Today I’m reviewing We Wish You a Messy Christmas by Melody Carlson a Christian fiction Christmas novella.
Book Description:
This Christmas, the perfect gift might just be learning to let go and love the chaos.
It’s Christmastime, and Olivia Bradshaw is dating her childhood neighbor, veterinarian Malcolm McEntire. Life should be merry, but Olivia is worried about her mother Jane’s reaction to this budding romance. Their families couldn’t be more different. Perfectionist Jane cannot tolerate the unorganized, messy, fun-loving McEntires, and the thought of being permanently linked as in-laws will surely send her over the edge.
Desperate to save both Christmas and her romance, Olivia and her dad concoct an intervention to turn Jane’s holidays into a big mess. But they barely launch their plan before fate intervenes with a serendipitous mess of its own.
In this delightful Christmas novella full of faith and hope, Melody Carlson delivers small-town charm, family dynamics, and a sweet contemporary romance perfect for the holiday season.
My Review:
Thanks to the author for my review copy.
I love the yearly Christmas Novella and again this one didn’t disappoint. One thing I love is they are all different. This book features the Bradshaw and McEntire families. Jane the mother who is a perfectionist. Rob the father and accountant and daughter Olivia who now lives and works in the city. On the McEntire side we have Malcolm one of the children who is now a qualified vet and dating Olivia. His family live next door to the Bradshaw’s and we see parents Cindy and Erik.
In setting this book up we see multiple points of view mostly the Bradshaws but also Malcolms and it really helps to get a full understanding of how the dynamics work. Jane is difficult her perfectionist is causing a lot of issues. She doesn’t like that the neighbours are chaotic and messy in her eyes and it’s getting worse. Olivia loves her mother but at the same time struggles as does Rob.
Olivia also worries Malcolm and her may not be able to stay together because of her mothers dislike for his family. There are so many dynamics. But it also highlights how something that seems simple can be hiding a bigger issue. Both Rob and Olivia wonder if Jane may have OCD or another mental health issue and they really want the best for her. The book reads really well and Melody did this book justice. It does deal with dysfunction and complicated family issues but in a good way that brings them to light without victimising people.
I love how the book progresses and loved the ending. Another great read. If you love Melody’s Christmas books I am sure you will enjoy this book.