What do you think?
Rate this book
Meant to Be Christmas
It all started with a Christmas date.
When Kendall Malloy leaves her bustling New York City apartment for a month-long escape to her best friend’s, she’s hoping to leave her loneliness behind and enjoy a festive December.
Marley Jacobs, disillusioned with endless first dates and the quest for a real connection, has decided to take a break from dating apps for the holiday season.
Kendall and Marley’s best friends happen to be married and when they finally meet at Friendsgiving there’s an immediate spark. With a flurry of holiday parties on the horizon, their friends’ well-intentioned attempts to set them up with other singles only seems to highlight the connection Kendall and Marley are trying to keep under wraps.
In a clever twist of festive spirit, Marley proposes they attend the parties as each other’s dates, a plan Kendall is eager to embrace. As Christmas lights twinkle along with a sprinkle of magic, the duo discovers a romance neither of them saw coming.
Meant to Be Christmas is a heartwarming, sapphic love story where holiday magic brings two souls together wrapped in the cozy glow of December.
When Kendall Malloy leaves her bustling New York City apartment for a month-long escape to her best friend’s, she’s hoping to leave her loneliness behind and enjoy a festive December.
Marley Jacobs, disillusioned with endless first dates and the quest for a real connection, has decided to take a break from dating apps for the holiday season.
Kendall and Marley’s best friends happen to be married and when they finally meet at Friendsgiving there’s an immediate spark. With a flurry of holiday parties on the horizon, their friends’ well-intentioned attempts to set them up with other singles only seems to highlight the connection Kendall and Marley are trying to keep under wraps.
In a clever twist of festive spirit, Marley proposes they attend the parties as each other’s dates, a plan Kendall is eager to embrace. As Christmas lights twinkle along with a sprinkle of magic, the duo discovers a romance neither of them saw coming.
Meant to Be Christmas is a heartwarming, sapphic love story where holiday magic brings two souls together wrapped in the cozy glow of December.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2024
156 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Jamey Moody
35 books195 followersJamey Moody is a small town Texas girl living her best life with her little terrier Leo, who brings her a toy every time she walks in the house.
When she’s not reading or writing her next sapphic romance you can find her on a bike ride, paddle boarding the lake, or in the middle of an adventure.
Reach out, she’d love to hear from you.
When she’s not reading or writing her next sapphic romance you can find her on a bike ride, paddle boarding the lake, or in the middle of an adventure.
Reach out, she’d love to hear from you.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 20, 2024
Ending the year in holiday-themed stories! The festive mood has possessed me, so here we are.
This is my second completed Jamey Moody book and I'm seeing why she has a following. Her style is familiar and very consistent. While her style isn't always my favorite, I'm here for the heart in her stories. She has a Southern charm that permeates each story. I appreciate that.
Kendall and Marley's love story is a sweet one. They're instantly connected at a Christmas party, despite this time of the year does them no favors. I liked following their progress.
This is very low angst, just what I needed. What little conflict we saw...
While I would have loved for Moody to have painted me slightly more vivid pictures of settings and people and events, I liked this. A little heavy on the Christmas magic thing, but whatever. I expect that from holiday stories. One unexpected and refreshing aspect was I appreciated them not badmouthing big cities in general.
Oh, and the dog!
I'm still in a festive mood, so I'll give this four stars atop a tree.
This is my second completed Jamey Moody book and I'm seeing why she has a following. Her style is familiar and very consistent. While her style isn't always my favorite, I'm here for the heart in her stories. She has a Southern charm that permeates each story. I appreciate that.
Kendall and Marley's love story is a sweet one. They're instantly connected at a Christmas party, despite this time of the year does them no favors. I liked following their progress.
This is very low angst, just what I needed. What little conflict we saw...
While I would have loved for Moody to have painted me slightly more vivid pictures of settings and people and events, I liked this. A little heavy on the Christmas magic thing, but whatever. I expect that from holiday stories. One unexpected and refreshing aspect was I appreciated them not badmouthing big cities in general.
Oh, and the dog!
I'm still in a festive mood, so I'll give this four stars atop a tree.
November 10, 2024
3 ★ Moody tends to be far too formulaic, cut and dry for my taste. With that being said she is such a sweet little lady that I’m literally not even going to say anything critical about her writing. Just look at her profile picture 🥺 I simply cannot bring myself to do so. Welp, it looks like I do have a heart lmao.
November 23, 2024
Jamey Moody is the absolute queen of low angst, super sweet sapphic romance. Her stories never fail to make me sigh happily. Combine that with some Christmas magic and you have a story that will light up your heart.
I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Kendall is successful in her job matching women with female financial strategists. Living in a tiny apartment in New York, she can’t help but feeling lonely. Especially when talking to her best friend Jasmine who stayed in Dallas with her husband Hector. It’s almost December and Jasmine convinces Kendall to come home for the whole holiday month. They plan to go to all the Christmas parties together and catch up with their mutual friends. Will this be the year that Kendall will finally meet the illustrious Marley? Marley is Hector’s best friend but somehow she and Kendall have never met in person. Hopefully with a little dash of Christmas magic that will change..
Marley is done with dating. She has been on so many first dates lately, one more disappointing than the other. This Christmas season she vows to stay off the dating apps and celebrate the Holiday of Marley. That’s right, she does not need romance to enjoy herself. No Christmas magic needed. That is until she meets Kendall. Of course she has seen pictures, but they don’t do this woman justice. Their eyes meet and Marley is convinced she feels a zap between them. She wants nothing more than to explore this connection. Too bad their respective best friends Jasmine and Hector do not want them to fall for each other!
Both main characters are strong and independent women. They are secure in their job, have good friends and a pretty good life. Their dating woes are very relatable. It seems weird that the two best friends of a married couple have never met in real life, but somehow Moody made it believable. I loved that Kendall and Marley both feel like they’ve known each other for ever just through the stories of their besties. It’s not really a question of if they will like each other but how much.
I really wanted to hit Jasmine and Hector over the head with my kindle! I couldn’t believe they would be so unsupportive of their besties finding love with each other. I do get the fear of their little friend-family possibly imploding if things would go wrong, but I don’t get why they just didn’t trust Kendall and Marley. I do admit that the extra layer that came with trying to hide their budding romance, did add some delicious tension. I love the explosiveness when the main characters have to wait and wait and wait to finally be together, and Kendall and Marley sure create some excellent sparks!
As I’ve said above, Meant To Be Christmas is a true Jamey Moody romance. It’s so sweet, you don’t really have to be afraid the protagonists don’t end up together. The pull is in the developing relationship. Some readers might feel it’s too sweet. I for one, love a good happy-as-a-crackling-fire-on-a-cold-December-day-romance and this is certainly one of those!
I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Kendall is successful in her job matching women with female financial strategists. Living in a tiny apartment in New York, she can’t help but feeling lonely. Especially when talking to her best friend Jasmine who stayed in Dallas with her husband Hector. It’s almost December and Jasmine convinces Kendall to come home for the whole holiday month. They plan to go to all the Christmas parties together and catch up with their mutual friends. Will this be the year that Kendall will finally meet the illustrious Marley? Marley is Hector’s best friend but somehow she and Kendall have never met in person. Hopefully with a little dash of Christmas magic that will change..
Marley is done with dating. She has been on so many first dates lately, one more disappointing than the other. This Christmas season she vows to stay off the dating apps and celebrate the Holiday of Marley. That’s right, she does not need romance to enjoy herself. No Christmas magic needed. That is until she meets Kendall. Of course she has seen pictures, but they don’t do this woman justice. Their eyes meet and Marley is convinced she feels a zap between them. She wants nothing more than to explore this connection. Too bad their respective best friends Jasmine and Hector do not want them to fall for each other!
Both main characters are strong and independent women. They are secure in their job, have good friends and a pretty good life. Their dating woes are very relatable. It seems weird that the two best friends of a married couple have never met in real life, but somehow Moody made it believable. I loved that Kendall and Marley both feel like they’ve known each other for ever just through the stories of their besties. It’s not really a question of if they will like each other but how much.
I really wanted to hit Jasmine and Hector over the head with my kindle! I couldn’t believe they would be so unsupportive of their besties finding love with each other. I do get the fear of their little friend-family possibly imploding if things would go wrong, but I don’t get why they just didn’t trust Kendall and Marley. I do admit that the extra layer that came with trying to hide their budding romance, did add some delicious tension. I love the explosiveness when the main characters have to wait and wait and wait to finally be together, and Kendall and Marley sure create some excellent sparks!
As I’ve said above, Meant To Be Christmas is a true Jamey Moody romance. It’s so sweet, you don’t really have to be afraid the protagonists don’t end up together. The pull is in the developing relationship. Some readers might feel it’s too sweet. I for one, love a good happy-as-a-crackling-fire-on-a-cold-December-day-romance and this is certainly one of those!
October 21, 2024
What a wonderful Christmas romance! The book was exceptionally well-written, with a captivating storyline that made it difficult to put down.
The story revolves around Kendall and Marley. When Kendall's best friend Jasmine and her husband Hector invite her to spend the month of December with them in Texas for the holidays, she never imagined she would find her true love there.
Despite being best friends for over 20 years, Kendall had never met Marley, Hector's best friend. However, when they finally meet, it becomes undeniably clear that they have found the love of their lives.
Kendall and Marley spend the month getting to know each other better. Even though they already knew a lot about each other through their best friends, it is heartwarming to see how similar their tastes are in various aspects.
I particularly enjoyed the character of Frankie, the dog that happens upon Kendall one day. The time they all spend together is simply adorable.
This is a delightful and romantic novel that will keep you captivated from beginning to end. I highly recommend it, along with all of Jamie's other works. Her books always guarantee a happily ever after and provide the perfect escape into a heartwarming and uplifting world.
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
The story revolves around Kendall and Marley. When Kendall's best friend Jasmine and her husband Hector invite her to spend the month of December with them in Texas for the holidays, she never imagined she would find her true love there.
Despite being best friends for over 20 years, Kendall had never met Marley, Hector's best friend. However, when they finally meet, it becomes undeniably clear that they have found the love of their lives.
Kendall and Marley spend the month getting to know each other better. Even though they already knew a lot about each other through their best friends, it is heartwarming to see how similar their tastes are in various aspects.
I particularly enjoyed the character of Frankie, the dog that happens upon Kendall one day. The time they all spend together is simply adorable.
This is a delightful and romantic novel that will keep you captivated from beginning to end. I highly recommend it, along with all of Jamie's other works. Her books always guarantee a happily ever after and provide the perfect escape into a heartwarming and uplifting world.
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
December 8, 2024
4,5 - 5 ⭐️
Extremely sweet Christmas story.
Extremely sweet Christmas story.
December 3, 2025
Jasmine always had her best friend Kendall, and Hector had his best friend Marley. When Jasmine and Hector got together after college, and eventually got married, it was expected that of all their friends, Kendall and Marley would meet, and would get on well. But over the years, Kendall and Marley had never met. Like ships that pass in the night, there would always be some reason that they didn’t meet; for Jasmine and Hector’s wedding, Marley missed her flight getting home to be there, another time at a group get-together, Kendall was not able to come for some reason. And it went on. They had heard anecdotes of one another, and it was as if they knew one another well. But never met. After college, Kendall had moved away from Texas to New York for work, and had now been away for some years. But every time she returned to visit for a few days, she missed meeting Marley.
This Christmas, however, Jasmine and Hector had persuaded Kendall to come home for a whole month. Would this be the time they got to meet?
This is a lovely warm Christmas story, with Jamey Moody’s usual sweet love mixed with spicy scenes. We get an incredible cast of characters, but especially Kendall and Marley, Hector and Jasmine, and a lovely dog, Frankie.
Jamey Moody’s stories are always sweet, low angst, but with spicy scenes. The advantage is that you know what you are getting. If you like this style, she will always deliver, in the most sweet and loveable way.
This Christmas, however, Jasmine and Hector had persuaded Kendall to come home for a whole month. Would this be the time they got to meet?
This is a lovely warm Christmas story, with Jamey Moody’s usual sweet love mixed with spicy scenes. We get an incredible cast of characters, but especially Kendall and Marley, Hector and Jasmine, and a lovely dog, Frankie.
Jamey Moody’s stories are always sweet, low angst, but with spicy scenes. The advantage is that you know what you are getting. If you like this style, she will always deliver, in the most sweet and loveable way.
October 13, 2024
Another lovely (Christmas)story from Jamey Moody. Lovely written characters, a lovely dog in the mix and quirky side characters. The love is ousing from the pages.
March 20, 2025
I do a Jamey Moody book! And throw in Christmas too! It's feel good with a HEA tinsle party!
October 19, 2024
My thoughts…
Meant to be Christmas is a sweet and cozy romance. With themes of friendship, family, and love wrapped around the magic of the holidays, it’s hard not to like. Moody’s vivid descriptions of cozy gatherings and holiday traditions evoke a sense of nostalgia in readers, making them feel as if they are right there alongside the characters, sharing in the laughter and joy. Her latest book is just more evidence that she knows how to give her readers an entertaining read.
Over the years, Moody has built her brand on writing charming, low-angst romances. They’ve proven to be popular among sapphic readers, too. Readers always know what they are getting when they pick up one of her books. She delivers a solid story with likable, relatable characters living in a believable, identifiable world. Most importantly, though, her stories are like comfort food, and her fan base can’t seem to say enough wonderful things about them.
Such is the case with Meant to be Christmas. It’s a heartwarming, Christmas-time romance chock-full of likable characters. The relationships these friends have with one another are simply charming; readers will wish they were a part of their circle. When two of the friends—Marley and Kendall—fall for one another, readers can’t help but be excited. They are perfect for one another. Moody exemplifies this with sweet, endearing dialogue and tenderly written scenes. It feels a little like a Hallmark movie, and I’m a-ok with that.
As one would expect, Marley and Kendall are exceptionally sweet. Moody does a nice job developing their relationship, and she accomplishes this by doing three things well. First, she unfolds the chemistry between them gradually, providing readers with the opportunity to savor every moment of their budding relationship. Secondly, she crafts their interactions with true finesse, capturing both the awkwardness and excitement of new love, making it all the more relatable and realistic. And finally, she seals the deal on the romance by enveloping it in the warmth and spirit of the holiday season, making it pretty irresistible in the end.
As the plot progresses, the theme of friendship plays a crucial role in the storytelling, underscoring the importance of support and understanding in both romantic and platonic relationships. The ensemble cast strengthens this; each character brings their own quirks and backstories, enriching the main storyline greatly. Readers will find themselves not only invested in Marley and Kendall’s arc but also in the dynamics of the entire friend group, making it a truly immersive storytelling experience.
Not all things are smooth sailing with this tight-knit group of friends, though. As the story develops, readers find themselves caught up in the dynamic, emotional bonds of the group. These tight and long-standing connections complicate Kendall and Marley’s romance a tiny bit, cranking up the drama and stakes for all involved. Moody never lets things get too heavy, though. She skillfully capitalizes on humor and heartfelt emotion, ensuring that the story remains light-hearted yet poignant. In the end, Moody takes care to handle the differences with compassion and honesty, leaving the readers with a satisfying conclusion that reinforces the themes of love, togetherness, and family.
Final remarks…
Ultimately, this story is a celebration of love in all its forms, reminding us that the holiday season is not just about romance, but also about the bonds we share with friends and family. Moody’s ability to weave these elements together makes Meant to be Christmas a delightful read that will resonate with fans of the genre and leave them eagerly anticipating her next work.
Strengths…
Heartwarming
Enchanting storyline
Likable characters
Engaging secondary characters
Meant to be Christmas is a sweet and cozy romance. With themes of friendship, family, and love wrapped around the magic of the holidays, it’s hard not to like. Moody’s vivid descriptions of cozy gatherings and holiday traditions evoke a sense of nostalgia in readers, making them feel as if they are right there alongside the characters, sharing in the laughter and joy. Her latest book is just more evidence that she knows how to give her readers an entertaining read.
Over the years, Moody has built her brand on writing charming, low-angst romances. They’ve proven to be popular among sapphic readers, too. Readers always know what they are getting when they pick up one of her books. She delivers a solid story with likable, relatable characters living in a believable, identifiable world. Most importantly, though, her stories are like comfort food, and her fan base can’t seem to say enough wonderful things about them.
Such is the case with Meant to be Christmas. It’s a heartwarming, Christmas-time romance chock-full of likable characters. The relationships these friends have with one another are simply charming; readers will wish they were a part of their circle. When two of the friends—Marley and Kendall—fall for one another, readers can’t help but be excited. They are perfect for one another. Moody exemplifies this with sweet, endearing dialogue and tenderly written scenes. It feels a little like a Hallmark movie, and I’m a-ok with that.
As one would expect, Marley and Kendall are exceptionally sweet. Moody does a nice job developing their relationship, and she accomplishes this by doing three things well. First, she unfolds the chemistry between them gradually, providing readers with the opportunity to savor every moment of their budding relationship. Secondly, she crafts their interactions with true finesse, capturing both the awkwardness and excitement of new love, making it all the more relatable and realistic. And finally, she seals the deal on the romance by enveloping it in the warmth and spirit of the holiday season, making it pretty irresistible in the end.
As the plot progresses, the theme of friendship plays a crucial role in the storytelling, underscoring the importance of support and understanding in both romantic and platonic relationships. The ensemble cast strengthens this; each character brings their own quirks and backstories, enriching the main storyline greatly. Readers will find themselves not only invested in Marley and Kendall’s arc but also in the dynamics of the entire friend group, making it a truly immersive storytelling experience.
Not all things are smooth sailing with this tight-knit group of friends, though. As the story develops, readers find themselves caught up in the dynamic, emotional bonds of the group. These tight and long-standing connections complicate Kendall and Marley’s romance a tiny bit, cranking up the drama and stakes for all involved. Moody never lets things get too heavy, though. She skillfully capitalizes on humor and heartfelt emotion, ensuring that the story remains light-hearted yet poignant. In the end, Moody takes care to handle the differences with compassion and honesty, leaving the readers with a satisfying conclusion that reinforces the themes of love, togetherness, and family.
Final remarks…
Ultimately, this story is a celebration of love in all its forms, reminding us that the holiday season is not just about romance, but also about the bonds we share with friends and family. Moody’s ability to weave these elements together makes Meant to be Christmas a delightful read that will resonate with fans of the genre and leave them eagerly anticipating her next work.
Strengths…
Heartwarming
Enchanting storyline
Likable characters
Engaging secondary characters
November 20, 2024
The tag line really says it all!
Jasmine and Hector have been together for years, but through a series of random circumstances their best friends have never met.
It doesn't take too much for Jasmine to convince her best friend Kendall to spend the month of December in Texas with them to celebrate the holidays. Kendall lives and works in New York, but she mostly works remote, spending way too many evenings and weekends working. She hasn't dated seriously in the last few years and her parents aren't particularly supportive of her being a lesbian, so she has spent many a Christmas alone. But she is a true believer in the magic of Christmas...
Hector's best friend Marley lives near Jasmine and Hector. She and Hector grew up together and their parents still live a few houses from each other. And while her family has been very supportive of her sexual orientation, the holidays have pretty much sucked when it comes to her relationships. She still believes in family, friends and Christmas, but Christmas magic? Nope! Not even a tiny bit.
Kendall and Marley have heard a lot about each other from their best friends. So much so, that even though they have yet to meet, they feel like they already know almost everything they need to. But when they finally do lay eyes one another for the first time, will they become friends or will Christmas magic work its...well, magic?
The fact that Kendall and Marley haven't met in the fourteen years the friend group has been together seems a little much at first glance, but it is quickly explained in a way that is believable (and makes total sense). And the moment they do meet is just magical! I love their chemistry. I love the best friends dynamic as well as the friend group dynamic.
The two MCs are strong women with successful careers and solid friendships and even though neither was really looking for a relationship, the hearts want what the hearts want. The supporting characters are fantastic and help ground the story. And dammit, everyone should have a Frankie in their life!
As the tagline reads, Meant to Be Christmas is a magical sapphic romance that is the perfect way to bring joy, wonder and some spice to your (holi)day.
Jasmine and Hector have been together for years, but through a series of random circumstances their best friends have never met.
It doesn't take too much for Jasmine to convince her best friend Kendall to spend the month of December in Texas with them to celebrate the holidays. Kendall lives and works in New York, but she mostly works remote, spending way too many evenings and weekends working. She hasn't dated seriously in the last few years and her parents aren't particularly supportive of her being a lesbian, so she has spent many a Christmas alone. But she is a true believer in the magic of Christmas...
Hector's best friend Marley lives near Jasmine and Hector. She and Hector grew up together and their parents still live a few houses from each other. And while her family has been very supportive of her sexual orientation, the holidays have pretty much sucked when it comes to her relationships. She still believes in family, friends and Christmas, but Christmas magic? Nope! Not even a tiny bit.
Kendall and Marley have heard a lot about each other from their best friends. So much so, that even though they have yet to meet, they feel like they already know almost everything they need to. But when they finally do lay eyes one another for the first time, will they become friends or will Christmas magic work its...well, magic?
The fact that Kendall and Marley haven't met in the fourteen years the friend group has been together seems a little much at first glance, but it is quickly explained in a way that is believable (and makes total sense). And the moment they do meet is just magical! I love their chemistry. I love the best friends dynamic as well as the friend group dynamic.
The two MCs are strong women with successful careers and solid friendships and even though neither was really looking for a relationship, the hearts want what the hearts want. The supporting characters are fantastic and help ground the story. And dammit, everyone should have a Frankie in their life!
As the tagline reads, Meant to Be Christmas is a magical sapphic romance that is the perfect way to bring joy, wonder and some spice to your (holi)day.
October 13, 2024
Jamey Moody writes has written so many romantic books, and I sometimes wonder where she gets her inspiration. This book is no different and Jamey has written another book that does not disappoint! Jamey Moody always writes these love stories with a happy ending. Will this book be the same?
The MC’s, Kendall, and Marley, are strong women who never seemed to find their “one.”
Kendall’s best friend Jasmine and her husband Hector talked her into coming “home” for Christmas. For many years she had heard them talk about Marley, Hectors best friend, but Kendall had never met her because either Marley was gone when Kendall was there, or Kendall was never there when Marley was.
Each one heard about the other one for years and they knew each other. This year, with Kendall coming home for the whole month proved to be interesting for Kendall and Marley.
Both women felt a spark when their eyes met, but neither one would admit it. Amid all the fun, a little dog, which Kendall named Frankie, entered the story. Frankie played a key role in Kendall and Marley’s life during that month.
The story was very well written, and I got lost in the plot as I was reading it, it was that good! Of course, there were a couple of angst blips in the story, and it was interesting to see how well they worked together.
This book was such a sweet love story that it was hard to put it down. I was sad when I reached the last page. Grab a drink and a snack with this book and settle in and read another great love story by Jamey Moody!
I received an ARC from the reader,
The MC’s, Kendall, and Marley, are strong women who never seemed to find their “one.”
Kendall’s best friend Jasmine and her husband Hector talked her into coming “home” for Christmas. For many years she had heard them talk about Marley, Hectors best friend, but Kendall had never met her because either Marley was gone when Kendall was there, or Kendall was never there when Marley was.
Each one heard about the other one for years and they knew each other. This year, with Kendall coming home for the whole month proved to be interesting for Kendall and Marley.
Both women felt a spark when their eyes met, but neither one would admit it. Amid all the fun, a little dog, which Kendall named Frankie, entered the story. Frankie played a key role in Kendall and Marley’s life during that month.
The story was very well written, and I got lost in the plot as I was reading it, it was that good! Of course, there were a couple of angst blips in the story, and it was interesting to see how well they worked together.
This book was such a sweet love story that it was hard to put it down. I was sad when I reached the last page. Grab a drink and a snack with this book and settle in and read another great love story by Jamey Moody!
I received an ARC from the reader,
January 31, 2025
A Magical Sapphic Romance by A Magical Sapphic Writer!
I enjoy reading holidays stories after the holidays. So in truth, I now have read this book three times. I am glad I did. There is something so special about this book. It feels personal. It feels warm. It feels like magic. Two sets of best friends, three of them are living in Dallas near each other. The other, Kendall, lives in New York. Married, Jasmine(Kendall’s best friend) and Hector(Marley’s best friend) are trying everything to get Kendall to come to Friendsgiving. When she decides to go back to Dallas for Friendsgiving she extends it to the Christmas holidays hoping it would help with her mood. But at Friendsgiving when she sees a woman across the room, something inside goes awry. When finally after fourteen years of them all knowing each other she finally meets Marley Jacob’s. Noticing that Marley seems to have a twinkle in her eye. There is an obvious connection but their best friends had told stories on why best friends can not be together. The storyline leaves so many things that can happen but then we have a very cute dog who finds Kendall one morning and of course Jasmine suggests going to Marley. Cute twist. I loved everything about this relationship. It just left good feelings, for this book and even more for this author.
I enjoy reading holidays stories after the holidays. So in truth, I now have read this book three times. I am glad I did. There is something so special about this book. It feels personal. It feels warm. It feels like magic. Two sets of best friends, three of them are living in Dallas near each other. The other, Kendall, lives in New York. Married, Jasmine(Kendall’s best friend) and Hector(Marley’s best friend) are trying everything to get Kendall to come to Friendsgiving. When she decides to go back to Dallas for Friendsgiving she extends it to the Christmas holidays hoping it would help with her mood. But at Friendsgiving when she sees a woman across the room, something inside goes awry. When finally after fourteen years of them all knowing each other she finally meets Marley Jacob’s. Noticing that Marley seems to have a twinkle in her eye. There is an obvious connection but their best friends had told stories on why best friends can not be together. The storyline leaves so many things that can happen but then we have a very cute dog who finds Kendall one morning and of course Jasmine suggests going to Marley. Cute twist. I loved everything about this relationship. It just left good feelings, for this book and even more for this author.
October 29, 2024
This a such a lovely book that does justice to my favorite time of year. I love the cold and magical winter months! Reading this wonderful wlw by Jamey Moody in October made me feel like my favorite time of year came early! I really enjoyed this lovely book and couldn’t put it down once I started it which is always a sign of a great book. The love story of Kendall and Marley had me smiling, swooning and at times even blushing. They meet through their best friends over the winter/Christmas holiday and are smitten with each other. The connection shared between the two is wonderfully written and really resonated with me. The love story is captivating and you will lose yourself in this lovely Holiday romance. Loved it! Jamey Moody always delivers a beautiful and believable sapphic love story with a HEA. If you’re looking for a heartwarming Christmas wlw romance then this is for you! So good 😊
Thank you for my ARC!
Thank you for my ARC!
December 6, 2024
Meant to Be Christmas: A magical sapphic romance begins with a first-time meeting between Kendall and Marley, best friends respectively of married couple Jasmine and Hector. They have heard about each other for years but have never met. This is a nice setup with holiday romance potential. Unfortunately, their instant attraction is counterbalanced by their concern that Jasmine and Hector will react badly if they do get together. Why their friends should object is never all that clear, but the couple obsesses about this endlessly. In fact, the focus on this issue completely overshadows their developing relationship. Consequently, the reader may be less than convinced that they are a good match. That concern aside, everything eventually works out and the tale comes to a seasonally appropriate happy ending.
October 28, 2024
I've read a few Christmas romances so far this season and this is another enjoyable one. Kendall and Marley have never met even though each of their best friends is married to one another. With Kendall spending the entire month of December with her best friend, she and Marley finally meet. The story is well written with likeable characters who have an instant attraction. The way their relationship develops and how their relationships with their friends and family were depicted was realistic. I especially liked the nods to "A Christmas Carol" since the 1951 film adaptation, "Scrooge", is one of my top 3 favorite Christmas movies. There being no 3rd act breakup in this holiday story was an added bonus.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 30, 2024
There were things I liked about the characters and certainly the little dog Frank was a cute addition. I liked the get away to NYC stuff.
Books are hard to write, so it seems like a Scrooge move here to low ball rate something about Christmas magic. That said, I just did not really get the stakes here, that a married couple would be so anti their friends getting together in this context. The story about why that was a problem (some past history) when people are in their 30's felt unlikely. Either that, or the married folks were immature. The timeline was short to go from zero knowing a person to major, major feels. This was hard to hard to get through for me but I have reading goals so I soldiered through.
Books are hard to write, so it seems like a Scrooge move here to low ball rate something about Christmas magic. That said, I just did not really get the stakes here, that a married couple would be so anti their friends getting together in this context. The story about why that was a problem (some past history) when people are in their 30's felt unlikely. Either that, or the married folks were immature. The timeline was short to go from zero knowing a person to major, major feels. This was hard to hard to get through for me but I have reading goals so I soldiered through.
October 28, 2024
Jamey Moody writes some of the sweetest love stories and Meant to Be Christmas one of her best! If you’ve never read any of Jamey’s books, this is a great one to start with! Kendall lives in New York and is invited by her best friend Jasmine to spend the month of December with her and her husband Hector. Even though Kendall has never met Hector’s best friend Marley, the two of them have heard about each other for twenty years. As they spend time getting to know one another, their relationship gets a little help from Frankie, an adorable little dog who appears to be lost. This is a wonderful Christmas story and I highly recommend adding it to your holiday reads! I loved it!
October 30, 2024
"Meant to be Christmas" by Jamey Moody was a lovely, love story of 2 women,Kendall and Marley who have not yet found their "one true love". The unusual complication (from which much confusion arises,)is that both their best friends have an extraordinary interest in the outcome of this story too.
I always thoroughly enjoy how Jamey makes her characters so life-like and relatable; and doubtless, the Christmas magic spread generously through the pages also adds to the charm.
It's a delightful, light-hearted read that I just didn't want to stop.
As always, again thank you Jamey.
I always thoroughly enjoy how Jamey makes her characters so life-like and relatable; and doubtless, the Christmas magic spread generously through the pages also adds to the charm.
It's a delightful, light-hearted read that I just didn't want to stop.
As always, again thank you Jamey.
November 12, 2024
A sweet story of insta-love during the holidays.
This story is cute and cuddly and it contains one of the cutest and cuddliest dogs I've read in a long while. The conflict is rather weak but it seems the wholesomeness of the book in general makes up for it.
It is a great holiday book as it transmits the holiday spirit and atmosphere through the pages and into the reader's mind and heart. This is the warm eggnog you didn't know you needed.
T&T:
Tropes: love at first sight, cute dog, forced proximity, fake relationship
Triggers: open-door sex scenes, distant parents
Rating: 4 stars
This story is cute and cuddly and it contains one of the cutest and cuddliest dogs I've read in a long while. The conflict is rather weak but it seems the wholesomeness of the book in general makes up for it.
It is a great holiday book as it transmits the holiday spirit and atmosphere through the pages and into the reader's mind and heart. This is the warm eggnog you didn't know you needed.
T&T:
Tropes: love at first sight, cute dog, forced proximity, fake relationship
Triggers: open-door sex scenes, distant parents
Rating: 4 stars
October 10, 2024
I think we can all use a little Christmas magic, and I’m totally hoping for some of my own just like Kendall and Marley got. I really enjoyed the difference in how these characters had heard a lot about each other through their best friends but having it take a long time before they met in person. Such a great and happy story. I especially love Frankie the dog that helped these ladies see each other more. Such a beautiful Christmas love story.
October 16, 2024
I just loved this book about two women (Kendall and Marley) who each others best friend are married, but they have not met before. When they meet up after Kendall has come home for the Christmas period, its instant attraction. They are not sure that their best friends would be on board with the relationship, so they date in secret. This is a lovely story, with no aghast and a HEA. Well worth the read.
October 21, 2024
Another lovely story by Jamey Moody. This is a magical Christmas story, just what we need to kickoff the holiday season. The main characters had great chemistry that was immediate and had us rooting for them. Enjoyed the supporting cast and their quirky personalities, including the Franke the day.
This is a low angst, sweet, HEA story that I highly recommend. If you are a fan of Jamey Moody, this will not disappoint.
This is a low angst, sweet, HEA story that I highly recommend. If you are a fan of Jamey Moody, this will not disappoint.
November 22, 2024
Christmas Magic
Kendall Malloy is convinced by her beat friend, Hector and wife Jasmine, to spend Christmas in Dallas with them. Jasmine’s best friend Marley Jacoby, is tired of dating and doesn’t believe in Christmas magic. Since Kendall and Marley have sworn off dating, they decide to attend all the Christmas parties as each other’s date. Will best friends of best friends be able to find the job of the season in each other. Great story.
Kendall Malloy is convinced by her beat friend, Hector and wife Jasmine, to spend Christmas in Dallas with them. Jasmine’s best friend Marley Jacoby, is tired of dating and doesn’t believe in Christmas magic. Since Kendall and Marley have sworn off dating, they decide to attend all the Christmas parties as each other’s date. Will best friends of best friends be able to find the job of the season in each other. Great story.
February 6, 2025
Jamey Moody is such a talented writer. Bringing this story to life with creative characters and situations that have you laughing or crying! The setting works really well and is appropriate. I loved the sensitivity of situations that Jamey conveys. I don’t want to give away anything as it is just so well done. The heat is there, the love is there, the humor and a bit of anxiety. Just go get it and read it!
October 19, 2024
Omg wow what a magical Christmas story, I loved the main characters their chemistry was on point at first sight they knew they had something to hold on to and never let go despite their twists in the road they still held strong knowing their love was meant to be a book you definitely want to curl up too a must-read congratulations
October 22, 2024
Meant to be Christmas is beautiful and heartwarming. Very likeable characters , Kendall and Marley have never met each other but are friends with the same people only learning of each other from them , til this Christmas their friends invite them to stay for the holidays.
A very heartwarming romantic holiday story!
A very heartwarming romantic holiday story!
October 23, 2024
A beautiful and lovely Christmas Romance novel by Jamey. It's so well written and properly plotted that it's difficult to put it down. Kendall and Marley are so right for each other from the beginning and the journey they embark on is just as mesmerizing. I truly enjoyed reading this book.
I received an advance review copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 28, 2024
Kendal & Marley have never met but know each other well due to their bests friends being married. Within minutes of meeting they both know that they feel something their best friends wouldn't approve of. Can they possibly risk their friendships for something more?
A christmas romance full of magic.
A christmas romance full of magic.
November 10, 2024
Christmas Magic, Joy, and Love
Meant to Be Christmas is a story about two women who finally meet after years of each one being the best friend of a husband and wife. The story that is told incorporates Christmas magic and love at first sight. A cute little dog called Frankie also adds to the magic and joy of this wonderful book. The story concludes with a HEA and a wedding.
Meant to Be Christmas is a story about two women who finally meet after years of each one being the best friend of a husband and wife. The story that is told incorporates Christmas magic and love at first sight. A cute little dog called Frankie also adds to the magic and joy of this wonderful book. The story concludes with a HEA and a wedding.
December 11, 2024
gorgeous
Once again Jamey Moody has given us an epic Christmas romance that will have you swooning.
This story is absolutely sickeningly sweet, and I’m all for it. Such great characters, not forgetting little Frankie of course. This one really helps with the whole magic of Christmas.
Looking forward to the next one.
Once again Jamey Moody has given us an epic Christmas romance that will have you swooning.
This story is absolutely sickeningly sweet, and I’m all for it. Such great characters, not forgetting little Frankie of course. This one really helps with the whole magic of Christmas.
Looking forward to the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews