Member Reviews

Debbie Macomber has written another Christmas romance. This year’s new book is A Christmas Duet. Instead of spending Christmas with her family, Hailey decides to stay at her friend’s family cabin. She wants to compose some new music. However, she soon meets Jay and they end up spending a great deal of time together celebrating the holiday. Then Hailey’s family shows up and things begin to get interesting…

Fans of Debbie Macomber or anyone who enjoys a great Christmas romance mixed with a little bit of humor will love A Christmas Duet.

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This book, while a little predictable, is the perfect Christmas book for 2024! Debbie Macomber is at the top of her game with this one, I seriously love her books!!

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Reading a Debbie Macomber Christmas book has become a ritual for the last couple of years. Hailey and her teacher friend Katherine are glad the school term has ended and are enjoying some free time to hang out. While talking about their holiday plans and Hailey not feeling too excited to go home Katherine suggested she uses their family cabin to go for Christmas and she can concentrate on creating her music. So begins this story of Hailey deciding to take up Katherine offer and venture in Podunk the town. A very off the grid small town. While in town she meets Jay or Jethro has his family calls him and immediately there is sparks. They both played the guitar and is passionate about creating music. Along the way theirs some comedic relief. Hailey mother not taking no for an answer about her coming home for Christmas, then their is drama that becomes her drama when her sister shows up un-announce and other issues that ensues. Something about a small town and its community always gives me such a warm fuzzy touching feeling and this story was no different.

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****Publishing October 15, 2024*****

Hailey Morgan is an aspiring songwriter, but to pay her bills she is a high-school music teacher. Katherine, a fellow teacher, is her best friend. Katherine is a great support to her, especially when dealing with an ex-boyfriend, Zach, who won’t leave her alone. To make matters worse, Zach contacted Hailey’s mother, and she invited him over for Christmas. Hailey decides to take up Katherine on her offer to use their family cabin for Christmas in order to give herself breathing room and to focus on her music. What will Hailey discover and who will she meet? Will this trip give her the fresh start she is looking for?

A fun and entertaining read that will leave you feeling satisfied in the end! I love how the women in this book are strong, smart and have a sense of humor! This book will check off all the boxes for a great Christmas read! Be sure to add this book to your TBR list!

Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine(Ballantine Books), I was provided an ARC of A Christmas Duet by Debbie Macomber via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Hailey Morgan escapes her overbearing mother who is trying to get her married to man she doesn't love. She escapes to the little town of Podunk where she plans to relax and spend time writing music during Christmas vacation. She doesn't tell anyone where she is going and finds that little towns have much to offer, including other stressed out musicians. I really liked how Hailey works around her bossy mother who over plans everything, the sweet romance and Hailey's little sister Daisy. This is a great light Christmas romance!

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This was such a sweet, sweet story. It left me smiling and feeling happy. I love everything by this author but nothing beats her Christmas stories and in my opinion, this was pure perfection. There was a little angst, a little romance, a little family interaction and a lot of heartfelt warmth. And of course it’s all topped off with the holiday season and all it has to offer in a small town. What’s not to love?

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A perfect Christmas story, filled with family, music and romance.
Hailey is a school music teacher who only wants to write music so she goes away from everyone and everything for the two week Christmas break to get back to her music. The rest of the story is magical. I loved it

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I can’t believe I’ve never read anything by this author. I will definitely be reading more by her. This is such a nice, sweet, and heartwarming romance. Hailey never expected to meet the perfect man for her in the little town of Podunk. She goes there to be alone but that I was not meant to be. She meets Jay and he turns out to be the other half of her soul. I like both of them very much. I also really like her sister Daisy. Her mother is a bit too much of a meddler for my liking but some families have that. I really enjoyed this story.

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Another delightful Christmas read from Macomber. You can always count on Macomber for the perfect feel good cozy holiday romance. Always one I instantly pick up!

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Another wonderful Christmasy novel by Debbie Macomber. I know she tried to retire but I really hope she writes more books......and soon! Great read.

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Hailey is a high school music teacher who dreams of writing and selling her own songs. Her creativity has been stifled for the past few years due to an old boyfriend and the demands of her job. When that old boyfriend resurfaces and wants to join her for Christmas, Hailey just wants to run away from it all. Surprisingly, that's just what she does! She runs away to spend time alone at a remote cabin. From there the tale unfolds as Hailey tries to find herself and her music while also juggling a possible new romance, an unhappy family and life in this small remote town. This was an easy feel good read that is perfect to unwind with during the holidays. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy!

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Hailey takes a solo trip to find herself over the holidays. She does more than find herself. She meets small town charm , Christmas in Hallmark like setting and Jay..

Hailey' solo trip gets taken over by family. An overbearing mother who thinks she know who Hailey should marry..

I love Debbie Macomber! She's tje queen of Christmas stories! This one did not disappoint!! I highly recommend this story.

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Releases Oct 15, 2024 I highly recommend you grab a copy

I just love Debbie's Christmas books. . It's always a great big warm hug you didn't know you needed.
This book is set during a winter festival and of course we get a sweet romance I found that watching Hailey's dreams come true was also a giant plus for me. Simple, sweet and Christmas joy.

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

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Hailey Morgan has wanted all her life to use her musical talents. She teaches school as an assistant band director but has hopes that her song writing will be recognized . Enter her ex boyfriend Zack who has convinced her parents to invite him for Christmas and Hailey takes off for two weeks to a cabin in Podunk, Oregon. Enter Jethro a great guy who helps her with her cabin problems and maybe will be a great surprise to both her song writing and romance. A great Christmas Story!

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I just absolutely love Debbie Macomber. In my honest opinion, she's the queen of all things romance and Christmas. This book was just another gem in her crown. Any time I am feeling down or that I feel like I need inspiration, I read one of her books.

Hailey and Jay are an incredible couple. They are so much alike, and they blend together as if they're one character instead of two. I do not know much about music, other than listening to it, so I do not know if it's normal to be able to find someone that you can 'jam' with and make music with, but I am willing to step out on a limb and figure it's probably rare.

Jay's kindness from the beginning had me hooked. I thought at first that he was going to end up being the 'a-typical' guy where he has to show the woman how it's done. But he wasn't that way at all. He wasn't condescending or patronizing and I really appreciated that.

Hailey, likewise, isn't your typical city girl either. I loved how her character was open minded on the small-town things like the Winter Festival. She was able to laugh at her flaws and quirks and keep going anyway.

Good Lord do not even get me started on her parents, namely her mama. However, towards the end, I was able to soften towards her and even understand her actions. At first though, I was shocked by how narrow minded she was, and she just came off as pushy. However, again, understanding her reasonings later did help.

This is a great Christmas read. It made me feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside and it also made me feel better about the world as a whole. Debbie's books always make me feel that way and as a reader, I appreciate her ability to soothe and entertain with her words. I absolutely recommend this book.

Thanks to Net Galley, the publishers, and to Debbie Macomber for the ability to read and review this book. All opinions are completely honest and mine alone.

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Thank you #NetGalley and #DebbieMacomber for the ARC for an honest review.

This was a lovely non spicy romance this would be a wonderful Hallmark movie. Macomber tackled family issues, break-ups and disabilities all while making this book heartwarming and cozy.

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Debbie Macomber’s *A Christmas Duet* is a heartwarming holiday tale that strikes all the right chords. Hailey Morgan’s journey from the bustling city life to the serene, snowy backdrop of Podunk, Oregon, is a beautiful reminder of the magic that Christmas can bring, even when life seems to have other plans.

Macomber weaves a story of self-discovery, love, and the power of music that is as comforting as a cup of hot cocoa by the fire. Hailey’s struggle to find her voice, both as a songwriter and in her personal life, is incredibly relatable, and her budding romance with the charming Jay adds just the right amount of warmth and sparkle to the story.

The setting, with its cozy cabin, festive traditions, and the gentle snowfall, feels like stepping into a winter wonderland. But what truly shines in this novel is Hailey’s transformation as she learns to embrace her true passions and stand up for what makes her happy, despite the challenges thrown her way.

This book is a must-read for anyone looking to get lost in the holiday spirit and be reminded of the joy that comes from following your heart. Macomber delivers yet another delightful story that will leave you smiling long after you’ve turned the last page.

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Name of Book: A Christmas Duet
Author: Debbie Macomber
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group ~ Ballantine
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Pub Date: October 15, 2024
My Rating: 3.5 rounded up as a Debbie Macomber story is always a fun read!
Pages: 288

Hailey Morgan, is the assistant band director at George Washington High School in Portland, She has always had dreams of become a professional songwriter. Although that hasn’t happened yet however, having a job connected to music will do for now!
As the winter break is approaching Hailey does not want to spend Christmas with family. Zach her ex-boyfriend wants to join her family. Since her mother Julia’s friends are grandparents, she is anxious for Hailey to settle down and Hailey fears she will encourage Zach.
Hailey would like to spend time by herself submerging in music and doing some composing; so when her friend offers their family’s cabin in Podunk, (Yes! that is the name!) and she accepts.

When she arrives at the cabin she is delighted that the cabin is indeed rustic and there isn’t cell service; however, the cabin has been invaded by a raccoon and other little animals. So she goes to town to seek help. The town’s main store is ‘The Cantor Store’ and, Jay the son of the proprietor—who just happens to be handsome and charming as well as former musician offers to help.

Okay who is expecting a HEA – Yep! that would be me!
Fun enjoyable story plus living in Southern California I always love a Christmas story with snow!!

Want to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group ~ Ballantine for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for October 15, 2024.

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In true Debbie Macomber fashion, this book was off the charts! The immediate attraction between Hailey and Jay was so believable and such a treat to feel like I was sitting in the front row watching instead of reading. The townsfolk made it magical. I wanted to thump Hailey’s mother and ex boyfriend a time or two. But the magic of Christmas, overcoming obstacles , and a good wholesome relationship was what put this over the top for me. This is one of those books that is so good, I have to psyche myself up for reading the next book.

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As always Debbie Macomber writes a great romance story. Hailey Morgan is fed up with an old boyfriend who suddenly tries to get back together just before Christmas. She wants nothing to do with it so when things get complicated she decides to go away and do her dream of writing songs. Not telling anyone where she's going. When the cat is let out of the bag so to speak and all complications possible happen she's not sure what to do. All was going so well and she met a person who has the same love of music as her and now it could all be ruined. It is a quick read and the characters are interesting. It's great to really like the main characters. A busybody mom but a loving family dynamic makes the story good. Great sweet pre-Christmas read. Thank you, Net Galley and Random House Publishing for the warm-hearted ARC.

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