Member Reviews
A Christmas Duet is another amazing Debbie Macomber Christmas romance that we have come to look forward to.
Hailey’s friend offers the use of her family cabin at just the right moment. She suddenly feels the need to escape for the holidays . She meets Jay when he comes to the cabin to help her get the electric on. They bond over their love of music and her suddenly her quiet Christmas is a little more festive than she planned.
This cute small town romance involves new friends , family meddling and a fun holiday setting. Thank you NetGalley and publisher for a copy for my opinion.
Christmas came early this year! Mary Kay Andrews gifted us with another holiday tale that will get anyone in the Christmas spirit. A Christmas Duet starts out as a solo getaway for Haley. I have to throw in the name of the town, Podunk, Oregon! Yep, Podunk, Oregon. What adventures can a person get into in Podunk, Oregon?! Haley is trying to get back to her dream of writing music and this seems like the perfect place and time place to accomplish that. But, even though the town is small, Haley can't get that alone time she craves. First there is the handsome Jay, then her sister and pretty soon it's a full house. But remember the title is A Christmas Duet and in true Andrews style, beautiful harmony results in a magical Christmas! I voluntarily received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
Hailey Morgan is a teacher and she has her two weeks off for Christmas break and she wants to get away and work on her true passion of writing music. Her friend Katherine has a cabin in Podunk, Oregon and has offered it to Hailey for the break. But then she runs into Jethro whose mother runs the only general store in town and has sent him out to take care of an unwanted visitor in the cabin. Lo and behold Jethro which he prefers to be called Jay is a music producer. Then we have Daisy which is Hailey’s sister and she mysteriously appears at the cabin. Then Daisy’s boyfriend Charlie appears. And, a story wouldn’t be complete without a meddling mother and their dad showing up unexpectedly as well. I love how Debbie can write a Christmas story and make you want Christmas to come.
I received this ARC from Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A Christmas Duet is the perfect choice to add to your holiday reading. This sweet romance set in the small town of Podunk has plenty of Christmas magic to give you all the feels.
Hailey loves her job as an assistant high school band teacher but has always dreamed of becoming a professional songwriter. Hailey is looking forward to winter break but dreading spending Christmas with her family, dodging her mother’s meddling questions about her love life and needing to escape her ex-fiancé’s attempts for a reunion.
A close friend offers Hailey a cabin in the woods and she jumps at the chance to focus on her music. Hailey meets Jay, a charming former musician and the connection is instant.
This was such a sweet story. The book was an easy read and I adored the connection between Hailey and Jay over music. The heart of the story is about family, love and following your passion. Perfect for fans of romance and feel good holiday stories.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for the ARC I received in exchange for my honest opinion.
A Christmas Duet
Debbie Macomber
October 15, 2024
Every year Ms. Macomber gives readers another holiday story for us to savor. This particular tale brings us the life Hailey Morgan. Recently she received a call from her ex wanting to visit her home over the holiday vacation. It had been 3 years since their break up and Hailey wanted no part of it. Unfortunately, when Zack hears her response he calls her folks to bring up the same proposal. Her mother Julia thinks he is just the best and believes the duo should get back together. Hailey wants no part of that so she arranges to go to the small town of Podunk, Oregon where her bestie’s parents own a cabin. It is currently empty and Katherine thinks that Hailey should stay there over vacation. She can work on writing her songs and have a quiet space to work on her music career.
A Christmas Duet will be published on October 15, 2024 by Random House, LLC. I was able to read Macomber’s latest novel via NetGalley. Once again I was pulled into a lovely story of family trouble and holiday disagreements. It’s a pleasant tale of how two young women meet and connect with men of their own choosing. Mother’s can often be aggressive and controlling. Their daughters need to find a method of taking their lives back without breaking Mommy’s heart. A Christmas Duet is a delightful selection for the coming season. It gives readers a look at what our adult children may feel when we become too oppressive. It’s a good one - do enjoy!
Like I always say it’s just not Christmas without a Debbie macomber book! This one was one of my all time favorites! I missed her not writing one last year so I hope this is her keep up tread and will always write one. Must read for the holidays!
Who better to turn to than Debbie Macomber for a Christmas story to get you in the holiday spirit? This year, Macomber gives us a small-town, snowy Christmas filled with music, family drama, chasing dreams and a budding romance. Such a sweet and cozy story!
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy.
In "A Christmas Duet," high school music teacher, Hailey, decides to use her Christmas vacation to take a break from her overbearing mother and head to her friend's country cabin to spend the holidays in peaceful solitude. Hailey hopes to find time to write music which she's been too busy to do in recent years. In the town of Podunk, Oregon, Hailey meets music producer, Jay, who's able to encourage her abilities and show her around town. Can Hailey find success in the music industry or should she go back to the
This was a cute Christmas romance with the Christmas season feel alive and thriving in this small town. The romantic scenes with snowmobiles, Christmas trees, and hot cocoa were very sweet. Yet, this story felt more like a novella. Hailey leaves home under the pressure of her mother for Hailey to get back together with her ex-boyfriend. I wish there had been more examples of Hailey's mom being overbearing in her life, to better explain why Hailey would rather be alone then spend one more minut with her family. Then Hailey arrives in town to the rude welcome of the town mayor, whose attitude felt unnecessary and was never explained well. After knowing Jay for only a day, he claims the townspeople love her, even though we don't see her interacting with almost anyone. Jay also says "every original song" of Hailey's has promise. But the scenes between them only show Hailey playing one song for him. I wish these scenes had been explored more.
*** I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. ***
It's that time of year again!!! The time when we get to read Debbie Macomber's newest Christmas book! I love these books so much! I know we haven't even made it to Halloween yet and I'm already reading Christmas books. Yes, plural...I've read several already. I love them! I love the joy and happiness and the feeling of light and reading about family and friends and love! Even if it might be a fluffy, feel good read. I LOVE THEM!!! If you haven't read one of this author's Christmas books and you love all the things I just mentioned, then I recommend you try reading one. This one is so stinking cute and adorable that it'll just melt your heart. So I'll definitely recommend you try this one. And it has music aspects in it, which I LOVE music and it is an integral part of who I am, so of course that makes me love the book even more!
Hailey and Jay are just adorable from their first meeting! You'll love the chemistry between them and the friendship that builds quickly. They're open and honest with each other and the music just sings between them.
There's some family drama on Hailey's end but I loved how that all played out. It made me giggle over some aspects and made me smile and love watching the support in other regards.
I hope this one puts a smile on your face like it did for me. And if not, I hope you find a book that does.
Content: Clean. Some kisses but nothing further.
I received a copy from the publisher, Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading and getting in the Christmas Spirit!!!
It doesn’t feel like the holidays without a Christmas book by Debbie Macomber. They are definitely her best. Do not miss out on this one. It’ll get you singing.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for allowing me to read this book and give my honest opinion. Disclaimer... I was happy to read a Christmas book in October when its been over 100 in Las Vegas. Hailey, a budding musician, decides to ditch her family for Christmas after her ex boyfriend worms his way into an invitation. Hailey takes off to a Pudunk, OR to spend Christmas alone to write music. She quickly meets Jay whom she quickly becomes inseparable with. This book takes some twists and turns and has a happy ending (its Debbie Macomber so duh) but I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Ms. Macomber is probably the Ms. Christmas of Romance stories. She writes a holiday story that is going to pull you in and put you in the holiday spirit to some extent. I would love to see this one as a Hallmark movie. I could see it playing while reading this story vividly.
This story gives you some family drama, some agnst, sweet romance and you feel the emotions intensely. The love, the frustration, the heartbreak all of it!
If you enjoy a heartwarming holiday read then this is for you!!
Thank you Net-Galley, publisher and author for the copy of this book!
Hailey has always wanted to write songs. When her parents strongly discouraged her from that career choice, she went to college and became a music teacher. She also met the man that she expected to spend the rest of her life with.
When the book opens, Hailey is happy that the Christmas holidays area upon her and the big holiday concerts at school are successfully completed. But she's discontent because, after a 3 year absence, Zack, her college boyfriend has appeared out of nowhere and wants to rekindle their relationship. Hailey's mother is all for it and invites him to share their holiday gathering. Meanwhile, Hailey is completely done with the relationship and has moved on from Zack. One of her teacher friends offers Hailey the opportunity to get away from it all and to spend the break composing songs. Hailey jumps at the opportunity to have a solo vacation in an isolated cabin in a small town. The town is welcoming and supportive - especially when she's moving in and there are a few glitches at the cabin. She loves the town and the people.
There are many unplanned surprises that are waiting for Hailey.
This is a sweet holiday book. Anyone can read and enjoy the book. It definitely gives off strong Christmas vibes. This is a wonderful holiday book.
It's a sweet yet simple, cozy read that is sure to put a smile on your face for the holiday season. It has all the Hallmark vibes of a snowy Christmas town set in the middle of nowhere, a little bit of family drama, an ex who doesn't like to be told no, as well as wholesome friendship and romance. It's a quick read and will leave you with a smile on your face at the end.
Thank you, Netgalley and Penguin Random House (Ballantine Books), for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
Once again the perfect Christmasy story from Debbie Macomber.
Snow filled small town, Podunk Oregon, is the scene for this sweet love story. Hailey is trying to stop her mother's meddling in her love life and when she hears her ex has been invited to Christmas dinner, Hailey decides to do the holiday solo. Her teacher friend has a mountain cabin in Podunk and tells Hailey to use it since no one else will be there!
Finding numerous local fauna inside the house, has Hailey heading into town for help. When Jasper/Jay comes up to help, there is instant attraction. Now if the two of them could just get some time alone! Their attraction gets turned up when both realize their passions are compatible and the hope of a true duet may be possible.
A very sweet and typical Christmas tale from Ms. Macomber.
Hailey wants to focus and work on her music with Christmas approaching and her friend offers her a secluded cabin in the woods. However, Hailey feels guilty about leaving her parents alone on Christmas since her sister never goes home; that is entail her mom tells her she has invited her ex-boyfriend to Christmas. That has sealed the deal and Hailey accepts her friends offer to use the cabin and heads to Podunk, Oregon not telling anyone where she is going.
Jay is on break and helping his mom at the local store. His mom sends him to help Hailey on her first night to help with some unwanted visitors. Jay worms his way into Hailey's heart as the two become close and share of love of music and guitars.
Debbie Macomber has done it again with this sweet Christmas story and I always enjoy reading her books. It's a sweet feel good Christmas book that is an easy and quick read with second chances, new love and finding joy. Curl with a hot chocolate and a blanket while reading this book.
Release Date October 15, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, Debbie Macomber and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for this ARC
It's Christmas!
This fabulous story is just right to set the mood for the holiday season.
There is warmth, friendship, family and love as a young song writer looks to spend a quiet Christmas alone in a tiny village called Podunk in Oregon.
She is looking to create and write a song while away.
Can this be done?
Open the pages and see exactly how Hailey's time away proceeds.
It will give you all the warm and fuzzy feelings of this wonderful time of the year!
Thank you to @NetGalley and to @Random House Publishing for this ARC and allowing me to provide my own review!
It just wouldn't be Christmas without a new book from Debbie Macomber! The queen of Christmas has done it again ... A Christmas Duet hit all the marks for me that I want in a heartwarming Christmas story. I found the characters and family members to be relatable and enjoyed following Hailey's journey of personal growth. Oh, and yes, that small town holiday romance is the icing on the Christmas cookie.
Seeking a quiet retreat away from everyone (even her family) Hailey finds much more than she expected when she starts spending time with Jay (Jethro) in the small town of Podunk. Not only does she find herself through music at the Podunk Winter Festival, but she discovers that family is sometimes exactly what we do need to help get us through the tough times.
Thank you NetGalley, Random House/Ballantine Books and Debbie Macomber for providing an ARC in exchange for honest thoughts.
4.5 stars
A Christmas Duet by Debbie Macomber takes place in the quaint town of Podunk, Oregon. Hailey's journey of self-discovery amidst family conflicts and unexpected romance will surely touch your heart and ignite the festive cheer within you. Once I delved into the story, I found myself unable to put it down.
Another excellent, heartwarming story from Debbie Macomber. Family, surprises and Christmas coziness will surely put you in the Christmas mood. I enjoyed the story and felt so many emotions while reading it. To me, that is a sign of excellent writing when it can make you "feel" what you are reading.