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When Christmas Comes
Emily Springer, widowed mother of one, decides to leave Leavenworth, Washington, to spend Christmas with her daughter in Boston. Charles Brewster, history professor, curmudgeon and resident of Boston, wants to avoid Christmas altogether. He figures a prison town should be nice and quiet over the holidays — except he’s thinking of the wrong Leavenworth! Through an internet site, Charles and Emily arrange to swap houses for the holiday. So Emily goes to Boston—and discovers that her daughter has gone to Florida. And Charles arrives in Leavenworth to discover that it’s not the prison town — it’s Santa’s village! The place is full of Christmas trees, Christmas music and...elves. Meanwhile, Emily’s friend Faith Kerrigan travels to Leavenworth to visit her and instead finds Charles the grinch. Then Charles’s brother, Ray, shows up at his home in Boston to discover that he isn’t there — but Emily is. Through all the mix-ups and misunderstandings, amid the chaos and confusion, romance begins to emerge in unexpected ways. Because everything changes at Christmas!
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251 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2004
631 people are currently reading
2957 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Macomber
895 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 395 reviews
November 24, 2010
I have to say I enjoyed this quite a bit - choosing to finish it last night rather than knit, watch tv or play Farmville. High praise!
I liked the characters in this one more than the other Debbie Mac books I have read. That being said, I find these books a little too fluffy and a little too "My Mom's Generation". No cussing. The closest two characters get to sex is toward the end of the book when someone gets felt up in front of a Christmas tree (A little blouse unbuttoning), and the characters are pretty immature. The mothers are drawn as meddling busy-bodies who get rewarded for smothering their children. The "child" who is a Sophomore at Harvard is just a bleeping idiot. Her actions were right on if she were 14 instead of 20 something. I mean seriously - grow up you little dork! And all the characters are a little too squeeky clean. Seriously. The closest one of the characters gets to a negative trait was that the Professor was a little grouchy and the "child" was a brat. But even THEY come around. It's really Hallmark moment after Hallmark moment.
All that being said - there was a wonderful chemistry here and it was the kind of romance I love - where silly things happen and people make the best of situations and fall in love.
I liked the characters in this one more than the other Debbie Mac books I have read. That being said, I find these books a little too fluffy and a little too "My Mom's Generation". No cussing. The closest two characters get to sex is toward the end of the book when someone gets felt up in front of a Christmas tree (A little blouse unbuttoning), and the characters are pretty immature. The mothers are drawn as meddling busy-bodies who get rewarded for smothering their children. The "child" who is a Sophomore at Harvard is just a bleeping idiot. Her actions were right on if she were 14 instead of 20 something. I mean seriously - grow up you little dork! And all the characters are a little too squeeky clean. Seriously. The closest one of the characters gets to a negative trait was that the Professor was a little grouchy and the "child" was a brat. But even THEY come around. It's really Hallmark moment after Hallmark moment.
All that being said - there was a wonderful chemistry here and it was the kind of romance I love - where silly things happen and people make the best of situations and fall in love.
July 19, 2016
The story reminds me a lot of one of my favorite movies, "The Holiday," which came out two years after this book. I'm not sure if director/writer Nancy Meyers was in any way influenced by this book when she wrote "The Holiday," about two women who trade houses for two weeks at Christmas and end up finding love. "When Christmas Comes" is similar, about a man and woman who meet online when both are looking for a place to spend the holidays. They trade homes for two weeks and also find love in each other's hometown.
I was looking for a cute Christmas-y story to read and I got one, hence the two stars for effort.
I was looking for a cute Christmas-y story to read and I got one, hence the two stars for effort.
May 6, 2021
A short, hilarious read.
January 1, 2019
Typical Debbie Macomber book with 3 couples to follow. Lots of Christmas and cooking and quick resolutions. Actually 3.5 stars. Needed a happy book and this was just right.
November 24, 2018
A change of scenery might be just what they need to kick-start their love lives
When Emily gets the message that her daughter Heather, who studies at Harvard, can't fly out to her for christmas because she has to work, Emily does the only sensible thing a mother can do - she decides to fly out to surprise Heather herself. Before leaving she arranges to swap homes with a Harvard professor named Charles, who is sick of his mothers unwanted match-making and just wants to get out of Boston. The two trade places for a week and that's when all the fun happens. Because Heather won't be in Boston at all, she is going to Florida with her new boyfriend. In stead Emily is visited by Charles' brother Ray, who wanted to check in on his brother for their mother's sake. And just as Charles arrives in Emily's house, Emily's best friend Faith arrives as well to surprise Emily! That can only lead to sweet, sweet romance. If only they'll let themselves be swept away by the christmas spirit.
Well, this was entirely predictable. But of course, when I picked out this book I had no expectations otherwise. I knew exactly what kind of story this was going to be - a Hallmark story with happy endings all around. That's what I wanted and that's what I got. I just wished the rest would have been better.
In particular, I was disappointed by the characters. They didn't feel real to me, I couldn't connect with any of them. The only one who spoke to me and who actually seemed to have some sort of personality traits were Charles. And for that reason, I think, I liked the relationship between Charles and Faith the most. Perhaps also because I enjoy seeing unlikely pairings and romances that start off on the wrong foot. The romance between Emily and Ray on the other hand was simply too fast and too easy in some way. Where Charles and Faith were stuck together, there really was no reason that I could see for Ray and Emily to be together. I don't find it plausibel that you can meet each other and within the first couple of hours decide to spend and entire week and christmas together.
So while I halfway got what I wanted, I do wish there had been a little more character development. But perhaps I just don't understand these kinds of books. Perhaps tha isn't really the point.
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When Emily gets the message that her daughter Heather, who studies at Harvard, can't fly out to her for christmas because she has to work, Emily does the only sensible thing a mother can do - she decides to fly out to surprise Heather herself. Before leaving she arranges to swap homes with a Harvard professor named Charles, who is sick of his mothers unwanted match-making and just wants to get out of Boston. The two trade places for a week and that's when all the fun happens. Because Heather won't be in Boston at all, she is going to Florida with her new boyfriend. In stead Emily is visited by Charles' brother Ray, who wanted to check in on his brother for their mother's sake. And just as Charles arrives in Emily's house, Emily's best friend Faith arrives as well to surprise Emily! That can only lead to sweet, sweet romance. If only they'll let themselves be swept away by the christmas spirit.
Well, this was entirely predictable. But of course, when I picked out this book I had no expectations otherwise. I knew exactly what kind of story this was going to be - a Hallmark story with happy endings all around. That's what I wanted and that's what I got. I just wished the rest would have been better.
In particular, I was disappointed by the characters. They didn't feel real to me, I couldn't connect with any of them. The only one who spoke to me and who actually seemed to have some sort of personality traits were Charles. And for that reason, I think, I liked the relationship between Charles and Faith the most. Perhaps also because I enjoy seeing unlikely pairings and romances that start off on the wrong foot. The romance between Emily and Ray on the other hand was simply too fast and too easy in some way. Where Charles and Faith were stuck together, there really was no reason that I could see for Ray and Emily to be together. I don't find it plausibel that you can meet each other and within the first couple of hours decide to spend and entire week and christmas together.
So while I halfway got what I wanted, I do wish there had been a little more character development. But perhaps I just don't understand these kinds of books. Perhaps tha isn't really the point.
FOLLOW MY BLOG FOR MORE BOOK GOODNESS
I have a mission - to create a world of book lovers. Will you help me?
January 31, 2022
This book was the latter half of a 2-in-1 book I received as part of a "blind date with a book" I bought at a local bookstore (highly recommend!) This book was reminiscent of The Holiday (early 2000's movie), gave me a few good laughs and a nice escape from the stress of grad school homework for a few hours. Can't ask for much more than that with such a quick read!
August 6, 2011
This is a cute romantic comedy by Debbie Macomber. She always brings laughter and joy.
November 12, 2017
I loved this!! I wish I could be so brave and switch houses with someone in another City, Town or even Country especially at Christmas time!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2020
A typical Debbie Macomber book—sweet and short. This one has been adapted into a movie entitled Trading Christmas that was pretty cute.
December 26, 2023
There were only two main characters, of which there were six, that weren’t insufferable. I expected hallmark level corny and cheesiness, which would have been a lovely, light, easy read for the season. I was met with a perpetual eye roll and endless bad takes. Yikes. I might be 20 years too young to have enjoyed this as intended.
May 12, 2024
Cute catch to this story, and multiple story lines. Each character involved is “described” in detail so that you feel what each one is going through.
December 14, 2021
I found this book to be perfectly charming. The characters were funny, I especially adored Mrs. Brewster and her dog. I still have issue with Macomber repeating herself and skipping over details. People don't change just because they see a snowball fight or get a tree. I wish she had flushed the character development out more. She also used absent minded professor too many times, it's already a cliché using it once is cringe inducing using it more than once is downright frustrating. Those things bother me because it is lazy writing, and perhaps the problem isn't the fact she's a lazy writer, but I have a difficult time being a lazy reader. But this book was cute, quaint, and cozy overall. I laughed during some parts and was grinning during others. I read it with hot Christmas tea next to my Christmas tree with lots of Montana snow out the window, the scene complimented this novel well.
February 13, 2022
Oh, it's one of the super predictable Christmas books, but I don't care. I loved it! When Emily and Charles decide to escape their mutually miserable Christmas seasons, they have no idea what's in store. They're going to find friendship and love and mend some family fences. And there are plenty of quirky mishaps along the way that had me literally laughing out loud.
Hallmark has made this into a movie called Trading Christmas. Though I haven't seen this movie, I knew right away while reading this that it was perfect for adapting.
Hallmark has made this into a movie called Trading Christmas. Though I haven't seen this movie, I knew right away while reading this that it was perfect for adapting.
March 22, 2010
This is typical Debbie Macomber, romance, predictable, fuzzy warm feelings, sappy. BUT it is so relaxing and her Christmas books are perfect for that Christmas feeling we all desire (give me a cup of coffee and some cookies). This novel is a story that has been reworked several times, recently and in a couple of movies. Two people on opposite sides of the country, both lonely or discontent, exchange houses for a short time. The story goes from there.
December 17, 2018
As always, this author writes a wonderful story. This one is a mix of hilarious Christmas "misses" … with everyone trying to be where they aren't, and everyone missing one another … but of course, it all manages to work out.
November 30, 2020
I totally enjoyed this one! Debbie Macomber is my ultimate Queen of Christmas. Who wouldn't like a Christmas story with a grumpy professor, a home exchange , rebellious daughter (kind of) and a meddling mother? Love it!
May 31, 2022
Such a fun read! I fell in love with the story when I watched Hallmark's version "Trading Christmas " - story line remained the same with some differences but I truly enjoyed reading this wonderful story!
December 26, 2020
A sweet Christmas romance
November 27, 2021
Great story. Just like the movie with a little more detail. I enjoyed it
December 11, 2024
In true Debbie Macomber style, this is a sweet, sentimental little Christmas story that is the perfect read if you’re looking for a little romantic escape. It’s the first of a three book set that I found on Hoopla, so on to number two!
December 4, 2017
This one may be my favorite. Think "The Holiday" with what are presumably less attractive main characters (except for maybe Jack Black) and set entirely within the US. It's nice to have the author break out from her usual Seattle setting, btw.
December 19, 2017
Towards the end, the author says the situation is a comedy of errors and so too is the whole book. Well put together and a nice little holiday read about unexpected romance.
May 20, 2020
Easy reading. Great for the holidays!!!
December 28, 2024
Pretty 🧀🧀🧀
December 25, 2017
A man and a woman swap houses for the holiday via an internet arrangement. Both have different reasons for escaping during the holidays but in the end they both find out that what they thought they didn't want was exactly what they needed! Cute, clean and festive love story following the two house swappers and their unexpected housemates!
December 29, 2017
A sweet girlie Christmas story - a funny, romantic feel-good book which is perfect for the holidays. Although I did enjoy this quick read, I didn't find it particularly memorable, but then I don't think that it is meant to be more than light entertainment.
December 31, 2018
A delightful. ..funny...read....
December 21, 2025
I love me a cozy Christmas book! This one resembles The Holiday, a favorite Christmas movie!
November 25, 2023
P60 lol
Actor elves about 2 descend on Charles (no Christmas lover) with surprise visit of Faith, Emily’s friend, w/ NO advance notice !
Setting: Emily’s house in Leavenworth,WA
i.e. Christmas central.
Cute plot .. very entertaining.
Actor elves about 2 descend on Charles (no Christmas lover) with surprise visit of Faith, Emily’s friend, w/ NO advance notice !
Setting: Emily’s house in Leavenworth,WA
i.e. Christmas central.
Cute plot .. very entertaining.
December 7, 2018
This feel good story is just what I expected from Debbie Macomber. It's a fun way to get into Christmas cheer!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 395 reviews