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The Christmas Yes List
Not yet published
Expected 6 Oct 26SOON TO BE A STREAMING ORIGINAL MOVIE!
Get ready for a laugh-out-loud holiday romance that's brimming with witty banter and heartwarming cheer by the bestselling author of Meet Me in the Margins, Melissa Ferguson.
Chronic people-pleaser Chloe Hollis is determined to finally learn how to get over her fear of rejection. Her unconventional solution? She must collect ten "nos" before Christmas Day by asking strangers for the most ridiculous favors she can dream up. But her plan goes hilariously off-track when she meets James Dutton.
James, a rule-following workaholic, has decided to do the exact opposite of he's saying "yes" to every opportunity that comes his way in hopes of finally embracing life--and maybe a little Christmas spirit.
As they continue to get tangled up in each other's wild experiment, Chloe and James find themselves in a whirlwind of festive, awkward, and delightful situations. But no one is more surprised than they are to realize they're falling in love.
With sparkling humor and swoon-worthy heart, this delightful Christmas rom-com is a feel-good story about facing fear head-on, choosing growth over comfort, and finding the courage to say "yes" to the things--and the people--that truly matter.
Get ready for a laugh-out-loud holiday romance that's brimming with witty banter and heartwarming cheer by the bestselling author of Meet Me in the Margins, Melissa Ferguson.
Chronic people-pleaser Chloe Hollis is determined to finally learn how to get over her fear of rejection. Her unconventional solution? She must collect ten "nos" before Christmas Day by asking strangers for the most ridiculous favors she can dream up. But her plan goes hilariously off-track when she meets James Dutton.
James, a rule-following workaholic, has decided to do the exact opposite of he's saying "yes" to every opportunity that comes his way in hopes of finally embracing life--and maybe a little Christmas spirit.
As they continue to get tangled up in each other's wild experiment, Chloe and James find themselves in a whirlwind of festive, awkward, and delightful situations. But no one is more surprised than they are to realize they're falling in love.
With sparkling humor and swoon-worthy heart, this delightful Christmas rom-com is a feel-good story about facing fear head-on, choosing growth over comfort, and finding the courage to say "yes" to the things--and the people--that truly matter.
352 pages, Paperback
Expected publication October 6, 2026
About the author
Melissa Ferguson
16 books2,940 followersBestselling author Melissa Ferguson lives in Tennessee, where she enjoys chasing her children and writing romantic comedies full of humor and heart. Her favorite hobby is taking friends and acquaintances and turning them into characters in her books without their knowledge.
Connect with her (and prepare for the possibility of becoming her next character) at:
Instagram: @our_friendly_farmhouse
TikTok: @ourfriendlyfarmhouse
Website: https://melissaferguson.com/
Connect with her (and prepare for the possibility of becoming her next character) at:
Instagram: @our_friendly_farmhouse
TikTok: @ourfriendlyfarmhouse
Website: https://melissaferguson.com/
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 28, 2026
Review of a ARC I received from NetGalley.
This book was everything I want in a holiday romance. I absolutely loved every second of this book! From the very first chapter, I was completely hooked and found it nearly impossible to put down.
The charming small-town setting was pure Christmas magic. Between the bustling town square with its glowing Christmas tree, cozy mugs of hot chocolate, festive carols, sledding hills packed with toboggans, and magical nights spent stargazing, Melissa Ferguson created an idyllic holiday atmosphere that made me wish I could pack my bags and move there for the season.
The romance was equally delightful. I loved the opposites-attract dynamic, and watching these two characters slowly challenge and complement one another was such a joy. The humor was another standout. It wasn’t just cute or quirky—it genuinely made me laugh out loud multiple times.
The character development was fantastic across the board, especially for the FMC. She was an endearing mix of eccentric, fun, and relatable as a recovering people-pleaser who constantly overthinks everything. Watching her learn to embrace herself and take chances made her journey incredibly satisfying.
Heartwarming, hilarious, and full of festive charm, The Christmas Yes List is the kind of Christmas romance that leaves you smiling long after you’ve turned the last page. If you’re looking for a cozy, feel-good holiday read filled with laughter, swoony romance, and all the Christmas magic you could hope for, this one belongs at the top of your holiday TBR.
This book was everything I want in a holiday romance. I absolutely loved every second of this book! From the very first chapter, I was completely hooked and found it nearly impossible to put down.
The charming small-town setting was pure Christmas magic. Between the bustling town square with its glowing Christmas tree, cozy mugs of hot chocolate, festive carols, sledding hills packed with toboggans, and magical nights spent stargazing, Melissa Ferguson created an idyllic holiday atmosphere that made me wish I could pack my bags and move there for the season.
The romance was equally delightful. I loved the opposites-attract dynamic, and watching these two characters slowly challenge and complement one another was such a joy. The humor was another standout. It wasn’t just cute or quirky—it genuinely made me laugh out loud multiple times.
The character development was fantastic across the board, especially for the FMC. She was an endearing mix of eccentric, fun, and relatable as a recovering people-pleaser who constantly overthinks everything. Watching her learn to embrace herself and take chances made her journey incredibly satisfying.
Heartwarming, hilarious, and full of festive charm, The Christmas Yes List is the kind of Christmas romance that leaves you smiling long after you’ve turned the last page. If you’re looking for a cozy, feel-good holiday read filled with laughter, swoony romance, and all the Christmas magic you could hope for, this one belongs at the top of your holiday TBR.
June 26, 2026
Review of advance reader copy received from NetGalley
4.75 stars
This book was so freaking cute. I loved Chloe and James. They were so adorable together and the ending was just so wholesome. I loved the way how James was so considerate and supportive to Chloe. I was able to relate to Chloe because I also am a people-pleaser and tend to overthink a lot. Their first meet was so cute. I also loved Chloe’s dad. He reminds me of my dad. His advice to Chloe was awesome. I loved the small town, big family vibes. The writing was amazing and very easy to follow along.
I give my thanks to the author and to NetGalley for the ARC
4.75 stars
This book was so freaking cute. I loved Chloe and James. They were so adorable together and the ending was just so wholesome. I loved the way how James was so considerate and supportive to Chloe. I was able to relate to Chloe because I also am a people-pleaser and tend to overthink a lot. Their first meet was so cute. I also loved Chloe’s dad. He reminds me of my dad. His advice to Chloe was awesome. I loved the small town, big family vibes. The writing was amazing and very easy to follow along.
I give my thanks to the author and to NetGalley for the ARC
June 24, 2026
2.5 Stars.
The vibes:
- She’s people pleaser
- He doesn’t care what anyone thinks
- Holiday / Christmas setting
- Silly / light
- Closed door (kisses only)
My thoughts:
Chloe is a people pleaser who challenges herself to get 10 rejections in the week leading up to Christmas. When she runs into James, a man who has no problem humiliating himself in public, it creates a very entertaining dynamic as Chloe keeps trying to get a rejection from James.
In the first half, I enjoyed the set up. We have both extremes of personality, but I found it both ridiculous while still being fun.
As Chloe kept making up nonsense requests, and he kept saying yes, there were definitely some festive shenanigans involved. I enjoyed the first half ok but I was really hoping we would go from silly and fun towards more depth and more emotional connection building.
Instead I felt like the plot got even more outlandish and less serious. Chloe’s antics pushed it all over the edge for me. It was giving How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days (which I love that movie but did not love that execution here).
I was asking myself who is Chloe? It almost seemed like her challenge should’ve been for herself to be saying no to things because that seemed to be the ultimate problem in a lot of situations. Right when the book is almost wrapping up, we find out about this supposed hobby that she loves so much that hasn’t really been mentioned once this entire time. And then we get another shift about her dream job. At that point, I truly felt like I had no idea who Chloe was and didn’t think any of these revelations came across organically.
Meanwhile, James is just putting up with absolute insanity. Why? He meets this woman acting insane, and somehow he has fallen for her? I really struggled with the execution her, but if you enjoy a heavy humor Christmas romcom with a fast moving relationship, you might enjoy this one!
Note / spice content: closed door (kisses only)
Release date: October 6, 2026.
Thank you so much to Melissa Ferguson, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley for the gifted copy. I received this eARC from the author/publisher, but this honest review is voluntary.
The vibes:
- She’s people pleaser
- He doesn’t care what anyone thinks
- Holiday / Christmas setting
- Silly / light
- Closed door (kisses only)
My thoughts:
Chloe is a people pleaser who challenges herself to get 10 rejections in the week leading up to Christmas. When she runs into James, a man who has no problem humiliating himself in public, it creates a very entertaining dynamic as Chloe keeps trying to get a rejection from James.
In the first half, I enjoyed the set up. We have both extremes of personality, but I found it both ridiculous while still being fun.
As Chloe kept making up nonsense requests, and he kept saying yes, there were definitely some festive shenanigans involved. I enjoyed the first half ok but I was really hoping we would go from silly and fun towards more depth and more emotional connection building.
Instead I felt like the plot got even more outlandish and less serious. Chloe’s antics pushed it all over the edge for me. It was giving How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days (which I love that movie but did not love that execution here).
I was asking myself who is Chloe? It almost seemed like her challenge should’ve been for herself to be saying no to things because that seemed to be the ultimate problem in a lot of situations. Right when the book is almost wrapping up, we find out about this supposed hobby that she loves so much that hasn’t really been mentioned once this entire time. And then we get another shift about her dream job. At that point, I truly felt like I had no idea who Chloe was and didn’t think any of these revelations came across organically.
Meanwhile, James is just putting up with absolute insanity. Why? He meets this woman acting insane, and somehow he has fallen for her? I really struggled with the execution her, but if you enjoy a heavy humor Christmas romcom with a fast moving relationship, you might enjoy this one!
Note / spice content: closed door (kisses only)
Release date: October 6, 2026.
Thank you so much to Melissa Ferguson, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley for the gifted copy. I received this eARC from the author/publisher, but this honest review is voluntary.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Chloe Hollis has spent years saying yes to everyone—often at her own expense. When her boss pressures her to make unethical accounting changes, she can’t bring herself to refuse… so she quits instead. Hoping to reset her life, she heads home for Christmas and creates a bold challenge: earn ten “no’s” from strangers before the holiday.
Her plan falters when she meets James, a stranger at the airport who agrees to every wild request she makes. What begins as a humorous experiment quickly becomes a journey filled with mishaps, heartfelt moments, and undeniable chemistry. Through it all, Chloe discovers courage she didn’t know she had—and James proves to be far more than a willing accomplice.
Melissa Ferguson’s novels are consistently warm, witty, and uplifting, and this one is no exception. It’s a delightful blend of humor, heart, and holiday cheer.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions expressed are my own.
Her plan falters when she meets James, a stranger at the airport who agrees to every wild request she makes. What begins as a humorous experiment quickly becomes a journey filled with mishaps, heartfelt moments, and undeniable chemistry. Through it all, Chloe discovers courage she didn’t know she had—and James proves to be far more than a willing accomplice.
Melissa Ferguson’s novels are consistently warm, witty, and uplifting, and this one is no exception. It’s a delightful blend of humor, heart, and holiday cheer.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Meh. I found the FMC and her best friend really annoying and there were too many cringy, awkward scenes for my taste. However, there were a couple of positives. I really loved James and enjoyed the scenes where he was kind and supportive of Chloe. I loved the part where Chloe stands up for herself and gains credibility with her mom. I enjoyed the whole Christmas shopping in the general store.
My recommendation is to read Ferguson's prior books which I love and have read multiple times including "Meet Me in the Margins", "Famous for a Living", "How to Plot a Payback", and her short story: "Dashing Through the Snow".
Meh. I found the FMC and her best friend really annoying and there were too many cringy, awkward scenes for my taste. However, there were a couple of positives. I really loved James and enjoyed the scenes where he was kind and supportive of Chloe. I loved the part where Chloe stands up for herself and gains credibility with her mom. I enjoyed the whole Christmas shopping in the general store.
My recommendation is to read Ferguson's prior books which I love and have read multiple times including "Meet Me in the Margins", "Famous for a Living", "How to Plot a Payback", and her short story: "Dashing Through the Snow".
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review The Christmas Yes List.
The story had a lovely festive premise and plenty of holiday charm. The idea of stepping outside your comfort zone by saying "yes" more often was refreshing and gave the story a positive, uplifting message.
While I enjoyed the Christmas atmosphere and found the characters likeable enough, I never felt fully invested in either the romance or their emotional journeys. The pacing was a little slow in places, and some parts felt predictable, making it difficult for the story to maintain momentum.
Overall, it's a pleasant, clean Christmas romance that's easy to read and perfect if you're after something light and festive. It just didn't leave the lasting impression I was hoping for. 3 stars.
The story had a lovely festive premise and plenty of holiday charm. The idea of stepping outside your comfort zone by saying "yes" more often was refreshing and gave the story a positive, uplifting message.
While I enjoyed the Christmas atmosphere and found the characters likeable enough, I never felt fully invested in either the romance or their emotional journeys. The pacing was a little slow in places, and some parts felt predictable, making it difficult for the story to maintain momentum.
Overall, it's a pleasant, clean Christmas romance that's easy to read and perfect if you're after something light and festive. It just didn't leave the lasting impression I was hoping for. 3 stars.
Read
June 12, 2026The Christmas Yes List by Melissa Ferguson is a light wholesome story.
Chloe Hollis is a people pleaser and cannot say no. She tries to challenge herself by getting 10 "no's" by Christmas. Her plan fails when she meets James, who says yes to everything.
This light hearted story is full of fun and some crazy adventures. True to Melissa Ferguson's style, there is lots of funny banter between Chloe and James. James can't help but say yes to all of Chloe's requests. This is a clean, sweet slow burn romance.
I received a complementary e-copy via Net Galley. All opinions expressed are my own.
Chloe Hollis is a people pleaser and cannot say no. She tries to challenge herself by getting 10 "no's" by Christmas. Her plan fails when she meets James, who says yes to everything.
This light hearted story is full of fun and some crazy adventures. True to Melissa Ferguson's style, there is lots of funny banter between Chloe and James. James can't help but say yes to all of Chloe's requests. This is a clean, sweet slow burn romance.
I received a complementary e-copy via Net Galley. All opinions expressed are my own.
reading-next-arc-approvals
June 25, 2026PUBLISH DATE: Oct 06, 2026
PUBLISH DATE: Oct 06, 2026
BOOK TITLE: The Christmas Yes List
AUTHOR: Melissa Ferguson
PUBLISHER: Thomas Nelson Fiction
FORMAT: ebook
PAGES: 352
I received a complimentary digital ARC [Advanced Readers Copy] of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
PUBLISH DATE: Oct 06, 2026
BOOK TITLE: The Christmas Yes List
AUTHOR: Melissa Ferguson
PUBLISHER: Thomas Nelson Fiction
FORMAT: ebook
PAGES: 352
I received a complimentary digital ARC [Advanced Readers Copy] of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A fun and lighthearted rom-com from the master of them! If you've never read Ferguson, start with Meet Me in the Margins-- it's the best of them all, in my opinion.
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Not bad but I still have hope for this author to write something as perfect as Jack Sterling again... I mean, "The perfect romcom"
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews