The Christmas Spirit by Debbie Macomber. I am a huge fan of Debbie Macomber's books, especially her Christmas stories. They are stories that just make you feel happy. And how sweet that a grandmother is telling her grandkids a love story.
Pete Armstrong and Hank Colfax have been best friends for years and just before Christmas, they decide to switch places at their jobs. Pete is a pastor of a small local church. Hank owns a bar called The Last Call. These two get into some pretty funny and sentimental predicaments and they are so funny!
Pete has to deal with bikers and young women who work at the local strip club while poor Hank has to deal with an old woman who refuses to help the church pay for a much-needed new roof. The friendships formed are ones that could last forever, and they are totally unexpected. The life lessons include forgiveness, the importance of family values and not to pass judgment on anyone.
I really enjoyed the story within the story as Nana tells the tale of Pete and Hank to her sweet grandchildren. The Book is so well written with a wonderful happily-ever-after and all of the loose ends are tied up in a pretty Christmas bow.
I will definitely recommend this book to my friends.
Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Christmas Spirit by Debbie Macomber brings forth every bit of the joy and meaning of the season in another hit by this wonderful author. A grandmother tells her grandchildren a true story which involves family history and romance. Two best friends Paul, a preacher, and Hank, a bar owner, meet for lunch every month or so. One meeting leads to the conversation of how hard/entailed their jobs are. They switch jobs (the week before Christmas) and of course, the grass isn't greener on the other side. Paul meets two older patrons and a biker gang who challenge him but allow him to minister quietly. He ultimately invites them to Christmas service. When a wealthy church member is insulted and pulls her support and church membership, Hank has to navigate the financial problems that he hadn't realized a church has. The two friends find romance through old and new acquaintances, and the reader knows these are romances that last. The ending to the grandmother's story shows that fact as well as what happens to some of the side characters.

The Christmas party scene was filled with wonder and laughter. The need to reach out in the local community was such a success and reminds us to do the same. I will be recommending this book. Thanks to the publisher, author Debbie Macomber and NetGalley for this ARC.

Four and a Half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
The Christmas Spirit by Debbie Macomber is another one of her heartwarming, lovely Christmas romance stories.

Story Recap:
Best friends, Peter Armstrong and Hank Colfax meet each other regularly at a local diner where they discuss their lives and reminisce on their high school days. One day, while complaining about how hard they work, they decide to swap jobs. Peter is a Pastor, and Hank owns his own bar. Each believes they got the better end of the deal, but after spending a week in each other’s job, both their lives change for the better.

My Thoughts:
I don’t know any author who does Christmas stories as well as Debbie Macomber. She has that balance of telling a sweet, wholesome story without it becoming sappy, or too sweet.

I enjoyed this sweet romance set at Christmastime. These characters were ones I would like to hang out with and I felt comfortable with all of them. They were realistic and compelling. This wasn’t a light Christmas story, but one that was a bit deeper and emotional that resonates with Debbie Macomber’s trademark heartwarming storytelling.

If you enjoy Hallmark movies you’ll love The Christmas Spirit. This book has a small town, quirky characters, and two sweet romances. I enjoyed the grandmother telling the story to her grandchildren as it gave a break between the sections of the story.

Recommendation:
I highly recommend The Christmas Spirit to anyone who enjoys a sweet romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A sweet, clean romance. I really enjoyed how the book was written as a story told to young children by their grandma. This follows Hank, Grace, Pete and Millie. Hank and Pete have been best friends since school and agree to take over the other’s job for a few days. Hank owns a bar and Pete is a pastor. Grace is Pete’s sister and feels like Hank is no good for her brother to be around. Millie is a waitress who catches Pete’s eye.
Over the course of a few days, their lives change dramatically and forever. The characters they meet along the way help each person grow in their own way. Grace was a hard nut to crack and I enjoyed seeing Hank have something to do with opening her eyes. I liked how Pete was kind and generous to everyone but didn’t try to force religion in anyone.
I enjoyed this book and wouldn’t mind reading more about the characters. I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.

The Christmas Spirit is a heart-warming, cute Christmas story about love and friendship. Hank and Pete, two long time friends, decide to change places for the week leading up to Christmas. The two friends are seemingly total opposites. Hank owns a tavern and Pete is a pastor of a church. Both learn lessons along the way and both have a chance at finding love.

Debbie Macomber does not disappoint. The Christmas Spirit is full of inspiration and Debbie Macomber’s humor. It was a fun and uplifting read, even though some things were unrealistic, like a biker gang riding motorcycles in the cold and snow. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, and it is a perfect way to get into the Christmas Spirit.

Debbie Macomber is always an author I can count on to make my heart feel all warm and fuzzy while also keeping me grounded in reality of true and raw emotions. The Christmas Spirit is a story full of hope, love, redemption, faith, family, and friendships. It's the perfect story to help each of us remember that no one is better than anyone, we all have a past, we all have sin and fall short, but that if we will just be kind to everyone & have faith everything will always work out just as it's supposed to in the end.

Two life long friends Pete and Hank decide to switch places the week of Christmas as they're overwhelmed in their daily lives and duties, but think that the other ones life is easier and less chaotic. Oh boy, how they both quickly discover that they may be in over their heads with this spur of the moment decision.

They have a leaky church roof and outdated furnace that's on it's last leg, farm animals on the loose, bikers ready to pin Pete to the tavern wall with darts, strippers that they want to show unconditional love and friendship to, let's not forget cantankerous Mrs. Millstone that has forgotten what it means to show love and warmth to all those around her, including her own family.

This story is sure to warm your heart this holiday season! This story is told by Nana to her grandchildren and their reactions will make you smile if not laugh. Lily and Lance are adorable! ♥️

Thank you Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!

Perfect Christmas story!

What a sweet story this was! Told by a grandmother to her two grandchildren, it is a story about 2 men, who in a friendly bet decide to trade places for a week, learn much more about faith, life and love than they expected.

The grandchildren Lily and Lance were adorable, the storytelling was spot on, just like you were listening in during the recitation. It was funny in parts and full of redeeming hope in others. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend if you need a feel-good pick-me-up this year.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

A very sweet and inspirational Christmas story as a grandmother tells her grandchildren the true story of how she came to marry her husband. It is is adorably heart melting as the children eagerly give their opinions on how the story should go. The characters are interesting and wonderful. They are also sometimes funny and endearing. This is a story that will make a great gift for others.

Debbie Macomber’s heartfelt stories and Christmas are a perfect combination. When Pete and Hal, lifelong friends, decide to switch jobs days before Christmas, they have no idea what they are in for. Both have demanding jobs. Hal is an overworked tavern owner and Pete is pastor to a financially challenged church. And each thinks that he’s getting the best of a bad bargain. How wrong they are. Hal is new to the world of midnight calls, demanding church members and a leaky roof. Pete has to deal with dart throwing “Hell’s Outlaws”, the difficulty of pouring a perfect beer and keeping up with unsatisfied patrons. But this is Debbie Macomber. Pete and Hal will discover what is truly important in their lives and find the happiness that has eluded them.

Hallmark, here’s your newest Christmas movie! It has snow, lovers, bikers and a runaway donkey. What more do you need? The Christmas Spirit is delightful, heartwarming and will leave you with a smile. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group and Debbie Macomber for this ARC.

This is a feel-good story about a very special Christmas that involved a preacher, a bar owner, strippers, and a group of bikers. Together, they find a way to make the best Christmas ever! Enjoyed this story. It will get you ready for the holiday season!

The Christmas Spirit is Debbie Macomber’s newest standalone Christmas romance, a yearly gift to her readers.
The story begins with a grandma telling a story to her two young grandchildren. They want to hear a true story instead of a fairy tale, so she tells them about two young men named Peter and Hank and what they do the week before Christmas in 1977. Peter Armstrong is a pastor who is dedicated to his community, spending time visiting the flock, attending meetings, and preparing for the Christmas service and live Nativity. As a bartender, Hank Colfax serves a much different customer base at his family-owned tavern, including a handful of lonely regulars and the local biker gang.

When Peter scoffs that Hank has it easy compared to him, the two decide to switch jobs until Christmas Eve. To their surprise, the responsibilities of a bartender and a pastor are similar, but taking on the other’s work is more difficult than either Peter or Hank expected. Hank relies on Grace, Peter’s younger sister and the church secretary, to help him get through the week. Peter and a pretty waitress, Millie, help each other at the bar.

The reader can easily guess that “Grandma” is actually Grace and Hank is her husband. The story is very engaging and the characters are realistic and interesting. All Debbie Macomber romances are written so that readers from young adults to the elderly can enjoy them, and there is more humor in The Christmas Spirit than her previous books. The author frequently uses themes of forgiveness, redemption, and not judging others, and they are all found in The Christmas Spirit.

I received an advance review copy (ARC) from NetGalley and Ballantine Books for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I love a story within a story but for it to be a Christmas one makes it even better. Debbie is my go to for any cozy reading but I know I say this every time but this one might be the best yet!! Grab your favorite blanket and cup of cocoa and enjoy grandma telling you a story of a Christmas past I had a wonderful time reading this and I read it in just a few hours I couldnt put it down.
Did you know she also has a color book that comes out the same day Oct 18, 2022 I have both on pre-order Don't forget to get yours!!


My thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Always a delight reading her books!

I would give more stars if I could!!

4 stars / This review will be posted on goodreads.com today.

This wonderful little book encompasses all the Christmas spirit in Debbie’s unique way. Her characters are perfectly flawed and human. She balances the romance with reality. And this one has a fabulous theme.

Pete and Hank have been lifelong friends. Pete is the pastor of a local church. Hank is a bar owner. Both are devoted to their work. So at lunch one day when discussing how easy the other has it, an idea pops into Pete’s head. He proposes that the week leading up to Christmas that they swap lives. Hank agrees, and as you can imagine, it’s quite the enlightenment for both of them.

First, Pete’s sister, who does all the administrative jobs for the church, is not a Hank fan. She is utterly peeved at Pete for the suggestion that this was even going to happen. She intends to make Hank’s few days of pastoral life a living hell (pun intended.) But Hank has also known Gracie as long as he’s known Pete. He knows how to push her buttons as well. Hank think it’s high time that Gracie get off her high horse and accept she’s just human.

Then there’s the challenge for Pete of running a bar. With absolutely no experience in Hank’s realm, it’s a rude awakening for Pete to deal with bikers, curmudgeonly old barstool loafers, and the simple act of pouring a beer. Thankfully, Millie, a local waitress, who is more than capable, jumps in to assist.

Weave in that a grandmother is sharing this story with her two grandchildren, and that she’s warned them it’s not a ‘once upon a time’ story, but a ‘real life’ story, and you have a cozy Christmas novel.

I have always loved Macomber’s books for the very reason that she is able to make even religion about real people and real life. Her books are down home and fun. She is also able to make you think about your own place in the world. I was so excited to get to read this one.

A feel good Christmas story about best friends, family, and good times. Peter and Hank have been buddies since forever,. Peter is a pastor and Hank a bartender. An impulsive agreement to switch jobs for a week brings both en to a new place as they realize how similar their jobs are= that both men are committed to listening to others. And, it also brings them both new friends and love interests (no spoilers). It's not easy for either man at first- there are impatient customers and unhappy members of the congregation- but ultimately, everyone learns something about themselves and their community. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Classic Macomber in spirit.

Good friends Peter, a pastor, and Hank, a bartender and tavern owner, decide to switch jobs a week before Christmas. As each realize how much work the other’s job is, they also each come into closer contact to women they are attracted to. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Ballantine Books for my honest review.

The spirit of Christmas is revealed in "The Christmas Spirit". Christmas is a time of welcoming others into our lives and hearts and this book shows us how to live this.

The book begins with a grandmother telling her grandchildren a story and as the reader quickly realizes, the story is a true one. The story follows two men who think the other has life easier. Agreeing to switch jobs for a week, they quickly realize things aren't what they seem. The reversal of roles also opens them to new friends, friends who might have not found a way into their circle. The story reminds us that we're called to love, care and respect those might not think, act or believe as we do. Such an important message in our conflicted world.

If you're looking for a quick read to get you in the holiday spirit, 'The Christmas Spirit" fits the bill. I read it during a three-hour flight.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. #TheChristmasSpirit

I really enjoyed this delightful story. Loved the story and the characters. When a Nana is telling her grandkids a story, they don't realize they already know the characters in the story. Peter and Hank have been friends most of their lives. They meet regularly to have lunch and one day, they started talking about how their lives are busy and that they each have hard jobs. Peter is a pastor and Hank owns a bar. They came up with the idea to switch jobs for a few days because they each think the other has an easy life. They could not have been more wrong. As they switch jobs, they both learn so much and realize they have to make some changes. And the added bonus is they, along with a few others, find the true meaning of Christmas.

The Christmas Spirit by Debbie Macomber is another of her wonderful delightful novels that take place during the Christmas holidays. The story centers on two men, who have been best friends since their elementary school days, which each choosing a different path in life. Hank Colfax runs a popular family-owned tavern; Peter Armstrong is a local pastor, dedicated to his faith and community. They meet weekly at a restaurant (Mom’s Place), and both discuss who has the harder job. Peter claims that Hank has it easier compared to him, and the two best friends decide to switch jobs until Christmas Eve. To both of their surprise, they discover that things are more difficult than they expected.

Peter has to deal at the tavern with regulars, who insist he knows nothing about pouring beer, causing long delays; he also meets the local bikers, who spend lots of time at the bar; not to mention the young women who work at a strip club. This was a fun story how they learn about Peter being a pastor, and help him along the way.

Hank takes over Peter’s job, and has to deal with Peter’s sister, who is very difficult. Hank knows that Grace has changed over the years, but he finds that he still has a crush on her; he will slowly get her to open up and relax more. Hank also must deal with a mean old lady, who after meeting Hank, decides she will no longer donate to the church or pay for the new roof. When Grace learns about this, she is beside herself, but Hank convinces her that the old lady is cruel and has no faith, especially not helping her family. When Hank meets the board, he makes some suggestions to make more money (bingo, etc), with Grace beginning to realize how Hank was making things better.While Hank begins to win Grace over, Peter meets Millie, who works at the restaurant.

Millie needs a job to pay the bills, and Peter offers her a job to help at the Bar; with Hank’s approval. Slowly, both men find love during the course of the week. This really was a wonderful feel-good story. It was also wonderful how everyone joined together (at the bar and church) to plan a wonderful Christmas Party, with many from the bar and church going out of their way to brings things together.

I really loved most of the characters, and totally enjoyed this story. The Christmas Spirit was a quick and wonderful story, centered on the holidays and community spirit. The Christmas Spirit was so very well written by Debbie Macomber. I suggest you read this sweet wonderful story.

This a really feel good read, and it really shows the true meaning of Christmas.
A grandmother telling a real story to her grandchildren, and a true one, not a Once Upon A Time, and she has to tell her Grandson when there is kissing! Love it!
The story is so heart warming, and kind of unbelieveable, a pastor and a bar tender trade jobs! Ok, can you imagine the surprises of the patrons and parishioners! Wouldn't you love to be a fly on the wall at both places!
We have changes of hearts and many surprises, who would have thought that the bartender would give bible lessons?
You don't want to miss this sweet read, I really enjoyed it, in fact once the first page was turned I kept reading to the end!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Random House Group - Ballantine, and was not required to give a positive review.

There is nothing better than reading a Macomber to enter in the holidays and The Christmas Spirit is the very best of them all.

This is not a lengthy book and yet it tells the story of two men and their adventure of stepping into the other man’s shoes prior to the Christmas holiday. I loved the way this was set up with the Grandmother giving the children a story. Their reactions, cheers and jeers were fun and had me smiling.

Each of the heroes had an interesting way of going about doing their new job as well as building a new or renewed relationship with the heroines. I was totally in love with Hank and Pete and giggled myself silly through some of their misadventures. Through it all, there was the sweetest feeling of unity, love and charity that was soothing to my own soul.

The romance is sweet and fast, the characters entertaining and the book worth reading just to get to the most perfect feel good ending ever!