The Christmas Bargain (Hardman Holidays) 

November 14, 2012

by Shanna Hatfield (Author)

Luke Granger is about to get more than he bargained for… As owner and manager of the Hardman bank, Luke Granger is a man of responsibility and integrity in the small 1890s Eastern Oregon town. Calling in a long overdue loan, Luke finds himself reluctantly accepting a bargain in lieu of payment from the shiftless farmer who barters his daughter to settle his debt. Philamena Booth is both mortified and relieved when her father sends her off with the banker as payment of his debt. Held captive on the farm by her father since the death of her mother more than a decade earlier, Philamena is grateful toleave. If only it had been someone other than the handsome and charismatic Luke Grangerand all  riding in to rescue her. Ready to uphold her end of the bargain as Luke’s cook and housekeeper, Philamena is prepared for the hard work ahead. What she isn’t prepared for is being forced to marry Luke as part of this crazy Christmas bargain.

My thoughts:  I don't read very many Victorian romances so I have nothing to judge this by.  It was a sweet romance, a little on the steamy side at parts.  I did fall in love with the characters and enjoyed getting to know them.  I loved Abby (the pastor's wife).   If you like Victorian Christmas romances you will love The Christmas Bargain.  I bought a copy, and all opinions are my own.