***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
Two lifelong friends decide to trade places the week before Christmas and end up finding love along the way in this delightful novel from the queen of holiday stories, #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.
Peter Armstrong and Hank Colfax are best friends, but their lives couldn’t be more different. Peter, the local pastor who is dedicated to his community, spending time visiting the flock, attending meetings, and, with the holiday season approaching, preparing for the Christmas service and live nativity. As a bartender, Hank serves a much different customer base at his family-owned tavern, including a handful of lonely regulars and the local biker gang.
When Peter scoffs that Hank has it easy compared to him, the two decide to switch jobs until Christmas Eve. To their surprise, the responsibilities of a bartender and a pastor are similar, but taking on the other’s work is more difficult than either Peter or Hank expected. As the two begin to see each other in a new light—and each discovers a new love to cherish—their lives are forever changed.
In The Christmas Spirit, Debbie Macomber celebrates the true meaning of the holidays and the inclusive community spirit that binds us all.
The Christmas Spirit by Debbie Macomber is another one of her heartwarming, lovely Christmas romance stories.
Story Recap:
Best friends, Peter Armstrong and Hank Colfax meet each other regularly at a local diner where they discuss their lives and reminisce on their high school days. One day, while complaining about how hard they work, they decide to swap jobs. Peter is a Pastor, and Hank owns his own bar. Each believes they got the better end of the deal, but after spending a week in each other’s job, both their lives change for the better.
My Thoughts:
I don’t know any author who does Christmas stories as well as Debbie Macomber. She has that balance of telling a sweet, wholesome story without it becoming sappy, or too sweet.
I enjoyed this sweet romance set at Christmastime. These characters were ones I would like to hang out with and I felt comfortable with all of them. They were realistic and compelling. This wasn’t a light Christmas story, but one that was a bit deeper and emotional that resonates with Debbie Macomber’s trademark heartwarming storytelling.
If you enjoy Hallmark movies you’ll love The Christmas Spirit. This book has a small town, quirky characters, and two sweet romances. I enjoyed the grandmother telling the story to her grandchildren as it gave a break between the sections of the story.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend The Christmas Spirit to anyone who enjoys a sweet romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About Debbie Macomber
Debbie 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. Thirteen of these novels hit the number one spot.
In 2021, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publications include It’s Better This Way (July) and Dear Santa (October). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, an adult coloring book, 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 five 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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This sounds like such a sweet story! I love a swap, it’s always enlightening for others to really get a good glimpse at what the other’s life is like.
Excellent review, so happy you enjoyed this one! I need to put it on my radar.
This sounds so good! I love the comparison of a bartender and a pastor; I get the similarities. I would love to do a Debbie Macomber Christmas books marathon!
Good old Debbie Macomber! It’s been a while since I’ve read one of hers. This sounds like it would hit the spot for the holidays.
P.S. I’m getting this error when I try to post a comment: “Internal Server Error.
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I enjoy reading Debbie Macomber’s books and I’ve read so many of them it always feels like coming home. I can’t wait to listen to this one especially after reading your wonderful review Wendy.
I love the premise in this one. The switch makes it very intriguing. And that cover just speaks to it being a heartwarming Christmas story with depth. Excellent review!
[…] Book Review: The Christmas Spirit by Debbie MacomberTuesday: Top Ten Tuesday Wednesday: Can’t Wait WednesdayThursday: Audiobook Review: It Starts […]
I’ve read a couple of her Christmas offerings and I agree that she captures the romantic Christmas spirit nicely. I love the job swap element.
This sounds like such a sweet story! I love a swap, it’s always enlightening for others to really get a good glimpse at what the other’s life is like.
Excellent review, so happy you enjoyed this one! I need to put it on my radar.
I like the US cover best. I always wonder why there are two different covers for each country instead of just having the same one for both.
This does sound lovely, great review 😊
This sounds cute.
This sounds so good! I love the comparison of a bartender and a pastor; I get the similarities. I would love to do a Debbie Macomber Christmas books marathon!
I have this to read during the HoHoHoRAT and look forward to it.
I do enjoy Hallmark type of romances. That cover is so pretty! I’ll have to check it out.
We like books and movie where the characters switch places. And this cover is so pretty!
Thank you! The cover certainly is gorgeous!
This does sound like it would make a good Hallmark movie. 🙂
Yes! I felt like I was watching one when I read it.
Good old Debbie Macomber! It’s been a while since I’ve read one of hers. This sounds like it would hit the spot for the holidays.
P.S. I’m getting this error when I try to post a comment: “Internal Server Error.
There has been a critical error on this website.” It will let me post the second time I click post comment.
Thank you, Deanna! I’m not sure why WordPress does that but I’ll see if I can figure it out.
A great review. I like the sound of it. I agree that I like both covers equally!
Have a great week!
Emily @ Budget Tales Book Blog
I agree, I just can’t decide between those two covers
I’ve never read her books but have watched a couple things inspired by her work. I need to check one of her books out. Great review!
They are sweet, heartwarming romances. They aren’t for everyone as sometimes they can be a bit too “wholesome”.
Wonderful review! But it’s a month too early for holiday books. lol
LOL! I agree!
I’m so glad you enjoyed – lovely review.
Thank you Kate!
This sounds like a lovely warm-hearted Christmas read. I’ll keep an eye out for it as it gets closer to Christmas.
I hope you enjoy it!
Sound sweet and lovely. I need to start reading Christmas books now.
I’m enjoying the Christmas books. I hope you get to read some soon.
I always enjoy her books.
I do too! They are all so heartwarming
I have several of her Christmas books in my tbr! Good review, Wendy!
Thank you, Jolene!
I’ve never read anything by Debbie Macomber. I’ve heard she’s a fantastic writer, though. I guess I’ll have to check her out sometime. 😀 Good review!
She writes very heartwarming stories.
Sounds like a cute story.
It is, Nadene!
I’m glad you enjoyed this one, it sounds good. I love a nice Christmas story!
It’s so good!
I enjoy reading Debbie Macomber’s books and I’ve read so many of them it always feels like coming home. I can’t wait to listen to this one especially after reading your wonderful review Wendy.
Thank you, Jodie. I think you’ll like this one too!
Wonderful review! I can’t wait to read this one!🤗📚💜
I hope you enjoy it too, Susan!
I love the premise in this one. The switch makes it very intriguing. And that cover just speaks to it being a heartwarming Christmas story with depth. Excellent review!
Thank you, Tessa!
Lovely review, Wendy! I am beginning to wonder if I will have time to read Christmas books this year 😉
I enjoy them. But, you still have time to get some read!
The UK one does play to the cute village scene.
Yes, they are both such pretty covers.
This sounds really good, and I love both covers!
I can’t choose between the two covers either!