Debbie Macomber’s “The Perfect Christmas” Review: Heartwarming or Outdated?

The Perfect Christmas is a festive tale of love, laughter, and self-discovery, with a charming but slightly patriarchal storyline that reflects its 1998 origins.

Published: September 28, 2021 by MIRA.
Length: 232 pages.
Genre: Romance

Summary:

Cassie Beaumont, a 33-year-old determined to find her perfect match, turns to renowned and picky matchmaker Simon Dodson as a last resort. Despite finding him difficult and expensive, she’s shocked when he agrees to help—on one condition: she must complete three unusual tasks first. From being a charity bell-ringer to dressing as Santa’s elf and cooking a turkey dinner for her less-than-friendly neighbours, Cassie faces humorous challenges along the way. However, when she finally meets her match, she discovers love comes with unexpected and delightful surprises, much like the best Christmas gifts.

My Thoughts:

Cassie Beaumont is on a quest for true love, but after exhausting every avenue—blind dates, online dating, and even leaving things to chance—she decides to take a bold step. At thirty-three, she hires Simon Dodson, an exclusive (and rather pretentious) professional matchmaker, to find her perfect match. The catch? Cassie must complete three tasks before meeting her ideal man: ringing a charity bell at the mall, dressing as Santa’s elf, and hosting a traditional turkey dinner for her less-than-friendly neighbours.

Cassie’s adventures in these tasks are both comical and heartwarming. From her reluctant attempts to spread Christmas cheer to the inevitable mishaps, her journey of self-discovery is as entertaining as it is challenging. Simon, though razor-edged and overbearing, begins to reveal a more vulnerable side as they spend more time together. Slowly but surely, Cassie realises her feelings for him—but will he admit his own or stick to his professional boundaries?

While the book offers plenty of festive charm and humour, I found the premise a tad dated. Cassie’s desperation to find “the one” felt out of step with her otherwise independent and adventurous personality, perhaps a reflection of the book’s original 1998 publication. Simon’s character initially grated on me with his arrogance, though I did warm to him in the end.

What stands out in The Perfect Christmas is Cassie’s growth through the challenges she faces. Despite my reservations about the storyline’s somewhat patriarchal undertones, her determination and sense of humour kept me invested.