Haul Out the Holly!

Mackenzie has just found out she is pitted against her secret crush, Jeremy, for a promotion at work. It is Christmastime, and their boss loves the season, and promotes people who have the most holiday spirit.

As the two of them try to outdo the other with creative office decorations, and seasonal activities, they begin to look at each other in new ways.

They also make surprising discoveries about each other. Jeremy has taken on the role of parenting his niece and nephew after their mother, his sister, passed away.

Mackenzie strains to pay for her mother's expensive Alzheimer's treatment in a nice care facility. She also struggles with social anxiety that causes her to have a cripplingly fear of interacting with others.

It was fun to have this tale take place at Christmastime. I really liked the part when they explored the different ways people celebrate around the world, including the special holiday foods.

I had trouble warming up to Mackenzie, but she grew on me when she started trying to find a way out of her problems. The character's faith added a great dimension to the story. Fans of romantic comedies, or the problems of modern life, will enjoy this five-star book.

Thank you, Bethany House, for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own. ( )

An office competition/romance at the holidays is the driving plot in All’s Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon.

On the surface, Jeremy and Mackenzie are nothing alike. She’s quiet with severe social anxiety. He’s outgoing and driven. When they are pitted against each other for a promotion, things get interesting.

Monzon does a wonderful job of showing readers how Mackenzie’s mind works—what things paralyze her, how she overthinks things, and those situations that make her freeze—all while showing her female heroine’s good heart.

Jeremy took a little longer to warm up to, but as soon as we got to know him more, Mackenzie’s crush on him makes sense.

If you’re needing a quick Christmas read that is like a warm hug, look no further than All’s Fair in Love and Christmas.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own. ( )

Mackenzie and Jeremy’s boss always announces a promotion opportunity at Christmastime and always seems to give the job to the employee who exhibits the most holiday cheer. So when the two are tapped as candidates, the reindeer games commence! I really liked the workplace romance juxtaposed against the characters’ personal lives — the two have a lot at stake in the unofficial competition. As the days run up towards the Christmas party and big announcement, the two learn so much about each other and themselves. This is definitely a romance, but it is also a road to discovery as the two learn to trust God with plans and problems, and to seek help from friends and professionals. A big part of the story, as told in Mackenzie’s first person voice, is her struggle with social anxiety. I really get that. While I have never had the extreme anxiety and pain attacks that plague Mackenzie, her plight hit home. Her situation may be extreme, but it certainly rang true. Her best friend/roommate is the best! I loved how Monzon gave Mackenzie unconditional, non-judgmental support in the character of Keri. Jeremy has no issues with social awkwardness, but he does rely on his own plans, and his friends remind him that God’s plans are way better than our own.

All’s Fair in Love And Christmas checked all the boxes for me — sweet romance, endearing characters, a little bit of fun, laughter, and tears. It’s the real deal and a highly recommended read!

Highly Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(Thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

This book reminds me of my favorite rom com movies as I settled in for a delightful read. I could identify with Mackenzie and her social anxiety, as I have experienced that just not to the degree she does. I also identify with the prayers to overcome it. The author has captured the reality of anxiety in a caring, empathetic way . The competition with her secret crush for an office promotion turns into a challenge that left me laughing at times and teary eyed at others. This is such a wonderful Christmas story to start off the season with as it leaves you with that inner feel good sensation. Everyone needs a Jeremy in their life to ground them and give them a safe haven. Grab a copy, a cozy blanket, and a warm cup of your favorite beverage and settle in to be entertained.
I was blessed to win a copy of this book. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required. ( )

Mackenzie and Jeremy work for a design company. She is very good with graphic designs and working behind the scenes. With people? Not so much. He is great with people, and really, pretty good with designs, but probably not quite as good as Mackenzie. The boss calls them in for a short announcement: one of them will be promoted by the year’s end. Now in a competition, they both realize that the boss often promotes people during the Christmas season. And she seems to promote the person who has the most Christmas spirit. Mackenzie needs the promotion to help pay for her mom’s care at the memory center. Jeremy needs it because he is the sole guardian of his twin niece and nephew, now approaching their teens with college looming not far away. Well, a little friendly competition never hurt anyone, but as the Christmas season approaches, the friendliness begins to morph into something more serious. What begins as a round of one-upmanship actually becomes something much more thoughtful. This delightful romance has great characters and a well thought out plot. Mackenzie is more than just shy around people. She also suffers from panic attacks. Jeremy has put his personal life on hold since he started raising his deceased sister’s kids when they were three. It may take a Christmas miracle for these two to “see the light.” The book is a clean romance, and at its core expounds Christian beliefs without being heavy handed. This is a wonderful Christmas story, and will leave readers with a warm and happy feeling. ( )