Ten Christmases Without You by Jenny Hale Review – A Heartfelt Holiday Romance #TenChristmasesWithoutYou #2025ChristmasReadingChallenge

Ten Christmases Without You follows Emmy as grief, romance, and newfound passion collide, leading her to rediscover her dreams and her heart.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and Libro.fm for the ALC of this audiobook. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Summary:

Emmy Brewer is facing her tenth Christmas without her mom, feeling stuck in a meaningless job and unsure of her direction, when her sister unexpectedly invites their former neighbour—and Emmy’s childhood crush—Charlie Russell to the family holiday. Their reunion sparks a series of annual Christmas encounters filled with awkward timing, humour, and tender moments that force Emmy to confront her choices and rediscover what she truly wants from life. As the years unfold, she must decide whether Charlie is the love she’s meant for or simply the spark she needed to find her own path.

My Thoughts:

Ten Christmases Without You is exactly the kind of heart-warming read I reach for during the holidays—a feel-good Christmas story about love, timing, and finding the courage to follow your heart. Emmy Brewer is still reeling a decade after losing her mom, and that grief has left her drifting through a job that doesn’t inspire her and a life that feels a little off-track. When her sister unexpectedly brings Charlie Russell—Emmy’s childhood crush and former neighbour—back into the mix at Christmas, Emmy is hardly thrilled. But that single moment sets off a chain of yearly holiday encounters filled with awkward timing, laughter, and genuine connection as Emmy slowly confronts what she wants for her future.

One of the most touching threads in the book is Emmy’s relationship with her mom’s legacy. Her mother was a gifted fashion designer who mysteriously stepped away from her career, leaving behind a beautiful design resource book and a lifetime of inspiration. Emmy has always admired her mom’s creativity but never had the confidence to pursue design herself. Watching her reconnect with that passion—especially through the encouragement and presence of Charlie—is such a satisfying journey. The slow-burn romance between Emmy and Charlie is wonderfully done; their growing closeness over the years feels earned, tender, and full of the kind of moments that make holiday romances so cozy.

The Narration:

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Emma Love, and it added an extra layer of warmth to the story. Her voice has a sweet, gentle quality that suits Emmy perfectly. If you enjoy audiobooks, I highly recommend this format.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, Ten Christmases Without You is a charming, uplifting read with a touch of mystery, a lot of heart, and a romance that feels as comforting as a cup of hot chocolate on a snowy day.