Christmas Promises

by Shelley Shepard Gray

Could just friends…

Turn into something more?

With its twinkling lights, evergreen wreaths and freshly fallen snow, small-town Medina, Ohio, is bursting with holiday charm. And accountant Chloe Winner has everything in order, including a successful business and a warm community at the Loaves of Love food bank. But she has one tiny problem—her inconvenient feelings for fellow volunteer Jamison Smith. After all, the easygoing park ranger is her complete opposite. Plus, she’s dating his best friend, who is a much better match…isn’t he? Something about kind, thoughtful Jamison is making Chloe’s season so much brighter. Could falling in love find a place on her Christmas to-do list? 

New York Times bestselling author

From Harlequin  Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.

A Matchmaker Knows Best Romance

Book 1: Their Surprise Reunion
Book 2: Christmas Promises

Genres: Christmas

336 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published October 28, 2025

About the author

Librarian Note: AKA Shelley Gray (Western Romance).

Shelley Shepard Gray has published over seventy novels. She currently writes Amish romances for Harper Collins, Kensington, and Simon & Schuster and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing.

Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.

Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations.
Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s degree in English literature and elementary education and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She currently lives in Colorado Springs and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two young adults, and always has a dachshund by her side. She is an active member of her church, on Facebook and on Twitter. She also has a website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com.


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Reviews

[Angela (Kentuckybooklover) Brocato-Skaggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Release out Tuesday, October 28th!

Baking bread, Christmas season, and romance. What could be better?

In Christmas Promises, Chloe has agreed to “foster” her 18 year old niece Maddie, when Maddie’s parents move away. Both Chloe and Maddie are going through life changes.

Chloe is dating Adam but is quickly realizing he isn’t the one. The hard thing is Adam’s best friend and neighbor, Jamison,might be though. Chloe and Jamison volunteer at the local food bank, Loaves of Love, and are starting to grow closer together.

Maddie is working through college applications and feelings of abandonment from her parents even though she understands her dad’s job required the move. What she didn’t expect was to fall in love with Cope. Cope is mysterious and some believe wild.

A terrifying accident on a wet and cold night makes all realize life is too short.

Pre-order your copy of this clean romance today from your favorite retailer. Shelley Shepard Gray always provides a cozy good read. A perfect read for mothers and daughters who are finding themselves on the cusp of changing relationships.

Clean read:no cursing, no sex, and no grisly scenes.

I only wish a cinnamon bread recipe had been included. I will be finding and making some soon.

I received a free complimentary copy from the author with no requirement to write a positive review. All words and thoughts are my own.

#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #booksofinstagram #kentuckybooklover #readers #readersofinstagram #christmasreading #romance #cleanromance

[Phyllis Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelley Shepard Gray wrote a faith filled story that to some degree followed 3 separate couples. This is a clean wholesome book that holds your interest while you see interactions between these couples and others. I appreciated the encouragement and support they have for each other. Is Christmas the most magical time of the year for these couples? I highly recommend you read the book to find out. I received an ARC of this book but all comments are my own.

[Lisa Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Promises book two in the series A Matchmaker Knows Best Romance brings us back to the wonderful location of Loaves of Love at Christmas time, where we are catching up with old friends and meeting news ones. 

I really enjoyed all the great characters. I found myself laughing out loud right along with the easygoing relationships (they didn't see coming) as they developed and feeling the deep emotions when things didn't quite go right. 

I highly recommend this book. It can be read as a stand-alone, however it's a great series. 

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas promises.

Medina ohio, a small town, it's Christmas time 🎄
Love is in the air.
Loaves of love food bank is the place where everyone seems to help out and meet others. the story brings joy to your heart.
Chloe winner, she's an aunt who is taking care of her niece. she has a big heart. She has love, but doesn't know how that's going to turn out. but love always wins in the end.

Jameson is just a bonus in this story. He's a big brother, but in many ways, he's a father figure.. absolute must read story.

Simply a wonderful story that brings joy to your heart . A page turner. i loved everything about this story. so much that I picked up the first book in the series.

This author writes simply wonderful heartwarming stories.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Promises by Shelley Shepard Gray is the second book in A Matchmaker Knows Best series. I loved the first book and didn’t want to put this one down. A heartwarming book with all the feels. You will fall in love with the characters. Get ready to grab your blanket and this book…enjoy. Thank you for this Arc. This is my honest review. Releases Oct 28 2025
#ShelleyShepardGray

[January · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Promises by Shelley Shepard Gray (2025)
Matchmaker Knows Best #2
332-page Kindle Ebook story pages 7-330

Genre: Clean Romance

Featuring: Excerpt, Letter From Author, Note to Reader - Ebook Accessibility Features, Partial Bibliography for Shelley Shepard Gray - Harlequin Heartwarming and Inspirational Cold Case Collection; November, Medina, Ohio; Food Pantry, Volunteers, Baking Bread, Kinship Fostering, Teenagers, December, Friends-to-Lovers Trope, Friendzoned Trope, With the Wrong One Trope, Forbidden Love Trope - Best Friend's Girlfriend; Good-Good Girl vs Bad Boy, Family Dynamics, Multiple POVs, Matchmaking, Secret Pining Trope, Spoilers for Book 1, Close Proximity Trope, Updates on Characters From Previous Book - Their Surprise Reunion, Cleveland, Ohio; Bentonville, Arkansas; Self-Actualization, Passive to Assertive, Book 3 Coming April 2026, Harlequin Heartwarming Advertisement for The Rancher's Reunion by Lisa Childs and Home to Her Cowboy by Sacha Summers, Excerpt from The Cowboy’s Holiday Plan by Susan Breeden - Chapter One, Publisher's Links

Rating as a movie: PG-10 for suggestive language

Books and Authors mentioned: A Christmas Carol by Roger O. Hirson [based on] A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens; The Bishop's Wife by Leonardo Bercovici, Robert E. Sherwood, Billy Wilder, and Charles Brackett [based on] The Bishop's Wife by Robert Nathan; National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation by John Hughes, The Lion King by Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts, and Linda Woolverton; Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling, Home Alone by John Hughes

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🍞🥖🎄

My thoughts: 🔖Page 31 of CHAPTER THREE - I hope this isn't a slow burn. I'm finally tired enough to sleep.
🔖208 CHAPTER TWENTY - Once I realized this was a series I wanted to read Book 1 but there's no time. I went from no one behind me to 12 people overnight and now it's 13. I don't like people waiting, which is why I paused my KU books to knock this one out. Unfortunately, I just got major spoilers but it'll still be fun to read.

So this book is borderline Inspirational but not quite so it's pretty much just Clean Romance which was odd because usually with this author I at least get Christian Fiction if not Amish, it's been a minute since I've read a contemporary novel by her, and this isn't as contemporary as the Bridgeport Social Club series but it's along those lines. Overall I enjoyed this story very much but I was really bum that I got a lot of spoilers for the first book and they kept referencing characters I did not know. The storyline was just shy of a love triangle which I totally dislike but this was done quite well.

Recommend to others: Yes! I'm happy to give it back and will be recommending it.

Matchmaker Knows Best
1 Their Surprise Reunion (2025)
2 Christmas Promises (2025)
3 An Unexpected Match (2026)

Memorable Quotes: The clients who Edna was referring to were folks in need of a helping hand. People from all walks of life who were experiencing food scarcity came to Loaves of Love to visit the food pantry. It was well stocked by both private and corporate donations. But something that Loaves of Love did that a lot of other food pantries didn’t was offer a chance for the recipients and volunteers to help make bread for the community. Everyone enjoyed working together in workstations. It was uncommon not to hear happy chatter when entering the room. When Chloe had started volunteering a couple of times a month, she’d worked with more than one man or woman who had stopped by for a helping hand but then ended up staying for an hour or two to help make loaves of bread. And, she believed, to nourish their souls.

She still couldn’t believe that Adam Dwyer, the lawyer she’d met at a local chamber of commerce meeting, was both Jamison’s neighbor and one of his oldest friends. Talk about a small world. But maybe she shouldn’t have been all that surprised. Even though the guys were very different, they both were good men. Solid.

[Cynthia Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

New love and growing love are a lot like loaves of bread, especially during the Christmas season.

In Christmas Promises, author Shelley Shephard Gray, reminds us that, like loaves of bread, love is something created with our hands and our hearts. Under the warmth of the season, with rising scents of cinnamon, two couples, thirty something Chloe and her long time friend Jamison along with her 18-year old niece Madison and her new friend Cole highlight how the basic ingredients; two souls, are transformed as they gather dashes of patience, and the willingness to work not solely from a recipe, but to adapt to one’s own desires change the ordinary into something magical and unique.

When Chloe begins to acknowledge that her relationship with her current boyfriend Adam is not ideal, she begins mixing things together. Madison decides to step away from the the expectations that have been the ingredients of her identity when she forms a friendship with Cole whose identity was created by the assumptions of others, both highlighting that not all ingredients are true. Just as bread won’t rise without the proper ingredients or when rushed, when creating love, one must be honest about their feelings, their fears, and their needs. Moving through the stickiness of doubts and imperfections, the young couples continue to knead their relationships with devotion, through trials and times of dreary darkness of a winter night and trust in the quiet growth, like a silently rising loaf of bread the unseen goodness is at work.

In the end, like a warm, fragrant loaf of bread, the golden crust reveals, not a finished product, but one that will continue to nourish through time.

I received a free complimentary copy from the author with no expectation or requirement of writing a positive review. All thoughts and ideas are my own based on my reading experience.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Promises by Shelley Shepard Gray

Could just friends…
Turn into something more?

With its twinkling lights, evergreen wreaths and freshly fallen snow, small-town Medina, Ohio, is bursting with holiday charm. And accountant Chloe Winner has everything in order, including a successful business and a warm community at the Loaves of Love food bank. But she has one tiny problem—her inconvenient feelings for fellow volunteer Jamison Smith. After all, the easygoing park ranger is her complete opposite. Plus, she’s dating his best friend, who is a much better match…isn’t he? Something about kind, thoughtful Jamison is making Chloe’s season so much brighter. Could falling in love find a place on her Christmas to-do list?
This is Chloe Winner and Madison's story.
This is Jamison Smith's story.
My favorite quote is
“Still, not everyone would take in a relative so she wouldn’t have to move when her dad got transferred.”
“A lot of people would do the same if the girl was Madison. She’s not only responsible, but she’s also been good company. Plus, she’s my niece. Of course I wanted to take her in.”
I recommend this book.
Christmas Promises by Shelley Shepard Gray is a 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Shelley Shepard Gray.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.

[Dali Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt

Chloe and Jamison's friends-to-more-than-friends relationship story is beautiful and heartfelt. Their relationship had its pluses, which included their already established friendship, trust, and companionship. However, it also had its bumps in the road revolving around family, new discoveries, and a love triangle. Actually, it has two love triangles. One is expected. However, the other is a very different type. I hadn't thought of it, but once it came to light, it made perfect sense and added a new element to the story, which helped me understand the character's struggle and, in turn, added another dimension to Chloe and Jamison's relationship.

Following Chloe and Jamison's changing relationship was touching and made for such an enjoyable story. The sense of community and family bonds added special touches to their story, as did a pair of teenagers going through teenage issues. The author's descriptive writing of their angst and their transition to pre-adult life added even more realism, which also impacted Chloe and Jamison. All of these elements were woven together flawlessly, making the result a wonderfully touching and heartfelt story.

I was provided with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and voluntary.

[JudyAnnLovesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

CHRISTMAS PROMISES is a touching friends to lovers romance set at the most wonderful time of the year.

Chloe Winner leads a very busy goal oriented existence until little changes in her life put her on a journey of self discovery and lead her to the love she never knew she needed or could have. Jamison Smith is as good as they come. He is wise beyond his years and deserves all the good things. I fell head over hiking boots for him and wanted nothing more than for him to get his heart’s desire, Chloe.

Watching Chloe and Jamison’s friendship blossom into a beautiful and loving relationship made this the unputdownable, read in one sitting romance, that it is. I highly recommend you pick this up and give it a read. Your heart and soul will thank you. I’m giving CHRISTMAS PROMISES the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy.

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 4 out of 5]

You could read Christmas Promises as a standalone, but do read Their Surprise Reunion. We are revisiting the same town, this Christmas, and many of the same people. And I love that we see more of the Loaves of Love food bank. What a wonderful place!

Talk about a love triangle Chloe is dating Jamison’s friend, Adam. Adam takes her for granted so she is noticing Jamison, who is there for her. And Jamison is drawn to Chloe. Goodness, that gets everyone worked up.

All of the characters in Christmas Promises are sweet, well developed, and true to life. Friendships are developed, eyes are opened to the truth, and a clean romance is in the air. I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review. All thoughts are my own

[Rachel DeVaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a wonderful, feel good “A Matchmaker Knows Best” story!

I liked getting to know the main characters Jamison, Adam, Chloe and her niece Madison; as they navigate life, love and friendships. Chloe who is a busy accountant, spends her free time volunteering at Loaves of Love and with her niece who is a senior in high school. Both are trying to figure out a good balance between love and family.

I loved that matchmaker Edna from Loaves of Love is back in this story, along with Sean and Kayla. I loved reading this sweet, holiday, clean romantic story and can’t wait to read her next matchmaker book next spring.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and views expressed are my own.

[Kate Vale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another in the Matchmaker Knows Best series, in which accountant Chloe Warner is caring for her niece after the teen's family moves to Arkansas and she remains in Medina, Ohio, to finish her senior year in high school.

Chloe breaks up the monotony of her job by volunteering at the food bank, Loaves of Love, where she bakes bread with other volunteers, one of whom is Jameson Smith, who just happens to be best friends with Chloe's current steady.

Problem is Chloe isn't sure Adam is the man for her forever and Jameson has a major crush on her, in spite of his best friend's claim that Chloe will marry him. What's to do? Leave it to the matchmakers at the food bank, where not one but two and maybe even three couples are getting to know each other. Are Chloe and Jameson one of them?

[Sunnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was book 2 of this cute series of the Loaves of Love Food Bank and all that it has in store, besides just bread. I had read the first book and really enjoyed it and was so happy to have the chance to read this one as well! It was a sweet romance and brings about characters that are familiar from the earlier book, Their Surprise Reunion. Chloe is dating Adam, but are there "other" sparks that might be brewing? I loved this! It was so sweet to see the relationships develop and where things are headed. I think you will really enjoy this book as I did. I received an ARC of this book. And I loved it!

[Asheley T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one every bit as much as the first one in this miniseries. Featuring Chloe and Jamison, who both volunteer as bread bakers at their local food bank, Loaves of Love. At the start of the story, Chloe is dating Jamison's best friend Adam, but she quickly realizes that her heart longs to be with Jamison. Just like with the first installment, I adored all of the baking and I also loved all of the Christmas in the story. I also loved the relationship Chloe had with her niece Madison, who lives with her.

It's so much fun to revisit all of the characters from the first book and to see them all thriving and doing well. I can't wait until the next installment releases in April.

[Debbie Earls · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet story revolving around the lives of several different couples. When Chloe's niece, Madison, moves in with her for her senior year of high school, Chloe's life is changed in a good way. Madison has a different outlook on life that changes Chloe's perspective on her own life for the better. When Chloe dumps her boyfriend and starts to date Jamison, Chloe learns to stop taking herself so seriously and enjoy her life more. This book is about love, family, forgiveness and taking chances. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book #2 in the Matchmaker Knows Best series but can be read as a standalone book but it might be a good idea to read book#1 first as a lot of the characters were introduced in that one.

Once again the story takes place a lot of the time at Loaves of Love food bank.

This book is about family, forgiveness, taking chances, love and also the gift of giving nand helping others.

Can't wait for the next book in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. The review expressed here is my honest opinion.

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Promises

I am loving this series with the food pantry and all the making of the bread. I loved Jamison and Chloe, also Madison and her boyfriend Cope who are teenagers trying to find their way in the world. Madison is away from her family staying with Chloe. I think Madison was my favorite character, very outspoken. I felt like I was watching a TV show while reading the book.

I received an advanced copy of the book from the author. This book review is my own opinion.

[Debbi Sprang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accountant Chloe has her life and work all under control (she thought) until she meets Jamison. She is currently dating his best friend Adam and he checked every box that was on her list. Jamison is the complete opposite and doesn’t check every box or does he?? Who will she choose? Go get your book today!

[Cherese Akhavein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a feel good uplifting book. If your looking for a book this Christmas that will shine a light on the spirit of Christmas and bring joy to your heart than this book is for you, family community and the gift of giving are just a few of the highlights, Oh course love will wrap everything together. Pick up your copy and as always Happy Reading

[K H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series. I would say that you don’t need to read the first one in order to read this one. There were some errors in the book yet it was a great book. I enjoyed the Christmas theme and the teens in the book reminded me of what school was always about.

[Harlequin Books]

Holiday Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
A Matchmaker Knows Best Romance (Book #2)

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the wintry town of Medina, Ohio, Chloe Winner believes she has her life in order. However, even though she is dating Adam Dwyer, the best friend of Jamison Smith, her fellow volunteer at Loaves of Love food pantry, she finds herself thinking of Jamison in an uncertain way. She and Adam are a good match, aren’t they? Jamison is different in so many ways, kind and thoughtful. Is Chloe falling in love with him? Christmas is a magical time of year for other couples in the story as well. Treat yourself to a sweet, romantic story by Author Shelley Shepard Gray. Her stories do not disappoint!
I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was about family, friends and helping others.