The Clause in Christmas

A Poppy Creek Novel, Book 1

By: Rachael Bloome

Narrated by: E.L. Beckett

Length: 8 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's Summary

This endearing, sweet romance will warm your heart and fill you with hope.

Cassie Hayward hates Christmas. Especially this year. 

No job. Flat broke. And an ex most definitely on the naughty list.

But the unexpected inheritance of a Victorian cottage in the idyllic town of Poppy Creek may be the miracle Cassie needs. Except for one problem: a clause in the will. Cassie must complete a series of festive tasks for each day in December leading up to Christmas. Overseen by the disarmingly handsome, Christmas-loving lawyer Luke Davis. 

Luke is as strong and steady as the bespoke furniture he crafts as a hobby. He has to be. Stepping into his late father's shoes as the town lawyer comes with a sleigh full of responsibilities. Which means the alluring stranger collecting her inheritance is a distraction he can't afford.

As the unlikely pair work together to complete the daily tasks, fighting their attraction becomes more futile than putting good ole St. Nick on a diet. But when Cassie's ex reappears with the offer of a lifetime, she'll have to choose between love and the life she always wanted. 

Curl up with a cup of hot chocolate and visit a town that feels like home. A "must-read" year after year.

"The Clause in Christmas is a gift that will keep on giving, no matter the season." (Dave Cenker, author of the heart-warming Pigeon Grove series) 

Includes a recipe, playlist, and your own Christmas Calendar to follow along with Cassie

Rating: PG

©2019 Rachael Bloome (P)2019 Rachael Bloome

I LOVED IT!

I loved this story so much! Nothing I’ve read recently really struck a chord. But I started to listen to this book and it caught me right away. It is well written, sweet, clean, inspirational and really makes you consider how your actions not only affect your life, but those around you as well. Life is what we make it. It’s well worth the read and I’m getting ready to grab the next book in the series.

This belongs on the Hallmark channel

This is the first title I have read by Rachael Bloome. The book caught my eye but my "to be read" pile is WAY out of control and this landed down there somewhere. I knew I wanted to read it but didn't know when I would find the time. The best solution was an audio book ;) I requested a review copy & lost no time opening it to listen. The story introduces a town full of wonderful people who help change her view of Christmas...I guess a lot of that is that she was now surrounded by people who loved her. Nostalgic & hopeful, this will fill you with Christmas spirit & more. Christmas spirit in the purest sense is giving of yourself to redeem others who may have given up hope. This nails it!
E.L. Beckett did a wonderful job narrating the story. It sounds very natural & her voice fits the characters so well that it is hard to imagine that there is only one person speaking throughout.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

I would love to live in Poppy Creek!

I absolutely loved this sweet romance. I knew there would be a happy ending but I enjoyed the journey. That is one of the best things about this genre. Rachael created great characters and made them come alive in a charming setting. That is a sign of an excellent writer. She made me want to have coffee and pastries in Poppy Creek! I am looking forward to hearing the sequel.
I would recommend this to anyone who needs to believe in romance again. I listen to audio books daily and EL Beckett’s performance was excellent.

The love of Christmas

I listened to two books from this author. The narrators voice keeps ringing in my memory with the conflict and happiness of Christmas. In fact she gave me my “hallmark moment” this year. Which was so needed. I needed to feel the story and characters the narrator did just that. I hope to listen to more books narrated by E.L. Beckett.

Wonderful Small Town Romance!

Wonderfully romantic book that had me buying the next book in the series as soon as I finished. I can't wait to find out what happens to the other residents in Poppy Creek!

super cute

this was fairly long for me, I only listen during my short ish drive to work and bouts of housework, so it took me past Christmas to get it finished. I loved the main plot. without giving anything away, it was so heartwarming to see Cassie get everything she never knew she wanted. the narrator wasn't bad, I sped her up a touch faster than I normally listen to. my biggest complaint was her little boy voice was a little gruff for a child. I really have no idea how old Ben was supposed to be (if she stated his age, I forgot)

Sweet and warm-hearted story

Sweet story for the holidays. The characters of Poppy Creek are big hearted and loyal. I loved the Christmas calendar idea and I was rooting for Cassie throughout this mesmerizing tale.

A heartwarming Christmas romance

I absolutely loved this book! At first, it was hard to fall in love with the main character, but that’s part of the story is seeing her evolve and learning to understand her past and what has forced her to keep her walls up. I couldn’t stop listening to this book. It was the perfect addition to my holiday season!

A wonderful way to get into the Christmas Spirit

As soon as E.L Beckett begins reading The Clause in Christmas, you are transported to a post card perfect small town. Rachael Bloome does a wonderful job of making us feel like we are immersed in every fiber of Poppy Creek. Through Beckett’s narration, each character springs to life to help weave a magical story about what Christmas is really about. This book leaves you merrier and more appreciative of the small moments in life that take your breath away.

Christmas really is wonderful

The story line grabbed me in the first few lines, I had to keep listening to find out what was going to happen next and that Cassie would find some happiness. The idea of her grandmother’s Christmas calendar was genius! The author wielded her craft to bring in the characters and the interconnections. I loved listening as Cassie’s heart began to thaw more each day that she completed the required task of the day and how Luke allowed his heart to open up and guide her through the new to her experiences. The element of coffee is intriguing because I love GOOD coffee and it can be very elusive.😀 The narrator did a great job and I look forward to listening to more‼️

I love a good Christmas story

I love a good Christmas story and this one doesn’t disappoint. It was funny and entertaining. I loved it! Definitely recommend people listen to this. I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.