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A Very Chapel Falls Christmas
An epic breakup finds Nik Forrest, a world-famous musician, back in his quaint hometown at the same time his ex-fiancée returns, making for a Christmas holiday with its share of surprises, calamity, laughter, and love—if the two of them can learn from the mistakes that drove them apart in the first place.
When she moves back to Chapel Falls, Noelle Clark was never expecting to see Nik again, except for on the cover of magazines. Try as she might to avoid him, the two exes keep running into each other throughout the holiday season. From the Ugly Sweater Shuffle to the Christmas Cookie Crawl, Nik and Noelle begin reconnecting at the renowned Christmas festivities that put their city on the map.
Now Noelle is starting to fall, again, for the charming musician. But their future is tested when Nik's storied past comes knocking. Willow, the woman who dumped him at the most prestigious award ceremony in the world, shows up at Chapel Falls with a ring on her finger and a business offer Nik can't refuse.
Nik must choose between the dream he has chased for years that cost him his first chance with Noelle or the hope of a second chance with the girl of his dreams. . . if it's not too late for good. Can Nik prove to himself and to his true love that he has moved on from Willow, the fast life of Nashville, and moved back to Noelle, just in time to pull off a picture-perfect Christmas surprise and start their life together?
When she moves back to Chapel Falls, Noelle Clark was never expecting to see Nik again, except for on the cover of magazines. Try as she might to avoid him, the two exes keep running into each other throughout the holiday season. From the Ugly Sweater Shuffle to the Christmas Cookie Crawl, Nik and Noelle begin reconnecting at the renowned Christmas festivities that put their city on the map.
Now Noelle is starting to fall, again, for the charming musician. But their future is tested when Nik's storied past comes knocking. Willow, the woman who dumped him at the most prestigious award ceremony in the world, shows up at Chapel Falls with a ring on her finger and a business offer Nik can't refuse.
Nik must choose between the dream he has chased for years that cost him his first chance with Noelle or the hope of a second chance with the girl of his dreams. . . if it's not too late for good. Can Nik prove to himself and to his true love that he has moved on from Willow, the fast life of Nashville, and moved back to Noelle, just in time to pull off a picture-perfect Christmas surprise and start their life together?
192 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2024
14 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Lauer
19 books84 followersAn avid reader and history buff since childhood, Amanda Lauer fulfilled a lifelong goal with the publication of her debut novel, A World Such as Heaven Intended, in October, 2014. A Life Such as Heaven Intended, A Love Such as Heaven Intended, and a Freedom Such as Heaven Intended were released between 2019 and 2021. The fifth book in the Heaven Intended series is scheduled to be released in 2023.
Lauer learned the technical aspects of writing as a proofreader in the insurance, newspaper and collegiate arenas. Over the last 22 years she has had more than 1,600 articles published in newspapers and magazines throughout the United States.
Lauer won Best Writer (Red Letter Awards) with her team for the movie The Islands and is the co-author of Celebrate Appleton, A 150th Birthday Photo Album and contributed to the books Expressions of ITP…Inside Stories, The Best is Yet to Come, The Catholic Grandparents Handbook, and Living Virtuously — Keeping Your Heart and Home.
Residents of northeast Wisconsin, Lauer and her husband John have been married 41 years. They are involved in their church and community and in their spare time travel for business and pleasure, play golf, bike, read, and further their education in the area of personal development. They are the proud parents of four young adult children, have two sons-in-law and a daughter-in-law, and are grandparents to seven stellar grandchildren.
Lauer learned the technical aspects of writing as a proofreader in the insurance, newspaper and collegiate arenas. Over the last 22 years she has had more than 1,600 articles published in newspapers and magazines throughout the United States.
Lauer won Best Writer (Red Letter Awards) with her team for the movie The Islands and is the co-author of Celebrate Appleton, A 150th Birthday Photo Album and contributed to the books Expressions of ITP…Inside Stories, The Best is Yet to Come, The Catholic Grandparents Handbook, and Living Virtuously — Keeping Your Heart and Home.
Residents of northeast Wisconsin, Lauer and her husband John have been married 41 years. They are involved in their church and community and in their spare time travel for business and pleasure, play golf, bike, read, and further their education in the area of personal development. They are the proud parents of four young adult children, have two sons-in-law and a daughter-in-law, and are grandparents to seven stellar grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 18, 2025
What! Wow! Amazing! Fantastic! Lovely! Beautiful! Perfect! Absolutely STUNNING!
Now, this is saying something, but I think this is my favorite book of hers so far!
It was so sweet! It had me by like page 4.
I couldn't put this down, and when I had to, I couldn't think of anything else but what was going to happen next.
A MUST READ!
Now, this is saying something, but I think this is my favorite book of hers so far!
It was so sweet! It had me by like page 4.
I couldn't put this down, and when I had to, I couldn't think of anything else but what was going to happen next.
A MUST READ!
December 19, 2024
Wow!!! I enjoyed every moment of this 🎄❄️☕️💒⛸️🧁🐾
Full transparency, as someone who rarely enjoys romance novels, I had low expectations for this, but wanted to give it a shot to get in the Christmas spirit + read a holiday book with my coworkers. I’m pleasantly surprised to say that it was truly the most delightful experience! I read this in two sittings, and can confirm it helped me get into the Christmas spirit immensely ✨
From the cozy small-town holiday events, to the wholesome main characters — it was simply perfect. Lauer found the sweet spot for romances — it was a light, comforting story but never cheesy, and she mastered tasteful, sweet banter that doesn’t make you blush or cringe. I am so glad I fit this in before Christmas this year … and will be continuing to recommend it to others!!!
Full transparency, as someone who rarely enjoys romance novels, I had low expectations for this, but wanted to give it a shot to get in the Christmas spirit + read a holiday book with my coworkers. I’m pleasantly surprised to say that it was truly the most delightful experience! I read this in two sittings, and can confirm it helped me get into the Christmas spirit immensely ✨
From the cozy small-town holiday events, to the wholesome main characters — it was simply perfect. Lauer found the sweet spot for romances — it was a light, comforting story but never cheesy, and she mastered tasteful, sweet banter that doesn’t make you blush or cringe. I am so glad I fit this in before Christmas this year … and will be continuing to recommend it to others!!!
December 13, 2024
Amanda Lauer could have designed her latest book, A Very Chapel Falls Christmas, with a popular Christmas movie bingo card in mind. You’ll enjoy marking up your own card while snuggling down in a fuzzy blanket, a steaming cup of hot cocoa, and this sweetly clean Christmas romance.
Nik is at a crossroads. His first engagement ended when he took a shot at his dream career of making it big with his Alaska Native style music. Unfortunately, as he navigated the Nashville music scene, Noelle, a small town girl who couldn’t imagine living the big city life, broke off their engagement and retreated to her original hometown.
Now a decade later, it’s happened all over again. Nik’s current fiancé and music partner abruptly abandons him in the middle of his biggest success. Disillusioned with big city life, Nik returns to his hometown for the holidays, bringing a little local celebrity to small-town USA. Meanwhile, Noelle also just returned to Chapel Falls in search of a new job. (You can pick up your Bingo card now.)
Amanda Lauer’s storytelling shines in crafting a fun and engaging read. You’ll fall in love with both Nik and Noelle as they struggle to figure out what they want at this stage of life. (Yes, you know what it is; that’s part of the fun.) She deftly switches the point-of-view from Nik to Noelle and back again, offering you the inside scoop on each characters perspective, concerns, and yearnings.
Meanwhile, about halfway through reading this book, you’ll be looking up “Where is Chapel Falls?” on the internet, seeking your own Chapel Falls Christmas. The setting perfectly captures what we dream of when we picture small town America during the holidays. Where else can we experience a Christmas social calendar that includes strolling down Main Street viewing Live Mannequin Window Displays, and participating in events like an Extreme Cupcake Party, the Ugly Sweater Shuffles, and a downtown Cookie Crawl.
Of course Nik and Noelle can’t avoid running into each other! Although they each remember past hurts, they also rediscover the spark that drew them to one another in the first place. As they grow closer, can they overcome the misunderstandings and obstacles that threaten to divide them? (Keep marking your Bingo card.)
Do yourself a favor. Get comfortable. Make yourself a hot cocoa (or order a Toffee Nut Mocha with whipped cream) and dive into this book! You won’t stop smiling, biting your lip impatiently, and cheering. Give a copy to your teens, young adults, or anyone who cheers for love to conquer all!
BINGO!
Nik is at a crossroads. His first engagement ended when he took a shot at his dream career of making it big with his Alaska Native style music. Unfortunately, as he navigated the Nashville music scene, Noelle, a small town girl who couldn’t imagine living the big city life, broke off their engagement and retreated to her original hometown.
Now a decade later, it’s happened all over again. Nik’s current fiancé and music partner abruptly abandons him in the middle of his biggest success. Disillusioned with big city life, Nik returns to his hometown for the holidays, bringing a little local celebrity to small-town USA. Meanwhile, Noelle also just returned to Chapel Falls in search of a new job. (You can pick up your Bingo card now.)
Amanda Lauer’s storytelling shines in crafting a fun and engaging read. You’ll fall in love with both Nik and Noelle as they struggle to figure out what they want at this stage of life. (Yes, you know what it is; that’s part of the fun.) She deftly switches the point-of-view from Nik to Noelle and back again, offering you the inside scoop on each characters perspective, concerns, and yearnings.
Meanwhile, about halfway through reading this book, you’ll be looking up “Where is Chapel Falls?” on the internet, seeking your own Chapel Falls Christmas. The setting perfectly captures what we dream of when we picture small town America during the holidays. Where else can we experience a Christmas social calendar that includes strolling down Main Street viewing Live Mannequin Window Displays, and participating in events like an Extreme Cupcake Party, the Ugly Sweater Shuffles, and a downtown Cookie Crawl.
Of course Nik and Noelle can’t avoid running into each other! Although they each remember past hurts, they also rediscover the spark that drew them to one another in the first place. As they grow closer, can they overcome the misunderstandings and obstacles that threaten to divide them? (Keep marking your Bingo card.)
Do yourself a favor. Get comfortable. Make yourself a hot cocoa (or order a Toffee Nut Mocha with whipped cream) and dive into this book! You won’t stop smiling, biting your lip impatiently, and cheering. Give a copy to your teens, young adults, or anyone who cheers for love to conquer all!
BINGO!
December 21, 2024
If you're looking for a feel-good, G-rated holiday romance appropriate for all ages, A Very Chapel Falls Christmas ticks all the boxes: Christmas and all the trimmings in a snowy Alaskan setting...lost love and surprise reconnection...carols and cocoa (also fur-babies Cocoa and Koko)... a beautiful ex who shows up to add just enough conflict to keep things a bit off-kilter (temporarily, at least) ... and a happy ending.
Ellen Gillette, author of the Yona Valley series and others
Ellen Gillette, author of the Yona Valley series and others
December 24, 2025
A cute cozy read right before the holiday with plenty of Christmas sparkle and that feel good romance happiness.
October 23, 2024
I have read 4 novels and 2 offerings in anthologies by Amanda Lauer so when I was offered a chance to read her new novel I jumped at the chance. I have said a few times about books like this that it is in a genre I do not typically read. But as a father of daughters in their teens and twenties I do find I am reading more of it to read what they are reading, or because I am fans of authors who write across genres. This work is the first adult fiction from the pen of Amanda and she hit it out of the ballpark, or more accurate for this story she slapped the puck out of the rink. I really enjoyed this story and had a hard time putting it down.
I read an advanced copy of this work and it did not have a description of the book or even a finalized cover. All I knew was that it was a ‘contemporary Christmas romcom’ and knowing Lauer that faith and Catholicism would be a strong undercurrent. I started this volume with no clear expectations. Once I started reading I could hardly put it down, I devoured it over two days and a few sittings. I stayed up way to late one night reading and when I work up early the next morning just got up to keep reading.
The description of this story states:
"An epic breakup finds Nik Forrest, a world-famous musician, back in his quaint hometown at the same time his ex-fiancée returns, making for a Christmas holiday with its share of surprises, calamity, laughter, and love--if the two of them can learn from the mistakes that drove them apart in the first place. When she moves back to Chapel Falls, Noelle Clark was never expecting to see Nik again, except for on the cover of magazines. Try as she might to avoid him, the two exes keep running into each other throughout the holiday season. From the Ugly Sweater Shuffle to the Christmas Cookie Crawl, Nik and Noelle begin reconnecting at the renowned Christmas festivities that put their city on the map. Now Noelle is starting to fall, again, for the charming musician. But their future is tested when Nik's storied past comes knocking. Willow, the woman who dumped him at the most prestigious award ceremony in the world, shows up at Chapel Falls with a ring on her finger and a business offer Nik can't refuse. Nik must choose between the dream he has chased for years that cost him his first chance with Noelle or the hope of a second chance with the girl of his dreams... if it's not too late for good. Can Nik prove to himself and to his true love that he has moved on from Willow, the fast life of Nashville, and moved back to Noelle, just in time to pull off a picture-perfect Christmas surprise and start their life together?"
The characters are masterfully written. You will find yourself cheering for our main characters Nik Forrest and Noelle Clark but also greatly appreciating some of the other characters such as, Rosalia, Mayor Barb Gilbert, Jim and others. And we cannot forget the two pets Koko and Cocoa. The story takes place over a few weeks leading up to Christmas Eve. Nik is a famous hometown boy back in the region and doing numerous events for the community. Noelle is back in town after 10 years back home in Alaska, but this small town feels like her hearts home and at the beginning she is back in town looking for work. Oh and the two broke up 10 years ago when Nik left town to head to Nashville to pursue his career as a musician. After a few chance encounters they are both wondering about the past and what might have been, and maybe what might be. But to find out what happens you will need to read this wonderful holiday romance.
The story reminds me of some of Madeleine L’Engle’s adult fiction. It has a clear undercurrent of faith, excellent characters, a well-crafted plot and excellent pacing! This book was a wonderful fun read. My only regret is that with RomCom’s the story often ends here and I wonder what happens next, in the community, with the threatened lawsuit, and of course with Noelle and Nik. It truly is a story that leaves you wanting more!
A fantastic read I can easily recommend!
This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan!
I read an advanced copy of this work and it did not have a description of the book or even a finalized cover. All I knew was that it was a ‘contemporary Christmas romcom’ and knowing Lauer that faith and Catholicism would be a strong undercurrent. I started this volume with no clear expectations. Once I started reading I could hardly put it down, I devoured it over two days and a few sittings. I stayed up way to late one night reading and when I work up early the next morning just got up to keep reading.
The description of this story states:
"An epic breakup finds Nik Forrest, a world-famous musician, back in his quaint hometown at the same time his ex-fiancée returns, making for a Christmas holiday with its share of surprises, calamity, laughter, and love--if the two of them can learn from the mistakes that drove them apart in the first place. When she moves back to Chapel Falls, Noelle Clark was never expecting to see Nik again, except for on the cover of magazines. Try as she might to avoid him, the two exes keep running into each other throughout the holiday season. From the Ugly Sweater Shuffle to the Christmas Cookie Crawl, Nik and Noelle begin reconnecting at the renowned Christmas festivities that put their city on the map. Now Noelle is starting to fall, again, for the charming musician. But their future is tested when Nik's storied past comes knocking. Willow, the woman who dumped him at the most prestigious award ceremony in the world, shows up at Chapel Falls with a ring on her finger and a business offer Nik can't refuse. Nik must choose between the dream he has chased for years that cost him his first chance with Noelle or the hope of a second chance with the girl of his dreams... if it's not too late for good. Can Nik prove to himself and to his true love that he has moved on from Willow, the fast life of Nashville, and moved back to Noelle, just in time to pull off a picture-perfect Christmas surprise and start their life together?"
The characters are masterfully written. You will find yourself cheering for our main characters Nik Forrest and Noelle Clark but also greatly appreciating some of the other characters such as, Rosalia, Mayor Barb Gilbert, Jim and others. And we cannot forget the two pets Koko and Cocoa. The story takes place over a few weeks leading up to Christmas Eve. Nik is a famous hometown boy back in the region and doing numerous events for the community. Noelle is back in town after 10 years back home in Alaska, but this small town feels like her hearts home and at the beginning she is back in town looking for work. Oh and the two broke up 10 years ago when Nik left town to head to Nashville to pursue his career as a musician. After a few chance encounters they are both wondering about the past and what might have been, and maybe what might be. But to find out what happens you will need to read this wonderful holiday romance.
The story reminds me of some of Madeleine L’Engle’s adult fiction. It has a clear undercurrent of faith, excellent characters, a well-crafted plot and excellent pacing! This book was a wonderful fun read. My only regret is that with RomCom’s the story often ends here and I wonder what happens next, in the community, with the threatened lawsuit, and of course with Noelle and Nik. It truly is a story that leaves you wanting more!
A fantastic read I can easily recommend!
This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan!
May 14, 2025
It was fine. I didn't really care about the characters or what was happening.
The "emergency meeting" thing Noelle had with her co-workers was weird. You don't just get all your co-workers together so you can ask them if they think your ex is trying to get you back. Plus, she had only been working there for about a week--she hardly knew those people!
Nik's whole "Alaska Native" thing was laid on a little thick. I get that he's a native Alaskan and he's proud of his heritage, but it was a bit much. It was also annoying how it was always "Alaska Native" and never "native Alaskan." How 'bout some variety and switch it up a bit?
POSSIBLE SPOILER ➡️
I've read several of the author's other books, and I like this the least out of all of them.
I realize that this sounds kinda like a hate review, but I promise that's not what I'm aiming for!
The "emergency meeting" thing Noelle had with her co-workers was weird. You don't just get all your co-workers together so you can ask them if they think your ex is trying to get you back. Plus, she had only been working there for about a week--she hardly knew those people!
Nik's whole "Alaska Native" thing was laid on a little thick. I get that he's a native Alaskan and he's proud of his heritage, but it was a bit much. It was also annoying how it was always "Alaska Native" and never "native Alaskan." How 'bout some variety and switch it up a bit?
POSSIBLE SPOILER ➡️
I've read several of the author's other books, and I like this the least out of all of them.
I realize that this sounds kinda like a hate review, but I promise that's not what I'm aiming for!
October 25, 2024
I’ve been a fan of Amanda Lauer’s writing for quite some time now. Her seamless storytelling brings to life the amazing couples that she introduces us to. Her characters are realistically flawed yet completely relatable, and her dynamic keeps the reader engaged and turning the pages.
I always jump at the chance to read this author's newest creations, and was even more excited than usual when I discovered that this new story was a holiday romance for adults. Who doesn’t love those? A Very Chapel Falls Christmas is such a feel-good novel that reading it felt like cozying up with a mug of cocoa in front of a roaring fire.
From the first pages, I was cheering on this special couple and anticipating all the magic of the holiday season. Through the picturesque setting, timeless love story, endearing scenes, and satisfying ending, Lauer delivered. My only complaint is that being so engrossed in the story, I turned the pages too quickly, and the story was over before I was ready to let these characters go. This book is one I will definitely read again. I give this one two very enthusiastic, mittened-thumbs up!
I always jump at the chance to read this author's newest creations, and was even more excited than usual when I discovered that this new story was a holiday romance for adults. Who doesn’t love those? A Very Chapel Falls Christmas is such a feel-good novel that reading it felt like cozying up with a mug of cocoa in front of a roaring fire.
From the first pages, I was cheering on this special couple and anticipating all the magic of the holiday season. Through the picturesque setting, timeless love story, endearing scenes, and satisfying ending, Lauer delivered. My only complaint is that being so engrossed in the story, I turned the pages too quickly, and the story was over before I was ready to let these characters go. This book is one I will definitely read again. I give this one two very enthusiastic, mittened-thumbs up!
January 10, 2025
This wholesome Christmas romance is absolutely perfect for the holidays! While I may be biased because it was inspired by my hometown, it does include every aspect of a Hallmark Christmas movie in book form. This is a December necessity for anyone looking for that cozy read.
My one super minor critique was that the end felt a bit rushed. I think it would have been better to put an epilogue for even a week later with the wedding and house purchase. Her family was able to fly down to congratulate her, why couldn't they just wait to get married for when they could be there? Wasn't sure why it had to happen that night.
My one super minor critique was that the end felt a bit rushed. I think it would have been better to put an epilogue for even a week later with the wedding and house purchase. Her family was able to fly down to congratulate her, why couldn't they just wait to get married for when they could be there? Wasn't sure why it had to happen that night.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2024
Are you looking for a heartwarming, small-town Christmas romance? A Very Chapel Falls Christmas is the delightful story of Noelle Clark’s new job promoting the city just in time for Christmas season. But the plot thickens when her former fiancé, Nik Forrest, is the musical celebrity home to attend, support, and host many of the holiday community events. Get ready for a festive tale filled with love, second chances, and the magic of Christmas in Chapel Falls!
I was given an ARC copy, but the opinions are my own.
I was given an ARC copy, but the opinions are my own.
January 18, 2025
Tecchnically, I would give this book 2 stars, but all the added details from my current home (Neenah, WI...the actual city Chapel Falls is based on) gave the book a bonus star!
It is truly a Hallmark rom-com in print form. Cute, non-taxing, a love triangle, and (finally) a kiss in the last chapter. The book definitely got very religious in the last few chapters - which felt a bit strange/forced - but the author is known for her Christian writing, so not entirely out of left field.
A cute little read to divert your mind for a few hours on a cold day.
It is truly a Hallmark rom-com in print form. Cute, non-taxing, a love triangle, and (finally) a kiss in the last chapter. The book definitely got very religious in the last few chapters - which felt a bit strange/forced - but the author is known for her Christian writing, so not entirely out of left field.
A cute little read to divert your mind for a few hours on a cold day.
December 13, 2025
It was fun to read about the town near where I’m from! It was like a big commercial for Christmas in Neenah, which I’m not mad about. I don’t read a lot of romcoms, but the plot did seem kind of bonkers to me. But it was a fluffy, entertaining read.
December 22, 2025
I loved this book so much. It is the perfect read for Christmas. It tugged at my heartstrings, made me laugh out loud, and made big smiles appear on my face. Good job Amanda, I admire your work a great deal. Hope to read more of these small town pieces of coziness.
December 19, 2024
A wholesome holiday read! The perfect book to get you into the Christmas spirit with charming settings and endearing characters.
December 29, 2024
This was soooo cheesy, but giving it an obligatory 5 stars because Chapel Falls is actually Neenah! Was so fun to read about a world that I could picture perfectly.
December 29, 2024
Hallmark Christmas movie in book form. Setting is based on Neenah, WI so that made it fun to read as this is where I am from.
January 12, 2025
It was fun reading about places in my city
November 14, 2025
Omg wholesome Hallmark Christmas book to get you in the spirit!
November 23, 2025
Perfect feel good, adorable Christmas story! ❤️💚
December 20, 2025
Perfect read for cozy Christmas time of year, especially if you live near Neenah, the whole book takes place in this town- loved the vibes for that reason alone!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews