The Christmas Yes List
A Heartwarming Holiday Novel
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Pub Date Oct 6 2026 | Archive Date Nov 6 2026
Thomas Nelson Fiction | Thomas Nelson
Talking about this book? Use #TheChristmasYesList #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!
Description
SOON TO BE A STREAMING ORIGINAL MOVIE!
All she wants for Christmas is a rejection.
Chloe Hollis is done being a people-pleaser. After one too many bad decisions--including a job that asked her to cross a line she couldn't--she's determined to change. Her plan? Collect ten nos before Christmas by asking strangers for the most ridiculous favors she can think of.
It should be easy.
But then? Then she meets James.
Instead of shutting her down, the charming out-of-towner keeps saying yes--to Christmas karaoke, to small-town holiday traditions, to every spontaneous, hilarious, totally chaotic idea she throws his way. And the more he says yes, the harder it becomes for Chloe to stick to her plan . . . or protect her heart.
Because James has a reason for saying yes to everything, too--and it might cost them both more than they bargained for.
As their opposite missions collide in a swirl of festive mishaps, unexpected courage, and undeniable chemistry, Chloe starts to wonder if the biggest risk isn't rejection after all . . . but saying yes to something real.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781400356713 |
| PRICE | $18.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 352 |
Available on NetGalley
Available to Buy
Buy on BN.com Buy on Bookshop.orgAverage rating from 624 members
Featured Reviews
Librarian 1163826
The Christmas Yes List was such a wholesome, feel good read. It was full of festive charm, sweet romance and lots of laughs. It left me with a big goofy smile on my face. It was the perfect cosy book to curl up with and it really did make me wish it was Christmas, not June!
Chloe Hollis has spent years saying yes to everyone—often at her own expense. When her boss pressures her to make unethical accounting changes, she can’t bring herself to refuse… so she quits instead. Hoping to reset her life, she heads home for Christmas and creates a bold challenge: earn ten “no’s” from strangers before the holiday.
Her plan falters when she meets James, a stranger at the airport who agrees to every wild request she makes. What begins as a humorous experiment quickly becomes a journey filled with mishaps, heartfelt moments, and undeniable chemistry. Through it all, Chloe discovers courage she didn’t know she had—and James proves to be far more than a willing accomplice.
Melissa Ferguson’s novels are consistently warm, witty, and uplifting, and this one is no exception. It’s a delightful blend of humor, heart, and holiday cheer.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions expressed are my own.
Maggie P, Educator
This is a sweet Christmas themed romance based on hope and perseverance and the magic of christmas. Characters that you can't help but fall in love with in an idyllic setting.Make this a romance, not to be missed.
teresa t, Reviewer
Chloe has spent years saying yes to everything, she decides to ask 10 strangers the most ridiculous thins in hopes they will say no, but one person keeps saying yes. sweet story
This book was everything I want in a holiday romance. I absolutely loved every second of this book! From the very first chapter, I was completely hooked and found it nearly impossible to put down.
The charming small-town setting was pure Christmas magic. Between the bustling town square with its glowing Christmas tree, cozy mugs of hot chocolate, festive carols, sledding hills packed with toboggans, and magical nights spent stargazing, Melissa Ferguson created an idyllic holiday atmosphere that made me wish I could pack my bags and move there for the season.
The romance was equally delightful. I loved the opposites-attract dynamic, and watching these two characters slowly challenge and complement one another was such a joy. The humor was another standout. It wasn’t just cute or quirky—it genuinely made me laugh out loud multiple times.
The character development was fantastic across the board, especially for the FMC. She was an endearing mix of eccentric, fun, and relatable as a recovering people-pleaser who constantly overthinks everything. Watching her learn to embrace herself and take chances made her journey incredibly satisfying.
Heartwarming, hilarious, and full of festive charm, The Christmas Yes List is the kind of Christmas romance that leaves you smiling long after you’ve turned the last page. If you’re looking for a cozy, feel-good holiday read filled with laughter, swoony romance, and all the Christmas magic you could hope for, this one belongs at the top of your holiday TBR.
Reviewer 2101967
Review of advance reader copy received from NetGalley
This book was so freaking cute. I loved Chloe and James. They were so adorable together and the ending was just so wholesome. I loved the way how James was so considerate and supportive to Chloe. I was able to relate to Chloe because I also am a people-pleaser and tend to overthink a lot. Their first meet was so cute. I also loved Chloe’s dad. He reminds me of my dad. His advice to Chloe was awesome. I loved the small town, big family vibes. The writing was amazing and very easy to follow along.
I give my thanks to the author and to NetGalley for the ARC
This is a cute book and I didn’t mind one bit that’s it’s June and I was reading a Christmas book in the summer .
So excited to learn that this is going to be made intro a movie too like her other book Meet me in the Margins
I pick up all her books when they come out
Highly recommended
Thank you NetGalley and publishers
Very cute cozy hallmark style whimsical Christmas book good to read anytime of year 💛☺️
Loved Chloe + James as characters 💛
Great laidback fun book with all the vibes 📖😭
It's almost Christmas in July!
I absolutely enjoyed The Christmas Yes List by Melissa Ferguson, releasing October 6, 2026. From the very first chapter, it captured that cozy, magical Christmas feeling that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and keep reading.
The story follows Chloe, who is determined to break free from her overthinking and people-pleasing tendencies by saying "yes" to opportunities she would normally avoid. I especially loved her as a main character—she was relatable, endearing, and easy to cheer for as she stepped outside her comfort zone.
Filled with humor, heart, and plenty of festive charm, this is a feel-good holiday read about courage, growth, and discovering who you are when you stop living to meet everyone else's expectations. If you're looking for a sweet Christmas romance that leaves you smiling, I highly recommend adding this one to your holiday reading list.
Jessica M, Reviewer
This was a heartwarming holiday story. I loved the characters and their development and growth. The plot was well-paced and captivating. I highly recommend this clean and wholesome read. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.
Cara P, Reviewer
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC of The Christmas Yes List by Melissa Ferguson. I absolutely LOVED this book! It had me from the very beginning. The main characters, James and Chloe, were funny, had great banter and brought out the best in each other. The setting was cozy, a small town filled with unique people who genuinely care about each other. This rom-com was sweet and happy with no third act break up. The romance was cute and heartfelt. Throughout the novel, Melissa Ferguson infused gentle reminders about the importance of family, the importance of giving yourself grace and the humanity of people who aren't meant to be perfect. It's a beautiful novel for any time of year, but it is especially sweet at Christmas. Excellent, memorable, heart happy read!
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. It was a great read with everything you would expect from this genre! Melissa Ferguson is an auto buy author for me and this book proves no different! Perfect Holiday Read!!!
Darla D, Reviewer
It's a metaphorical tug-of-war in Maple Hills.
She wants him to say NO. All he seems to say is YES.
Who will win?
Our Terrific Darling Book Club chose this as a Christmas in July read. We had an excellent discussion this week. Watch for reviews from the our terrific Tina and Barbara coming soon.
Here are some things I loved about this one:
🤗Chloe has found herself to have the tendency to bend over backwards to please others without any regard for her own wellbeing. She has gone to far in giving of herself. Her determination to start saying NO more often collides with a meet cute in baggage claim.
🕺James is on vacation for the holidays and happy to accomodate this beautiful woman with so many demands. Is he being polite? Or is he on a self-help journey on the other side of the spectrum?
🎄Lucky us. We are along for the ride. There are many fun Christmas activities, but the tone of the book is humorous and heartwarming -- not cheesy. I thought it was pitch perfect!
😎Melissa Ferguson's writing also oozes with cultural references. Her comedic timing is spot on: Love You Forever, Elf, Titanic, and the Rockettes are just a few.
🎁And that Epilogue. What a gift. Actually this entire book was a wonderful way to enjoy Christmas in July. This is my favorite book yet from Melissa Ferguson.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Available October 6, 2026.
Barbara H, Reviewer
Wow! I just finished reading this spectacular book and am almost wordless.
I loved Chloe! Her self perception and plan to "fix" herself was an amazing goal she had made for herself. Chloe doing it for herself and not to please others made any self depreciation easier to understand, but it was still difficult to understand. She was a character that actually was more genuine than most main characters!
James! An enigma that I wanted to understand, was so patient, so seemingly introverted, and so absolutely perfect for Chloe!
This book was a treasure to read, and as soon as I finished reading it, I went back to the beginning and reread the book. It's that good! Probably one of the top three books read so far this year. Don't miss the opportunity to read "The Christmas Yes List" as soon as possible!
A special thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for allowing me to read and review this spectacular book.
This was a sweet Christmas in July read for me. I loved the two main characters Chloe and James. I read it within 24 hours, with breaks for coffee.
Chloe is coming back home, jobless, after a long stint of corporate life and James is visiting family he hasn't seen for awhile. Chloe is also on a personal journey to let go of her people pleasing ways and has found a self-help guru to see her through it.
Rejection therapy. That's what she believes will cure her and she's looking to get well within a week. Asking strangers wild things they should say no to, in order to face what it feels to be rejected and survive the disappointment.
She's pretty hard to turn down apparently, keeping her from gaining her 10 rejections in a row. And Christmas traditions keep leading her closer to James.
This book gets you in quick to their meet cute and keeps rolling on from there. I loved the amount of coffee they share in this book. It just gives cozy wintery sweet vibes. And I can't wait to see these sweet moments captured on Great American Family this Christmas.
The reading is clean, kisses only, and genuine. No foul language and a good time in July or Christmas season. Melissa Ferguson is becoming a trusted author for me to enjoy a great read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the opportunity to read the advance reader copy.
#TheChristmasYesList #NetGalley
Educator 1975963
This was such an easy book to get into. I picked it up for the Christmas setting, but I stayed for James. He was genuinely kind, funny, and impossible not to like.
The whole idea of Chloe trying to get people to tell her "no" made for some entertaining moments, even if she occasionally overthought things more than I wanted her to. Thankfully, it never took away from the fun.
This isn't a book that's trying to reinvent the holiday romance. It's simply a cozy, clean love story with plenty of Christmas spirit and characters you'll enjoy spending time with. Sometimes that's exactly what I'm in the mood for, and this delivered.
Dhara T, Bookseller
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read The Christmas Yes List.
Lovely Christmas love story. Chloe and James are very cute characters. A heartfelt story to get you in the holiday spirit.
Erene T, Reviewer
I love this Christmas Romcom so much!! Its a nice way to celebrate Christmas in July!! I highly recommend this book!
Thank you Netgalley for the review copy!
This was such a feel-good romance. The witty dialogue, engaging storyline, and genuine emotional depth made it an unforgettable read. I can't wait to read more from this author.
Paige B, Reviewer
Bring out the candy canes, tinsel, and hot cocoa because this book will bring on the Christmas cheer no matter what time of year you read it. This is just sweet and fun, and I am happy to see that it is being made into a holiday movie because it has all those feel-good vibes. A truly enjoyable read, even in the middle of summer. I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Reviewer 1699074
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Such a cute rom com, its an easy and quick read that had me laughing. I absolutely loved the scene where shes trying to get a no from him yet he agrees to sing and dance in the snow.
Another favourite scene is when they do karaoke and she gets him to sing badly on purpose.
It's put me in a festive mood and can't wait to see this when its a movie. And re read again at Christmas time.
Thank you netgalley for letting me read this advanced copy
Brenda G, Reviewer
Rom-com with some great scenes.
My favorite being Chloe and James as team captains on the Children's turkey bowl game at Nana's on Christmas.
Chloe is determined to stop saying yes to appease others when she wants to say no.
Her BFF Genie is determined to help her achieve her goal at all costs and in spite of changing circumstances.
A quick read with some good laughs.
The Christmas Yes List was such a fun and heartwarming Christmas read. Melissa Ferguson has a way of writing stories that are funny, romantic, and meaningful all at the same time, and this book is no exception. It has all the cozy holiday vibes you could want, along with characters that feel real and easy to root for.
The story follows Chloe, who realizes she's spent most of her life trying to make everyone else happy. To push herself outside of her comfort zone, she comes up with a unique challenge: get ten people to tell her "no" before Christmas. It's a funny idea that leads to plenty of awkward and entertaining moments. Things get even more interesting when she meets James, who seems determined to say "yes" to just about everything she asks. Their interactions are sweet, funny, and kept me smiling throughout the book.
What I liked most was that this wasn't just another Christmas romance. Yes, there's romance, but it's also a story about learning to set boundaries, becoming more confident, and realizing that you can't spend your life trying to please everyone else. Chloe's journey felt relatable, and I found myself cheering for her as she slowly learned to stand up for herself.
Melissa Ferguson's writing is easy to read and full of humor. The dialogue feels natural, and the chemistry between Chloe and James develops at a nice pace instead of feeling rushed. The small-town Christmas setting makes the story even more enjoyable with holiday events, festive traditions, and plenty of cozy moments that made me want to curl up with a blanket and a cup of hot chocolate.
Like most holiday romances, there are a few predictable moments, but that really didn't take away from the story for me. Sometimes that's exactly what I want from a Christmas book:: a feel-good story with lovable characters, a little humor, and a happy ending.
I really enjoyed The Christmas Yes List. It's the kind of book that's perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit, and it left me feeling happy by the time I turned the last page. If you enjoy clean romance, small-town settings, and stories about personal growth mixed with holiday magic, I would definitely recommend giving this one a read.
I am officially calling it now: The Christmas Yes List by Melissa Ferguson is the holiday read you need to pick up this season. Releasing on October 6th, this book is an absolute delight from start to finish.
The story follows our heroine, Chloe, on a relatable and heartfelt growth journey as she works to overcome being a chronic people-pleaser—a struggle that often comes at her own expense. In quintessential holiday romance fashion, Chloe returns to her small-town home, where she has a fateful run-in with James, a big-city guy visiting his family for Christmas.
What truly set this book apart for me was the humor. I was laughing out loud (often to my own embarrassment!) starting in the very first chapter. Melissa Ferguson has such a knack for blending genuine comedy with a sweet, swoon-worthy romance.
Beyond the laughs and the festive atmosphere, there is a beautiful, grounded through-line of faith woven throughout the narrative. It served as the perfect cherry on top of an already wonderful story.
I’m giving this a solid five stars. Because it features a closed-door romance, it’s a fantastic, clean read that makes it the perfect gift for readers of all ages this holiday season. Did I mention it’s perfect? Because it really is. Highly recommended!
This was such a fun and cozy holiday read. It had plenty of Christmas charm, a sweet romance, and enough humor to keep me smiling throughout the book. I really liked the idea behind the story, and the characters were easy to root for. It wasn’t overly cheesy, which I appreciated, and it left me with all the warm holiday feelings. If you’re looking for something light, uplifting, and perfect for the Christmas season, this is definitely one I’d recommend picking up with a cup of hot chocolate.
This was such a fun Christmas book, and it definitely got me ready for the holidays! Chloe and James may have different goals and reasons for this Christmas yes list, but they go together so sweetly, and I love watching them go through their lists together. They get to grow and experience so many new things together, and I loved getting to watch them fall in love together and watching their story evolve. Chloe and James deserve all the love and their HEA.
Yes, yes, yes! Or is it no, no, no?
Chloe Hollis has been a people pleaser her whole life.
Boyfriends, family, friends, and especially bosses have taken advantage of her,
and she has let them. Well, no more. After her boss pressures her to fudge the
company’s records, she has finally had enough. Armed with a book on rejection
therapy, Chloe sets out to turn her life around, become tougher, and learn how
to say no to others and, in essence, yes to herself. She has seven days of
Christmas break to undo a lifetime of habitual yeses.
James, an executive from New York, becomes her next
potential “no.” Chloe swallows her pride, silences the screaming voice in her
head, and offers him a ride to his destination. Of course, he will say
no…except he doesn’t. Hilarious hijinks ensue as Chloe bravely attempts to
squeeze a “no” out of him.
The Christmas Yes List is a delight to read, filled
with humor, silliness, and meaningful connection. Melissa Ferguson’s voice
shines throughout. She has a wonderful way of taking the mundane, turning it on
its ear, and making it impossible not to laugh. Chloe and James, unlikely
friends who may become something more, set off on an adventure together and
discover they have more in common than it first appears.
One of my favorite scenes is when Chloe speaks honestly
about her dreams for the future, dreams that fly in the face of today’s
fast-paced world. I wanted to cheer for her. This is a wonderful story filled
with humor, falling in love, and, best of all, personal growth. Recommended for
anyone who enjoys a good laugh, heartfelt character development, and watching
two people fall in love.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Melissa Ferguson and Thomas Nelson Fiction. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Hannah M, Reviewer
This is a cute, cozy Christmas book with a unique plot line that you'll want to curl up with and drink some hot chocolate. Big fan of Melissa Ferguson!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
If you read one Christmas romance this year, read The Christmas Yes List. It is my favorite Melissa Ferguson novel that gave me Christmas in the summer. I live in Alaska and it almost made me want snow...almost.
Chloe is a people pleaser and decides she is going to push people ten times until they find her annoying enough to say no. She meets her match in James whom she meets at the airport in her hometown. For some reason, he will do all that she asks. These requests give the reader many laughs.
I don't usually reread books, but I may this one at Christmas. Ferguson gives us even more humor than normal while telling a Hallmark style romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.
Amanda K, Educator
The was such a fun and cozy read. It has everything I love in a Christmas book-heart, humor, nostalgia, and a happy ending. I enjoyed this as a Christmas in July read, but will reread during the holiday season!
Gale D, Reviewer
This is the perfect Christmas story. Full of laughter, learning to love and finding out who you are and going after what you want to make a better life for yourself. This is kind of a self help therapeutic book, just not in the way you except. Please read.
*The Christmas No List Objective: Collect ten rejections by Christmas and break through the cycle of chronic people-pleasing.
Chloe finds herself leaving her life in Seattle to return home after quitting her job. Upon arrival, she meets James, who seems to be saying "yes" to all her attempts at getting rejections in the form of a "no".
This book was an absolute joy to read! Exactly what I wanted and hoped it would be. I found myself laughing out loud, often, and smiling at the witty banter and silly antics. What a perfect, cozy, and heartwarming book just in time for the holidays!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5 stars!
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher, for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Christmas Yes List by Melissa Ferguson is everything I want in a Christmas rom-com: heartwarming, funny, cozy, and full of meaningful character growth.
Chloe’s mission to collect ten “no’s” before Christmas is such a fresh and creative premise, and watching her journey unfold was both hilarious and surprisingly touching. Melissa Ferguson balances witty banter, festive small-town charm, and genuine emotional depth so effortlessly that I found myself smiling through so many chapters.
The romance is sweet, clean, and filled with wonderful chemistry, but what stood out most to me was the message about people-pleasing, courage, and learning when to say “yes” to the things that truly matter. It isn’t just a romance, it is a story about finding your voice, embracing vulnerability, and discovering that sometimes the greatest gifts come when life doesn’t go according to plan.
If you’re looking for a feel-good Christmas read with laugh-out-loud moments, lovable characters, cozy holiday traditions, and a romance that leaves you with a full heart, I highly recommend adding this one to your holiday TBR.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Perfect Christmas Romcom!!
First of all thank you @NetGalley, Melissa Ferguson and Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing me this absolutely amazing book for my honest review.
I loved the book simply put. It has all the elements for a holiday romcom. It is well written, the plot is really intriguing, the chemistry is off the charts and I love the main characters and the side characters(except Genie, who was a bit unbearable and over the top for me). This book is a warm cup of hot chocolate while wearing a fuzzy sweater on a winter day. Can’t wait to watch it onscreen✨
Themes: Christmas season in a small town, meet-cute, miscommunication, overthinker fmc, Witty banter, leaving big city for a fresh start, clean romance.
Fav quotes:
- "Why?" He laughs. "Because a once-in-a-lifetime situation arose where a beautiful woman asked me out of the blue if I wanted to take a ride with her. Why else?"
- “Is that so?” I manage to respond. The tips of our books are touching in our distracted hands. A paperback kiss.
- One tiny benefit of being a negatively driven overthinker, I guess. If ever my car careens off the cliff of a mountain that suddenly drops into the ocean after a thousand years of existence, you won’t find me saying Oh! What a terrible, horrible surprise!
- “Says the guy whose entire wardrobe is black.” “I also wear gray. I’m not a monster.”
Release Date: October 6 2026
May P, Reviewer
Love Melissa Ferguson's book and this one is another good one. After years of bad decisions, Chloe's new plan is to collect ten "No"s before christmas by asking strangers for the most silly favors . But she meets James who agree to everything. And her plan falls apart... can two people fall in love with so much baggage between them?
Love the romance and humor. A terrific romance with great characters. Really had a lot of fun reading it.
Thanks to the publisher for the arc.
The Christmas Yes List is a delightful holiday rom-com that perfectly blends humor, heart, and festive charm. The cozy small town setting, lovable yet flawed characters, and opposites attract romance made this such an enjoyable read from beginning to end.
The story is packed with witty banter, awkwardly hilarious moments, and plenty of swoon worthy chemistry. Melissa Ferguson's writing is warm, engaging, and effortlessly paced, making this a quick read that's perfect for anyone looking for a cozy escape. Even reading it during the summer had me wishing for Christmas lights, hot cocoa, and Hallmark movie marathons.
If you enjoy charming meet cutes, quirky romantic comedies, festive small town settings, and romances that leave you smiling long after the final page, The Christmas Yes List is an easy recommendation.
Janet B, Reviewer
This book is so much fun and a great read for the holidays or any time. It's light but engaging, sweet in parts but not too sweet. There's fun to it in not knowing what Chloe will do next.
The story gets your attention from the beginning but for me it was in a what the what moment? I thought she was crazy and but likeable and then we get the rest of the story as they say. It begins to make sense in a most fun way. Chloe is on a quest to get a set amount of no answers or rejections a day. Only her crazy asks aren't always getting that response. In comes James and as both characters develop, they are quite likeable. Town folk, family and friends are added in with only one real bad guy type.
A story of unexpected fun and adventures and a read I highly recommend. And note, this will be a movie in the fall. I look forward to that!
My thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for this complementary copy in exchange for a fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Marielle M, Reviewer
This novel is delightful, genuinely funny, and clean. I liked the personalities of the main characters and was totally cheering for them. I loved the twist on a very real challenge (people pleasing) and the situations that created for the characters. Had me laughing and cringing with them. Their happy ending was very satisfying with sweet moments, holiday festivities, and winter coziness throughout. Loved the book and am excited for the move version!
I devoured this book in one sitting! I couldn’t get enough of the witty banter between the two main characters. Can’t wait to tell all of my friends to read this one when it comes out in October!
Reviewer 250689
A woman trying to get ten rejections to break her people-pleasing tendencies meets a stranger at the airport who only seems to say yes. As her requests for this cute man get more outlandish, there's no way he can accept. And yet he does. But as she finds herself falling for this man, she wonders if he's actually interested in her or playing his own game.
A cute Christmassy story and a sweet romance.
There is something deeply comforting about a cozy holiday story, and The Christmas Yes List captures that magic from beginning to end. Balancing themes of personal growth, relatable drama, a touch of humor, and plenty of romance, it is a heartwarming read that is incredibly easy to get lost in. One of my absolute favorite elements of the book was the Hollis family. Reading about their festive traditions felt like receiving a giant, warm hug. I frequently found myself wishing I could step right into the pages to join their wonderfully chaotic celebrations. They brought so much vibrant energy to the narrative that the holiday season itself felt like a living, breathing character. Chloe completely won me over as well. She has the kind of personality that makes her seem like she is constantly running on a sugar high. While that isn't a character archetype, I normally gravitate toward, Melissa Ferguson writes her with such genuine sincerity that her boundless energy never feels overwhelming. Instead, it feels entirely authentic to who she is. That same authenticity shines through in her connection with James. Their awkward first meeting was so hilariously relatable that I could easily picture myself reacting the same way. It grounded their relationship in reality from the start, making it effortless to root for them as their romance unfolded. And then there is Genie—the kind of fiercely supportive best friend everyone deserves. Every single scene she graced had me laughing out loud, and her perfectly timed humor provided a beautiful balance to the book's more emotional moments. By the time I reached the final page, I realized I had just one lingering question, which only speaks to how deeply invested I became in these characters. While I understood why James left after getting upset, I was a bit unclear on what actually happened during his absence. Did he leave specifically to buy Chloe's gift, or did he just clear his head on a drive before turning back? If it was just a drive, why did he pack up his belongings? It is a minor detail that didn't detract from my overall enjoyment, but I would have loved a brief glimpse into his perspective to clear it up. Ultimately, The Christmas Yes List left me with a massive smile on my face. It is the quintessential cozy holiday romance that wraps you in warmth and leaves you wishing you could spend Christmas morning with the Hollis family.
I can't believe I haven't read this author yet with how many books she's written. Then I console myself by saying, well you can't try all the authors. I sure have fun trying though.
Grab your hot chocolate, cozy blanket and your pets, once you start this one you're not going to want to stop.
A cute and humorous rom com filled with Christmas joy.
Of all places to meet they met at the airport.
After reading a book on self-improvement she makes a pact with herself to learn how to stop being a people pleaser.
What started out as a game gets confusing when she assumes he's read the same book and is doing the same thing but learning how to say yes to things.
I loved the dialogue James and Chloe had, so much fun and humor in the story.
Great read.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Thanks to Netgalley for letting my read this book. It was a great Christmas story of Chloe trying to find herself and make her life right, starting with going back home. Then she ends up on the adventures of a lifetime which sounds wonderful! I love Christmas books and this one was perfect!
I love Melissa Ferguson’s books. They are always so delightfully unique. The Christmas Yes List is no exception. This book is FUN in the oddest of ways. I really enjoyed the premise: a woman with a problem saying “NO” to people strives to get ten “NO”s from perfect strangers. What could possibly go wrong?! This is where Ferguson’s comedic genius lies in this story — I laughed out loud basically throughout the whole story as Chloe maneuvers through strange stranger encounters desperate for loud, resounding “NO”s! In fact, I laughed so loud, I would stop reading, find my husband, and declare, “Listen to this!” Then I would read the passage and we would both be laughing hysterically. Personally, I found Chloe to be one of the most brave heroines I’ve ever read. To be so determined to fix what’s broken inside her that she purposely puts herself into the most outlandish situations makes Chloe one of the best characters ever. What this world would look like if we all had just a smidgen of Chloe’s tenacity to work on ourselves. James is also a wonderful character. My favorite thing about him is his ability to assess a situation. He is a pay-attention kind of hero and I love that so much! He is the perfect match to Chloe. When she goes manic, he goes calm. When she gets a little too neurotic, he gets calm. He’s one of the most soothing characters I’ve ever seen in a story. I love how he goes along with Chloe even when the ask seems certifiably crazy. I especially love how James sees Chloe’s heart before she ever gets there. He’s a really cool egg, and I cheered for him from page one. Out of everything this book has to offer its readers, I’d have to say my favorite part of this book is how realistic it is. Again, that’s another masterful aspect of Ferguson’s writing prowess. The issues Chloe deals with in this story, beyond the HOW she deals with them, are so relatable. No, I never went up to random strangers with goofy requests hoping they’d turn me down flat, but I have been that “YES-ALL-THE-TIME” girl. I know how painful it is to constantly be taken advantage of, but not see a way out of being taken advantage of. I know what it’s like to be used and left forgotten. I know what it’s like to have people say mean things couched in niceties about me to my face, and not know what to do. I have been Chloe, so cheering for her through the goofiness was super easy cause I also know what it’s like to get on the other side of those issues. It’s freeing in the best way. I wanted that for Chloe.
Man, The Christmas Yes List is an awesome read. I am so glad I had this opportunity to read such a fun and memorable story. If you need a story full of heart and depth, but also so funny you will laugh out loud, then this is the book for you. Run to your nearest library, bookstore, or online store to grab yourself a copy ASAP.
I received a copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Thomas Nelson Fiction, via NetGalley in order to review. I am under no obligation to leave a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Reviewer 1802581
Thank you so much to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC! I really enjoyed the world building, the characters, and the story!
What a fun read. I chose this book as part of the 2026 Camp NetGalley Badge.
I wanted a light hearted read, this had the rom-com feel with humor at times had me laughing out loud.
I will certainly be looking for more books by this author.
Reviewer 1958978
Chloe is headed back home to stay with her parents and try to recover from her people pleasing ways. Then she meets James, who has a reason to say yes to everything. Will these two opposites be able to make things work?
I thoroughly enjoyed my time in this book! This has the total Christmas romance movie feels, but also had me laughing out loud. I am so excited this is being turned into a movie! 🍿 🎬
Thank you Net Galley and Thomas Nelson for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC!
I love all things christmas and romances this book did not disappoint one bit.
I read this in one day. Then added all of Melissa Ferguson’s books to my TBR. This is my second read and second 5 star from her.
This book is definitely one of my favorite reads this year. I love Christmas and with it being in triple digits here I could use a little Christmas in July.
Chloe and James ❤️
This book has all my favorites
Christmas
A cute love story
Humor
Small town
Family
Loyal friends
Is it too soon to reread it?
Thanks NetGalley.
Such an adorable Christmas romance! Chloe is a complete people-pleaser who realizes she needs to learn how to say no and stand up for what she really wants. So this Christmas, she’s set herself a goal of earning ten rejections in order to practice discomfort (and hopefully, get better at saying no herself). But what she doesn’t expect is the handsome stranger at the airport who seems unable to say no to her most ridiculous requests. Soon she’s racking her brain for ways to get James to reject her, but he just keeps sweetly going along with her.
This is a funny holiday story with plenty of cozy small-town vibes. Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the ARC!