Sugarplum Dreams (Mistletoe Meadows Christmas romance) book 3

Mistletoe Meadows Sweet Christmas Romance #3

by Jessie Gussman

Wilson McBride has been working with Judd Landis to make the lives of the residents of Mistletoe Meadows better through their Secret Saint escapades. But there is one woman who needs more than a few little presents and a Christmas tree. She needs a husband.

Charity Ames was devastated when her husband left her and moved with his girlfriend to Australia to get out of paying for child support for their five kids. It's been beyond hard to try to make ends meet. The gifts of the Secret Saint have been a blessing she will forever be grateful for, although they will not keep her family fed for long. But Wilson McBride's offer would.

She's never heard of a marriage of convenience, but beggers can't be choosy, and if Wilson is willing, she's not going to turn him down. Just don't expect her to trust him, and she absolutely will not fall in love. Except Wilson is not anything like her ex husband, and he might just be everything she's ever wanted.


Here's what reviewer's are saying about Sugarplum

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Wilson McBride has a marvelous story." - Karen

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "If you have confidence in Jessie's ability to craft a Christian romance, enjoying this unconventional love story is easy." - Bookgirl13

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Great story since my wife loved this story I’ve an idea of how much work is needed for it to work." - Amazon Customer Cowboy

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The way Jessie Gussman weaves wisdom and honor throughout the novel is fantastic." - Snickerfritz

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "For this book it felt like I just started it and it was over! This whole series is captivating that way!" - Fran from Kansas


Books is the Mistletoe Meadows

Sleigh Bell DreamsIcicle DreamsSugarplum DreamsChristmas DreamsHolly Jolly DreamsCandy Cane DreamsMistletoe DreamsSilent Night DreamsCandlelight Dreams

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Audiobook, Christian Fiction, Marriage Of Convenience, Christian Romance, Humor

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2024

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So funny!!

[Jeannette Harbottle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the best book in the series despite the pastor’s bad advice! I always enjoy marriages of convenience but this goes one step further as they both try to outdo each other in their consideration and caring. Wise lessons for any marriage.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the various stories of this family...I love how Wilson and Charitys relationship grew and how they became a gamily.

[Linda Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It shows what obedience to God and denial of self looks like. A very clean Christian story! It made an impression on me. I received a copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

[D'anah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What an inspiring and uplifting story. Having some experience with the premise of this book, I can categorically state, the feelings and insecurities are real. Really enjoyed the deeper aspects of the story- Biblical view of having children versus cultural way. Fell in love with every one of the characters. Love how the story continues. A real heart-warmer. Full of great wisdom and godly ways if ensuring life at its best.

[Rhonda Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored the story of Wilson and Charity!! To watch them follow God’s leading when it didn’t make sense was such a personal encouragement. I don't have to understand why to obey. This story beautifully illustrates that truth and all the marvelous blessings that come from obeying. More stories please.

[mary k anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discovery takes more than words, it needs action

The part of discovery and solutions is that old cliche, communication. Being willing to take the step of being vulnerable about your feelings. Young or old you can't get started in a good relationship if you can't express your expectations and hopes. It calls for trust and faith.
Think about how many don't have true relationships and break up or divorce because they didn't talk about the marriage and just thought about the wedding. I was blessed with my young husband, because we really put our mind and hearts into what we felt would make our marriage what we agreed on for it yo be a forever plan. We discussed kids, personal respect and showing our love to each other. We used examples of what we had seen in our parents, friends and things we didn't want to happen to us. I lost him at 41 and only 21 years of marriage. But our legacy today, is 5 kids (our plan) 16 grands+ 8 spouses and now 16 great grands. And I've told them how it started.
Communications, love, trust and faith in one another, but I can say I wish our relationship with God would have been more pronounced and active. We thought we had more time to develop and grow in it. I now know how much God carried me though our sorrow and how much he has done to bring me closer to what we had hoped for.
So remember to add to those marriage plans, God. Our marriage was good, but with God I think my children would have had a rough few years. But God is faithful and today my children know how strong I am because how strong God is in their lives.

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Secret Saint, Wilson has seen how Charity and her five kids have struggled since her husband divorced her and moved to Australia with a 'newer model' - but now God wants him to do more, by marrying her. If she'll only say yes. Charity would do anything for her kids - even marry a near-stranger in a marriage of convenience. Wilson soon realises that God was actually filling a hole in his life, perhaps even more than one in hers - but between being busy with the kids and starting marriage with the feeling of being helped rather than chosen for her own sake, can they turn it into a true marriage?

A charming marriage of convenience story - I really enjoyed it. It's nice to see them bonding over the kids, but also appreciating time together. And while the pastor's advice seemed at least somewhat overstepping, and definitely having the potential to cause trouble between the couple when said only to one, it did play out nicely in the story. I loved the way we see monthly snapshots for the first few months as they grow together, rather than a more concentrated time initially when they get together and everything's magically perfect. We see a bit more of the family, but this one focuses largely on the couple, so it's definitely a standalone story. Looking forward to seeing who gets their story next.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessie Gussman delivers another thought-provoking book with Wilson McBride offering to marry Charity Ames, a divorced and struggling mother of five young children, because God has led him to do so and he soon realizes marrying Charity is want he wants for himself. Charity struggles with why Wilson would even consider taking on her chaos and then whether he is attracted to her when he follows some well intended advice from the Pastor but with a much too long expiration date. There is nothing more delightful than their monthly anniversary dates even though some plans did fall through but who can doubt how romantic a farm animal auction can be? Well the park and serene lake may have added a little to it too. Jessie Gussman tackles some modern day controversial issues in this book by discussing birth control, the difference between lust and love, what biblical love is in a marriage, and submissiveness of the wife but there is no one better at doing so than this author. Wilson and Charity have honest and open discussions about all these bringing them into understanding how trustworthy, dependable and loving they both were as they deepened their marriage of convenience into a marriage of total devotion and a family of five small children gain a true loving daddy and he gets what God knew he needed. A marvelous story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Three in the Mistletoe Meadows Sweet Christmas Romance sees another McBride sibling, Wilson decide to get married. Wilson is a wonderful character who has a very outgoing personality as well as a compassionate heart. He has been working with his new brother-in-law Judd Landis as a Secret Saint. He has really been the one to find out the needs of the local people that they then secretly bless. Wilson has helped meet the needs of Charity Ames but he feels he has to do more for her.

Charity Ames is working hard to take care of her five children by herself. Her husband cheated on her then abandoned her and took off to a foreign country so he didn't have to pay child support. She has a home baking job that is just not making enough and she is on the verge of losing the house and possibly her kids. She is very thankful of the unexpected help she has occasionally received from the unknown Secret Saint.

Wilson feels the Lord is asking him to step up and marry Charity to care for her and her children. Will Charity accept his very unexpected offer to marry her so that he can take care of her?

This is such a sweet story as these two strangers make vows to each other. I loved how Wilson came to realize that he was actually the one who needed Charity.

You can expect some thought provoking spiritual insights that the H and h will discuss as their relationship grows.

I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.

[Elizabeth Fiscus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilson prayed what to do to help Charity's situation after finding out about it through his help as Secret Saint around town. Paying currently overdue bills and providing Christmas gifts for her 5 children would only get them through the New Year and then everything would start piling up again. The solution that Wilson came up with? A marriage of convenince to Charity and taking her 5 children as his own since their own dad took off and gave up all parental rights to them.
Why would Charity even want to get married again after what her ex-husband put her through, making her struggle every single day?
Find out how Wilson and Charity navigate the unconventional situation they find themselves in. Where they know that love and dedication to another person is a conscious choice to make every single day.
I thought this story was absolutely sweet! I love how Charity was able to start to enjoy life again instead of being ran ragged every single day without end. Their commitment to each other and how they listened to what the other had say was inspiring. I received an advance copy of this book from the author. That in no way influenced my review.

[Mary Ann Speel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, really enjoyed reading it. Recommend it to anyone who loves a Christmas story with a really good H and h. The H is a man who started a very successful business in college and was able to sell shares of it, keeping the major shares. He hired a capable person to run the business making more money from the business. He buys a farm and then proceeds to secretly help others in the town. After doing this for a while he feels called by God to help one particular woman who is about to lose her home and five children. He proposes to her and they get married Christmas afternoon. The H works to really love the children and his wife. He does not deepen their relationship because the pastor told him that he should wait a year before doing so, to give the h time to feel comfortable with the H. The H works at showing his feelings by doing things a dating couple would do. After a time the h asks the H why he doesn’t touch or kiss her. He explained why and the h tells him that they both should decide when to deepen their relationship, and they do. You can’t help but love the ending, and what the h and H say to each other. Enjoy!

[Dee Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charity’s ex-husband Clancy, just decided he didn’t want to be married anymore. She wasn’t a good wife worth just a bunch of excuses, not to be married to charity with their small children the oldest being eight years old. Wilson wanted to follow the Lord‘s word, decided that he wanted to marry Charity, along with her five children. Charity could not believe the first time she met him he took the two youngest in his lap and they stopped crying while charity had to deal with one of the older ones children head injury. Both Harty and Wilson are strong Christians. They want to do what is God‘s will not what they want to do, Wilson asked Charity to marry him because it was God‘s will. The day they went to get their marriage license Wilson’s mother came over and watched the five children. Arity was so worried but Wilson said mama raised six kids she can handle five for just a little bit. After they got the marriage license, Wilson took them out to a lunch. Charity was so excited because she didn’t have to cook, clean up, all she had to do was eat. I don’t want to say too much about the book except I thoroughly have enjoyed it.Jessie Gussman

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

The residents of Mistletoe Meadows has blessed donations ,thanks to individuals Wilson,McBride and Judd Landis through the gifts of the Secret Saint escapades.Charity Ames though is in need of a husband since hers left her bereft with five children to feed. Moved with his fancy piece to Australia to get out of paying her or them a cent.What happens is more than she could’ve ever have dreamed a kind man such as Wilson McBride keeping her in a manner she should have been used to in her first marriage and she vows to make it work . In fact it’s quite endearing as they both have strong feelings of purpose and desire. She had her hesitations but thought better than her station and need to turn the man down but far from feeling worthless and down . She’s doing her bit and they’re slowly making a go of it and make a good fit. It’s pure Jessie Gussman who knows her stuff,with writing that’s superb and descriptions make you feel you are sharing there story and the characters are amazingly well written.

[Roberta aka Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend Sugarplum Dreams, the third book in the Mistletoe Meadows Sweet Christmas romance series. It is a clean, contemporary, Christian romance with a touching and romantic happy-ever-after ending.

Wilson McBride quits helping with the Secret Saint project so he can marry Charity Ames, a single mom with 5 young children. This story tells of the challenges and blessings involved in the marriage, and how Wilson and Charity work together to build a loving family. I loved the way they talked over, and often prayed, over various situations and were open and honest - even if it was a difficult or embarrassing topic.

You'll have to wait until the last chapter for the swoony kisses... but, WOW! So romantic and worth the wait!

My favorite line is "...you live through it twice if you sit and worry about it before you actually do it." As a chronic worrier that line really resonates with me.

I was given an ARC of this story from BookFunnel at the request of Jessie Gussman, the author. All thoughts and comments are mine, given voluntarily.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sugarplum Dreams is the story of Wilson and Charity. Wilson helped Judd play Secret Saint for the town. He too helped with buying and delivering the gifts to needy families. He delivered gifts and groceries to Charity and her 5 small children. Clancy, her good for nothing husband had left her with no money and she was about to lose everything, possibly her children. She let him give up his parental rights in order to not have to pay child support and he and his girlfriend left the country. Since then Charity has been baking to sell to the stores trying to make grocery money while taking care of a 8 year old, 5 year old, 4 year old, 2 year old and a 1 year old. Wilson knew about her being so far in debt and paid the mortgage up so they wouldn't lose their home. But he felt like God had asked him to go farther for that family. Could he marry Charity and raise another man's children? Could he be missing something that Charity and those little kids could give him?

[Catherine Perschke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sugarplum Dreams resonated with the desires of my heart. I want a faith in God that says "Yes, Lord!" just as Wilson and Charity, each in their own way did. Jessie Gussman has given us a story that reads like spun sugar, sweet and satisfying, but with deep substance. Wilson and Charity discover that when we trust God and follow Him fully, we often find that He places desires in our hearts and then fulfills them beyond what we can imagine! I loved how sweet and honorable Wilson is, but he is clueless about what Charity really wants! Tension builds as he tries to win his wife without actually communicating with her! Their story speaks to the hope of our hearts ... to be seen and accepted for who we are and to be genuinely loved and cared for by another! Thank you, Jessie, for writing books that not only entertain but also point us to the One Who gives us that hope and acceptance ... Jesus!

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilson and Charity’s story is both uplifting and inspiring. Wilson has always been a man who stepped up to help others whenever possible. This time, God has called or guided him to another task that will aid Charity, a recently divorced mother of five young children who is struggling to provide for her family. Wilson’s offer of a marriage of convenience is a bit of a shock to Charity, but after some thought, prayer and talking with him, Charity realizes that it may be an answer to her prayers. They both agree that with God, laughter, and hard work their marriage can be successful. As they move forward together, Wilson acknowledges that God knew that he needed Charity and the children in his life as much as they needed him. Their marriage may have started as a convenient one, but love is now between them.

This book includes many tender moments along with humorous ones as Wilson, Charity and the children become a family. I wholeheartedly recommend this heartwarming book.

[Michelle Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet and clean Christian romance. This is part of a series but can be read as a stand-alone.

Wilson feels God has led him to marry a single mom with five kids, who he barely knows. Charity is struggling to by, recently divorced with several children. Wilson comes and offers her a marriage of convenience. She decides to accept as she knows he is a good man. They work at making their marriage. Can it be more than a marriage in name only?

This was a very interesting story. I love the characters and how they interact and how to create a marriage. However, we need to remember to talk to the other person so that information is not misconstrued. Can’t wait for the next story. They can’t seem to come fast enough for me. PS – Chickens really are the way to woman’s heart!

I received and ARC from the author and am leaving an honest review.

[Margaret P Medberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Sugarplum Dreams Secret Santa Wilson proposes a marriage of convenience to Charity who is at risk of losing her five children. When he first arrives at her house to propose, total chaos is breaking loose, of course, written in true Jessie Gussman style. I always wonder when I read some of her books if she may have had some personal experience that matches some of the issues that a parent of multiple kids might have because the situations always seem very possible and very funny.

Anyway, Charity hesitantly agrees and slowly they begin the journey of falling in love. I do love marriage of convenience stories and this one is delightful. As always the story is infused with God’s Grace and what it means to be obedient to God.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Louis D.Gargarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marriage of Convenience or Not

Wilson McBride and Judd Landis had scheme of being "Secret Saint" during the Christmas Season. They would see that the needy in town got some needed help. One of the family they helped was a divorced mother with five young children. Charlie's ex husband moved to Australia so he wouldn't have to pay child support. Wilson felt like God was calling him to marry Charity and her five children. He talked to his Pastor and the man knew Wilson should follow his heart and God's will. One day Wilson stopped by Charity's house and ask her to marry him. After talking for a while, Charity agreed to marry him. This is a lovely read you'll enjoy the interaction with the children and watching the family grow closer. And you not want to miss what institutions the Pastor gave Wilson on his wedding day.
MK

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a kind, gentle and inspiring story. Wilson has been generous but when God sends him a different way, he surprises everyone. Charity had been married and had five children she was now raising on her own and not only in financial difficulty but also swearing off men. How they came to be together was certainly unusual but seeing them working together to work things out when challenges arose was inspiring, both being willing to compromise putting marriage and family first and following God’s will. You’ll need to read the book but the pastor put a wrench in the works at the wedding which took several months to work out. Not a lot of action, but a sweet read.

Received an ARC and this is my honest, unsolicited review.

[John Belcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christie was emotionally abused by her ex husband who divorced her married a tramp and moved to Australia, giving up any claim to his five children do as not to pay child support. Wilson who was half of the Secret Saint left his partner to ask to marry Christie. The whole story is based on Wilson and Christie trying to navigate a new marriage through the counsel given by thier pastor saying nothing physical, kissing, snuggling, hugging, or physical intimacy until a year after of going married. The kindness and love expressed should be the basis for all marriages today but unfortunately, most are based on lust. Jessie brings all these points out in very tactful way which delights the reader and ends giving a warm feeling. This is an early ARC and I give this honest review voluntarily.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely addition to the series. I loved the family part - especially the kids. I always like when Gussman points out where things are viewed a certain way societally, but how those things aren’t necessarily written that way in the Bible. So many things make you think. And sometimes it brings back previously held convictions and I’m forced to take a step back and begin the process of reevaluation (like with birth control). This was a great Christian contemporary romance. It has Christmas, a marriage of convenience, family, friends, kids, baking, and a farm. It was a lovely read that I truly enjoyed. I’m excited for more!

I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I really loved Wilson and Charity's book! Charity has been abandoned by her ex. She has no education, so has been baking to support her children, and has been way behind on her mortgage payment. She feels like she's floundering. The Secret Saint had served her and paid a lot of her bills and brought Christmas presents. Wilson, who was the secret saint with Judd, sees her plight and knows he can make a real difference in Charity's life. I loved their first meeting in this book - no truly a meet-cute since they already knew each other, but so funny! I loved how Wilson treated Charity and her children throughout this book - with such kindness and respect. I loved how this book was written - on their dates. What a great story!

[Leis Phinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved this book! Best in the series so far. Who would take on a woman with five children? What woman would marry a man who doesn't love her? This is a story of a marriage of convenience where both people are doing what they believe God wants them to do, obeying and trusting God to work things out. And it's a story of what God's love looks like in real life, as they work together to get to know one another, to learn how to communicate, to build a family, to make a life together. Jessie Gussman writes stories that go straight to the heart of Christian truth, and straight to your heart.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion. This book is a standalone and an HEA, but you will want to read the entire series!

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m no longer surprised when a Jessie Gussman book more than gives me a good story, but also has a lesson for me to learn. I’m continually surprised by how the author can put romance, humor and a needed lesson into one story. I’m not good with the word, wait. I don’t like it from family, friends, or God. Like most, I’ve gotten used to instant gratification, not waiting. Wilson not only talks regularly to God, he also listens. To take on a wife he barely knows is one thing, but to also take on 5 young children is a whole different ballgame and Wilson does it willingly. Why is he willing to do this? He believes this is what God has told him to do. That takes faith and obedience. I loved this sweet story of Charity learning to trust and Wilson’s willingness to listen to bring a family together.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author’s marriage of convenience stories. I don’t know how she does it but they always seem perfectly plausible and also offer a great pattern to follow for people who may have lost the spark in their marriage to find it again. In this book, Wilson hangs up his job as a community Secret Santa and marries Charity, a woman whose husband abandoned her and their five children to be with another woman. Wilson feels like God led him to propose because she needed him but he soon learns that God led him to Charity because he also needed her. This was such a sweet falling in love story that was faith-based and very inspirational with role models galore. I loved it! I received an ARC from the author. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I think it’s my favorite by Jessie this year. However, I am partial to the marriage of convenience troupe. The story felt very plausible, which I think is difficult with modern marriage of convenience stories. I loved the story of Charity and Wilson. The way they learn to prioritize each other and their relationship is absolutely beautiful. I loved also the little snippets we got into the rest of Wilson’s family. All around this was a sigh-worthy book and I enjoyed every minute. If I were to complain about anything it would be that it ended. I wanted to spend more time with Charity and Wilson and hope we get to hear more about them in future books.

[Lori R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was quite interesting with its characters. Wilson believed God's plan was for him to marry Charity. Her husband had left her with their five children and she was barely making ends meet. I enjoyed the story that followed as they moved into Wilson's house and got to know each other.

I liked how the chapters corresponded to Wilson and Charity's monthly anniversaries and that he planned special things for those days. I really liked that Wilson and Judd were responsible for the Secret Saint that helped people in need. What a great idea. I received an
advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.