The Christmas List

A short novella for Christmas. On the one hand there is Mandy, a person very rigid and strict, with lots of notes and lists for every step of her life. Then there is Max, a homeless artist, who loves to trust in the Lord to provide. A more balance between the two makes more sense, but maybe that is the point of the story. Not a bad story. but needs more details and a fuller story-line to feel more complete. Would recommend if you want a quick romantic read for Christmas. A little preachy, but not overly pushy.

The Christmas List is a beautifully written inspirational romance. I love the plot, characters and setting. The author is new to me and I anticipate reading more of her books.

Mandy is a super organized accountant, who makes lists for everything, and even for what she wants in a husband: Tall, professional, and makes a good living. But when she meets artist, Max, at the Paint N Go, she begins to wonder if God has something different in mind?



Max is smitten with Mandy, spontaneous and artistic, he isn't exactly the man that Mandy has outlined in her list, and he's never filed a tax return in his life! Max grew up in an affluent family, but he is taking a leap of faith by pursuing his dreams, and trust Got to provide.



Will these two opposites find a happy medium together this Christmas?



I like that Max is a man of faith, and while for many what he is doing might seem unwise, for him growing up the way that he did, he feels that living the way he is, is something that he has to do. Max is a sincere man, who makes friends easily and is genuine in his actions. I like how he helps Mandy to get out of her comfort zone, and she in turn helps him turn his talent into a business. I like that Mandy teaches Max to be more responsible, and give him a chance even though she's pretty sure that he's not what she has in mind.



This was a sweet short story, perfect for fans of the Hallmark Christmas movies, but this story has more faith. A romantic, yet humorous Christmas read that I thoroughly enjoyed.



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If you're looking for a clean novella with a fast paced romance, then this is it.

Mandy has a list of things her husband needs to be, no exceptions. That is, until she meets Max. He's a painter, sculpture, and hot. He's charming in a carefree sort of manner that Mandy isn't used to. And he needs her help. He's just as messy as he is good looking. She's an accountant and he needs to get himself organized if his business is going to take off. Mandy knows that she shouldn't get close to Max. His type isn't on her list, but maybe he's just what she needs to break free from her insanely organized ways and embrace a new way of life....with him in it.

As I have said before, with short stories, I feel like romance is rushed through and not thoroughly explored. This is the case for this story although I feel like the author handled the progressive romance better than some. That's why I am giving this novella a three star rating.

This is a clean story with no sexual content or language.

The Christmas List
By: Dixie Jo Jarchow
This short Christmas novella follows two opposite friends as they look for love. Mandy the list and numbers girl and Jennifer who is carefree and fun. While out birthday celebrating, they meet the unpredictable Max and love is in their air.
This was a cute novella but the length made it hard for the story to be realistic. The relationship budded and escalated in an unbelievable short timeline. Not that it isn’t possible but it seemed creepy and unrealistic how the relationship progressed. Max was a far-fetched and unreliable character in my opinion.
Although it was an easy read I can’t say I would want to read it again.