was perfect. After a humorous meet cute, Nick and Rachel are thrown together by their competitive children and Rachel's new season of yes. Their individual hesitations were perfectly realistic, which made these two both lovable and easy to relate to.

I love the zest Rachel exhibits to celebrate and I adore Nick's loyalty and devotion. There are a few laughs mingled in with holiday classics sprinkled with a few heartfelt moments. This is a story to cherish and revisit.

Content/trigger warnings: prior death of spouse; mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like these Christmas family romance series. I like when people find love. Do you think so many people find love around the holidays, like Hallmark and books lead us to believe? 🤔

Parent Trap vibes, home improvement, wreaths, plans, lists, cute dates, visits from characters of other books. All of that and more in Meg Eastons book!

Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

- I bet that wreath hurt
- Mountain Springs and Nestled Hollow are the sweetest town names
- guys, he's handy. I wish I was handy. I have a very limited skill set and no part of that overlaps with anything helpful like home improvement or repairs
- how old are Holly and Aiden? 6?
- Aiden teasing Rachel is so good
- the Christmas concert/recital whatever was so fun
- Nick's father in law is a good dude
- I would like to be wooed with hot chocolate
- the epilogue was very sweet

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a tender love story about two single parents who both get a second chance to have love and their adorable kids at Christmas.
I really liked the dual POV and the different emotions both MCs experienced. They were coming from different angles, but both overcame grief and chose a happily ever after together.
This story is a sweet contemporary romance with a super cute cast and wonderful ending.
I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Lisbeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hubo momentos que no tenían sentido para mí, y estoy segura de que será una lectura perfecta para mucha gente, pero a mí me pareció olvidable, si eso tiene sentido. Si quieres una lectura navideña acogedora, reconfortante y limpia, esta novela es para ti. No es perfecta, pero es dulce y breve para una lectura rápida de Navidad.

[Sylvan Banes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, short, mindless read.

[Ali Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rachel likes everything planned out perfectly in her busy schedule and that leaves zero time for dating. Nick lost his wife a little over a year ago and isn’t sure he’s ready to move on. But a Christmas bet making this Christmas season a season of yes brings them together. But can they put aside their fears to make things work?
Overall this was a pretty cute book. My main complaint is the kids sound and act more around 8 or 9 than 6. Plus at times the dialogue was a bit corny and repetitive.

[daya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dnf 40% traté de retomarlo y no conecté más con la historia.

[_happiestathome_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet little Hallmark -esque Christmas romance filled with all the love as two single parents navigate love after loss.

[Jordan Hofer · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ short, hallmark, cute!

[Augustė | knygarankoje · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was sweet and cute.

[sincity_bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: Everand

This was a really sweet story that takes place around Christmas. They're both single parents who come together because their kids are "enemies" in class. It does cover two heavy topics and I know that can be too much for some during this time of year. If you're unsure, just check the trigger warnings.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely book 2! I loved the “hard” parts of this book! The characters were strong and it was a lovely swoony listen

[Marilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This adorable Christmas romance melted my heart into a puddle! What a unique story with two single parents, neither necessarily looking for love but hey who can resist the matchmaking efforts of a pair of 1st graders? Certainly not Rachael and Nick.

You can expect:

Parent Trap vibes
Cozy Christmas scenes
A hilarious bet
Swoony kisses
Adorable kids
Supportive family

Watching Nick and Rachel fall in love gave me alllll the cozy Christmas feels and all the swooniness I have come to expect with a Meg Easton book. There was a deeper theme of grief but it was not too heavy and was balanced out with humor and heartwarming moments.

Loved, loved this cute and fun Christmas romance. This is definitely one to add to your reading list!

I received a complimentary copy of the book but a positive review was not required.

[Paula Genereau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. I love Christmas books. This one makes you feel like your part of the book. Wraps you up and sucks you in.

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachel is a single parent with a 6 year old son. She is a planner and is totally organized – almost too much so. Her friends make a bet with her to get her out of her comfort zone. Nick is a widower with a 6 year old daughter. He is coping the best he can after the unexpected death of his wife fourteen months ago. They end up meeting when their kids have a dispute at school. Neither have the time or inclination for a relationship, but they have a lot of factors pushing them together. This was a sweet, low-key romance that showed the blossoming romance between two wary people. It’s a feel good story for this time of year.
I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.

[RD · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet Christmas romance. I enjoyed reading this story about two people, Rachel and Nick, finding love again. The journey to open up to loving someone after being hurt, in whatever way, can be scary. The author does a good job of showing some of the realities of that experience. The presence of two six-year-olds in the story brings humor and tenderness. Healing and forgiveness are themes, as well as learning to be flexible and seek after the good things in life. I recommend this clean, uplifting Christmas story.


I received a digital copy of this book to review. This is my honest opinion.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet Christmas story. Not too long, not too short, and right along with the feel-good stories I've come to expect from Meg Easton. Nick is a fairly recent widower, encouraged by his family to start dating again, and Rachel has a bet with her friends that she says "yes" this Christmas season and embrace some spontaneity. I felt like the heavier topics were handled really well, and I loved how easily the couple came together. The romance was super sweet, too.

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reader’s Notes:

– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone

– this is told from Rachel & Nick’s points of view

– Nick’s wife passed away a little over a year prior to the start of the story

Review:

Meg, why did you make me tear up?!?! This story had given me so many emotions and it was so good! I teared up whenever Nick & Holly thought of Clara or talked to her picture on Nick’s phone. I loved how much both Rachel and Nick cared for their own kids and then each other’s kids as they spent more time together. I loved both Holly & Aiden’s thought processes on how people were/would be related to them if Rachel & Nick got married and what they would be able to call them. I loved that the kids ended up working together to try and make their parents want to be together more once they had that common goal instead of wanting what the other had. I loved Nick’s in-laws and how much they cared for Nick & Holly. I loved that they treated him like their son and wanted what was best for both of them. And I loved how both their families accepted that the kids wanted to claim each other’s relatives as their own and allowed them to do that despite Rachel and Nick only having just started dating.

Summary:

Rachel wants to give Aiden the best Christmas this year since she couldn’t do so the year before due to her cancer. So she has planned every part of her day to fill it with all the things she has planned for them to do as well as the things she has to do for work. But when she also agrees to a bet that her coworkers present to her, her plans go off the rails in the best ways possible. Saying yes to a bunch of things that normally she wouldn’t for one reason or another is thrilling to Rachel, mainly because it brings a huge smile to her son’s face. And when saying yes brings her to meet the man of her dreams, Rachel is thrown off kilter.

Nick and his daughter, Holly, just moved into town for a new start after having lost his wife the year before. He hopes to bring joy to Holly this Christmas season in the form of new places, new traditions, and the family that lives nearby. Nick never expected his in-laws to suggest that he start dating again, even though his wife had told him the same before she passed. How can Nick move on to someone else when he still yearns for her? When Nick meets Rachel as they sign-up for helping with the set for the class’s Christmas program, he finds that maybe he can love again. But is this love strong enough to allow him to be there fully for Rachel and her son or will his love be limited now that he’s had and lost his love?