This book was delightfully surprising in a few different ways! I was expecting cheesy, Hallmark vibes, which I absolutely love, but this wasn't quite that. It seemed like it might be at the beginning of the book, but I slowly started to see a lot of the themes in this book aside from the romance.

The romance felt like a bit of a subplot compared to everything else going on which was fine, I think I was just expecting a little more in that area. The biggest themes in the book would be our FMC figuring out who she is on her own as an empty nester and showing their town that so-called "problem kids" are more than just their problems.

I really appreciated delving into what the world would call troubled kids and showing that when you give kids (no matter their background) the resources they need, support, and belief in them they can accomplish so much. I have heard many people complain about "troubled" kids during my most recent line of work where I worked with kids like that and what's hard for some to understand is that kids that act out do so for a real reason and they need someone who will take the time to understand why and help them through it. They aren't just trying to make your life miserable. So that part really got to me and I really felt connected to it. I loved the way Harriet stood up for her students and believed in them when no one else would.

I also did enjoy how Harriet and James worked together as a couple. I feel like they go well together. I will say though, I was annoyed with Harriet because she seemed like the UK version of Jessica Day and while I love New Girl, I cannot stand that character. It feels a bit like an adult acting like a teenager in terms of emotional capabilities specifically. Though I can see she always had the best intentions throughout the book.

Overall it does bring some of the heartwarming, Christmas-y vibes, but I did find myself getting a bored while reading.

Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Jenny Bayliss writes the most perfect holiday books. I read one every year and it gives off the best vibes. You always feel transported right to her small-town settings and I'll continue reading her books year after year. This one didn't compare to how much I loved the 12 Dates of Christmas, but it was still a fantastic holiday read.

what a perfect mid-year Christmas romance!! The FMC was perfectly angsty, but caring and there to help those she loved the most. MMC fit so perfectly, felt like things grew/evolved so naturally it felt so realistic to real world experiences and supported the FMC in all the ways she deserved to be supported. I recommend this to anyone who has read any of Jenny Bayliss’ previous works, loved Christmas themed romance and the true showing of found family.

Thank you Netgalley, Penguin Random House and Jenny Bayliss for the advanced reader copy!

THIS IS MY FAVORITE JENNY BAYLISS BOOK YET!!! Kiss Me at Christmas has found family and a push over FMC who learns to stand up for herself. Truly this book gave me all the Holiday cheer in August with a diverse cast of characters from different ages to backgrounds working together to better their community. Less romance and more focus on the found family and community which I really enjoyed.

Thank you to Putnam books and NetGalley for an advanced copy!

4.75 stars!!!

This would be a great holiday movie. I was so happy with the way it ended. I was hoping with all of my heart that there wouldn’t be a placeholder fill-in to make the FMC feel better.

To learn to love and do for yourself is such a valuable lesson. You are worth it even if it is just you.

The book took me in a different direction than what I assumed this story was going to be about and I’m glad. There was more depth to the reason for why things were the way they were. That was highly appreciated.

I will be seeking out more work from this author.

Thank you Putnam Books, NetGalley, and Jenny Bayliss for allowing me to review this ARC

This was cute and full of holiday warm-fuzzies, but ultimately fell a little flat for me.

Definitely leans more toward General Fiction/Women’s Fiction than Romance which was surprising for a book that starts with a one-night stand. The multitude of side characters were fun, but the plot bordered on trite and the relational conflict / MMC’s motivation as a character was a stretch.

If you like simple and sweet, filled with Christmasy community do-goodery, you’ll like this. I prefer a little more depth and a little more romance.

I’ve enjoyed the author’s previous books, but Kiss Me at Christmas is my favorite. Harriet was relatable to most middle-aged women, and I appreciated that she didn’t have it all together, but rather was still vulnerable and learning about herself throughout her story. James was 100% swoon-worthy, yet he too was complex enough to be realistic and interesting. The community cast of characters and the setting of the theatre were utterly delightful. There were several laugh out loud moments and some tear jerkers too. I loved the touch of Harriet’s creative expressions when exasperated. Anyone living or working with kids, attempting to keep language clean will get it. I kept thinking how much fun the author must have had coming up with these expressions. I loved it.
I wanted a slightly different ending for H & J, but what is written works. Looking forward to pre-orders! And honestly hope this translates to film. It would be a fantastic holiday classic.
Thank you #NetGalley and #GPPutnam’sSons for the ARC ebook! Sharing my review on Goodreads

ARC REVIEW

Kiss me at Christmas
By Jenny Bayliss

Rating: ⭐️⭐️/5 (2 out of 5)

Publishing date: 9/24/24

I've read 3 other Jenny Bayliss holiday books and really enjoyed them. But this fell SO short for me.

I was honestly bored the entire time and just trying to get through it. I didn't like the story line or characters.  It just wasn't for me. 🤷‍♀️

GOOD READS BLURB
Christmas can officially get stuffed because Harriet Smith is not feeling bright and merry this year. She hasn’t for a while. So when her college-aged daughter opts for Manhattan’s winter wonderland instead of Christmas at home, Harriet finds herself seeking solace in a wine-soaked one-night stand.

But how Harriet will spend the holidays is swiftly decided for her after she takes the fall for some students who break into the town’s old Winter Theater. To get the students off the hook, the theater’s elderly owner requests that Harriet direct the washed-out stage’s final Christmas performance. And Harriet will do anything to help the kids . . . even work with the owner’s lawyer who, as it turns out, is her less than impressed one-night stand.

Directing the play with him won't exactly change her life. But it might just reignite the Christmas spirit and remind her what makes life merry and bright again.

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC of Jenny Bayliss's "Kiss Me at Christmas," which is a delightful holiday romance that perfectly captures the magic of the season. The charming characters, witty dialogue, and heartwarming plot make it a joy to read. Bayliss's writing sparkles with humor and warmth, making the love story between Harriet and James feel genuine and deeply satisfying. This book is a cozy, feel-good escape that’s perfect for curling up with the fire during the festive season. I highly recommend this one for anyone looking to add a bit of romance and holiday cheer to their reading list!

As much as I love holiday books, this one was not my favorite. The fmc Harriet was unlikeable, the mmc James was boring, and there was too many side characters to keep track of. The story was also unbelievable, fixing up a theater in that short time like is unbelievable. I did like the found family aspect.

2.5 stars

Thanks to netgalley and publisher for an opportunity to read an early copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

This is a feel good holiday romance that lives up to the merry and bright holiday cheer that always accompanies a Jenny Bayliss novel 🥰🎄 This is a second chance romance with a little bit of enemies to lovers trope set in a run down Winter theater that is in need of a Christmas miracle. This novel addresses some heavy themes such as self worth, micro-aggressions, self advocacy, and opening your heart to love again. At times Harriet and Jack were a little immature or insecure to me considering they were supposed to be in their 40s/late 40s but otherwise this novel had everything I was looking for in a holiday romance ❤️

Thank you Putnam and Penguin Group for the ARC.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

2.5 stars rounded up
I would not categorize this as a romance at all. Not to say it isn't a good story idea - it is, but a little boring, and about 100 pages too long. I loved the found family aspect and that was by far the best part of the book; Harriet, the FMC, was the worst part. She seemed very immature for someone her age and for her role in her profession. The idea of the community theater was solid but putting together a show in 4 weeks right before Christmas in an almost-condemned building was ridiculous. I guess anything is possible when your benefactress is that wealthy. Can't recommend.

“Kiss Me at Christmas” by Jenny Bayliss is a delightful and heartwarming holiday read!

Harriet Smith, the leader of a high school pastoral care team, catches five of her students breaking into a abandoned theater. When the rich and snotty owner of the theater agrees not to press charges in exchange for Harriet cleaning up the theater, Harriet insists that the students help with the cleanup. In her negotiations with the owner, Harriet requests that the theater be made accessible to various community groups. The owner reluctantly agrees but orders that Harriet and her students produce a play in the theater in order to help it be sold. The romance in question? The owner's lawyer, with whom Harriet had a wine-soaked one night stand. As Harriet and James work together with the students to clean the theater and get the production together, Harriet discovers that Christmas magic might just reignite her spirit and remind her what truly matters.

The book features quirky characters and boundless optimism, creating a heartwarming community that will make your holiday spirits soar. Jenny Bayliss weaves humor, romance, and genuine happiness into a wholehearted tale. If you’re looking for a feel-good holiday story, “Kiss Me at Christmas” delivers. It’s a story of second chances, unexpected connections, and the magic of the season.

I received a free copy of, Kiss Me at Christmas, by Jenny Bayliss, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Harriett Smith in not in a good mood, or happy that its Christmas, especially when her daughter, decides to spend the holidays away from her. Harriet decides to have a one night stand, and help some kids out with a Christmas play. I did not care for this book. I did not like Harriet at all.

Kiss Me At Christmas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you’re looking for a Christmas romance that’s more about the cozy community than the romance, this will be perfect this Christmas!

Harriet cares for everyone in her community as a teacher and suddenly as a theatre producer! Throughout this story, there’s a huge cast of misfit characters who all work to bring the local theater back to life for a final Christmas Story.

I liked these older main characters who were still working through their own places. Some of the romance seemed a little rushed with the theater taking so much of the stage, but a nice variation of a Christmas romance.

A cozy, closed door Christmas romance. Loved the mature characters and the musical theater plot. A great, festive read! Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

What a fantastic story about the power of community and the difference one person can make. Harriet is a force that will let nothing stand in her way to protect the kids under her advisement. This story explores the emotions of an empty as children grow and reminds you the importance of taking care of yourself. A splash of romance mixed with great friendships and the support that can grow from a community. A great holiday read.

Thank you to the publisher, Net Galley, and the author for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I always look forward to reading a holiday romance by Jenny Bayliss and Kiss Me at Christmas was no exception. It was a sweet closed door romance with found family and lots of cozy vibes. My main complaint was the length of the book (400 pages) and just too many characters and so many interactions that didn't feel completely necessary. I liked the story and will continue to read what she writes but this was not my favorite of hers unfortunately. I want to thank NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Kiss Me at Christmas was another heartwarming charmer from Jenny Bayliss.

Harriet is a busy teacher who can’t seem to say no to the obnoxious head of department or stop worrying about her most challenging group of students, the Famous Five. After covering for them when they’re busted being somewhere they shouldn’t, Harriet finds herself responsible for cleaning up a derelict theater and directing a holiday play. To make matters more difficult, she must do so with a recent one night stand.

I loved the found family aspect of this story and watching Harriet come to terms with how she’s allowed past events and trauma to deeply impact almost every aspect of her life. The secondary characters were delight, the romance was mostly closed door, and the pacing was wonderful.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

This is the perfect winter/Christmas book! The chemistry between the characters drew me in! The perfect book to read on a snowy day relaxing in the house! The story gave all the cozy vibes