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A Very Merry Christmas
Previously published in
Holiday Magic
From acclaimed author Cathy Lamb comes a tender and uplifting story of the challenges and surprises of family, belonging, love…and Christmas.
Some people careen through life trailing chaos in their wake. Others get to pick up the pieces. Meredith Ghirlandaio is generally in the latter category, especially when it comes to her irresponsible sister, Leia. Leia’s latest move: abandoning her two children while she runs off to rediscover herself. Meredith immediately steps up, bringing rebellious Sarah and withdrawn Jacob back to her hometown of Telena, Montana, where she opens a B&B.
Despite the “Merry Meredith” nickname she earns from her guests, she’s too wary—and too busy—to get involved with any man. Especially one like handsome, self-assured Logan Taylor. But Logan’s not easy to shake, and makes it plain that he’s drawn to everything about Meredith—her tough talk and her cowboy hats, her softness and her strength.
Roped into chairing the Telena Christmas concert, Meredith brings townsfolk of all ages together to share stories, talents, and rehearsal potluck dinners. Little by little she’s opening up too. And in between navigating the lessons of the past and acknowledging her own hopes for holidays yet to come, she’s learning that all the gifts she really needs are right there, waiting—if only she’ll claim them.
From acclaimed author Cathy Lamb comes a tender and uplifting story of the challenges and surprises of family, belonging, love…and Christmas.
Some people careen through life trailing chaos in their wake. Others get to pick up the pieces. Meredith Ghirlandaio is generally in the latter category, especially when it comes to her irresponsible sister, Leia. Leia’s latest move: abandoning her two children while she runs off to rediscover herself. Meredith immediately steps up, bringing rebellious Sarah and withdrawn Jacob back to her hometown of Telena, Montana, where she opens a B&B.
Despite the “Merry Meredith” nickname she earns from her guests, she’s too wary—and too busy—to get involved with any man. Especially one like handsome, self-assured Logan Taylor. But Logan’s not easy to shake, and makes it plain that he’s drawn to everything about Meredith—her tough talk and her cowboy hats, her softness and her strength.
Roped into chairing the Telena Christmas concert, Meredith brings townsfolk of all ages together to share stories, talents, and rehearsal potluck dinners. Little by little she’s opening up too. And in between navigating the lessons of the past and acknowledging her own hopes for holidays yet to come, she’s learning that all the gifts she really needs are right there, waiting—if only she’ll claim them.
120 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2010
100 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Lamb
24 books1,598 followersCathy Lamb was born in Newport Beach, California. As a child, she mastered the art of skateboarding, catching butterflies in bottles, and riding her bike with no hands. When she was 10, her parents moved her, two sisters, a brother, and two poorly behaved dogs to Oregon before she could fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a surfer bum.
She then embarked on her notable academic career where she earned good grades now and then, spent a great deal of time daydreaming, ran wild with a number of friends, and landed on the newspaper staff in high school. When she saw her byline above an article about people making out in the hallways of the high school, she knew she had found her true calling.
After two years of partying at the University of Oregon, she settled down for the next three years and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education, and became a fourth grade teacher. It was difficult for her to become proper and conservative but she threw out her red cowboy boots and persevered. She had no choice. She had to eat, and health insurance is expensive.
She met her husband on a blind date. A mutual friend who was an undercover vice cop busting drug dealers set them up. It was love at third sight.
Teaching children about the Oregon Trail and multiplication facts amused her until she became so gigantically pregnant with twins she looked like a small cow and could barely walk. With a three year old at home, she decided it was time to make a graceful exit and waddle on out. She left school one day and never went back. She likes to think her students missed her.
When Cathy was no longer smothered in diapers and pacifiers, she took a turn onto the hazardous road of freelance writing and wrote almost 200 articles on homes, home décor, people and fashion for a local newspaper. As she is not fashionable and can hardly stand to shop, it was an eye opener for her to find that some women actually do obsess about what to wear. She also learned it would probably be more relaxing to slam a hammer against one’s forehead than engage in a large and costly home remodeling project.
Cathy suffers from, “I Would Rather Play Than Work Disease” which prevents her from getting much work done unless she has a threatening deadline. She likes to hang with family and friends, walk, eat chocolate, camp, travel, and is slightly obsessive about the types of books she reads. She also likes to be left alone a lot so she can hear all the odd characters in her head talk to each other and then transfer that oddness to paper. The characters usually don’t start to talk until 10:00 at night, however, so she is often up ‘til 2:00 in the morning with them. That is her excuse for being cranky.
She adores her children and husband, except when he refuses to take his dirty shoes off and walks on the carpet. She will ski because her children insist, but she secretly doesn’t like it at all. Too cold and she falls all the time.
She is currently working on her next book and isn’t sleeping much.
She then embarked on her notable academic career where she earned good grades now and then, spent a great deal of time daydreaming, ran wild with a number of friends, and landed on the newspaper staff in high school. When she saw her byline above an article about people making out in the hallways of the high school, she knew she had found her true calling.
After two years of partying at the University of Oregon, she settled down for the next three years and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education, and became a fourth grade teacher. It was difficult for her to become proper and conservative but she threw out her red cowboy boots and persevered. She had no choice. She had to eat, and health insurance is expensive.
She met her husband on a blind date. A mutual friend who was an undercover vice cop busting drug dealers set them up. It was love at third sight.
Teaching children about the Oregon Trail and multiplication facts amused her until she became so gigantically pregnant with twins she looked like a small cow and could barely walk. With a three year old at home, she decided it was time to make a graceful exit and waddle on out. She left school one day and never went back. She likes to think her students missed her.
When Cathy was no longer smothered in diapers and pacifiers, she took a turn onto the hazardous road of freelance writing and wrote almost 200 articles on homes, home décor, people and fashion for a local newspaper. As she is not fashionable and can hardly stand to shop, it was an eye opener for her to find that some women actually do obsess about what to wear. She also learned it would probably be more relaxing to slam a hammer against one’s forehead than engage in a large and costly home remodeling project.
Cathy suffers from, “I Would Rather Play Than Work Disease” which prevents her from getting much work done unless she has a threatening deadline. She likes to hang with family and friends, walk, eat chocolate, camp, travel, and is slightly obsessive about the types of books she reads. She also likes to be left alone a lot so she can hear all the odd characters in her head talk to each other and then transfer that oddness to paper. The characters usually don’t start to talk until 10:00 at night, however, so she is often up ‘til 2:00 in the morning with them. That is her excuse for being cranky.
She adores her children and husband, except when he refuses to take his dirty shoes off and walks on the carpet. She will ski because her children insist, but she secretly doesn’t like it at all. Too cold and she falls all the time.
She is currently working on her next book and isn’t sleeping much.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
December 26, 2017
Very enjoyable and quick read. Perfect read for the holiday season with good believable characters.
December 27, 2017
I'm surprised at all the good reviews. From the sounds of the reviews, even the one negative review, this author is a good writer. I found no evidence of that. From the very beginning, every character was over the top and cartoonish. The writing was bad and the editing nonexistent. For example, multiple times in the first few pages, the author used "Why" as an introductory phrase but without a comma, so the sentence read as a question without a question mark at the end. I gave up after 8% of the book. Glad it was free.
December 14, 2017
Funny and tender
A Very Merry Christmas is now my favorite Christmas book!! There is so much to love about this book! Characters who have suffered and lost, but who have never forgotten to be grateful and who love with all their heart. A story that had me smiling and laughing through my tears. A setting that is beautiful and wintry. Cathy Lamb has woven these elements together in a story that is warm, touching, poignant, heartfelt, and funny. Treat yourself during the holidays, or anytime; it’s filled with delight and goodness.
A Very Merry Christmas is now my favorite Christmas book!! There is so much to love about this book! Characters who have suffered and lost, but who have never forgotten to be grateful and who love with all their heart. A story that had me smiling and laughing through my tears. A setting that is beautiful and wintry. Cathy Lamb has woven these elements together in a story that is warm, touching, poignant, heartfelt, and funny. Treat yourself during the holidays, or anytime; it’s filled with delight and goodness.
December 23, 2017
I don't read many Christmas theme books but when I saw Cathy Lamb's name on this one, I had to make an exception and am I ever glad that I did. It's a great story about love and family - not just the family you are born with but the family made up of the people you care about most. Plus there is a great love story to spice up the pages.
Meredith appears to be a tough young lady who is running a b&b in Montana. She loves her cowboy hats and boots and makes sure that no one takes advantage of her or her friends. But underneath that hard shell, she is trying hard to keep her life together. She is taking care of her sister's two abandoned teenagers, trying to make ends meet financially and when she is asked to be in charge of the town's Christmas program, she agrees despite her personal problems. Along with all of that going on her life, Logan is trying to establish a relationship with her.
As the town reaches out to help in the Christmas program, Meredith begins to learn what's really important in life and love.
Meredith appears to be a tough young lady who is running a b&b in Montana. She loves her cowboy hats and boots and makes sure that no one takes advantage of her or her friends. But underneath that hard shell, she is trying hard to keep her life together. She is taking care of her sister's two abandoned teenagers, trying to make ends meet financially and when she is asked to be in charge of the town's Christmas program, she agrees despite her personal problems. Along with all of that going on her life, Logan is trying to establish a relationship with her.
As the town reaches out to help in the Christmas program, Meredith begins to learn what's really important in life and love.
January 3, 2017
A wonderful and original light read that is perfect for the Season. The title maybe a bit uninspired, but surely the content made up for that. Especially the secondary characters made this story work for me. I love books that bring people together and depict a true sense of community; that’s what I found in Telena, Montana. I will not deny this is a light romantic read and that those secondary characters are a bit far-fetched and quirky, but there were other elements that balanced that out, especially the main character’s (Meredith) dedication to her sister’s children, Sarah and Jacob, all her B&B’s customers, the Christmas Choir, heck, to the community – and she does it in her own unique way.
We also learn that Meredith Ghirlandaio has a secret, that she’s hiding what is wrong with her. That she probably got that from “the accident” – and that is why she can’t commit to Logan, an honorable man who is determined to win her heart.
Please don’t think too much while reading this book – simply enjoy! ****3,75****
We also learn that Meredith Ghirlandaio has a secret, that she’s hiding what is wrong with her. That she probably got that from “the accident” – and that is why she can’t commit to Logan, an honorable man who is determined to win her heart.
Please don’t think too much while reading this book – simply enjoy! ****3,75****
January 16, 2020
Super quick read/story. It’s like a preview of a good Cathy lamb story..it could of been really good! Just too short to get the usual details and characters she usually has.
January 28, 2020
I'm new to this author so I'm not sure if she's always like this, or if it's because it's a novella (a lot of authors seem to have trouble with shorter formats) but in my opinion, this just wasn't good.
The writing was oddly old fashioned at times. Like you were reading something from the 1800's. The characters were mainly one dimensional, like the Rebellious Teen Girl who pretty much only exists to wear skimpy clothing and get in trouble, but then does a 180 because a potential father figure (?) has a single conversation with her. Rebellious Teen Girl's mother is a cardboard cut out of a Bad Mother, with no redeeming qualities at all.
Then we have the main hero, who wouldn't take no for an answer. She keeps saying no, she won't go out with him and he keeps insisting, pushing her, showing up to take her out, even physically picking her up at one point. Pretty ironic given that the story opens with the heroine having to deal with a drunk lech who won't take no for an answer. But I guess when the guy is hot, it's ok to be pushy and not listen to her wishes? (pro tip - no, it's not ok just because he's hot).
The story as a whole was very melodramatic. When you finally get the big reveal, it's handled in such a way that the guy is actually angry (to the point of shouting) at the woman for having her feelings. Basically he's angry because she thought he would care about a physical issue she has. Back story is that other men in her life did (apparently were quite cruel to her and dumped her because of it) and her sister keeps telling her she'll never get a guy because of it, outright telling her she'll never be beautiful. So of course she has issues, but the man makes it all about him and how *dare she* think he'd be shallow. Basically, a self centered asshole who won't take no for an answer and then, when he pushes, makes someone else's problem all about him.
And don't forget the two immigrant characters, both of whom speak the same accented broken English (despite being from different countries) but it's ok because they both have Immigrant Wisdom to share from their homelands. Or something. Though, to be fair, the whole town is full of people we can learn from in stereotypical ways, like the best friends (called the Three Wise Women) or the WWII vets who came out of the war learning the true meaning of Christmas (not making that up!).
So all in all, bad writing, bad characters, silly plot.
The writing was oddly old fashioned at times. Like you were reading something from the 1800's. The characters were mainly one dimensional, like the Rebellious Teen Girl who pretty much only exists to wear skimpy clothing and get in trouble, but then does a 180 because a potential father figure (?) has a single conversation with her. Rebellious Teen Girl's mother is a cardboard cut out of a Bad Mother, with no redeeming qualities at all.
Then we have the main hero, who wouldn't take no for an answer. She keeps saying no, she won't go out with him and he keeps insisting, pushing her, showing up to take her out, even physically picking her up at one point. Pretty ironic given that the story opens with the heroine having to deal with a drunk lech who won't take no for an answer. But I guess when the guy is hot, it's ok to be pushy and not listen to her wishes? (pro tip - no, it's not ok just because he's hot).
The story as a whole was very melodramatic. When you finally get the big reveal, it's handled in such a way that the guy is actually angry (to the point of shouting) at the woman for having her feelings. Basically he's angry because she thought he would care about a physical issue she has. Back story is that other men in her life did (apparently were quite cruel to her and dumped her because of it) and her sister keeps telling her she'll never get a guy because of it, outright telling her she'll never be beautiful. So of course she has issues, but the man makes it all about him and how *dare she* think he'd be shallow. Basically, a self centered asshole who won't take no for an answer and then, when he pushes, makes someone else's problem all about him.
And don't forget the two immigrant characters, both of whom speak the same accented broken English (despite being from different countries) but it's ok because they both have Immigrant Wisdom to share from their homelands. Or something. Though, to be fair, the whole town is full of people we can learn from in stereotypical ways, like the best friends (called the Three Wise Women) or the WWII vets who came out of the war learning the true meaning of Christmas (not making that up!).
So all in all, bad writing, bad characters, silly plot.
December 26, 2017
Miracles can really happen at Christmas.....
Meredith is a feisty, hard-shelled woman who experienced tragedy years earlier when her irresponsible sister made the choice to drive drunk, causing nearly fatal injuries to Meredith. Through long months of pain and rehab, Meredith chose to isolate herself from any type of opposite sex relationship. When super-hot cowboy, Logan, comes into her life, can she resist him? Can he break through her resistance? As their friendship deepens and Meredith's protective walls begin to crumble, an ill-timed phone call from her sister threatens any confidence Meredith has gained. Only by confessing her fears can she hope to move forward. But is Logan willing to remain in her life after her gut-wrenching revelation? Is he the loving, compassionate cowboy Meredith needs, and can he trust that she won't continue to push him away?
A nice Christmas read, with amusing and quirky characters, that will have you alternating between rooting for or wanting to throttle some of the characters for their decisions.... Good dialogue and interaction and plot moves steadily. Recommended!
Meredith is a feisty, hard-shelled woman who experienced tragedy years earlier when her irresponsible sister made the choice to drive drunk, causing nearly fatal injuries to Meredith. Through long months of pain and rehab, Meredith chose to isolate herself from any type of opposite sex relationship. When super-hot cowboy, Logan, comes into her life, can she resist him? Can he break through her resistance? As their friendship deepens and Meredith's protective walls begin to crumble, an ill-timed phone call from her sister threatens any confidence Meredith has gained. Only by confessing her fears can she hope to move forward. But is Logan willing to remain in her life after her gut-wrenching revelation? Is he the loving, compassionate cowboy Meredith needs, and can he trust that she won't continue to push him away?
A nice Christmas read, with amusing and quirky characters, that will have you alternating between rooting for or wanting to throttle some of the characters for their decisions.... Good dialogue and interaction and plot moves steadily. Recommended!
November 19, 2025
So as the days get darker and shorter, I tend towards lighter reading. This is my second Christmas book of the season.
For a Christmas book, it was ok. Did its job. There was a part where I thought the FMC's "big secret" was going to be something much more personal than it was. Turned out it was just her own insecurity that got weirdly encouraged by the people around her. The MMC was just a touch pushy and overly emotional for me. I liked the small town aspect but I do feel for such a short book there were too many characters. Oh and the FMC's besties were... out there. One so obsessed with math that people expected math books as Christmas presents from her, and one whose husband was so into different kinks that it sounded like she needed a break from sex every time they talked, but she never seemed to express that sentiment to him. I was never sure what message I was supposed to get from her, it was unclear if she actually liked any of it or not.
I'll give it three stars because it was basically...fine.
For a Christmas book, it was ok. Did its job. There was a part where I thought the FMC's "big secret" was going to be something much more personal than it was. Turned out it was just her own insecurity that got weirdly encouraged by the people around her. The MMC was just a touch pushy and overly emotional for me. I liked the small town aspect but I do feel for such a short book there were too many characters. Oh and the FMC's besties were... out there. One so obsessed with math that people expected math books as Christmas presents from her, and one whose husband was so into different kinks that it sounded like she needed a break from sex every time they talked, but she never seemed to express that sentiment to him. I was never sure what message I was supposed to get from her, it was unclear if she actually liked any of it or not.
I'll give it three stars because it was basically...fine.
December 2, 2016
I generally love Cathy Lamb and her quirky books. This one, however, was cliche and formulaic. Her typical themes: a heroine who has some dark past or secret that makes her insecure or doubts herself; a tall, studly hero who doesn't care about the secret and pursues her anyway; fun and funky friends; the ability to pull people together; and a "happily ever after" ending. Somehow, it just wasn't enough in this short book. There wasn't a good enough payoff and the "secret" was merely insecurity.
January 1, 2018
This is what happens when you're trying to meet your books read goal before the end of the year and you find a short holiday themed story offer on your Nook for free . Sigh. Characters are crazy over the top and the basic plot is a typical cliche for this type of book. My first story by this offer, but I suspect she wouldn't fit in among my usual picks. Didn't all out hate it but I don't think I'll be searching for more.
December 16, 2023
4.5
This is a very cute read that manages to be both a fantastical, frothy confection while also tackling tough topics. It has all the bits you best love to see during the holidays: love (of course!), overcoming struggles, redemption, acceptance. There are a variety of characters that all have their own special quirks.
One thing stood out to me: the only people of color seemed to be immigrants, and immigrants who spoke in broken English. One was a professor from Nigeria. The top language spoken in Nigeria? English.
That aside, it was a GoodRead to relax into the holiday season.
This is a very cute read that manages to be both a fantastical, frothy confection while also tackling tough topics. It has all the bits you best love to see during the holidays: love (of course!), overcoming struggles, redemption, acceptance. There are a variety of characters that all have their own special quirks.
One thing stood out to me: the only people of color seemed to be immigrants, and immigrants who spoke in broken English. One was a professor from Nigeria. The top language spoken in Nigeria? English.
That aside, it was a GoodRead to relax into the holiday season.
December 26, 2025
This is about over coming fear and learning to trust, for everyone really. A community comes together to put on a Christmas show. It brings a lot of people together, who discover they are no longer, or they can be brave enough to perform. Plus our heroine finds she can heal from a bad accident and learns to really trust the man she finds she loves because he is loving, honest and has integrity. And her niece and nephew a new life for them too.
January 3, 2018
I downloaded this novella into my Nook library when Barnes and Noble offered it for free in 2017. It is a quick read because there are 3 teasers for more books by Cathy Lamb at the end.
It is entertaining and predictable. Enjoy it as you might have enjoyed one of Meredith's merengue cookies or pink cake.
It is entertaining and predictable. Enjoy it as you might have enjoyed one of Meredith's merengue cookies or pink cake.
December 24, 2017
Cathy Lamb writes about beautifully flawed women that are kind, caring and inclusive. She makes me want to know and be friends with her characters. Meredith was a beautiful, kind, wonderful soul. Logan is a man all women dream about. I love how all of Cathy's characters have some talent. I have yet to read a book by Cathy Lamb that I haven't loved.
December 28, 2017
I didn't really enjoy this book. I actually had to skim some of it because I was so bored but I hate not finishing a book. None of the characters really felt like real people, particularly the secondary characters. I'm sure the scenes with the "Three Wise Women" supposed to be funny but they weren't. They were too predictable as these secondary characters had no personality.
December 26, 2017
I enjoyed this fast-read that I started on 12/23 and completed on 12/24. Although the male love interest was just a wee bit too perfect of a specimen, I relished the opportunity to get immersed in a love story whose female protagonist was strong and soft at the same time. No one pushes HER around!
January 4, 2018
Short love story about two people who fall in love. Meredith was in a serious car accident years ago. She carries a lot of baggage with her so falling in love is not going to happen. However, Logan changes that and her view of life. Quick read but not much depth to the story.
December 28, 2018
It's a fun, light, quirky short story. Don't expect a lot of details or in depth character development. Short stories don't have time for that. Definitely a fun light read especially for the authors fans. If you aren't familiar with her work, I'd suggest you try them first.
December 25, 2023
This was a fun story. Logan and Meridith are very intricate characters and there was a lot going on, but there was always hummer mixed in . The addition of all the quirky characters with their interesting backgrounds made the book all that more interesting!
October 17, 2024
Too bad there aren't really men like Logan!
Enjoyed this book, easy read, a little bit sexy, and I like how everyone lives happily ever after! Looking forward to reading additional books by Cathy Lamb.
Enjoyed this book, easy read, a little bit sexy, and I like how everyone lives happily ever after! Looking forward to reading additional books by Cathy Lamb.
December 24, 2017
Perfect holiday read! Everything Cathy Lamb writes is wonderful and this one is no exception. Great characters that I loved getting to know!
December 29, 2017
This was a nice quick holiday read. The characters were likeable and the romance was believable enough since the main characters had a lot in common. I enjoyed the secondary characters as well.
December 30, 2017
Cute story!
January 2, 2018
Great book, wonderful Christmas book - makes you think and reflect!
January 8, 2018
Good
this book is how one young gives so much of her self to family and the town she grew up in.
this book is how one young gives so much of her self to family and the town she grew up in.
January 31, 2018
very cute, perfect for Christmas season.
September 11, 2018
What can I say? I love Cathy Lamb and her characters. She writes great romance novels and this one is no exception.
October 1, 2018
Outstanding as always. Cathy Lamb is a awesome story teller.
October 24, 2018
Very enjoyable and quick read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews