The Christmas Project by Christi Barth – a Review
Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple
Description:
Can they forgive the past and pull off a Christmas miracle?
Mariana Vasquez has always adored the historic waterfront Brampton Mansion, but the beloved building has succumbed to years of neglect. When Baltimore City inherits it, there’s only one chance to keep it from being demolished. Mariana plans to earn the mansion a second chance and the money to pay for its upkeep with a designer Christmas showcase.
A mix-up on Scott Ashford’s last renovation job has shaken his confidence and harmed his business. He needs a fresh project and great publicity to caulk over his disgrace. Donating his expertise to save a historic property sounds perfect…except the opportunity is dangled by an old friend. Well, ex-friend, since he abandoned her ten years ago…
Mariana has too much pride to ask Scott to return to Baltimore for her, but she’s desperate enough to ask him to come back to save the mansion. There’s barely time to finish all the restorations, so Mariana’s sure she won’t have any time to fall for Scott again. But maybe the mansion isn’t the only thing that deserves a second chance this Christmas…
Review:
The Christmas Project by Christi Barth is another one of her wonderful standalone romances. Mariana Vasquez, our heroine, lives in Baltimore, Maryland, and is currently in charge of restoring the historic Brampton Mansion. The mansion has fallen apart over the years, and Mariana is determined to give the mansion a second chance to bring it back to what it once was; using top designers to fix the mansion before Christmas to have a showcase. But just when only a few weeks are left, one of the designers is injured falling through the steps, unable to return to the mansion. Mariana is desperate, since the town will demolish the building, if it cannot be fixed in time; her boss is putting pressure on her, and she makes a decision to bring back an old friend, to finish the job; but it has been 10 years, and she has not forgotten that he walked away from her.
Scott Ashford, our hero, is surprised when he receives a gift basket in his New York office, from a friend he hasn’t seen in years. Scott is coming off a bad project, and when Mariana asks him to help her finish the restoration of the famous Brampton Mansion, he is thrilled and jumps at the chance to work at the mansion, as well as to see her again, including rebuilding his confidence
Mariana is happy Scott accepted the pro bono work he will do, as he is one of the best designers. She tries to keep the past in the background, as her reputation is also on the line. In a short time, Mariana and Scott renew their friendship, as they work closely together, especially with the time element. At dinner one night, she confronts him why he walked from her, never to be seen again. Scott apologized, but told her what actually happened and how his move was a lifetime opportunity that helped make his career; he says he regrets leaving her and thought about her often,
Mariana learns more about Scott’s becoming a major interior designer over the last 10 years, as well as knowing more about his family. They spend more time together, as they attend fundraisers to promote the upcoming Christmas showcase, and some of their old sparks ignite. Can Mariana trust Scott?
The Christmas Project was a delightful, sweet, heartwarming friends to lover’s romance, with wonderful appeal of the holiday season. Christi Barth gives us another fabulous holiday themed story, that was very well written. If you enjoy pure romance, second chances and a wonderful couple, you should read The Christmas Project.
Reviewed by Barb
Copy supplied for Review
