You Make It Feel Like Christmas

A Novel

By: Sophie Sullivan

Narrated by: Patti Murin

All bets are off when a single-minded photographer and a professional hockey player are forced to spend a week together on his sister's Christmas tree farm, perfect for fans of Jenny Holiday and Maggie Knox.

Maisie Smart has a don't-look-back policy—not on the choice she made to be a photographer (despite her family's wishes) and not on the one-night stand she had six months ago. Sleeping with someone she barely knew was out of character; sleeping with a professional hockey player who bolted the morning after is a whole new level of embarrassing. Getting invited to spend the week at Tickle Tree Farm with her family this Christmas is a sure way to fill her with holiday spirit. Until the universe throws a Grinch in her festive plans in the form of the one man she hoped to avoid.

Nick King is a mess. After a significant injury lands him on the bench for every game for the rest of the month, he has more time to dwell on the one night stand he can't get out of his head. With time on his hands, his anxiety hovering, and the holidays around the corner, he figures visiting his sister and nephew at their Christmas tree farm will be a good way to lie low and sort himself out. He's in for a surprise when it turns out Maisie is staying at his sister's and his attraction for her hasn't lessened one bit in the last six months. Apparently, neither has her anger at him for bailing. But Christmas is the time for second chances, and the forced proximity may help Nick and Maisie unwrap feelings neither of them can walk away from twice.

©2025 Sophie Sullivan (P)2025 Recorded Books

Super cute Holiday Story

This story is very sweet and cute with some good humor and Hallmark vibes, but a little added depth and complexity.

Patti is not to be slept on as a narrator. She is so very good at what she does, every character has a very distinct voice and she infuses all the emotion into every bit of the books she narrates

Very cute and hallmark-esque

I really enjoyed the story. It was very cute and simple. No third act break up just a little bit of long distance. Nothing too terribly toxic. I was expecting a little more spice. They do have sexual interactions, but you only get to hear about the lead up, the rest is fade to black. The book addresses some real family dynamics., Parents wanting too much from their children, dealing with panic attacks and anxiety, estranged parents, divorce. Very realistic and down to earth story I enjoyed it. I’m a sucker for those Hallmark/Netflix Christmas love stories and if you are too, you will enjoy this!

Just a delight!

This is by far my favorite holiday romance I’ve read this year!! There is so much heart in this one and I truly connect with Maisie as the main character. It is so difficult around the holidays to be with so many happy couples and I too fall into the category of the planner while everyone else enjoys their couples and families.

I love the element of showing up to your family Christmas only to realize the guy you had a one night stand with is there too! And he is so totally into her and we love that!! Add that extra element of a touch of hockey romance and I was completely sold.

This is for my sweet and cozy romance loves who just want to be seen this holiday! You deserve all the good things and to be celebrated for your wins too! 💕

I needed more Christmas romance!!

I liked it, but I didn't love it. I needed more of the Christmas romance less of the family drama, specifically Maise's mom. I loved the family aspect as that adds to the cozy Christmas vibes in a book, however when the woman continues to look down on her adult daughter it causes me to cringe. I want my Christmas books to be full of love, to be a comfort in a busy season, to feel cozy, and to have an uplifting family. I deal with the flip side enough in my own family and want to escape that when I read Christmas books. Sometimes I rooted for Maisie and Nick, but overall the lack of communication took me out. Maisie is good at giving Nick advice about his issues, but not following her own advice in her actual life.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Hallmark Movie Meets Spicy Hockey Romance

This book is like a spicy Hallmark movie with its small town Christmas tree farm setting, family Christmas competitions, and a second chance romance.

Nick is a professional hockey player recovering from a knee injury while struggling with anger & panic attacks as he navigates trade rumors, negative press, and the inevitable end to his career on the horizon.

Maisie, a dyslexic photographer from a high achieving family, never seems to meet her mother’s expectations for advanced degrees, marriage, and giving her parents something to brag about.

You Make It Feel Like Christmas was an enjoyable read, with all the holiday vibes, but also tackled some deeper issues including mental health and toxic parental relationships. I loved the strong bonds, unequivocal support, and loyalty that both Nick and Maisie had with their siblings. Found family is strong in this book. This book is a perfect blend of holiday romcom and hockey romance!