I'll Be Home for Christmas: Silver Bells / On a Snowy Christmas / The Perfect Holiday

by Debbie Macomber, Brenda Novak, Sherryl Woods

Three holiday favorites from New York Times bestselling authors!

Silver Bells by Debbie Macomber

A single dad's rambunctious teenage daughter hatches a plot to find her father a wife, and she has just the woman in mind. He may claim he's not interested in remarriage, but perhaps the magic of the holiday season will help him change his mind.

On a Snowy Christmas by Brenda Novak

When their private plane crashes in the Sierra Nevada Mountains shortly before Christmas, two political enemies discover that survival means more than just staying alive. In their case, it also means falling in love...

The Perfect Holiday by Sherryl Woods

What's a holiday without a handsome husband? To a matchmaking aunt, it isn't very festive at all! So she sends the perfect man to her single niece. But will he become the perfect groom-to-be by Christmastime?

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Fiction, Anthologies, Short Stories, Novella

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 26, 2017

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed these 3 short heartwarming Christmas stories.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

53. Debbie MacComber, Brenda Novak, Sherryl Woods, I’ll Be Home For Christmas (library ebook 2018)

It’s that time of year for Holiday Romances! I love holiday romance anthologies because I can speed through a tale or two while taking a brief break from the far more serious books I’m reading for a reason. Sadly, this was one of my least favorite anthologies even though I usually like all three authors.

Two tales are a couple brought together by another family member. In the first, Silver Bells, young daughter is looking for a new step-mom/love interest for her forlorn widowed father, Jason. In the second (The Perfect Holiday, which is actually the third story) a recent divorcee’s dearly departed Aunt Mae was convinced before she passed that she knew the perfect match for her and arranged a scheme for Savannah to meet her close friend Trace.

The first story was too cutsie. The daughter makes it clear from the start that her dad needs a girlfriend and that Carrie should be it There’s very little actual tension The dad claims he doesn’t want to date, but he’s easily won over.

The tension was a little more real in the Perfect Holiday, but what drove me craziest was that it felt like Trace was trying to hard to buy Savannah’s affection. Their attraction happened too fast and his gestures for someone he just met were too over the top.

SPOILERS AHEAD
The final story, On a Snowy Christmas, drove me crazy. Adelaide’s husband Mark was a state senator before he died in a car accident. Maxim was appointed to fill out the rest of his term, but now faces reelection. Adelaide’s upset with the way Maxim has treated Mark’s legacy so she jumps in to primary him, picking up some key donors. Just before Christmas the governor insists they show up at his fundraiser (at least that aspect is realistic). So both of them fly to it in a small plane that goes down in a snowstorm on a mountain, and that’s when the crazy sauce really begins.

I had problems with this story on so many levels, but let’s start with the underlying comment. Maxim did dislike Adelaide’s husband. He thought he was corrupt, but never had the proof. But he also suspected he was gay so he asks a political operative to look at it to try in use the information against Adelaide’s campaign. But then he and Adelaide get stranded on a mountain in the cold and then badonka-donka, because what better way to stay warm. He’s attracted to her and decides maybe he doesn’t want to ruin her memories of her dead husband. Besides, probably no more badonka-donka if he were to trash the dead guy.

His operative Harvey does turn up some dirt – Mark had been having an affair with his 17 year-old male intern. Maxim doesn’t want it to go public so he pays off Harvey who leaks the info through another campaign. (Sorry, but no operative is going to do that because it would ruin his career). Adelaide’s horrified at first, but then forgives him because she misses the Badonka-donka, and sounds like Mark was a bad guy.

UGH. The first major stumbling block for me was that Maxim had his op looking into whether Mark was gay. So what if he was? He wouldn’t have been the first to take the closet secret to the grave. I agree that the 17 year-old intern aspect was problematic and would have been reason if Mark was alive to ask him to step down, but Maxim started looking because it was a male partner, not a young one. And this book was just published last year in 2017. Outing a dead politician as a campaign strategy is terrible.
And, the whole tarring his widow over his behavior. It was bad when they did it to Hillary or any other political wife. You shouldn’t tar a female with her husband’s indiscretions. Ugh, ugh, ugh.

And the whole scene in the snow made no sense. At first Maxim is insisting Adelaide stay awake because she’ll die if she falls asleep. But after the sex, it’s okay. And he also makes a big deal about her outfit, which appears to be a skirt, hose, and pumps. As someone from a cold weather climate, I agree. Not clothing to be trekking around in. Yet, the next day he insists she follow him through the snow. How? Literally, how is she walking through snow in that.

Anyway, this rant has gone on far longer than this story deserves. Ugh, yuck, bleah.

Ratings on the books. Silver Bells 3/5, On a Snowy Day, 1/5 Perfect Holiday 3.5/5

[Deepa Swaminathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boughs of holly are strung on streets,
Every door is adorned with Pine wreaths,
Shining ornaments and bright lights are set aglow,
It’s time for a Christmas read as the window panes get covered in snow.

This is a collection of 3 Christmas stories. Here are a few words about the famous authors:
Authors:
Debbie Macomber: This name is so popular in the USA that every bookstore has at least one of her books up in the best- sellers Bookshelf. When I check out a book from this author from our library, the librarian has a couple of things to commend about her writing! She has written over 150 books and 6 of her novels have been adapted into the small screen. Emerging from the ‘Romance’ genre, her novels are all about families, new relationships and heartwarming emotions.

Brenda Novak: She too, writes heart-tugging stories of emotion and has written over 100 novels. There are different series of books that have emerged from her pen. Each of the series is based on a specific fictional town. The characters are so well defined that you would wish them to be real flesh and blood people.

Sherryl Woods: Since 1982, she has penned over 110 novels and most of them have excellent ratings by book lovers. She has written her novels under 2 more pen names: "Alexandra Kirk" and "Suzanne Sherrill". Our library shelves have a huge collection of her works. Her books are also abundant in the ‘Large Print’ section of the library since many of the elderly members have requested for them. Young and old, this author seems to have enchanted bookworms of all ages.

It is no wonder that the most harmonious time of the year would have egged these 3 maestros to come together and contribute a story for this collection which has a backdrop of Christmas lights!
Now, for a few words on the novellas:

1. Silver Bells: By Debbie Macomber: Philip has moved into an apartment with his 12-year-old charming daughter Mackenzie. He has been divorced since 3 years. Carrie, a single IT professional, is his neighbor. In a building of eccentric people, there is a fortune-telling lady who roams around with her crystal ball, a strong weightlifter and a lady who owns numerous cats.

Philip can’t wait to get out of this loony bin and buy a home for himself. However, young Mackenzie has seeded a path for her dad’s future in her mind. She firmly believes that her father can find happiness and love again if he keeps an open mind. She sincerely hopes the holiday season will bring warmth and cheer to their hearts.

My Opinion: This is a cheery one-time read for the holiday season. I liked the way the eccentric characters add their own flavor to this Christmas aria. Although this is a love story of 2 hearts afraid of falling in love, the story mainly revolves around Mackenzie. Her thoughts, emotions, her complacence regarding her father’s mind, her defensiveness and hidden disappointment for her mother who barely cares about her has been expressed well. However, the ending seems hurried and unreasonable. It is as though the publisher suddenly asked the author to stop writing a novel and write a short story instead.
Rating: 2.5 stars (A simple and believable love story)

2. On a Snowy Christmas: By Brenda Novak- Political shark Maxim Donahue and young widow Adelaide Fairfax are pitted against each other for the upcoming elections. Maxim is ambitious and ruthless in his campaigns. However, Adelaide has a strong chance of winning due to sympathy votes and respect from followers for her late husband who was the actual candidate for elections.

While flying in a private jet for a conference, their flight crashes in a snowbound area. Being the only 2 survivors from the flight, Maxim and Adelaide now have no option but to support each other and survive the very harsh conditions.

My opinion: This is a very gripping story that I couldn’t put down. The sudden turn of events in the story enthralls the reader. The love story that emerges from a disaster gives a message that bleak times always pass when there is hope in the heart.
Rating: 4 stars. (A compelling Love story)

3. The Perfect Holiday: By Sherryl Woods
This one was, unfortunately, the weakest. Trace Frank is the owner of a huge toy store, but is in no way easy with kids. His aunt’s last wish is that he should visit her home called ‘The Holiday Retreat’ in a small town in Vermont every Christmas. Nostalgic and emotional, he arrives at the huge mansion at Vermont just to keep up his promise to the elderly friend, only to find a young woman living there with her daughter. Recently divorced Savannah has inherited The Holiday Retreat and has made snowy Vermont her home after living for years in sunny Florida. She hopes to improve her financial situation by converting her grandmom’s home into an inn.

My Opinion: Trace Frank, who has never enjoyed any festival, somehow immediately starts joking and laughing the minute he lands in the house. The financially unstable Savannah is overwhelmed at the rickety structure of the house, but Frank magically transforms the house in a couple of days! I get the objective of writing a fantasy love story, but this is bordering on ‘creepy’. The characters are volatile and never behave as expected. I did not enjoy this one much.
Rating: 2 stars. (A La-la land love story)

[Aryana's Library · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was oddly disturbing at times, and good at others.

You’re telling me in the second story they do the horizontal monster mash to stay warm and are lustful for each other… WHEN THEIR PLANE JUST CRASHED??

Hot take: if it’s a short story and/or less than 12 chapters, it should have no spice

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth it

Three great authors three great stories. All three were touching and loving in their own way. Would definitely recommend this book.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked the main story but the short stories needed further to the endings

[Ancillar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tis' the season of holiday romances and all.I enjoyed On a Snowy Christmas by Brenda Novak more because it was more of enemies to lovers book because it's my favorite trope

[Danielle Urban · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll Be Home for Christmas is a book containing three Christmas novellas. Each one is done by a talented and well-known writer. These writers include: Debbie Macomber, Brenda Novak, and Sherryl Woods. It's collection is sweet, sexy, and heartfelt. Christmas time is a time for family, healing, and new beginnings. These areas are explored in each piece.

In Silver Bells by Debbie Macomber, I got to follow a teenage girl separated from her mother and living with her dad. Her dad has buried himself into his work and ignored her. She misses the way things used to be between them. Her father is always grouchy. But when they move into an apartment with quirky characters, the daughter goes on a plan to find her father a wife. But he refuses her offer. But then, the woman he's being setup with is just as enticing to his daughter as she is to him. A woman who needs a man in her life, soon gets her wish. However, there are many fun bumps in this journey. I laughed a lot in this story. The characters were realistic. It was fun watching all the main characters transform with every page.

On A Snowy Christmas by Brenda Novak, is just the thing to heat up the night. A plane carrying two nemesis soon crashes. The pilot dies leaving the two enemies working together to stay alive. The woman would rather save her pride than admit her attraction to her enemy. The man has been fighting his desire for his enemy since day one. Now, stuck in the freezing wilderness, they both need each other to stay alive until help arrives, if ever. Heat, passion, and frustration adds to the tension of this tale. Both characters want to make it out alive and return home in time for Christmas. Complications arise between the two and it takes a whole lot of trust and a risk to keep what they want alive between them. Sexy, entertaining, and funny...Brenda Novak wrote well. I was thoroughly engaged with her story.

The Perfect Holiday by Sherryl Woods is was the sweetest touch to this novella collection. I liked how two strangers were connected at the same pulled to together at random. An older lady makes a young man promise her to return to her inn at Christmastime. About that same time, her family relative, whom she left the inn too, also moves into the inn. Both miss the older woman terribly. However, they find a compromise and both stay at the inn. With the woman's young daughter, the trio becomes best friends and more. Take chances, risk your heart, and fall in love again! This story was my favorite out of the three. Spicy yet still sweet enough to keep my interest the whole way. Sherryl Woods created a magical piece with this enchanting short tale.

I received this copy from the publisher. This, is my voluntary review.

[Marci Hopkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought I like all three of these stories until I had to sit down and think of which was my favorite. Then I realized that while I walked away from each story with a warm, Christmasy feeling, I never really want to reread them again. Short stories can be difficult because it's hard to manage that sort of instant relationship, but none of these stories handled that particularly well. The Novak comes closest with managing the antagonism turned love.
Silver Bells by Debbie Macomber - I didn't like the parallel structure between the protagonist and the daughter. I didn't think it was necessary or endearing and it wasted space that could have been used to develop the relationship.

On a Snowy Christmas by Brenda Novak SPOILER:
I think I would have liked the story more without the male infertility/instapreg plot. I also thought there was a lot of made of his daughters given that we never actually see them in the story. In or out, girls, make up your mind. I also find it hard to believe that two college girls would be so immediately accepting of their father's new baby. But I liked the characters and the plot. I wasn't sure the subplot of the heroine's former husband was necessary. I suppose it does create a crisis point, but I'm still not sure the story needed it.

The Perfect Holiday by Sherryl Woods
Matchmaking beyond the grave should have appealed to me, but I wasn't crazy about the convenient side characters, although the delicacy in getting the daughter out of the way to make room for bunny-like boffing was appreciated. It took me days to get through a story that if I'd been engaged should have taken about an hour.

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silver bells 4 stars
Not a terrible read. It was very short, but despite that I felt there was a decent amount of character backstory. I felt comfortable in my knowledge. (Sometimes very rare in these super quick reads).

My main complaint is how quickly the relationship escalated. But between the Christmas theme, and it being 100 pages I can’t really be too surprised.

My secondary complaint is the characters didn’t really express their emotion in a way I could relate to, or feel... if that makes sense.

••
On a Snowy Christmas 4 stars
Wow! This book is taking me a lot longer to finish than I anticipated. Who knew my life would suddenly get so busy 🤣😭

But beyond that, “On a Snowy Christmas” was so good! It was really well written with a lot of excitement and anticipation.

A plane crash leaves Adelaide, and Maxim stranded in a horrible snow storm. Whether or not they’ll make it out is unknown, and man was it intense. It’s a little steamy at times, but it works well with the overall progression of things.

There is one event that I find difficult to decipher whether or not it was actually plausible, but for the sake of Christmas, I’ll pretend it is.

I’m giving this story 4 stars!

[Linda Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tis the season for Christmas romance and this collection of three novellas certainly fills the bill. Debbie Macomber's "Silver Bells" tells the heartwarming story of a young teen trying to find a new wife for her divorced Dad. She discovers the perfect candidate in a neighbor who lives in their somewhat quirky apartment building. "On a Snowy Christmas" by Brenda Novak is also a second chance story. Two recently widowed political opponents vying for the same state senate position are on a small airplane flying to meet an important donor. The plane crashes in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and they must share resources in order to survive. In "The Perfect Holiday" by Sherryl Woods, a recently divorced woman with a daughter has inherited a rundown Vermont inn from her great-aunt. But it appears that is not the only gift Aunt Mae has left her. A handsome stranger shows up to spend Christmas at the not-yet-reopened inn because of a death-bed promise he made to Mae. "I'll be Home for Christmas" is the perfect way to relax and take a break from the holiday hullabaloo. Enjoy it with a mug of hot chocolate.

[Kathleen Booker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love good Christmas stories.

This book gives us a story from three of the best authors writing romance.
Silver Bells by Debbie Macomber was such a delight to see how a young lady gets same trick pulled on her as she did on her Mother when she was trying to find a way to make her Mother happy by finding someone to love. Mackenzie done a great job at bringing her workaholic dad and Carrie together. So glad she found a big family to welcome her and know that her Mother will regret it one day.

On A Snowy Christmas by Brenda Novak tells a story of young lady who grew up in foster care and thought she found true love only to find out after he died in accident that he was a cheat. So glad she found the right man in the end and had a family of her own.

The Perfect holiday by Sherryl Woods looks like Aunt Mae knew what she was doing bringing Trace and Savannah and Hannah together. Loved it

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Perfect Holiday 3 Stars
This story was ok. It had great moments but also had moments that weren't so great. I still recommend this story because you may love it.

On A Snowy Christmas 4 Stars
I enjoyed this novella by Brenda Novak, This was my favorite out of the 3 stories. I loved how Maxim was trying to leave the dirt his campaign had dug up on Adelaide's deceased husband from coming out. The chemistry between the two was good. I wanted this story to be longer as the ending was a bit rushed for me.

Silver Bells 3 Stars
I am usually a huge fan of this author and more so her Christmas books. This one was ok but not my favorite. I wanted to more, a lot more. This is a novella and I felt it was rushed this could have been an amazing story. I felt like there wasn't a strong conncetion between Carrie and Phillip. I did love the connection that Carrie had with Phillips daughter. It was a quick and ok read.

[JoAnn M · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review is only for "On a Snowy Christmas" by Brenda Novak, the second novella in the book. I had read the other stories years ago, so I didn't re-read them.

Adelaide and Maxim are opponents in a state senate primary. Maxim had assumed Adelaide's late husband's office after his death, and now Adelaide is running against him in the latest election. They find themselves together on a small plane that crashes in the Sierra Nevada mountains. They're the only survivors. Can they find a way to stay warm and not fall in love? What do you expect - it's Christmas time! I guess I wouldn't be so quick to fall as she did, especially with her opponent's expose of some old events. I found it somewhat unbelievable.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 short romance stories.

First: sweet romance set up by the daughter of the male character. Classic romance, start out with disagreement and then fall in love. This was predictable but I still enjoyed it.

Second: after a small political plane crashes, only the man and woman are survivors. This one creeped me out because of the premise but ended ok. Not my favorite.

Third: woman inherits aunts inn and has unexpected male guest show up. He interacts with her and her daughter and falls madly in love and she does too. Cute, sappy, story. A little more spice than I anticipated, but not too bad overall.

Not my favorite holiday book, but I am enjoying reading things themed for clothes Christmas season. This wasn’t too bad.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely book to read over the holidays. While it was boiling hot here it was fun reading about Christmas in the snow.
I feel disappointed that the book indicated that Debbie Macomber was the main story in the book given the size of the font used to write her name when in fact her story was the shortest and weakest one.
I’m definitely looking for more stories written by Sheila Roberts as hers was really unique and enjoyable.
I could imagine all three stories being made into Hallmark movies at some stage.
A lovely book to start my year of reading.

[Debra Jo Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

For someone like myself who is new to romance novels, this was a great introduction. I hadn't read a Brenda Novak Romance nor had I read anything by Debbie Macomber or Sherryl Woods.
My favorite for this book was The Perfect Holiday by Sherryl Woods. It was an absolute perfect story and I cannot wait to read more of her work.

Silver Bells 4 Stars

On a Snowy Christmas 3 Stars

The Perfect Holiday 5 Stars

[Mary Ellen Wagner · Rating 2 out of 5]

How disappointing to find that two of the three stories were ones I had read previously - in the same book, no less. The only new one to me was the Brenda Novak story, and it just wasn’t very good. The plot to me was rather ridiculous, and just because it happened to take place in winter and Christmas is mentioned once or twice does not make it a holiday story. With so many holiday books waiting to be read, I wish I hadn’t wasted my time on this one.

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the perfect holiday read but I don't think it was AMAZING. Anthologies are great for things like this but sometimes frustrating because the stories are never long enough. My favourite story was Silver Bells in this one and the other two weren't bad but just not favourites of mine. I think if you're looking for a good holiday read then this is something to add to your list because it is quick and sweet and just wonderful for this time of year.

[Marmaid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, but not great. The first one was entertaining and interesting, the second interesting idea, but too rushed with the almost immediate instance of two political enemies getting it on. Third was good but too rushed at the end with no real climax to the storyline. All interesting stories that fell flat or rushed in certain areas. That's always my problem with 3 mini stories in 1 book. Only 1 book didn't do that and it wasn't this one.

[Sharon Forbes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this last month for a fun, cozy Christmas read, which it definitely was. Just finished it up today and really enjoyed all three stories in here. I am very familiar with books by Debbie Macomber and Sherryl Woods, having read many of them for years, but I haven't ready by Brenda Novak before now that I remember, but would like to read more by her as I enjoyed On a Snowy Christmas. I would definitely recommend this for a nice holiday time read.

[Laura Aase · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 1 - 3 out of 5. A teenager finds a new mother for her and wife for her unhappy dad right in their apartment building. Ok story

Book 2 1 out of 5. Love this author - stupid story. From surviving a plane crash in stockings and heels to being rivals in a campaign - very lacking!

Book 3- 4 out of 5. Divorcee and her daughter inherit a lodge from her aunt- meets another friend of her aunts staying there for Christmas and it all works out.

[Karen Brauneis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect!

Sometimes you just need a little Christmas, even if it’s in the middle of the year. These three short stories are sure to lift your spirits and renew your faith that there is still a little magic in the world. It’s often as simple as opening your eyes to the possibilities.

[Denise Bowling]

3 books in one. The first story is about a single mother who falls for her neighbor. The second story is about enemies turned lovers after their plane crashes. The third story is about a aunt who leaves a hotel to her niece but sends her younger bisness partner to send Christmas with them and they fall in love.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

3 of my favorite authors, together in one book. And it’s Christmas stories, which I love! I guess I just read on the surface, because I read some of the other reviews and I never would have thought of the problems they pointed out. To me, these were just great stories that I enjoyed.

[Karen Mcnicol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three great authors with three great Christmas themed stories. This was a great book, I loved all three stories so much, they really put you in the Christmas mood. Make your favorite drink, put your fireplace on (I have the tv channel with a fireplace going), plug in your tree and enjoy.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

All for the Sake of Love

A teenage daughter thinks it is time for her Father to remarry and she has just the woman for him. Read how she includes all the neighbors in the apartment building in her scheme. Fun and enjoyment for all.

[Harriet Russo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three great short holiday stories by 3 GREAT writers. Macomber, Novak and Woods sprinkle the holidays with these fun romantic stories. I loved all three. Better that Hallmark Christmas Movies.
Sit back, and get in the holiday spirit.

[ChristinsGottaLottaLove4Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my own Christmas miracle. Three love stories that incorporate just the right amount of warmth from the holiday season and spice from romance, bringing hope to the single people of the world.

[Mum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Debbie Macomber’s story was enjoyable. The second one was too unbelievable to rated even one star. I think the second one was so unbelievable that the third didn’t stand a chance. Honestly, the third one was probably 3 stars.