We Wish You a Messy Christmas by Melody Carlson

ABOUT THE BOOK

This Christmas, the perfect gift might just be learning to let go and love the chaos.

It's Christmastime, and Olivia Bradshaw is dating her childhood neighbor, veterinarian Malcolm McEntire. Life should be merry, but Olivia is worried about her mother Jane's reaction to this budding romance. Their families couldn't be more different. Perfectionist Jane cannot tolerate the unorganized, messy, fun-loving McEntires, and the thought of being permanently linked as in-laws will surely send her over the edge.

Desperate to save both Christmas and her romance, Olivia and her dad concoct an intervention to turn Jane's holidays into a big mess. But they barely launch their plan before fate intervenes with a serendipitous mess of its own.

In this delightful Christmas novella full of faith and hope, Melody Carlson delivers small-town charm, family dynamics, and a sweet contemporary romance perfect for the holiday season.

AMAZON

MY THOUGHTS....

How do I know when September has arrived? Seeing that Melody Carlson's annual Christmas novella is available! This year, Carlson delivers a touching story filled with intriguing characters, an engaging plot, and an inspiring message. Yes, there's a promising romance between the adult children of next-door neighbors, but the drama revolves around the differences between the two families, as in perfection versus realistic living! Jane Bradshaw's need for perfection triggers unfair judgment and actions that adversely affect her family's happiness. Would she really cancel their family Christmas?

We Wish You a Messy Christmas is a wonderful beginning for my 2026 holiday reading! It is chock full of faith, wisdom, and yes, a little messiness! My initial annoyance with Jane soon turned to sympathy and an increasing awareness. I'm certainly not a perfectionist, but am I guilty of allowing the busyness of the season to override the true meaning of Christmas? Do I allow external circumstances to curb my joy of Christmas?

This book is a must-read for all who enjoy contemporary fiction woven with hope, forgiveness, and holiday spirit!

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than 250 books with sales of more than 7.5 million, including many bestselling Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and contemporary romances. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, her novel All Summer Long has been made into a Hallmark movie, and the movie based on her novel The Happy Camper premiered on UPtv in 2023. She and her husband live in central Oregon. 

Connect with Melody

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Bookbub 

Melody Carlson's Christmas Novellas 

Christmas in Winter Hill

The Christmas Swap

A Christmas in the Alps

A Quilt for Christmas

A Royal Christmas

The Christmas Tree Farm

Once Upon a Christmas Carol

We Wish You a Messy Christmas

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Murder, Plainly Written (The Plain Order Ink Society) by Mindy Steele

ABOUT THE BOOK

She just wanted to fit into Amish Country. . .now she’s standing out!
 
First novel in The Plain Order Ink Society series, in which Amish writers crack the case of local mysteries.
 
Sadie Lynch thought inheriting her late Amish aunt’s candle shop was a blessing—a chance to leave her stalled writing career behind and find a fresh start. But running a Plain business when she's not Amish isn’t exactly filling her store with customers—especially when the local minister insists she sell out.
 
Sadie, who doesn’t want to leave, thankfully meets Wanda—an Amish woman with a secret obsession. As Wanda continues to visit the candle shop, an unexpected partnership blooms when Wanda agrees to help Sadie’s shop in exchange for writing advice.
 
But the grand reopening of the candle shop takes a deadly turn when the body of the Amish minister is discovered behind the counter. Now Sadie is the only suspect, prompting Wanda and the Plain Order Ink Society to try helping her solve the mystery.
 
But in this Plain community, secrets burn brighter than flames—and nothing is as simple as it seems.

AMAZON     BARBOUR BOOKS

MY THOUGHTS.....

Mindy Steele tackles a new genre in her newest book, and she successfully scores a touchdown! I loved Murder, Plainly Written, the first book in her new cozy mystery series from Barbour Publishing. It has an unlikely friendship between a middle-aged Amish woman and a younger Englisch woman, a group of fledgling Amish writers who quickly become amateur detectives, and, of all things, a murder! I could understand that the often demanding Amish minister was disliked, but who would consider murdering him?

Clever clues that are sometimes misleading kept me guessing, but there's also the intrigue of two romantic entanglements. One ended long ago, and the other is plagued with obstacles, but I've learned that Steele often provides hope for troubled relationships! I can only hope that we'll find answers in the next book in the Plain Order Ink Society.

If you enjoy wonderful character development, witty dialogue, and a charming blend of Amish common sense and inspiration, grab a copy of Murder, Plainly Written. It is a must-read for fans of Amish fiction and cozy mysteries!

I received a complimentary digital ARC from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Raised in Kentucky timber country, Mindy Steele writes Amish Romance peppered in humor, using her rural surroundings as her muse. She is a best-selling author and the winner of the 2022 FHLCW Reader's Choice award for sweet romance. Steele creates realistic characters for her readers and believes in engaging all the senses to make you laugh, cry, hold your breath, and root for the happy-ever-after ending. Readers can find themselves, somewhere within the pages of her Amish fiction or romantic suspense novels.

Learn more by visiting Mindy's Website. 

You can also follow her on Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter  

 

The Plain Order Ink Society

Murder, Plainly Written  

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