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Unexpected Christmas Joy
Holiday matchmakers are full of surprises…
Her surprise inheritance
could make them a family.
It’s a plot twist actress Kate LeClair never becoming guardian to toddler triplets. But with guidance from experienced single dad Jacob Dawson, she and the boys can move on by Christmas. Pastor Jacob can’t ask Kate to swap stage lights for small-town Minnesota—even if he’s falling for her. But these tiny matchmakers might prove she’s found the only role she really wants…
Her surprise inheritance
could make them a family.
It’s a plot twist actress Kate LeClair never becoming guardian to toddler triplets. But with guidance from experienced single dad Jacob Dawson, she and the boys can move on by Christmas. Pastor Jacob can’t ask Kate to swap stage lights for small-town Minnesota—even if he’s falling for her. But these tiny matchmakers might prove she’s found the only role she really wants…
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published September 29, 2020
82 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Gabrielle Meyer
86 books2,978 followersGabrielle Meyer grew up above a carriage house on a historic estate near the banks of the Mississippi River, imagining real and make-believe stories about the occupants who had lived there. She went on to work for the Minnesota Historical Society and loves writing fiction inspired by real people, places, and events. She currently resides in central Minnesota on the banks of the Mississippi River, not far from where she grew up, with her husband and four children. By day, she’s a busy homeschool mom, and by night she pens fiction and non-fiction filled with hope. Learn more about Gabrielle and her writing by visiting www.gabriellemeyer.com.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 9, 2020
Loved this book. The inclusion of triplet boys made it an even more entertaining and likable read, and I really enjoyed the story
September 5, 2020
Tis the season for Unexpected Christmas Joy by Gabrielle Meyer! This book is the very essence of the word heartwarming!
I was really drawn to sweet Jacob Dawson in A Mother's Secret, so I was thrilled to see his story told in Unexpected Christmas Joy. Jacob is the widowed pastor of small town Timber Falls Community Church, content to raise his daughter Maggie and care for the needs of his congregation.
Kate LeClair is an accomplished actress called home to Timber Falls to care for her cousin's triplets. She knows nothing about taking care of children, but Jacob and Maggie help her with Aiden, Bryce and Carter. In the process their attraction begins and grows, as do the obstacles that stand in their way.
Jacob is one of the most gentlemanly caring men I've read in a long time. Kate, for her part, wants to do the right thing for the boys and continue her acting career, even though she has strong feelings for Jacob and little Maggie too. She's really torn in two directions! I really sympathized with both Jacob and Kate. That's the mark of a really good book, when the characters stop being just characters and feel like real people I know.
There are plenty of complications for Jacob and Kate, ranging from meddling church elders to acts of vandalism, back to work deadlines and selling the family home, hurtful pasts and even a member of the church singles group who as her possessive sights set on Jacob. After all they go through, they deserve their happy ending and Gabrielle delivers a wonderful one!
Unexpected Christmas Joy is a delightful and charming Christmas book! It gave me all the warm fuzzy feelings I love and look for in a Christmas story. I highly recommend it!
I was really drawn to sweet Jacob Dawson in A Mother's Secret, so I was thrilled to see his story told in Unexpected Christmas Joy. Jacob is the widowed pastor of small town Timber Falls Community Church, content to raise his daughter Maggie and care for the needs of his congregation.
Kate LeClair is an accomplished actress called home to Timber Falls to care for her cousin's triplets. She knows nothing about taking care of children, but Jacob and Maggie help her with Aiden, Bryce and Carter. In the process their attraction begins and grows, as do the obstacles that stand in their way.
Jacob is one of the most gentlemanly caring men I've read in a long time. Kate, for her part, wants to do the right thing for the boys and continue her acting career, even though she has strong feelings for Jacob and little Maggie too. She's really torn in two directions! I really sympathized with both Jacob and Kate. That's the mark of a really good book, when the characters stop being just characters and feel like real people I know.
There are plenty of complications for Jacob and Kate, ranging from meddling church elders to acts of vandalism, back to work deadlines and selling the family home, hurtful pasts and even a member of the church singles group who as her possessive sights set on Jacob. After all they go through, they deserve their happy ending and Gabrielle delivers a wonderful one!
Unexpected Christmas Joy is a delightful and charming Christmas book! It gave me all the warm fuzzy feelings I love and look for in a Christmas story. I highly recommend it!
September 7, 2020
Love love and love this story!! Life is full of twists and turns that can leave us feeling so lost and confused. But it is those very situations that God shows how much He loves and cares for us by turning our sorrows into unexpected joys. He truly does have a plan and purpose for all that we go through. and His surprises are always worth it, no matter how painful it seems.
August 8, 2020
It was so much fun to return to Timber Falls! Read "A Mother's Secret" for our first adventure there in which we first briefly meet Pastor Jacob. I am glad that Jacob got his own story in this sweet story about love and forgiveness of one's own past mistakes and second chances.
December 11, 2020
A holiday love story brimming with joy and hope.
Sniffle. This one has all the feels. I was laughing and fuming and swooning and eye-rolling and angsting. And completely falling under Jacob's spell. It's not often that a pastor gets to play the hero so that aspect brought an interesting angle to the story. His congregation plays a pivotal role -- for better or for worse! -- in the story and they sent me into conniptions from time to time. Gah! :-)
And poor Kate! I felt the beginnings of an anxiety attack during the first few chapters as she suddenly finds herself responsible for triplet toddlers. Those scenes are so well written that I immediately felt a kinship with her...and just as overwhelmed and bewildered.
What a perfect way for Jacob and Kate to bond as he steps in to help her transition into instant motherhood. And his adorable little girl has a definite Mary Poppins flare when it comes to triplet wrangling! Absolutely loved their angst-riddled and laughter-infused journey towards a happily ever after.
Sniffle. This one has all the feels. I was laughing and fuming and swooning and eye-rolling and angsting. And completely falling under Jacob's spell. It's not often that a pastor gets to play the hero so that aspect brought an interesting angle to the story. His congregation plays a pivotal role -- for better or for worse! -- in the story and they sent me into conniptions from time to time. Gah! :-)
And poor Kate! I felt the beginnings of an anxiety attack during the first few chapters as she suddenly finds herself responsible for triplet toddlers. Those scenes are so well written that I immediately felt a kinship with her...and just as overwhelmed and bewildered.
What a perfect way for Jacob and Kate to bond as he steps in to help her transition into instant motherhood. And his adorable little girl has a definite Mary Poppins flare when it comes to triplet wrangling! Absolutely loved their angst-riddled and laughter-infused journey towards a happily ever after.
December 26, 2020
Great day to finish this satisfying book by Gabrielle Meyer. Young Kate LeClair, Broadway star, must decide if life in a small town is worth leaving behind her hard-won successful career. And, of course, there is a handsome, young ... pastor(!) to consider. And the dark secret in Kate’s past the could scuttle the whole thing. Oh! And did I mention Kate has inherited toddler triplets?
Unexpected Christmas Joy exhibits Meyer’s detail rich writing. The reader can see the streets and homes and clothes described. Details that bring a story to life. Her characters also are well drawn, deep enough to encourage readers to cheer for them yet not so deep one feels let down at the end because the book was not long enough.
Is the ending expected? Sure! And a good satisfying ending it is!
Unexpected Christmas Joy exhibits Meyer’s detail rich writing. The reader can see the streets and homes and clothes described. Details that bring a story to life. Her characters also are well drawn, deep enough to encourage readers to cheer for them yet not so deep one feels let down at the end because the book was not long enough.
Is the ending expected? Sure! And a good satisfying ending it is!
September 29, 2020
Unexpected Christmas Joy is a story that proves OUR plans are not always best, that an unexpected surprise can bring joy! The story has hope and redemption in it , even as the characters don’t believe it for themselves. Though a tragedy begins the journey for Kate and the outcome of becoming a guardian to young triplet boys scares her, she discovers strength she didn’t know she had. She also discovers more than that, but almost loses it... Kate must figure out what she really wants and what is most important. Christmas is a time of gifts. Will she discover her most precious gifts?
I love Christmas stories and this is a sweet one you will not want to miss! Besides it has triplets in it! And it gives the pastor we met before- his own story! I recommend it!
I love Christmas stories and this is a sweet one you will not want to miss! Besides it has triplets in it! And it gives the pastor we met before- his own story! I recommend it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2020
This heartwarming Christmas story by author Kate LeClair kept my attention from page 1 to the end. I mean, who wouldn’t love a story that includes an adorable set of triplets and a sweet daughter.
The characters are wonderful. Jacob Dawson is the epitome of a gentleman with a big heart that wants God’s best for others. Kate LeClair wants to do what’s best for the boys, but she doesn’t know what that is. As both seek God they come to conclusions, but not what you may think.
Complications arise for both, including a set of meddling matchmakers who kept me laughing. Then throw in a mean head elder and sparks fly. Both good and bad.
A delightful book, you’ll get all the emotions you expected from a Christmas novel. I recommend it!
The characters are wonderful. Jacob Dawson is the epitome of a gentleman with a big heart that wants God’s best for others. Kate LeClair wants to do what’s best for the boys, but she doesn’t know what that is. As both seek God they come to conclusions, but not what you may think.
Complications arise for both, including a set of meddling matchmakers who kept me laughing. Then throw in a mean head elder and sparks fly. Both good and bad.
A delightful book, you’ll get all the emotions you expected from a Christmas novel. I recommend it!
September 28, 2020
What a sweet story that grabbed my heart and wouldn't let go. Absolutely fell in love with the characters.
The story of handsome and utterly kind Pastor Jacob & his daughter Maggie, and their new neighbor Kate & the triplets she is now responsible for is delightful from the very first page.
I am not a crier, but a certain goodbye scene had me reaching for the kleenex.
Do yourself a favor and read this heartwarming Christmas story!
Thank you to author Gabrielle Meyer for letting me read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
The story of handsome and utterly kind Pastor Jacob & his daughter Maggie, and their new neighbor Kate & the triplets she is now responsible for is delightful from the very first page.
I am not a crier, but a certain goodbye scene had me reaching for the kleenex.
Do yourself a favor and read this heartwarming Christmas story!
Thank you to author Gabrielle Meyer for letting me read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
December 27, 2024
I liked that this was one of the 'deeper' LI novels I've read. Both Kate and Jacob had issues that they needed to work through, and actually accept God's forgiveness for. (But isn't that true of most of us?) I also liked Maggie, the triplets, and the sweet 'church ladies' too.
That being said, the 'insta-love' thing kept this from being a 4 star (or more) read for me. Yes, Kate and Jacob were in each other's presence constantly, but I believe in most cases, more than 6 weeks' time is needed before making a serious commitment to someone.
3.5 stars
That being said, the 'insta-love' thing kept this from being a 4 star (or more) read for me. Yes, Kate and Jacob were in each other's presence constantly, but I believe in most cases, more than 6 weeks' time is needed before making a serious commitment to someone.
3.5 stars
December 3, 2020
Gabrielle Meyer is a new author to me. I enjoyed this sweet read and will be reading more of her stories. Broadway actress,Kate LeClair, becomes guardian to her cousin’s triplet boys. Pastor Jack Dawson is a single dad to seven-year-old Maggie.
December 30, 2020
What's not to love about this book. A set of charming triplets, a handsome widowed pastor, a Broadway star all coming together. Was able to relate to the church ladies since I am a pastor's daughter. Fell in love with the characters and hope I'll be able read more of them in future books. Can't wait to read the next book by this author.
December 22, 2022
Light-hearted, sweet, small town romance. I enjoyed the theatre aspect, especially having attended many performances at The Orpheum in Minneapolis myself. And of course, the triplets and Maggie are adorable.
December 22, 2025
Sweet Story
This was a sweet story about forgiveness, change, and God’s timing. The triplets were sweet. I loved the main characters. The story was pretty predictable, I only had one detail wrong in the ending. But this was another sweet story from Meyer.
This was a sweet story about forgiveness, change, and God’s timing. The triplets were sweet. I loved the main characters. The story was pretty predictable, I only had one detail wrong in the ending. But this was another sweet story from Meyer.
August 31, 2020
An awesome story about triples
September 21, 2020
Great book. Loved the whole story. Made me feel I could actually have been there and felt what the characters were going through.
Read
January 2, 2021Very nice Christian fiction story!
December 11, 2022
It was cute.
May 20, 2023
Wow, wow, wow! Squeaky clean and wholesome. I love it.
June 28, 2024
Warm and touchingly heartfelt
October 4, 2024
Lovely little story.
December 5, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Cheesy inspirational Christmas romance. I really enjoyed the faith aspect of the story
Cheesy inspirational Christmas romance. I really enjoyed the faith aspect of the story
December 12, 2024
It was a sweet story, but I would say that the church elder was very pushy. Overall it was a good, emotional story!
April 27, 2025
Just a good book. Meyer is a fantastic author and while this one might not be as flashy as her Timeless series books, it has a beautiful message of selfless love.
July 12, 2025
I LOVE this book!!
December 19, 2025
Sweet
Sweet but too good to be true. But God is a God of miracles, so we should never limit His abilities...
Sweet but too good to be true. But God is a God of miracles, so we should never limit His abilities...
December 31, 2025
Loved loved this book. Wonderful story line with a happy ending. A must read
February 8, 2026
This is the 1st book I read by Gabrielle Meyer. This book's cover is adorable. I liked Katie's character. I liked Jacob's character. I thought all the children were adorable. I liked the ending.
November 18, 2025
A sweet and truly beautiful Holliday story of love popping up in the most unexpected way and at the most unexpected time.
Kate’s world has been turned upside down with the news of the death of a cousin she hasn’t seen in years. But on top of that, Kate is named guardian of her cousins triplets. What is an up-and-coming actress to do with three little boys? How can she raise them and love them while traveling with the theater?
And then there’s Jacob. Pastor and single dad who just wants to help, but his presence is more than helpful. And his heart quickly takes off in the direction all its own.
Kate’s world has been turned upside down with the news of the death of a cousin she hasn’t seen in years. But on top of that, Kate is named guardian of her cousins triplets. What is an up-and-coming actress to do with three little boys? How can she raise them and love them while traveling with the theater?
And then there’s Jacob. Pastor and single dad who just wants to help, but his presence is more than helpful. And his heart quickly takes off in the direction all its own.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews