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Faking Christmas
Laurel Grant is playing house for the holidays--complete with a fake husband and kids--in this delightful, cozy rom-com by Kerry Winfrey.
Laurel Grant works as the social media manager for Buckeye State of Mind, an Ohio tourism magazine and website. She is most definitely not an owner of a farm...but one tiny misunderstanding leads her boss, Gilbert, to think she owns her twin sister Holly's farm just outside of Columbus. Laurel only handles the social media for the farm, but she's happy to keep her little white lie going if it means not getting fired.
And keep it going she must when Gilbert, recently dumped by his wife, invites himself over for the farm's big holiday dinner (as advertised on Meadow Rise Farm's Instagram, thanks to Laurel herself). Laurel immediately goes into panic mode to figure out how she can trick Gilbert into thinking she's basically the Martha Stewart of rural Ohio and keep her job in the process.
Laurel and Holly come up with a plan--all Laurel has to do is pretend to own the farm for one dinner. But when Laurel shows up at the farm, an unwelcome guest is there: Max Beckett, her nemesis since Holly's wedding. The annoyingly attractive man she hates will be posing as Laurel's husband just for the evening, but when a snowstorm traps them all for the entire weekend, Laurel is going to have to figure out how to survive with her job and dignity intact. Whatever the case, this promises to be the most eventful Christmas in ages...
Laurel Grant works as the social media manager for Buckeye State of Mind, an Ohio tourism magazine and website. She is most definitely not an owner of a farm...but one tiny misunderstanding leads her boss, Gilbert, to think she owns her twin sister Holly's farm just outside of Columbus. Laurel only handles the social media for the farm, but she's happy to keep her little white lie going if it means not getting fired.
And keep it going she must when Gilbert, recently dumped by his wife, invites himself over for the farm's big holiday dinner (as advertised on Meadow Rise Farm's Instagram, thanks to Laurel herself). Laurel immediately goes into panic mode to figure out how she can trick Gilbert into thinking she's basically the Martha Stewart of rural Ohio and keep her job in the process.
Laurel and Holly come up with a plan--all Laurel has to do is pretend to own the farm for one dinner. But when Laurel shows up at the farm, an unwelcome guest is there: Max Beckett, her nemesis since Holly's wedding. The annoyingly attractive man she hates will be posing as Laurel's husband just for the evening, but when a snowstorm traps them all for the entire weekend, Laurel is going to have to figure out how to survive with her job and dignity intact. Whatever the case, this promises to be the most eventful Christmas in ages...
264 pages, Paperback
First published September 26, 2023
289 people are currently reading
15636 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Winfrey
7 books1,890 followersKerry Winfrey is the author of the adult romantic comedies WAITING FOR TOM HANKS, NOT LIKE THE MOVIES, VERY SINCERELY YOURS, and JUST ANOTHER LOVE SONG, as well as the teen romantic comedies LOVE AND OTHER ALIEN EXPERIENCES and THINGS JOLIE NEEDS TO DO BEFORE SHE BITES IT. She lives in Columbus, Ohio with her family. You can find her on Instagram @kerrywinfrey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,290 reviews
December 26, 2023
"I'm grateful you were my fake husband last year so you can be my real boyfriend this year."
✔️ Fake dating
✔️ Forced proximity
✔️ Snowed in
✔️ Grumpy x sunshine
✔️ Binge worthy
This was the best Christmas book I read this year and exactly what I was looking for. It was so full of laughter, chaos, fun and cheesiness 🤌🤌 It might seem very hallmark like but it's actually really well written.
I liked the chemistry between Max and Laurel was good but I was more invested in Laurel's character arc rather than the romance. Max was kind of forgettable even though he has his book boyfriend worthy moments. The mess Laurel made with her lies and the mess she made to cover it up was so hilarious. I loved it 😂 The character dynamics was so fun, they all got along so well.
I can see it not working for everyone but it's worth checking out, especially if you want some laughs and holiday vibes.
~•~•~
Probably my last Christmas read for the year. Here we go 😌
✔️ Fake dating
✔️ Forced proximity
✔️ Snowed in
✔️ Grumpy x sunshine
✔️ Binge worthy
This was the best Christmas book I read this year and exactly what I was looking for. It was so full of laughter, chaos, fun and cheesiness 🤌🤌 It might seem very hallmark like but it's actually really well written.
I liked the chemistry between Max and Laurel was good but I was more invested in Laurel's character arc rather than the romance. Max was kind of forgettable even though he has his book boyfriend worthy moments. The mess Laurel made with her lies and the mess she made to cover it up was so hilarious. I loved it 😂 The character dynamics was so fun, they all got along so well.
I can see it not working for everyone but it's worth checking out, especially if you want some laughs and holiday vibes.
~•~•~
Probably my last Christmas read for the year. Here we go 😌
December 5, 2023
DNF @ pg 174
I really want to dnf but it feels like a crime to dnf a christmas novel 😭 HELP-
I really want to dnf but it feels like a crime to dnf a christmas novel 😭 HELP-
November 21, 2023
You are warned: the cheese level is
🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀
Cute, endearing and very cheesy. Typical Hallmark Christmas movie in a book and I loved it! 🎄
The setting is perfect and idyllic and the characters are likable if a bit aloof. And there’s goats!!! 🐐
Very innocent bedroom references so you will definitely not be reading anything remotely graphic in this one.
There are a handful of scenes you’ll have to suspend belief in mostly regarding Laurel’s boss but it can be a little silly if you have fun with it.
My biggest complaint is the feud between Laurel and Max as I felt it could’ve dug a little deeper as it seemed a bit underdeveloped but otherwise their love story was cute.
If you look at this as a true fictional Christmas romance and not take it too seriously you’ll enjoy it as much as I did! Otherwise, you might want to give it a pass.
4 of those Christmas-filled ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Can’t wait for my next Christmas read! ❄️⛄️🎄
🧀🧀🧀🧀🧀
Cute, endearing and very cheesy. Typical Hallmark Christmas movie in a book and I loved it! 🎄
The setting is perfect and idyllic and the characters are likable if a bit aloof. And there’s goats!!! 🐐
Very innocent bedroom references so you will definitely not be reading anything remotely graphic in this one.
There are a handful of scenes you’ll have to suspend belief in mostly regarding Laurel’s boss but it can be a little silly if you have fun with it.
My biggest complaint is the feud between Laurel and Max as I felt it could’ve dug a little deeper as it seemed a bit underdeveloped but otherwise their love story was cute.
If you look at this as a true fictional Christmas romance and not take it too seriously you’ll enjoy it as much as I did! Otherwise, you might want to give it a pass.
4 of those Christmas-filled ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Can’t wait for my next Christmas read! ❄️⛄️🎄
June 11, 2023
This book brings out the inner happiness in everyone, awakening hopes and dreams while warming hearts. It puts a permanent smile on your face! You may even catch yourself slowly singing Mariah Carey's 'All I Want for Christmas,' testing your vocal cords. Flipping through the pages and diving into the story will make you feel cozy, as if you're snuggled up on your favorite couch, wrapped in your cherished blanket, surrounded by fluffy pillows. Sip on hot cocoa with marshmallows and savor homemade cookies as you indulge in this heartwarming tale, reminiscent of your favorite Christmas movie (my personal choice is always 'Die Hard,' but this book aligns more with the spirit of 'It's a Wonderful Life' or 'Miracle on 34th Street')."
My favorite tropes of fake marriage, enemies to lovers, and grumpy meets sunshine are executed perfectly in this book. The comedic moments had me laughing out loud more than I anticipated. Gilbert, Laurel's heartbroken boss, may be my favorite supporting character, and if this book were to be adapted into a Christmas movie (which it absolutely should), Will Ferrell would definitely come to mind as the ideal actor to portray him (he would nail it)."
Laurel Grant is our main character, adventurous, creative, and funny. She knows how to take risks and is an efficient storyteller. She works as a columnist and social media manager at Buckeye State of Mind, an Ohio tourism magazine and website. During her job interview, her boss mistakenly assumed she was a farmer, married with kids, even though she is single and lives in a two-bedroom apartment in the city with her roommate and best friend. Laurel didn't let this misunderstanding prevent her from landing the job of her dreams. Unfortunately, she never had the chance to correct the mistake, and writing a column about farm life from the perspective of her twin sister Holly, who is actually a farmer, married with children, doesn't help her case of coming clean either."
When Laurel's boss finds himself without a place to go on Christmas Eve after breaking up with his long-time wife, he ends up inviting himself to Laurel's sister's farmhouse."
Laurel has had a bad experience in the past after being dumped by her ex-boss, boyfriend, and former roommate, which completely disrupted her life. She has no intention of ruining her second chance in life and her flourishing career. The only way to get through this lie without getting caught is by faking it! Luckily, her sister is on board to help her. Laurel, who has no knowledge of farm life, such as milking and feeding goats or waking up at the crack of dawn for daily chores, and lacking special culinary skills, must now act like a professional farmer. Additionally, she must also play the role of a mother to her own nieces. But they aren't the most challenging part. Her sister arranges for her long-time nemesis, Max Beckett, to play the role of her fake husband!"
Though Laurel despises Max for something unforgivable he did during her sister's wedding, she reluctantly pretends to be happily married to him for just one night. It can't be that hard, right? But she didn't account for a snowstorm that leaves her boss, Gilbert, stuck with them for the entire Christmas holiday. Can Max and Laurel survive this beautiful holiday season without killing each other, especially as Max's extra curmudgeon demeanor and brutally honest comments push them into another Cold War?"
Overall, this book is absolutely enjoyable, sweet, and swoon-worthy. It's a must-read for the holiday season!"
I would like to express my sincere thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for providing me with a digital reviewer copy of this wonderful book in exchange for my honest thoughts. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to read and share my opinions on this heartwarming holiday read.
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My favorite tropes of fake marriage, enemies to lovers, and grumpy meets sunshine are executed perfectly in this book. The comedic moments had me laughing out loud more than I anticipated. Gilbert, Laurel's heartbroken boss, may be my favorite supporting character, and if this book were to be adapted into a Christmas movie (which it absolutely should), Will Ferrell would definitely come to mind as the ideal actor to portray him (he would nail it)."
Laurel Grant is our main character, adventurous, creative, and funny. She knows how to take risks and is an efficient storyteller. She works as a columnist and social media manager at Buckeye State of Mind, an Ohio tourism magazine and website. During her job interview, her boss mistakenly assumed she was a farmer, married with kids, even though she is single and lives in a two-bedroom apartment in the city with her roommate and best friend. Laurel didn't let this misunderstanding prevent her from landing the job of her dreams. Unfortunately, she never had the chance to correct the mistake, and writing a column about farm life from the perspective of her twin sister Holly, who is actually a farmer, married with children, doesn't help her case of coming clean either."
When Laurel's boss finds himself without a place to go on Christmas Eve after breaking up with his long-time wife, he ends up inviting himself to Laurel's sister's farmhouse."
Laurel has had a bad experience in the past after being dumped by her ex-boss, boyfriend, and former roommate, which completely disrupted her life. She has no intention of ruining her second chance in life and her flourishing career. The only way to get through this lie without getting caught is by faking it! Luckily, her sister is on board to help her. Laurel, who has no knowledge of farm life, such as milking and feeding goats or waking up at the crack of dawn for daily chores, and lacking special culinary skills, must now act like a professional farmer. Additionally, she must also play the role of a mother to her own nieces. But they aren't the most challenging part. Her sister arranges for her long-time nemesis, Max Beckett, to play the role of her fake husband!"
Though Laurel despises Max for something unforgivable he did during her sister's wedding, she reluctantly pretends to be happily married to him for just one night. It can't be that hard, right? But she didn't account for a snowstorm that leaves her boss, Gilbert, stuck with them for the entire Christmas holiday. Can Max and Laurel survive this beautiful holiday season without killing each other, especially as Max's extra curmudgeon demeanor and brutally honest comments push them into another Cold War?"
Overall, this book is absolutely enjoyable, sweet, and swoon-worthy. It's a must-read for the holiday season!"
I would like to express my sincere thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for providing me with a digital reviewer copy of this wonderful book in exchange for my honest thoughts. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to read and share my opinions on this heartwarming holiday read.
medium.com
December 20, 2023
This book was basically the 1945 film Christmas in Connecticut in a modern day book and I was here for it. When Laurel lies to her boss about living on a farm, married with children, when it's actually her twin sisters life and not her own. Years after her interview and well into the job, her boss suffers a traumatic breakup and invites himself to the holidays with Laurel. But now Laurel will work with her sister to uphold the lie, with some help from Laurel's nemesis: Max.
I enjoyed this book so much which is odd because I am not normally a big holiday romance fan. This book was short, sweet, and to the point with some great humor and shenanigans mixed in. I loved the enemies to lovers romance that happened along with some there's only one bed trope. I love when a misunderstood hero pines for the heroine and we got a nice dose of that in this book. I will say I was actually not happy that
If you're looking for a fun escapist read during the holiday season, this one will do the trick.
I enjoyed this book so much which is odd because I am not normally a big holiday romance fan. This book was short, sweet, and to the point with some great humor and shenanigans mixed in. I loved the enemies to lovers romance that happened along with some there's only one bed trope. I love when a misunderstood hero pines for the heroine and we got a nice dose of that in this book. I will say I was actually not happy that
If you're looking for a fun escapist read during the holiday season, this one will do the trick.
December 17, 2023
This book was made specifically for me and if you don’t get it that’s fine because it’s mine
September 18, 2023
3.5 stars
I love a good enemies to lovers romance and add in some fake dating, I was excited to read this book. Even though it's still a little early yet for a Christmas Romance, I thought why not and picked it up. It does feel a little off to read about the holiday when it's 80 degrees in Ohio, but it is what it is.
Laurel is a twin and is living a lie at work. Her boss thinks she is her twin sister, basically. She run's Holly's (sister) social media for her farm and when she writes articles about it she gets Holly's help. There is never an issue until said boss is alone for the holidays after a split and basically invites himself to Laurel's holiday tradition of Christmas Eve Eve.
This wouldn't be so catastrophic if it was just for the evening like it's supposed to be, but a snowstorm changes things. Max is Darius (Holly's husbands) best friend and is pretending to be Laurel's husband in this charade. It's funny at times, I never quite understood the miscommunication between these two that made them hate each other. It felt a bit underdeveloped in that part.
Overall it was fun and funny and if you're looking for a feel good chaotic Christmas book, this may just be the book for you!
I love a good enemies to lovers romance and add in some fake dating, I was excited to read this book. Even though it's still a little early yet for a Christmas Romance, I thought why not and picked it up. It does feel a little off to read about the holiday when it's 80 degrees in Ohio, but it is what it is.
Laurel is a twin and is living a lie at work. Her boss thinks she is her twin sister, basically. She run's Holly's (sister) social media for her farm and when she writes articles about it she gets Holly's help. There is never an issue until said boss is alone for the holidays after a split and basically invites himself to Laurel's holiday tradition of Christmas Eve Eve.
This wouldn't be so catastrophic if it was just for the evening like it's supposed to be, but a snowstorm changes things. Max is Darius (Holly's husbands) best friend and is pretending to be Laurel's husband in this charade. It's funny at times, I never quite understood the miscommunication between these two that made them hate each other. It felt a bit underdeveloped in that part.
Overall it was fun and funny and if you're looking for a feel good chaotic Christmas book, this may just be the book for you!
March 27, 2024
Faking Christmas by Kerry Winfrey is a contemporary romance novel that is set during the Christmas holiday season. The story in Faking Christmas is a mix of the old fake dating trope with an enemies to lovers tossed into it.
Laurel Grant works as a social media manager but she had to tell a little white lie to get the job… or possibly a big white lie depending on how you look at it. You see, Laurel is a twin and she’s borrowed her sister’s life to draw inspiration on leaving her boss to believe Laurel actually owns and operates a farm too.
Laurel’s lie doesn’t seem to be a problem until her boss invites himself to the farm for Christmas. Quickly Laurel coordinates a switch with her sister for the family dinner but the one thing her twin won’t share is her husband so in walks Max Beckett to take that job… the only problem Laurel doesn’t get along with Max so this will take a Christmas miracle to save her job.
When I saw Faking Christmas by Kerry Winfrey I did a double take and took a closer look since I have a soft spot for fake dating stories and usually love them. Thankfully I did decide to pick this one up as it was right up my alley with some great characters and a lot of laughs down on the farm. Enemies to lovers isn’t always up my alley but this one worked and I quickly flew through the pages soaking up the holiday shenanigans!
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Laurel Grant works as a social media manager but she had to tell a little white lie to get the job… or possibly a big white lie depending on how you look at it. You see, Laurel is a twin and she’s borrowed her sister’s life to draw inspiration on leaving her boss to believe Laurel actually owns and operates a farm too.
Laurel’s lie doesn’t seem to be a problem until her boss invites himself to the farm for Christmas. Quickly Laurel coordinates a switch with her sister for the family dinner but the one thing her twin won’t share is her husband so in walks Max Beckett to take that job… the only problem Laurel doesn’t get along with Max so this will take a Christmas miracle to save her job.
When I saw Faking Christmas by Kerry Winfrey I did a double take and took a closer look since I have a soft spot for fake dating stories and usually love them. Thankfully I did decide to pick this one up as it was right up my alley with some great characters and a lot of laughs down on the farm. Enemies to lovers isn’t always up my alley but this one worked and I quickly flew through the pages soaking up the holiday shenanigans!
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
December 25, 2023
Awww cuteness alert !! 🚨 How is this my first @kerrywinfrey book?? 🤷♀️ The inside of this book is just as cute as the cover!! 🥰
Who says they are the owner of a farm.. to get a social media job?? 🤔 Laurel Grant!! That is who!! 😂 It worked out really well…writing about her fake farm… fake kids …👨👩👧👦…fake husband… that is until her boss Gilbert invites himself to the farm 🐐 for Christmas.🎄 OH NO! 😳 OH yes Laurel.. you made this bed. 😂🤷♀️Let the FUN begin!! 😉
OMG first off… Laurel and I would be totally besties 👯♀️… I mean… we have SO much in common!!!
✅ We both say it’s game on for Christmas🎄 Halloween 🎃 at midnight.
✅ We both think Mariah Carey at Christmas is the queen 👸
✅ We LOVE Christmas music 🎶 Ummm see the reference Mariah Carey above ⬆️
✅ Drunk🍺 girl talk in bathrooms?? Sure in my 20’s😂🤷♀️
✅ Oh HELLO Ohio… lived their once upon a time… Go Bucks! 😉
I LOVED this book!! I want a boss that says he is a basic bitch! 😂 I loved the banter… the fake dating… aka fake marriage… enemies to lovers… Witty snarky banter!! Yess please!!
❤️❤️❤️ Is this on your TBR?? Do you have a favorite @kerrywinfrey book? What one should I read first?? ❤️❤️❤️
Who says they are the owner of a farm.. to get a social media job?? 🤔 Laurel Grant!! That is who!! 😂 It worked out really well…writing about her fake farm… fake kids …👨👩👧👦…fake husband… that is until her boss Gilbert invites himself to the farm 🐐 for Christmas.🎄 OH NO! 😳 OH yes Laurel.. you made this bed. 😂🤷♀️Let the FUN begin!! 😉
OMG first off… Laurel and I would be totally besties 👯♀️… I mean… we have SO much in common!!!
✅ We both say it’s game on for Christmas🎄 Halloween 🎃 at midnight.
✅ We both think Mariah Carey at Christmas is the queen 👸
✅ We LOVE Christmas music 🎶 Ummm see the reference Mariah Carey above ⬆️
✅ Drunk🍺 girl talk in bathrooms?? Sure in my 20’s😂🤷♀️
✅ Oh HELLO Ohio… lived their once upon a time… Go Bucks! 😉
I LOVED this book!! I want a boss that says he is a basic bitch! 😂 I loved the banter… the fake dating… aka fake marriage… enemies to lovers… Witty snarky banter!! Yess please!!
❤️❤️❤️ Is this on your TBR?? Do you have a favorite @kerrywinfrey book? What one should I read first?? ❤️❤️❤️
September 26, 2023
4.5⭐️ I became a instant fan of Kerry Winfrey’s after reading and loving Plot Twist, so needless to say, as soon as I saw she had a new Christmas romance coming out, I jumped at the chance to read it early. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
Not only does it have Winfrey’s standard romcom charm, it has a major dose of Christmas in Connecticut vibes (the Barbara Stanwyck holiday classic from 1945 that happens to be my favorite holiday movie). I loved the characters, the witty banter, the hijinks of playing pretend family, and all of wonderful holiday charm one can squeeze into a story.
If you are looking for a feel good Christmas romance, easy on the drama, heavy on the Hallmark, check this one out in either print or audio - both are fantastic.
ʀ ᴇ ᴀ ᴅ ɪ ғ ʏ ᴏ ᴜ ʟ ɪ ᴋ ᴇ :
😈enemies to lovers
💍fake marriage
👯♀️twin fun
🏠cozy settings
🏘️Hallmark movies
🎄Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
Thank you Berkley Romance and PRH Audio for the gift copies.
Not only does it have Winfrey’s standard romcom charm, it has a major dose of Christmas in Connecticut vibes (the Barbara Stanwyck holiday classic from 1945 that happens to be my favorite holiday movie). I loved the characters, the witty banter, the hijinks of playing pretend family, and all of wonderful holiday charm one can squeeze into a story.
If you are looking for a feel good Christmas romance, easy on the drama, heavy on the Hallmark, check this one out in either print or audio - both are fantastic.
ʀ ᴇ ᴀ ᴅ ɪ ғ ʏ ᴏ ᴜ ʟ ɪ ᴋ ᴇ :
😈enemies to lovers
💍fake marriage
👯♀️twin fun
🏠cozy settings
🏘️Hallmark movies
🎄Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
Thank you Berkley Romance and PRH Audio for the gift copies.
November 27, 2023
♬♪♬ IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIIIIIIIIIME OF THE YEEEEEEEAAAAAAR! ♬♪♬
About mid-July publishers begin offering up Christmas selections and much like the Pokemon – I gotta catch ‘em all. Having had much success with Kerry Winfrey previously, this was a no-brainer and I instantly accepted Berkley’s offer of a widget without even taking a glance at what this was about. I assumed from the title it would be a fake dating trope and dove right in on Sunday morning. To tell you the scream I scrummed when I realized this was a modernization of a very underrated holiday classic . . . .
Christmas In Connecticut was Hallmark holiday gooeyness before Hallmark movies were even a thing. The premise here is woman gets a job writing for a magazine as a Martha Stewart type – all about life on her goat farm and décor and fabulous food . . . . but really she only does the social media management and her sister actually owns the farm. All is well until the boss invites himself for Christmas Eve-Eve and Laurel has to fake it ‘til she makes it – complete with a pretend husband in the form of her brother-in-law’s bestie who she can’t stand.
When it comes to holiday romances, this was a winner.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
About mid-July publishers begin offering up Christmas selections and much like the Pokemon – I gotta catch ‘em all. Having had much success with Kerry Winfrey previously, this was a no-brainer and I instantly accepted Berkley’s offer of a widget without even taking a glance at what this was about. I assumed from the title it would be a fake dating trope and dove right in on Sunday morning. To tell you the scream I scrummed when I realized this was a modernization of a very underrated holiday classic . . . .
Christmas In Connecticut was Hallmark holiday gooeyness before Hallmark movies were even a thing. The premise here is woman gets a job writing for a magazine as a Martha Stewart type – all about life on her goat farm and décor and fabulous food . . . . but really she only does the social media management and her sister actually owns the farm. All is well until the boss invites himself for Christmas Eve-Eve and Laurel has to fake it ‘til she makes it – complete with a pretend husband in the form of her brother-in-law’s bestie who she can’t stand.
When it comes to holiday romances, this was a winner.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2023
3.5 stars- Quirky romcom without a lot of romance, mainly family and situational humor. Cute and entertaining.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stretching the truth for a job usually ends up not being the best idea. The author expands upon this idea during a crazy Christmas to remember.
With an interesting selection of characters snowbound for the Christmas holiday, you can imagine crazy things will start to happen when locked into a home for an excessive amount of time, especially with your boss there too!
The author shows creativity and a lot of humor, especially when incorporating the family dynamics into the group. Throw in a hot nemesis, and the dynamics get even more wacky.
One thing that was missing for me was I wanted more on the romantic side. I felt a lot of energy was placed on the family and situational issues, but hello, I’m here for the romance.
Overall, the story is fun and quirky. Faking Christmas is light on romance, but heavy with family and situational humor. Cute and entertaining rom-com you will enjoy.
~~~~~~~~~
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/faking-chris...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stretching the truth for a job usually ends up not being the best idea. The author expands upon this idea during a crazy Christmas to remember.
With an interesting selection of characters snowbound for the Christmas holiday, you can imagine crazy things will start to happen when locked into a home for an excessive amount of time, especially with your boss there too!
The author shows creativity and a lot of humor, especially when incorporating the family dynamics into the group. Throw in a hot nemesis, and the dynamics get even more wacky.
One thing that was missing for me was I wanted more on the romantic side. I felt a lot of energy was placed on the family and situational issues, but hello, I’m here for the romance.
Overall, the story is fun and quirky. Faking Christmas is light on romance, but heavy with family and situational humor. Cute and entertaining rom-com you will enjoy.
~~~~~~~~~
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/faking-chris...
December 6, 2024
This book was so FUN! I found myself laughing out loud a few times and I can definitely see this being turned into a Hallmark movie. The FMC was quirky but not in an annoying way. What frustrated me was her hatred for the MMC when she wouldn't let him explain himself.
August 14, 2024
Faking Christmas is a cute Christmas story, a retelling of Christmas in Connecticut. Laurel Grant works as the social media manager for Buckeye State of Mind, an Ohio tourism magazine and website. To get the job she shares the instagram page of Meadow Rise Farms, a business owned by her sister and her husband. She does their social media, but her new boss believes that she owns the farm. Over the time at the magazine, she writes several columns about the farm, as if she lives and works there. At Christmas, her boss is left alone when his wife leaves him and he invites himself to spend Christmas Eve with Laurel and her family. What ensues is humor, hijinks, and light hearted romp.
I enjoyed this story, especially seeing Laurel try to become Holly, who is a mother, wife, excellent cook, goat milker and more. The kids are so funny, and it is a hoot seeing Laurel pretend to be their mother and for the kids not to give it away. Luckily for Laurel, her brother-in-law's best friend, Max Beckett is there and he gives her a hand. There is a lot of tension between Max and Laurel due to a situation from their past, but once they talk about it, romance is on its way. This is a fun story of family, secrets, Christmas, relationships and more. The audiobook was narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya, and I enjoyed her performance. She does a nice job with the voices and her storytelling was wonderful.
I enjoyed this story, especially seeing Laurel try to become Holly, who is a mother, wife, excellent cook, goat milker and more. The kids are so funny, and it is a hoot seeing Laurel pretend to be their mother and for the kids not to give it away. Luckily for Laurel, her brother-in-law's best friend, Max Beckett is there and he gives her a hand. There is a lot of tension between Max and Laurel due to a situation from their past, but once they talk about it, romance is on its way. This is a fun story of family, secrets, Christmas, relationships and more. The audiobook was narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya, and I enjoyed her performance. She does a nice job with the voices and her storytelling was wonderful.
December 6, 2023
A cute Christmas rom-com with plenty of awkward moments and light hearted humor. I liked the message of being your true self, and the importance of family.
October 21, 2023
I cannot stand Laurel (FMC). Hard to enjoy a book when I kept disliking the main character more and more.
November 2, 2023
This was a cute enemies to lovers fake Christmas romcom perfect for fans of the classic 90s holiday movie, Christmas in Connecticut, that sees Laurel bringing her boss home to her twin sister, Holly's farm and pretending her family and farm are hers. The hitch, her 'husband' is actually her brother-in-law , Max and not only is he a grinch about Christmas, he's also hated her forever.
Lots of misunderstandings and a classic only one bed scene abound in this one. While it was never stated, I felt like Laurel had ADHD as she struggled with feeling that people considered her to be 'too much' all her life. A bit over the top at times but still mostly fun and good on audio narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
Steam level: kissing only
Lots of misunderstandings and a classic only one bed scene abound in this one. While it was never stated, I felt like Laurel had ADHD as she struggled with feeling that people considered her to be 'too much' all her life. A bit over the top at times but still mostly fun and good on audio narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
Steam level: kissing only
October 14, 2023
Loosely based on the old Hollywood classic, Christmas in Connecticut, Faking Christmas was a fun romantic comedy (yes, I laughed out loud plenty of times!) glittered with some of the best tropes: fake marriage, enemies to lovers, only one bed.
I followed along with the audiobook which I highly recommend. This book was a quick read. It was joyful. It was actually Christmas and not just marketed as such.
Interview to come on The Categorically Romance podcast with Kerry.
I adored this book!
I followed along with the audiobook which I highly recommend. This book was a quick read. It was joyful. It was actually Christmas and not just marketed as such.
Interview to come on The Categorically Romance podcast with Kerry.
I adored this book!
September 30, 2023
Faking Christmas is lighthearted women’s fiction with sides of humor and romance and loosely based on Christmas in Connecticut.
Laurel works as the social media manager for an Ohio tourism magazine and website. She often writes about her sister’s instragram-worthy farm. Her boss thinks it’s her farm (she doesn’t correct him) and invites himself for Christmas so he can experience the setting and traditions. Laurel panics because she fears she might lose her job if she tells him the truth. She sets out to trick her boss into thinking she’s the Martha Stewart of rural life. Things become complicated when a man (she dislikes) is chosen by her sister to play the role of husband. More complications arise when they are snowed in the entire weekend of Christmas Eve. If you are familiar with the classic movie, Christmas in Connecticut, this is a loose retelling.
To pull off the ruse, things get hilariously out of hand and silliness abounds as Laurel attempts farm chores, cooking, and taking care of her sister’s children. If you are looking for a lighthearted romcom, you might enjoy Faking Christmas.
Laurel is creative, able to take risks, sympathic, and is clever and funny. However, she’s not so adept at clearing up this misunderstanding. Will she lose her job as a consequence of the Christmas shennanigans?
Entertaining (and predictable) tropes include fake marriage, enemies to lovers, and grumpy meets sunshine.
If you enjoy light women’s fiction with a Christmas setting and generous sides of humor, pick up a copy of Faking Christmas this season.
Thanks #NetGalley @BerkleyPub for a complimentary e ARC of #FakingChristmas upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.ReadingLadies.com where this review was first published.
Laurel works as the social media manager for an Ohio tourism magazine and website. She often writes about her sister’s instragram-worthy farm. Her boss thinks it’s her farm (she doesn’t correct him) and invites himself for Christmas so he can experience the setting and traditions. Laurel panics because she fears she might lose her job if she tells him the truth. She sets out to trick her boss into thinking she’s the Martha Stewart of rural life. Things become complicated when a man (she dislikes) is chosen by her sister to play the role of husband. More complications arise when they are snowed in the entire weekend of Christmas Eve. If you are familiar with the classic movie, Christmas in Connecticut, this is a loose retelling.
To pull off the ruse, things get hilariously out of hand and silliness abounds as Laurel attempts farm chores, cooking, and taking care of her sister’s children. If you are looking for a lighthearted romcom, you might enjoy Faking Christmas.
Laurel is creative, able to take risks, sympathic, and is clever and funny. However, she’s not so adept at clearing up this misunderstanding. Will she lose her job as a consequence of the Christmas shennanigans?
Entertaining (and predictable) tropes include fake marriage, enemies to lovers, and grumpy meets sunshine.
If you enjoy light women’s fiction with a Christmas setting and generous sides of humor, pick up a copy of Faking Christmas this season.
Thanks #NetGalley @BerkleyPub for a complimentary e ARC of #FakingChristmas upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.ReadingLadies.com where this review was first published.
December 19, 2025
gosh dang this was fun
November 9, 2023
3.5 Stars!
It's officially Christmas time!
This book is a cute little Hallmark like book about a zany woman who needs to pretend to run her sister's farm for Christmas because her boss ( who invited himself to Christmas Eve Eve) thinks she's married with children and she doesn't want to get fired. Her worst enemy is enlisted to play her husband and hilarity ensues.
I liked our main character Laurel, I liked the vibes, I liked her boss Gilbert and I liked her sister Holly, Holly's husband and kids.....the love interest tho...he had no personality and I don't even remember his name. I think Laurel and Gilbert would have made a more fun couple.
But i don't read Christmas books for the romance..I read them for the vibes. So if you love Christmasy vibes, I think you'll enjoy Faking Christmas. If you want romance??? You might still like this, I've found that most Romances have very generic male love interest and people swoon so....I don't know.
I liked it!!
It's officially Christmas time!
This book is a cute little Hallmark like book about a zany woman who needs to pretend to run her sister's farm for Christmas because her boss ( who invited himself to Christmas Eve Eve) thinks she's married with children and she doesn't want to get fired. Her worst enemy is enlisted to play her husband and hilarity ensues.
I liked our main character Laurel, I liked the vibes, I liked her boss Gilbert and I liked her sister Holly, Holly's husband and kids.....the love interest tho...he had no personality and I don't even remember his name. I think Laurel and Gilbert would have made a more fun couple.
But i don't read Christmas books for the romance..I read them for the vibes. So if you love Christmasy vibes, I think you'll enjoy Faking Christmas. If you want romance??? You might still like this, I've found that most Romances have very generic male love interest and people swoon so....I don't know.
I liked it!!
November 29, 2023
3.5 stars! Fun but i thought laurel was way too mean sometimes and Max deserved a break.
August 29, 2023
I always enjoy Kerry Winfrey's rom-coms and her upcoming holiday novel, Faking Christmas, is so adorable and fun the whole way through. It has a lot of cozy Christmas feels and a slow burn enemies-to-lovers plot.
I liked the setup of the story and enjoyed getting to know Laurel and Max throughout. I got frustrated with Laurel for not giving Max a chance to explain himself, as he didn't even know he did anything wrong until she brought it up. I liked the family dynamic in the story. Laurel and Holly were a great pair of twins and it was fun watching them interact. I also loved Darius and the kids. And, of course, their dog. There were a lot of funny and sweet moments throughout.
While I had a feeling Laurel's fake life would bite her in the behind eventually, I felt it happened too close to the end and the conflict was quickly resolved as a result. This didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story, but I wish there had been more time to ride it out a bit.
I enjoyed this light and entertaining story and I know you will too! It hits shelves in late September, so queue it up soon for your winter holiday TBR. You're in for a treat!
Movie casting suggestions:
I liked the setup of the story and enjoyed getting to know Laurel and Max throughout. I got frustrated with Laurel for not giving Max a chance to explain himself, as he didn't even know he did anything wrong until she brought it up. I liked the family dynamic in the story. Laurel and Holly were a great pair of twins and it was fun watching them interact. I also loved Darius and the kids. And, of course, their dog. There were a lot of funny and sweet moments throughout.
While I had a feeling Laurel's fake life would bite her in the behind eventually, I felt it happened too close to the end and the conflict was quickly resolved as a result. This didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story, but I wish there had been more time to ride it out a bit.
I enjoyed this light and entertaining story and I know you will too! It hits shelves in late September, so queue it up soon for your winter holiday TBR. You're in for a treat!
Movie casting suggestions:
Laurel/Holly: Emma Roberts
Max: Skylar Astin
Darius: Kendrick Sampson
Gilbert: David Arquette
Doug: Dylan Arnold
Max: Skylar Astin
Darius: Kendrick Sampson
Gilbert: David Arquette
Doug: Dylan Arnold
September 30, 2023
2.5 stars. This book had the potential to be really good but the execution was lacking.
When it comes to Christmas-themed books, I welcome a little extra cheesiness and can overlook some things that would normally bother me in traditional books. However, there was just so much that didn’t work for me, I couldn’t look past it.
Laurel lied during an interview to get a job - not great but okay. When her boss invites himself to “her home” for the holiday, Laurel’s lies create a big mess. I think the author was trying to create some funny mishaps forcing the MC to work together with her nemesis (who was pretending to be her husband) to keep up her lies but I didn’t find them all that funny.
There was so much time spent breaking down what a mess Laurel is, it was very repetitive and boring after a while. I struggle every time an author writes the main character being this messy, clumsy, unlucky, etc.
My two biggest issues with this book involve the relationship between Laurel and Max. I hate the miscommunication trope more than anything else. And Max attempted to explain himself multiple times but she wouldn’t listen to him until we’re 75% of the way through the book. There are plenty of other ways to create an enemy to lovers story without including lack of communication. That issue leads right into the lack of chemistry between Max and Laurel. I didn’t believe any of the interactions between them. There were a couple of sweet moments but overall, the romance fell very short. I just wanted more from this book than what I got.
When it comes to Christmas-themed books, I welcome a little extra cheesiness and can overlook some things that would normally bother me in traditional books. However, there was just so much that didn’t work for me, I couldn’t look past it.
Laurel lied during an interview to get a job - not great but okay. When her boss invites himself to “her home” for the holiday, Laurel’s lies create a big mess. I think the author was trying to create some funny mishaps forcing the MC to work together with her nemesis (who was pretending to be her husband) to keep up her lies but I didn’t find them all that funny.
There was so much time spent breaking down what a mess Laurel is, it was very repetitive and boring after a while. I struggle every time an author writes the main character being this messy, clumsy, unlucky, etc.
My two biggest issues with this book involve the relationship between Laurel and Max. I hate the miscommunication trope more than anything else. And Max attempted to explain himself multiple times but she wouldn’t listen to him until we’re 75% of the way through the book. There are plenty of other ways to create an enemy to lovers story without including lack of communication. That issue leads right into the lack of chemistry between Max and Laurel. I didn’t believe any of the interactions between them. There were a couple of sweet moments but overall, the romance fell very short. I just wanted more from this book than what I got.
August 4, 2023
There is nothing more delightful than a farmstead Christmas. If you're looking for a super cheery, festive romance, give this one a try!
Laurel Grant is a social media manager for a tourism magazine and website—a job she only received because of a misunderstanding in her interview. When her boss unexpectedly invites himself to her family holiday dinner, Laurel is in a scramble to maintain her white lie. Meaning she now must pretend to own a farm with her fake-husband Max Beckett, the man she hates most!
And naturally, things spiral out of control. The story is definitely quirky. A little too much silliness for me at times, but overall it was enjoyable! Seeing Laurel, a woman with no farm experience, attempt to maintain her over-the-top ruse was quite funny.
As for the romance, it was cute, but with one specific moment in the past being the reason for their animosity, I became a little frustrated with Laurel not allowing Max to simply explain himself. It's a sweet ending, though!
(heat level: kissing only)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Laurel Grant is a social media manager for a tourism magazine and website—a job she only received because of a misunderstanding in her interview. When her boss unexpectedly invites himself to her family holiday dinner, Laurel is in a scramble to maintain her white lie. Meaning she now must pretend to own a farm with her fake-husband Max Beckett, the man she hates most!
And naturally, things spiral out of control. The story is definitely quirky. A little too much silliness for me at times, but overall it was enjoyable! Seeing Laurel, a woman with no farm experience, attempt to maintain her over-the-top ruse was quite funny.
As for the romance, it was cute, but with one specific moment in the past being the reason for their animosity, I became a little frustrated with Laurel not allowing Max to simply explain himself. It's a sweet ending, though!
(heat level: kissing only)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 2, 2023
"But you need to look up. It's a beautiful view you'll want to remember." There's a slight pause, and then Max says, "I'm already looking at something I want to remember, and trust me, I can't think of a more beautiful view."
As someone who came out of the womb loving christmas….you ✨ need ✨ this book! If you’re buying one 2023 Christmas story, make it FAKING CHRISTMAS. It is the power of Christmas, Mariah Carey, and Hallmark movies all mixed together. Guaranteed rotfl and swooning!
🎄 THINGS AND STUFF 🎄
-the poptart budget
-twin sisters, husbands best friend
-hate at first sight
-christmas eve eve dinner
-opposites attract
-parson brown ⛄️
-fake marriage
-there’s only one room
-the lego lair
-grumpy x sunshine
-pound sign couple goals
-tom hanks is an american treasure
-holiday traditions
-oh, no you’re wounded! let me carry you.
-#IsThisAKissingBook: closed door. "What happened out there in the barn?"
"None of your business," I say quickly at the same time that Max says, "We kissed."
Thank you Berkley Romance for the free book! #berkleypartner
As someone who came out of the womb loving christmas….you ✨ need ✨ this book! If you’re buying one 2023 Christmas story, make it FAKING CHRISTMAS. It is the power of Christmas, Mariah Carey, and Hallmark movies all mixed together. Guaranteed rotfl and swooning!
🎄 THINGS AND STUFF 🎄
-the poptart budget
-twin sisters, husbands best friend
-hate at first sight
-christmas eve eve dinner
-opposites attract
-parson brown ⛄️
-fake marriage
-there’s only one room
-the lego lair
-grumpy x sunshine
-pound sign couple goals
-tom hanks is an american treasure
-holiday traditions
-oh, no you’re wounded! let me carry you.
-#IsThisAKissingBook: closed door. "What happened out there in the barn?"
"None of your business," I say quickly at the same time that Max says, "We kissed."
Thank you Berkley Romance for the free book! #berkleypartner
September 25, 2023
❄️ 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗜 ❄️
𝗙𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀
𝗞𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗲𝘆
𝟵/𝟮𝟲/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (I was torn between 3.5 or 4 stars on this one)
✨FOLLOW ME ON BOOKSTAGRAM ✨
•Romantic comedy
•Enemies to lovers
•Fake marriage
•Out-of-office workplace vibes
•Closed door
Laurel is a columnist and was hired on under the incorrect assumption that she's #marriedwithkids and living the #farmlife. Desperate for the job, she goes along with it. 😬 Though when her boss comes to Christmas Eve Eve dinner, she must play house at her twin's farm to pull off the charade... and her long-time enemy, Max, is there to play husband.
Faking Christmas is a quintessential Christmas romantic comedy. A tad cheesy at times, but wholly bingeable with all the cozy holiday vibes. It reminded me a lot of a made-for-TV Christmas movie. And while some parts were a bit unrealistic, I enjoyed it overall, especially thanks to the narration of Jennifer Jill Araya.
If you're in the mood for a light, easy read to put you in the holiday spirit, I recommend Faking Christmas.
📌 Out tomorrow!
Thanks to Berkley Romance & PRHaudio for my gifted copies ❤️
𝗙𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀
𝗞𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗲𝘆
𝟵/𝟮𝟲/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (I was torn between 3.5 or 4 stars on this one)
✨FOLLOW ME ON BOOKSTAGRAM ✨
•Romantic comedy
•Enemies to lovers
•Fake marriage
•Out-of-office workplace vibes
•Closed door
Laurel is a columnist and was hired on under the incorrect assumption that she's #marriedwithkids and living the #farmlife. Desperate for the job, she goes along with it. 😬 Though when her boss comes to Christmas Eve Eve dinner, she must play house at her twin's farm to pull off the charade... and her long-time enemy, Max, is there to play husband.
Faking Christmas is a quintessential Christmas romantic comedy. A tad cheesy at times, but wholly bingeable with all the cozy holiday vibes. It reminded me a lot of a made-for-TV Christmas movie. And while some parts were a bit unrealistic, I enjoyed it overall, especially thanks to the narration of Jennifer Jill Araya.
If you're in the mood for a light, easy read to put you in the holiday spirit, I recommend Faking Christmas.
📌 Out tomorrow!
Thanks to Berkley Romance & PRHaudio for my gifted copies ❤️
November 18, 2024
Holiday Romance
Publication Date: September 26, 2023
I'm not much into characters who are lying, misleading, or otherwise distorting the truth. The way Laurel (33) was trying to pull off the scam of the year by convincing her boss Gilbert that she was married, mother of two children, took care of the farm and she was a wonderful cook on top of that...well, nothing of that was real! Hm, makes you think how easily we can be fooled by what we see in the social media.
Laurel was far from perfect but I could understand that NOT getting fired and becoming jobless again was scary option for her, especially considering how her previous jobs ended and what a crappy taste she had on men.
Laurel was a mess. She was good at things that weren't very useful and she hadbad terrible taste in man! But I liked that she was working on her low self-esteem, her loneliness and terrible taste in men. Perhaps her fake husband Max would be much better choice although they have been sworn enemies since her twin sister Holly married Max's best friend...
Overall delightful and cozy rom-com to read for the holidays!
Publication Date: September 26, 2023
I'm not much into characters who are lying, misleading, or otherwise distorting the truth. The way Laurel (33) was trying to pull off the scam of the year by convincing her boss Gilbert that she was married, mother of two children, took care of the farm and she was a wonderful cook on top of that...well, nothing of that was real! Hm, makes you think how easily we can be fooled by what we see in the social media.
Laurel was far from perfect but I could understand that NOT getting fired and becoming jobless again was scary option for her, especially considering how her previous jobs ended and what a crappy taste she had on men.
Laurel was a mess. She was good at things that weren't very useful and she had
Overall delightful and cozy rom-com to read for the holidays!
September 26, 2023
Faking Christmas
by Kerry Winfrey
Pub Date: 26 Sep 2023
Berkley Publishing Group, Berkley
Romance
Rating: 4/5
A humorous Christmas tale, Kerry Winfrey's Faking Christmas is sure to make you smile. Sweet and entertaining, it plays out like a Hallmark holiday movie. It's a perfect Christmas gift or read, filled with heartwarming and lighthearted moments.
Laurel Grant, a single woman who manages social media for Buckeye State of Mind magazine and website, writes an online column about living on a farm. In her stories, she discusses the unique challenges and joys of living in rural Ohio. But what Laurel does not disclose is that her insight comes from her married twin sister Holly, not from herself. Laurel lives in a small apartment in the city, a far cry from the idyllic life she paints in her column. Keeping her boss Gilbert from finding out about this lie is essential to her job security.
Gilbert, however, unexpectedly invites himself to Laurel's farm for the traditional Yuletide celebration when his wife leaves him three days before Christmas. Unwilling to let Gilbert spend the holiday alone, Laurel embraces the unanticipated holiday guest in the family celebration. Gilbert finds solace in the fun and festivities, but his presence brings an unforeseen challenge for the host and her sister when Laurel must switch roles with Holly to keep her lie from being exposed. In a desperate measure Holly calls upon a family friend, Max, to fill the pretend role of Laurel's husband. In light of Max and Laurel's longstanding rivalry, this ruse might prove challenging.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for sharing this novel with me. Family warmth and joy linger throughout the plot. For those looking for a wholesome and fun-filled book, this is a recommended read.
by Kerry Winfrey
Pub Date: 26 Sep 2023
Berkley Publishing Group, Berkley
Romance
Rating: 4/5
A humorous Christmas tale, Kerry Winfrey's Faking Christmas is sure to make you smile. Sweet and entertaining, it plays out like a Hallmark holiday movie. It's a perfect Christmas gift or read, filled with heartwarming and lighthearted moments.
Laurel Grant, a single woman who manages social media for Buckeye State of Mind magazine and website, writes an online column about living on a farm. In her stories, she discusses the unique challenges and joys of living in rural Ohio. But what Laurel does not disclose is that her insight comes from her married twin sister Holly, not from herself. Laurel lives in a small apartment in the city, a far cry from the idyllic life she paints in her column. Keeping her boss Gilbert from finding out about this lie is essential to her job security.
Gilbert, however, unexpectedly invites himself to Laurel's farm for the traditional Yuletide celebration when his wife leaves him three days before Christmas. Unwilling to let Gilbert spend the holiday alone, Laurel embraces the unanticipated holiday guest in the family celebration. Gilbert finds solace in the fun and festivities, but his presence brings an unforeseen challenge for the host and her sister when Laurel must switch roles with Holly to keep her lie from being exposed. In a desperate measure Holly calls upon a family friend, Max, to fill the pretend role of Laurel's husband. In light of Max and Laurel's longstanding rivalry, this ruse might prove challenging.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for sharing this novel with me. Family warmth and joy linger throughout the plot. For those looking for a wholesome and fun-filled book, this is a recommended read.
September 8, 2023
First, I have throughly enjoyed this author, and own copies of her previous work.
Faking Christmas features Laurel, a "spur of the moment" girl who has lied her way into her current job. She's also a mean girl to her twin sister's husband best friend, Max. He's become a staple in her sister's home, unbeknownst to her, and enjoys working the farm they own. He's considered Uncle Max to her sisters kids.
Here's where this is so unbelievable - how does Laurel NOT know about Max relationship with her twin sister's family? Why is she so hung-up on what she overheard him say and is so unwilling to have a conversation to understand the "why" and the context ? She'd rather waste valuable energy spewing negative after negative comments about him. what?!?!?!? Then she just flips on dime, and has butterflies in her stomach over him. YEAH NO!
This romcom lacked chemistry between the love interests and this guy deserves better than Laurel.
Sorry but I canceled my preorder for this book as I didn't enjoy this romance book.
Thank you Berkley Publishing for the complimentary copy.
Faking Christmas features Laurel, a "spur of the moment" girl who has lied her way into her current job. She's also a mean girl to her twin sister's husband best friend, Max. He's become a staple in her sister's home, unbeknownst to her, and enjoys working the farm they own. He's considered Uncle Max to her sisters kids.
Here's where this is so unbelievable - how does Laurel NOT know about Max relationship with her twin sister's family? Why is she so hung-up on what she overheard him say and is so unwilling to have a conversation to understand the "why" and the context ? She'd rather waste valuable energy spewing negative after negative comments about him. what?!?!?!? Then she just flips on dime, and has butterflies in her stomach over him. YEAH NO!
This romcom lacked chemistry between the love interests and this guy deserves better than Laurel.
Sorry but I canceled my preorder for this book as I didn't enjoy this romance book.
Thank you Berkley Publishing for the complimentary copy.
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