Small Business BookTok ARC Reviews: “The Christmas Cookie Wars” by Eliza Evans

Note: This ARC was given to me for free by the author and I am reviewing this book voluntarily.

’Tis the season for holiday baking and cheer! Things aren’t looking much like Christmas for Melody Monroe, however, as she fears her sons have lost the Christmas spirit after their father’s death, and the school’s Yuletide Cookie Club is thinking about shutting down due to disagreements in team-building. Determined to make this Christmas memorable for her sons, she takes leadership of the club and unintentionally starts a small-town bake-off. Can she pull off this seasonal event? Could this be what brings her family closer than ever? Furthermore, why is the school principal and her baking rival, Jonathan Braxton, suddenly making her heart rise like cookie dough in a baking oven?

After reading Eliza Evans’s debut book “The Christmas Café” last Christmas, I just knew that her future novels would become new holiday staples that I couldn’t miss out on! With her second book, “The Christmas Cookie Wars”, I was proven right! Eliza Evans’s writing and world-building have all the makings of the fun “Lifetime” and “Hallmark” holiday romance storylines we all know and love: a protagonist who overcomes grief and attempts to find the holiday spirit for herself and others, holiday treats and festivities, an irresistible rivals-turned-romance plot, and a dash of small-town hijinks! The chemistry between Melody and Jonathan, in particular, was truly entertaining to read and follow as Evans perfectly combines comedic banter with wholesome feels, and you can’t help but root for the two to have their holly-jolly happily-ever-after. I could go on about this book, but something tells me you need to check out this contemporary romance when it hits shelves on October 22, 2024, if you want to get in on this seasonal literary treat!

Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Meter: 1/5

What an adorable and sweet Christmas book!!! I loved it everything about it! The setting, the characters, and all of the baking. It was sweet, funny, and wholesome.

Christmas Cookie Wars by Eliza Evans is a light, festive read that captures the fun and chaos of small-town holiday traditions. The story centers around two rival bakers competing in a high-stakes cookie competition, and the premise is as sweet as it sounds. The holiday atmosphere is delightful, with plenty of warm, cozy moments and descriptions of mouthwatering treats.

However, the book feels somewhat predictable, with a plot that doesn’t venture far from familiar tropes. While the characters are charming, their development is limited, and the romantic subplot lacks the depth needed to make the connection truly engaging. The pacing is uneven, with some scenes feeling rushed while others drag.

I did really enjoy the behind the scenes look at a reality tv baking competition. I am not sure how realistic the author's take is but I found it interesting and added value to the book.

Overall, Christmas Cookie Wars is an enjoyable but forgettable holiday rom-com. It’s perfect for readers looking for a quick, festive escape, but it might not satisfy those hoping for something more substantial or unique.

Dnf @ 65% so counts as read. This was boring!

3.5 stars

Someone make this into a hallmark movie.

Melody is a widow raising energetic twin sons and running a successful fashion design business in a small mountain town. She manages it all successfully - even if the boys are late to school occasionally and their cookies are baked from store bought dough. When the school's Queen Bee mom who runs all the things quits the Cookie committee, Melody volunteers to keep the fun traditions going for the town, especially her kids. The hunky principal has reservations; she is the mom with the tardy kids and store bought cookies after all and he is the three time winner of the cookie contest.

With the help of her family, Melody gets all of the cookie events back on track. Along the way, there are some funny near-catastrophes, lots of holiday festivities in a town that loves its cookies, and a sweet love connection. Jonathan is the definition of a hidden cinnamon roll love interest.

I loved Melody's family and how close and supportive they are. The third act conflict was realistic and believable. I really liked how much grace and kindness Melody showed to the bullying types. She also has to navigate grief, keep memories of her husband alive for her children, and adjust to the boys growing up. How does that make Christmas look this year?

My only disappointment is that the advance reader copy didn't have the recipes because I want to make Jonathan's grandma's cookies.

Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for the advance reader copy. I am required by law to disclose this. #TheChristmasCookieWars #NetGalley