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

This was my first Jenny Bayliss read and while I do intend to explore her backlist, I wouldn't say I loved this book. It did have the Hallmark feels that I'm always hoping for in a Christmas book, but there was just so many people in this book that it was at times overwhelming. I did enjoy the dynamic between the characters refurbishing the theater, but I think there were too many characters to give them all the development they needed and deserved. Including our main couple, Harriet and James. They weren't developed enough to warrant their ending. I also got very frustrated with Harriet during the third-act "breakup", how angry she got at James when she would've made the exact same decision.

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam for this ARC.

If you're in the mood for a heartwarming, closed-door romance this holiday season, this book is a good choice. The story thoughtfully encourages readers not to judge others based on appearances. It also offers a refreshing perspective on self-love and personal fulfillment, emphasizing that women can find joy in embracing who they are, regardless of their circumstances.

As an enthusiast of community theater, I found the book's depiction of theatrical elements somewhat improbable. The rapid transformation of an abandoned 50-year-old theater into a thriving community hub within 4-5 weeks, along with its sudden influx of diverse groups, was quite unbelievable. While the main character's commitment to revitalizing the theater and supporting her community is admirable, the portrayal of the space being utilized by every group in town felt a bit exaggerated.

The female protagonist occasionally comes across as immature, but her character development reveals a more nuanced understanding. The interactions between her and the male lead, marked by meaningful conversations, help them navigate and resolve miscommunications.

The book is charming, though it does have a few minor issues that may be hard to overlook.

I absolutely adored this. It was an absolute joy to read! Once I started, I just didn’t want to stop. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC!

Es una historia tranquila sobre Harrier, una madre que tiene el síndrome del nido vacío que ahora tendrá que volver a conocerse y que decidirá si le darle una oportunidad al amor.

Su mejor amiga es la esposa del ex. H y Pete se conocieron en un lugar de acogida, se volvieron amigos, luego novios y tuvieron a Maisy, pero se dieron cuenta que se querían como amigos, entonces su relación terminó en buenos términos. Tiempo después él conoció a Emma, la menor amiga y se enamoraron. Todos se llevan muy bien.



Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was really excited to jump into the world of Christmas Romance, it’s a fun place to be! While i found this story to be cute and very heartwarming it felt like it had alot of info and characters and information but at the same time nothing was totally dialed in / flayed out. I felt like i wanted more in depth on the characters to be able to connect / relate to them but i didn’t feel like we got that!

I was disappointed with the third act conflict because i didn’t feel like they were at the point in her relationship for her to feel valid in getting that upset that she didn’t know.

I liked the overall idea / plot of the book. It definitely gave hallmark movie vibes - but i just wanted less fluff and more important / relatable details.

It gives the found family vibes & i absolutely loved that.

overall, i didn’t dislike it but i don’t think it’s a book i’ll ever think about again.