The Christmas Swap

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. (Oct.)