Mix-Up under the Mistletoe

The Glenbriar #11

by Margaret Amatt

She’s always on the outside looking in, but his door might just be the one to open for her this Christmas.
‘Her name’s Tilly. Tilly Thorpe. She lives in London.’


To stop his family from speculating about his love life, travel company CEO Rafe Harrington casually drops Tilly Thorpe’s name as his girlfriend. After all, they’ll never meet – she’s just a name he saw on a rival company’s website.

But when Rafe arrives at his family’s home in Glenbriar for Christmas, he’s shocked to find ‘his girlfriend’ waiting for him.
He has some explaining to do and so does Tilly.

Why did Rafe’s family welcome her with open arms when she’s little more than a spy? Someone who’s trying hard to please her superiors, hoping it’ll bring some desperately desired happiness to her lonely existence.
Rafe isn’t a big fan of the festive season, but neither he nor Tilly can ignore their instant spark. With bad weather forecast, now is the ideal moment to discover some magic. Tilly’s never felt this at home anywhere, but none of it’s real, and that’s not why she’s here.

With time running short, can they seize this unexpected chance to fall in love not only with Christmas but also with each other?

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Christmas

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 23, 2024

About the author

Margaret is a Scottish author and chocolate lover who has been writing stories for over twenty years (possibly more if you count her primary school efforts). Her early works will never see the light of day and are locked in dusty vaults on some old floppy disks. But after all those years of practise, Margaret released her first novel A Winter Haven in 2021. This is the first of a ten-book series set on the gorgeous Scottish Isle of Mull.
The stories are unashamedly romantic but with lots of drama and an eclectic mix of characters. Each book can be read as a standalone but followers of the series will enjoy catching up with previous characters.
A new spin-off series based in the Scottish Highlands is coming out in 2023. Look out for the Glenbriar Series throughout the year.

Reviews

[Lyndsey Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic festive read! I just love falling into Margaret Amatt’s worlds! She has a fabulous way of weaving the magic of Christmas into the most gorgeous romances. I loved Rafe & Tilly, two utterly deserving heroes! The set up made me laugh out loud! Great to catch up with Genevieve and Finlay too. It feels like reconnecting with old friends. Feel good festive romance at its best!

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mix-Up Under The Mistletoe by Margaret Amatt

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

She’s always on the outside looking in, but his door might just be the one to open for her this Christmas.
‘Her name’s Tilly. Tilly Thorpe. She lives in London.’


To stop his family from speculating about his love life, travel company CEO Rafe Harrington casually drops Tilly Thorpe’s name as his girlfriend. After all, they’ll never meet – she’s just a name he saw on a rival company’s website.

But when Rafe arrives at his family’s home in Glenbriar for Christmas, he’s shocked to find ‘his girlfriend’ waiting for him.
He has some explaining to do and so does Tilly.

Why did Rafe’s family welcome her with open arms when she’s little more than a spy? Someone who’s trying hard to please her superiors, hoping it’ll bring some desperately desired happiness to her lonely existence.
Rafe isn’t a big fan of the festive season, but neither he nor Tilly can ignore their instant spark. With bad weather forecast, now is the ideal moment to discover some magic. Tilly’s never felt this at home anywhere, but none of it’s real, and that’s not why she’s here.

My Opinion

Every trip to Glenbriar is delightful and I always look forward to returning. Margaret Amatt has once again written a stunning book – reading about the festivities has definitely got me ready for Christmas. Whilst this is the 11th book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. At around 300 pages, this book didn’t feel long enough, Rafe’s family were just so welcoming that I wasn’t ready to leave.

If you are looking for some festive books to read over the upcoming holiday season, then this book should definitely be on your list.

Rating 5/5

[mrsljgibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would firstly just like to say a big thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources who very kindly forwarded me an arc copy of this book, for my kindle, in return for my honest review.

This is actually book eleven from the ‘Glenbriar series’ and each book can very easily be read as a stand alone without any problems at all but there are some re-occurring characters throughout.

This book was a wonderful, Festive read and the author’s way with world building was spot on and i thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in the story.

I absolutely loved Tilly and Raffe, the two main characters and i really enjoyed getting to know them both.

This was a perfect, festive romance, warm and cosy, was perfect for snuggling up with and definitely gave me the warm and fuzzies…..

[Grace Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tilly has been brought up in care, she’s lonely and has always wanted a family she could feel part of. Rafe comes from a loving family and he’s going to spend Christmas with them. Through an act of fate, they meet and when Tilly is snowed in Rafe’s family insist she stays. Festive fun with the family sparks a romance which could melt the snow, I loved these two characters and their story.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another absolutely brilliant book from one of my favourite authors and favourite series. It’s Christmas, it’s snowing, we’re in Glenbriar ~ what’s not to ❤️
Tilly Thorpe works for a very underhand travel company based in London. When she turns up on the doorstep of Rafe Harringtons family home little does she know that after seeing her picture he has used her name to convince his family that he has a girlfriend. Rafe is the owner of a Glasgow based travel company that Tilly’s company are trying to get information on. What follows is a story about finding inner strength, starting over and listening to your heart. This oozes romance, family, togetherness, is so heartwarming but also tackles some heartbreaking topics. I love how Margaret’s books all link into each other with characters from previous books and love them all!

[Pam Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this festive novel, the eleventh in the Glenbriar series. As usual, there was a link to previous characters but with new central characters and their own story. It works perfectly as a standalone read. Both the central characters are thoroughly likeable but rather lonely and looking for something more. There is a feeling of fate bringing them together which some of Rafe's family seems to recognise.

Christmas at Rafe's parents' home in Glenbriar is a totally family affair but they are welcoming to new people. Tilly has had a troubled childhood and yearned for this type of family. She has always looked into others' houses and wished that she could belong somewhere. Rafe and Tilly's background could not be more different. This has resulted in Rafe's basic feeling of self-confidence and Tilly's desire to fit in and please other people. As the Christmas season plays out, they find there is a real connection between them. In many ways it is a question of opposites attract.

This series shows no sense of slowing up and is as enjoyable as ever. With all the festive touches, it proved a gorgeous pre- Christmas read.

In short: new starts and a new sense of belonging
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book

[Book Escapes Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story opens in Glasgow where Rafe runs his successful travel company and has an enviable apartment right in the city. His team are all loyal to him, giving their best each day. They are all shocked to learn that a company from London was sending spies out and undermining rival businesses. Rafe is incensed but spots a pretty face amongst the staff photos when looking at their website. He becomes rather captivated by her smile, noting that her name is Tilly Thorpe.
I really took to Rafe as he has a wonderful personality with a strong sense of right and wrong. He’s a fair boss and has the full support of his team. Sadly, he’s been hurt on a personal level, so he is wary of dating, which is difficult when his mother is a tireless matchmaker. To misdirect his mother’s mixing, he invents a fake girlfriend named Tilly Thorpe, knowing they would never meet as she is in London.
Tilly is fiercely loyal and only just making ends meet as she commutes between her tiny flat and her London office, where she has been repeatedly overlooked for promotion. She has no clue about her fake relationship with Rafe until they come face to face in his family home. My heart went out to Tilly as I learned more about her sad childhood and her desire for a family Christmas, something many of us take for granted.
With the arrival of a severe snowstorm, things begin to heat up between them as the temperature plummets.
This book is packed with the magic of Christmas and the warmth of a loving family. The way Rafe and Tilly were depicted made for a totally romantic escape that left me feeling warm and fuzzy.
I loved everything about this book and thoroughly enjoyed catching up with characters from the earlier books. Don’t worry, though. Each Glenbriar book can be read as a standalone story, but it becomes even better when read as a series.

[Julie Foster]

It's called Christmas Magic.

I really loved this story about Rafe and Tilly, neither of them liked Christmas, until they found each other just like Christmas Magic. .I absolutely love The Glenbriar Series and this book did not disappoint.

[Wall-to-wall books - wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS -

My first Christmas book of the year and it was very sweet and Christmassy.

This one had quite a few Awww moments. It was very heartwarming and romantic.

I really liked the characters. Tilly totally stole my heart! She is the kind of character that you just want to hug and hold in your heart. She was kind of a wounded bird. Rafe, I was not sure about him at first but he did steal my heart as well! He did all the right things. Good job Rafe!

Parts of this book very loosely reminded me of the movie The Proposal with Sandra Bullock.

If you are looking for a fun, romantic, Christmassy read… This one is it.

I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Rachel's Random Resources - Thank You!!

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was introduced to the Glenbriar series on the fourth book and have been an avid fan since.

Amatt has created some truly wonderful characters and it's always a pleasure to revisit Glenbriar to catch up with them. It's like a soap opera, but in book form.

As the title suggests Mix-up Under the Mistletoe is a christmassy read and I can guarantee it will give you all the festive feels. It's heartwarming, cozy and liberally sprinkled with a dose of christmas magic.

[Anne Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a thoroughly lovely read! The Harrington family certainly throw themselves wholeheartedly into the whole Christmas experience, and they’re always happy to include just one more – and all the more so when they all believe Tilly to be Rafe’s new girlfriend. But, of course, she isn’t. He gave them her name after seeing her photo on a website just to stop everyone pressurising him to find a partner – she actually works for a travel agency in competition with his own, doing some undercover investigation, and her arrival is the most massive coincidence.

The deception uncovered, she’s ready to head home, back to the job where she’s constantly taken advantage of, and her usual lonely Christmas. But then the snow falls, and leaving is out of the question – having grown up in care and particularly fragile in so many ways, the Harringtons take her to their hearts and, for the very first time, she feels as if she’s found somewhere she belongs. And as for Rafe – she wins his heart too amid all the magic of Christmas, but they both know their time together will be limited.

The whole family is just wonderful, every individual perfectly drawn – and Tilly and Rafe are both such lovely people, deserving of some happiness. Especially Tilly – she’s missed out on so much in her life, every new Christmas experience a first for her, and I just wanted to give her a big hug. And if a full-on Christmas is what you enjoy – and I certainly do – this book delivers at every possible level. The decorations, the piped music, the films, the cocktails, all that food – and then there’s the snowball fights, the sledging (and that ended rather unexpectedly…), the nativity play, the Christingle service. And through it all, Rafe and Tilly grow ever closer – I really liked the alternating chapters, from their separate perspectives – with a romance I really believed in, a nice touch of heat, but with both of them not entirely sure about the depth of their feelings for each other.

A fresh start, leaving the past behind, trusting in your feelings, being wrapped up in the love of family, finding that special person – and all the magic of Christmas. This book delivered everything I could possibly have wanted – and I’ll look forward to reading more from this lovely author. Just gorgeous…

[Deborah J Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mix-Up Under The Mistletoe is the eleventh book in the Glenbriar series, and is yet another series that I've joined midway through rather than from the beginning. That did not matter, however, as this story can easily be read as a standalone.

I found both Rafe and Tilly hugely likeable and enjoyed following their journey together discovering the magic of Christmas and finding love.

This is the perfect Christmas happy ending story, set in a snowy Glenbriar with twinkling lights and such a warm welcome from Rafe's family that I wanted to be there in person.

Having read Mix-Up Under The Mistletoe I'm now excited to read more in this wonderful feel-good series, so have added a few titles to my wish list.

[Inspiredbypmdd Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! Margaret Amatt does it again. What a wonderful addition to the Glenbriar Series. Book 11 has it all, mystery, false pretence, love before meeting, misunderstanding, sexiness, togetherness and a whole lot of love to go round.
This visit we follow Tilly and Rafe’s story, Tilly sent from London to scope out her companies business rival. It’s told from both of their perspectives.
It’s very romantic in all the senses, with a pinch of distrust. There are so many adventures to be had when you’re snowed in. Making Cocktails, Sledging, Snowball Fights and Steamy Kisses. Don’t be put off reading book 11 first, it makes a great standalone too. I gave this one away as Christmas Cards instead of posting real ones and it’s a big hit with my friends and fellow bloggers too.
Highly Recommended. Margaret is up there with the best of them. Trust me.

[KatReadsRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet story of finding one’s place

…and family. This lovely book is sweet and filled with a gentle assurance that love is meant to be, if we only notice and heed the signs. Tilly and Rafe are a sweet couple who each have their own mistrusts of love and family, but I love them together and how they each find their way through allowing themselves to love each other.

[theweebookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Glenbriar Series I have read and what a brilliant one to start with. I will definitely be reading more of this series.

Tilly comes across as a lovely person, although naive at times but I loved her development throughout the book, especially at the end. Rafe seems so caring and considerate toward Tilly and I thought they were a good match.

Add in Rafe’s family and we have a whole lot of fun, caring and quirky characters all set in a beautifully described location.

Although this is a beautifully written Christmas romance, it also deals with heavier topics too and I felt these were covered well. An emotional and heartwarming book that I would definitely recommend.

Thank you Margaret Amatt and Rachel's Random Resources for my copy and spot on the tour. All opinions are my own.

[Heather Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written. Couldn't put the book down had to keep reading. All the book in the series was very good.

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8 Stars

One Liner: Cute!

Raffe Harrington is happy running his travel business and being single. However, his family wants nothing more than to pair him up. To avoid their matchmaking plans, Raffe lies to be dating a certain Tilly Thorpe from a rival company, confident that he could fake a breakup with his nonexistent girlfriend after Christmas.

Tilly Thorpe has done her best to not rock the boat even if means agreeing to a job that’s not a part of her tasks. How can she spy on a rival company and gather information? This brings her to Raffe’s home where his family welcomes her with open arms. Tilly is confused and torn. Can she get a taste of being a part of a loving family even for a short while? But what about her job and how it would affect Raffe?

This Christmas miracle might be exactly what Raffe and Tilly need!

The story comes in Raffe and Tilly’s third-person POVs.

My Thoughts:

This is the standalone eleventh book in the series. It’s my first time reading the author, so I have no idea about the previous books. However, the common element seems to be Glenbriar (a cute place in Scotland), so I could enjoy this book for what it is.

The dual POV of the main characters is helpful, especially since it is in the third person. There’s no confusion in the voice.

Since the entire story takes place in December, it is insta-love. However, the family presence and the Christmas vibes make it easier to understand the development of romance.

The main characters are well-etched, especially Tilly. Her backstory is heavier and might feel repetitive but it reinforces her thoughts, doubts, actions, and decisions. Her growth does feel organic in the given context and page count.

The romance is pretty cute with a bit of spice. Since this is very much a Hallmark-y book, most characters are easy to like (except for a selected few whom we will anyway dislike).

The book also deals with the theme of abandonment issues. I could empathize with the character and was glad when the right answers were provided. The role of a therapist is so difficult! Not being firm enough wouldn’t help the person but being too straightforward could lead to more issues.

There’s a bit of faith and talk of Christmas miracle as well. I didn’t quite expect that but it shouldn’t be an issue. We could do with a miracle this Christmas (I’m asking for it in advance).

To summarize, Mix-Up under the Mistletoe is a cute, cozy, and festive romance. It shows how a loving family and supportive people can bring out the best in us. And oh… I wouldn’t mind a huge slice of that cake!

Thank you, Rachel’s Random Resources, Leannan Press, and the author, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mix-Up Under the Mistletoe is the 11th book in the Glenbriar series, but I read it fine as a standalone. In this book we meet Tilly Thorpe. Tilly works for a discount travel company and is not happy. She is not treated with respect and they take advantage of her. Tilly was raised in foster care with her younger sister and her life was a revolving door of families due to her sister's behaviour. Once she finished school she cut ties with her sister and was hired to work for 1-Quick travel. It is the first time she felt like she belonged and is afraid to do anything wrong to lose her job. She is sent with a colleague to meet with Rafe Harrington, the CEO of a high end agency to try and get information that her company can use. He was not in the office, so she found our where his parent's home was, as he was there for Christmas. Rafe was aware that 1-Quick was on the prowl and had perused their website. The only person in their employ that looked happy was the admin assistant Tilly Thorpe. When his family starting bothering him about finding a woman, he told them he has a girlfriend in London named Tilly Thorpe. Imagine his family's surprise when Tilly showed up at their door. They immediately invited her in to join the family festivities. When Rafe arrived, he was shocked, but they had to make the most of it. Getting snowed in, Tilly spends several days with his family and her and Rafe begin to fall for one another. Is it real, or will Tilly be sent away once again?

I really enjoyed this story and getting to know Tilly, Rafe and his family. Tilly was a person with a lot of baggage. She had some terrible things happen to her in her past, and she wasn't sure if she could trust anyone or even her own feelings. The Harringtons are that family that everyone wants to be part of. With all the Christmas traditions, fun and love, Tilly finally let herself go and believe. I have to say that her boss was a jerk. He didn't know what he had in her as an employee and was a bit of a misogynist to boot. I wanted her to tell him off so badly, and I liked the way Rafe supported her, but let her make her own decisions. From the house, Greenbriar, to the snowy village, the family dogs and especially Grandma, I was immersed in this story from start to finish. I couldn't wait to find out how it would end and was happy with how it all wrapped up, even if it was a bit sappy. If you are looking for a bit of Christmas magic, a family story, festive fun and a happily ever after, then look no further than Mix-Up Under the Mistletoe.

[Evie Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be still my beating heart!

Tilly is someone who needs not only a Christmas miracle, but a whole life miracle. She's grown up without a family and spent her life on the outside looking in. She dreams of one day stepping into a cosy life like the ones she sees from the train on her commute, but has no idea she's about to find it in the wilds of Scotland when she tries to meet the CEO of a rival company.

Rafe Harrington's family welcome her with open arms and are all to happy to have her to stay when her train home is cancelled. Not only do they love having her around, but they also see the spark between her and Rafe and are desperate for him have the same happy-ever-after that they enjoy with their other halves.

Oh, what a Christmas romance book this is! Mix-Up under the Mistletoe has everything on my Christmas list. From loving families to found family, from hot chocolate to charades, from sledging to kisses in the snow. It's also got some of my favourite Glenbriar characters (Genevieve and Finlay) so you can enjoy more of their company whilst roasting chestnuts around an open fire.

Once again, Margaret Amatt comes up trumps with a fabulously festive story that will tug on your heart strings and keep you turning the pages. I read this book in one sitting as I could not put it down! It's peak Hygge and I defy you not to cry happy tears at the ending!

No matter what the month of the year, go read it now!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whilst this is the eleventh book in The Glenbriar series, and having not read any of the others previously, this easily reads as a standalone.

Rafe and Tilly’s backgrounds couldn’t be anymore different and whilst neither are fans of the festive season, it is for very different reasons. A chance meeting has the pair in an awkward predicament which did add some fun for the reader.

Rafe’s family are wonderful. I couldn’t think of anything better than to be snowed in, in a big family home out in the sticks with just the nicest of people. The setting was glorious and the relationship between the two main characters was a delight to read of. What I particularly enjoyed most about this story is that whilst Tilly is there for a reason to do with work, which isn’t the best way to start a relationship with someone, when Rafe finds out, we don’t have the typical falling out and wanting to bash the characters heads together for them to see sense that they should be together.

Mix-Up under the Mistletoe was an uplifting, feel good read with romance and family at the heart of it. It was the perfect festive story to get you in the spirit and reminding us of what is really important in life. I adored my first introduction into this author’s books and will certainly be checking her others out. A wholesome story that will leave you feeling all warm and cosy on the inside!

[Storied Conversation · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this charming holiday romance, Rafe Harrington, a successful travel company owner in Glasgow, discovers his business is being targeted by a rival company in London. While investigating, he’s captivated by a staff photo of Tilly Thorpe, a hardworking employee who’s been overlooked for promotions. To deflect his mother’s relentless matchmaking, Rafe invents a fake relationship with Tilly, never expecting their paths to cross.

Tilly, struggling to make ends meet in London, is completely unaware of this fictional connection until a snowstorm strands her at Rafe’s family home in Scotland. As the two spend time together, sparks fly, and their chemistry builds amidst the festive warmth of Rafe’s loving family.

This story blends heartfelt moments, holiday magic, and a touch of humor, offering a cozy and uplifting escape. While part of the Glenbriar series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone, though returning readers will delight in familiar characters and connections. Perfect for fans of festive romance, this book delivers a heartwarming tale of love and second chances.

________

Thank you to the publisher, Rachel's Random Resources, and the author for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions are my own.

[Helen Thwaite · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my trip to Glenbriar, but I’d no trouble reading it as a standalone. Tilly has ben brought up in care, which leaves her somewhat vulnerable so when her dodgy employer sends her off on a fact-finding mission, she agrees without thinking it through.

However, the family she ingratiates herself with has a son called Rafe who, in a coincidence that only exists in the romance world, used her name and photo to convince his parents that he’s dating. This rather bonkers situation is the set-up to a sweet and funny romance.

I love this book! Yes, it’s crazy, but it’s really fun and the setting is so cosy! Underneath this, though, is Tilly’s search for family and how she’s welcomed into Rafe’s. How this helps her start to find herself. She’s a fabulous character that I really rooted for. Rafe is a sweetheart as well, and they truly deserved their happy ever after.

Aside from the couple, and Rafe’s lovely parents, is a little town full of well-drawn characters who give a deep sense of place to the story. With lush descriptions, Glenbriar feels like a real town that you could pop into and visit. Kind of wish I could!

Yet another series that I’ve fallen in love with and now need to read more of. Net year is going to be busy!

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Returning to Glenbriar is always a joy and pleasure to me, Margaret Amatt’s books are something I look forward to the matter of the time of year, it just happens winter and Christmas happens to be some of my favourite book seasons.
Mix-Up under the Mistletoe is a great addition to the Glenbriar series, full of romance, mystery, false pretences, misunderstandings, family and a lots of love. This is Tilly and Rafe’s tale, and Tilly has been sent from London to scope out her companies rivals. I love the fact that’s it’s dual POV from both Tilly and Rafe.

It’s a lovely romantic read, I love the idea of being snowed in (romantically and book wise , not real life got to get to work wise !) Although this is book eleven in the series these can definitely be read as stand-alone books and you won’t be lost at all.
In fact if looking for a festive and seasonal story I highly recommend it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jean · Rating 2 out of 5]

An odd little story with an interesting premise and insta-love. Totally innocuous, but I wouldn't recommend it.