The Mother's Day Bargain

De: Martha Fouts

Narrado por: Lisa Lynn Sandlin

Their moms only asked for one thing for Mother's Day . . .

"Sounds like our moms are cooking up a scheme for Mother's Day. Did Evelyn tell you to bring a date and if you didn't, she could set you up?"
"What? Yes, did Lois give you the same challenge?" The two old birds must've come up with the idea over a pot of their chamomile tea.
"Yep, of course she offered it up with a big dollop of guilt on top so I couldn't refuse."
"Lois resorted to guilt? That's not usually her style. I think maybe my mother has been a bad influence on your mother. Maybe we should treat them like two kids who can't get along and separate them?"
She put her hands together and wiggled her fingers deviously. "I say we turn the challenge back around on them."
She spoke as if she had a plan, and for a minute, Gabriel thought she was going to propose they go together. He almost wished she would. What if they could pretend like the past never happened, that they'd just met each other and could go on a date like normal people who had feelings for each other?

If you love small town romances that point people to Jesus, then you will love The Mother's Day Bargain, and you'll also love The Mother's Day Tea and The Mother's Day Letter.

©2025 Martha Fouts (P)2025 Martha Fouts

Loved this sweet story!💕

Martha Fouts has done it again with a beautiful story of family, love, and the precious grace found in Christ. Her characters embody what the family of God should be and reminds me of so many of my church family who have helped shape my own story. Loved this book!

Great Listen!

The Mother’s Day Bargain by Martha Fouts and Narrated by Lisa Lynn Sandlin was a delightful read. Rae and Gabriel have been friends since childhood. Rae works in IT and has liked Gabriel as long as she can remember. . Gabriel is a realtor who has recently realized that he cares for Rae. Their moms decide to have them for brunch, but they must bring a date or their moms will set them up.

It was a joy to listen to The Mother’s Day Bargain. I was so engaged in the story and loved the characters. The themes of redemption, family, and walking by faith resonated with me. I loved the chemistry between Rae and Gabriel, being an insider as they wrestled with tough issues, and the humor sprinkled throughout the book.

It is wonderful to read a faith-based book with well-developed characters, humor, and relatable life lessons. I enjoy the author’s story and feel like her books are the perfect length. I highly recommend listening to the audio and it was the highlight of my recent trip. The Mother’s Day Bargain is an enjoyable listen.

I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a positive review.

The Bargain

Sometimes mothers do know best! The story from the beginning caught my attention with the wit and humor of the characters. I loved this book and will share it with my friends!

Match making mommas

This story is brilliant and beautiful. The love of the mothers for their children and the love between Rae and Gabriel warms my heart. I know that this book will touch so many people. I especially adore that this book had God shining throughout it. I'm also loving the friendship between Rae and her BFF - there's something so special about books that combine heartwarming friendships with humor. Given Martha's incredible track record, I'm hardly surprised. If you haven't already, immerse yourself in her writing - you're missing out! I'm ready to see what Martha Fouts writes next! The narrator did an amazing job. Her voice is so perfect. I love hearing the laughter in her voice because this book definitely has so many funny scenes! I seriously enjoyed this experience so much!

Sweet no spice romance

This was a cute no spice friends to lovers romance. Lots of good banter and faith-focused throughout.

Super sweet small town romance

This was my first read by Martha Fouts, it definitely will not be my last! This friends to lovers romance was super sweet and very fun to read, I found myself laughing throughout! I read it in just a couple of days because I couldn’t put it down. I also loved how the author weaves faith within this story. Lisa Lynn Sandlin did a fabulous job narrating this story, there was emotion behind every word, which i appreciated! If you love clean, feel good, romance, The Mother’s Day Bargain is for you!

*I received a complimentary copy of the book and audiobook, all opinions are my own*

wonderfully sweet, funny romance

I read the audio and print versions of the book together. I also read it in mostly one day because I could just not put it down. This is billed as a romantic comedy, and when combined with Sandlin's narration, the words come to life, and it gives the story a real LOL factor. 

Before the book begins, there is a quote by Fred Rogers that, right there, tells me something. That something is that I'm going to like the book. Right away, you are introduced not only to childhood best friends Rae and Gabriel but also to the fact that their other best friend, Chet, mysteriously disappeared when he was 17. That immediately has me wondering. 

Gabriel is my favorite character. He has all the best lines, whether he speaks them to Rae or they are just in his thoughts. Gabriel is the first one who expresses his feelings, although not to Rae—just to you and me, dear reader—and that gets me in the heart right away. He also has me thinking about my relationship with God right away. 

Rae is a little more traditional in her approach to life. Regular nine-to-five job IT job. She has a hard time saying no to people and puts others' needs above her own. Such a relatable quality, at least for me.  

It is easy to see what is behind the mother's bargain, but that doesn't spoil the book or make it any less entertaining. The vibe that the women gave off was that they were older (maybe in their 70s ) by their actions and their understanding of technology. Which did give the book a little bit of a The Grandmother’s Day Bargain feels. But everything still worked together cohesively. 

I recommend any format of this book. No matter which version you go with, you will be entertained by this wonderfully sweet, funny romance.

I received a copy of this book from the author and the narrator. All opinions are my own.

A sweet romance

This is my first story by this author and I believe by this narrator! I enjoyed getting to know Rae. She is very relatable. it was easy to understand why she carried around her identity from her youth. When you come from a small town like she did, it makes an impact.

Gabriel was a bit harder to warm up to. He's also from the same small town and he seems like he still sees himself as the popular high school kid, not a grown up man, which doesn't do him any favors. As we learn more about him and the story, you know that it's intentional from the author.

Like both of their families, there were moments when I wanted to shake them both and tell them to figure it out! ha ha ha It was definitely a complicated relationship, which we're given insights to their past along the way.

The meddling moms were great! I loved their sweet friendship. The extended families were fun overall.

The faith interspersed throughout the story added the right touch as the characters worked through their emotions and life decisions!

I enjoyed the narrator. She did a good job with all of the different characters... and there were a lot. I could easily tell the difference between the moms and with Rae & Charlie. Because there were a good number of side women a couple of times I wasn't sure who was talking, but figured it out really quick!

*Thanks to the narrator for sending me the book!