Book Review for A Christmas Duet by Debbie Macomber

Book Review for A Christmas Duet by Debbie MacomberA Christmas Duet by Debbie Macomber
Published by Random House on October 15, 2024
Genres: Fiction / Holidays, Fiction / Romance / Contemporary, Fiction / Women
Pages: 304
Format: ARC, eBook
Source: NetGalley
four-stars

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A solo holiday trip inspires one woman to rediscover her passion—and remember that, sometimes, duets are more fun—in this romantic Christmas novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.

“A perfectly delicious Christmas bonbon of a novel.”—Mary Kay Andrews, New York Times bestselling author of The Santa Suit and Bright Lights, Big Christmas

Hailey Morgan’s life has always revolved around music. She once had big dreams of becoming a professional songwriter, but the reality of life has led her to working as an assistant high school band teacher in Portland. As the holidays approach, Hailey dreads the annual tradition of spending Christmas with her family and dodging her mother’s meddling questions about her love life.

When Hailey’s close friend offers her the use of her family’s empty cabin for a rejuvenating solo holiday retreat, Hailey finally decides to do something to make herself happy. However, her arrival in the small town of Podunk, Oregon, is anything but peaceful when she discovers the cabin has been invaded by several wild animals. Luckily, Jay, the son of the town’s main store proprietor—and an incredibly handsome and charming former musician to boot—is more than willing to help.

Soon Hailey and Jay are nearly inseparable, chopping down and decorating a Christmas tree, sipping hot cocoa in front of a cozy fire, and best of all, playing music together. Jay’s positive feedback and encouragement inspire Hailey to believe she might succeed as a songwriter after all. But even in her snow-dusted oasis, family holiday drama still finds Hailey, interrupting and threatening her newfound peace and confidence. Meanwhile revelations from Jay present complications of their own. Suddenly her Christmas paradise has become a winter storm and Hailey must weather through the challenges to stand up for herself and embrace the holiday spirit.

My Review

I would like to start by thanking Netgalley, Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, and Debbie Macomber for a digital copy of A Christmas Duet in return for an honest review. Everything that I write here is completely my own thoughts and opinions. I should start off by saying that I think Debbie Macomber is the Queen of Christmas Stories, and I always run out to get her newest one for each Christmas season. I can not begin to tell you, Reader, how excited I was to be gifted with this book. Debbie Macomber did not disappoint in this year’s Christmas story. I absolutely loved it and all the cozy vibes it gave me.

In this story, we follow Hailey Morgan, a high school music teacher who dreams of writing and selling her own music someday. Hailey has loved music since she was a girl and would often make up little songs to sing and perform. Her love of music grew over the years, along with her writing abilities. However, life has gotten in the way of Hailey’s dreams and beat down her confidence when it comes to writing music. Needless to say, Hailey is stuck in a rut. She is also dreading spending Christmas with her meddling mom, so when her friend offers her the family cabin over Christmas, Hailey jumps at the chance to go.

It is important to know that Hailey is a city girl, so when she arrives at this little cabin in the middle of nowhere, she is surprised at what she finds. Her nerves get the best of her, and she heads into the small town to find the general store, which is where her friend told her to go if she needs help. The store owner, who also happens to be the Mayor, sends Hailey back to the cabin with the promise of sending her son Jethro along soon to help Hailey. Needless to say, Jethro is not at all what Hailey was expecting when he pulled into her yard. Not only is he swoon-worthy, but he also shares a love of music, and as the story goes on, you learn just how much he loves music. Reader watching these two characters connect over their love of music was just so sweet. Hailey’s last-minute decision to head to the cabin over Christmas may have been one of her best decisions yet. Until, of course, unexpected visitors arrive, putting a damper on her time with Jethro. Will Hailey find her way back to her passion for writing music? Does she get the courage to stand up for herself and take back her power?

If you love a good Hallmark-type Christmas story, then I say pick this book up. Debbie Macomber does not disappoint when it comes to cozy Christmas stories set in small towns, with lovable characters and sweet romances. For those of you who love a clean romance, this is the book for you. She also manages to describe the setting perfectly, really transporting you to the scene. The small-town cozy Christmas vibes were strong in this book, and I was there for it. I really enjoyed this story and would love to see it hit the screen. As for trigger warnings, I can not think of any to be aware of, but maybe check it out just in case. Tell me, have you read anything by Debbie Macomber? Any of her Christmas stories? I am always looking for a cozy read. Until Next Time, Reader, Happy Reading.

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