We Wish You a Messy Christmas by Melody Carlson

We Wish You a Messy Christmas

Book Summary

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 Thoughts

Jingle bells, messy halls, and a heartwarming lesson or two make We Wish You a Messy Christmas by Melody Carlson a delightful holiday treat. I always look forward to Carlson’s yearly Christmas novella because I know I can count on festive fun, heartfelt moments, and a meaningful takeaway. Her friendly, engaging writing style makes the story easy to settle into, while the humor sprinkled throughout keeps the tone light and cheerful even as the novel thoughtfully explores OCD and the way it affects both an individual and a family.

 I especially enjoyed how the story reminds readers that Christmas does not have to look the same for everyone. There is no single right or wrong way to celebrate—only the way that best fits your family. I also appreciated seeing the story unfold from different perspectives, along with the gentle thread of faith woven throughout. We Wish You a Messy Christmas is charming, hopeful, and full of holiday heart, with an ending that left me smiling. So, grab a mug of cocoa, ignore the stray tinsel, and enjoy this sweet seasonal story.

Grab a cozy mug and settle in—this week’s bookish sleigh is jingling with treats! We Wish You a Messy Christmas is available from Amazon, along with the author’s other delightful Christmas stories. Melody Carlson also has The Sweet Life Goes On coming out February 16, 2027. Today’s new releases offer a cheerful little treasure hunt: Amy Matthews brings us the entertaining and heartfelt The Treasure House, Linda Byler delivers the uplifting A Christmas Surprise, Kate Westbury adds sparkle and mischief with the clever and intriguing The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies, and Mindy Steel rounds things out with the delightful Murder, Plainly Written. There truly is something for everyone in this merry batch of book releases. 

I’ll be featuring Sarah Addison Allen’s Paper Ghosts on Wednesday, September 2. Until then, may your day be bright, your reading stack be tempting, and your bookmark always easy to find!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.