This was a very fast read which is exactly what I was looking for to help get me in the Christmas spirit. I thought this was such an adorable story full of cute hijinx and romance. The two main characters' relationship developed really naturally and I found it to be really wholesome. I really enjoyed the narrator and thought she gave a lot of emotion to both characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was a super cute Christmas adventure! It was exciting and ridiculous, funny and sweet. I REALLY enjoyed it!

I loved the runaway rich girl aspect to this story. As someone who is far from rich, I enjoyed getting a perspective where maybe the grass isn’t greener and life aspirations fall far from where they are expected to. I also love an unexpected (to the characters) romance.

If you’re looking for something quick and fun, with a bit of Christmas flare, be sure to give this one a try! And definitely consider the audio! The narrator did a great job! This was also the best quality audio arc I have received from NetGalley which makes me hopeful for future audio arcs!

Thank you to Dreamscape Media, Jenn McKinlay, and NetGalley for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for giving me a copy of this book.

I am going to be honest, I love Hallmark movies and holiday romances as much as the next girl. Most of the time, in all fairness, they are a bit too cheesy or just too outlandish for me to fully enjoy, but I watch and read them anyway because they're just my guilty Christmas pleasure.

I don't usually do this, but I'm going ahead with full spoilers here.

This book could have been cute. However, it's just a bit too short and a two day romance that turns into a marriage by the end of the book will NEVER work for me. Never. No matter the book. No matter the holiday. I could have MAYBE gotten behind it if Claire and Sam had just started their relationship. You know, realized they had a connection by that time and wanted to explore it further together. Maybe. That's still honestly a stretch though. But saying the "l" word? ELOPING?! Never. Not on this planet or any other.

I also understand that there is a conflict in these stories that is resolved by the end and the couple ends up happily ever after. You know the drill, typical holiday romance formula for every one of these stories in existance ever. For a book this short, the big reveal about Sam needing Claire for a story regarding her father and her betrothed needed to happen sooner. I don't know how it should have happened, but certainly not at the very end of the book so it was resolved approximately three minutes later. It never felt high stakes, it wasn't dramatic enough, and it never gave the impression that these two may not end up happily ever after.

This book was a fun, cute, short holiday read and I am glad that I read it, even if for nothing other than it simply being a breath of fresh air between the last few books that I am trying to cram in before the end of the year. If you enjoy rom-coms of this nature around the holiday time, then by all means, pick this one up.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audiobook version of this book. Everything I write is of my own thoughts feelings and opinions. I am not in any way affiliated with or compensated for what I review.
This is book written in a series but can be read as a stand-alone as I read as a stand-alone
Claire thought she was resigned to marry the man her mother has chosen but when the time comes for the proposal via Santa, Claire impulsively grabs the sleigh for a quick escape. Sam thought that he would get background for his story dressed as Santa at the engagement party. Instead he finds himself on the run with the escaping “no thank you” bride. An untimely mugger, adds to the evening’s upset as Sam and Claira work together to get to Maine. They have a few blunders along the way- but they also have some very interesting encounters too. All of this ties together to for an amazing story. There's one scene where they see a man walking down the road and since they have the Santa suit on they play Santa Christmas delivery for a gentleman in the service to surprise his family. this book is sprinkled with Christmas miracles- a fun Christmas romance. This is a must read Christmas book!

I'm so glad that I got to listen to this audiobook. It's the kind of book that, unless it came in physical book form, I'd probably have never read it. It's very short and entertaining. It's a shotgun romance because of the story's length, but I loved the details that went into such a short read. I even loved the little Gift of the Magi (but not really) touch at the end.

This book was light and quick christmas-y read.

That said, I didn't love it. It was cute concept but not for me.

It gave snowy settings, sparkly dresses, and holiday vibes. But that is about all I enjoyed.

Unfortunately, the first chapter made me dislike the MC. She comes off as spoiled, and there isn't much to redeem her early-on. I was hoping for her to get better, but sadly she just got worse. Smug phrases like "I figured as much" just turned me off so hard. The HEA felt too easy, there was hardly any conflict, and I am sooo tired of the rich MC trope. Everything about this character and their circle felt forced(?) -- the insanely wealthy 1% characters felt underdeveloped, and there was only a hint of class criticism (IMO either push it or don't bother!) We don't need more stories about rich white heiresses whining about being too rich. I feel like the reader is being expected to think "poor you"...but I didn't feel bad for these characters at all, I just got irritated at the trivialities. Overall, this story was overdone and BORING, and was trying to do too much in too few pages. I DNF'ed.

I have NOT read the first two in this series, and my opinion is only ONE, so do not take me as an authority here.
Thank you to NetGalley for the audiobook of this title. All opinions are my own.

Song: One Night Left - Cheat Codes

Wellllll this one was quick but if it dragged I would have decreased the rating. I enjoyed it all the way up to the ending which was a very palm to face wrap up.🤦🏼‍♀️

This is the 3rd in the series but don’t need to worry about the other two, just does a drive by of the previous characters. I liked book 2 a lot! Overall, the story was ridiculous and far fetched.

If you hate instant love do not bother.

This was a fun holiday novella. The pacing/ending felt rushed and I would have enjoyed a dual POV but overall it was pretty good and I think it would be great as a Hallmark movie! I didn’t realize it was book 3 in a series (it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone though) so I’m definitely interested in the first two!

It Happened One Christmas is a short, fun, fast-paced holiday rom-com. The chemistry between the characters is great from the start and I liked the adventure in it. My biggest complaint is that the story moved too quickly. It's a novella, but I wish there was more buildup to the end. The timeframe of this story is incredibly short, which makes it pretty unbelievable of a story. That being said, it's fun and a good quick read.

This is a quick and easy read at just 121 pages. It definitely helped pass the time while I cleaned this past weekend!

I can’t say there was anything special about it, other than it just being a cute and uplifting Christmas read. The characters were good for each other and made me pull for them. I loved that the main character chose to put herself first from the beginning of the book, and headed to a place where she felt happiness (that happened to be in Maine 💜).

If you are a fan of Hallmark type settings, quick love stories, or novellas, pick this one up or listen to it!

Thank you @netgalley and @dreamscape_media for the arc in exchange for my honest review! 💜

This book was a rollercoaster. This is a great quick read. This story takes place pretty much all over one weekend. Imagine you are about to be proposed to, what should be the happiest day of your life, and you are dreading it. It is nothing but an obligation and you want nothing more than to run, so you do. As it turns out your get away driver is none other than the report who has made your life hell..

That's how that book starts. Then the craziness begins. The attraction and chemistry is there. The people they meet along the way ... fantastic. Overall, I really enjoyed this romance. There was a perfect Christmas element and I could picture it in my head the whole time to the point I could see it be a movie. The characters are fun and the tension is there. You understand the misunderstanding and doubt that they have with a potential relationship and you root for them.

Overall, great Christmas fun read! It is short, sweet, and full of Christmas joy. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story.

This was a fun little novella about a runaway fiance who builds a connection with a previous adversary just in time for Christmas.

I liked the narration. The writing wasn't the best, but it was quick and entertaining.

3.5 stars
This was a cute novella. The pacing was a little bit fast which I guess has to happen for a short novella. I loved the beginning when Claire basically just ran out on her engagement into a Santa sleigh. Totally Hallmark Christmas movie worthy.
The whole trip to Maine was a little on the unbelievable side of the Hallmark movie theme, but I guess anything can happen at Christmas!
The stereotypical *problem* was believable and made sense with the characters which I always appreciate. The make up was nice, but like who gets married after knowing someone for such a short amount of time especially when said problem wasn't resolved until 5 seconds before the proposal.
I would have loved this to be a longer full novel, I think there were some things that needed more time and more life, but still overall a cute quick Christmas read!

ɪᴛ ʜᴀᴘᴘᴇɴᴇᴅ ᴏɴᴇ ᴄʜʀɪsᴛᴍᴀs ᴇᴠᴇ ʙʏ ᴊᴇɴɴ ᴍᴄᴋɪɴʟᴀʏ is the third novella in A Museum of Literature Romance series. I enjoyed all three, but this one is definitely my favorite.💙

Being a novella, Claire and Sam’s story is short and sweet. Sometimes it’s hard for a novella to bring character development and depth, but Jenn does a wonderful job with these two. Their witty banter and fun shenanigans kept me entertained during their quick-paced road trip.

All three will be released together in a collection early next year.

Another good book by Jenn McKinlay. This series is like a warm hug, you just want to snuggle into it. The characters are great, the setting is a winter wonderland. OMG that book is so darn cute, this series just keeps getting better and better. I hope there will be a book four.

When Claire Macintosh showed up to the gala for the Museum of Literature, where she works as director, she was ready for the next step. Or she thought she was. But when she thought about her boyfriend stepping up to propose to her, she fled to her office. And then she ran right out the door. She actually ran out so fast, she had left her purse and her phone behind. But she just can’t marry Trey, no matter what her mother says.

When she runs out of the museum in her gown and strappy sandals, she discovers a horse-drawn carriage being steered by Santa, and without giving it a second thought, she jumps in and grabs the reins. It’s only when she gets away from the museum that she realizes what a bad position she has put herself in. She has no money, she doesn’t have her phone, and she’s just committed grand theft sleigh. But a closer look at Santa reveals yet another problem.

Reporter Sam Carpenter dressed up like Santa and borrowed a carriage to try to get a story about the ultra-wealthy Macintosh family. So when Claire jumped in and hijacked his night, he was not upset. He even loaned her his Santa jacket, since her gown wasn’t really appropriate for December in New York City. She wants to get to her cabin in Maine for Christmas Eve, and he wants a story. Maybe they can come to some sort of agreement?

But when they get mugged, and Sam is forced to give up his wallet and his phone, then they have to get creative to find a way to Claire’s cabin. It’s a journey of Santa and his elf to get to Maine, and they are going to need to make some friends and take some chances. And maybe they find a special gift for themselves this holiday as well.

It Happened One Christmas Eve is the third novella in Jenn McKinlay’s Museum of Literature Romance series. These novellas are quick reads but packed with humor, warmth, and more than a little heat. This story speaks to a lot of classic Christmas literature, like A Christmas Carol and A Visit from St. Nicholas. I got to listen to this novella, and narrator Sara Young made this a fun holiday romance with her expert reading.

Even though It Happened One Christmas Eve is shorter than a novel, it is packed with action and fun, and even that classic holiday discussion of whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie or not. There are some big coincidences, but it’s Christmas. There are supposed to be miracles at Christmas, so I had to forgive those. But these characters are fun and interesting. I would have loved to have more time with them, especially as things get a little rushed right at the end, but this is a fun romance for a quick holiday read or for a short book to help round out your reading goals as the year comes to an end.

A copy of the audiobook for It Happened One Christmas Eve was provided by Dreamscape Media through NetGalley, with many thanks.

I’d give this 3/5 stars! It was a fast-passed romance with humor mixed in. Many of the scenes were really cheesy, but that’s expected for a hallmark-y Christmas book! I was surprised at how many topics that were covered in such a short story. It’s a book that’s easy to listen to while making dinner or doing other chores around the house.

I’m sorry but I think they lost the plot somewhere. Please alert the authorities if you find it.

I was generous because it was a cute concept. And… I guess she tried.

Also, the narrator did not slay. She said “Stam” instead of Sam at one point. I listened twice just to be sure. Yowsa.

It Happened One Christmas Eve by Jenn McKinlay

Claire Macintosh is about to get engaged to a man her mother has picked out, which means Claire isn't in love. Claire's family screams elite, and they are socialites who have an image to uphold; this includes Claire getting married. An event at the Museum of Literature, where Claire is the director and is hosting. Santa arrives, horse and carriage, to deliver the engagement ring. Claire cannot go through with it! She jumps in the carriage and takes off with Santa still on board.

Sam Carpenter, an undercover reporter, is acting as Santa when he is suddenly part of the escape plan for Claire. To gain the inside scoop on the evening's mishaps, he agrees to assist Claire in her escape to Maine (her grandmother's cottage). As their journey begins, they face a series of twists and turns neither could predict.

"Both Claire and Sam realize that there's more than their careers on the line. And it's going to take a Christmas miracle to find their happily ever after."

This is a novella - meaning it's shorter than a standard-size novel. It is a quick read & I LOVED it!! I listened to the audiobook version and could not believe how quickly I got through it. I want more! This book has everything my Christmas-Lovin' heart desires in a romance. This was my first Jenn McKinlay read, but it won't be my last.

I give this a five-book stack rating.

I received a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape media for the audio ARC!

This book was such a fun and cute story. It is a perfect holiday read! This book is shorter and filled with all sorts of whimsical holiday spirit.

The main character, Claire, is about to get engaged at the holiday gala. The problem? She doesn't really like the guy, who is also her mom's prime candidate for a spouse. Even better? Her mom has threatened to stop donating to her museum if Claire doesn't marry a man she approves of.

When the horse and carriage shows up, driven by Santa, to deliver her ring, Claire doesn't know how to get out of this. Claire takes over the carriage and flees with Santa still on board. Her main goal? to get to the family cabin. However, now Claire is stuck on this adventure with Santa, who turns out to be a reporter in disguise, trying to write a tory about her family.

This book follows Claire and Sam (Santa) as they embark on their journey to the cabin.

This book has some quick pacing and quick romance due to it being short in nature, but I liked it! I devoured this one in one day. It was well done and was exactly what I was looking for in a fun cheesy holiday read.