Christmas at Mistletoe Lodge

Sweet Colorado Romance #1

by Amy Rafferty

A previous cover edition for this ASIN can be found here

Ever since Avery Hawthorn left small town Frisco, Colorado for college at UCLA, her parents have visited her in sunny California for the holidays. When a freak accident at her father’s hardware store derails their plans, Avery must find a way to spend Christmas with them. As a big fan of Christmas, Avery knew this wouldn’t do. She needed to see her family. But, there was one thing standing in the way of her taking time off… The chance for a big promotion at work. As luck would have it, Avery’s newest client sends her to the one place she hasn’t seen in twelve years - The Mistletoe Lodge. With her client willing to do anything for the property, they enlist Avery to sweet-talk the owners into selling. When Avery said goodbye to her charming hometown, she also said goodbye to a man she vowed never to see again. After a bumpy flight home, fate intervened, and she came face-to-face with ex-boyfriend Ryder Carlisle. Ryder’s family has owned the picturesque Mistletoe Lodge for generations. Nestled on the outskirts of Frisco, Colorado, the lodge is on the verge of shutting down for good, despite turning a profit last year. Ryder is determined to do all he can to keep the lodge’s doors open. With plans of expansion already in motion, Ryder knows it will take a miracle to keep a corporate hotel chain from buying up his beloved lodge. He never imagined they’d sent the one person he couldn’t say “no” to. Fall in love with Mistletoe Lodge this holiday season as Avery and Ryder find a way to put the past behind them in this feel-good second-chance romance.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Audiobook, Holiday

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 10, 2025

About the author

Amy Rafferty writes uplifting, clean romance filled with heart, healing, and the kind of hope that lingers long after the last page. Known for her coastal settings, later-in-life heroines, and unforgettable family bonds, Amy's books offer second chances and emotional journeys wrapped in love and mystery. When she’s not dreaming up her next story, she’s sipping tea by the sea and treasuring time with her family.

I always love to hear from you and get your feedback. Email me at books@amyraffertyauthor.com and Follow Me on Amazon. https://amazon.com/author/amyrafferty

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Reviews

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok this definitely needs to be on Hallmark!

[Lori Tremain · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wish editors or proof readers would help authors who have a decent story and make it better. There's a story, but it was painful to read. Thoughts were scrambled. Descriptions lost. Actions repeated. Story of Avery and Ryder, two lost lives. They were to be married 15 years ago. Brought back together in there home town when she is supposed to be reprsenting a merger for her perspective client. Secrets from the past and present cause more trouble right Sherman they find their way back to each other.

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This new-to-me author penned a delightful Christmas story. This story follows Avery and Ryder who were all set to marry when Avery was left at the alter. They now come together at Mistletoe Lodge where Avery is set to assist in a purchase of the lodge owned by Ryder's family, and where Ryder is now co-managing and rebuilding along with his sister and grandmother. Will heads clash or will sparks fly as Avery and Ryder once again assume things that aren't necessary correct?

I thoroughly enjoyed this Christmas story that is full of wonderful characters who are just everyday normal people who have the same problems, desires, and disappointments. The Christmas theme runs throughout the storyline, and the way the small town worked together through ups and downs both made this an easy to read, couldn't put it down book. So much so that I immediately started reading the second book in the series: New Years at Mistletoe Lodge.

[Laurie House · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet holiday read with all the typical scenarios of a "Hallmark" story.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This feel good Christmas romance is page-turning with exceptional characters and world-building that are realistic and intriguing. Their journey is enthralling with Christmas at Mistletoe Lodge, a blizzard, a Zamboni, a stuffed bunny, small town, a freak accident at Avery Hawthorn's father's hardware store that derails their plans for the holidays-her parents have always visited her in sunny California until now, she must find a way to come see them. There is one thing standing in her way though- the chance for a big promotion at work. As luck would have it, Avery's newest client sends her to the one place she hasn't seen in twelve years- The Mistletoe Lodge. With her client willing to do authoring for the property, they enlist Avery to sweet-talk the owners into selling. When Avery said goodbye to her charming hometown of Frisco, Colorado, she also said goodby to a man she vowed never too ee again. After a bumpy flight home, fate intervened, and she came face-to-face with ex-boyfriend Ryder Carlisle. Ryder's family has owned the picturesque Mistletoe Lodge for generations. Nestled on the outskirts of Frisco, Colorado, the lodge is on the verge of shutting down for good, despite turning a profit last year. Ryder is determined to do all he can to keep the lodge's doors open. With plans of expansion already in motion, Ryder knows it will take a miracle to keep a corporate hotel chain form being up his believed lodge. He never imagined they'd sent the one person he couldn't say "no" to. This is a heartwarming holiday season at Mistletoe Lodge in this second-chance romance that is full of adventure, drama, heartfelt emotions, sweet romance, action, adventure, the Christmas spirit, love, friendship, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with Christmas at Mistletoe Lodge in this clean sweet romance that is sure to have readers soaring high in this unforgettable Christmas romance that is consumed by magical adventures at the Mistletoe Lodge that are sure to take readers on an exhilarating roller coaster ride of emotions.

I received this book via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery Hawthorne left her hometown for college and a freak accident at her father's hardware store has Avery going back home for Christmas. She is asked by a client who wants to buy Mistletoe Lodge and she meets her ex-fiance' Ryder Carlisle. He is determined to keep the Lodge in his family. Avery is left to decide what was more important her relationship or promotion at work .It's a warm-hearted read with Avery relating to Ryder's eight year old daughter Rose. A very enjoyable read. I am on the ARC team and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I know that you’ll find your way back to each other because if your love is real and true, it always finds a way"

Avery was left at the altar - literally. She left Frisco for LA in her wedding dress, and she's never gone back to the point her parents come to her for the holidays.

However, due to a freak Zamboni accident (!) she's back in Frisco for Christmas... oh with a side order of " get your oldest friend to sell us their lodge and we'll give you a promotion " to go with it. And, wouldn't you know it, Emily's brother Ryder who is her business partner was the guy who left her at the wedding 12 years before....

On her plane ride to Colorado, she meets someone she thinks she remembers from her small town. The woman and her granddaughter are traveling back and the precocious child helps Avery not to be so jittery on the flight. She ends up accepting an offered ride when the shuttle and taxi stands are left empty. What a way to start a "working vacation".

Not only that, the hits just keep on coming as they get stuck in a bad snow and she ends up at...you guessed it, Mistletoe Lodge- her friend Emily's place. And, Rosie,the little girl, is Ryder's daughter. Can fate just leave her out of this?

This is Amy Rafferty's best work yet. The characters are well drawn and the story is marvelous. What happens is something you're going to have to read to find out. Make sure you have plenty of time because you won't want to stop reading until then end! Highly Recommended 5/5

[ Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily read and reviewed it]

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery left her home town in Colorado after being jilted on her wedding day by her childhood sweetheart Ryder and went to college and settled in California for the next 15 years were she worked finding struggling hotels for big corporations to invest in and upgrade.
Her parents run a store in her home town and she has to reluctantly visit one Christmas as her father injured his ankle and they couldn’t travel to her.
While she is there her boss asked her to check out a local small hotel called Mistletoe Lodge which is struggling for a client.
Avery befriends a little girl called Rosie on the flight travelling home with her great grandmother who offer her a lift back to her home town when she misses the bus.
Not to give too much away the snow means they only make it as far as Mistletoe Lodge which is now run by Ryder and his sister Emily and Rosie is Ryder’s daughter.
Let’s just say they all ends well and Avery and Ryder eventually marry after Avery manages to stop the big take over but not without a lot of drama.
Nice easy going book to read

[Glenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Amy’s books for a few years now and once again she has written a winner! It has all the “feels” from chuckles to belly laughs to tears to smack my forehead frustration as I followed Avery and Ryder struggle their way through their past and their future. Ryder’s family lodge is hanging by a thread and Avery has been sent to acquire it for a client. She wants to work a deal that will be the best for both parties but before she can confide in Ryder and his sister, Ellen, someone who wants to benefit himself interferes! Also a secret neither of them knew surfaces as to the reason Ryder walked out on her all those years ago. Will Avery be able to save the lodge, will she and Ryder get their second chance?
I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a review.

[Bernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A second chance romance
Avery is returning home to spend Christmas with her parents, after 15 years, but also with a project involving acquiring Mistletoe Lodge for a big corporation and promise of a promotion. Certain issues are clouding her thoughts and disappointment and subterfuge definitely a major concern because it is owned by her best friend's family, including her ex fiance who left her at the alter.
Ryder is no w widowed with a young daughter, trying to keep the Lodge afloat and restore its prosperity, but things are difficult. So far the family has refused to sell out, but concerted efforts combined with business issues don't help.
Some secrets are buried deep, but will come to light but it depends if this couple can actually make it second time around with all the baggage of their pasts. A feel good factor romance.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery was going home for Christmas for the first time in 15 years. Was she going home just to have a nice holiday with family and old friends, or was there more to it?

During her absence, Avery had been working for a merger and acquisitions company and was up for a big promotion. The one stipulation was landing the acquisition of her best friend and ex-fiancé’s family lodge for her client. Ryder did leave her at the altar, so, would this be payback, or something else?

There are many interesting twists and turns in this novel. Like always, Amy knows how to pique your interest and keep you reading until you’ve finished reading the entire book in one or two sittings. If you are looking for wholesome romance, this book is for you.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Left at the alter by her fiance, so she leaves Frisco and stays away for 15 years. Family incident brings her back, but unfortunately, she cannot reach them due to a snowstorm. So, she ends up at the Mistletoe Lodge, owned by her ex-fiancé and his sister. Wow, what challenges face her as she attempts to close a deal for her employer which would take away the Lodge from their family. Watching this saga reveal feelings she did not expect to resurface causes lots of angst. This read is another reason this author is so loved and followed. Each and every book she has written is so full of challenging situations, feelings that have been hidden, and love requited.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery Hawthorn left her hometown for college and her parents visited her every year. A freak accident at her father’s store has Avery going back home for Christmas. She is asked to work on the owner to sell Mistletoe Lodge and this was owned by her ex-fiancé Ryder Carlisle. He was determined to keep the Lodge in his family. Ryan had eight year old daughter who had befriended her on the plane. Avery has to decide what really mattered to her , the promotion or a second chance with Ryan. A very enjoyable read. I am on the ARC team and leave a honest review. I enjoyed this book and recommend it to other readers.

[Jan Tomalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic second chance story. After an incident at her parent’s hardware store, Avery decides to come home because they cannot visit her for Christmas. Fate would have it that the pass to Frisco was closed because of the snow, so she finds lodging at The Mistletoe Lodge which is owned by her ex-fiancé and his sister (also Avery’s BFF). Avery and Ryder deal with the past but there are twists and turns in the story and an uncertain future. This is a wonderful, page turning, engaging read. Highly recommend!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

[Pam Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun Christmas winter story. Avery returns home to conduct
Business when she learns a company is trying to acquire a hotel owned by her ex fiancé, his sister, and their family. Determined to come up with an alternative property Avery pitches in to help Ryder and Emily host the Christmas festival.

A freak Zamboni accident and heavy snowfalls cause havoc with the best of plans. Hurt feelings and past mistakes threaten to derail all the plans. Who conspired to break up Avery and Ryder? Can Avery find a new investment and save Mistletoe Lodge?

Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent feel good romance

This made me feel good at the role Avery was trying to accomplish at Mistletoe Lodge, saving a familt's legacy. But we know going in, this won't be an easy road... And it wasn't. But it was worth every tear I shed. Definitely gets you rooting for Avery and Ryker as a couple after fifteen years earlier both their mothers conspired to split them up the day of their wedding. And Avery ran away to a life living alone. That tid bit knawed at me because forcing someone into a life you choose is not fair. I'm glad this had a better ending this time around

[Ellen Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery is given the assignment to get Mistletoe Lodge for the Pembrook group. She has not been home since she was left at the altar fifteen years ago. Little does she know that Ryder is back in Frisco with his young daughter running the lodge with his sisters. All through the book there are many secrets that are revealed throughout. Loved when Avery and Ryder were stuck in the cottage during the snow storm. Also when they along with Emily and Hank had s’mores by the fire pit. Really liked Rosie and Priscilla.

[Marilyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avery left her hometown in Colorado after being stood up at the alter fifteen years ago. Now she has to return to see her parents and friends but doesn’t want to run into her ex Ryder. But her job will give her a promotion if she can get a family lodge/resort to sell to them. But it belongs to Ryder and Emily, her best friends family. She runs into them and things are awkward when she runs into them. They have plans to renovate but knows that a corporate wants it. What will happen? Will this be a second chance? I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a heartwarming, second chance Christmas romance! Avery Hawthorne and Ryder Carlisle had much to discuss when she came home to Colorado for Christmas. As they renewed their acquaintance things were going well…until they weren’t. But Christmas is a wonderful time of year to make amends and you’ll want to read to find out how things work out leading to a beautiful conclusion. The secondary characters were wonderful too. Enjoyed this captivating read from a new-to-me author which I listened to via audiobook with excellent narration!

[Jennifer Chappell · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐ I hate giving life ratings, but this was so cringe in so many ways. This could've been a predictable but cute book but it was painful. Everything was cliche and it hit almost every single point of conflict in the most disproportionately dramatic way. Events and feelings jumped around so much it felt disconnected, unnatural and totally unrelatable. Dialogue was robotic and surface and got whiplash going back and forth even in single conversations. It felt like it was written by AI. 😬 It has a lot of potential, but really needs a good editor.

[Alissha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love holiday romance books and this is definitely one I could not put down. Ryder and Avery have a past that brought them back together. She hadn't been back home in fifteen years and was heading there to spend Christmas with her parents. Due to a snow storm, she ended up at the lodge where Ryder now lived. If it weren't for Ryder's grandma, Priscilla, and daughter, Rosie, who planned to be on the same flight and right next to Avery, she would have never seen Ryder again. They go through a series of events that ends up with Ryder being mad at Avery, but in the end it all worked out!

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chances.

A heartwarming and beautiful story of second chances that I loved. I was totally captivated by the story and all the challenges faced by Avery and Ryder as they dealt the past. I highly recommend this book and all books by Amy Rafferty. She is a brilliant writer and story teller.

I read this book for free as part of an advanced reader team and am providing my honest opinion.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect holiday read packed with all the ingredients to make it the most heartwarming and uplifting second chance romance. This is an easy romance to fall in love with and I am ALL IN for Avery and Ryder to reconnect and rekindle. I love the Mistletoe Lodge setting and small town you wish you could be a part of. A wonderful Christmas book. I loved it! I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Craig Mathers · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful story about true love

This story is such a true love story you feel deep in your soul. You always hear that if you love something and you let it go if it is true love it will come back and this story is all about that. The love and support of family, forgiveness, and listening to each other to work through conflicts and get the real story is so important and you see this unfold throughout the whole book.

[Katherine Horvath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going Home!

Christmas at Mistletoe Lodge: It was a fun story and in a romantic atmospheres. She had been away for 12 years. She had to stay at the one place she didn't think she was ready to deal with it so.soon. Then she saw Ryker after all these and it was like never had left. She also found out what really happened all those years ago. She was not happy that the mothers were involved. I really enjoyed their story!

[Jeannine Wickliffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can love survive

Avery is going home to Colorado for the first time in 15 years and all is not as it seems. She knows that she will have to face Ryder and what happened between them. She will also have to figure out how she can accomplish her job and save Mistletoe Lodge. When she thinks everything is falling into place, and she and Ryder are finding their way, an unexpected obstacle appears. Can Avery and Ryder overcome so much?

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful Christmas theme read.
Avery, Ryder and Emily grew up the best of friends. Emily and Avery were inseparable. Ryder and Avery were in love, destined to be married, but fate had a different idea.
Avery hasn't been home in 15 years. Her heart was broken and she just couldn't go back.
Finally she decides to go back and in the process do a project for her company that involves Emily and Ryder's family business.
Avery coming home brings back all her memories, and while some were heart breaking, there were so many good ones too.
As Avery and Ryder reconnect they must deal with what happened 15 years ago.
This does have an HEA and also shows that if something was meant to be nothing will stand it its way and you'll find your way back.
Love this book.

[Mary Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!!

The characters and the storylines in this book are very engaging. Although I was pretty sure of how things would turn out, I still really enjoyed the time it took to get there. It was a perfect read for this time of year and I will be anxiously awAiting the next story.

[Cyndee Brown]

Yes, no, yes

Well written read celebrating Christmas. Friends from the beginning of childhood to adults. No one wants to be stood up at the alter. Learning to over come the worst day of your life and moving on. Only to come back right before the best holiday and celebrations all around. Great entertainment reading.

[Stephenee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by author, Amy Rafferty, but it won't be my last!! I am a sucker for Christmas books - I love the spirit they bring, the excitement for the holidays, the happily ever after's - they are just my happy place leading up to the big day. This one hit all of the marks for me and I have already downloaded the next two books in the series! I can't wait to jump right into them!