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Jingle All the Way
A young workaholic avoiding home for the holidays discovers that you can't run away from who you are--a heartfelt Christmas novel from #1
New York Times
bestselling author Debbie Macomber.
Everly Lancaster always dreamed of leaving her hometown in rural Illinois. Now she helps run a burgeoning startup in Chicago, where her professional goals leave little time for friends...or a vacation.
When a massive snowstorm hits, Everly's mother urges her to come home for Christmas, but she hesitates to return to the life she's worked so hard to escape. Searching for other holiday plans, Everly tasks her assistant with booking her a cruise--the perfect getaway. Embarking on a weeklong tour of the Amazon guided by charming naturalist Asher Adams, Everly slowly but surely begins to realize that relationships are more important than work--and just might decide to journey home just in time for Christmas Day.
Debbie Macomber's signature wintry warmth shines in this holiday delight.
Everly Lancaster always dreamed of leaving her hometown in rural Illinois. Now she helps run a burgeoning startup in Chicago, where her professional goals leave little time for friends...or a vacation.
When a massive snowstorm hits, Everly's mother urges her to come home for Christmas, but she hesitates to return to the life she's worked so hard to escape. Searching for other holiday plans, Everly tasks her assistant with booking her a cruise--the perfect getaway. Embarking on a weeklong tour of the Amazon guided by charming naturalist Asher Adams, Everly slowly but surely begins to realize that relationships are more important than work--and just might decide to journey home just in time for Christmas Day.
Debbie Macomber's signature wintry warmth shines in this holiday delight.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published October 13, 2020
1551 people are currently reading
4159 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Macomber
894 books20.6k followersDebbie 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,601 reviews
November 15, 2020
Jingle All the Way by Debbie Macomber is a 2020 Ballantine publication.
Funny and sweet!
After a fiasco involving her new assistant, who happens to be her boss’s niece, Everly is sent on a long overdue vacation. Although reluctant at first, the thought of a luxury cruise does sound nice. Unfortunately, the vengeful assistant booked a cruise in the Amazon just for spite-
Poor Everly encounters one mishap after another, but her naturalist guide, Asher, helps her forget all about the internet, and shows her the magnificence of the Amazon. Her time away without all her technological connections give Everly time to reflect on her life, as her friendship with Asher deepens. But what will she and Asher do once the cruise is over?
This is a very pleasant contemporary romance that couples a little light humor in with a little adventure and a sweet romance, and ends with a segue into the spirit of the holiday season.
As a few other reviewers have noted, the title and cover is misleading, because Christmas doesn't play a role this story until the very last part of the book. The plus side to that, though, is this book can be enjoyed at any time of the year.
Due to the length of the story, the chemistry between Everly and Asher was a little forced and the romance felt a bit rushed- but it was still lovely watching the couple fall in love.
For me, the growth between Everly and her sisters was the most heartwarming aspect of the story. The way everything turned out for Everly, Asher and her family left a big smile on my face!
Overall, I enjoyed this gentle story. It was a like soothingly balm in a time of turmoil and anxiety. I think I may need to add more Debbie Macomber to my reading list!
4 stars
Funny and sweet!
After a fiasco involving her new assistant, who happens to be her boss’s niece, Everly is sent on a long overdue vacation. Although reluctant at first, the thought of a luxury cruise does sound nice. Unfortunately, the vengeful assistant booked a cruise in the Amazon just for spite-
Poor Everly encounters one mishap after another, but her naturalist guide, Asher, helps her forget all about the internet, and shows her the magnificence of the Amazon. Her time away without all her technological connections give Everly time to reflect on her life, as her friendship with Asher deepens. But what will she and Asher do once the cruise is over?
This is a very pleasant contemporary romance that couples a little light humor in with a little adventure and a sweet romance, and ends with a segue into the spirit of the holiday season.
As a few other reviewers have noted, the title and cover is misleading, because Christmas doesn't play a role this story until the very last part of the book. The plus side to that, though, is this book can be enjoyed at any time of the year.
Due to the length of the story, the chemistry between Everly and Asher was a little forced and the romance felt a bit rushed- but it was still lovely watching the couple fall in love.
For me, the growth between Everly and her sisters was the most heartwarming aspect of the story. The way everything turned out for Everly, Asher and her family left a big smile on my face!
Overall, I enjoyed this gentle story. It was a like soothingly balm in a time of turmoil and anxiety. I think I may need to add more Debbie Macomber to my reading list!
4 stars
February 7, 2023
After having read several of these light holiday romances, I always hope for a cute story with lots of holiday elements but am prepared to get something not that at all. Despite the deceptive title and cover, this book falls into that latter category as the Amazon River cruise setting is the complete opposite of the cold, snowy Christmas season implied by the cover. Still, I thought I could be entertained by different holiday festivities, although the Christmas elements don't come in until more than halfway through the book.
Everly anticipates a relaxing cruise vacation and is instead surprised by an Amazon River cruise through the remote regions of Brazil without the luxuries she'd been imagining. The mix-up is the intentional result of a vengeful assistant and the cruise ends up being more akin to an adventure fiasco. After a rough start, Everly finds romance and learns more about who she is and where she belongs. After the cruise, the scene changes as she goes to Indiana to spend time with her family for Christmas but the two halves of the story didn't mesh as well as they should have.
A mindless story to pass the time, but also an easy one to tune out and forget as it lacked the zest and humor to fully engage my interest.
Everly anticipates a relaxing cruise vacation and is instead surprised by an Amazon River cruise through the remote regions of Brazil without the luxuries she'd been imagining. The mix-up is the intentional result of a vengeful assistant and the cruise ends up being more akin to an adventure fiasco. After a rough start, Everly finds romance and learns more about who she is and where she belongs. After the cruise, the scene changes as she goes to Indiana to spend time with her family for Christmas but the two halves of the story didn't mesh as well as they should have.
A mindless story to pass the time, but also an easy one to tune out and forget as it lacked the zest and humor to fully engage my interest.
October 12, 2020
Everly (Daisy) Lancaster is a successful real estate executive who is feeling the stress from her job. After her boss insists, she take the month of December off, she decides to take a vacation. What her upset assistant books is not a dream resort, but a guided tour of the Amazon.
Asher Adams, the tours naturalist does his best to make the guided river tour down the Amazon insightful, fun and memorable. Will he have his work cut out for him?
This was a nice fast read but if you are looking for lots of Christmas cheer, you will not get a lot of it here. The cover is a little misleading but gorgeous. Most of the book takes place in the Amazon were there are pink dolphins, piranhas and pythons. Not much snow or sleigh rides going on. But by the ending of the book there will be snow and a homier Christmas feel.
Both Asher and Daisy (Everly) are likeable characters and yes, their romance is predictable, but this book is still enjoyable. Although predictable, the ending did not feel rushed. This book was a nice diversion to current events and heavier books. As with all Macomber's books, this book is more wholesome and sweeter, the characters are endearing, and you want to root for all of them. There are close family connections, talk of delicious food and romance.
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Asher Adams, the tours naturalist does his best to make the guided river tour down the Amazon insightful, fun and memorable. Will he have his work cut out for him?
This was a nice fast read but if you are looking for lots of Christmas cheer, you will not get a lot of it here. The cover is a little misleading but gorgeous. Most of the book takes place in the Amazon were there are pink dolphins, piranhas and pythons. Not much snow or sleigh rides going on. But by the ending of the book there will be snow and a homier Christmas feel.
Both Asher and Daisy (Everly) are likeable characters and yes, their romance is predictable, but this book is still enjoyable. Although predictable, the ending did not feel rushed. This book was a nice diversion to current events and heavier books. As with all Macomber's books, this book is more wholesome and sweeter, the characters are endearing, and you want to root for all of them. There are close family connections, talk of delicious food and romance.
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2024
This is a Romance. I was approved for this book through Netgalley after it had already came out, and I had pre-ordered the audiobook for this book. I have to say I am so glad I brought the audiobook for this book. I loved the narrator was so good, and I loved it so much. I read the kindle book I got from Netgalley while I was listening to the audiobook. Debbie Macomber is one of my favorite authors, but her Christmas book is hit or miss for me. This one was a win for me. I love Debbie Macomber writing style and how she brings her characters to live. I do not think this was a Christmas story because the Christmas part was only her visiting her family during Christmas right at the end of the book. I do not care that Christmas was missing, but that may bother some people. I do not feel the cover of this book fits it. To me this was a cute short quick romance book, and I could not put it down. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Random House) or author (Debbie Macomber) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
November 11, 2020
A cute clean romance. BUT !!
This snowy cutesy book cover is very deceiving. The story takes place in the Amazon rainforest. There is very little, and by little I mean almost nada about Christmas. The holiday started at 8 mins before the book ends or the chapter before the epilogue. 😡
This snowy cutesy book cover is very deceiving. The story takes place in the Amazon rainforest. There is very little, and by little I mean almost nada about Christmas. The holiday started at 8 mins before the book ends or the chapter before the epilogue. 😡
January 17, 2022
Jingle All the Way by Debbie Macomber is a contemporary romance standalone novel. This romance is set in the Christmas holiday season and also includes a bit of virtual travel for those like myself that love exotic settings.
Everly Lancaster and her business partner have made a success out of the company they began after college but with that success has come long days. When Everly’s assistant who happens to be her partner’s niece makes one mistake too many Everly wants her fired but her partner thinks Everly should take a nice vacation and reconsider.
Everly really doesn’t want to leave the business with some important projects in the works but decides that the luxury cruise her assistant booked didn’t sound too bad. However, after rushing through a snowstorm and several flights later Everly finds herself aboard a ship heading down the Amazon which is far from luxurious and on top of it all she gets sick from an insect bite making a crew member have to nurse her back to health.
Having read a lot of Debbie Macomber’s books and always enjoying them I was not surprised to find myself immediately caught up in this latest Christmas tale. It was fun to head down the Amazon along with the main character with all the experiences that included. I would have liked a bit more romance to the relationship which the timing didn’t allow too much of but otherwise this was a nice read for the holiday.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Everly Lancaster and her business partner have made a success out of the company they began after college but with that success has come long days. When Everly’s assistant who happens to be her partner’s niece makes one mistake too many Everly wants her fired but her partner thinks Everly should take a nice vacation and reconsider.
Everly really doesn’t want to leave the business with some important projects in the works but decides that the luxury cruise her assistant booked didn’t sound too bad. However, after rushing through a snowstorm and several flights later Everly finds herself aboard a ship heading down the Amazon which is far from luxurious and on top of it all she gets sick from an insect bite making a crew member have to nurse her back to health.
Having read a lot of Debbie Macomber’s books and always enjoying them I was not surprised to find myself immediately caught up in this latest Christmas tale. It was fun to head down the Amazon along with the main character with all the experiences that included. I would have liked a bit more romance to the relationship which the timing didn’t allow too much of but otherwise this was a nice read for the holiday.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
December 16, 2020
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
Here’s a little confession – I have never read a Debbie Macomber before now and really the only reason I grabbed a copy of this one was because . . . .
You see, Joe Goldberg becomes obsessed with Macomber’s fictional small town in You Love Me and since I am obsessed with Joe, well . . . .
Now that I’ve finished????
I guess murdering our significant others isn’t the only thing Joe and I don’t have in common because this was just turrrrrrrrrible. The premise here is that Everly gets put on a month long sabbatical without much explanation provided aside from the fact that her assistant is a complete F-up who just so happens to be related to Everly's business partner and for some reason she doesn’t have any authority with regards to firing her. As a last hurrah to prove she is completely incompetent, said assistant books a two week cruise in South America that ends up being some sort of nature trip via boat down the Amazon. I was hoping to maybe get just a teensie taste of the vibes I got when watching The African Queen back in the middle-ages, but instead I was fast-forwarded through the first week of Everly's trip courtesy of a real convenient mosquito bite that took our leading lady out of commission and then things just went completely off the rails with potential cannibal Amazonians and instalove and other shenanigans.
Maybe her other stuff is better????? I’ll never know. This is a one and done author for me.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
Here’s a little confession – I have never read a Debbie Macomber before now and really the only reason I grabbed a copy of this one was because . . . .
You see, Joe Goldberg becomes obsessed with Macomber’s fictional small town in You Love Me and since I am obsessed with Joe, well . . . .
Now that I’ve finished????
I guess murdering our significant others isn’t the only thing Joe and I don’t have in common because this was just turrrrrrrrrible. The premise here is that Everly gets put on a month long sabbatical without much explanation provided aside from the fact that her assistant is a complete F-up who just so happens to be related to Everly's business partner and for some reason she doesn’t have any authority with regards to firing her. As a last hurrah to prove she is completely incompetent, said assistant books a two week cruise in South America that ends up being some sort of nature trip via boat down the Amazon. I was hoping to maybe get just a teensie taste of the vibes I got when watching The African Queen back in the middle-ages, but instead I was fast-forwarded through the first week of Everly's trip courtesy of a real convenient mosquito bite that took our leading lady out of commission and then things just went completely off the rails with potential cannibal Amazonians and instalove and other shenanigans.
Maybe her other stuff is better????? I’ll never know. This is a one and done author for me.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
September 6, 2020
Fast and furious romance with a sweet holiday theme.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In many ways, I can understand what the big deal is about forcing a vacation. This year I really feel the need! So when I saw this story was about that very topic, I knew it was the perfect kickoff to some fun holiday reads!
Macomber sets the stage with a perfect workplace scenario that really sets your teeth on edge! I can feel for Everly and her desire to find the right assistant who doesn’t want revenge for working with you! An Amazon cruise? Oh, I would die!
With plenty of embarrassing and humorous situations, poor Everly has her work cut out for her on this unexpected vacation and Macomber creates the perfect offset to Everly’s workaholic ways in Asher. A wee bit of a nerd but strong, tender, handsome, and capable, they manage to find a bit of insta-love in the Amazon.
With beautiful settings, a blossoming love affair, and a tiny bit of family intervention comes a sweet story that gives hope and sweetness a new look. A perfect holiday story that you can enjoy in an afternoon and leave you with a smile on your face! Macomber is the go-to author for happily ever after women’s fiction and sweet romance!
* copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/jingle-all-t...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In many ways, I can understand what the big deal is about forcing a vacation. This year I really feel the need! So when I saw this story was about that very topic, I knew it was the perfect kickoff to some fun holiday reads!
Macomber sets the stage with a perfect workplace scenario that really sets your teeth on edge! I can feel for Everly and her desire to find the right assistant who doesn’t want revenge for working with you! An Amazon cruise? Oh, I would die!
With plenty of embarrassing and humorous situations, poor Everly has her work cut out for her on this unexpected vacation and Macomber creates the perfect offset to Everly’s workaholic ways in Asher. A wee bit of a nerd but strong, tender, handsome, and capable, they manage to find a bit of insta-love in the Amazon.
With beautiful settings, a blossoming love affair, and a tiny bit of family intervention comes a sweet story that gives hope and sweetness a new look. A perfect holiday story that you can enjoy in an afternoon and leave you with a smile on your face! Macomber is the go-to author for happily ever after women’s fiction and sweet romance!
* copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/jingle-all-t...
July 31, 2020
3 1/2 stars rounded down to 3.
I wanted to love this book. I did. My first issue was that it didn't feel like a Christmas book. A majority of it took place in the Amazon and just didn't have a Christmas feel. My second issue was just the whole believability of it all. Two people meet on a boat trip. And in two weeks (where for on week you're VERY VERY ill) you fall so madly in love that you can't function without the person? I don't know. Maybe I'm a cynic (coming from someone who met her husband online 16 years ago) but it just didn't work for me.
I ADORED her parents and siblings though.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are mine, and mine alone.
I wanted to love this book. I did. My first issue was that it didn't feel like a Christmas book. A majority of it took place in the Amazon and just didn't have a Christmas feel. My second issue was just the whole believability of it all. Two people meet on a boat trip. And in two weeks (where for on week you're VERY VERY ill) you fall so madly in love that you can't function without the person? I don't know. Maybe I'm a cynic (coming from someone who met her husband online 16 years ago) but it just didn't work for me.
I ADORED her parents and siblings though.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are mine, and mine alone.
December 16, 2021
A cute little Christmas story of when you really don't want/need something, but in the end it is exactly what you need. The story of Asher and Daisy and their adventures in the Amazon and beyond.
September 13, 2020
3.5 Stars
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I love holiday stories as they brighten your mood and you're guaranteed a happy ending. This story did not disappoint.
Everly is overworked and stressed out at her job. Her partner convinces her to take some time off and she agrees as he sold her on a luxury cruise. However, his sneaky niece, books her on a trip thru the amazon with very few amenities. At first, she is furious, but becomes friendly with some of the passengers and an instructor on the cruise. Asher is in his element and loves the opportunity to share the experience of location with the passengers. He finds himself drawn to Everly as she is out her her element and needs some extra attention to adapt. She too, is attracted to him, but both see their circumstances as impossible to pursue long term. Everly wants to take a chance and admit her feelings to Asher, but he thinks he is doing her a favor by letter her go. She leaves and her heart is broken. Asher's heart is broken and he has to decide if he has enough courage to take a leap of faith and be with Everly.
This was a nice story that had you engaged with the information about the Amazon and the development of the feelings that Everly and Asher had for each other.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I love holiday stories as they brighten your mood and you're guaranteed a happy ending. This story did not disappoint.
Everly is overworked and stressed out at her job. Her partner convinces her to take some time off and she agrees as he sold her on a luxury cruise. However, his sneaky niece, books her on a trip thru the amazon with very few amenities. At first, she is furious, but becomes friendly with some of the passengers and an instructor on the cruise. Asher is in his element and loves the opportunity to share the experience of location with the passengers. He finds himself drawn to Everly as she is out her her element and needs some extra attention to adapt. She too, is attracted to him, but both see their circumstances as impossible to pursue long term. Everly wants to take a chance and admit her feelings to Asher, but he thinks he is doing her a favor by letter her go. She leaves and her heart is broken. Asher's heart is broken and he has to decide if he has enough courage to take a leap of faith and be with Everly.
This was a nice story that had you engaged with the information about the Amazon and the development of the feelings that Everly and Asher had for each other.
October 13, 2020
Everly (Daisy) Lancaster is a driven ambitious entrepreneur taking most of the business responsibility in her start-up partnership with her college friend. After a mishap due to his niece who is her assistant, he suggests she go on a vacation. Which the niece also scheduled. What could go wrong?! I def would no questions asked go on a vacation that someone I tried to fire booked for me.
Two flights later... She steps onto an Amazon river cruise with no excursions or relaxations in sight? Excuse me?! This would def happen to me. She immediately gets bit by a mosquito. Now let me tell you this happened to me in Venice but I got bit on both my hands and they swelled up to the size of Mickey Mouse gloves. It was painful, luckily no fever or sickness or handsome naturalist. But lots of benadryl and drooling on a bus.
She was so high strung and stressed, and this two week "cruise" with no internet, phone or tv was not what she had in mind but it was what she needed.
She had a few other hilarious yet dangerous episodes along her tour of the Amazon which led to her and the naturalist Asher getting closer. He was in Brazil and she was from Chicago so he didn't even try, thinking it was a dead end, ouch.
This is not your normal cozy snowy Christmas story until the end when she goes home to Indiana to see her family. It was refreshing being in a different part of the world where it's hot in December.
I love romance novels this was a quick cute sometimes heartbreaking but then heartlifting read. Some people put obstacles in the way of love because they are scared to get hurt while others love with their whole heart.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thank you net galley and ballantine books for the arc copy for my honest review
Two flights later... She steps onto an Amazon river cruise with no excursions or relaxations in sight? Excuse me?! This would def happen to me. She immediately gets bit by a mosquito. Now let me tell you this happened to me in Venice but I got bit on both my hands and they swelled up to the size of Mickey Mouse gloves. It was painful, luckily no fever or sickness or handsome naturalist. But lots of benadryl and drooling on a bus.
She was so high strung and stressed, and this two week "cruise" with no internet, phone or tv was not what she had in mind but it was what she needed.
She had a few other hilarious yet dangerous episodes along her tour of the Amazon which led to her and the naturalist Asher getting closer. He was in Brazil and she was from Chicago so he didn't even try, thinking it was a dead end, ouch.
This is not your normal cozy snowy Christmas story until the end when she goes home to Indiana to see her family. It was refreshing being in a different part of the world where it's hot in December.
I love romance novels this was a quick cute sometimes heartbreaking but then heartlifting read. Some people put obstacles in the way of love because they are scared to get hurt while others love with their whole heart.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thank you net galley and ballantine books for the arc copy for my honest review
December 27, 2020
3.5 stars ❄️
“Those books led me to believe in happy endings. This is the real world, so please forgive me for being silly and looking for more. It’s clear you don’t have more to give. It’s unfortunate, too, because I do. You could have had my heart so easily.”
- Daisy Everly Lancaster
-—-
“Seeing my students’ eyes light up with excitement as they learn about nature and our mission to preserve and care for our world. I couldn’t be happier to have made this career switch. And to think, it might never have happened if I hadn’t fallen in love with you.”
- Asher Adams
“Those books led me to believe in happy endings. This is the real world, so please forgive me for being silly and looking for more. It’s clear you don’t have more to give. It’s unfortunate, too, because I do. You could have had my heart so easily.”
- Daisy Everly Lancaster
-—-
“Seeing my students’ eyes light up with excitement as they learn about nature and our mission to preserve and care for our world. I couldn’t be happier to have made this career switch. And to think, it might never have happened if I hadn’t fallen in love with you.”
- Asher Adams
November 24, 2020
Every year at Christmas time I make a point of it to read Debbie Macomber's new Christmas release. This year did not disappoint this reader. Likeable characters and a great plot makes for a good read. The story starts in late November and gradually takes readers into the Christmas season. Debbie's books always flow smoothly and seem to be quick easy reads. She stirs in humor with just the right amount of twists to keep readers interest peaked. That's why every Christmas I have a Macomber novel in my hands.
Everly Lancaster is a very savvy business woman who works twelve hours a day to make things run smoothly. Jack Campbell is her business partner and CEO of the company who mostly sits back and let's Everly take care of the important decisions. When he hires his niece, Annette Howington to be Everly's assistant things don't seem to go well. Annette can't do anything right and finally Everly tells her she's fired. Jack begs her to give Annette another chance. He tells Everly she needs a vacation. Of course Annette takes care of the arrangements and reluctantly Everly leaves thinking she's going on a luxury cruise to Brazil. But that's not where she ends up when she reaches her destination and finds the cruise is anything but luxurious.
Jingle all the way is a nice seasonal novel for those who enjoy contemporary romance. I hope you will make it a part of your Christmas reading.
I borrowed a copy from the local library. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Everly Lancaster is a very savvy business woman who works twelve hours a day to make things run smoothly. Jack Campbell is her business partner and CEO of the company who mostly sits back and let's Everly take care of the important decisions. When he hires his niece, Annette Howington to be Everly's assistant things don't seem to go well. Annette can't do anything right and finally Everly tells her she's fired. Jack begs her to give Annette another chance. He tells Everly she needs a vacation. Of course Annette takes care of the arrangements and reluctantly Everly leaves thinking she's going on a luxury cruise to Brazil. But that's not where she ends up when she reaches her destination and finds the cruise is anything but luxurious.
Jingle all the way is a nice seasonal novel for those who enjoy contemporary romance. I hope you will make it a part of your Christmas reading.
I borrowed a copy from the local library. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
December 11, 2021
When I first came across this book last holiday season while shelving at the library, I did a double take; as any cinephile knows, Jingle All the Way is a 1996 Yuletide comedy film staring Schwarzenegger and Sinbad. I grew up on that movie; back in the day, my family and I used to watch either our VHS copy or a television airing once every Christmas season. One year, the FX network attempted to start a TBS-style tradition by showing Jingle All the Way for twenty-four hours straight; it must not have gone over very well, because they haven't done it since.
So...could this book even come close to stacking up to the search for TurboMan? While the story of this novel is very different, it's still a fun, comedic adventure. Poor Everly ends up in one mishap after another; if released under a different title, this would make a great Christmas movie.
So...could this book even come close to stacking up to the search for TurboMan? While the story of this novel is very different, it's still a fun, comedic adventure. Poor Everly ends up in one mishap after another; if released under a different title, this would make a great Christmas movie.
October 31, 2020
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Everly Lancaster has always been an overachiever having grown up on a farm she always dreamed of living in the city. She is living a busy life in Chicago running an online real estate agency called Easy Home. She met Jack Campbell six years ago while they were both business students and became partners in this start up project.
It seems she has taken on more of the responsibilities as Jack becomes less involved. Unfortunately, he hired his sister’s daughter, Annette Howington to work as her assistant. After much patience and embarrassing mishaps she decides Annette needs to be let go. Jack decides instead that Everly is overwhelmed and needs a vacation. He has Annette schedule her a two week vacation “somewhere warm” and not giving her much time to back out or say no with all the plans made for her.
She always dreads going home to the farm for the holidays. She is the middle child of five with two twin younger brothers Jeff and John and two older sisters Rose and Lily. Escaping her quiet farm life for the big city she also changed her name from Daisy to Everly. In Indiana, she feels she doesn’t fit in with her brothers working the farm with her father and sisters who are married with kids.
When Everly is sent on an unexpected Amazon Explorer cruise in Brazil she is forced to reevaluate her life. She manages to handle the media free nightmare vacation with the help of Asher Adams the cruise naturist. She slowly begins to make the best of the situation and finds she really did need a break from the craziness of the city.
When both Everly and Asher discover they have feelings for each other things go sideways. They are both independent and devoted to their jobs. Will they be able to work out their differences to try to make their relationship work? Does the spirit of the holidays bring back special memories?
Another delightful story by Debbie Macomber about family traditions, love and new beginnings.
Everly Lancaster has always been an overachiever having grown up on a farm she always dreamed of living in the city. She is living a busy life in Chicago running an online real estate agency called Easy Home. She met Jack Campbell six years ago while they were both business students and became partners in this start up project.
It seems she has taken on more of the responsibilities as Jack becomes less involved. Unfortunately, he hired his sister’s daughter, Annette Howington to work as her assistant. After much patience and embarrassing mishaps she decides Annette needs to be let go. Jack decides instead that Everly is overwhelmed and needs a vacation. He has Annette schedule her a two week vacation “somewhere warm” and not giving her much time to back out or say no with all the plans made for her.
She always dreads going home to the farm for the holidays. She is the middle child of five with two twin younger brothers Jeff and John and two older sisters Rose and Lily. Escaping her quiet farm life for the big city she also changed her name from Daisy to Everly. In Indiana, she feels she doesn’t fit in with her brothers working the farm with her father and sisters who are married with kids.
When Everly is sent on an unexpected Amazon Explorer cruise in Brazil she is forced to reevaluate her life. She manages to handle the media free nightmare vacation with the help of Asher Adams the cruise naturist. She slowly begins to make the best of the situation and finds she really did need a break from the craziness of the city.
When both Everly and Asher discover they have feelings for each other things go sideways. They are both independent and devoted to their jobs. Will they be able to work out their differences to try to make their relationship work? Does the spirit of the holidays bring back special memories?
Another delightful story by Debbie Macomber about family traditions, love and new beginnings.
December 18, 2021
2.5 stars
Headlines:
Don’t be fooled by that snowy scene
Emotionally naive characters
Odd plot
So, colour me surprised when the story quickly left snowy Chicago for the Amazon and a non-luxury and outward bound cruise for all things rainforest and creature. It immediately lost its christmassy feels and although it did come full circle in the end, this was rather disconcerting.
The characters Everly and Asher were well matched in that they both seemed emotionally 13 rather than their late 20’s with hardly a decent relationship in their past between them. Insta-declarations were all over the place. If that’s your cuppa, this story might work better for you.
Readers need to stow their realism as Everly got into an excessive amount of scrapes and Asher was there to rescue, always. I did buy into this couple and I didn’t feel this chemistry. This was easy reading, even if it was eye-roll inducing.
I won’t be recommending this Christmas read that is low on Christmas feels and was underdeveloped in terms of plot and characterisation.
Thank you to Sphere Books for the review copy.
Headlines:
Don’t be fooled by that snowy scene
Emotionally naive characters
Odd plot
So, colour me surprised when the story quickly left snowy Chicago for the Amazon and a non-luxury and outward bound cruise for all things rainforest and creature. It immediately lost its christmassy feels and although it did come full circle in the end, this was rather disconcerting.
The characters Everly and Asher were well matched in that they both seemed emotionally 13 rather than their late 20’s with hardly a decent relationship in their past between them. Insta-declarations were all over the place. If that’s your cuppa, this story might work better for you.
Readers need to stow their realism as Everly got into an excessive amount of scrapes and Asher was there to rescue, always. I did buy into this couple and I didn’t feel this chemistry. This was easy reading, even if it was eye-roll inducing.
I won’t be recommending this Christmas read that is low on Christmas feels and was underdeveloped in terms of plot and characterisation.
Thank you to Sphere Books for the review copy.
September 26, 2020
3.5 / 5.0 stars
I suppose it is not surprising that this book reads like a Hallmark holiday film. After all, five Christmas novels of this best-selling author, Debbie Macomber, have been made into hit movies for Hallmark already. I can easily see how this story could become the sixth. While offering a bit of adventure, this story also runs the emotional gamut - love, conflict, confusion, obsession, affection and misunderstanding. Ms. Macomber does an excellent job navigating with her charming writing, the perilous obstacles of emotion as well as the navigable waterways of the South American Amazon rainforest. She did her homework, and deftly writes about the flora and amazing fauna of the Amazon. Some of it was downright terrifying for the characters in the book. But in the end, love rings true and overcomes all tribulation.
I am grateful to Ballantine Books for having provided a complimentary uncorrected ebook through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
I suppose it is not surprising that this book reads like a Hallmark holiday film. After all, five Christmas novels of this best-selling author, Debbie Macomber, have been made into hit movies for Hallmark already. I can easily see how this story could become the sixth. While offering a bit of adventure, this story also runs the emotional gamut - love, conflict, confusion, obsession, affection and misunderstanding. Ms. Macomber does an excellent job navigating with her charming writing, the perilous obstacles of emotion as well as the navigable waterways of the South American Amazon rainforest. She did her homework, and deftly writes about the flora and amazing fauna of the Amazon. Some of it was downright terrifying for the characters in the book. But in the end, love rings true and overcomes all tribulation.
I am grateful to Ballantine Books for having provided a complimentary uncorrected ebook through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
December 15, 2020
Been enjoying the Debbie Macomber Christmas Books I've tried so far this year...
However, this one has been my least favorite. It didn't give me fun Christmas vibes like the others, and my attention kept wandering to other places.
However, this one has been my least favorite. It didn't give me fun Christmas vibes like the others, and my attention kept wandering to other places.
January 24, 2024
Axır ki 1 aydan belə uzun müddətdən sonra kitab bitdi. klişelərlə dolu bildiyimiz rom-com idi.
December 2, 2020
This book was a DNF at 40% for me. I judged the book by its cover. It looked like a cute holiday read! Alas. It is not. There have been two references to Christmas so far and it’s not Christmas themed.
This is my first book by this author and it’s definitely not my style of romance. It’s everything I had negatively assumed about romance books before I started reading good ones.
What isn’t working for me: The dialogue is not realistic sounding at all. And everything is so surface level - characters, plot, etc. I was turned off early on by the stereotypical Gen Z criticism and it didn’t really get much better.
My biggest issue is the problematic representation of indigenous groups in Brazil. This book centers around Daisy/ Everly (yes, her two different names are used interchangeably?). She’s a business owner from Chicago whose assistant books her on a cruise down the Amazon rather than a luxury beach cruise she expected.
On the cruise, the group goes through the jungle to visit an indigenous tribe for a meal. On the way (🙄) Daisy gets separated from the group during a rainstorm. And a different “not contacted” indigenous tribe’s hunter finds her. And takes her to his group that has tied up a guide from her cruise in a huge misunderstanding. Add in some not funny attempted jokes due to language barriers/ cultural difference. The love interest swoops in with the chief of the “civilized” tribe and they rescue her and the guide. Yes, you read this right.
I’m sorry but what in the actual f was the goal here? There was no need for this plot. Do you know how easy it is for a not-outdoors person to get lost in the jungle and then saved by the love interest? I can think of like 20 not problematic ways.
I can suspend my disbelief for romance books but it’s unacceptable to me, especially in 2020, for a book to use plot devices like this.
Obviously, I do not recommend this one and I am gladly moving on to something else
This is my first book by this author and it’s definitely not my style of romance. It’s everything I had negatively assumed about romance books before I started reading good ones.
What isn’t working for me: The dialogue is not realistic sounding at all. And everything is so surface level - characters, plot, etc. I was turned off early on by the stereotypical Gen Z criticism and it didn’t really get much better.
My biggest issue is the problematic representation of indigenous groups in Brazil. This book centers around Daisy/ Everly (yes, her two different names are used interchangeably?). She’s a business owner from Chicago whose assistant books her on a cruise down the Amazon rather than a luxury beach cruise she expected.
On the cruise, the group goes through the jungle to visit an indigenous tribe for a meal. On the way (🙄) Daisy gets separated from the group during a rainstorm. And a different “not contacted” indigenous tribe’s hunter finds her. And takes her to his group that has tied up a guide from her cruise in a huge misunderstanding. Add in some not funny attempted jokes due to language barriers/ cultural difference. The love interest swoops in with the chief of the “civilized” tribe and they rescue her and the guide. Yes, you read this right.
I’m sorry but what in the actual f was the goal here? There was no need for this plot. Do you know how easy it is for a not-outdoors person to get lost in the jungle and then saved by the love interest? I can think of like 20 not problematic ways.
I can suspend my disbelief for romance books but it’s unacceptable to me, especially in 2020, for a book to use plot devices like this.
Obviously, I do not recommend this one and I am gladly moving on to something else
October 14, 2020
Jingle All the Way started strong, but it quickly fell into chaos for me. I’m beginning to think that Debbie Macomber’s Dashing Through the Snow will always be my favorite Christmas book of hers.
The Good:
• The Amazon trip was the only real redeeming part of this book for me. I truly enjoyed the first section of the book and all of the troubles that Everly got herself into.
The Bad:
• It rubbed me the wrong way when Everly told Asher that she went by Everly because he refused to call her by that name.
• The characters were all quite one-dimensional. Therefore, I do not doubt that I will quickly forget their story as I didn’t find it impactful.
• When it comes down to it, this is a romance novel set during Christmas, and since I was not a fan of the romance, I wasn’t a fan of the book.
• The book was lacking in substance and believability.
• I highly disliked the ending because it felt like it came out of nowhere. There was zero indication of initial thought processes to explain those actions.
Trigger warnings for Jingle All the Way: workplace sexism
The Good:
• The Amazon trip was the only real redeeming part of this book for me. I truly enjoyed the first section of the book and all of the troubles that Everly got herself into.
The Bad:
• It rubbed me the wrong way when Everly told Asher that she went by Everly because he refused to call her by that name.
• The characters were all quite one-dimensional. Therefore, I do not doubt that I will quickly forget their story as I didn’t find it impactful.
• When it comes down to it, this is a romance novel set during Christmas, and since I was not a fan of the romance, I wasn’t a fan of the book.
• The book was lacking in substance and believability.
• I highly disliked the ending because it felt like it came out of nowhere. There was zero indication of initial thought processes to explain those actions.
Trigger warnings for Jingle All the Way: workplace sexism
January 2, 2022
Jingle all the way... straight into the garbage bag.
What a crapy read.
The beginning was promising. Sweet lonely girl forced on vacation, misunderstandings, exotic locations, cute biologist...
And then, after her first "misshap"... a romance for Teletubbies.
Not to mention that a woman whose name is Daisy changed it to Everly because of what other people someday MAY think. 🤢🤢🤢
I hoped there would be an improvement by the end but I was just left disappointed.
Less than one star.
I hope this does not mean that the whole reading year will be like this ....
What a crapy read.
The beginning was promising. Sweet lonely girl forced on vacation, misunderstandings, exotic locations, cute biologist...
And then, after her first "misshap"... a romance for Teletubbies.
Not to mention that a woman whose name is Daisy changed it to Everly because of what other people someday MAY think. 🤢🤢🤢
I hoped there would be an improvement by the end but I was just left disappointed.
Less than one star.
I hope this does not mean that the whole reading year will be like this ....
November 17, 2020
This read felt like it started out as a regular novel for the author and then she realized she had to submit a Christmas novel so she slapped some Christmas warm fuzzies at the end and called Jingle All the Way. I was disappointed as I look forward to the authors Christmas reads every year.
November 17, 2020
Another sweet Christmas story of love at first sight, a few misadventures and missteps along the way to ending in "Happily Ever After".
3.5 stars.
3.5 stars.
October 27, 2020
Everly is a driven real estate executive. When she threatens to fire his incompetent, entitled niece, her business partner insists she take off the month of December to de-stress, and asks his niece, Annette, to book Everly on a cruise. Not until she arrives at the dock in Brazil does Everly realize that the vindictive young woman has booked an eco-cruise through the Amazon rain forest instead of the luxury cruise she expected—no Internet, phone, or TV available. Everly cannot imagine how she will survive for 2 weeks, but then she meets the ship’s naturalist, Asher. Can a city girl who is driven to succeed in business even consider a relationship with a laid-back traveling naturalist? Jingle All the Way is a good choice for readers looking for a happily-ever-after holiday romance with a different twist. Thanks to the publisher and to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC.
November 10, 2020
Workaholic Everly is persuaded (with a lot of encouragement After she tells her co-worker that she wants to fire his incompetent niece) to take a vacation. The vacation if scheduled for her (by the niece she wants to fire) and this is where she meets Asher.
Short and sweet romance about meeting someone and falling in love on vacation and figuring out how to make it work once the vaca is over.
Short and sweet romance about meeting someone and falling in love on vacation and figuring out how to make it work once the vaca is over.
October 13, 2020
A Christmas story with a twist—most of the book is set in the Amazon Rainforest! Although this book contains a heartfelt romance, it is also about finding out what’s most important, prioritizing what truly makes someone happy! With its exotic setting and endearing characters, this is a great book to read at Christmas or any time of year!
December 24, 2020
The tale begins in Chicago, then whisks us away to the Amazon before taking us home to the farm for the holidays.
This story had all the makings of a Hallmark movie. Overworked executive’s partner suggests she take a month long holiday when she wants to fire his niece. Said niece books a cruise and our heroine Evelyn ends up cruising down the Amazon. LOL.
On the cruise she finds herself smitten by Asher Adams, the ship’s charming naturalist. But Evelyn and Asher are from two different worlds. She is city; he loves the remote landscape along the Amazon river.
The story didn’t feel like a typical Macomber holiday read, and it took me a while to slip into the story. The last three-fourths of the book really grabbed me, particularly when Evelyn went home.
For me, the romance was a side-story to these two characters finding a work/life balance. I loved the farm, talks of fudge and the family members we met from siblings to cousins.
Jingle All the Way ended up being an enjoyable read, but not my favorite by this author. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
This story had all the makings of a Hallmark movie. Overworked executive’s partner suggests she take a month long holiday when she wants to fire his niece. Said niece books a cruise and our heroine Evelyn ends up cruising down the Amazon. LOL.
On the cruise she finds herself smitten by Asher Adams, the ship’s charming naturalist. But Evelyn and Asher are from two different worlds. She is city; he loves the remote landscape along the Amazon river.
The story didn’t feel like a typical Macomber holiday read, and it took me a while to slip into the story. The last three-fourths of the book really grabbed me, particularly when Evelyn went home.
For me, the romance was a side-story to these two characters finding a work/life balance. I loved the farm, talks of fudge and the family members we met from siblings to cousins.
Jingle All the Way ended up being an enjoyable read, but not my favorite by this author. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
September 5, 2020
When workaholic Everly/Daisy is mistakenly sent on an Amazon Jungle Christmas cruise by her inept assistant, her life drastically changes when she meets Asher. Asher is the ship’s tour guide/wildlife expert.
I enjoyed reading the Amazon Jungle scenes. Everly is not outdoorsy. She’s the complete opposite of Asher and it’s a nice surprise when we initially see both of them get along so well. Everly manages to land into a lot of trouble and Asher is there to help her.
Everly feels somewhat estranged from her family. She hopes this holiday season will help to solidify her familial relationships. She also reflects about her workaholic life style. How can she balance her family, her workload, and her feelings for Asher?
This is a delightful, light, Christmas read that all will enjoy!
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by NetGalley!
I enjoyed reading the Amazon Jungle scenes. Everly is not outdoorsy. She’s the complete opposite of Asher and it’s a nice surprise when we initially see both of them get along so well. Everly manages to land into a lot of trouble and Asher is there to help her.
Everly feels somewhat estranged from her family. She hopes this holiday season will help to solidify her familial relationships. She also reflects about her workaholic life style. How can she balance her family, her workload, and her feelings for Asher?
This is a delightful, light, Christmas read that all will enjoy!
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by NetGalley!
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