We Wish You a Messy Christmas Novella

Thanks to the author for my review copy.

I love the yearly Christmas Novella and again this one didn't disappoint. One thing I love is they are all different. This book features the Bradshaw and McEntire families. Jane the mother who is a perfectionist. Rob the father and accountant and daughter Olivia who now lives and works in the city. On the McEntire side we have Malcolm one of the children who is now a qualified vet and dating Olivia. His family live next door to the Bradshaw's and we see parents Cindy and Erik.

In setting this book up we see multiple points of view mostly the Bradshaws but also Malcolms and it really helps to get a full understanding of how the dynamics work. Jane is difficult her perfectionist is causing a lot of issues. She doesn't like that the neighbours are chaotic and messy in her eyes and it's getting worse. Olivia loves her mother but at the same time struggles as does Rob.

Olivia also worries Malcolm and her may not be able to stay together because of her mothers dislike for his family. There are so many dynamics. But it also highlights how something that seems simple can be hiding a bigger issue. Both Rob and Olivia wonder if Jane may have OCD or another mental health issue and they really want the best for her. The book reads really well and Melody did this book justice. It does deal with dysfunction and complicated family issues but in a good way that brings them to light without victimising people.

I love how the book progresses and…

I enjoyed reading We Wish You a Messy Christmas, a charming small town contemporary Christmas novella set in Oregon. Olivia is an only child who loves her parents, lives in the city, and is dreading going home for Christmas. Her difficult mother is an extreme perfectionist who is unlikely to approve of Olivia’s relationship with her new boyfriend, Malcolm. Olivia’s mother can’t stand Malcolm’s messy family who have lived next door for decades.

Olivia’s mother, Jane, lives and breathes order and cleanliness in every area of her life. She has no patience for people who create mess and chaos, including her own free spirited mother, Grandma Lulu. Jane refuses to acknowledge that her attitudes and rigid expectations are causing problems for her husband, daughter, and other people in her life.

Olivia and her father concoct a well meaning plan to try and help Jane by having a fun and messy Christmas season. Unexpected circumstances turn their plans upside down and create many lighthearted and hilarious moments.

I loved how the ensemble cast of fascinating characters were challenged in different ways. The reality of living with mental health issues, including symptoms that resemble Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, are handled with sensitivity and grace. Multiple characters are on a faith journey. Trust and forgiveness themes are explored in the story

I recommend We Wish You a Messy Christmas to contemporary fiction readers who like Christmas novellas with an ensemble cast that…