I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
The Christmas Yes List by Melissa Ferguson Published by Thomas Nelson on October 6, 2026
Genres: Christmas & Advent, Clean & Wholesome, Fiction / Christian / Contemporary, Fiction / Christian / Romance / General
Pages: 269
Format: ARC, eBook
Source: NetGalley
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Get ready for a laugh-out-loud holiday romance that's brimming with witty banter and heartwarming cheer by the bestselling author of Meet Me in the Margins, Melissa Ferguson.
Chronic people-pleaser Chloe Hollis is determined to finally learn how to get over her fear of rejection. Her unconventional solution? She must collect ten "nos" before Christmas Day by asking strangers for the most ridiculous favors she can dream up. But her plan goes hilariously off-track when she meets James Dutton.
James, a rule-following workaholic, has decided to do the exact opposite of he's saying "yes" to every opportunity that comes his way in hopes of finally embracing life--and maybe a little Christmas spirit.
As they continue to get tangled up in each other's wild experiment, Chloe and James find themselves in a whirlwind of festive, awkward, and delightful situations. But no one is more surprised than they are to realize they're falling in love.
With sparkling humor and swoon-worthy heart, this delightful Christmas rom-com is a feel-good story about facing fear head-on, choosing growth over comfort, and finding the courage to say "yes" to the things--and the people--that truly matter.
Before you come at me for reading a straight romance, just know it was intentional. Yes, I’m not a romance girlie, but sometimes the light, often funny, vibe just hits the spot. I don’t always need the happy ending; I just need the journey . . . when it’s done right. I don’t need a happy ending- shocking for a romance, I know, and sometimes the happy ending ruins the book, but not always. The tropes tend to irritate me, hence my creation of the Romantic Communication courses. BUT. But when it’s written in such a way that I get sucked into the ridiculous chaos that most romance novels breed, I’m a sucker for it all. And this book hits most of those marks.
Picture settling in for a Hallmark Christmas movie, but it is suddenly chugging espresso like it’s water. Everyone has a bit, and they googled how to make it work to a level that is almost sarcastically satirical. But in a good way. Over the top, in your face, bestie? Check. The silent type dad that always pulls out the wisdom at just the right moment? Check. The domineering ex? Check. The overly hopeful mom that just wants to ship her daughter? Check. And then there’s the main characters that come together and fall in love in a matter of hours, okay, over a couple of days, but still. All because it’s Christmas. Check. We have instalove, failure to communicate effectively, mind games we play with ourselves (because communication), absolutely chaotic behavior (because mind games), and all the meddling you expect from an over-the-top bestie.
All the reasons I fight the romance genre for predictability are the reasons I laughed out loud, groaned in frustration, and turned one more page. I chose this book actually on purpose because the synopsis left me with just a good feeling. I felt like I would connect to the laughs, the self-destruction (hello mind games!) and the excessive espresso consumption. OK, there was not actually excessive espresso consumption in the book, but it gives the vibes, and today I’m all about vibes. Sometimes I choose a pure romance because I know and love the author, and sometimes I choose a romance on vibes. If you too love over-the-top Hallmark Christmas movies, then this is absolutely one you need to add to your holiday reading list. This is me wholeheartedly recommending a romance. That should carry some weight!
About Melissa Ferguson
Melissa Ferguson is a bestselling author of romantic comedies and cozy mystery rom-coms, including Meet Me in the Margins, How to Plot a Payback, On the Way to Christmas, and The Perfect Rom-Com. Her debut picture book, Our Friendly Farmhouse, introduced young readers to her signature warmth and charm beyond the rom-com page. Two of her novels are currently being adapted for film with Melissa serving as Executive Producer.
Come join over one million followers as she shares glimpses of farmhouse life with her husband and five children and bookish joy at @ourfriendlyfarmhouse.
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