Write Before Christmas

by Julie Hammerle

You’ve probably heard of me.
Reclusive fantasy author turned famous when his series got developed into a mega TV hit.
Except now I’m way behind deadline, and the whole world is waiting to see what I’ll write next.
The pressure is getting to me, and I. Can’t. Write.
Cue: small town where people don’t recognize me.
Cue: my assistant insisting on a personal chef to keep me fed and nothing more.
Cue: finding the first bit of inspiration I’ve felt in months whenever she’s around…
Am I a walking cliche now, or what?
Dani Cooper seems to have her own hurdles to jump this holiday season. Newly divorced, looking for her next move. She’s the first person who’s seen me for me in way too long. And I see her, too--as way more than just an employee, a divorcee, a cook. She’s becoming my muse…
But when my Christmas deadline hits, will it spell the end of us, too?

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Holiday, Audiobook, Contemporary, Fiction, Chick Lit

201 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2020

About the author

USA Today best-selling, RITA nominated author Julie Hammerle writes romantic comedies for adults and teens. Before settling down to write "for real," she studied opera, taught Latin, and held her real estate license for one hot minute. Currently, aside from writing, she ropes people into conversations about Game of Thrones and makes excuses to avoid the gym. Her favorite YA-centric TV shows include 90210 (original spice), Felicity, and Freaks and Geeks. Her iPod reads like a 1997 Lilith Fair set list.

Reviews

[Katie T · Rating 2 out of 5]

Neither wholesome nor smutty, romantic nor funny. Fails on all counts.

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Christmas Time Table Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free
Pssst...In case you aren't aware, I am not a Twenty-Something or even a Thirty-Something. Nope, those days have passed. But that does not make me an old fuddy-duddy, quite the contrary. I have been known to get down with the best of them...maybe needing help getting up but...I digress, hahahahahaha

What I am saying is those who are not New Age or a little bit older still want love...all types of love.

So when I saw Write Before Christmas had a woman who was recently divorced with a college-age daughter and an established fantasy author who became a celebrity, "Known" when his series was picked up for television, took off to the point where memes were made with quotes were plastered over sweatshirts, I had to read this.

The best was that they were grown-ups.

Our author, Matt, has writer's block. He is on a deadline and dragons are being suggested by the TV producers. Well, that's not going to happen. His assistant books a mini McMansion for him at a location where no one would know him. A cook/housekeeper will be there so he can just work on his book/script. Fine, hopefully, something comes to him and he will be able to write.

Dani is at a crossroads. She is now divorced and her daughter has gone off to college. She was a teacher but does she want that now...As a way to clear her head, Dani takes on the position of cook/housekeeper for a man staying out one of the rentals. Dani has no idea as to "Who" Matt is and that works extremely well for both of them.

These two start to mean more to each other before they realize it. Is Dani the muse Matt needed and nothing more...or is there a possibility there. Dani starts to see life different than what she had in the past, does it work thinking Matt could be part of it.

I enjoyed how all of this worked, no overt angst, just grown-ups falling for each other, and learning to accept love.

Write Before Christmas
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julie Hamerlee is a new to me author and I really enjoyed Write Before Christmas. I loved that both the characters were mid 40’s and in different places in their lives, but their chemistry kept pulling them towards one another. While set around Christmas, it wasn’t in your face so I feel people who don’t celebrate would enjoy this book as well. On the sweeter side of romance with the sex taking place off the page, the anticipation between them was enough to keep me fully engrossed in their relationship.

Matt is a pretty famous writer mainly because his fantasy series has been made into a television show and he is struggling to finish the last book. He’s had a recent bit of notoriety when he had a few too many drinks at a Comic Con convention and pretty much trashed the TV show and the people involved with it. At the advice of his assistant, he’s rented a house in a small Midwest town to hide out and write and where he will host a watch party for the production team and cast of The Saga for the second season opener.

Dani is newly divorced and hasn’t held a job for the last 20 years while she took care of her family and household, she and her daughter have had to move back in with her parents until she finds a job and gets on her feet since her ex-husband pretty much ruined them financially. She has no idea what she wants to do with her life, but with the help of her sister in law she realizes that cooking and baking are what she loves most of all. When a woman in her sister in law’s yoga class offers her a job cooking and cleaning for an author on a deadline she isn’t sure if it’s what she wants, but takes it so she can start building her resume and as her sister in law calls it “her brand.”

Matt is very much the typical writer where he knows he has a deadline but he’s feeling uninspired but one night while out for a run he meets a woman walking a dog that inspires him, just a few days later he realizes that his assistant has hired her to be his cook and housekeeper. They know they must be hands off which only increases the intensity of their attraction. I loved the moments between Matt and Dani, their quiet, thoughtful, intelligent conversations and their playful demeanor. My one issue with these two is that they both were so social media opposed acting like it was something not for their generation, in all honesty they were acting like my 83 year old mother and considering I’m 15 years older than these characters it bugged me that they were acting like they were “too old” for it.

This was a smartly written, enjoyable and highly entertaining holiday story and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

Review copy provided for a voluntary review.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for a arc copy for a honest review.

When I saw Write Before Christmas I thought it look’s so cute.. I’m a sucker for cute and beautiful book cover. I thought Matt and Dani so cute it reminds me of another hallmark movie an enjoyable read 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Happy Reading
Lisa

[Brooke — brooklynnnnereads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun, wintery romance and I loved how it featured a writer who was having their works adapted. I think that's a different perspective that we don't often read about in stories involving authors.

I will say that this story is quite the example of "instalove" especially surrounding the circumstances of the main characters' first kiss. However, if you have no problem with "instalove" and enjoy seeing that in a novel, this book may be the one for you.

I also found the ages of the main characters unique in respect to the contemporary romance genre. Often with contemporary romance, the main characters are in their twenties and/or thirties. For this novel, both characters were in their mid-forties. This may seem like such a small thing but I love reading of characters at a variety of ages because I think it's important to have that representation in all novels, but especially in romance where they can focus on finding love early in life.

This was a quick and fun read that was perfect for the holidays.

***Thank you to Entangled Publishing for providing me with an e-ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review***

[Alaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A little late in reading Write Before Christmas but I love jumping into Holiday books so it doesn't even bother me. In it, you will meet Dani and Matt. She is newly divorced and is trying to find a new job to support her and her daughter. He is a fantasy writer currently dealing with writer's block. Ouch!

So magically he hires Dani to become his chef and housekeeper. Well, his assistant hires her but details. So it was pretty interesting that they kissed on a random night before they knew who the other person was.

Honestly, I devoured this book in one sitting. It was all kinds of cute and I just really ended up liking the characters and enjoying the whole entire story. I also kind of wish it was a movie. Ugh, can it be the holidays now? I got some snow.. now I just need some vacation time and family game/movie night.

[Anniek · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lot about this premisse was really promising, and there were some good aspects about the execution, like tropes I love. But ultimately, this book was just not for me. I loved seeing older characters in a romance novel for a change, but I never actually connected with these particular characters, and I especially didn't like Matt very much. He seemed a little too much like all the other white cishet men writing fantasy and because of that, his story just didn't interest me very much.

[Avani ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Write Before Christmas by Julie Hammerle is a sweet and Christmas rom-com between a Writer and a Cook. Dani Cooper, a recently divorced cook who is looking for some change and muse in her life. Matt, the writer is living in confinement to work on his next novel. Jane, his assistant is making sure he gets what he wants.

I really liked this book. You need to pick it up if you are looking for a light hearted and feel good book, which won't go wrong. Dani lives with her teenage daughter and her father. Dani is appointed as a housekeeper at Matt's house without she knowing who he actually is!

I liked how teenage girl passes cute cute comments for her mother and Matt. The chemistry and very sweet. I liked the small town setting and Christmas was the deadline for Matt, the writer to finish his next book. Dani unknowingly helps him to finish his book.

The writing style was great. We see the story progressing based on I guess 15-20 days before Christmas. Will he be able to finish his book? And also fall in love with DANI? I liked the simplicity of the story, no over angst just two souls falling in love and finding each other in the process.
________

Thank You to NetGalley and Publisher for sending me eARC in exchange for a honest opinion.

[Lisa (A Life Bound By Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this one.

Characters of a bit older ages. Both with issues they need to figure out and get past. Small town, Christmas, limited time. Ones a writer trying to get his muse back. She’s a divorcee trying to find her footing and passion after being a housewife for many years.

Was exactly what I needed, at just the perfect time.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dani is a divorcee, former teacher, desperately looking for a new job/career to support her and her 19 year old daughter.

Matt is a fantasy writer whose series has been made into a hit TV show (think G.R.R Martin and Game of Thrones), but he seems to have a bad case of writer's block and his personal assistant has shipped him off to a holiday rental house/mansion to meet his Christmas deadline for the third and final book in the series.

Worlds collide when Matt's assistant hires Dani to be Matt's private chef and housekeeper, the added bonus, she has no idea who he is ... other than the stranger she kissed one night while out walking her dog!

Matt is fighting the TV producers who want him to write dragons in the third book and the last thing he needs is a distracting woman making his bed and cooking him delectable treats. But suddenly the words seem to flow more freely, is Dani his muse?

I really enjoyed this, but I can't put my finger on why TBH because there wasn't really any major drama, even the tension seemed muted. Maybe it's a facet of the protagonists being over 40 that they don't go for all the hand-wringing angst of the 20-somethings. Anyway, it was a charming read with likable and genuine-sounding characters. Perfect feel-good holiday romance without the saccharine.

I was given a free copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Bumped for release.

[Kimberly Carrington-Fox · Rating 1 out of 5]

[Thanks Netgalley for the ebook. This review is my honest opinion but just another opinion, you should read this book and judge it by yourself]
1'5 estrellitas.
Es un nadismo tostón, de esos que, si los ves convertidos en teleflín de Antena 3 un domingo en la sobremesa, te lo zampas tan ricamente pero que, leídos, son bastante mñe.
Él es una especie de George R. R. Martin (pero en cuarentón buenorro) que se enclaustra en un pueblo a terminar el tercer libro de su exitosa saga de fantasía mientras que, a la vez, esta se emite por tv (lo que le ha dado una fama tremenda que le ha acarreado más de un problema). Ella es una cuarentona divorciada que está intentando encauzar su nueva vida. Se conocen, se gustan y blabla (no os lo cuento por si, en una locura, lo queréis leer).
No es un libro que quieras tirar por la ventana pero no tiene nada. La relación sentimental está muy mal llevada, los personajes son bastante planos... Todo me ha parecido bastante forzado. No ha sido para mí

[Maria Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t read anything by Julie Hammerle before but that will definitely change as I really enjoyed the setup and romance in this fun Christmas-themed story! Write Before Christmas is the type of story that would feature in a Hallmark Holiday special and would definitely be one I’d watch.

When fantasy author Matt finds himself suffering from writer’s block, his assistant helps him find a small town rental home where he can hide out and try to finish his story. Time is of the essence, even more so than would normally be the case with a publishing deadline because his story has been made into a TV series – The Saga – and they’re waiting on him to continue the plot. The second season is about to premiere and the show has already caught up with his books. The producers need the rest of the story to start pre-production on Season Three and he has exactly nineteen days to finish the script. There’s already been an unfortunate incident that caused some tongue-wagging when an interview at comic-con went awry, and the heat is on for Matt to get things done and repair his relationship with the TV show executives.

Out jogging to mull over story and plot ideas, Matt runs into a woman walking her dog, Ralph Wiggums, (named after a character from The Simpsons.) The woman laughingly confesses that her daughter named the dog, and that she’s not a TV watcher, a boon for Matt as it’s unlikely that she’d recognize him. It’s a meeting that lingers in Matt’s mind after she’s gone.

Dani is recently divorced and she’s reluctantly had to move back in with her parents with her nineteen-year-old daughter Kelsie in tow. Dani has just had to relay the bad newsvthat until she can get a job, Kelsie won’t be able to move into an apartment with a friend and will have to commute from her grandparents’ place while going to the local college.

Having not had a job since Kelsie was born, Dani doesn’t have many marketable skills – but she can cook. And housekeeping, while not a career aspiration, is definitely an area in which she has experience. While attending one of her sister’s yoga classes, she meets one of her other clients, Jane, an assistant to an author. When Jane mentions that she’s looking for a cook and housekeeper for her boss – who has strict requirements not to be bothered while he’s working – Dani is reluctant, but ends up taking the job. She has no interest in the author himself; it’s just a job for the pay and it will at least be something she can put on a resumé.

Naturally, Dani soon discovers that the person she is working for is none other than Matt, the man she ran into with her dog. And Matt, though initially suspicious at the coincidence comes to believe that Dani really has no idea who he is or about his TV show (though Kelsie is not so ignorant). The friendship they develop soon turns into something more. But Matt’s time is running out – both to turn in his script and in the small town. Will they get the happy ending they deserve or will it be cut short?

I love seeing an older couple with life’s many experiences under their belts influencing their actions and reactions. Both Matt and Dani are forty-five, have had other relationships (good and bad) and are wary of diving into something new. But a friendship is worth cultivating, and that friendship eventually leads them to a romantic relationship. This is a closed door romance so we get kissing scenes and the after-sex cuddling but the rest is left to the imagination. While I wouldn’t have minded a bit more steam, I was content with how it played out. Interestingly, Matt’s stories have some kinky love scenes though those are alluded to as opposed to put on full display. I enjoyed reading the bits of Matt’s stories that make it onto the pages as well, clearly an homage to a Game of Thrones-style fantasy.

The story is told from both points of view, and all of Matt’s chapter headings include the countdown to his deadline to turn in the story. The tension of his writing difficulties is ever present, especially as it’s clear that the TV studio has a different vision of where the story should be going than the actual plot that Matt has developed. This makes for a bit of a page turner, with the reader wondering how it can all work out for Matt in the end.

Dani’s family is a close-knit one and all the scenes between her and her family are very enjoyable. It’s a contrast to Matt, who is estranged from his mother and doesn’t have many trustworthy friends apart from his assistant Jane. So his friendship with Dani becomes very important to him. But his career is just as important and when they conflict, he has to decide what’s worth more.

Write Before Christmas is a delightful romantic comedy, with lots of scenes that will make you laugh and smile, plenty of witty banter, as well as really likable characters and an interesting plot. I’m definitely going to be looking for more from this author.

This review appears at All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...

A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

[Crystal's Bookish Life · Rating 3 out of 5]

Matt is a writer of a very popular fantasy book series that pushed him to fame when it was made into a TV show. He's currently under a strict deadline to finish the next book he is less than excited about writing.

Dani is newly divorced and moved back in with her parents who just so happen to live next door to Matt. They have a chance meeting where sparks start to fly between the two of them and they have a spontaneous kiss in the dark.

But things start to get tangled when Dani shows up the next day to Natt's house as the new personal chef he hired without realizing it was the same woman he was kissing last night.

Can the two of them make a fling turn into something that will last beyond Matt's deadline?

This was a fun read, I enjoyed the writing style which was really easy to get immersed in, laced with just a hint of rom com flair. I really loved how developed each individual character was, beyond our couple. I loved how accurate the feeling of a cozy small town at Christmas was portrayed, and overall I felt like this was a sweet and fun read.

At times the dialogue felt a bit cheesy and the ending was a bit too convenient and rushed. And I would have liked it better if our 40 something characters had not been handled in a way that made them feel much older than they were with the constant talk of how technology was hard for them.

I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a light rom com with a dash of Christmas vibes.

[Samantha (WLABB) · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the pressure to deliver the final book in his hit fantasy series, Matt was experiencing a severe case of writer's block. His solution? Escape to a small town, where he could enjoy some anonymity. He did find some solace in said small town, and it came in the form of his new housekeeper.

I started out as a fan of Hammerle's YA books, but after reading Knocked-Up Cinderella, I knew I would be reading more of her adult books. Write Before Christmas was fun and heartwarming, and I would say had a Hallmark feel, which is something that always delights me.

First of all, can we just thank Hammerle for writing books featuring mature heroines. It's wonderful seeing women over forty finding love, and in this instance, finding her second chance at happiness. Dani spent over twenty years in an unsatisfying marriage. I wanted her to find her soulmate with every ounce of my being. She deserved someone who would love and respect her and make her happy. It was kismet that her dog ran over Matt and brought the two of them together. What started as a holiday fling quickly showed signs of becoming more, and I was here for it. Why? Because I thought they were fantastic together.

Dani was also at a crossroads in her life. While she was married, she played the role of homemaker. Now, she was on her own and needed to figure out what to do with her life. It was great seeing her parlay some of her domestic talents into a possible career. She was seizing opportunities, while also making some of her own. I loved that she wanted to rely on herself and cheered all her successes.

I was in such a funk when I picked up this book, and I have to say, this was the right book at the right time. Books set during the holidays have been my panacea and are especially effective, when they incorporate the holiday fun into the story. It was great partaking in all the Christmas events celebrated by the whole town. I loved baking the cookies and going to the holiday bazaar, but I really delighted in spending time with Dani's family. They were such a fun and welcoming group. I could feel the love that existed between them all, and they made me laugh. In fact, I laughed a lot as I read this book, and yes, that's a good thing.

Overall, I had a fabulous holiday with Matt, Dani, and the rest of town. It was a treat watching these two figure out their future and get their HEA. I adored all its fun fluffy goodness, and was left feeling all the holiday cheer.

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

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[The Avaricious Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

ʙᴏᴏᴋ : Write Before Christmas

ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ : Julie Hammerle

ᴘᴜʙʟɪᴄᴀᴛɪᴏɴ : @entangled_publishing

ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ :

Newly divorced Dani with a 19 years old daughter is searching for both love and a job. Matt, a famous fantasy writer is trying to overcome his writer's block and fix his image recently ruined due to a controversy involving the TV series adaptation of his books in small town. Dani, decides to work as Matt's cook and helper as a way to earn money and also explores her love for cooking. Obviously nothing happens between them, OBVIOUSLY.

I really liked the book, it had loving characters, a hallmark movie vibe and, felt very warm and cozy. I loved reading about Matt and even the book he was writing, which I definitely am sure is inspired by Game Of Thrones. The writing style was breezy. I just sort of just let myself in the story. Those two were such a cute couple.

I would like to give this book 4 shining stars :
⭐⭐⭐⭐

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sarah | Kerosene.Lit · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn’t expecting this to feature characters in their 40s. It was a great surprise! I wouldn’t label this as a true Christmas romance, though, as it’s very light on any festivities.

Approaching a publishing deadline, acclaimed author Matt Bradford has tucked himself away in an Illinois small town. Battling with television production altering his story, it was clear his character was heavily inspired by the Game of Thrones empire. But it was fun!

Divorced and desperate for a job, Dani accepts the opportunity of being the housekeeper and chef for Matt, not realizing his true identity. Within a forced proximity scenario, I loved seeing Dani rediscover her passion of cooking and taking charge of her life as a single woman after being a stay-at-home mom.

While I loved the comfort these two found in each other, I do wish there was more buildup in the romance. Their decision to move beyond a professional relationship happened rather easily. The first kiss was particularly off to me. But overall this was a cute, lighthearted read that I’d recommend.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light, fun and charming Christmas story! Love it!

[Phoebe (readandwright) Wright]

cute, low steam, if GRRM was young and hot.

[Brandece · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've had this book on my Christmas TBR for about two years now so I figured it was time to get to it and I am so glad that I did. Write Before Christmas is such a cute, and quick read. I was pretty invested in this story from the beginning, this book very much gave me Hallmark vibes. I really enjoyed that both are in their 40s. IMO it's nice to see people who are recently divorced and are older but never married get an HEA. I really liked both MC's, I liked the side characters and the setting. This book has some sweet moments, and even though I didn't swoon and this is closed door I really enjoyed my time with this book. This is the third book I have read by this author and I have enjoyed all of them, I will definitely read from her in the future.

[Brook Obsessed · Rating 4 out of 5]

A forced proximity romance about a newly divorced unemployed single-mom falling for her boss, who just so happens to be a famous fantasy writer. This is a cute and quirky Christmas read and Hammerle is quickly becoming one of my favorites.

Dani just divorced and needs to find a job, and fast. From the prompting of her sister-in-law, Dani applies to cook and clean for a famous fantasy writer. The two start a whirlwind short-term romance, because as soon as Matt finishes his book, he’s headed back home.

Even though Hammerle’s books are closed-doored steam scenes, I’m always drawn into her stories. Her writing flows really well and her characters are loveable. In this one we have a grumpy, anti-social writer and a down on her luck divorcee who needs to rediscover herself. The two form a fast bond and I love the whole winter setting with decorating cookies and trivia night. An adorable and festive holiday romance that’s perfect for a cozy night of reading!

[Georgie Burt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! Perfectly Christmassy and the ending was just amazing romantic and cute in my opinion 😍👌🏼 Would definitely recommend for any Christmas/rom-com readers out there 🥰🎄💕
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Dani is a newly divorced 45 year old who is trying to make her way back into the workforce after 20 years of being a stay at home mum and housewife. An exciting opportunity to cook for a famous author while he finishes his next book before Christmas is the perfect chance for Dani and she starts right away. The only thing is her new boss is the super sexy guy she’s been chatting with each night while walking her dog....🎄💕❤️🥰 There’s definitely chemistry between Dani and Matt but Matt’s on a deadline and cannot be distracted and Dani has just gotten out of a 20 year marriage, it seems like time is not on their side. Thanks so much to @entangled_publishing for this review copy 💕

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Other than one book, I am really lucking out on my Christmas reads this holiday season.

I LOVED THIS BOOK.

It's a sweet romance, where the h is a 45 year old divorcee with a 19 year old daughter and the H is also in his 40's, never married. Both MCs are described as attractive and while not in their first blush of youth, are still sexy and confident and lovable.

THANK YOU, people older than their 20s and 30s can fall in love and be sexy and desirable too!

That was a HUGE plus, but what kept me reading was the skill evident in the writing. The style, the plot, the building of the characters, all of it formulated an amazing and engrossing read. Granted, the secondary characters weren't as fully drawn as they could have been, BUT that may have been my fault for rushing through the book at breakneck speed. It was a page turner, I wanted to see how the book, both this one and the one being written by the H, would end.

That epilogue was GOLDEN and I had a happy tear in my eye.

What gives me hope for more books in this setting is the daughter and the aide had love stories that weren't fleshed out, the aide's was still a mystery by the end of the book, so I'm hoping for her story to come! The daughter's too, how did she get her love interest's attention in such a short span of time? I would LOVE to read that meeting from his POV, after maybe getting some jadedness of his life prior, to see the contrast between before he met her and after.

So, this is a fantastic book to read, not just during the Christmas holidays, but at any time. I will be looking into this author's backlist and keeping an eye out for her new books, FOR SURE.

5, I am going to insist my Boss order this for the store and hand sell the HECK out of it, stars. Highly recommend, it is so cute!

My thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC/Entangled: August for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Christmas Romance is Cooking Up Laughs

Matt is sometimes surly author who writes a fantasy series that’s been turned into a popular TV series. In working to meet his deadline, he rents a house next door to Dani’s family, where newly divorced and broke Dani and daughter are living temporarily. Dani, who wasn’t an especially daring person before the divorce, is just finding her way, which leads her into some surprising situations. Dani needs a job. Matt needs a personal chef/housekeeper.

A very entertaining novella full of wonderful characters, engaging dialogue, and some laugh out loud scenes, I loved watching these characters evolve. The supporting characters were also well-written and I have a clear picture of them in my head. Julie writes characters so well, that this story played out like a movie with easy transitions between each scene.

I think one of my favorite passages was where Dani gets caught with Matt’s wallet in one hand and his dirty underwear gingerly hanging from the other.

This story definitely had a Hallmark quality to it except for the bedroom scenes, which weren’t graphic at all. Also noted:
• No bad language
• No triggers
• Secretly a famous writer trope

Lots of Christmas cookies were mentioned so the only thing I would have liked to see was a recipe added at the end. 😊

My copy was provided in advance from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Priya Shrinath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Write Before Christmas is a cute, cozy feel-good romance from Julie Hammerle and I enjoyed it immensely! It's the perfect festive read that'd been anticipating to read.

Matt is the famous author living the quiet solitude, working on his next book on a deadline. Jane, his loyal assistant makes sure he gets what he wants in his huge house where he lives all by himself. Including a chef who wouldn't steal his underwear and money from his wallet.

Enter Dani, the local woman who is recently divorced and living with her teenage daughter at her father's. Desperately in need of a job however tiny it is, she accepts the position of a housekeeper at Matt's house, without knowing who he actually is!

There's instant spark between the two gorgeous people and it's a treat to read. I was rooting for both of them to get together because they're so good and mature and perfect for themselves. I loved their character development and the premise and the festive tradition of the little town. Loved it how the author focused on both of Matt and Dani's profession giving them a definite dimension and a happy ending to all of the characters in the book. It is impossible not to fall in love with this book. Highly recommend it.

[Olga · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was optimistic at the start of this novel - two characters at different points in their lives, in their 40's and opening up to love and new possibilities, etc. - but there was something about the last third of the novel that I didn't care for. It was when Matt was forced to re-write his manuscript and holed himself up in his room to write. Dani assumed she knew better - she kept saying he shouldn't be alone, he should talk it out, etc., but yes, he should be working on his novel. She kept acting like she knew what was best for him and his writing. She has only known him for a few weeks at most. There was also another scene in the novel where she discouraged him from writing; she knew he had a draft due. Lastly, when he paid her for the work she did and she said she didn't need his charity. She earned that money! The writer also introduced Dani's daughter, who was barely in it. Why not give her a bigger role then? There was also some unnecessary secrecy with Jane's partner. Like really, it's a big deal to tell us who it is?

[Jacque · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tbh I struggled with this one, for three reasons. 1) it was clearly inspired by GoT, but I’m pretty certain that it wasn’t by someone who followed the show closely, bc she made the show runners nice LOL so as a diehard it didn’t work for me (Dave & Dan are utter TRASHHHH you will never tell me different)
2) I struggled with the hero— the outburst @ comic con was unprofessional & I didn’t feel was explained well. Also he forced the dark moment in a way that wasn’t super believable for mr
3) NO BANGING?!?! A travesty

[jordan | joburns.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a great audiobook! Not what I was expecting, but it was a super cute story and a fun holiday read.

Both in their 40s, Dani and Matt find themselves in an unusual situation after two run-ins full of instant chemistry but without exchanging information.

Matt has escaped to a small town to finish writing the final book for his series turned famous TV show, The Saga. Dani is a single mom, a recent divorcee, and needs a job. Desperate to find her new start, she ends up accepting a job as a housekeeper and cook for a famous author - which is, of course, Matt.

Sparks fly and these two find their HEA, but not without obstacles along the way. Dani and Matt were definitely the perfect match and I enjoyed this read.

📝 Holiday Romance
📝 Forced Proximity
📝 Small-Town Romance
📝 Forbidden Love (Boss/Employee)
📝 Single Mom
📝 Books about Books/Author

⭐️ 4
🌶 Level 2 (Closed Door, Fade to Black)

[Sandra Hutchison]

A good listen with two good narrators reading a pleasant, gently comic and warmhearted tale of romance between two characters in mid-life. Small town Christmas vibes abound. Recc'ed if that sounds appealing to you.

[Suzette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two mature adults navigating a relationship with the aid of modern technology. Matt knows how to write a happy ending but not how to get one in real life. Dani is trying to rebuild her life after divorce. The story is witty and humorous. As a mature couple the relationship building takes on a different sense of urgency. The characters are full bodied and vibrant.

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This really has the feel of a Hallmark movie. While the story was good it was predictable. Matt and Dani were very likable. Story was steady paced. Sweet romance.