The Clause in Christmas (Poppy Creek, #1) (2025)

The Clause in Christmas is book one in the Poppy Creek series by Rachael Bloome. This is a sweet, heartwarming holiday romance. This is also a clean romance. It’s my first book by this author.

Cassie Hayward lives in San Francisco but things haven’t been going very well lately. She found out her now ex boyfriend was cheating on her and she lost her job. She’s almost out of funds so when she is notified her grandmother whom she has never met and lives in Poppy Creek has passed away and that she has received some sort of inheritance, she is hopeful that her luck has changed.

Luke Davis is thirty one years old and is the town lawyer. He also builds furniture in his home shop in his free time. Ever since Luke lost his father, he has strived to fill his shoes by trying to follow in all of his father’s footsteps, which keeps him very busy. As soon as Cassie came into his office to find out about her inheritance, he was smitten. Only he has no time for romance. The town is counting on him.

The will was exactly what Cassie hoped it would be, the cottage is hers. But there is a clause involved. She must complete a Christmas related task for every day in December up until Christmas. If she doesn’t succeed, she will lose the house. There is one huge problem with this task, Cassie hates Christmas.

This is a book about the magic of Christmas. As Cassie completes each task, along with the help of Luke, she falls a little bit more in love with Poppy Creek and starts to believe in Christmas again. Both she and Luke try to fight their growing feelings for each other but neither can. Can these two open their hearts and find a way to be together?

This was such a sweet story. And the town of Poppy Creek makes me want to go there. I want to go to the bakery and sit in the town square. The next book is called The Truth in Tiramisu and is Eliza’s book. I wonder what the secret she’s been hiding is?

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Now, THIS is how you tell a Christmas romance. Beautiful descriptions of snow falling, you can smell the holiday desserts being baked in the local bakery and in the heroine’s kitchen. Little details like these have been lacking in a lot of the holiday romances I’ve read this year.
The romance between Cassie and Luke was sweet and slow burning. I love when it’s very obvious the hero is 100% smitten with the heroine and thats the case with Luke. There was some family drama that broke my heart but I admired the heroine’s determination to at least give doing the right thing a try. True testament to how sometimes family is literally who you make it. I adored this and can’t wait for book 2.

This book has set in my Kindle Library for a year now. This Christmas I decided to read some of the Christmas books stored in my Library and I chose this book because I thought the cover was beautiful. The story was wonderful and full of the Christmas Spirit. It wasn’t all happiness and there was a range of emotions that made the story feel more real. It was a clean romance and very captivating. I loved the characters and the small town feeling. I got pulled into the book from the first page. This is the book one of an eight book series. What an introduction that left me wanting to dive into book two to find out what happens to some of the loose ends left in this book. I haven’t read anything by this Author before. What have I been missing?
Cassie Hayward hasn’t had an easy life from the time she was a young child and into her young adult life. Then a grandmother she never knew leaves her a beautiful cottage in the small town of Poppy Creek. Cassie knows that once she lived in this town but she was so young when her mother Donna left and took Cassie with her that she remembers very little about the town.Then she finds out that there is a clause in the will. A list of things written on a Christmas calendar that she must do from the first day of December to Christmas Day. Her grandmothers handsome lawyer Luke Davis was in charge of seeing that these tasks were completed . If for any reason Cassie would be unable to complete any of these Christmas tasks she would not inherit the cottage. The town embraces Cassie and also the handsome Lawyer too.Is Romance on the horizon for Cassie and Luke?
Readers of contemporary Romance, Christian Fiction and Christmas Romance will enjoy this book.
I purchased my own copy of this book.

The Clause of Christmas felt like an adorable Hallmark movie. There was a woman who didn't believe in Christmas, a man who was a pillar in his community and a quaint small town filled with lots of charm and quirky people. Add in a Christmas calendar that had a different festive task from December 1st to December 25th and this book seemed to have it all!

But ultimately I DNF this book at 46% because I couldn't connect to any of the characters. Cassie was anti-Christmas because of her childhood and never seemed to give it a chance as an adult, until now. I was happy to see the joy she found in something so simple as decorating a tree to sledding. But with only a small glimpse into her past, I never felt as though I knew Cassie. She was someone who was emotionally out of reach for me and I couldn't ever connect with what she felt. And since I didn't share her love of coffee, I unfortunately couldn't even make that connection with her.

With Luke, I liked him right away and he made me laugh. But the more time I spent with him, and heard his thoughts, I lost that connection. And when I got to the scene where he was talking with his guy friends, I closed the book. It was a little too tender for my liking, and I've never said that before. But regardless of my lack of connection, I believe that a lot of people will adore The Clause in Christmas. All the elements are there for a wonderful Christmas tale. If you end up picking this one up, here's hoping you enjoy it more than me!

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WHAT IT'S ABOUT
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.

MY TAKE
This was a charming Christmas story. It could totally be a Hallmark movie with it's small town setting. It's got some deeper storylines running through it. Besides rooting for Luke and Cassie, I loved the supporting characters too. I'm glad to see there will be more books set here.

I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did a great job.

"The Clause in Christmas" is a delightful and heartwarming novel that will leave you feeling uplifted and full of holiday cheer. The story follows Cassie Hayward, who inherits a charming Victorian cottage in the small town of Poppy Creek. However, there's a catch: she must complete a series of festive tasks every day in December leading up to Christmas to inherit the house. Along the way, she meets the handsome and Christmas-loving lawyer Luke Davis, who helps her navigate the tasks and the town's holiday traditions.

Rachael Bloome's writing is engaging and vivid, bringing the town of Poppy Creek to life with its charming residents and festive atmosphere. The characters are well-developed and endearing, making it easy to root for Cassie and Luke's budding romance. The plot is well-paced, with just the right amount of tension and heartwarming moments to keep you hooked until the very end.

Overall, "The Clause in Christmas" is a must-read for anyone looking for a heartwarming holiday romance that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. Highly recommended!

A very pleasant Christmas romance story, enjoyed! I am starting my Christmas reading a little early.

3.5⭐

A sweet Christmas story of a girl who is lost and looking for hope. Her mother is an alcoholic and she is unemployed. Cassie's grandmother has passed away and left her with a task, she must finish her Christmas calendar in order to get her grandmother's home. What follows is a sweet story of finding new friends and family, of helping others even when it seems hopeless and finding love.
I think I only gave it a little bit of a lower rating, was I think I'm a little out of the Christmas book mood. At least until after Thanksgiving.

I absolutely loved this book, and I don't typically like romance novels. This book was so well-written unlike many books I find in Kindle Unlimited. It did not contain the grammar or consistency errors that drive me crazy. It was very Hallmark movie like, but not quite as predictable and a little more real-crazy drunken mothers don't tend to show upin those movies. I look forward to reading the next in the series when it comes out in April.

I hated this book so so much :) boring, icky, cringey, and sprinkled (ha) with the most RIDICULOUS lines. Don’t know why this is rated so high :) would be DNF if it wasn’t for book club.

sweet romance

Lovely characters, lots of angst, some good laughs, and a sweet romance! I savored every page! My heart was cheering for friendships and love. Great book!

This was a cozy, lighthearted romance novel set during Christmas. I liked the small town setting and its residents.

This was a super cute romance in another quaint small town where a woman(Cassie) who aspires to be a coffeehouse owner falls in love with a lawyer(Luke) who wishes to own his own furniture store. And right in the middle is her grandmother's will. Somehow it all works!

Goodreads review published 24/12/23

Okay listennn, I’m not trying to be a grinch, but I really did not enjoy this book. I rarely hand out one stars tho so this is kinda mean 🫢 I should’ve just DNF’d it, but I’m in the biggest reading slump of my life and trying to decide what to read rn is hard so I just stubbornly stuck this out for the reading challenge credit lol.

This was another freebie from stuff your kindle day and I thought it would help get me in the Christmas spirit as I start going to Christmas markets in my new country. However, although I don’t think I’ve ever watched a Hallmark Christmas movie this is what I imagine they're like, but in book form. Sickly sweet, ridiculous plot that makes zero sense, quirky caricature townsfolk, a main character who loves Christmas and one who doesn't, etc. etc. I love a Christmas novella, I love a sweet romance every once in a while, but this was just OTT and not well written imo. For me personally I don't like a bashful, goody two shoes H that cries like 17 times throughout the book. And honestly this isn't the worst book in the world I gave it 1 star solely because it's not for me at all, but obviously other people enjoy this book and more power to them. I just found the romance very surface level, I didn't believe in their attraction or love at all, it was way too insta and cheesy and in case it wasn't already obvious there was zero steam in this book. By the last 10% they were kissing every other second which was it's own annoyance, but yeah that was it.

I think I'm just gonna re-read something after this 😂 I need a palate cleanser comfort read 😌. Life is still incredibly busy though so hopefully I'll be feeling in the right head space and dedicating more time for reading soon 🤍 anyway if you read all this, sorry 😂 and I hope your reads are going better than mine 🙏

3.5 Stars. I've been looking for a cute Christmas Romance and this one hit the spot. The romance was sweet and I liked the characters and small town setting. I did think that Cassie could be a little overdramatic, though, and then everything would work out a little too easily after. Overall, it was a cute story that reminded me a lot of a Hallmark Christmas movie and I might give the next book in the series a try.

2024: 3 ⭐️ Still just a sweet and quick hallmark-y Christmas book! Perfect for this time of year and I loved my re-read of it 🫶🏽

2023: 4 ⭐️ All my hallmark Christmas hopes were fulfilled 🫶🏽 Perfectly predictable and cheesy and Christmas-y, and the author is a Christian which makes me love it even more! Dare I read the next one??

From the first sentence to the last, the wonderful town of Poppy Creek takes readers on a delightful Christmas journey. Cassie and Luke are like a cozy sweater and a cup of hot, delicious coffee on a winter morning. If you love Hallmark, you'll love this charming story.

It was ok… too long but I did truly find myself wanting to finish it. Not sure I’ll read more in the series but maybe. It’s a cutesy Hallmark’ish holiday book. Easy read.

I adored this Christmas romance filled with fun holiday traditions, a charming hero, and a heroine whose love of coffee I felt to my soul ☺️

Every winter, especially around Christmas, I look forward to sipping white chocolate peppermint mochas. And, if my favorite holiday treat was in book form... this would be it! The Clause in Christmas is achingly sweet and warmed my heart. I loved the plot that revolved around a Christmas Calendar and all of the fun holiday activities that Cassie had to complete in order to inherit her grandma's cottage. I was quickly wrapped up in the characters and the adorable small town of Poppy Creek. The sweet romance, family drama, and holiday theme had me turning the pages quickly... but also slowing down to savor the beautiful writing and holiday cheer. Definitely recommend! A feel-good, sweet romance!

Cassie is broke so when she learns she inherited her grandmother's house, she is relieved. But (you saw this coming, right?) there is a catch. Cassie has to complete a Christmas related task every day until Christmas. Only then will she inherit the house. Cassie is not super crazy about Christmas. Luke, the town lawyer (and part time woodworker which is his passion), is the one who will verify she completes the tasks.
Cassie gradually falls in love with Poppy Creek and Christmas. She and Luke also eventually fall for each other too. This was a sweet (no sexy times) holiday read. If you like Hallmark movies, you should like this one too.

Perfect Christmas romance!

This is my first holiday read of the season this year and I loved it! I feel so connected to each of the characters—the author does a wonderful job of concisely bringing them to life. Some extremely sweet moments brings it full circle. Recommend for your next cute wholesome holiday read!

4-4.5 STARS

I really loved this book. I felt like I was inside a Hallmark Christmas movie. It was a very character driven story and I actually became invested in these characters. I was so happy to learn this is a series and there are 4 more books in the Poppy Creek world. Luke and Cassie’s story was a wonderful start, I will definitely be reading the other books.

This was pretty cute. Definitely Hallmark-esque. Solid 3.5 stars.

There were a few things I struggled with, and a few others that I wish would've been fleshed out more, but it definitely gave a Christmas vibe throughout which I thoroughly appreciate.

The actual story is probably only a 3-3.5 stars. It is basic and predictable. However, several elements of this story bumped it to a four star.

1). It’s squeaky clean - no swearing and the most sexual it got was a “deepening kiss”
2). There isn’t any “if only they’d talk it out…” lack of communication
3). There was an ex-boyfriend which in some plots creates a lot of tension, but in this one the “ex” was a tool to bring Cassie and Luke closer together rather than one to tear them apart.
4). Although things with Cassie’s mother didn’t work out as I was hoping, sometimes people in life disappoint. However, it didn’t drag on and again, was used to pull Cassie and Luke closer together.
5). It is a fun Christmas read.

It is the first of a series and therefore does end with a cliff hanger, but not one that detracts from this story.

Since I’m reading Christmas books now, and this was one in a bundle of free, clean Christmas stories I’m not sure how much more of the Poppy Creek series I will read. As I said, it was a fun Christmas read, but not at all original.

The most heartwarming Christmas story. Rachael does such a beautiful job of painting the most spectacular mental picture of every facet of this story. I didn’t want it to end. I look forward to the next book in the Poppy Creek series!

This was a cozy, heartwarming story, i loved it and want to live in Poppy Creek! Perfect to get into the holiday spirit!!

How Beautiful was this book?I read it in one day and could read it over again.Such a beautiful book🥹
My favorite quotes were:

“Loving someone means accepting the bad with the good. It means pursuing them, no matter what. Love always hopes and always perseveres”
“Marriage might be a bed of roses, but sometimes those roses have thorns. And when times get tough, you want someone by your side who will fight with you and for you. When you have that, differences seem a whole lot smaller”

Very Christmassy and sweet. Though insta love isn't my cup of tea, I really enjoyed everything else about it.

4.5☆
Cute<3