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Forever Under the Mistletoe
The holiday season delivers the gift of love in these two classic stories from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.
When Christmas Comes
Emily Springer trades her Leavenworth, Washington, home for Charles Brewster’s Boston condo. Then Emily’s friend Faith comes to visit her in Washington—and instead finds Charles, a complete stranger and a curmudgeon, to boot. His brother, Ray, meanwhile, shows up at Charles’s place, only to discover Emily living there. But through all the mix-ups and misunderstandings, among the chaos and confusion, romance begins to emerge…
Christmas Letters
Katherine O’Connor spends her days at a cozy café writing Christmas letters for other people. She’s good at making their everyday lives sound more interesting. But for renowned child psychologist Dr. Wynn Jeffries, who also frequents the café, Christmas means deception. Katherine argues with Wynn about his theories while he argues that her letters are nothing but lies. They disagree about practically everything—but as the days move closer to Christmas, Katherine and Wynn may find that love means accepting your differences while discovering what you share.
When Christmas Comes
Emily Springer trades her Leavenworth, Washington, home for Charles Brewster’s Boston condo. Then Emily’s friend Faith comes to visit her in Washington—and instead finds Charles, a complete stranger and a curmudgeon, to boot. His brother, Ray, meanwhile, shows up at Charles’s place, only to discover Emily living there. But through all the mix-ups and misunderstandings, among the chaos and confusion, romance begins to emerge…
Christmas Letters
Katherine O’Connor spends her days at a cozy café writing Christmas letters for other people. She’s good at making their everyday lives sound more interesting. But for renowned child psychologist Dr. Wynn Jeffries, who also frequents the café, Christmas means deception. Katherine argues with Wynn about his theories while he argues that her letters are nothing but lies. They disagree about practically everything—but as the days move closer to Christmas, Katherine and Wynn may find that love means accepting your differences while discovering what you share.
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published October 24, 2023
388 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Macomber
914 books20.7k followersDebbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.
In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 24, 2023
The first story, When Christmas Comes, was a good 3.5 stars.
The second story, Christmas Letters, was terrible. 1 star.
The second story, Christmas Letters, was terrible. 1 star.
December 10, 2023
2023 in Nov.
Combo of previously published stories.
Combo of previously published stories.
Currently reading
December 27, 2025The first story When Christmas Comes, was wholesome and sweet. I would have preferred to see more of how the relationships between Ray and Emily and Charles and Faith had progressed. Both of them being married within a year is quick especially with someone having to move for the other. It’s implied that Charles may move for Faith but it seems quick for someone so dedicated to his job. I didn’t care for Heathers chapters as she wasn’t very likable. Heather being mad at Emily for surprising her made me so mad. If she had told Emily she was going to Florida for Christmas the whole mix up never would have happened. She had no right to be mad when she ignored her mother’s calls and didn’t explain her plans. Emily was my favorite so I wanted to see more of her relationship with Ray. Ray never had a perspective which was odd as he’s the only character not to we even saw Bernice Charles and rays mother I’d rather have had Rays perspective. All in all it was a cute story that made me smile.
January 5, 2026
Forever Under the Mistletoe is the perfect holiday read if you’re craving warm Christmas cheer and easy, feel-good storytelling. I loved that it contained two separate stories, each bringing its own dose of Hallmark-style magic and festive fun.
Both tales delivered those classic Christmas vibes—joyful settings, snowy backdrops, and characters learning about love and togetherness in the sweetest ways. There were also some genuinely funny moments that had me smiling, which made the reading experience even more enjoyable.
This was a perfect quick read for the holiday season. It wrapped up neatly while still giving me that cozy, uplifting feeling I look for in Christmas romances. If you want something light, heartwarming, and full of seasonal spirit, this book is a great pick. 🎄✨
Both tales delivered those classic Christmas vibes—joyful settings, snowy backdrops, and characters learning about love and togetherness in the sweetest ways. There were also some genuinely funny moments that had me smiling, which made the reading experience even more enjoyable.
This was a perfect quick read for the holiday season. It wrapped up neatly while still giving me that cozy, uplifting feeling I look for in Christmas romances. If you want something light, heartwarming, and full of seasonal spirit, this book is a great pick. 🎄✨
December 16, 2023
A very good book.
November 23, 2024
2.5 stars. Two cute Christmas stories, easy read. I found it a bit too cheesy and predictable, and that’s saying something from me!
July 15, 2024
Lovely!
December 10, 2023
I impulsively grabbed this one off the shelf in the grocery store the other day. It won't come as a shock to most but while I'm a Macomber fan, it was the cute dogs on the cover more than her name that fueled that impulse. I've been reading it in spurts between other reviews. It suddenly dawned on me the other night that while I was enjoying it, I wasn't loving it.Probably just me. I mean, this is Debbie Macomber, who I usually read in one sitting. I wasn't compelled to pick it up the moment I had a free moment, in other words.
Why? Honestly, I'm fuzzy on the why. While the two stories were cute (I liked the second best), they were both a trifle formula driven, so to speak. Even worse, I found it difficult to keep track of which character was which after even a short time away from the book. For instance, in When Christmas Comes, the first story, the motor cycle riding boyfriend of, gotta check, Emily's daughter, seemed stereotyped. As for Charles, he switched gears from "No. No Christmas!" to partaking in it gleefully almost without any real prodding. I do think I tuned into The second story, The Christmas Letters easier because the female character, Katherine, writes. True, the story focuses on the letters she writes for others about their lives in, well, Christmas letters, but she's a writer. Predictably, she finds conflict with a scholarly type, Wynn, who shows disdain for her letters, simply calling them lies. I bet you know how all that turns out.
So, while I certainly didn't love the book, I didn't dislike it, either. It was a pleasant, easy read, just not what I'd expected from Debbie Macomber. Oh, and the cute dogs on the cover....well, you'll see if you read the book and, honestly, I'm not discouraging that. It's a good Christmas feel for those simply wanting to be entertained during the often hectic holiday season. Btw, there are some cute kids and even a hamster.
Why? Honestly, I'm fuzzy on the why. While the two stories were cute (I liked the second best), they were both a trifle formula driven, so to speak. Even worse, I found it difficult to keep track of which character was which after even a short time away from the book. For instance, in When Christmas Comes, the first story, the motor cycle riding boyfriend of, gotta check, Emily's daughter, seemed stereotyped. As for Charles, he switched gears from "No. No Christmas!" to partaking in it gleefully almost without any real prodding. I do think I tuned into The second story, The Christmas Letters easier because the female character, Katherine, writes. True, the story focuses on the letters she writes for others about their lives in, well, Christmas letters, but she's a writer. Predictably, she finds conflict with a scholarly type, Wynn, who shows disdain for her letters, simply calling them lies. I bet you know how all that turns out.
So, while I certainly didn't love the book, I didn't dislike it, either. It was a pleasant, easy read, just not what I'd expected from Debbie Macomber. Oh, and the cute dogs on the cover....well, you'll see if you read the book and, honestly, I'm not discouraging that. It's a good Christmas feel for those simply wanting to be entertained during the often hectic holiday season. Btw, there are some cute kids and even a hamster.
January 15, 2026
I didn’t manage to read all of the Christmas stories I planned to get to in December, so decided to continue with them for the start of the year. After all, Christmas stories are usually fun!
This one contains 2 novellas: When Christmas Comes, and Christmas Letters.
It has the cutest cover with two sweet little dogs - definitely what attracted me to this book. I suspect that’s the purpose of the cover too, as there’s no mention of the dogs in the stories…well not in the first one anyway. Maybe I will be surprised with number 2! Unfortunately i missed the second story this time as I forgot the book’s return date & it expired before I realised. Hence I will get back to that one later!
When Christmas Comes is a nice story with a fun ‘house swapping” theme revolving around four main characters. It’s very much festive themed (though it’s a white Christmas) with likeable characters & while the plot is a little far-fetched - in a Hallmark ‘magic of Christmas’ way, it kept me interested in the plot & even invested in the characters. Santa & his elves even make an appearance.
Overall a light, easy read with romance, drama & some funny moments…
“The aroma of baking cookies makes my stomach growl”.
He wasn't kidding, and Faith found that humorous, although she dared not show it…
“Then rest assured. I won't do anything to make your stomach growl."
“He opened the curtains and looked out the window, chuckling at the Kennedy kids' anatomically correct snowman. He wondered what his mother would've said had he used the carrot for anything other than the nose.” 😆
This one contains 2 novellas: When Christmas Comes, and Christmas Letters.
It has the cutest cover with two sweet little dogs - definitely what attracted me to this book. I suspect that’s the purpose of the cover too, as there’s no mention of the dogs in the stories…well not in the first one anyway. Maybe I will be surprised with number 2! Unfortunately i missed the second story this time as I forgot the book’s return date & it expired before I realised. Hence I will get back to that one later!
When Christmas Comes is a nice story with a fun ‘house swapping” theme revolving around four main characters. It’s very much festive themed (though it’s a white Christmas) with likeable characters & while the plot is a little far-fetched - in a Hallmark ‘magic of Christmas’ way, it kept me interested in the plot & even invested in the characters. Santa & his elves even make an appearance.
Overall a light, easy read with romance, drama & some funny moments…
“The aroma of baking cookies makes my stomach growl”.
He wasn't kidding, and Faith found that humorous, although she dared not show it…
“Then rest assured. I won't do anything to make your stomach growl."
“He opened the curtains and looked out the window, chuckling at the Kennedy kids' anatomically correct snowman. He wondered what his mother would've said had he used the carrot for anything other than the nose.” 😆
January 17, 2024
Two lovely Christmas stories in one book. I had read one of the stories before but read them both. The first one "When Christmas Comes" has Emily Springer trading her Leavenworth, Washington home for Charles Brewster's Boston condo to spend a surprise visit with her daughter for Christmas. Then confusion begins. What happened is what I expected but then it went beyond belief. At least everything seemed to work its way to a happy conclusion. Story number two "Christmas Letters" has Katherine O'Conner spending her days writing Christmas letters for other people. When she is writing at a cozy cafe she meets Dr Wynn Jefferies a renowned child psychologist. She disagrees with everything Dr. Jefferies advocates in his book. But as a man, she is drawn to him and they disagree about practically everything - but as Christmas comes closer Katherine and Wynn find love means accepting your differences and focusing on what you share. Both are good Christmas stories.
February 22, 2024
These are light, feel-good stories that each put you right in the middle of Christmas. The only thing that I didn't care for, were the outdated remarks and actions that female characters often made while "frantically weighing themselves every day and jumping on a treadmill the very instant that it showed a daily gain", all the while shaming themselves and their bodies for what they ate the night before, with a stated concern about how the new guy in their life wouldn't like someone who "packed on weight so easily". Aside from the fact that no young girl needs to be reading such negative connotations of body shaming, non-scientific based nonsense about daily weight fluctuations meaning anything whatsoever, and caring what some guy would think of their daily weight Fluctuations- it was just unnecessary to the plot overall and could have been left out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2024
The book is two previously published books for the early 2000s repackaged in 2023. Both are feel good Christmas themed romances. The first is a tried and true trope of house switching for the holidays. The second is a little more complex. A psychologist has written a best seller advocating letting children set their own limits and make their own decisions such as what to eat, when to sleep, etc. The results are to any parent quite predictable, totally unruly children. The heroine thinks his child rearing theories are a bunch of crock and they clash over who is right on the way to their HEA.
June 9, 2025
I didn't like daughter in the first story. She was rude and an ungrateful brat. Her mother was just making sure she was okay. Her daughter thought she knew everything. I did like the Christmas setting, and town in the book though. It was fun to read about a Christmas town.
The second story was not that much better. It just wasn't for me. I finished the story to see how it ended. It was also fun to read about Christmas in this story, just not as much as the first story. Christmas is fun to read about though.
The second story was not that much better. It just wasn't for me. I finished the story to see how it ended. It was also fun to read about Christmas in this story, just not as much as the first story. Christmas is fun to read about though.
December 27, 2023
I loved them both, but I do have a favorite…the second book Christmas Letters! Made me laugh hard! Especially the cat scene with the neighbor and her “set-up” date! Debbie Macomber is a great rom com author! I Love her writing style! I love to laugh and then have a beautiful clean romance! Thank you Debbie!
December 28, 2023
Debbie Macomber is a master storyteller; her stories are engaging, heartfelt as well as heartwarming and always end with a smile. The two holiday stories found in this new holiday edition were not without angst but ultimately left my heart smiling.
February 19, 2024
Debbie Macomber always the best!
Love her stories-romantic without being raunchy. Always a happy ending, feel good read. My favorite author-devour everything she writes. Thanks Debbie!
Love her stories-romantic without being raunchy. Always a happy ending, feel good read. My favorite author-devour everything she writes. Thanks Debbie!
July 2, 2024
This is a compilation of 2 Christmas novellas by Debbie Macomber which I had read before. One believe has been made into a movie because some of the scenes are so vivid in my memory that I'm sure that a watched it. The other is part of the Blossom Street series.
November 17, 2024
Debbie Macomber always delivers a nice story that makes me want to plow through and make sure the characters get to that happy ending. This set of stories though was like instalove. Not entirely believable.
November 23, 2024
Hilarious, unexpected love stories
It was a pleasure reading both stories in this book. I laughed at the funny antics and felt the love blossoming in both stories. The characters were great. I was glad to be back on Blossom St.
It was a pleasure reading both stories in this book. I laughed at the funny antics and felt the love blossoming in both stories. The characters were great. I was glad to be back on Blossom St.
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October 1, 2023Contemporary Romance, Wholesome Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Holiday Romance
November 11, 2023
heart warming Christmas story,
November 15, 2023
Two adorable Christmas stories in 1 book. I read When Christmas Comes and loved it. Fast, easy, cute read.
December 13, 2023
This is a feel good book. Definitely makes you feel the holiday spirit.
December 16, 2023
A Christmas book by Debbie Macomber is a must read. This book has 2 stories. Both stories have a Christmas theme. Both stories were amazing!! Love you Debbie!!!
December 19, 2023
Such a cute Christmas story!
December 20, 2023
A fun holiday story!
December 25, 2023
This is the exact same book as Trading Christmas published in 2011 and When Christmas Comes published in 2004!
January 3, 2024
Very sweet Christmas novel!
January 12, 2024
Fun Christmas Romance
Such a fun Christmas romance to read! Predictable but cute and comical. I’ve read many Debbie Macomber books and loved them all.
Such a fun Christmas romance to read! Predictable but cute and comical. I’ve read many Debbie Macomber books and loved them all.
January 18, 2024
This was two books in one:
When Christmas Comes
Christmas Letters
I enjoyed both books.
When Christmas Comes
Christmas Letters
I enjoyed both books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews