The Christmas Bargain

by Sarita Leone

Overview

Iris Newgate’s grandfather left behind many things when he died, not the least of which is a condition in his will that states unless Iris finds someone to marry by Christmas day, she will be forced to take as her husband the most dastardly rake in London. Lord James Whitman is well aware of what others say about him. He has heard his name whispered behind closed doors and learned of his character being maligned without cause. But after his unearned reputation causes Iris to decline his marriage proposal, he is determined to show her the truth and win her love! Without her grandfather’s guidance, Iris must decide whether to trust the London gossips or the tune of her own heart. Could she possibly love a man who is as horrid as some say he is? Or should she trust her instincts and what the duke tells her to be true? All Iris knows for sure is that Christmas day grows closer with each passing minute!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781410440037
Publisher:	Gale Cengage Learning
Publication date:	09/21/2011
Edition description:	Large Print
Pages:	283
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.60(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Sarita Leone lives in a remote area of upstate New York with her wonderful husband, Vito. Their days are filled with laughter and their nights are spent dancing beneath the stars. When she is not writing, Sarita enjoys hiking, boating, reading, and drawing. For as long as she can remember Sarita has wanted to be an author, and with her romantic husband and peaceful hideaway for inspiration, writing is a true joy for her rather than a job.

Read an Excerpt

Iris Newgate’s grandfather left behind many things when he died, not the least of which is a condition in his will that states unless Iris finds someone to marry by Christmas day, she will be forced to take as her husband the most dastardly rake in London.

Lord James Whitman is well aware of what others say about him. He has heard his name whispered behind closed doors and learned of his character being maligned without cause. But after his unearned reputation causes Iris to decline his marriage proposal, he is determined to show her the truth and win her love!

Without her grandfather’s guidance, Iris must decide whether to trust the London gossips or the tune of her own heart. Could she possibly love a man who is as horrid as some say he is? Or should she trust her instincts and what the duke tells her to be true?

All Iris knows for sure is that Christmas day grows closer with each passing minute!

Editorial Reviews

Leone's affection for the 19th century shines, but she lacks the research and knowledge to match her enthusiasm, and this novel's weak plot and one-dimensional characters will frustrate fans of historical romances. Orphaned Iris Newgate has until Christmas to find a husband; otherwise, her grandfather's will forces her to choose between a notorious rake and a tumbledown cottage in the country. Since she's beautiful and wealthy, her difficulties with matchmaking are hard to believe. The rake, Lord James Whitman, is devastatingly handsome and charming and Iris falls for him instantly, so her complaints are tedious and contradict the hero's frequent references to her intelligence. Those seeking a warm holiday story may be especially disappointed, as the only real reference to Christmas is in the title. (Dec. 24)

Publishers Weekly

The Christmas Bargain is a charming tale…[that] will surely delight all readers!” —Diana Risso, Romance Reviews Today

“Sweet, lighthearted, and charming, this traditional Regency…[is] graced with appealing characters and a dollop of mystery and is a good choice for collections of classic Regencies.” —Library Journal

From the Publisher

Appalled that her beloved grandfather would add a codicil to his will stipulating that she marry the disreputable James Whitman, Duke of Willingham, by Christmas Eve unless she chooses someone else, Iris Newgate sets out to find a man she can love. But the Duke is determined to woo his future bride, and although circumstances are definitely against him, he is certain that Iris is the woman for him. Now he simply must convince her. Missing barons, suspicions of murder, and plenty of gossip add to the mix as Iris tries to separate fact from fiction and her true feelings from how she thinks she should feel. VERDICT Sweet, lighthearted, and charming, this traditional Regency, despite the title, has little Christmas flavor; it is, however, graced with appealing characters and a dollop of mystery and is a good choice for collections of classic Regencies. This is Leone's first book for Avalon; she lives in upstate New York.

Library Journal