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A Christmas Duet
Listening Length: 5 hours and 45 minutes
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.
Hailey Morgan’s life has always revolved around music. She once had big dreams of composing her own songs, but the reality of life has led her to working as an assistant high school band teacher in Portland, Oregon. As the holidays approach, Hailey dreads the annual tradition of Christmas with her meddling family, where she’ll have to play nice while dodging their traditional expectations.
When Hailey’s close friend offers her family’s empty cabin for a rejuvenating solo retreat, Hailey finally decides to do something to make herself happy. However, her arrival in small-town Podunk, Washington, is anything but peaceful when she discovers the cabin is occupied by several wild animals. Luckily, Jay, the mayor’s son—who happens to be an incredibly charming former musician—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 encouragement and feedback 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, threatening her newfound peace and confidence, while she realizes Jay might be more than he presents himself to be. 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.
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.
Hailey Morgan’s life has always revolved around music. She once had big dreams of composing her own songs, but the reality of life has led her to working as an assistant high school band teacher in Portland, Oregon. As the holidays approach, Hailey dreads the annual tradition of Christmas with her meddling family, where she’ll have to play nice while dodging their traditional expectations.
When Hailey’s close friend offers her family’s empty cabin for a rejuvenating solo retreat, Hailey finally decides to do something to make herself happy. However, her arrival in small-town Podunk, Washington, is anything but peaceful when she discovers the cabin is occupied by several wild animals. Luckily, Jay, the mayor’s son—who happens to be an incredibly charming former musician—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 encouragement and feedback 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, threatening her newfound peace and confidence, while she realizes Jay might be more than he presents himself to be. 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.
6 pages, Audible Audio
First published October 15, 2024
749 people are currently reading
21281 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Macomber
895 books20.6k 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 1,275 reviews
December 5, 2024
I'm definitely in the minority, but I just didn't care much for this. The individual elements were there, and they should have come together to make a satisfying, or even heartwarming storyline, but the final product was too cheesy and compartmentalized for me to enjoy it the same way I have other stories by this author. Surprising and disappointing.
November 16, 2025
It is not uncommon for me to turn to a Debbie Macomber story at this time of year. So, when our local library newsletter recommended this one, I ordered it to read.
With this story, we have two musicians who happen to ‘stumble’ upon each other in a fictious town in Podunk, Oregon.
Hailey, an assistant band director at a high school decides to use her Christmas vacation to write music at her friend’s family cabin in Podunk. Jay, a music producer and songwriter comes home for the holidays to assist his mother, while overcoming a bad break-up from his band.
With this kind of talent in one place, how will this relate to the book title? 🎶
Hailey has an annoying Mom who wants her to marry her old boyfriend Zach, who had no faith in her talents, and a sister who is running away from a possible future that could bring her happiness.
And, adding to the drama, where do you think Mom, Dad and sister, Daisy, all end up at Christmas?🙄
Of course, in all Macomber stories, the question usually is, will everyone eventually get what they need and want, and then…
Could this possibly be a happily-ever-after, at Christmas time?
This is a quick, easy-to-read, predictable and (obvious) Christmas-themed page-turner.
3.5 stars
With this story, we have two musicians who happen to ‘stumble’ upon each other in a fictious town in Podunk, Oregon.
Hailey, an assistant band director at a high school decides to use her Christmas vacation to write music at her friend’s family cabin in Podunk. Jay, a music producer and songwriter comes home for the holidays to assist his mother, while overcoming a bad break-up from his band.
With this kind of talent in one place, how will this relate to the book title? 🎶
Hailey has an annoying Mom who wants her to marry her old boyfriend Zach, who had no faith in her talents, and a sister who is running away from a possible future that could bring her happiness.
And, adding to the drama, where do you think Mom, Dad and sister, Daisy, all end up at Christmas?🙄
Of course, in all Macomber stories, the question usually is, will everyone eventually get what they need and want, and then…
Could this possibly be a happily-ever-after, at Christmas time?
This is a quick, easy-to-read, predictable and (obvious) Christmas-themed page-turner.
3.5 stars
November 25, 2024
Hailey avoids her family's Christmas when she finds out her mother has invited her ex-fiance to the celebration. Christmas alone at her friend's cabin is a perfect chance to finish the song she's been working on without any distractions until ... she meets the mayor's son Jay, swoon!
This is a sweet, heartwarming, and clean Christmas romance. I love the snowy setting, family, neighbors, and music that tie this story well. 🎄🎶🎸
This is a sweet, heartwarming, and clean Christmas romance. I love the snowy setting, family, neighbors, and music that tie this story well. 🎄🎶🎸
November 23, 2025
This cozy holiday story feels like stepping into a Hallmark movie. 🎬❄️ I loved the charming snowy setting, the music woven through the plot, and the warm, sweet romance between Jay and Hailey... it's like a cup of hot chocolate on a winter night. ☕️💖
It’s a quick, comforting read filled with love, hope, a touch of family drama, and just the right amount of Christmas magic. ✨ Even if a few moments were a little far-fetched, the overall feel-good vibe totally made up for it.
If you want something uplifting and festive that will leave you smiling, this one delivers. 🎅🏼🎄📚
It’s a quick, comforting read filled with love, hope, a touch of family drama, and just the right amount of Christmas magic. ✨ Even if a few moments were a little far-fetched, the overall feel-good vibe totally made up for it.
If you want something uplifting and festive that will leave you smiling, this one delivers. 🎅🏼🎄📚
November 12, 2024
There were moments of this I enjoyed, but I did feel like the writing was pretty stiff and I didn't really feel anything in the story.
That's a lie. I desperately wanted to yeet the mom off a cliff. That's a feeling.
That's a lie. I desperately wanted to yeet the mom off a cliff. That's a feeling.
August 26, 2024
I usually get excited when I can read and review this author. Her stories are consistently heartwarming and beautifully true to life. This one is no exception.
Macomber does not shy away from the tough parts of being a family. Hailey’s mother is obsessive when it comes to her daughter’s love life and will not quit trying to guide and influence her choices. The impact of her behavior is felt throughout this story.
I love it when someone can empower themselves to step away when they need to, and even with the crushing guilt, the outcome is usually strength and healing.
Making a stand in this story means opening a door to the unexpected along with a new vision and chance at a new life. I love how the author blends her characters through the discovery of something and someone new, especially when it is tied to a new romance.
A Christmas Duet is a wonderful heartwarming holiday story that brings emotion, family ties, healing and forgiveness, and a cozy small-town feel.
~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/a-christmas-...
Macomber does not shy away from the tough parts of being a family. Hailey’s mother is obsessive when it comes to her daughter’s love life and will not quit trying to guide and influence her choices. The impact of her behavior is felt throughout this story.
I love it when someone can empower themselves to step away when they need to, and even with the crushing guilt, the outcome is usually strength and healing.
Making a stand in this story means opening a door to the unexpected along with a new vision and chance at a new life. I love how the author blends her characters through the discovery of something and someone new, especially when it is tied to a new romance.
A Christmas Duet is a wonderful heartwarming holiday story that brings emotion, family ties, healing and forgiveness, and a cozy small-town feel.
~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/a-christmas-...
November 11, 2024
This is a Christmas Clean Romance. I really loved the characters in this book, and there was enough Christmas stuff in this book to make you feel the Christmas time in the storyline. This is a fast moving book with fun characters, family drama, Christmas and a little romance. The small town were this story took place won my heart too. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
October 14, 2024
A new romance from Debbie Macomber. A Christmas romance just in time for the holiday season - perfect timing! I picked this one up immediately.
Description:
Hailey Morgan’s life has always revolved around music. She once had big dreams of composing her own songs, but the reality of life has led her to working as an assistant high school band teacher in Portland, Oregon. As the holidays approach, Hailey dreads the annual tradition of Christmas with her meddling family, where she’ll have to play nice while dodging their traditional expectations.
When Hailey’s close friend offers her family’s empty cabin for a rejuvenating solo retreat, Hailey finally decides to do something to make herself happy. However, her arrival in small-town Podunk, Washington, is anything but peaceful when she discovers the cabin is occupied by several wild animals. Luckily, Jay, the mayor’s son—who happens to be an incredibly charming former musician—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 encouragement and feedback 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, threatening her newfound peace and confidence, while she realizes Jay might be more than he presents himself to be. 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 Thoughts:
This was a sweet romance featuring a former rock star turned music producer and a high school band teacher with dreams of following her passion and writing songs for a living. With themes of Christmas, family and, of course, love this all came together to produce a satisfying romance. I enjoyed this short book and I'm sure it would help get anyone into the Christmas spirit.
Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through Netgalley for an advance copy.
Description:
Hailey Morgan’s life has always revolved around music. She once had big dreams of composing her own songs, but the reality of life has led her to working as an assistant high school band teacher in Portland, Oregon. As the holidays approach, Hailey dreads the annual tradition of Christmas with her meddling family, where she’ll have to play nice while dodging their traditional expectations.
When Hailey’s close friend offers her family’s empty cabin for a rejuvenating solo retreat, Hailey finally decides to do something to make herself happy. However, her arrival in small-town Podunk, Washington, is anything but peaceful when she discovers the cabin is occupied by several wild animals. Luckily, Jay, the mayor’s son—who happens to be an incredibly charming former musician—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 encouragement and feedback 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, threatening her newfound peace and confidence, while she realizes Jay might be more than he presents himself to be. 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 Thoughts:
This was a sweet romance featuring a former rock star turned music producer and a high school band teacher with dreams of following her passion and writing songs for a living. With themes of Christmas, family and, of course, love this all came together to produce a satisfying romance. I enjoyed this short book and I'm sure it would help get anyone into the Christmas spirit.
Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through Netgalley for an advance copy.
August 27, 2025
3.5 stars
The romance was great at first but then very rushed by the end ~ typical in a Christmas book.
Her family was insufferable!!! So frustrating.
Despite this, it actually had a sweet message and a sweet ending. Mentions of Jesus being born and praying but I would say faith content was little to none.
It's very close to a 4 star but not quite.
Would recommend!
No language, only kissing, small town vibes, music focus.
The romance was great at first but then very rushed by the end ~ typical in a Christmas book.
Her family was insufferable!!! So frustrating.
Despite this, it actually had a sweet message and a sweet ending. Mentions of Jesus being born and praying but I would say faith content was little to none.
It's very close to a 4 star but not quite.
Would recommend!
No language, only kissing, small town vibes, music focus.
January 1, 2025
A good story but not as good as some of Debbie Macomber's other Christmas stories.
October 25, 2024
I really enjoyed this Christmas story!
November 6, 2024
There wasn't anything I liked about this book. I didn't like any of the characters as there didn't seem to be any depth, charm or chemistry within the entire group. I absolutely hated Hailey's mother and Zach. What part of NO don't you two understand? If the mom character was supposed to be a bit quirky, cute or funny, she wasn't. At all.
November 5, 2024
Escape? Yes. Up to Macomber standards? No.
October 22, 2024
This was such a sweet story. I love a happy ending, but two happy endings are better. Macomber brings the music this holiday season. This was a fast, easy feel-good read. The romance was sweet and developed so fast.
December 5, 2024
This was a light, Christmas-themed read. It was easy to read and short.
Hailey is a teacher and for her Christmas break she wants to get away and write music. She is a teacher but that is not her passion. She gets an opportunity to go to Podunk, Oregon to a secluded cabin and she jumps at the opportunity. While there she meets a hunky man and even begins to write music again. However soon people start appearing at her door and her secluded getaway changes. She has to decided what she really wants out of life.
Very cute, and predictable but an enjoyable Christmas read.
Hailey is a teacher and for her Christmas break she wants to get away and write music. She is a teacher but that is not her passion. She gets an opportunity to go to Podunk, Oregon to a secluded cabin and she jumps at the opportunity. While there she meets a hunky man and even begins to write music again. However soon people start appearing at her door and her secluded getaway changes. She has to decided what she really wants out of life.
Very cute, and predictable but an enjoyable Christmas read.
November 19, 2024
A love story with music and Christmas. Two of my favorite things! This is the perfect Hallmark book rom-com.
This was such a sweet, heartfelt Christmas story. If you're a fan and read Debbie macomber, then you'll love this story. If you've never read her before, then this is a great book to start with. I love her cozy and heartfelt stories. My grandmother loves her stories, too.
A big thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was such a sweet, heartfelt Christmas story. If you're a fan and read Debbie macomber, then you'll love this story. If you've never read her before, then this is a great book to start with. I love her cozy and heartfelt stories. My grandmother loves her stories, too.
A big thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 29, 2024
Hailey loves her job but is excited about winter break. When she gets a chance to go away she jumps at it. She hopes to write music while she is away. I enjoyed this book
November 25, 2024
I expected a heartwarming holiday tale, but A Christmas Duet was more like a lump of coal in my stocking. Andi Arndt's narration was as cheerful as a grumpy elf, and the mother character was the Grinch who stole Christmas spirit. I'm still searching for the magic and charm that usually defines a Macomber novel. I was disappointed with the unremarkable A Christmas Duet. While Debbie Macomber's writing usually provides a cozy escape, the mother character was overly harsh and the plot lacked the magic and warmth that I've come to expect from Macomber's annual holiday story.
October 15, 2024
Hailey Morgan wants to escape her ex-fiancé’s attempts for a reunion and decides to spend Christmas alone in a remote cabin to focus on her music, but her family has other plans.
Debbie Macomber is a master at writing small town, feel good romances with lots of emotion.
Debbie Macomber is a master at writing small town, feel good romances with lots of emotion.
December 15, 2025
Cute story, Debbie’s books are always happy and makes things better for a while.
October 6, 2024
It's that time of year again!!! The time when we get to read Debbie Macomber's newest Christmas book! I love these books so much! I know we haven't even made it to Halloween yet and I'm already reading Christmas books. Yes, plural...I've read several already. I love them! I love the joy and happiness and the feeling of light and reading about family and friends and love! Even if it might be a fluffy, feel good read. I LOVE THEM!!! If you haven't read one of this author's Christmas books and you love all the things I just mentioned, then I recommend you try reading one. This one is so stinking cute and adorable that it'll just melt your heart. So I'll definitely recommend you try this one. And it has music aspects in it, which I LOVE music and it is an integral part of who I am, so of course that makes me love the book even more!
Hailey and Jay are just adorable from their first meeting! You'll love the chemistry between them and the friendship that builds quickly. They're open and honest with each other and the music just sings between them.
There's some family drama on Hailey's end but I loved how that all played out. It made me giggle over some aspects and made me smile and love watching the support in other regards.
I hope this one puts a smile on your face like it did for me. And if not, I hope you find a book that does.
Content: Clean. Some kisses but nothing further.
I received a copy from the publisher, Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading and getting in the Christmas Spirit!!!
Hailey and Jay are just adorable from their first meeting! You'll love the chemistry between them and the friendship that builds quickly. They're open and honest with each other and the music just sings between them.
There's some family drama on Hailey's end but I loved how that all played out. It made me giggle over some aspects and made me smile and love watching the support in other regards.
I hope this one puts a smile on your face like it did for me. And if not, I hope you find a book that does.
Content: Clean. Some kisses but nothing further.
I received a copy from the publisher, Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading and getting in the Christmas Spirit!!!
December 14, 2024
A Christmas Duet ~ 4.5 stars
What can I say, when the stars align, they align🤭💕 I loved almost everything about this book🎄 ofc a few things held it back from being five starts but it was still so good! Debbie Macomber never misses✨ I love her writing and stories sm. Especially her Christmas stories!
We follow songwriter/teacher Hailey, who just wants time to herself to write and breathe. At that same moment her best friend offers up her grandmother’s cottage to stay at for the holidays. It’s exactly what she wants peace and quiet to write her songs.
When plans don’t go quiet expect and she finds a raccoon finding comfort in her cozy cottage she heard up to town to ask her help. Jay, the store owners son, is more than happy to lead a helping hand. While talking more Hailey finds out Jay also loves music. They quickly strike up a blooming friendship over their love for it. Music dates turn into tree hunting dates and quickly grows into more.
This is such a good Christmas book filled with holiday cheer. I definitely recommend if you’re looking for something cute, christmassy, and to put a smile on your face🎄💕 Now I’m off to listen to some of my Christmas favorites💕 (silent night (ofc) Mary, did you know (new favorite), baby, it’s cold outside, and maybe this christmas (also a new fave))🎄✨
”Rarely have I met anyone so in tune with my heart. From the moment we met, I had this feeling. Like everything that’s happened…has led to one thing. Meeting you.
What can I say, when the stars align, they align🤭💕 I loved almost everything about this book🎄 ofc a few things held it back from being five starts but it was still so good! Debbie Macomber never misses✨ I love her writing and stories sm. Especially her Christmas stories!
We follow songwriter/teacher Hailey, who just wants time to herself to write and breathe. At that same moment her best friend offers up her grandmother’s cottage to stay at for the holidays. It’s exactly what she wants peace and quiet to write her songs.
When plans don’t go quiet expect and she finds a raccoon finding comfort in her cozy cottage she heard up to town to ask her help. Jay, the store owners son, is more than happy to lead a helping hand. While talking more Hailey finds out Jay also loves music. They quickly strike up a blooming friendship over their love for it. Music dates turn into tree hunting dates and quickly grows into more.
This is such a good Christmas book filled with holiday cheer. I definitely recommend if you’re looking for something cute, christmassy, and to put a smile on your face🎄💕 Now I’m off to listen to some of my Christmas favorites💕 (silent night (ofc) Mary, did you know (new favorite), baby, it’s cold outside, and maybe this christmas (also a new fave))🎄✨
”Rarely have I met anyone so in tune with my heart. From the moment we met, I had this feeling. Like everything that’s happened…has led to one thing. Meeting you.
September 11, 2024
This was such a sweet, sweet story. It left me smiling and feeling happy.
I love everything by this author but nothing beats her Christmas stories and in my opinion, this was pure perfection. There was a little angst, a little romance, a little family interaction and a lot of heartfelt warmth. And of course it’s all topped off with the holiday season and all it has to offer in a small town. What’s not to love?
Single POV
Safe no ow drama; om drama is due to h’s mother bringing him into the mix despite h having broken up with him
Triggers
Steam
I love everything by this author but nothing beats her Christmas stories and in my opinion, this was pure perfection. There was a little angst, a little romance, a little family interaction and a lot of heartfelt warmth. And of course it’s all topped off with the holiday season and all it has to offer in a small town. What’s not to love?
Single POV
Safe no ow drama; om drama is due to h’s mother bringing him into the mix despite h having broken up with him
Triggers
Steam
November 23, 2024
I enjoyed this small book by Debbie Macomber titled A Christmas Duet. It’s a great book to put you in the Christmas mood. Hailey’s ex-boyfriend has suddenly decided that he made a mistake breaking up with her three years ago and now he is ready to commit. She however, is over him and does not wish to have anything to do with him. When she finds out that he has talked to her mother and will be at the family home for Christmas, Hailey decides to take a friend’s offer of a secluded cabin in the woods and she decides to spend Christmas alone. Hailey likes to compose music and feels that she needs to have the time away from teaching to write songs which is her passion. The book is very interesting and even in the middle of the book when Hailey has some surprise visitors I feared the story was falling apart. The storyline quickly resumes in a good way.
August 14, 2024
I received a free copy of, A Christmas Duet, by Debbie Macomber, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Hailey Morgan decides to spend Christmas by herself, to get away from her meddling mom, and ex boyfriend. Unfortunately her plans did not happen the way Hailey planned them, or wanted. This was a really good Christmas story, I really enjoyed it.
December 31, 2025
This book was okay — nothing special. It felt a little boring at first, though it picked up somewhat toward the end. I also found the storyline to be a bit far-fetched. The previous Christmas book I read by her was much more enjoyable, which made this one a bit of a letdown by comparison.
October 13, 2024
Hailey, a high school band teacher, dreads going home for Christmas and facing her mother’s prying questions. When a friend offers the use of her family’s cabin as an escape, she jumps at the chance to spend a few days on her own. But when she discovers local wildlife in the cabin and asks the townspeople for help removing them, Jay comes to her rescue. Jay is regrouping after his musical group disbanded, and has returned home to help his mother with her general store. As they spend more and more time together, they realize they have more in common than just being in Podunk, Oregon, at Christmas.
I always enjoy this author’s books, especially those set around Christmas. Her stories are sweet without being saccharine, even if the plot is predictable. Hailey and Jay are both easy to like and to root for, although I had a hard time coming to terms with Hailey’s wish to be so isolated and spend Christmas entirely on her own. My family isn’t huge, but if I didn’t have at least some of them around me, it wouldn’t be much a holiday for me.
I look forward to reading Ms. Macomber’s next book and meeting whatever new characters and situations she comes up with.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I always enjoy this author’s books, especially those set around Christmas. Her stories are sweet without being saccharine, even if the plot is predictable. Hailey and Jay are both easy to like and to root for, although I had a hard time coming to terms with Hailey’s wish to be so isolated and spend Christmas entirely on her own. My family isn’t huge, but if I didn’t have at least some of them around me, it wouldn’t be much a holiday for me.
I look forward to reading Ms. Macomber’s next book and meeting whatever new characters and situations she comes up with.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
January 4, 2025
This book was not for me. I didn’t like the clunky dialogue. The mother was awful… if it were a hallmark movie I might have enjoyed it, but as a book, I didn’t want to keep reading. I would have DNFd it if it weren’t a book club read.
October 24, 2024
This book is a perfect example of why Debbie Macomber is such a beloved author. There isn't a whole lot in this story that hasn't been done before, but Macomber's excellent writing make it worth reading anyway. I actually think I may reread this one when Christmas gets closer just to get into the holiday spirit. It has all the cozy Christmas vibes any reader could want!
November 28, 2024
Hailey Morgan longs to have a career in music. This Christmas, she just wants to spend time writing her own songs. When a chance comes along to escape to her friends familys cabin for the holidays. She jumps at the chance to spend time on her own, away from her overbearing mother, doing what she loves. Whilst the she meets Jay - a former musician, turned record producer. Could he be the answer she has been looking for? Just as she thinks life is perfect, her family shows up unannounced. Will Hailey get the peaceful Christmas she wanted?
My thoughts.
This was such a cute and cosy read. I loved the storyline, all about finding yourself, happiness, and taking opportunities. Hailey and Jay's were a lovely pairing. They really complimented each other, very sweet together. I really enjoyed meeting all the other characters, too. Hailey's mum and ex were very annoying and frustrating, I could feel myself getting angry at them for her.
The setting was beautifully festive, cabin in the middle of nowhere, snow all around, by a little village. I could see myself walking around soaking up all the christmassy events.
A Christmas Duet is a quick read, under 300 pages. Perfect for getting your cosy on, reaching for that hot chocolate, and sitting by the tree. We all know it's going to work out for Hailey. That's what I love about Christmas books like these. Don't get me wrong I still a good Christmas thriller, but I also want a heartwarming, festive feel-good story that's going to melt your heart on these cold winter nights.
Thank you to little brown book group uk for kindly sending me a copy.
My thoughts.
This was such a cute and cosy read. I loved the storyline, all about finding yourself, happiness, and taking opportunities. Hailey and Jay's were a lovely pairing. They really complimented each other, very sweet together. I really enjoyed meeting all the other characters, too. Hailey's mum and ex were very annoying and frustrating, I could feel myself getting angry at them for her.
The setting was beautifully festive, cabin in the middle of nowhere, snow all around, by a little village. I could see myself walking around soaking up all the christmassy events.
A Christmas Duet is a quick read, under 300 pages. Perfect for getting your cosy on, reaching for that hot chocolate, and sitting by the tree. We all know it's going to work out for Hailey. That's what I love about Christmas books like these. Don't get me wrong I still a good Christmas thriller, but I also want a heartwarming, festive feel-good story that's going to melt your heart on these cold winter nights.
Thank you to little brown book group uk for kindly sending me a copy.
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