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We Wish You a Messy Christmas: A Contemporary Christian Holiday Romance Novella with Forbidden Romance and Complicated Family Dynamics
Not yet published
Expected 1 Sep 26176 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication September 1, 2026
About the author
Melody Carlson
431 books3,382 followersMelody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
We Wish You a Messy Christmas by Melody Carlson was a great quick Christmas in July read. This book will likely have you laughing and maybe crying a bit. This book is about the Christmas season, which is usually a blessed, fun and happy time, but there are issues discussed in the story that are pretty heavy. I think the author does a great job at not making things too gloomy, but she does not seem to shy away from situations that may be a little uncomfortable that need to be talked about and worked out. There are moderate to strong mentions of faith in Jesus Christ in this book, it seems to be the right amount to encourage Christians to continue following Jesus in righteousness and at the same time to encourage those that do not know Jesus to get to know Him as their Lord and Savior. Ultimately this story, like others seems to point to the relationship we have with Jesus and how sometimes we will go through trials, but trusting in our Savior is always the answer, for He knows what is best for us, even when we do not. In addition, pointing to our relationship with Jesus, we must first love Him as He loved us and then we can love others, to include in a dating relationship and in marriage.
Malcom McEntire is the main male character. He has known Olivia Blake, the main female character pretty much all his life since they were neighbors growing up. His family is pretty laid back and unconcerned with keeping up any appearances for other people. They are a pretty close-knit family and love each other dearly. Malcolm moves away to college to become a veterinarian. While at college he runs into Olivia, they hang out and eventually begin dating.
Malcolm plans to go home for Christmas and wants to invite Olivia so they can officially tell their families about their dating. Malcolm believes his family will be elated to hear the news, but Olivia is not so sure about her parents, particularly her mother Jane. Jane is a perfectionist and more than that it may seem that she has OCD but has not ever been diagnosed. It seems to get worse as the years go by. This is why Olivia thinks her mother will likely have a hard time with her relationship with Malcolm, because Jane dislikes the McEntire’s because they are not as clean as she is or likes, to her they are very messy and she wants nothing to do with them. The reader can see how this might present a big problem for Malcolm and Olivia who may be looking to get married in the future.
Jane and her father devise a plan for a Christmas intervention. They hope that this will show Jane that she has been very difficult to live with, but that they love her and want to see her get better. As with all interventions things could go really well or it could result in a blow-up that will be hard to contain.
I really enjoyed the book, and I thought it had the right pacing for a novella. Some people may have a hard time with how Malcolm and Olivia’s relationship develops, but I think it seemed pretty normal, especially for two people who were neighbors, now moving to a dating relationship. It is worth a note to keep in mind that it is a novella, so it can be difficult to flesh out the characters and story line with enough developmental information without losing people. I think the author did a really good job on keeping these elements spot on. I recommend picking this book up, really was a cozy enjoyable read.
I received a complimentary copy from Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion
Malcom McEntire is the main male character. He has known Olivia Blake, the main female character pretty much all his life since they were neighbors growing up. His family is pretty laid back and unconcerned with keeping up any appearances for other people. They are a pretty close-knit family and love each other dearly. Malcolm moves away to college to become a veterinarian. While at college he runs into Olivia, they hang out and eventually begin dating.
Malcolm plans to go home for Christmas and wants to invite Olivia so they can officially tell their families about their dating. Malcolm believes his family will be elated to hear the news, but Olivia is not so sure about her parents, particularly her mother Jane. Jane is a perfectionist and more than that it may seem that she has OCD but has not ever been diagnosed. It seems to get worse as the years go by. This is why Olivia thinks her mother will likely have a hard time with her relationship with Malcolm, because Jane dislikes the McEntire’s because they are not as clean as she is or likes, to her they are very messy and she wants nothing to do with them. The reader can see how this might present a big problem for Malcolm and Olivia who may be looking to get married in the future.
Jane and her father devise a plan for a Christmas intervention. They hope that this will show Jane that she has been very difficult to live with, but that they love her and want to see her get better. As with all interventions things could go really well or it could result in a blow-up that will be hard to contain.
I really enjoyed the book, and I thought it had the right pacing for a novella. Some people may have a hard time with how Malcolm and Olivia’s relationship develops, but I think it seemed pretty normal, especially for two people who were neighbors, now moving to a dating relationship. It is worth a note to keep in mind that it is a novella, so it can be difficult to flesh out the characters and story line with enough developmental information without losing people. I think the author did a really good job on keeping these elements spot on. I recommend picking this book up, really was a cozy enjoyable read.
I received a complimentary copy from Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thanks to the author for my review copy.
I love the yearly Christmas Novella and again this one didn't disappoint. One thing I love is they are all different. This book features the Bradshaw and McEntire families. Jane the mother who is a perfectionist. Rob the father and accountant and daughter Olivia who now lives and works in the city. On the McEntire side we have Malcolm one of the children who is now a qualified vet and dating Olivia. His family live next door to the Bradshaw's and we see parents Cindy and Erik.
In setting this book up we see multiple points of view mostly the Bradshaws but also Malcolms and it really helps to get a full understanding of how the dynamics work. Jane is difficult her perfectionist is causing a lot of issues. She doesn't like that the neighbours are chaotic and messy in her eyes and it's getting worse. Olivia loves her mother but at the same time struggles as does Rob.
Olivia also worries Malcolm and her may not be able to stay together because of her mothers dislike for his family. There are so many dynamics. But it also highlights how something that seems simple can be hiding a bigger issue. Both Rob and Olivia wonder if Jane may have OCD or another mental health issue and they really want the best for her. The book reads really well and Melody did this book justice. It does deal with dysfunction and complicated family issues but in a good way that brings them to light without victimising people.
I love how the book progresses and loved the ending. Another great read. If you love Melody's Christmas books I am sure you will enjoy this book.
I love the yearly Christmas Novella and again this one didn't disappoint. One thing I love is they are all different. This book features the Bradshaw and McEntire families. Jane the mother who is a perfectionist. Rob the father and accountant and daughter Olivia who now lives and works in the city. On the McEntire side we have Malcolm one of the children who is now a qualified vet and dating Olivia. His family live next door to the Bradshaw's and we see parents Cindy and Erik.
In setting this book up we see multiple points of view mostly the Bradshaws but also Malcolms and it really helps to get a full understanding of how the dynamics work. Jane is difficult her perfectionist is causing a lot of issues. She doesn't like that the neighbours are chaotic and messy in her eyes and it's getting worse. Olivia loves her mother but at the same time struggles as does Rob.
Olivia also worries Malcolm and her may not be able to stay together because of her mothers dislike for his family. There are so many dynamics. But it also highlights how something that seems simple can be hiding a bigger issue. Both Rob and Olivia wonder if Jane may have OCD or another mental health issue and they really want the best for her. The book reads really well and Melody did this book justice. It does deal with dysfunction and complicated family issues but in a good way that brings them to light without victimising people.
I love how the book progresses and loved the ending. Another great read. If you love Melody's Christmas books I am sure you will enjoy this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Revell and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Melody Carlson brings a new Holiday Christian Fiction novella to the readers with 'We Wish You a Messy Christmas'. As Christmas draws near, Olivia Bradshaw will be returning home for the holidays. She has graduated college and found a job. She has also started dating the boy next door, Malcolm McEntire. This Christmas, she will need to tell her parents. She can't help but be worried about that as her perfectionist mother, Jane doesn't like the messy, fun-loving family that is the McEntires.
In the hopes of saving both Christmas and her romance, Olivia and her father, with the help of Jane's mother decide to hold an intervention. Unfortunately for them, fate steps in with a mess of its own. This novel touches on OCD and its impacts on the family dynamics as well as on the individual. While this theme is heavy, the humorous scenes are a wonderful counterbalance to it all. With the holiday setting, it brings everything into focus for all the characters. In this small town novella, we have charm, romance, faith and hope, exactly what is called for in a holiday read.
Melody Carlson brings a new Holiday Christian Fiction novella to the readers with 'We Wish You a Messy Christmas'. As Christmas draws near, Olivia Bradshaw will be returning home for the holidays. She has graduated college and found a job. She has also started dating the boy next door, Malcolm McEntire. This Christmas, she will need to tell her parents. She can't help but be worried about that as her perfectionist mother, Jane doesn't like the messy, fun-loving family that is the McEntires.
In the hopes of saving both Christmas and her romance, Olivia and her father, with the help of Jane's mother decide to hold an intervention. Unfortunately for them, fate steps in with a mess of its own. This novel touches on OCD and its impacts on the family dynamics as well as on the individual. While this theme is heavy, the humorous scenes are a wonderful counterbalance to it all. With the holiday setting, it brings everything into focus for all the characters. In this small town novella, we have charm, romance, faith and hope, exactly what is called for in a holiday read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely love reading Melody Carlson stories and this is no acception! Another wonderful Christmas novalla. Olivia Bradshaw leaves her stiff house with her stiff mom to go to college and to get a job. The hardest part figuring out who she is after a difficult relationship with her mom.
Jane Bradshaw is struggling to deal with life in general and how to allow anything to be out of her control. One challenging year after year her husband Rob decides to have a Christmas intervention to help his wife.
Malcolm McEntire has spent his child living next store to the Bradshaw's. After a chance run in with Olivia Bradshaw he decides to start a relationship. While visiting his family along with Olivia he is torn after spending time with Olivia's mom.
This is another cute Christmas story. It's funny and serious. There is also a little suspense and also second chances. The biggest lesson is you don't pick your family! I highly recommend this book!
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*
Jane Bradshaw is struggling to deal with life in general and how to allow anything to be out of her control. One challenging year after year her husband Rob decides to have a Christmas intervention to help his wife.
Malcolm McEntire has spent his child living next store to the Bradshaw's. After a chance run in with Olivia Bradshaw he decides to start a relationship. While visiting his family along with Olivia he is torn after spending time with Olivia's mom.
This is another cute Christmas story. It's funny and serious. There is also a little suspense and also second chances. The biggest lesson is you don't pick your family! I highly recommend this book!
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through Interviews and Reviews via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have enjoyed Melody Carlson's books for many years... she was in fact one of my very first introductions to Christian fiction back in high school... so I always know that her books are going to be good. Especially her Christmas stories. This one likewise did not disappoint... and might just be a new recent favorite from her too. The romance between Olivia and Malcolm was really sweet and I enjoyed them together, but I do think for me, Olivia's mom Jane was the star of the story. As someone who struggles with perfectionism (albeit in different ways than Jane), I found her a little too relatable in some of her struggles... but it certainly made for some interesting family dynamics too. This story had many laugh out moments and lots of Christmas cheer (and family drama). And as a novella, it was the perfect bite sized read for the holiday season and one you'll definitely want to add to your TBR.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The story follows Olivia Bradshaw, who worries how her neat-freak mother, Jane, will react to her dating the veterinarian next door from a very chaotic, messy family.
Jane is obsessed with tidiness to the point of showing OCD tendencies, so the family decides to stage an intervention for her over the Christmas holidays. What will happen when the two families are forced together for Christmas?
This novella is a sweet, Christmas, Christian-based rom-com. It is full of tender and witty moments. The romance in this story seemed a bit awkward and rushed, but it was a quick enjoyable read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Revell for the advance copy of this ebook. All opinions are my own.
Jane is obsessed with tidiness to the point of showing OCD tendencies, so the family decides to stage an intervention for her over the Christmas holidays. What will happen when the two families are forced together for Christmas?
This novella is a sweet, Christmas, Christian-based rom-com. It is full of tender and witty moments. The romance in this story seemed a bit awkward and rushed, but it was a quick enjoyable read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Revell for the advance copy of this ebook. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Olivia Bradshaw is dating her childhood neighbour Malcolm McEntire, and keeping their relationship a secret from her mother, Jane, who cannot stand the McEntire family and isn't shy about making her feelings known. Worried about her mother's ever increasing perfectionism, Olivia and her dad concoct a plan to create a 'messy Christmas', but then fate intervenes...
I'm a fan of Christmas novellas, but in this latest one from Melody Carlson it's a bit of a pity that the characters I liked the most didn't include Olivia!
To me it seems that compromise from various people was more helpful than everyone sticking determinedly to their own ways of doing things.
On the positive side, I love the descriptions of the McEntire family, and the kindness of Malcom's parents, especially his long-suffering mother. I also greatly enjoyed meeting Lulu, someone with whom there is definitely more than meets the eye! As you'd expect from a novel by this very experienced and award-winning author, this is a well constructed story with lots of entertaining peripheral detail. It's just a pity that for this reader the romance doesn't really work.
NOTE: I read a pre-publication version supplied by the publisher. No review was required. All comments and opinions above are entirely my own.
I'm a fan of Christmas novellas, but in this latest one from Melody Carlson it's a bit of a pity that the characters I liked the most didn't include Olivia!
To me it seems that compromise from various people was more helpful than everyone sticking determinedly to their own ways of doing things.
On the positive side, I love the descriptions of the McEntire family, and the kindness of Malcom's parents, especially his long-suffering mother. I also greatly enjoyed meeting Lulu, someone with whom there is definitely more than meets the eye! As you'd expect from a novel by this very experienced and award-winning author, this is a well constructed story with lots of entertaining peripheral detail. It's just a pity that for this reader the romance doesn't really work.
NOTE: I read a pre-publication version supplied by the publisher. No review was required. All comments and opinions above are entirely my own.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews