The Christmas Swap

August 28, 2023
Samuels debuts with a fun and festive lesbian rom-com set in the week leading up to Christmas. Recently heartbroken digital marketer Margot Murray has nowhere to be for the holidays—so when her client turned new friend Ben asks her to accompany him to his family’s idyllic manor house in the English countryside for Christmas, with the sole caveat being that she pretend to be his girlfriend to get his judgmental parents off his back, she agrees. Once there, however, she meets—and instantly falls for—Ellie, Ben’s gorgeous sister. Ellie, meanwhile, senses that something is off between Margot and Ben, and sets out to prove that Margot isn’t whom she says she is. For all the mix-ups and misunderstandings along the way, the plot is entirely predictable, but it’s still a cozy, comforting outing packed full with Christmas cheer, including all the cinnamon, chocolate, and gingerbread one could possibly stomach. A subplot about Margot reevaluating her last relationship and realizing that her ex was emotionally abusive adds depth and resonance that is largely missing from the sweet but oddly passionless romantic story line. Despite a few hiccups, this is sure to get readers into the yuletide spirit. Agent: Emily Glenister, DHH Literary.

September 1, 2023

DEBUT Margot Murray, a marketing executive in London, agrees to her client Ben Gibson's offer to pose as a fake couple and spend the Christmas holiday with him and his family at their manor. Margot won't have to be alone on Christmas after a recent breakup with her girlfriend, while Ben won't have to answer a flurry of questions from his family about his love life. The plan hits a snag when Ellie, Ben's sister, becomes suspicious of Margot's intentions. Then Ellie finds out that Margot is also a lesbian and expresses her attraction to her, leading to midnight rendezvous between the two women. What is supposed to be a picture-perfect Christmas get-together, however, is overtaken by misunderstandings as the Gibsons reveal their struggles to one another and Margot processes the effects of an abusive previous relationship. How much longer Ben and Margot can keep up with their fake relationship depends on how well Margot and Ellie maintain their secret relationship--or risk something real. VERDICT Samuels's debut will appeal to readers looking for a quick, lighthearted story filled with cozy romantic tropes.--Michelle Mistalski

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