The Christmas Yes List by Melissa Ferguson: Review

I think a pretty good at reading through the lines when authors write their books. I’m tolerant of their intent, and I very rarely do not finish a book.

I always look for the good in things, and even when there are rare occasions I do not care for a story, I always try to balance everything for an overall feel of the story, including the author’s intent.

This book was not one of my favorites, to be honest. Is it entertaining? Absolutely. Is it humorous and lighthearted? Of course, it’s a Christmas story. For my full thought breakdown, check out my review below

The Christmas Yes List by Melissa Ferguson
Publisher: ‎ Thomas Nelson
Publication date: ‎ October 6, 2026
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1400356713

OVERVIEW:
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.

The Christmas Yes List by Melissa Ferguson Review

I got an inkling of how this story would be from the intro. The most important part of the book is to capture your readers’ attention, and I was a little shocked, to be honest. The author introduced us to the female lead character, and I didn’t like her.

She was mean, obnoxious, and annoying to other people. That was just the first encounter. We’re then introduced to the male lead character, who seems to be a very good and kind person at heart. He balanced the female lead positively.

Of course, throughout the story, we learn why she is the way she is and that she’s working to better herself. Kudos. She needs it. I found her exhausting in parts of the story.

The author treated us with the story, the descriptions, the experience of the location, and the wonderful Christmas events and activities. But beneath it all, we would see little pieces pop up where she was manipulative, and that is one thing I cannot stand in people or book characters.

We do get our happily ever after because James is a kind and forgiving soul. He is fun and goes along with pretty much anything for the experience. He definitely falls first, and that is really special.

Overall, The Christmas Yes List offers that beautiful Christmas romance we love, but for me, the downfall is the female lead and her treatment of other people, which did not make her a fan fave.

While this is written in a tongue-in-cheek manner, I hated the manipulative method the author chose to give Chloe. Her bff – also over the top. James was a victim and overly kind.

2.5 to 3 STARS!

Disclaimer: Affiliate Links have been included – Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest, and your opinions may differ.