Sunday, August 30, 2026

Book Review - We Wish You a Messy Christmas: A Holiday Novella by Melody Carlson


My Review

As the holidays near, Olivia Bradshaw is dating her childhood neighbor Malcolm McEntire.  This should be a joyful time of year, but their families are not close because Olivia's mother is a judgmental perfectionist.  Then one thing after another happens that brings their families together, like it or not - and things start to change.  But will they change enough for Olivia and Malcolm to contemplate a life together?

I wanted to read We Wish You a Messy Christmas because I found the Christmas theme appealing.  I enjoy Melody Carlson's Christmas novellas and try to read them each year.  (You will find a number of reviews of her books here at my blog.)

This was a fun read.  There are some sweet rom-com moments, some laugh out loud moments, and some gentle faith moments as well.

I enjoyed the book and wish it had been longer.  I would have enjoyed more time with the Bradshaws and the McEntires.  (Or even a sequel about what happens next!)

I recommend We Wish You a Messy Christmas for readers who enjoy light Christmas fiction with a heartwarming message.



Thanks to Revell and Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book.