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On Christmas Avenue

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Everybody loves a parade!
Well, everybody except Evan…

Evan, the county sheriff, knows that businesses are struggling in the small town of Clark Creek. But unlike the mayor—who happens to be his mother—he doesn’t think that hiring a “Christmas Consultant,” whatever that is, will help. Especially when this Christmas Consultant proposes a holiday parade that seems likely to overwhelm his staff and leave the town in even more debt.

Mary is sure the parade is going to be a superb fundraiser. She’s going to make sure of it, overcoming every obstacle…including those put in place by the stubborn sheriff. But in the middle of her planning, the unexpected happens: she and Evan begin to see one another in a different light. Could the parade bring about more than one Christmas miracle?

This funny, feel-good holiday romance is perfect for fans of Sheila Roberts, Susan Mallery, and Jenny Hale.

304 pages, Paperback

Published September 21, 2021

114 people are currently reading
1493 people want to read

About the author

Ginny Baird

64 books892 followers
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Ginny Baird writes heartwarming contemporary stories filled with love, laughter, and happily ever afters. Visit her website to learn more about Ginny and her books. www.ginnybairdromance.com

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5 stars
222 (23%)
4 stars
358 (38%)
3 stars
263 (28%)
2 stars
71 (7%)
1 star
21 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
Profile Image for Madison Warner Fairbanks.
3,430 reviews497 followers
September 19, 2021
On Christmas Avenue by Ginny Baird
Contemporary Christmas romance by Hallmark. Clean.
The town of Clarke Creek is in trouble fiscally. The Mayor hires a Christmas consultant although the county sheriff has doubts that anything she can do will help. Mary doesn’t have any doubts. She will put together a successful event that will convince the sheriff that Christmas can save Clarke Creek.

Adorable and filled with holiday joy. The Grinch, aka Evan the sheriff, soon has his heart filled with love. A tshirt problem just needs a creative solution.
I love these holiday romances that are sweet and heartwarming. Book or movie, a romance for the holiday is a joyous way to spend a few a few happy hours.

🎧 I listed to an audiobook that was narrated by Amanda Stribling. The performance had a few noticeable edits in the first hour but evened out quickly. The narrator did a good job with the heroine in her joy, determination and her fear. The character variances were clear and distinct. I was most comfortable with this narration at my usual speed of 1.25.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Hallmark and DreamscapeMedia.
Profile Image for Kat.
Author 14 books607 followers
February 14, 2024
ON CHRISTMAS AVENUE was a sweet Hallmark Christmas romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. ❄🎄🎅

Clark Creek is a struggling small town in rural Virginia. Their mayor hires Mary, a consultant who loves Christmas, to take over the town’s Christmas parade and bring in needed revenue. Evan is the mayor’s son and the town sheriff and thinks the whole thing is a waste of money. He and Mary butt heads the moment she gets into the town as she goes overboard decorating everything in sight and he tries to out-grinch himself (seriously, it was adorable. If you like Hallmark movies, you’ll like this.) Some cute scenes including ice skating in the park.
Profile Image for linda hole.
447 reviews81 followers
August 28, 2021
This book was super cute. It had what my heart craved a cute small Town romance, a Christmas parade, with elves and reindeers, and Santa Claus. My list can go ON and ON. I loved the family chemistry. And It had all the small Town vibes, people caring for their community. I want to live there. And the ending, what Can i say chefs kiss. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
Profile Image for Ashley Fuhr.
277 reviews33 followers
September 13, 2021
Everything you'd expect from a Christmas Hallmark movie...turned book! A quaint town in need of saving, a grinch in need of some Christmas cheer, and a remarkably sweet love story make this an A+ for a happy Christmas read! Low stakes conflict and a guaranteed happily ever after is what every Hallmark lover craves. Add the crash of big city and small town, and this book delivers! If Hallmark Christmas isn't your jam, this isn't your book. If you need a new intake for amazing Hallmark Christmas cheer, you'll need to pick up a copy of this book! Baird did a great job of giving us likable characters with just the right amount of tension.

I received a copy of this audiobook from the publisher, via Netgalley. I read and reviewed this book voluntarily, and all opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Profile Image for Deanne Patterson.
2,414 reviews119 followers
February 3, 2022
On Christmas Avenue is a small town, warm Christmas romance.
Evan, the county sheriff of Clark Creek. a small town knows the town can't afford a Christmas Consultant to come in and make the town fancy and plan activities to make a jump start for the town. The town's mayor happens to be in a disagreement and is all for it. You really can't argue with the mayor, especially when it's your mother.
Mary loves her job as a consultant and can't wait to step in and do it especially when it means a successful job means a nice promotion.
Clark Creek has never looked better and the money just seems to be rolling in with Mary's fabulous ideas even though she plans on leaving as soon as this job is over and moving onto her big promotion.
What she doesn't plan on doing is falling in love with the town and especially it's sheriff.
Warm,engaging and fun read.

Pub Date 21 Sep 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Wendy W..
517 reviews185 followers
September 15, 2021
On Christmas Avenue by Ginny Baird is published by Hallmark, and is exactly what you’d expect from a Hallmark Movie. It is full of holiday spirit, family togetherness, and small-town charm.

Mary is a Christmas Consultant. Actually, she is a consultant who moves around to businesses that need help and is called into Clark Creek to help the town which is about to go bankrupt unless they get some help. Evan is the town sheriff who is adamantly against hiring a consultant as the town doesn’t have the funds for an extravagant consultant. But, he is overruled by the mayor, who happens to also be his mother.

Mary plans a Christmas parade as a way to raise money for the town, and Evan is assigned to assist her with the logistics of the parade. As they work together to save the town of Clark Creek, they can’t deny their attraction to each other.

Yes, this is a predictable story, with a predictable ending, it is a Hallmark story after all. But, the book is full of Christmas spirit and hometown charm. I enjoyed Mary and Evan and all the townspeople who are helping with the parade. It is light and fun, and everything you’d expect, which in a Christmas book, is exactly what I want.

I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narration very much. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader.
1,692 reviews208 followers
November 1, 2022
I love small town romances and this one was so much fun. I loved the ending, and I could not put it down. This is one Christmas book that should be a Hallmark movie for sure. I recommend this one.
Profile Image for Carla.
7,643 reviews179 followers
October 11, 2021
On Christmas Avenue was a truly Hallmark Christmas experience. The story is set in the small town of Clark Creek. The town needs more tourists and others to visit in order to keep going, so the town council decides to hire a Christmas Consultant, who proposes a town Christmas Parade. Evan, the county sheriff and son of the mayor, it totally against this activity that will bring in traffic and cause all kinds of issues as far as he is concerned. Mary, the consultant, is sure that a parade will be a fantastic fundraiser and bring lots of people to town. She has the answers for every concern and everyone except Evan supports the parade. As Evan and Mary are forced together over and over, they begin to have feelings for one another.

I enjoyed this Christmas story and just escaped into the Christmas spirit. This was an enemies to lovers trope which is common in Hallmark stories. I loved all the support that small towns and communities give to this type of event. Of course there has to be a roadblock of some sort and this one was a bit telegraphed, but I loved the way it was solved. The Christmas activities, family chemistry, and fun parade and activities that went with it, makes this the perfect book for a bit of Christmas magic. I did a read listen with this one and enjoyed both. I can now not wait for a movie to watch. The narrator, Amanda Stribling, does a fine job with the story, giving each character a voice. I did speed up the book as I felt the pacing was a bit slow for me, but that is personal preference. If you enjoy a Hallmark Movie, then this is for you. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
Profile Image for Madison.
502 reviews28 followers
September 1, 2021
2.5 stars

Characters - Evan was a sweet but he was supposed to be hard headed, a loner, stubborn. That lasted all of 5% of the book. The characters talked about how tough Evan might be to deal with but it wasn't really shown. Mary I liked, she was fun and positive, I would have loved to have Mary as a friend who was so full of Christmas spirit. The rest of the town brought Main St alive and I felt like I was really standing there.

Plot - Extremely predictable. I know romances are often predictable but I knew what the issue would be with the T-shirts when they were ordered, I knew what Evan was up to when he called the jeweler, when they went horse back riding you knew they would end up on the same horse. It wasn't the predictable ending that was frustrating, it was that all the actions leading up to it were. And the ending, what on earth was that. Like yes they were going to get together but getting engaged after 10 days, really? I was going to give this 3 stars until last 2 chapters when they got engaged. It was crazy.

The book gave off a complete Hallmark vibes (makes sense given they published it). It was too predictable and the ending ruined this, I wouldn't tell people not to read it but I wouldn't recommend it as I believe there would be better Christmas romances out there.
Profile Image for Krystal - nerdy_book_lover_1987.
639 reviews54 followers
September 14, 2021
This was everything I love in a Christmas book! A small town (Clark Creek), a city girl who has all the Christmas spirit you need (Mary) and the town sherriff who was grumpy and Mr. Bah Humbug (Evan). I loved how this one woman can turn this man who just wasn't in the Christmas spirit into Santa Claus (literally) loved this! Definitely pick this up the holiday season!
Profile Image for Lisa.
469 reviews38 followers
August 17, 2021
Thanks Netgalley for a arc copy of this book for a honest review..  

On Christmas Avenue was a delightful read I love to read Christmas books and thus read like a hallmark movie you can't go wrong with that 4 star read 




 

Happy Reading Lisa 📚 
Profile Image for Meagan Beal.
667 reviews28 followers
December 6, 2021
Started the week off by finishing this one wonderful Christmas read! If On Christmas Avenue by @ginnybairdromance is not on your list it should be!

Mary is hired to help Clark Creek save their town. With financial problems they need a miracle to keep this sweet small town going and help it grow! Mary is a Christmas consultant and she is putting on a parade of epic proportions to help accomplish this!

Of course there are bumps in the road and romance with the local sheriff . The romance was sweet but fast love. I enjoyed the picturesque Christmas town. The story just brought a lot of joy. now I’d like to know more about how their romance went and after and with those in the town!
4⭐️
..
Profile Image for Chantal Côté.
271 reviews37 followers
December 12, 2021
This is truly a Hallmark story and I am happy I kept it to read close to Christmas. I loved the characters and the organization of the parade kept me entertained. I read a lot of holiday themed books who don’t really capture the Christmas spirit but this one truly did. It was a fun story and I would certainly enjoy a movie made out of it.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me a complimentary e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Kim.
257 reviews3 followers
December 12, 2023
Businesses in Clark Creek are struggling so the mayor hired a Christmas Consultant to help them find a quick solution. Evan, the county sheriff, has been asked to work with Mary but he is opposed to her idea of a parade and her costing the community so much money. Mary is bubbly, bright and hard working and she slowly brings Evan into her way of thinking and sparks fly! Another fun read for the Holidays!
Profile Image for Beatrice Followill.
1,621 reviews41 followers
November 21, 2021
A fun Christmas read, A small town in need of money, Mary a Christmas consultant comes in to help by organizing a parade , light unexpected romance, great character's , good read for the holidays.
192 reviews1 follower
November 6, 2021
There are so many sad and awful things happening in the world, it’s nice to sit and read a sweet story with a lesson and a happy ending! I can definitely see this as a Hallmark Christmas movie. It would be the best movie of the season!
709 reviews1 follower
October 5, 2021
Sorry, this one didn’t do it for me. The girl in the story came across as the dumbest creature on the face of the earth. She had no common sense at all, she had trouble placing an order online and never bothered checking to see if the order registered properly. She was so caught up on things that she never checked her email, even though it was full, she probably had confirmation emails for the orders. The most irresponsible character I ever read about, I wanted to shake her and yell. It isn’t a story I would recommend.
Profile Image for Alyssa.
110 reviews
January 22, 2024
This was one of the worst books I’ve ever read. I was committed to finishing since it was a library book and should’ve just put it down. The writing was AWFUL, so many grammar mistakes. I felt like this was written by a fourth grader. Never again will I bend try to read a hallmark book 😭😂 glad to have another book finished at least!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
602 reviews1 follower
December 22, 2021
Audiobook- light, quick, sappy holiday cheer. Really was a hallmark movie in a book.
Profile Image for Rachel.
2,354 reviews99 followers
August 9, 2021
On Christmas Avenue by Ginny Baird is a wonderful feel-good contemporary Christmas romance that left me cheerful and uplifted. I really liked it.

I love myself some Hallmark romance, especially if it is holiday-themed or seasonal. This fits the bill. It is light, romantic, festive, optimistic, and really put me in the holiday spirit. I loved visiting the quaint town of Clark Creek, Virginia. I enjoyed meeting the town inhabitants and see the wonderful transformation that took place.

I also enjoyed Mary and Evan. She is the yin to his yang, it just took them both a bit to figure that out. I liked how Evan finally let down his guard and joined the Mary fan club. She brought light, hope, and festive cheer to the town when it needed it most. Mary also didn’t realize how much she actually needed the town as well.

A great romance with a great ending as always!

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Hallmark Publishing for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
Profile Image for Nina DeCerbo.
39 reviews9 followers
Read
August 15, 2021
On Christmas Avenue was just like reading a Hallmark movie. I have a huge love for Hallmark Christmas movies, so I absolutely had to read this.
This was my first time reading a book in this genre, and I can't wait to read more.
I absolutely loved all the characters, the small town and was so dang excited for the parade to happen

This story really just made you feel warm, cozy and loved. The characters really contribute to making you feel those things.
I didn't get board keeping up with main character, Mary's fast pace personality. She keeps you on your toes while reading, she has a way of sucking you in and feeling what she's feeling. Same as she did with the folks of Clark Creek.

I love how there were potential budding relationships with other characters, I hope to see them in upcoming books

I can't wait to read another book such as this. I absolutely loved it.
Excuse me while I go break out my Christmas decorations in August.
Profile Image for Alex (Alex's Version).
1,142 reviews111 followers
October 2, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley and Hallmark publishing for allowing me to read this book early:

On Christmas Avenue by Ginny Baird is basically a hallmark christmas movie ( I love Hallmark Christmas movies, so this was a fun treat.It's exactly what you’d expect from a Hallmark Movie. It is full of holiday spirit, family togetherness, and small-town charm.

I knew the ending around chapter 2 and I didn't care.
Profile Image for Kelci Judas.
302 reviews34 followers
December 28, 2021
This was a fun Christmas novel! I enjoyed the characters and the setting for this book. Being from a small town, the characters were relatable to me and I quickly became invested in their story. This would make a great holiday movie for the Christmas season!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced digital copy of this book!
Profile Image for Donna Huber.
Author 1 book305 followers
September 18, 2021
If you enjoy Hallmark Christmas movies then you should pick up this book. It was a cute, clean Christmas romance. It has everything we love about Hallmark movies. Full review soon.
Profile Image for Melmo2610.
3,635 reviews
December 30, 2021
Cute Christmas romance. It has a good story and likable characters. Not a favorite for me but good.
Profile Image for Jessica .
1,043 reviews21 followers
October 7, 2021
This is the first book I have read from this author and Hallmark Publishing I am a sucker for the Hallmark Christmas movies so I was excited when I saw the Hallmark Christmas books.

This is a cute story that you expect from a Hallmark Christmas movie in book form!

Small town needing saved, a Grinch needing some holiday cheer (I relate to all Grinch like people). Christmas parade, the town people coming together to help out, not everything goes smoothly, like the t-shirt fumble but hey just need a clever idea to make it work! If you are a fan of the Christmas movies Hallmark brings every year then you will enjoy this story. If your not a fan of them then this book may not be for you.

The author gave us just the right amount of romance, and low level tension/angst and lots of Christmas joy in this story. I look forward to reading more from her!!

Thank you NetGalley and Hallmark Publishing for the arc.
Profile Image for Amy Dunn.
213 reviews17 followers
November 10, 2021
I really enjoyed this sweet Christmas romance. I love watching Hallmark Christmas movies so when I found this title and read the synopsis, I knew I had to read this.

Mary comes to Clark Creek to organize a Christmas parade to help save the town. When she arrives, she meets the sheriff, Evan, who insists they don’t need a parade or her help, and it will put the town into debt. While they work together planning the parade, they develop feelings for each other. Soon Mary finds she made a big mistake, which could coat her her job. On the other hand, if things go well, she will get a promotion and have to move to Seattle. The characters are loveable and you can’t help fall in love with Evan too.

I’m already picturing who will play the roles if made into a movie. This was just like a Hallmark movie and I look forward to reading more by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this book.
Profile Image for Erin.
1,180 reviews56 followers
September 30, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley and Hallmark for an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

This book is truly sunshine and Mr. grump so if you are into that type of thing you might like this book.
See we have Mary who has been hired by the town of Clark Creek to find a way to get the city out of debt and make it prosper all before Christmas. How is Mary going to do that? By finding some way to spread some Christmas Cheer! As Christmas is her favorite time of year she is perfect for the job and comes up with a parade plan to bring people to Clark Creek from near by cities.
Then we have Evan who is the town Sherrif and is a bit anti-Christmas it seems. He doesn't think hiring Mary is a good idea and that it will just cause Clark Creek to go even more into debt. This is understandable, but as these two work together to try and make the parade happen. Mr grump might turn that frown upside down due to Ms.Sunshine.

Overall this book was very sweet. Mary did everything she could and thought of literally almost every possible scenario that could make things go wrong. Did I see the problem happening that caused Mary a lot of tension, yes, yes I did because those type of things just seem to happen in movies, especially Hallmark movies. But that's okay because it was a different type of tension that it made and it made Mary and Evan get creative with how to solve the problem. The entire town and surrounding areas were so nice and really help spread the holiday cheer. Mary just might pull off her impossible task in time.
Profile Image for Rachel LaBerge.
Author 10 books284 followers
February 3, 2022
This book in 3 words: Festive. Lighthearted. Quaint.

On Christmas Avenue by Ginny Baird is what you'd expect from a contemporary, Hallmark romance: lightly predictable and ultimately charming. How can you not enjoy a book about a Christmas Consultant tasked with a Christmas Parade to financially save a small town?

The 2 main characters, Mary and Evan, are contrasts to one another in a way that helps further each of their development. Their interactions are wholesome and vivid. I thought the dialogue was spot on and actually reminded me of people I know.

Was this book a little predictable? Yes. Did that change how it gave me the warm and fuzzy feeling of Christmas (in August)? No. Did I enjoy reading this book? Absolutely. If Clark Creek was a real city, would I be interested in visiting during the holidays? You bet. 🎄🎅🏼
Profile Image for Rachel.
172 reviews7 followers
September 8, 2021
I mean, it's a Hallmark Romance. Low stakes conflict with a Happily Ever After. Characters are cute, there's some depth, some hints at some deeper trauma, but nothing is resolved. Just Happy Ever After.

Great for a quick, light read.

Narrator was fine, there did seem to be some weird audio blips, the volume would change randomly and the quality would change. Hopefully that gets fixed.

*Thank you to the publisher for this eARC.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews

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