Confession time: I’ve watched over 1,000 Hallmark holiday movies. Every Countdown to Christmas special, every Miracles of Christmas marathon, even Christmas in July—I’ve seen them all. So, when I had the chance to read and review an advanced readers’ copy of “Christmas People” by Iva-Marie Palmer, a rom-com about a woman literally trapped inside a Hallmark movie, I knew I was in for something that was either completely brilliant or a complete disaster. (My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin!)

Thankfully, it’s the former.

We’ve all heard the jokes about Hallmark movies: they’re all the same formulaic fluff where big city meets small town, meet-cutes abound, hidden royalty lurks in suburbia, and love always wins. Are they predictable and corny? Absolutely. Cringe-worthy at times? Without question. But they can also be funny, cute, romantic, and genuinely heartfelt—and Palmer clearly understands this delicate balance.

The premise is deliciously meta: Jill Jacobs, a struggling screenwriter who fled her suburban Chicago hometown three years ago after her ex chose his dream chef job in New York over their relationship, finds herself reluctantly back home for the holidays. After one night, after far too much wine and far too little food, she wakes up trapped in what appears to be a live-action Hallmark movie starring everyone she knows—including her boy-next-door-who-got-away high school crush, Corey, and her ex, Grant.

Palmer’s writing is sharp, snappy, and smart. I laughed out loud more times than I can count, particularly at Jill’s increasingly desperate attempts to escape her Hallmark prison through every rude, raunchy, and inappropriate behavior she can muster. The author isn’t afraid to poke fun at the genre’s most ridiculous tropes while still delivering the warm, fuzzy feelings we secretly love about these stories.

But this book has a genuine heart. Jill’s journey isn’t just about escaping a cheesy movie plot—it’s about confronting the memories, mistakes, and regrets she’s been running from since leaving home. As much as she tries to hide and avoid her past, those very experiences may be exactly what pave her path to everything she’s ever wanted.

For fellow Hallmark devotees and skeptics alike, Christmas People is a delightful holiday treat that proves sometimes the most predictable stories can still surprise you. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself craving hot cocoa and checking your local bakery for suspiciously attractive owners afterward.

Perfect for readers who enjoyed “The Seven Year Slip” or anyone who needs a dose of holiday magic with a side of sass.