I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review. This to me was a different type of Christmas book but fits perfectly into the toned-down 2020.
When Everly, aka Daisy, decided to fire her partner's niece, she wouldn't realize all that was going to happen to her because of that one decision. The book guides us through the many things that happen because of that decision. Her partner told her she was just stressed and needed to take the month of December off and then he has his niece that she fired plan the luxury cruise vacation for her. What could possibly go wrong?
The book is easy to read, not your typical everything is a wonderful Christmas story but more like, this is the way life is a holiday story which I really liked.

Debbie Macomber has once again created a lovely Christmas book.it’s the story of Daisy, a self made business woman and Asher, a naturalist employed on a cruise ship.
They meet when Daisy is sent on a vacation by her business partner. Due to her assistant booking her on a cruise traveling the Amazon instead of a luxury cruise. Daisy experiences one mishap after another. Asher becomes her friend and then some
As the story unfolds we meet Daisys family .
This was a very enjoyable novel. It’s perfect for the holidays!

Everly/Daisy is a woman who is over stressed due to all of the responsibilities of her job. Some of them are actually her job, while others are pushed onto her by her business partner. When she demands that he fire his niece, her assistant, things don’t go the way she expects. Instead, he demands that she take a month long vacation. When his niece arranges a cruise she is skeptical, but decides to make the best of it. What she ends up getting isn’t what she expected.
Throughout her journey, she learns a lot about herself and begins to see things more clearly. When she becomes ill and Asher takes care of her, she tries to keep him at arms length but finds it difficult. Asher is a great guy, just a little jaded and unbending at first. While they get to know each other and start falling for each other he remains steadfast that it is only ever going to be a ship romance.
I loved how they both learned valuable life lessons while on the cruise. I also liked the relationship they each had with their families. Whether Asher will realize he can have a future with Daisy before it is too late remains to be seen, but the journey from point a to point b is a wonderful one.
I received an ARC via NetGalley and am writing this honest and voluntary review.

I have been a Debbie Macomber fan for a very long time. She is always my go-to author for charming and heart-warming stories and her yearly holiday book is something I always look forward to each holiday season. They are always short, sweet, and full of everything you love about the holidays.

Jingle All the Way tells the story of workaholic Daisy “Everly” Lancaster whose vengeful assistant sends her on an Amazon River cruise instead of the relaxing luxury cruise she was expecting. Along the way, Everly begins to understand how much of life she has been missing with the help of Asher Adams, the ship’s naturalist.

As a huge Debbie Macomber fan, it does pain me to say that this one just didn’t quite hit the mark for me. It felt very different from most of her other holiday books and it wasn’t quite what I was expecting. In general, I did enjoy the story, but it felt very rushed in some places and just didn’t feature enough Christmas for my liking. The Amazon River vacation aspect was fun and interesting, but I would have liked more Christmas vibes.

Overall, it was cute and quick read that could easily be read in one day, but be prepared for less of a holiday theme than it might seem or that you might be used to from this author!

3/5 stars!

When Daisy is ready to fire her assistant her partner talks her into taking a month vacation. What she doesn’t realize until it is to late is that her assistant has booked her on a cruise just not the luxury cruise Daisy thought it was. She meets Asher and starts to reasse her life. Who gets the last laugh Daisyor her assistant who was really serving out revenge for wanting to fire her.

Everly (Daisy) Lancaster is a driven ambitious entrepreneur taking most of the business responsibility in her start-up partnership with her college friend. After a mishap due to his niece who is her assistant, he suggests she go on a vacation. Which the niece also scheduled. What could go wrong?! I def would no questions asked go on a vacation that someone I tried to fire booked for me.
Two flights later... She steps onto an Amazon river cruise with no excursions or relaxations in sight? Excuse me?! This would def happen to me. She immediately gets bit by a mosquito. Now let me tell you this happened to me in Venice but I got bit on both my hands and they swelled up to the size of Mickey Mouse gloves. It was painful, luckily no fever or sickness or handsome naturalist. But lots of benadryl and drooling on a bus.
She was so high strung and stressed, and this two week "cruise" with no internet, phone or tv was not what she had in mind but it was what she needed.
She had a few other hilarious yet dangerous episodes along her tour of the Amazon which led to her and the naturalist Asher getting closer. He was in Brazil and she was from Chicago so he didn't even try, thinking it was a dead end, ouch.
This is not your normal cozy snowy Christmas story until the end when she goes home to Indiana to see her family. It was refreshing being in a different part of the world where it's hot in December.
I love romance novels this was a quick cute sometimes heartbreaking but then heartlifting read. Some people put obstacles in the way of love because they are scared to get hurt while others love with their whole heart.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Thank you net galley and ballantine books for the arc copy for my honest review

I enjoyed Daisy "Everly" Lancaster's story of emotional evolution. Everly comes from a farming family in Indiana. She is one of 5 siblings and has always felt "out of place" in her family. All her siblings seemed to be athletic and sports minded; she was always the book worm. Straight out of college she and her business partner created a great real estate business. Everly has taken on most of the responsibility of the day-to-day operations of the business. She is "accidently" on purpose put on an Amazon River cruise by her vindictive assistant who also happens to be her business partner's, niece. One mishap after another plagues her during her trip; she handles it all like a trooper. The trip gives her the time she needs to examine her life a little more closely than she has over the last few years; allowing her to come to some decisions about her family and career. She meets Asher Adams, the ship's naturalist/medic onboard and they strike up a friendship; a friendship that she would like to see continue, once the cruise ends. Asher has other ideas; breaking things off once they dock in home port. Will Everly and Asher be able to work through their differences or is his rejection of Everly the more than she can handle now?

To me, this story has an unusual romance angle and shares material that broadens our horizons. Wonderfully warm characters and exciting locales; superb writing.

Everly (Daisy) Lancaster is a successful real estate executive who is feeling the stress from her job. After her boss insists, she take the month of December off, she decides to take a vacation. What her upset assistant books is not a dream resort, but a guided tour of the Amazon.

Asher Adams, the tours naturalist does his best to make the guided river tour down the Amazon insightful, fun and memorable. Will he have his work cut out for him?

This was a nice fast read but if you are looking for lots of Christmas cheer, you will not get a lot of it here. The cover is a little misleading but gorgeous. Most of the book takes place in the Amazon were there are pink dolphins, piranhas and pythons. Not much snow or sleigh rides going on. But by the ending of the book there will be snow and a homier Christmas feel.

Both Asher and Daisy (Everly) are likeable characters and yes, their romance is predictable, but this book is still enjoyable. Although predictable, the ending did not feel rushed. This book was a nice diversion to current events and heavier books. As with all Macomber's books, this book is more wholesome and sweeter, the characters are endearing, and you want to root for all of them. There are close family connections, talk of delicious food and romance.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was beyond delighted when I was invited to review Debbie Macomber’s new Christmas book since I love her books, especially the Christmas ones that I look forward to each year. The story of Everly and Asher is an old as time, and so well-written that I laughed, I cried and I rejoiced as I read. Just the feelings I wanted as the holiday approaches! Everly is a real estate executive who is tricked into going on an Amazon River cruise. There she meets naturalist Asher, a young man dedicated to telling everyone about all of the mysteries of the Amazon. I laughed aloud at some of the escapades that Everly got into. She may have been a very capable real estate mogul, but she was definitely out of her element in the wilds of the Amazon. It was amusing to read about Asher’s attempt to thwart her getting seriously injured while also teaching her about the place he loved so much. The conflict comes when the two fall in love and they have no idea to believe that their love can continue since they live worlds apart. I always enjoy how Ms. Macomber resolves the conflict and I think that her readers will recognize her fine hand in this wonderful Christmas story. It’s all about family, love, talents and compromise. Fans of romance and Debbie Macomber will thoroughly enjoy this story. And, bonus! I learned a lot about the Amazon, too!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

I love Debbie Macomber's Christmas books. Of all the books I've read by her, they are my favorites. Jingle All the Way, this year's entry, is the perfect, fluffy Christmas book.

Everly is a young, successful, and extremely stressed corporate woman. After her assistant's latest mistake she tells her business partner she is firing Annette. Hoping to keep the peace at work and at home, Jack suggests Everly the entire month of December off and has Annette book her a luxury cruise. Unfortunately, Annette wants revenge and books her two weeks on an Amazon River adventure cruise instead. Everly is unprepared for more than just the rainforest adventures.

Jingle All the Way is a total fluffy story that reminded me of the first Macomber Christmas book I read - Dashing through the Snow. It is exactly the kind of story I love for Christmas reading. It had the added bonus that I would love to go on the adventure cruise Everly goes on, even if I didn't get to fall in love with the resident naturalist.

The story is pretty predictable but I enjoyed the characters greatly. It is also a quick read - I read half the book on the first evening. I was torn between rushing through it and trying to take my time to enjoy it for as long as possible. So it will be a great book to turn to during the craziness of the holiday season to give yourself a little break without the worry of not having time to finish it.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Tuesday, October 13 - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2020/10/jingle-all-way-by-debbie-macomber-review.html

Everly Lancaster is stressed to the max. She wants her co-owners niece fired. Instead she is told to take a month off. She has no concept of relaxing. She has been on this merry-go-round for so long, she has no idea how to get off. The cruise she was booked on was not what she expected. It wasn't for fun and relaxation, it was a sightseeing/educational cruise down the Amazon. Asher Adams feels at home out in the open. He enjoys passing on his love of nature to people taking these cruises. He never encounters anyone like Everly and he makes it his mission to get her to let go of technology and enjoy. This cruise brings out memories of growing up and doing things with grandparents and parents. Love was not on the agenda but she fell just the same. What Adam failed to understand is just how much Everly's family loves her and will protect her against a perceived enemy. In the end, both change to achieve their HEA.

Everly worked hard to get to where she was in the business world as co-owner of a big business; rarely visiting her family, changing her name from Daisy to Everly, and taking time for herself. She also has this assistant who cannot seem to get things straight. Everly has had enough of her assistant's mistakes and wants her out. Being forced to take a month off, Everly takes some time for herself. Unfortunately, that assistant happens to be the co-owner's niece. The assistant takes revenge, tells her she is going to book her on a cruise, and hopes things will be better when Everly gets back. The cruise ended up being a week-long journey on the Amazon River. Again, a bungled up job by the assistant, or is it? Things start off a little rough but, after being care for by the dashing Asher, the expedition director, things begin to change. Beginning with Asher calling her Daisy instead of Everly. As the week goes by, Daisy begins to see her life differently and realize how much she has given up to rise up the ladder of success. It is great to get into the Christmas spirit. Another Debbie Macomber book that makes the heart feel good. This would make a great Hallmark movie! Thank you to Ms. Macomber, Ballantine Books, and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this book!

Loved the adventures on the Amazon. A sweet romance. Since I am not a holiday person I was glad to see the season did not take center stage in the story. An entertaining and engaging story.

Thank you NetGalley and Debbie Macomber! I downloaded this one finally last night after sitting on it over a month and 4 short hours later finished it. This is the feel good romance my heart needed with all the ugly and negativity surrounding us. I loved this one and wish I could give it more than 5 ⭐️‘s!!! No spoilers but I was confused how we got the cover in the first several chapters being set in the Amazon and all! Great holiday read and rainy Sunday perfection!

BRAVO! Debbie Macomber has done it again! A mesmerizing Christmas novel with romance and "attitude"

Hard driven Everly was given the month of December off from work as a real-estate Exec.. To Everly her work IS her life.

But, when forced to take a month off, for revenge, Annette (niece of boss) books her on a no-frills cruise through the Amazon, without
many amenities, such as Wi-Fi.

But Everly meets a naturalist on board, and a budding romance begins. Can their two worlds mesh, or will they collide?

The expertly written book brings pleasure to the reader.

I would recommend this book to any who loves a good romance.

I will also post this on Goodreads.

Jingle All the Way by Debbie Macomber is a wonderful Christmas story reminding us that being with family is really important and sometimes you just have to take a chance for love. The fact that Debbie Macomber wrote the book tells you how wonderful the writing and the story line is!

Everly Lancaster (Daisy) is working in a high power field. She and her partner had brought their online company from nothing to successful. However, Everly has had enough of nepotism and wants to fire her inept assistant (her partner’s niece). Her partner suggests she goes on a vacation that her assistant had planned and to take a long deserved vacation.

The vacation was not an expensive cruise or luxurious accommodations, but a nature tour up the Amazon River. Left on a cruise with no way off, no internet and the wrong clothes she hoped to make the best of it. Naturalist Asher Adams was expected to help the tourist see the Amazon with all its beauty. Then Everly got really sick.

The story was one that really tugged at my heartstrings. I love stories about Christmas time and Stories that are all about people finding their way forward no matter what is thrown in their way. Jingle All the Way by Debbie Macomber is a fun holiday read!

A great holiday story from Debbie Macomber to add to your Christmas reading list!i

Asher is a naturalist on a cruise boat on the Amazon River. Rose (aka Everly) is a workaholic sent on an enforced month long vacation.

The first two weeks, the assistant she tried to fire books an educational cruise with no wifi, phone, or tv! It starts out with a bang and Asher and Rose become friends. They each feel something bigger, but aren't sure how a travelling naturalist in South America and a real estate mogul in Chicago could ever make it work.

There's lots of action and shenanigans afoot which will keep your interest to the end. A fun holiday story about true love and what we'll give up to have it.

I received a free ARC eBook from Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinions.

Jingle All the Way is an easy-to-read holiday romance. Everly is a workaholic whose partner at her company forces her to take a vacation. She assumes she'll be experiencing luxury when in reality she ends up on a two-week tour through the Amazon rainforest. She has a series of unfortunate events on the ship she and becomes close with the tours' naturalist. They quickly form a friendship and strong feelings for each other, but he breaks things off before they can really begin because of their drastically different lifestyles. Either way Everlys life has been changed or the better, and she rediscovers her passion for life and her family. When Asher realizes his mistake will she be willing to give him another chance.

This is a really sweet opposite attract holiday romance. The first half of the book has our heroine trailing the Amazon rainforest where she fights an illness from a mosquito bite, encounters natives, fishes for piranha and falls in love. I loved that she made the best of her highly unexpected situation. In the second half of the book Evelyn takes us back to her childhood home on the farm and it's filled with family, gingerbread house building and sleigh rides. While the book is from both Evelyn and Ashers point of view, it was much more of the former. Evelyn really was the star of the book and Asher kind of falls to the side line. In my opinion, even though he was sweet and kind, I didn't feel like we needed his point of view.

Jingle All the Way is my first Debbie Macomber book and I would really like to read more by her in the future

I haven't read any novels by Debbie Macomber. I often see the very approachable covers and they look really fun. So I was really surprised when I read Jingle All The Way, her newest book. While it does have a sweet romance, it was not at all realistic. There were also many characters who were two-dimensional, plus there were some extremely racist situations that make this a book I cannot recommend.


What I Mixed About:

Romance:

It was refreshing to read a romance novel where the characters don't immediately jump into bed together. I liked that Everly and Asher took the time to get to know each other before they got physical. I found this very sweet.

However, I thought it was totally unrealistic that they would have such strong feelings for each other after only two weeks on a boat. They start putting roadblocks in the way of their romance before it really gets going, speaking about how could they go on when they live in such different worlds. Wouldn't most people just enjoy their limited time and wistfully think about what might have been. But that wouldn't fit with the romance formula.

What I Didn't Like:

Premise:

I thought the premise, an overworked executive is forced to take a vacation, expecting to go on a luxury cruise when, in fact, she goes on a eco-tour of the Amazon, to be really forced. It also pushed the narrative that women who have successful careers are really unhappy, and would be more content if they just found a nice guy. I found this to be truly offensive.

Two-Dimensional Characters:

The characters are not very developed. There are Everly's sisters, who married young and already have several children. They are completely content, have no worries, and are not stressed in any way. Stay-at-home moms have just as much stress as working mothers, it's just that their stresses are different.

Everly's mother only seems to exist to happily cook for her large family. She works hard to ensure everyone is happy. That's fine, but doesn't she have any other interests? That can't be all there is to this woman.

The other passengers on the cruise are also barely developed. They all are described as happy retired couples who go on adventure travel experiences with no issues. No couples bicker or annoy each other. No people on the ship exhibit any negative traits. As much as I enjoy traveling, it's not all sunshine and happy people.


Stereotypes:

My biggest issue with this book is that there are some really racist moments during the Amazon adventure portion of the book. One of the excursions during the cruise is a trip inland to visit an indigenous tribe. I'm sure this is a thing, but there was no mention of the ethics involved in this. Things go from bad to worse (in my opinion) when Everly and one of the guides gets lost in the rain forest. There, they are confronted by a different indigenous group (wielding spears) and the tour guide is tied to a tree. When this "misunderstanding" is resolved, Everly tries to shake the hand of the "warrior", whereupon they say she has just indicated she wants to marry him. Really? This is so disrespectful and disappointing that such stereotypes are still being used today.

I received an early ARC from NetGalley and Random House Publishing-Ballantine. The comments and review are my honest opinion.
Everly (Daisy) is all business as a partner in a well-known real estate company in Chicago. Everyone is well aware of how all business she is. Daisy hasn’t had a serious relationship in years, let alone a casual one. She even claimed she was too busy to go home last Christmas to visit her parents and siblings. This year her partner insists she take the month of December off and tells Daisy’s assistant to book her a cruise somewhere warm.
The cruise does not turn out exactly as Daisy envisioned, in more ways than one. This is a good story to pick up as Debbie MacComber has written an enjoyable feel-good story to start off your holiday reading.