Sweet read with a happily ever after just as expected. The quintessential Christmas read with a little suspense and fun mixed in. Debbie Macon er never disappoints on the wholesome romance.

I read an advanced copy, these thoughts are my own.

Debbie Macomber’s A Christmas Duet is everything you’d expect from a heartwarming holiday novel—charming, cozy, and brimming with emotion. The story skillfully weaves together relatable characters and heartfelt themes, making it a perfect seasonal read.

At its core, the novel offers a delightful mix of tropes: the well-meaning but nagging mom, a cautious sister afraid to step out of her comfort zone, and a leading lady, Hailey, who wrestles with her fear of love after being jilted by her last boyfriend. Hailey’s journey is beautifully crafted, showcasing her resilience and personal growth as she learns to trust herself and open her heart again. Her strength is inspiring, and her transformation feels both genuine and uplifting.

Jay, the male lead, is the perfect counterpart to Hailey. His steady, warm presence brings balance to her guarded nature, and their chemistry adds a layer of sweetness that’s impossible to resist. Together, their story unfolds with just the right amount of festive charm and romantic tension, making it a quintessential holiday tale.

If you’re looking for a feel-good story filled with love, redemption, and the magic of the season, A Christmas Duet won’t disappoint. It’s the kind of book that wraps you up like a cozy blanket and leaves you with a smile long after the final page.

Hailey Morgan had always planned to have a career in music. When her longtime boyfriend Zach let her know three years ago that he didn't consider her talented enough to succeed, she tearfully let him go, but the doubt that he created has plagued her ever since.. Now he is back and wants to be a part of her life. To make it worse, her mother has invited him to Christmas dinner! Offered an escape to a cabin in a small town in Oregon, Hailey takes advantage of a chance to rekindle her songwriting and possibly start a new life.

This is a sweet, happy story that will transport you to the Christmas season. There are some outcomes that seem a little farfetched, but I was willing to set that aside and soak in the Christmas spirit. This is the kind of story that you can read by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate. Recommend.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

Another Christmas with Debbie! I look forward to her books every holiday season because I just know I’ll be filled with Christmas joy!

The main character, Hailey, is overwhelmed with her mother and ex boyfriend and ends up escaping to an off the grid cabin for the holidays. She promptly meets a raccoon, a local know it all lady, and a handsome lumber jack type….in that order.

My least favorite character was Hailey’s mom -she was so overbearing and just couldn’t seem to take no for an answer.

This definitely wasn’t the Christmas Hailey had planned for but it turned out to be just what she needed!

Such a cute story! Debbie Macomber never disappoints. I found Hailey's mother to be extremely annoying, but I loved the sister aspect of this story. Jethro sounds like the perfect man for Hailey and I knew it would work out perfectly in the end

I always love reading books set around Christmas and this one was no exception. This is a book that I knew how I wanted it to end and just had to keep reading late into the night. My attention was captured from the first few pages because I really liked the characters. Hailey and Jay just seem to click and I loved watching their relationship develop. Hailey's family provided the needed drama. This is another winner from Ms. Macomber!

A Christmas Duet by Debbie Macomber
PUB DAY: October 15th, 2024
Thank you, NetGalley & publisher

This was my first book by Debbie Macomber and I absolutely love the way she writes storylines and characters? She has away that captivates you into the engrossing story that she’s written and not only do you fall in love with the main characters but you also fall in love with the side characters as well! There was just something about this story that made me think this could be turned into a Christmas 🎄 movie and have another book or two following the sisters lives after marriage!

This book made me so happy for so many reasons. It’s a clean wholesome romance. in a wonderful holiday setting.!

Love the set up of this book. Quick and to the point. Characters are well written and definitely made me want to live in Podunk. Cute, sweet, fun loving story to set the mood for the holiday season.

This was a lovely and enchanting read. It gave me perfect holiday vibes! I couldn’t put it down. It was like watching a movie in my head.

I love this author. This is a Christmas version of a heartwarming beach read. Loved the small town setting and the characters seem like they could be my good friends. Loved reading this in November, starting to get in the holiday spirit!

A Christmas Duet is a closed door romance. I my heart skipped a beat with this new Debbie Macomber they are always so fun to read with good values to them.

I love Christmas stories, and I love books that pertain to music, so this was the perfect combination! As one would expect with Macomber, this book is a sweet, emotional Christmas story, perfect for the upcoming holiday season. And for those who have never read any books by Macomber, this one is a prime example of why she is so popular with readers of various ages. Themes of family (including family drama), love, and the Christmas spirit abound. Of course there is a romance angle, but it is not overpowering. Sure, some parts are predictable, but it adds to the enjoyment and cozy feel of a Christmas-themed story.

Not sure why I have not read any of Debbie Macomber's books in years. The Christmas Duet is a sweet, wholesome Christmas, love story. There's also a small dose of family drama. I truly enjoyed this light read!! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

They are harmonizing....

Set in Oregon (perfect for the holidays) Hailey is a taking a break from her family and hiding out in a small town. Its there that the assistant band teacher meets Jay. He's also into music and they are enjoying a Hallmark Christmas with all the trimmings until their real life intrudes.
Recommend. With a cup of hot cocoa.

I've never read a Debbie Macomber book that I didn't like and A Christmas Duet is no exception. A feel good Christmas story that I highly recommend reading, anytime of year.

A Love story with music and Christmas. Two of my favorite things! This is a Hallmark type rom com.

This was such a sweet heartfelt Christmas story. If you're a fan and read Debbie macomber, then you'll love this story. If you've never read her before then this a great book to start with. I love her cozy and heartfelt stories. My grandmother loves her stories too.

A big thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

If you’re looking for a cozy holiday read that checks all the boxes, A Christmas Duet by Debbie Macomber delivers in spades. Set in a charming small town, this novel emphasizes everything that makes Christmas romance magical.

Macomber has crafted an appealing hero who’s impossible not to root for—thoughtful, genuine, and deeply connected to his hometown, but also struggling with a professional dilemma. The heroine shines with her own goals and big dreams, giving her a relatable and inspiring edge. Her journey to balance her songwriting dreams with the complications of drama within her close-knit family felt real and satisfying.

The story's sweet romance unfolds with warmth and subtlety, making it perfect for fans of closed-door love stories. And of course, the holiday joy is ever-present—from twinkling lights to community gatherings, every page invites you to dive deeper into the holiday spirit.

In short, A Christmas Duet is everything I want in a holiday read: small-town charm, relatable characters, and a love story that leaves you with a smile. It’s a five-star heartwarming story.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions shared here are my own.

Debbie Macomber has done it again with a feel good Christmas story. Hailey leaves town at Christmas to focus on her music. She meets someone in town who changes her life. Her getaway turns into a family getaway when everyone shows up disturbing her Christmas getaway. I loved the story and the characters. It is a feel good Christmas story.

Once upon a time, Hailey had dreams for her future as a songwriter, despite that, she ended up working at a high school as a band teacher in Portland. With the holidays approaching, she decides to skip the family Christmas, to avoid her mother’s sticking her nose into her life, specifically her love life. When her friend offers their family cabin to her to get away from it all, she jumps at the chance to get away from it all.

When Hailey arrives in Podunk, Oregon, she is faced with a cabin inhabited by wild animals. Fortunately, she is able to find help when she meets Jay, the son of the store in this small town, who is happy to help, and is also a musician.

As a musician, Jay offers his thoughts and cheers her on, and they become friends, and eventually more than friends.

As Christmas approaches, a former want-to-be boyfriend shows up, begging her to take him back, which isn’t what she wants, at all. Others including her sister, and other family also arrive.

All’s well that ends well, but it takes a while for her mother to come to terms with the fact that Hailey is capable of making her own decisions.


Published: 15 Oct 2024

Many thanks for the ARC provided by Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine / Ballantine Books