This Christmas, one magical date could change everything...
Clare Madison has always kept Christmas simple - store-bought cookies, a fake tree, and no time for romance. But when her sister is falls ill, Clare suddenly finds herself caring for her six-year-old nephew, Ricky, and suddenly the holidays look very different.
Determined to give Ricky the magical Christmas he deserves, Clare enlists the help of her best friend Melody - and Ethan, her handsome colleague, who agrees to play Santa in exchange for one thing: a date with Clare.
As festive sparks fly with ice skating, baking, and late-night hot chocolates, Clare starts to wonder if Ethan might just be the best gift she never expected. But with her old life pulling her in another direction, can she risk opening her heart - or will she let her chance at happiness slip away?
Heart-warming, romantic, and full of holiday sparkle, A Date With Santa is the perfect festive read for fans of Sarah Morgan, Trisha Ashley, and Phillipa Ashley.
Debbie 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.
Debbie Macomber always brings the holiday spirit! Her Christmas books deliver every single time. I’ve read many of them at this point, and I look forward to her new Christmas book each year.
This book was absolutely CRYING to be adapted by the Hallmark Channel. The main character is a workaholic and a career woman left to care for her nephew during the month of December.
I really enjoyed this one, reading it in a single day. The nephew Ricky was really sweet and cute. I loved his funny comments (kids say the darndest things!) and I could really see the connection between Ricky and Sage deepen the more time they spent together. Sage barely knew Ricky at the start of the book and I could really see her come to care for him.
The romance was also very Hallmark-y with a business rival turned friend. Ethan wasn’t my favorite love interest ever but I liked how open he was with Sage. Sage was nursing a broken heart and was a bit jaded and he was really good to her and for her.
There were some humorous scenes and the story was very heartwarming. I liked the relationship between the sisters and of course the Christmassy elements!
Definitely one to add to your Christmas TBR!
Thank you to the publisher, Ballantine, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Debbie Macomber delivers another heartwarming Christmas story that reminds us what truly matters in life.
When Sage unexpectedly takes over caring for her young nephew, Ricky, for a month, she quickly discovers that balancing a demanding career and a child was as difficult as she imagined. Ricky, however, becomes the unexpected bright spot in her life, teaching her that there’s more to life than climbing the corporate ladder. She’s been so focused on work that she's forgotten about the rest of life.
Enter Ethan, a coworker she's gone out with a few times, who steps in to help with Ricky. Watching Sage and Ethan grow closer as they share Christmas traditions, holiday festivities, and the everyday moments of caring for a child is both sweet and believable. Their romance unfolds naturally, offering the cozy, full of hope feel to every page.
Of course, no workplace romance would be complete without obstacles. Sage is competing for a big promotion and her rival, Troy, isn't above using her temporary family responsibilities against her. The push pull between them creates just enough tension to keep the story moving while reinforcing the story's central message.
What I loved most about A Date with Santa is its reminder that work can consume our lives if we let it. Promotions, deadlines, and titles will always be there, but the people we love, the memories we make, and the joy of simply being present are far more important. It's a message that feels especially meaningful during the Christmas season.
If you're looking for a heartwarming holiday romance filled with family, love, Christmas magic, and a gentle reminder to slow down and cherish what matters most, A Date With Santa must be on your holiday TBR.
A Date With Santa wraps your heart in Christmas magic and reminds us that life's greatest gifts are the moments we share with the people we love.
A Date with Santa by Debbie Macomber This story starts out with Sage and she's talking to her sister Saffron about watching Ricky her son because she's been deployed to a hurricane disaster area to help them, for the whole month of December. Sage has a huge opportunity to win the companies contest and become the person to take over for the president who's leaving. She has to really dedicate herself a lot more to accomplish this, Taking care of Ricky will make it a lot more difficult as he has to be picked up from daycare at a certain time of the day just right after she leaves work. Her parents are on a cruise that they've been planning for years so they will be no help. So Ricky arrives from a plane ride from Chicago and Sage is there for him. Through thick and thin. He educates her on what is not healthy for his body, a lot of the take out food that she eats will have to be physically made like his mom does. Saffron is also able to call and talk for a few minutes at the end of her day and to say good night to Ricky. Love the small little moments they share. Ethan also works with Sage and he's out of the picture after a miscommunication while seeing one another. They pick up the relationship but she doesn't have much time unless they also take Ricky which works out great because eh has siblings that have kids his age. Love how this story evolves through the time and love the cherish the family time. Great holiday read, has everything for a celebration, family food and laughs. Received this review copy from Ballantine Books via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
I’m usually all about gritty police procedurals, but I decided to switch things up with Debbie Macomber’s A Date with Santa for some Christmas-in-July vibes, and I’m so glad I did! I went in expecting pure Hallmark-on-the-page fluff, and while it absolutely delivers that warm, feel-good charm, it still managed to be genuinely darling.
Workaholic Sage suddenly finds herself caring for her five-year-old nephew Ricky while her sister is deployed to help with hurricane relief. Ricky’s biggest wish? To talk to the real Santa. What starts as a simple favor from coworker Ethan turns into something much sweeter as the three of them dive into holiday traditions and everyday life with a child. I loved watching Sage loosen her grip on the corporate ladder and remember there’s more to life. The romance between Sage and Ethan feels natural and believable i.e. sweet without being saccharine, and their growth together is truly heartwarming.
Yes, the names Sage and Saffron as sisters felt a tad cutesy, but I got over it quickly. The workplace promotion conflict adds just enough tension, and the resolution perfectly captures the spirit of the season. Bonus: the shoes-in-the-oven scene had me laughing out loud! Boy, have I been there!
If you’re craving a cozy, hopeful holiday read filled with family, kindness, and just the right touch of Christmas magic, A Date with Santa delivers exactly that. It left me smiling from beginning to end. Perfect fireside reading!
Clare Madison is single and career focused, but when her sister is deployed for the month of December, she suddenly becomes the only option for caring for her five year old nephew, Ricky. Clare has never bothered with a Christmas tree, never baked homemade cookies, and rarely cooks at all—Uber Eats is her go to. Ricky, however, is used to home cooked meals, decorating a real Christmas tree with his mom, and delivering homemade cookies to the real Santa. Before Ricky’s arrival, Clare’s world revolved around winning a major promotion. To her surprise, creating a magical Christmas for her nephew quickly becomes her top priority. With the help of her best friend and coworker, Erica—who offers plenty of mom tested advice—and her colleague Ethan, who even agrees to dress up as Santa, Clare begins to discover a joy she didn’t know she was missing. But when work threatens to overshadow her newfound holiday spirit, she faces a difficult choice. This is a heartfelt, delightful story filled with lovable, memorable characters. More than once, I had to pause reading just to catch my breath from laughing out loud. Every time I open a Debbie Macomber novel, I know I’m in for a warm, uplifting, often humorous experience—and this one is no exception. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.
Debbie Macomber always knows how to deliver a cozy Christmas story, and A Date with Santa was exactly the kind of heartwarming holiday read I was hoping for.
When Sage unexpectedly becomes the temporary guardian of her young nephew, Ricky, her carefully planned, career-focused life is turned upside down. I loved watching her discover the joy of slowing down, embracing Christmas traditions, and realizing that success isn't measured only by promotions and long hours at work.
The romance between Sage and Ethan developed naturally, and I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow through simple moments of caring for Ricky and celebrating the holiday season together. Ricky was easily my favorite character and brought so much warmth and heart to the story.
While the workplace competition added some conflict, this book is really about finding balance, making time for the people who matter, and remembering what Christmas is all about. It's a gentle reminder that the moments we share with family and loved ones are often life's greatest gifts.
If you're looking for a sweet, feel-good holiday romance filled with family, hope, and plenty of Christmas spirit, this is one to add to your holiday reading list.
Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
This was a cozy little holiday ready that leaves you smiling from the beginning to the end. Filled with warmth, family and just the right touch of Christmas magic, it's everything you have to love about a Debbie Macomber story.
When Sage unexpectedly takes over caring for her young nephew, Rick for a month because his mom/her sister has been deployed to a hurricane disaster area to help out, Sage quickly discovers that balancing a demanding career and a child was as difficult as she imagined. Ricky, however, becomes the unexpected bright spot in her life, teaching her that there’s more to life than climbing the corporate ladder. She’s been so focused on work that she's forgotten about the rest of life.
Ethan, a coworker she's gone out with a few times and steps in to help with Ricky. Sage and Ethan grow closer as they share Christmas traditions, holiday festivities, and the everyday moments of caring for a child is both sweet and believable. Their romance unfolds naturally, offering the cozy, full of hope feel to every page.
Sage and Ethan are easy characters to root for, the romance is sweet without being over-the-top.
Gotta love the shoes in the oven scene as well, that made me laugh out loud.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine Books, and Debbie Macomber for this ARC
Premise: When her sister is deployed to aid with hurricane relief in Florida, career-minded Sage steps up to care for her five-year-old nephew during the month of December. The problem is she’s also competing for the executive management position at the marketing agency where she works, She tries to find a balance between achieving her work goals and giving her nephew the best Christmas ever. Good thing coworker and love interest Ethan (who also happens to be a very convincing Santa impersonator) knows a thing or two about the ingredients required to make an epic Christmas.
This story is so cute and I definitely agree with those who have mentioned this would make an excellent Hallmark movie.
I think at Christmas time we often reflect on what’s important in life, what’s truly important. And in this story, that’s the kind of growth we witness in Sage. Thanks to this unexpected time with her nephew, she ultimately gets her priorities straight and learns that there’s so much more to life than just her career.
I read an uncorrected proof of this book thanks to Ballantine and Netgally. I am definitely curious to see what this story looks like after a final polish.
That said, I think if you are looking for an easy, heartwarming read this Christmastime, you should prioritize A Date With Santa.
A fun holiday romance which shows the true importance in life. There is a lot of heart in this book and the story line. Clare Madison is single and career focused, but when her sister is deployed for the month of December, she suddenly becomes the only option for caring for her five year old nephew, Ricky. Clare has never bothered with a Christmas tree, never baked homemade cookies, and rarely cooks at all; Uber Eats is on speed dial. Ricky, is used to home cooked meals, decorating a real Christmas tree with his mom, and delivering homemade cookies to the real Santa. Before her nephew's arrival, Clare’s world revolved around winning a major promotion. To her surprise, creating a magical Christmas for her nephew quickly becomes her top priority. With the help of her best friend and coworker, Erica offers plenty of mom tested advice and her colleague Ethan, who even agrees to dress up as Santa, Clare begins to discover a joy she didn’t know she was missing. When work threatens to overshadow her newfound holiday spirit, she faces a difficult choice. I like the way the relationship developed between Ethan and Clare with of course the assistance of Ricky. The little surprises in the book with definitely warm your heart. Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity.
Sage Madison has been tasked with caring for her young nephew over the holidays, and she is determined to give him a Christmas to remember... even if it means agreeing to go on a date to achieve it!
A Date with Santa is a heartwarming holiday romance that is destined to stir up your feels and holiday spirit! In this one we meet a young single woman who has agreed to help out her very busy sister and take care of her nephew through the holidays. She recruits her friends to help make sure that he has the best time while in her care, even agreeing to go on a date with a colleague whom she convinces to play Santa and visit her nephew.
It doesn't take long for her to see all that she has been missing out on, she's been so focused on work that somewhere along the way she forgot how to enjoy life and all the good things it has to offer. Maybe it's time to change her focus...
This wonderfully penned tale touched my heart and left me smiling! What a great reminder about taking time to embrace the smaller things in life and finding your own joy! Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, via NetGalley request, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
A Date with Santa was a wonderful holiday read. I read it all in one sitting and had such a blast. I laughed so hard and got a bit emotional too.
Debbie Macomber never fail to deliver a heartwarming story that grabs your attention from the first page and doesn't let go until the story is over.
Sage has just found out that she is going to have to watch her nephew Ricky for the month of December. Her sister had joined the Army Reserves and has just been deployed to help out with hurricane relief. Sage's job is the most important thing going on in her life and taking care of a kid was not in her plans. She is unprepared and I do mean unprepared. However, her nephew brings something that Sage has been truly lacking in her life for a long time. Perspective. Perspective on what is truly important.
Between her nephew, her close friend and Ethan the man she has been falling in love with, Sage is going to have the best Christmas of her life.
I love Debbie Macomber Christmas stories and A Date with Santa has just moved it's way to the top of my favorite list. I highly recommend.
*Thank you NetGalley & Ballantine Books for providing me with an advanced readers copy for a honest review*
Looove Ms. Macomber, she is known for her uplifting Christmas books and this one touches the heart so warmly. Sage has been working overtime in her marketing job after the owner let her know that when he retires, she and another coworker is in the running to oversee the company. Sage realize this means she will have to put more time in working if she is going to get the position. Sage becomes in shock when she gets a call from her mother asking Sage to take care of her five year old nephew Ricky since her sister who is in the army reserved is called for duty and her assignment will be for one month, and Sage's mom and dad already has plans to go on a cruise. Sage is upset and thinks of the many times since they were kids that she had to step in and help Saffron out. Realizing there was no other person to take Ricky she agrees. I enjoyed the slow growth and adjustment of Sage dealing with having a young child living with her and now have to have work and home life balance. As the title mentions there is a cute story of why the book is called that and its sweet and touching and Ethan(who is the love interest) is the man we as woman would all want to be a husband or boyfriend material. Giving arc by netgalley.
It's officially Christmas in July for Debbie Macomber fans. When Sage 's mom enlists her services taking care of Ricky, it couldn't have come at a worse time. Competing for a promotion, Sage's attention needs to be razor-focused on her latest campaign but having a child around the house means fully celebrating the season.
Ricky's contagious spirit lulls Sage into a festive mood and instead of competing with her colleagues for the promotion she reprioritizes what's important in life. Seeing her nephew smile when she buns her shoes while baking cookies or enlisting Ethan's help to have Ricky meet the real Santa, is a date that brings the two of them together. Will love commence under the Christmas tree or instead of hanging ornaments are they they both hanging their hopes on securing the group director role?
Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early edition of #ADatewithSanta in exchange for an honest review. Debbie Macomber pens a story that's filled with the real meaning of the holidays.. Save the 'date' for the October publication as the novel is the perfect stocking stuffer.
Claire Madison has been burned by romance before and subsequently channeled all her energy into her job developing marketing plans for clients. Now is her chance to rise to the level of executive manager, a dream she has pursued for years. There’s only one hitch – her sister is being deployed to help with hurricane recovery efforts and Claire is designated by her family as the caretaker of Ricky, her delightful five-year-old nephew whom she barely knows. What starts out as an unwelcome burden transforms into an opportunity to embrace the spirit of the Christmas season and to risk falling in love…with the “real” Santa.
In true Macomber style, the author offers up another annual novella that captures everything good about the holiday season. If you are a fan, you will enjoy this latest offering.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
I am always a huge fan of the stories that Debbie Macomber shares with us and this one is not a disappointment in any way. It is a wonderful Christmas story and certainly sets the pace for the holidays later this year. A single career minded woman is tasked with taking over the care of her nephew for a month during the holidays and she has no idea how to do it. Her sister is deployed with the national guard to a disaster site for the entire month of December and has asked Sage to take over his care. This is a charming story of family bonding and learning how to be a parent when Sage never planned on any of that. I loved it and feel sure her fan base with give this story high marks. All the characters are fun and it is a book you will never want to put down. Thank you for a very special read.
I wish to thank Net Galley and Ballantine / Ballantine Books Publishers for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. I have voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I have always LOVED a Debbie Macomber Christmas novel and this year I was lucky to be chosen for an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of her 2026 Christmas book entitled A Date with Santa!
This was a really sweet story with three central characters; Sage, her coworker, Ethan, and Sage’s nephew, Ricky. Sage becomes the caretaker of six year old Ricky for the month of December while her sister is working in a devastated region after storms ravaged it. Sage doesn’t have children of her own so she lets Ricky form her “mom” persona into one very much like his mother! From what they eat, when he can play his video games and how they decorate the tree Sage splurged on just for him.
Ricky is also determined to leave homemade cookies for Santa because that’s what he and his mom have always done. Trouble is, Sage doesn’t bake! Sage tries really hard to make the season magical for Ricky so when he tells her he has to talk to the “Real” Santa, Sage enlists her coworker, Ethan, a guy she also had a crush on, to dress up and pretend to be him. All she has to do is go on adventures with Ethan so Ricky can get to know him. The more they hang out, the more Sage finds Ethan to be a fun, interesting, caring and all-around nice guy she enjoys being with! Could they have a future together? You’ll have to read the book to find out but it’ll be worth it! Debbie Macomber once again delivers a charming, festive and romantic novel for the holidays! I loved it!
I received an advance review copy of A Date with Santa for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of ARC from Netgalley I received an ARC of A Date With Santa by Debbie Macomber for my honest review. I have been a Debbie Macomber fan for many years. I especially enjoy her Christmas books and look forward to reading them as soon as they're published. In A Date With Santa, we find Sage, who lives in Seattle and is busy with her career and her co-worker Ethan, with whom she has a crush on. She is patiently waiting to find out if she's the one to get the big promotion at work when she gets a call from her sister Saffron that she's been deployed to Florida to help with hurricane disaster relief. Saffron has asked Sage to watch her 5 year old son Ricky while she's gone for the month of December. Sage reluctantly agrees, and Ricky arrives and brings with him the spirit of Christmas. Ricky helps Sage see what's really important and helps Sage and Ethan find each other. I really enjoyed A Date with Santa and will post a review after the publication date of October 13, 2026.
Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGally for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Debbie Macomber brings the reader a stand-alone Christmas read with 'A Date with Santa'. In this charming, cozy holiday read, the reader meets Clare Madison, a career woman up for a promotion. When her sister is called to active duty in the National Guard, she finds herself caring for her six-year-old nephew, Ricky. The month before Christmas is looking quite different for Clare as she finds herself doing all kinds of things to make the holiday special. She seeks the help of her best friend, Melody and Ethan, a handsome colleague who she has been spending time with. When Ricky wants to meet Santa, Clare agrees to a date with Ethan if he will play Santa.
This is a perfect holiday read. Filled with hope, charm and a romance, Debbie Macomber proves once again why she is at the top of my Christmas reading pile.
The main characters are Sage and her sister Saffron and Saffron's 5 year old son Ricky (who is wise beyond his years). Saffron is in the National Guard and needed to assist in Florida after a devastating hurricane ... in December.
Sage is trying to win a promotion and their parents are going out of the country to celebrate their anniversary. Sage is the best option for parenting Ricky.
So enjoyable seeing Sage grow as a person and Ricky is the most adorable 5 year old!
And of course there is a love interest.
Fun, quick read! Approx 256 pages. Publication date is Oct 13, 2026.
Many thanks to Debbie Macomber who keeps writing, because we are all going to keep on reading whatever she writes! Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Publishing for approving my request to read the advance read copy of A Date with Santa in exchange for an honest review.
A Date with Santa is another wonderful holiday story by Debbie Macomber. She is a master holiday storyteller with the ability to bring characters to life in a way that makes them feel lovable, genuine, and relatable. A Date with Santa is a heartwarming holiday romance that captures the magic and hope of the Christmas season. Filled with festive cheer, this story is a delightful reminder of the joy that can come from opening your heart to new possibilities.
The story flows effortlessly and beautifully centers around themes of love and family with Christmas serving as the perfect backdrop. Macomber creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that allows readers to fully embrace the spirit of the season.
This is a fun, quick-paced read that delivers romance, holiday charm, and another wonderful way to enjoy the Christmas season. A Date with Santa is a must-read for fans of heartfelt holiday romances.
Sage Madison was sure she had misunderstood her mother. Sage wants to help her sister, but taking care of her 5 year old nephew just wouldn't work. Saffron had been called up in the Army Reserves and needed Sage to care for Ricky for a month. But Sage is in the middle of a presentation for a big account that could mean a big promotion. One she has been working towards ever since she was hired.
I love Debbie Macomber's books. They are light hearted and entertaining. Her Christmas ones are a special delight. Her characters are always interesting. And with a touch of romance with colleague Ethan, A Date with Santa brings the spirit of Christmas right to your door.
This was an easy read. A clean, sweet story with good characters.
I received a complementary e-copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions in this review are my own.
I always enjoy Debbie Macomber’s Christmas books and this is another feel good story about how a single woman focused on work finds joy in taking care of her nephew at Christmas. Claire’s sister is National Guard and is deployed at Christmas time leaving her to take care of her young nephew who still believes in Santa Claus. She is tasked with providing all things Christmas for Ricky including the real Santa while at the same time being in competition for a promotion. In trying to give Ricky the best Christmas ever, the tables get turned and Ricky teaches Claire how important Christmas traditions are. And in trying to give Ricky the real Santa, Claire finds something else that has been missing in her life. Thank you to #Ballantine and #NetGalley for a copy of this book for an honest review.
A sweet Christmas story to get you in the spirit of all things Christmas. I really liked the characters, location, and the storyline as it highlighted what are truly the important messages about this time of year. The storyline about soldier deployment during natural disasters rang true and helped provide an important part of this story. The messages about family and work-life balance were spot on and something I think many struggle with - the way the characters waded through this and resolved issues were well done. A few things (buying child aspirin for a child?) seem to be outdated but this truly didn't impact the overall theme or wonder in the Christmas season. I thank the Author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this wonderful, heartfelt book and offer my unbiased opinion. I look forward to the next Debbie Macomber book!
I always look forward to Debbie Macomber's holiday story, because they always elicit a warm and fuzzy feeling and hopefullness around the holiday. A Date with Santa is a heartwarming Christmas story about family, love, and friendship.
Sage has been at her job for many years and sacrificed everything to get to where she is. When a chance at a promotion arises, she is confident all her hard work will be finally paying off. What she doesn't expect is her sister needing her to care for her young son while she is away. In the coming weeks Sage gets a reality check on the important things in life.
This is a poignant story about learning who and what really matters. The characters are all relatable and well depicted. This is a quick but very good read.
Thanks to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for the advanced copy
A Date with Santa by Debbie Macomber is just what we have come to rely on, a quaint novel with lovely characters that wraps up perfectly on Christmas day. Claire is fighting for a promotion against two colleagues, both men, one a sleazy creep and the other a delightful man who she has dated a few times. When her sister is deployed over the holidays, Claire is asked to take care of her nephew and she sees that promotion slip out of her hands. Really Ms. Macomber? I guess women still can't have it all. This really disappointed me! Anyway, of course everything winds up happily ever after, with sunshine and snowflakes. Although the book was a lovely Christmas read I found it trite and dismissive.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review. Come back to your Review on the pub date, Oct 13 2026,
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of A Date with Santa. Reading a Debbie Macomber Christmas book is an annual tradition I have, so I was excited to visit the holidays a little early this year! As with most of Debbie Macomber's seasonal books, this was a sweet holiday story filled with lots of holiday cheer, romance, family and, of course, Santa. Sage is a single aunt who suddenly has to change her career-driven, single lifestyle to care for her nephew, who has seen his own difficulties in his five years. Mixed in with a story of family stepping up in unexpected circumstances, is a heart-warming, fun romance. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and look forward to more of Debbie Macomber holiday stories!
I am a big fan of Debbie Macomber, especially her Christmas romances.
Clare Madison works a lot of hours, and she’s in line for a big promotion. But when her sister desperately needs her to care for her six-year old son, Ricky, for the month of December, Clare reluctantly agrees. Because she lives in Seattle, and Ricky and his mom live in Chicago, they haven’t spent a lot of time together. How will she take care of Ricky AND wow a client, winning her the promotion she’s been working so hard for?
It doesn’t take long for Ricky to worm his way into Clare’s heart. He’s precocious, and very determined that he meet the real Santa Claus. In comes Ethan, her co-worker and friend. Ethan has played Santa Claus for his nieces and nephews for several years. He agrees to play the role for Ricky, only after they all spend some time together. Ethan and Clare have dated in the past, but when she finds out he’s in the running for the same promotion she wants, things cool down. She’s been burned before and isn’t sure she can trust him.
I loved the interaction Ricky had with his aunt, helping her learn how to cook (after a disaster in her kitchen that was actually quite funny); and reminding her how wonderful the holidays can be.
Highly recommend this book! I received an advance review copy for free from the publisher Random House through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This read is such a gift, I loved unwrapping it from beginning to end! When circumstances make it so she is going to take her five year old nephew for the month of December, we are there. The characters of aunt and nephew are wonderful. You can just imagine a women living along whom doesn't cook, now having a five year old living with her. Her attempts of pleasing him, attempts to do what his heart desires, and we end up with a disaster. What did she have in the oven? Funny! You are going to be chuckling, and witnessing some sweet romance, along with some drama that threatens both the romance and their jobs. This is a don't miss treat! I received this book through #Net Galley and the Publisher #Ballantine Books, and was not required to give a positive review.
A Date with Santa by Debbie Macomber 4 out of 5 stars Expected publication date: October 13, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballentine Books for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. #ADatewithSanta #NetGalley
One-sentence summary: When Sage has to babysit her nephew while her sister serves in the military, Sage finds out what is important in her life.
This book is typical Debbie Macomber, which is what makes it great! The storyline is sweet and simple, and the lesson is uplifting. There are no distractions (sex scenes, cussing) that make this anything other than a cute Christmas story.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christmas tales that are easy to read and stick to the spirit of the holiday.
“A Date with Santa,” Debbie Macomber’s newest Christmas novel, may be her most heartwarming one yet. It features Ricky, a sweet little boy who teaches his Aunt Sage the true meaning of life—and it’s not the big promotion she’s been striving for. Sage Madison is caring for her nephew Ricky while his mother is serving in the National Guard helping with a disaster cleanup. True to Debbie Macomber’s style, the book has a sweetness to it, a well crafted story and an underlying message. The “date with Santa” leads to a romance that is sure to make her readers happy. This is strictly for readers who enjoy a sweet story with little tension or darkness. If one is a reader who wants a more taut, thrilling read, this isn’t the book for that reader. Four stars. I appreciated an ARC from NetGalley.