I’m pleased to welcome a fellow debut Anaiah Press author, Jennifer Chastain. Jennifer released her debut last November at the same time as I did. Her novel, The Mistletoe Contract is a feel-good Christmas story of a modern-day marriage of convenience story.
JENNIFER CHASTAIN, inspirational romance
DEBUT TITLE: The Mistletoe Contract
DEBUT RELEASE DATE: November 5, 2020
PUBLISHER: Anaiah Press
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?
BOOK EXCERPT
“Did Tori fill you in on our grandfather’s will? I have to be married to take control of the company.”
“Yeah, she mentioned it.”
His gaze was everywhere—on the sky, the moon, the end of the driveway. But never on her.
“Okay, you’re starting to drive me nuts. What is going on?” Meredith blew on her bare hands. She should’ve grabbed her gloves.
“I’ve been thinking. About me and the company. About you. How I need a wife. How you need money for your mom’s kidney transplant. It’s a perfect solution.”
“I’m sorry. I’m not following you. What’s perfect?”
After zipping his jacket, he clasped her cold hands in his large, warm ones. Shoot, his touch shouldn’t make her all fluttery.
“Us. I think we should get married. I’d pay for your mom’s transplant and past-due hospital bills, and you’d help me retain the company. It’s a win-win.”
Her mouth hung open. “Wait. What? You want us to get married? You’re nuts!”
She yanked her hands out of his grasp and stormed off the porch. She should’ve grabbed a hat, too.
“Meredith! Wait!”
She stopped in midstride next to his pickup. She had to keep it together. Not let him see the yearning in her eyes. Meredith inhaled, closed her eyes, and said a silent prayer.
He circled around her and lifted her chin with his forefinger.
“Hey, I know I screwed up, and I’m truly sorry. Think of this as my way of apologizing.”
About Jennifer
Jennifer has been married for over twenty years. She’s a Yankee transplant and her husband is a native North Carolinian. The only time they have a skirmish is during football season. He’s a diehard Washington Redskin fan and she’s a Dallas Cowboys fan. They’ve often joked that they need to paint a fifty-yard line down the middle of the living room during games! They also are host parents to an international high school student and a black rescue cat.
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