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Christmas by Accident

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Carter is an insurance adjuster whose longing for creative expression spills over sometimes into his accident reports. Abby works for her adoptive father, Uncle Mannie, in the family bookstore, the ReadMore Café. Carter barely tolerates Christmas; Abby loves it. She can't wait past October to build her favorite display, the annual Christmas book tree stack, which Carter despises.

When an automobile accident throws Carter and Abby together, Uncle Mannie, who is harboring secrets of his own, sees a chance for lasting happiness for his little girl. But there are so many hurdles, and not much time left. Will this Christmas deliver the miracle everyone is hoping for? Where love and Christmas are concerned, there are no accidents.

Audiobook

First published September 25, 2018

63 people are currently reading
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About the author

Camron Wright

11 books820 followers
Camron Wright was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. He has a master’s degree in Writing and Public Relations from Westminster College.

He has owned several successful retail stores in addition to working with his wife in the fashion industry, designing for the McCall Pattern Company in New York.

Camron began writing to get out of attending MBA school at the time, and it proved the better decision. His first book, Letters for Emily, was a Readers Choice Award winner, as well as a selection of the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild. Letters for Emily has been published in North America, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Korea, the Netherlands, and China.

His next book, The Rent Collector, won Best Novel of the Year from the Whitney Awards and was a nominee for the prestigious International DUBLIN Literary Award. The Orphan Keeper won Book of the Year, Gold accolades in Multicultural Fiction from Foreword Reviews, and was winner of Best General Fiction from the Whitney Awards. His newest book, In Times of Rain and War releases in early 2021.

Camron lives with his wife, Alicyn, just south of Salt Lake City at the base of the Wasatch Mountains. He is the proud father of four children, all girls but three.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 556 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica (Odd and Bookish).
711 reviews854 followers
January 8, 2020
I received this book for free for review purposes.

This was such a cute Christmas read!

The story was relatively simple and doesn’t go too in-depth, but it totally worked for this book. This is a great book to read if you are looking to get into the holiday spirit because it has a little of everything. There’s some romance, familial love and reconnections, a cute bookstore with a cafe, and a ton of Christmas spirit. What more could you want?

description

I loved the two main characters, Carter and Abby. It was nice seeing the two of them come together and I loved how they were both bookish and into writing. The supporting characters were also great. One of my favorites was Carter’s coworker, Lenny.

This book is also short enough to read in a day, so if you want to squeeze in a last minute holiday read, this is perfect.

Lastly, as a bonus, there are recipes at the end for holiday themed treats!

Overall, this is a short and sweet Christmas romance with a lot of heart. If you are looking to read just one Christmas book this year, read this one!
Profile Image for Danielle.
1,222 reviews629 followers
December 24, 2023
Checking off another Hallmark style quick Christmas read. 🎄🤗 Aspiring author and family drama- entertainment.
Profile Image for Lucy.
516 reviews128 followers
December 29, 2021
As far as Carter can remember, he hasn't been a fan of Christmas. Abby, on the other hand, loves Christmas. When Carter and Abby meet by accident, what ensues is a heartwarming story about family, friendship, and new beginnings.

Based on the cover and blurb, I expected a light and cheerful story. As it turns out, the story is more somber than cheerful. Be aware this is a Christmas time story with depth, as it includes terminal illness.
198 reviews2 followers
December 7, 2018
This isn't my usual read, but I was in the mood for a cheesy Christmas story. And this book probably is, but I couldn't get far enough to really tell, because the writing is atrocious. It's bursting with over-the-top, melodramatic description and weird metaphors. I think the author was trying really really hard to be original and avoid cliches - I'm not sure why else you would write "Her eyes curled." (I can only assume they meant the character was rolling her eyes, which is really more of a basic description than an actual cliche).
Profile Image for Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews.
2,911 reviews214 followers
October 10, 2018
I've read several Christmas themed books lately even though Christmas is still 2+ months away. All the books have been good and while this one has a Christmas theme it is much more than just a holiday book. It is about finding love, terminal illness, doing what you love, and embracing life.

I really liked all of the characters. Carter has dreams beyond being an insurance adjuster, he just isn't sure what. All he knows is that he enjoys the written word and even embellishes insurance forms much to the chagrin of his superiors. He isn't wild about Christmas because of some bad memories. It is interesting to find out that perhaps those memories weren't quite 100% accurate. Abby loves Christmas, despite losing her parent at a young age, thanks to her Uncle Mannie that raised her from the age of 6. Mannie is quite a force himself and I think that he may be my favorite character. He does a few things that makes Abby mad, but for good reason. I love that there is also a character named Seven. She is a hoot!

I enjoyed this book and it is a good holiday read (or anytime of the year). A happy ending that is bittersweet.
Profile Image for  The Flipped Page (Susan K).
1,846 reviews39 followers
November 7, 2018
Romance, clean
This was a lovely holiday romantic read, but also a story of family, of finding what really matters. Carter and Abby, along with Mannie her uncle and the host of supporting characters was a beautiful read. Even while critiquing the plethora of Christmas books written, it was a lovely, unique story, with honest, hurting characters, that were a pleasure to get to know. Healing, peace, love, secrets that come to light, and direction for all of them.
Christmas coincidences or accidents, or a Christmas miracle, you decide, but for me, I love the miracle! Beautifully poignant, heartfelt, and honest. I will certainly re-read this during the holiday season to bring some peace, joy, and hope to my celebration.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. These thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Janssen.
1,852 reviews8,136 followers
February 4, 2019
I am not one to really notice writing, but this one was PAINFUL for me to read. So much so that I wondered if it was purposefully written to be over-the-top and ludicrous as a reflection on Christmas books.
Profile Image for C.P. Cabaniss.
Author 11 books160 followers
December 31, 2019
December 2019 Review
I didn't enjoy this novel quite as much as last year. It's very melodramatic, which I'm fine with, but it wasn't as entertaining on a second reading. Still a cute enough story with some very funny scenes.

Original Review December 2018
*I received a copy of this novel from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, in a contest they hosted on Instagram. Thank you!*

In November and December every year, I become a little obsessed with watching Hallmark Christmas movies. Which I always find funny for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I don't watch many movies, so the fact that I am wanting to watch a movie almost every night is surprising. Secondly, when I do watch movies, I don't tend to like romances. But, here we are.

Although I love watching movies like this, I don't tend to read these types of books. For some reason they appeal to me even less than the movie version of the same type of story. They usually aren't very well written and I find the pace of the novel too quick. With this one though, it was different. I found myself loving it.

I have not read one of Camron Wright's books before, but I would definitely be interested in giving another one a try. The writing was excellent, the characters funny and realistic, and the story was cute without being over-the-top dramatic. It also dealt with some real issues in an elegant way that I appreciated.

Carter was my favorite character. From the very beginning, he was excellent. I loved how he was trying to make his job more enjoyable, how he dove into reading and writing, even if not for all of the right reasons. He was wonderful.

A fun book that had me laughing out loud. Definitely recommend it, even if you don't normally read this kind of book. I think you might be surprised by how enjoyable it is.
Profile Image for R.A..
Author 32 books87 followers
November 14, 2018
Oh, I loved this! It was a simple, fun, Hallmark-like Christmas book! A book to read around Christmas … or my case, a little more than a month before Christmas. :) Christmas books are the best!

Carter and Abby were great characters! I love how Abby was a writer and editor … and Carter was a writer as well! When he decides to write a Christmas book - even though he doesn't like Christmas at all - because they're so popular, you can imagine how hard it is. I won't mention what he planned on calling his book either. XD

All the characters in this book had hilarious personalities and it was difficult not to like them!

Content:
A couple non-detailed kisses. A few cheek kisses. Some hugs.


I knew when I requested to review this that it would be like a Hallmark movie/book and it definitely was!! But that's what makes it fun .. it was a very fun read! I'd definitely grab a copy of this in the future to re-read!
I haven't read a lot of books authored by men, but I need to more! They seem to have a completely different writing style than ladies do, which isn't surprising!!

*I received a copy of this book from its publisher on NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions of my own.
Profile Image for Aimee .
3,072 reviews298 followers
November 27, 2018
I love this time of the year when I get to read lots of new Christmas themed books! It's so much fun. This book is guaranteed to touch your heart strings and make you smile.

Usually when I read books, the quirky characters are most often female. I'm not sure why that is but this book was a refreshing change from that. Carter is definitely one quirky guy. He works for an insurance company and tends to embellish the facts of the report to make them more "interesting" to read. He continues to do this even though he knows he will get in trouble for it. Of course, his next logical step from there is to write a book. And not just any book, but a Christmas book. Because, why not?

Abby is so sweet. So devoted and kind. I really couldn't help but like her. Plus she works in a bookstore and loves to read. She could be my best friend in real life. I love the family Abby has through her bookstore and how personal everything felt for her.

This was a fun, sweet holiday book that will remind you of all that is good in the world, especially at this time of the year.

No content warnings.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
427 reviews25 followers
March 21, 2022
We needed a book on audio for the drive home for Christmas. After chapter three, my husband said, “I can’t take it anymore.”
Profile Image for Lori.
684 reviews31 followers
December 23, 2025
I read this little Christmas story aloud with my elderly mother over a week's time. we enjoyed the tale of Carter and Abby meeting through Abbys car accident and getting to know her uncle Mannie the Bookshop owner along with the rest of the shop workers. it is a gentle tale of forgiveness and kindness and hope and falling in love that lifts the spirit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tressa (Wishful Endings).
1,831 reviews195 followers
October 25, 2018
CHRISTMAS BY ACCIDENT is a story that lures its reader in at the beginning with humor, likable characters, and the start of a cute romance, but then takes them on an emotional journey. It's a story that faces cynicism about the holidays, questions miracles, provides its characters difficult choices, and pulls on emotions in a heartfelt way. A perfectly charming Christmas story that will tug on readers' hearts, worth reading at any time of the year.

From the start, I liked these characters. Carter is a little awkward. He feels stuck and is trying to stay sane by allowing his creativity to show in a very non-creative job. He's a little mischievous, but also a mix of confident and charming. He's also quite talented. Abby... she's sweet, fun, comfortable in her own skin, pretty, smart, and loyal. She is the perfect girl-next-door, small-shop-owner heroine (think Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail). Then there's Mannie who is definitely mischievous in his own right, quite talented as well, and loyal (he completely changed his life to raise Abby, his niece, when her parents died). Then there are these quirky side characters, like Carter's co-worker and roomate and then Abby's co-workers, who bring more life to the story and create some eyebrow raises and laughs. There's Carter's somewhat estranged family as well. All of them felt fairly well drawn out with strong enough personalities and roles that they were distinct characters—I had no issues with confusing any of them.

So, as I said, I liked these characters, but as the story went, I learned to love them. I felt Mannie's fears and hopes, the same for Abby and Carter. I laughed. I wanted to sigh at some of the perfect and spontaneous romantic moments. I stressed over what decisions should be made and what would happen. I joined in the confusion. I thought about Carter's disinterest in Christmas and Abby's choice to love Christmas. I even shed a few tears at one point. This author is a wizard at leading his readers where he wants, but letting them find and connect their own moments. I love that. I love that he can take me on this emotional journey and that at the end, I'm so contentedly happy. Then there was the added surprise of a few recipes at the end of the book. What a very sweet surprise (and one I will use)!

I will admit, at the beginning of the story I was a little afraid... I've developed an expectation for this author writing meaningful stories with depth. Was this going to be too fluffy, or not quite meet my expectations? There were two moments, one at the beginning and one at the end, that felt very The Age of Adeline. It also took me a bit to fall into the writing style at first. I then questioned, as Carter struggled to write, if the author was poking just a little bit of fun at Christmas stories and his own struggles as an author. These were all things at the beginning that made me wonder. However, there was no reason to worry as I enjoyed this story immensely and will be recommending it to everyone.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This is such a fun, sweet, funny, warm, emotional story. It's definitely worth picking up, especially at Christmastime. I couldn't have loved it more!

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a positive review nor affect it in any way.
Profile Image for Cathy.
1,968 reviews71 followers
November 29, 2018
Christmas books are my favorite at this time of year! I love that they’re usually quick to read and just a fun book. That’s why I picked this one up the other day. I needed a stress free read that I knew I was going to love. This one fit the bill!

I loved Carter. He made me laugh. Carter is an insurance adjuster. But he’s not like any other insurance adjuster I’ve ever heard of. He has a sense of humor and he’s creative. I had to laugh at the accident reports he wrote. They were probably my favorite part of the book! Unfortunately, they got him fired from his job. I also loved the way he decided in a snap that he was going to write a Christmas book.

Abby is great too! She’s a young woman who works at her uncle’s book shop/bakery. All the treats at the bakery in this one made me hungry. I want to make them all! I liked the way Abby was really concerned about her uncle, she wants to help him in any way she can. But she was also a bit clueless. I liked the way her character was a bit flawed and not quite perfect.

The way these two meet made me laugh too! Carter was the insurance adjuster for Abby’s accident. His name was listed on the report she got that her insurance had ended before her accident. So even though he’d been fired, she hunted him down to figure out what had happened. I loved the scene where she shows up on his doorstep.

There are so many great things about this one. I loved the cleverness of it. The love story was cute. This whole book is just fun! It’s a perfect Christmas story.
Profile Image for Mindy.
1,272 reviews106 followers
October 19, 2018
Christmas by Accident is very fun and an all around sweet book. Camron Wright is great author that can write serious and it turns out, very funny books too. Carter, Abby, Mannie, all of the characters were written well and a fun surprise. Yin, Seven, Rosa, all of them were a delight. The story is fun and clever. I loved it.
Profile Image for Em.
247 reviews2 followers
December 22, 2022
As someone who just totaled her car, this hits too close to home..
Profile Image for Tiffany.
351 reviews7 followers
November 7, 2024
Completely what you need if looking for a hallmark read with insta love, cozy shop/town and family dilemma.
Profile Image for Maddie Rosen.
59 reviews
December 11, 2023
the perfect, cozy christmas read (or listen, in my case). it had drama, suspense, humor, character development, and love. it was also completely clean!!
Profile Image for Amy Severtson.
21 reviews
December 16, 2021
It was a cute quick read. It had a lot of figurative language to the point of being over used. The character development of Abby and Carter was pretty well done. I like how their relationship progressed throughout the book in a realistic way. If you are looking for a quick cozy read, this book would be perfect.
Profile Image for Tisha (IG: Bluestocking629).
925 reviews40 followers
July 29, 2022
What a lovely story! It definitely had the Christmas feels.

I love reading a book where you pretty much love all the characters. Sure, there were some I loved more than others. But overall I didn’t want to slap any of them with a wet Christmas stocking.

It was a quick, easy, enjoyable read. Perfect for Christmas in July.
Profile Image for Monique Pearson.
Author 3 books43 followers
October 13, 2018
Finished but even though it wasn't long it lost my attention so many times. Parts made me laugh so maybe it was just my mood. I may try to read it again closer to Christmas.
Profile Image for Amy J.
249 reviews23 followers
December 29, 2022
3.5 stars. This is a special Christmas-themed love story with heavier topics of loss, terminal illness, and life-altering events like major car accidents and lucrative job offers that potentially cause a ripple in a blissful romance. I enjoyed following along Carter Cross and Abby McBride’s separate lives and the accident that brought them together. They have a mutual interest in books but are polar opposites in the “Christmas spirit” category, but both of these peculiarities adds charm and humor to the easy narrative. What’s also fun is the book’s supporting cast of interesting, likable characters — roommates, co-workers, and family members— with Mannie, her dear uncle turned adoptive father, being my favorite. He has a heart of gold, loves his niece immensely, and has sacrificed so much of his personal life to provide for her, all such touching and honorable qualities. This story ends as expected, but the journey to get there was a lovely sleigh ride. I literally enjoyed the surprise holiday dessert recipes, courtesy of the book’s ReadMore Cafe, at the end, too. What a sweet treat!
Profile Image for Tiersa.
182 reviews3 followers
December 22, 2021
Cheesey little Christmas listen. I loved it because I'm in insurance so I thought it was a cute story line.
Profile Image for hpboy13.
990 reviews46 followers
January 2, 2019
Admittedly, I did not enter this book expecting the next Great American Novel, but yikes was this bad. Maybe there’s some irony in one of the characters having a subplot about the mundanity and formulaic nature of Christmas novels, in a novel that suffers from all of that. But basically, the book is completely by-the-numbers Christmas rom-com, just minus any actual comedy or human-like character. Quirks are substituted for character development, like the girl’s BFF who is a walking punchline of her name being “Seven.”

One of the more egregious things in this book is the plot of Carter (male lead) refusing to acknowledge his mom’s getting remarried, or to even meet the guy she’s getting married to. I get not being happy about a parent remarrying, or even being frosty to the spouse-to-be. But Carter is a grown-ass 28-year-old, pretending it’s all not happening is not normal behavior.

Anyway, the book’s short enough to be harmless, but there’s really nothing to recommend it when I’m sure there are much finer examples of the genre out there.

P.S. Fuck anyone who, like the female lead, tries to start up the Christmas nonsense before Halloween. Wait your damn turn!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 556 reviews

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