Book Review: Jingle All the Way by Debbie Macomber

Now when it comes to reading, I love some cheesy Christmas fluff. A lot of the books on my #tbr at the moment are bit heavier/dense, so some light festive romance is just what the doctor ordered. I recently read an #arc of Jingle All the Way by Debbie Macomber from NetGalley and it had everything I'd expect from a light-hearted Christmas read. A stressed out workaholic who's lost touch with who she really is? Check. A holiday of a lifetime? Check. Low expectations of said holiday that are then completely overturned when she meets a handsome man? Check. Snowy, festive scenes full of fairy lights and hot chocolates? Not check...

Here's the blurb (don't want to give away any spoilers!)

Everly Lancaster always dreamed of leaving behind her hometown in rural Illinois, but her new life running a burgeoning startup in Chicago leaves little time for friends . . . or a holiday.

When a massive snowstorm hits, Everly's mother urges the workaholic to come home for Christmas, but she hesitates to return to the life that she tried so hard to escape. Searching for other holiday plans, Everly tasks her assistant with booking her a cruise - an ideal escape. She embarks on a week-long tour of the Amazon guided by charming naturalist Asher Adams, but slowly realises just how important her relationships are to her.

Everly makes a bold decision to abandon her lonely holiday plans - but can she make it home in time for Christmas Day?

This was a cute Christmas read that I really enjoyed. I never expect to get completely invested in the characters in books like this as they tend to be stereotypes and not too much is given over to their background and what makes them tick. But I liked that this book had an alternative setting to those typical of this genre; 90% of the book takes place on a boat sailing down the Amazon river in scorching Brazil, and it had a plot and pace that kept my attention. There were a few tired gender stereotypes (as there always seems to be in books like this) but overall it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story and this is one I'd recommend for anyone looking for a cute and festive read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.