The Christmas Contest by Scarlet WilsonWill their competitive spirits ruin the spirit of Christmas?When Ben Winters and Lara Cottridge hear that a Vermont radio station is hosting a Christmas contest with a $10,000 prize for a charitable project of the winner’s choice, they seize the challenge. Although strangers, they both are obsessed with all things Christmas and each has their own worthy pet project in mind.News of the contest creates a lot of buzz, but most participants fall at the first hurdle – a timed online quirky Christmas quiz. The second, a stressful on-air quiz whittles the field down to two – Briarhill Falls residents Lara and Ben who are surprised that they have never met.As the contest heats up with five further Christmas-themed challenges, the town and state become enthralled by the battle of wits and skill. Soon Lara and Ben realize they have far more in common than a love of Christmas. And far more at stake. Will their competition stand in the way of falling in love?This is Ben Winters and Lara Cottridge's story.They were her brand-new recipe, perfected in the early hours of this morning. She slid them onto the desk as her colleagues gathered around, hands swiping cookies as they spoke. “That’s got to be you.”“You’re the biggest Christmas nut we know.” “Does anyone know as many useless Christmas facts as you?” “They’re not useless.” Lara took a swipe at the hand whose owner had flung the last insult before she picked up a cookie for herself.Her five coworkers leaned on the edge of her cubicle. “We think you should enter that contest,” Abby said.Lara pulled back a little. “Ten thousand for winning a Christmas quiz?” That was a lot of money.The radio played in the background as the kids practiced. “Hey, Mr. Winter. How about you do that?” Ben looked up from where he was helping some of the younger kids shoot baskets. The gym hall was packed. When he volunteered, he always managed to have a good turnout for the afterschool program.He’d been picked up by one the major league teams while in college, but then crashed out due to injury before quite hitting the big time. So near, yet so far.He tuned to what the kids had just said, strode over to the office and listened to the announcer on the radio.Ten thousand dollars just to answer questions about Christmas?The Christmas Contest by Scarlet Wilson is a 5 star book."I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."Scarlet's Books with Tule:Christmas with the LairdChristmas Around the WorldThe Fairy Tale BrideMontana Born BridesMontana Born BridesThe Runaway Christmas BrideChristmas BridesA Royal Christmas PrincessChristmas BridesThe Jingle Bell BrideChristmas BridesThe Christmas Contest
