Rating: ★★
Audience: Holiday Romance
Length: 256 pages
Author: Sarah Monzon
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: September 5th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Every December two things are guaranteed for graphic designer Mackenzie Graham–Christmas celebrations and the annual promotion at her workplace. Those two things are by no means mutually exclusive. In fact, the better an employee is at harnessing the Christmas spirit, the more likely they’ll win the new job. With her social anxiety, Mackenzie never thought she’d be a contender in her company’s holiday competition, so how exactly has she found herself dueling her workplace crush with wrapping paper tubes and using tinsel as her weapon of choice for a much-needed raise?

Jeremy Fletcher’s life is meticulously planned out, including how to win this year’s promotion at work. Not only will the new position fulfill some of his career goals, but the raise will help him as a single guardian to his twin niece and nephew. Jeremy has barely noticed Mackenzie Graham around the office, but now that she’s his rival, he can’t stop thinking about her. Her quirkiness intrigues him, and he’s afraid that if he can’t get his head on straight, the job isn’t the only thing he’ll end up losing to Mackenzie.

‘Tis the season for romance, faith, and humor–all wrapped up in this enchanting holiday rom-com from award-winning author Sarah Monzon.

Thank you to Bethany House for the eARC.

MAYBE FOR YOU?

I know I gave this a low rating, but I’m also able to see that maybe it’ll work for someone else this holiday season.

What I struggled with most was the mental health representation and how it was handled. It just didn’t sit well with me and I wish a little more exploration would have been written in. I felt like this plot line wasn’t truly finished.

The romance was lackluster. It was trying hard to be sweet and cute, but many of the moments felt forced.

There’s definitely plenty to fulfill anyone looking for a read with holiday spirit. Lots of Christmastime activities and traditions to go around. While I didn’t click with the writing style if you enjoy:

• Sweet romance
• Heavy faith themes
• Workplace romance
• Kind friendships

…then maybe it’ll work for you!

Overall audience notes:

• Christian Holiday Romance
• Language: none
• Romance: kisses
• Trigger/Content Warnings: FMC’s Mom has Alzheimer’s, mentions of loss of a sibling, social anxiety rep

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