Looking for a great read for Christmas? Look no further than All’s Fair in Love And Christmas by Sarah Monzon. This lovely, heartwarming romance will definitely put you in the holiday mood. I loved it!
Two workplace rivals. One festive competition. And a romance that upends it all.
Every December two things are guaranteed for graphic designer Mackenzie Graham–Christmas celebrations and the annual promotion at her workplace. Those two things are by no means mutually exclusive. In fact, the better an employee is at harnessing the Christmas spirit, the more likely they’ll win the new job. With her social anxiety, Mackenzie never thought she’d be a contender in her company’s holiday competition, so how exactly has she found herself dueling her workplace crush with wrapping paper tubes and using tinsel as her weapon of choice for a much-needed raise?
Jeremy Fletcher’s life is meticulously planned out, including how to win this year’s promotion at work. Not only will the new position fulfill some of his career goals, but as a single guardian to his twin niece and nephew, he needs the salary increase to support his family. Jeremy has barely noticed Mackenzie Graham around the office, but now that she’s his rival, he can’t stop thinking about her. Her quirkiness intrigues him, and he’s afraid that if he can’t get his head on straight, the promotion isn’t the only thing he’ll end up losing to Mackenzie.
Winner of the Holt Medallion and Selah Award, Sarah Monzon is a stay-at-home mom who makes up imaginary friends to have adult conversations with (otherwise known as writing novels). As a navy chaplain’s wife, she resides wherever the military happens to station her family and enjoys exploring the beauty of the world around her.
My Impressions:
Mackenzie and Jeremy’s boss always announces a promotion opportunity at Christmastime and always seems to give the job to the employee who exhibits the most holiday cheer. So when the two are tapped as candidates, the reindeer games commence! I really liked the workplace romance juxtaposed against the characters’ personal lives — the two have a lot at stake in the unofficial competition. As the days run up towards the Christmas party and big announcement, the two learn so much about each other and themselves. This is definitely a romance, but it is also a road to discovery as the two learn to trust God with plans and problems, and to seek help from friends and professionals. A big part of the story, as told in Mackenzie’s first person voice, is her struggle with social anxiety. I really get that. While I have never had the extreme anxiety and pain attacks that plague Mackenzie, her plight hit home. Her situation may be extreme, but it certainly rang true. Her best friend/roommate is the best! I loved how Monzon gave Mackenzie unconditional, non-judgmental support in the character of Keri. Jeremy has no issues with social awkwardness, but he does rely on his own plans, and his friends remind him that God’s plans are way better than our own.
All’s Fair in Love And Christmas checked all the boxes for me — sweet romance, endearing characters, a little bit of fun, laughter, and tears. It’s the real deal and a highly recommended read!
Highly Recommended.
Audience: Adults.
(Thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
I loved this one as well!