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Review of A Christmas Bargain by Mindy Obenhaus
Review by Robin Sneed at Keeping Christmas 365
by Mindy Obenhaus
Annalise Grant has really been riding a rollercoaster of emotions recently. A new widow, coming to terms with being a single mom also means admitting to herself that her husband put a lot less faith in her than she desired or deserved. Like her deceased husband, her parents had always treated Annalise as though she was less than competent.
When Annalise learns that she is the sole heir to her husband’s uncle’s property in Hope Crossing, Texas, she first intends to sell the property. However, when she sees the Christmas Tree farm and the plans that her husband’s aunt and uncle had for the place, she falls in love. She wants to bring their hopes and dreams to life. Annalise wants to build a new life here for her daughter. She hopes to build something that would one day be a legacy for her daughter.
Hawkins Prescott has just moved back home to Hope Crossing, following a bad breakup. How could he have let himself be used that way? Being back home feels good. Everything seems to be going really well until he discovers that in his absence, his neighbors had moved the fence-line, stealing several acres of Prescott property. When he pays a visit to the Winston home to confront the owners, he discovers that both Gary and Eileen Winston have passed away.
The Bargain
The news that a third of her previous Christmas trees are on Prescott property upsets Annalise. She had been counting on the sale of those trees to pay the property taxes on the estate. If she can’t make this farm work, she’s going to have to sell.
As much as Annalise hates to admit it, she needs help. Would the Prescotts be willing to allow her use of the land and help her maintain the farm in exchange for part of the profits?
Hawkins Prescott doesn’t like being the bearer of bad news. It wasn’t Annalise’s fault that Gary had moved the fence. He hated that Annalise and Olivia would have to suffer for the transgressions of the former owner. However, he refuses to allow anyone to take advantage of him or his family. He already learned that lesson in Alaska, and his heart was still paying the price.
Robin’s Recommendation of A Christmas Bargain by Mindy Obenhaus
It’s January, and in my quest to keep Christmas in my heart all year, I’m still reading Christmas books. I especially love a good Christmas romance. This one has everything my heart could hope for! The romantic leads were both likeable and relatable, and their blossoming romance felt sweet and natural. Too many Christmas romances seem rushed. This is not one of those!
The setting won me over! I have not yet read the first in the Hope Crossing series, but the sequel was masterfully written. I found myself quickly invested in the lives of all of the characters in Hope Crossing. These characters all felt so real, that I felt as though I was visiting old friends, even without having read the first novel.
The real MVP of this story, however, was the setting. Annalise’s vision for the Christmas Tree farm, and her passion is truly contagious! When she describes how she hopes to transform the barn into a shop, make and sell wreaths and garland, and display the old red pickup truck, readers join the cast of characters in rooting for her success. Hope, joy, romance, and family. More than any other book I’ve read these last few months, this one feels like Christmas!
First Published: January 22, 2023
Last updated: July 31, 2023 (to update links)
