Thank you to Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC opportunity. Not quite finished but wanted to post my review before it’s archived. I like the character details and personalities. They are different and having the lead character be middle aged is a nice change from my recent reads. This is shaping up to be a nice Christmas read.

Love the drama of an out-of-order eventful first chapter, then delving back into the mundanity of our careers.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
This was a cute holiday read. It’s different than a lot of others I have read. It started out a little slow, but once they started cleaning up the theater, I couldn’t put it down. I enjoyed Harriet and her advocacy for her people. I thought the romance was sweet and well done. This is a feel good holiday read that will just make you happy.

Thank you Penguin and Putnam Books for the gifted copy.

So in a serendipitous twist of fate, I wound up listening to this book at the exact same time I was reading Monday’s Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson. And it was exactly the balance that I needed. If you’ve read that book, you’ll understand what I mean.

I was excited when I got my hands on the ARC of this book because I really enjoyed The Twelve Dates of Christmas by this author. And while I will say this one didn’t really have holiday vibes to me, I think it was an even better novel. I just loved this story. I found the representation of youth in the foster care system to be so well done. Both in looking at the characters who are still children in the book as well as Harriet who has a past of being in the system herself. The portrayal of social and emotional implications were so delicately but accurately done. Right down to the lack of understanding that other people have for the behaviors sometimes exhibited by children who are struggling. The judgements, the assumptions, the preconceived notions, the lack of patience. I don’t know if this author has personal experience or just really did her research but as someone who has worked with children in the system I found it all to be so so thoughtfully and sensitively done.

And don’t fret, in addition to these heavier themes there is so much heart. There are parts that are laugh out loud funny. There is romance that was so realistically portrayed. There is an absolutely delightful cast of side characters that each brought their own little bit of magic. But the star of this show is for sure Harriet.

Harriet will be a character I won’t soon forget. Her love, patience, and advocacy for the children in this book, as well as other vulnerable members of her community, was just stunning. Hats off to you Jenny Bayliss, this was a stunning novel.

Kiss Me at Christmas was the quintessential Christmas read. I loved Harriet and James and how they transitioned from a place of bickering to a place of joy and romance. The backdrop of the theatre production was so cozy and I was so ready to be in the audience watching these characters thrive on stage.

This was an adorable found family story. The cast of characters is compelling far behind the two romantic leads, and I felt as well that Harriet’s journey of self love was also pivotal to the story. It was wonderful to see her independent self learn to lean on and share with others.

I really enjoyed this book! Jenny Bayliss created a beautiful Christmas story that was warm, comforting, and perfectly joyful. The only thing missing from my reading experience was a glass of Harriet’s favorite mulled wine!

I received a free advance copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you NetGalley, Penguin Group Putnam and Jenny Bayliss for the ARC.

This was a cute holiday romance! Great for anyone that loves a hallmarky christmas story.

Closed door so not for those looking for too much spice, but plenty of sugar :)

Thank you NetGalley, Penguin Group Putnam and Jenny Baliss for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Kiss Me at Christmas is about a one night stand gone wrong, then getting more complicated. That being said, this is closed door and very PG (not even curse words).

As someone in their upper 30s, I enjoyed that the main characters were in their 40s.

As always, I love the found family trope, how the different groups bonded and community came together.

This was based in the UK and there was some words and terms I wasn’t familiar with but most I could figure out with context clues.

Overall, the book was good and cute but not a big page turner for me. 3.5 rounded up.

Kiss Me at Christmas by Jenny Bayliss is another fun filled Christmas rom-com!
The descriptions of the scenery were stunning, and the relationship between Harriet and James was so much fun and exciting.
This one was super cute. It had good humor, heart and romance.
I just loved everything about this book!

Thank You NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Jenny Bayliss never disappoints, with her Christmas charm!

Every year, I look forward to a new novel by Bayliss to set the scene for the Christmas season. Her books have depth, characters to root for and complex, realistic issues. Each novel feels like a warm holiday hug, and contains enough drama to keep you interested! I adored Kiss Me at Christmas just like all of her others and would highly recommend!

Thanks to #Putnam and #NetGalley for the ARC!

Kiss me at Midnight
If you’re a fan of Christmas romcoms you’ll adore this book. A single mom finds herself having to spend her favorite holiday without her daughter. I found myself having a few laugh aloud moments as she navigates her way through unexpected territory after a one night stand.
I also loved the author’s books,
A December to Remember and Meet Me under the Mistletoe. If you’ve read either of those you will love Kiss Me At Midnight too.

Thank you to Netgalley, Penguin Putnam Group, and Jenny Bayliss for the chance to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Listen- if Jenny Bayliss writes a holiday romance, I'm going to read it. The next 5 could be complete duds, but thne I'll read the next 6-10 because these first 5 have killed it. Tenure achieved. On my permanent holiday TBR.

Kiss Me At Christmas brought me to sentimental tears more times than I ever expected. I also did not expect to read this story and find hope on my own personal career journey- but hey! This book met me where I was/am at. The romance romances and the rag tag community conflicts and then rallies. The way The Christmas Carol was the production to be put on in the theater- but also the play's message resonated so heavily through the plot- truly well done.

One of these years- I'm going to plan a UK country holiday visit. I don't see how I can't after falling in love with so many different settings and the coziness.

This was such a cute read and I really enjoyed it overall. I feel it’s the perfect cozy holiday read that everyone will enjoy. Grab a blanket, a warm cozy drink and have a good laugh with our FMC.

Another feel-good British holiday romance from one of my favourite authors! A hot one night stand turns into a disaster when empty nester and overworked teacher Harriet is forced to work with James, the guy she never expected to see again but who is the lawyer representing a grumpy old woman who owns the derelict theatre Harriet got caught breaking into.

In order to avoid charges, Harriet has to agree to clean up the theatre to help get it ready for sale and James has to supervise to make sure the job gets done. Not looking forward to a Christmas alone, Harriet slowly learns to appreciate the season with the help of her students and this new project she wasn't sure she'd have time for.

I loved that the two leads were both middle aged and that the story was filled with a large cast of quirky characters ranging from a theatre troupe to a group of Harriet's students, who figure out how to work together to pull off a ramshackle production of A Christmas Carol.

Good on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Sarah Morgan. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you Putnam for the advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.

Jenny Bayliss is one of my favorite holiday writers and I look forward reading her holiday books every year. Kiss Me At Christmas is a charming holiday novel. Although it is mostly follows Harriet's journey of self discovery as a potential empty-nester, it is really a story of community and of finding your people.

Read if you love:
* Hallmark Vibes
* Closed door romances
* lots of characters of all ages and shapes and sizes
* snooty old women
* love of all kinds

For me, I felt the plot moved a little slow at times but Jenny truly wraps it up in a metaphorical bow at the end. Kiss Me at Christmas left me with a smile. I cannot wait for her next holiday book!

When Harriet throws herself under the bus to save five of her misfit students, she ends up leading a community initiative to restore an old theater with the help of her hot one night stand, James.

Jenny Bayliss is a queen of holiday romances! Here's what I loved:

The writing: Bayliss instills such humor and heart into this whole book. There were some one liners that I'm still laughing about. This book felt like home. A cozy holiday feel all throughout.

The whole town: This was much more than just a holiday romance. I adored the entire town. As Harriet and the kids start fixing up the theater, all of these community groups start coming up and helping. Not only that but they start interacting with the students in such a genuine way that I adored.

The romance: I loved everything about Harriet and James. Their feelings and relationship felt so genuine. They are both older and have lived all sorts of life before coming together here. They may be one of my favorite book couples.

All in all, this one is guaranteed to get you into the holiday spirit

Thank you to the author and publisher for the gifted copy!

"Kiss Me at Christmas" by Jenny Bayliss is so much more than just a holiday romance—it's a comforting, heartfelt story that feels like a warm hug. What sets this book apart is its refreshing focus on older characters who have lived full lives and understand that love is just one part of their journey. Bayliss beautifully captures the complexities of relationships while also highlighting the importance of community, personal passions, and the power of the arts.

One of the standout aspects of this book is Bayliss's commitment to diversity and inclusion in her characters, adding depth and authenticity that resonates. It's refreshing to see a romance that embraces a wide range of experiences and perspectives, making the story feel all the more genuine and relatable.

While some of the language choices, especially the use of silly euphemisms for curse words, can be a bit distracting and momentarily take you out of the narrative, these quirks don't overshadow the overall charm and warmth of the story. If anything, they add to the book's quirky and endearing character.

Perfect for anyone who loves the UK, Christmas, and stories about the power of community and creativity, "Kiss Me at Christmas" is an uplifting read that will leave you smiling. Jenny Bayliss has crafted a delightful tale that celebrates love in all its forms, reminding us that it's never too late to find joy and connection in unexpected places.

“Kiss Me at Christmas “ is a fun holiday read. Harriett is bit angst over this holiday season. Her college aged daughter won’t be home for the holidays and Harriett is feeling a bit lonely. As well, her job as a school counselor has her on toes. There is nothing she won’t do to make her students feel heard & supported. Working together with a group of her students, they are tasked with reviving a beautiful old theater. As the project progressed, it quickly became a home for a diverse group of people. This heart warming story of community is a true holiday feel good read. Go get your copy on September 24th. Thank you to NetGalley and G.P Putnam’s Sons for this advance read.

First winter holiday novel of 2024 and it was completely charming from start to finish. I think this is now my favorite Jenny Bayliss novel. The Christmas/winter vibes were perfection, the cast of characters was just delightful and unique and the romance was so sweet. I loved Harriet so much. I loved how much she cared about her school kids and her own child. I also really loved how she came to realize that she’s important not because of what she does for others, but just because she is. I so enjoyed she and James learning how to communicate better and put each other first. ALSO, as a former director of a children’s theatre program, seeing the kids become involved in the show and honestly love it made me so happy. This book really highlighted the importance of community and how people you might just glance over can really surprise you. I loved the found family trope in this book so much. I highly recommend this one for a sweet, inspirational winter holiday read!
CW: child abandonment, underage drinking, injury, mentions of xenophobia

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Books for an advanced digital reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really wanted to love this book but it took me forever to get through. It just felt really slow and I couldn’t get into it.The FMC in this book drove me nuts and there was no chemistry between her and James.

Kiss Me at Christmas is a holiday delight! Harriet and James start the book by having a one night stand and then Harriet tries to ghost him the next morning. They end up forced together to save a theater and put on a production of The Christmas Carol. There are lots of Christmas Carol similarities in what's happening in their community too. James does a lot of pining but romance isn't front and center. There's a whole community of us to get to know. I liked that the main characters were mature and complex. Bayliss also puts a lot of energy into crafting meaningful side characters.
Thank you PENGUIN GROUP Putnam and NetGalley for this eARC!