This was a delightful little gem which I thoroughly enjoyed. I loved the premise of swapping lives and how their lives became further intertwined. The romance element was lovely and the way it was told, as a story within a story, gave it more depth, intrigue and humour. I will definitely be reading more books by Debbie Macomber.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
I have read books by this author previously, and enjoyed the atmosphere she creates around a fairly simple, enjoyable romance. I loved the plot of this book, swapping lives for a week, the week before Christmas! It was, predictably, an eye-opener for Hank and Peter, and I really enjoyed the story she created. The Nativity play was the funniest ever, and this would make a lovely film. Definitely worth reading to get into the spirit of Christmas.

Who doesn’t love a festive rom-com! For lovers of The Holiday and Love Actually, Debbie has pulled it out of the bag, snuggle up in front of your fire this winter

You know you're in safe hands when you read a book by Debbie Macomber as you will be magically transported into the story with engaging characters, vivid descriptions and a great storyline - Debbie has done it again! This is a brilliant festive read and I'd highly recommend it.

The Christmas Spirit by Debbie Macomber wasn’t one of my favourite of her books. It took me awhile to get into the storyline which surprised me with this author as I usually love all her books. I just didn’t take to this book.

Very good heart warming Christmas community festive romance gets you booked from the beginning to the very end would recommend to anyone looking to relax before bed

This is a good book. I enjoyed the flow of the story, it had well rounded robust characters, a good dose of fun and romance and is a all round general good read.

You can count on Debbie Macomber for a Christmas romance - this book looked at a job swap between two unlikely suspects which resulted in a romance for those involved. It seems unlikely that a bar owner and a pastor could cope with each other's jobs but the results were both surprising and positive.

This is a quick and festive read that you're sure to enjoy.

A festive warm and wintery read….. Peter and Hank are lifelong friends, but when it comes to their jobs they couldn't be more different. Peter is a small-town pastor and is devoted to helping the community, while Hank runs the local pub and is never too far from a party. But this Christmas, everything is about to change . . .

Having never settled down, Peter and Hank believe their demanding jobs are keeping them from finding love. Convinced that the other has it easier, they hatch a plan to swap places the week before Christmas to put their theories to the test and find time for themselves.

But as Hank quickly becomes overwhelmed by nativity plans, and Peter struggles to control the rowdy festive pub-goers, they each begin to worry they're in over their heads. Luckily, church assistant Grace is on hand to help Hank navigate a church/life balance, and a young woman seeking shelter at the pub might be exactly what Peter needs to realise there's more than one way to help his community . . .

This Christmas, will Peter and Hank's stunt fall flat, or will it open their eyes to the possibility of love at last?

I loved this book - a fairy tale told by a grandmother to her grandchildren. I loved the fact that any kissy bits had to have a warning with the grandson. The ending and realisation of what she was talking about was beautiful.

This is a beautiful, quick read about how little things, and swapping a life for a week, can change everything - and how the cover of a book is not what you expect! I loved the redemption story that came out of this, and the characters are ones I would love to find out more about, from the bikers to the girls at Toy's.

Thanks for the ARC Netgalley!

A bit of disappointing read, luckily it's a really short book so got it read in an afternoon. It's very predictable and the plot is lacklustre. Pete, Hank and Millie are likeable characters but overall its quite a forgettable read.

One thing that is always guaranteed when reading one of Debbie Macomber’s Christmas stories is that you will be taken right into the heart of the festive spirit with an array of characters who come springing into life from the very beginning. The Christmas Spirit is no exception and the story comes across with all the warmth and humour we have come to associate with this lovely writer.

When life long friends Peter Armstrong and Hank Colfax swap roles in the lead up to Christmas it makes for interesting reading especially as Peter’s normal role is that of pastor in a small town, whilst Hank’s clientele are usually the ones who spend time in his bar. Each man is at a particular crossroads in life and each think that it is their lifestyle which is preventing them from finding a special someone to share their life with however, this lovely story shows that sometimes love is waiting when you least expect to find it.

The Christmas Spirit is a lovely, warm-hearted festive story which has all the right ingredients for a gentle escapist sort of read and is just a perfect pick-me-up in the run up to Christmas when life can get a little bit too hectic.

The Christmas Spirit by Debbie Macomber

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Sphere and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Peter Armstrong and Hank Colfax are best friends, but their lives couldn't be more different. Peter, the local pastor who is dedicated to his community, spending time visiting the flock, attending meetings, and, with the holiday season approaching, preparing for the Christmas service and live nativity. As a bartender, Hank serves a much different customer base at his family-owned tavern, including a handful of lonely regulars and the local biker gang.

When Peter scoffs that Hank has it easy compared to him, the two decide to switch jobs until Christmas Eve. To their surprise, the responsibilities of a bartender and a pastor are similar, but taking on the other's work is more difficult than either Peter or Hank expected. As the two begin to see each other in a new light--and each discovers a new love to cherish--their lives are forever changed.

My Opinion

This is a lovely, short festive novel. Peter and Hank both think that the other friend leads a much easier life - they are both about to find out just how wrong they can be. This is my second festive read by Debbie Macomber this year and both have been great - I really do need to read more of her books.

This was such a charming book to read, and so easy to finish in a few hours. A light-hearted read that is definitely worth your time.

Rating 4/5

Fantastic festive and feel good read by Debbie Macomber, full of great characters, community spirit, family and love . It’s got a wonderful Christmassy feel and thoroughly recommend

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Two friends trade places just before Christmas after teasing each other that the other has the easier life. The pastor takes on running a bar and Hank the bar owner attempts to minister to the congregation and help try to sort out the fundraising. An unlikely swap- but they both brought a fresh pair of eyes to their new role and managed to secure a new love interest each!
I loved the supporting characters in the book and the way they added so much to the overall story. You could imagine them in the bar and the christmas party.
I love Debbie Macombers writing style and this one would make the perfect christmas film for the festive season.

A wonderful festive tonic that is much needed.

Peter and Hank each think that the grass is greener on each other's side, so one night they agree to switch on the run up to Christmas. All is not as it seems and soon realise that all in not well in each other's lives.

It was a great piece of escapism, the right length for an rainy/wintery afternoon under a blanket with hot drink of choice.

Lovely festive read, with great characters and a real feel good feeling. Another Debbie winner. Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy

A Debbie Macomber book at Christmas is a tradition that I always love. A book I read on a miserable rainy Sunday. Nana is telling her grandchildren a story about a Christmas past. Best friends Pete and Hank both think the other has an easy time of it when it comes to their jobs. Pete is a pastor and Hank runs a bar.. Hank thinks all Pete does is turn up on Sunday and take a service and Pete doesn’t realise how hard Hank works when he really needs extra staff. With the help of Petes sister Grace Ann and waitress Millie the men come to realise the grass is t always greener but they bring some new ideas to each other’s jobs. With a huge sprinkling of Christmas spirit and romance this could be the best Christmas for all of them

An exceptional feel-good read by Debbie Macomber. A compelling story-line, and realistic characters with a christmassy setting.

What an apt title, as this is a book that embodies the true meaning of Christmas, and the Christmas spirit, and the story was told in such a way that also felt fitting for the season.

This is about best friends Peter the pastor and Hank the barman who each are convinced the other leads a much easier life than they claim to, and decide in the week before Christmas to swap places for a week.

And watching them attempt each others jobs and roles is fantastic too see, especially as it gives them both a chance of happiness in unlikely places, and able to cast new perspectives on so many situations.

There is a fabulous supporting cast of characters, who I enjoyed getting to know too.

My only slight problem with the book is due to there being a working pastor, and scenes set around the church, there is a bit too much bible and faith in it for my particular tastes and beliefs, or at least far more than I would ever expect to see in a book from this author.

In spite of that I loved the story and the messages it brings, in addition to finding it just a warm hearted and all around lovely read. It's another really cosy story from Debbie Macomber that I found to be a very quick to read book, and happily devoured it over the course of a day.

Thank you to Sphere and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.