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The Great Christmas Contest
When the owner of Three French Hens Department Store, an icon for Christmas in New York, wants to retire, she opens a MyHeartChannel Christmas Contest. Five employees will give away $25,000 before Christmas Eve and the winner will own Three French Hens and become a millionaire.
Twenty-six-year-old Samantha Noel works in the Women’s Department at Three French Hens. Her life hasn’t turned out exactly like she’d planned thanks to her unconventional father. But, she’s chosen to be one of the five contestants in the Great Christmas Contest, and is thrilled at the opportunity to finally get out from under the shadow he casts.
But, when a military wife makes a wish too big for Samantha to fulfill on her own, she's forced to enlist the help of her mysterious and handsome coworker, Christian Malone. As they work together to make a mother’s Christmas wish come true, Samantha develops feelings for Christian. Christian's holding tight to a secret and she has to wonder if she’s fallen for a man who is no better than her father.
As the clock ticks down to Christmas Eve, Samantha's torn between keeping her heart safe and risking it for the man she loves. If she can't find a way to trust, then her Christmas miracle will pass her by.
Twenty-six-year-old Samantha Noel works in the Women’s Department at Three French Hens. Her life hasn’t turned out exactly like she’d planned thanks to her unconventional father. But, she’s chosen to be one of the five contestants in the Great Christmas Contest, and is thrilled at the opportunity to finally get out from under the shadow he casts.
But, when a military wife makes a wish too big for Samantha to fulfill on her own, she's forced to enlist the help of her mysterious and handsome coworker, Christian Malone. As they work together to make a mother’s Christmas wish come true, Samantha develops feelings for Christian. Christian's holding tight to a secret and she has to wonder if she’s fallen for a man who is no better than her father.
As the clock ticks down to Christmas Eve, Samantha's torn between keeping her heart safe and risking it for the man she loves. If she can't find a way to trust, then her Christmas miracle will pass her by.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2021
100 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Lucy McConnell
189 books1,597 followersPlease hit the follow button. I'd love to keep in touch!
Lucy McConnell loves romance, chocolate, Christmas, horses, music, crochet, and fun!
She believes that romance books should:
Keep you up past your bedtime.
Make you laugh out loud.
Have happy endings.
With that in mind, she's written over 200 novels full of fun and flirty characters who navigate the turbulent waters of romance with open hearts and creativity.
If you enjoy closed-door romance, follow her on Goodreads.♥️
Lucy McConnell loves romance, chocolate, Christmas, horses, music, crochet, and fun!
She believes that romance books should:
Keep you up past your bedtime.
Make you laugh out loud.
Have happy endings.
With that in mind, she's written over 200 novels full of fun and flirty characters who navigate the turbulent waters of romance with open hearts and creativity.
If you enjoy closed-door romance, follow her on Goodreads.♥️
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 25, 2022
Settle in with your favorite beverage, a cozy blanket, and a couple boxes of tissues. ‘Cause, if you’re the least bit tenderhearted, you’re gonna need them before the end. This book is filled to bursting with the magic of the holiday season. But, I suppose it’s difficult not to be with a story about people given the instruction to go make Christmas wishes come true. I really loved that the book really came down to it being all about the thought behind the gift and the act of giving that brought the most satisfaction, more than any actual gift received. Samantha and Christian are adorable together and the little bit of intrigue in Christian’s backstory added to the drama and tension. I adored the ending, but I kind of hate that it’s over already, I would have happily kept reading about the Three French Hens family for hours more.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
January 7, 2019
The Great Christmas Contest is by Lucy McConnell. This is a cute book that is just fun to read. It was a good book to read between Christmas and New Year’s. It does make you think about giving anonymously.
The owner of French Hens Department store in New York had often worked in the Women’s department. None of the employees knew her as other than another worker. She was well liked by her fellow workers and never showed in any way that she was the boss. It was after she collapsed on the floor that they were to find out who she really was. The morning following her collapse, she called her top five employees into the conference room. There she revealed who she really was and told them of the contest she was setting up for them. They would each be given $5,000 to give away to ten different people before Christmas. They couldn’t just hand out the money nor were they to reveal themselves intentionally. At the end of the contest, the winner would be given the store, free and clear. This was unheard of; but the five employees undertook the challenge and began immediately.
Samantha Noel was surprised she was chosen to be a contestant; but she intended to do her best to win. Her fellow worker, Christian Malone, was also chosen. They had worked together for several years. When Samantha comes across a wish she wants to fulfill but is unable to on her own, they go to the chairman and ask if they can work together on this wish. They compile their money and sources to try to fulfill this wish. Can they make it work and still be in contention for the store?
The owner of French Hens Department store in New York had often worked in the Women’s department. None of the employees knew her as other than another worker. She was well liked by her fellow workers and never showed in any way that she was the boss. It was after she collapsed on the floor that they were to find out who she really was. The morning following her collapse, she called her top five employees into the conference room. There she revealed who she really was and told them of the contest she was setting up for them. They would each be given $5,000 to give away to ten different people before Christmas. They couldn’t just hand out the money nor were they to reveal themselves intentionally. At the end of the contest, the winner would be given the store, free and clear. This was unheard of; but the five employees undertook the challenge and began immediately.
Samantha Noel was surprised she was chosen to be a contestant; but she intended to do her best to win. Her fellow worker, Christian Malone, was also chosen. They had worked together for several years. When Samantha comes across a wish she wants to fulfill but is unable to on her own, they go to the chairman and ask if they can work together on this wish. They compile their money and sources to try to fulfill this wish. Can they make it work and still be in contention for the store?
September 16, 2023
What Christmas is All About . . .
Five contestants who work at the Three French Hens store will be given an opportunity to compete in the Great Christmas Contest. Samantha Noel and Christian Malone agree to work together. Winning the contest could give them a chance to make a gift to someone who is in greater need, making sure that one sweet military family and a whole military base in Poland receive a gift that could change their lives. But it is a challenge for contestants to rise above their own needs, which are also valid, to selflessly give to strangers. Will the true Spirit of Christmas guide them in their decisions? Or is it important to take care of their own needs too? It’s a difficult decision. And other factors may interfere. Who will receive the Christmas miracle this season?
Five contestants who work at the Three French Hens store will be given an opportunity to compete in the Great Christmas Contest. Samantha Noel and Christian Malone agree to work together. Winning the contest could give them a chance to make a gift to someone who is in greater need, making sure that one sweet military family and a whole military base in Poland receive a gift that could change their lives. But it is a challenge for contestants to rise above their own needs, which are also valid, to selflessly give to strangers. Will the true Spirit of Christmas guide them in their decisions? Or is it important to take care of their own needs too? It’s a difficult decision. And other factors may interfere. Who will receive the Christmas miracle this season?
Five contestants who work at the Three French Hens store will be given an opportunity to compete in the Great Christmas Contest. Samantha Noel and Christian Malone agree to work together. Winning the contest could give them a chance to make a gift to someone who is in greater need, making sure that one sweet military family and a whole military base in Poland receive a gift that could change their lives. But it is a challenge for contestants to rise above their own needs, which are also valid, to selflessly give to strangers. Will the true Spirit of Christmas guide them in their decisions? Or is it important to take care of their own needs too? It’s a difficult decision. And other factors may interfere. Who will receive the Christmas miracle this season?
Five contestants who work at the Three French Hens store will be given an opportunity to compete in the Great Christmas Contest. Samantha Noel and Christian Malone agree to work together. Winning the contest could give them a chance to make a gift to someone who is in greater need, making sure that one sweet military family and a whole military base in Poland receive a gift that could change their lives. But it is a challenge for contestants to rise above their own needs, which are also valid, to selflessly give to strangers. Will the true Spirit of Christmas guide them in their decisions? Or is it important to take care of their own needs too? It’s a difficult decision. And other factors may interfere. Who will receive the Christmas miracle this season?
November 7, 2023
This is a lovely romance story to spark the Christmas spirit. When coworkers and friends Samantha and Christian are selected to compete in a Christmas giving competition, the stakes being taking over ownership of the store they work at, they decide to team up and work together on fulfilling Christmas wishes. With so much time together, their repressed feelings for each other can no longer be denied. However, both their fathers have created legacies of fear, distrust and more in them. Christian, especially, is in a difficult and perilous situation. This is a sweet story, full of lovely, heartwarming Christmas giving. The romance is swoony with some great kisses. Both main characters were engaging, and the secondary characters too. Especially the videographers. A cute little secondary romance also pops up. There is a little bit of action in the story, as well as a brief involvement of Christian faith. This is a closed door story with mild innuendo and no harsh language.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 7, 2023
The owner of a major store has decided that she is going to retire and has chosen several people who work there to compete for the new ownership of the store. She creates a contest called The Great Christmas Contest where each participant is given 5,000 dollars and must help a certain number of people. Samantha and Christian are two of the participants along with two others and the novel introduces us to several different ideas that they come up with. The book really makes you think about the holidays and what it really means by the saying it is better to give than receive.
Along with the contest we also discover several issues that each member of the contest have. We are taken along as they must solve not only other peoples problems but also come to terms with their own issues. Can they find peace, love and happiness during this most stressful holiday of the year?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Along with the contest we also discover several issues that each member of the contest have. We are taken along as they must solve not only other peoples problems but also come to terms with their own issues. Can they find peace, love and happiness during this most stressful holiday of the year?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 21, 2018
Please finish editing and upload a new version!
This is a great story for Thanksgiving and Christmas time-- it really got me feeling the gratitude and love and hope of the season. It made me feel less cynical. It reminded me that most people are good, and we can reach out and care for each other, especially at Christmas, and make the world a warmer, kinder place for each other.
My complaint is that this (digital) version is clearly not the final version. It still contains the author's place-holder marks for some character names, and one of three other character names flips back and forth between two options. I'm assuming the wrong file was posted inadvertently, so I hope the author/publisher will see this review and replace the current file with a finalized version.
This is a great story for Thanksgiving and Christmas time-- it really got me feeling the gratitude and love and hope of the season. It made me feel less cynical. It reminded me that most people are good, and we can reach out and care for each other, especially at Christmas, and make the world a warmer, kinder place for each other.
My complaint is that this (digital) version is clearly not the final version. It still contains the author's place-holder marks for some character names, and one of three other character names flips back and forth between two options. I'm assuming the wrong file was posted inadvertently, so I hope the author/publisher will see this review and replace the current file with a finalized version.
September 17, 2023
Really enjoyed this festive romance.It was just heartwarming.
Nobody does christmas like the Three French Hens dept store in New York.
When the owner wants to retire she picks her 5 best employees to compete with each other and whoever wins will get the store.
Samantha and Christian are amongst them.
They both work together in the womens dept and both are attracted to each other.
They both have their reasons to win and have to compete with each other and put their attraction aside.
It touches the heartstrings when they make a military mum's wish come true and put their own wishes aside.
A sweet romance with all the feels,the magic of christmas and a happily ever after.
Love Lucy's sweet romances.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nobody does christmas like the Three French Hens dept store in New York.
When the owner wants to retire she picks her 5 best employees to compete with each other and whoever wins will get the store.
Samantha and Christian are amongst them.
They both work together in the womens dept and both are attracted to each other.
They both have their reasons to win and have to compete with each other and put their attraction aside.
It touches the heartstrings when they make a military mum's wish come true and put their own wishes aside.
A sweet romance with all the feels,the magic of christmas and a happily ever after.
Love Lucy's sweet romances.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 26, 2018
I overlooked so much, trying to enjoy the romance
I wanted so much to enjoy a nice, relaxing afternoon Christmas romance.
But, that was not to be. Next thing you know, here is the loan shark, banging on the door of our H, demanding money. Then demanding more money. Then, demanding ALL the money. You know how it is. Happens to us all, huh?
Nope. Just in these Scooby Doo Mysteries, so many ‘romance’ writers insist on writing.
Give me just a plain, ordinary romance, hold the ‘angst’, ‘suspense’, and ‘mystery’. Just romance is good enough for me. I wish it were enough for these would-be crime fighter writers.
I wanted so much to enjoy a nice, relaxing afternoon Christmas romance.
But, that was not to be. Next thing you know, here is the loan shark, banging on the door of our H, demanding money. Then demanding more money. Then, demanding ALL the money. You know how it is. Happens to us all, huh?
Nope. Just in these Scooby Doo Mysteries, so many ‘romance’ writers insist on writing.
Give me just a plain, ordinary romance, hold the ‘angst’, ‘suspense’, and ‘mystery’. Just romance is good enough for me. I wish it were enough for these would-be crime fighter writers.
January 4, 2023
This was such a sweet , clean, Christmas story that centered around the French Hens store and their Great Christmas Contest. I liked the spirit of Christmas, hope, and giving that filled everyone's heart and took on a mind of its own as it quickly spread to the community, as dreams and wishes were being answered. I enjoyed the budding romance between Samantha and Kirk, employees at the store and part of the contest. The story left me with a smile on my face, hope in my heart, and a need to help someone. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
September 12, 2023
Christian and Samantha are competitors in a contest that could change their lives. The money they are given to give away with stipulations could make immediate changes if they don’t follow the rules and Christian has a big reason to consider it. If I was threatened with my life I don’t know how strong I’d be against temptation. They both have great ideas for what to do with the money but Samantha has a big one if they can work together to pull it off. This was a sweet Christmas story with some scary moments with the bad guy, plenty of heartwarming and tear jerking ones with the gifts, and a romance.
September 16, 2023
The owner of a store is retiring and she selects five of her employees to take part in a contest of giving, to win the title of owner of the store. Samantha meets a military mom with an incredible request but she does not have the money so she joins up with Christian so they have enough. Loved the characters, their personalities, backstories and struggles. The storyline has magic, drama, big decisions, revelations, twists and entertaining situations that kept the pages turning. There are unexpected events right down to the ending. Well done.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 18, 2018
The Great Christmas Contest
The Great Christmas Contest
Samantha and Christian work side-by-side in the women's department of Three French Hens in New York City. They're both the kind of people that go through life unconsciously doing good deeds for others. Unfortunately, they've had fathers with less than admirable traits and the fallout could keep these two soulmates from connecting. When the Great Christmas Contest comes along, these two will get to choose if true love is greater than anything on earth.
The Great Christmas Contest
Samantha and Christian work side-by-side in the women's department of Three French Hens in New York City. They're both the kind of people that go through life unconsciously doing good deeds for others. Unfortunately, they've had fathers with less than admirable traits and the fallout could keep these two soulmates from connecting. When the Great Christmas Contest comes along, these two will get to choose if true love is greater than anything on earth.
September 16, 2023
The Perfect Holiday romance read. Lucy has done her usual excellent job of immersing the reader into the heart of the story and investing their time with the characters who are totally relatable and fun. Samantha Noel ( great name) and Christian Malone coworkers in the three French Hens department store , work together to make a military wife’s Christmas wish come to fruition.it’s a great story and a little heart aching too . It has all the feel good feels . Very well written and wonderful characters.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 7, 2024
This is book 2 in McConnell's Upload Love series and can be read as a standalone. A Christmas themed romance that's sweet and clean. Friends and co-workers Samantha and Christian are two of many who are selected to compete for ownership of a major store now that the current owner has decided to retire. A contest is created to see who can help others the most with a set amount...a beautiful storyline full of the magic that is Christmas. I loved how the hope of the season shines thru in this read.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 5, 2023
This heartwarming clean romance was a pleasure to read. It has the vibes of a Hallmark movie and I wouldn't be one bit surprised to see it as a movie in the future!
This story has a bit of drama, tears and budding friendships.
Although some may say this story is unrealistic, there are loan sharks out there and we do hear & read about it in the news. It just doesn't happen enough to be the norm.
I received a free copy of this book courtesy of Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story has a bit of drama, tears and budding friendships.
Although some may say this story is unrealistic, there are loan sharks out there and we do hear & read about it in the news. It just doesn't happen enough to be the norm.
I received a free copy of this book courtesy of Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 13, 2023
The Great Christmas Contest is a sweet holiday story with a hint of danger, wonderful characters and several love stories that explodes with Christmas Magic.
I love how this story does not take the turns you expect. The danger Christian finds himself in and the choices he makes, to the help Samantha finds with in her father's date, the twist of the contest and results warms your heart.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love how this story does not take the turns you expect. The danger Christian finds himself in and the choices he makes, to the help Samantha finds with in her father's date, the twist of the contest and results warms your heart.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 28, 2019
Christmas Miracles
Samantha and Christian work in the woman's department at Three French Hens. The owner plans on retiring and who ever wins the Great Christmas contest will be the new owner. This is a perfect Christmas story of love your neighbors and help people you don't know. How love and kindness is a special gift to everyone.
Samantha and Christian work in the woman's department at Three French Hens. The owner plans on retiring and who ever wins the Great Christmas contest will be the new owner. This is a perfect Christmas story of love your neighbors and help people you don't know. How love and kindness is a special gift to everyone.
January 4, 2023
I had a free copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Samantha Noel works at Three French Hens, a department store as does her friend, Christian. When a contest is announced to pick the new owner of the store, they end up working together to provide memorable Christmases for a few special people. A heartwarming Christmas story.
September 18, 2023
This sweet Christmas story has everything from pulling at your heart strings, tears, a bit of fear, holiday magic and miracles to romance. You just fall in love with these amazing characters. The story line is inspiring and so well written. Everyone will enjoy this uplifting heartwarming story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 12, 2018
EXCELLENT
This is a wonderful Christmas story. One of the many miracles that happened in the story was that a whole community came together to ensure that an entire group in Poland received gifts for the holiday.
This is a wonderful Christmas story. One of the many miracles that happened in the story was that a whole community came together to ensure that an entire group in Poland received gifts for the holiday.
November 20, 2018
Loved it
This was an adorable sweet story. Love the Christmas theme and the redemption of Christian. Samantha is adorable. I kind of missed anything about Miller though, going to have to go back and read more.
This was an adorable sweet story. Love the Christmas theme and the redemption of Christian. Samantha is adorable. I kind of missed anything about Miller though, going to have to go back and read more.
November 20, 2018
Best Christmas story!!
What a sweet and inspiring Christmas story! Love this and highly recommend this clever, poignant, clean love story! True love comes imperfectly into our lives and makes the journey so worth it! Highly recommended!
What a sweet and inspiring Christmas story! Love this and highly recommend this clever, poignant, clean love story! True love comes imperfectly into our lives and makes the journey so worth it! Highly recommended!
November 21, 2018
No, really it's a heartwarming, feel good, tissue box, Christmas tear-jerking love story. A great Christmas season romance with wishes coming true. I gave it a 5 star because it had a deeper forgiving and moving past the past theme as well. I loved it!
November 24, 2018
Super cute Christmas romance!
A fun concept for a Christmas romance with more than one happily ever after! Perfect for an afternoon of cocoa and snuggling up with your Kindle on a cold winter day.
A fun concept for a Christmas romance with more than one happily ever after! Perfect for an afternoon of cocoa and snuggling up with your Kindle on a cold winter day.
November 27, 2018
Cute!
This is a very cute, clean read! Loved the main characters and their adorable romance! Both characters were interesting and I really enjoyed both of their stories. I highly recommend this one!
This is a very cute, clean read! Loved the main characters and their adorable romance! Both characters were interesting and I really enjoyed both of their stories. I highly recommend this one!
December 2, 2018
4.5 stars
This is a wonderful Christmas romance! (And happily, there was no sign of the errors in the text that a few reviewers encountered) The premise is fun and heartwarmingly different from the many Christmas romances currently on offer. I highly recommend it!
This is a wonderful Christmas romance! (And happily, there was no sign of the errors in the text that a few reviewers encountered) The premise is fun and heartwarmingly different from the many Christmas romances currently on offer. I highly recommend it!
January 21, 2019
Loved it!!!!
Especially the giving part of the storyline. Giving from the heart and giving the love are always important. No more than what this book is all about. If you enjoy reading about love this is the perfect book for you.
Especially the giving part of the storyline. Giving from the heart and giving the love are always important. No more than what this book is all about. If you enjoy reading about love this is the perfect book for you.
November 12, 2018
The Great Christmas Contest
What a really sweet story. Loved the characters and how the story ended. Towards the end of the book there were a lot of errors. Missing names and words
What a really sweet story. Loved the characters and how the story ended. Towards the end of the book there were a lot of errors. Missing names and words
November 14, 2018
Love it
This was fantastic. Love the whole concept. Reading it makes you want to be part of this too- blessing others is such an awesome thing!
This was fantastic. Love the whole concept. Reading it makes you want to be part of this too- blessing others is such an awesome thing!
December 2, 2018
A sweet Christmas story
What a sweet Christmas story. It encompasses the Christmas spirit. It will encourage you and make you believe in the magic of Christmas 💖
What a sweet Christmas story. It encompasses the Christmas spirit. It will encourage you and make you believe in the magic of Christmas 💖
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews