Book Review: Jingle All the Way by Debbie Macomber

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine

Release Date: October 13, 2020

Genre: Clean Christmas Romance

Trapped in the middle of five siblings, Everly Lancaster always had big dreams. Now a top real-estate executive, Everly finds her work is her life, leaving no space for anything (or anyone) else. Sensing her stress, Everly’s boss insists she take December off. At first, a month away seems crazy—how will the company survive without her? But Everly’s mother convinces her otherwise. She deserves a vacation—plus, when she returns, she’ll have no excuse to skip family Christmas like she did last year.

But after her vengeful assistant books a guided cruise in the Amazon instead of the luxury beach vacation she expected, Everly is horrified to realize that she’s about to spend the next two weeks trapped—with no Wi-Fi!—in the rain forest. Not even Asher Adams, the ship’s charming naturalist, can convince Everly that the trip will be unforgettable. Slowly but surely, she realizes he is right: the sights are spectacular. And with each passing day, Everly’s relationship with Asher deepens, forcing her to take a long, hard look at her priorities.

Everly and Asher begin to see magic in the possibility of a life together. But as the cruise nears its end, and Everly’s family Christmas approaches, both must decide if love is worth the risk. A merry surprise may be in store in Debbie Macomber’s newest holiday delight.

PURCHASE LINKS: Amazon | Goodreads | Bookbub

My Review ❤️

Some say revenge is sweet, and when overworked Everly Lancaster is tricked by a disgruntled employee, and is booked on an educational cruise down the Amazon river instead of the relaxing luxury liner she had been expecting, she had no idea what a blessing in disguise this revenge tactic would be. What starts out as a nightmare quickly becomes a once in a lifetime adventure for Everly, full of insane accidents, adventures I couldn't conjure up in my wildest dreams, and deep self-reflection; showing that life doesn't always go as you planned, but it's those unplanned surprises that could be the best thing that could ever happen to you.

I felt all warm and fuzzy while I read Jingle All the Way and could hardly put it down! This novel has everything you crave in a sweet Christmas read. You have Everly's unexpected trip that leads to some crazy incidents, that were hilarious but also truly gave me the willies, as the images were vivid in my mind, and stuck with me throughout the whole book. You get to witness an unlikely friendship between Everly and Asher that grows into something magical, as well as attention to past relationships, which is truly wondrous, as it mirrors and mingles with the blossoming bond of Everly and Asher.

There is a dash of drama that is heart-rendering, but the ending picks you right back up, putting you on a happily-ever-after high. Everly and Asher have a remarkable chemistry, the imagery was truly breathtaking, making me wish I could go on that Amazonian trip myself. Beautifully descriptive writing by the incredibly talented Debbie Macomber made this the perfect holiday read for me and one that I could see myself reading again!

My Rating: ★★★★★

About the Author

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 2020, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publications include A Walk Along the Beach (July) and Jingle All the Way (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.

Connect with Debbie: Website • Facebook • Instagram • Pinterest • YouTube

*I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine through NetGalley. All views and opinions are completely honest, and my own.