Many thanks to Netgalley, and Ballantine for an E-ARC of THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT by Debbie Macomber. This book is scheduled to be published on October 18th, 2022. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

The Christmas Spirit was a quick and unrealistic book, just like a Hallmark movie. 

The book is about two lifelong friends, Hank and Pete. Hank owns a tavern and works as the bartender. Pete is a pastor at a local church, Both men feel overwhelmed by their jobs, especially during the December holiday season. They decide that their counterpart has the "easier" job. To prove it, they switch places the week before Christmas. Hank's eyes are opened to all that it entails to run a church while Pete witnesses all of the help the tavern clientele need. The job switch also introduces both men to new romantic partners (can it be a Christmas story without love?!), questions of faith and the idea of community. 

This story was a really fast read and I recommend it to reads who love Hallmark movies or Macomber's other holiday books. However, to me, the romance was SO far fetched. The enemies to lovers trope was completely unbelievable. Some of the stereotypes in this book (such as the strippers and bikers who frequent Hank's tavern) were cringe worthy at best and harmful at worst. 

Overall, I settled on three stars for this book.