Coming home to Lake Mistletoe, Idaho, was supposed to give me space to breathe, regroup, and figure out what comes after college—a couple of quiet months wrapped in twinkling lights and holiday cheer before stepping into the real world. Instead, one wrong step on the ice sends me straight into the care of Dr. Brody Canaday—the man who once dated my older sister, and the boy I used to crush on with every piece of my teenage heart. Only now, he’s not just Arie’s ex. He’s the town’s devastatingly handsome doctor… and the way he looks at me feels anything but brotherly.
I came back searching for direction. But what if the future I’ve been chasing has been waiting for me here all along?
Amber Kelly is a romance author that calls North Carolina home. She has been an avid reader from a young age and you could always find her with her nose in a book completely enthralled in an adventure. With the support of her husband and family, in 2018, she decided to finally give a voice to the stories in her head and her debut novel, Both of Me was born. You can connect with Amber on Facebook at facebook.com/AuthorAmberKelly, on IG @authoramberkelly or on twitter @AuthorAmberKel1. http://authoramberkelly.com/
Oh my HEART. This book was pure small-town, holiday, second-chance magic! Amber Kelly absolutely nailed that cozy, snowy, butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling. From the first page, I was hooked — Lake Mistletoe sounds like the dreamiest little Christmas town, and the moment she literally falls into Brody’s arms? Instant goner. I was giggling, swooning, and blushing all at once.
Brody Canaday… good grief. The charming small-town doctor who used to date her sister?? The forbidden tension?? The protectiveness?? It’s the perfect mix of sweet and sinful. And the heroine—she’s so relatable and lost in that post-college “what now” haze, and watching her find herself and fall in love was just beautiful. Their connection felt so natural and tender, like they’d been orbiting each other for years and finally collided at just the right moment.
The Christmas vibes were spot-on too—cozy cabins, snowflakes, twinkly lights, and that warm fuzzy feeling that makes you want to wrap yourself in a blanket and never leave Lake Mistletoe.
I smiled the whole time reading this and finished with a full heart and happy tears. Sweet, swoony, and sparkling with holiday magic — Falling in Lake Mistletoe is everything a Christmas romance should be. 🎄💫❤️
I have loved this series since the start, and after every book I seriously consider moving to Lake Mistletoe. It is a quaint small town, and at this time of year full of holiday magic.
Iris is returning home before the holidays and a before she leaves for a trip with her boyfriend. A slip and fall on the ice, lands her in the arms of new small town doc, Brody, and her sisters ex.
Concussion protocol has her trip back to Philadelphia and trip to Hawaii postponed. The boyfriend decides now is a good time for a break.
This opens the door for Iris and Brody to explore their connection, and with Hallmark type descriptions the town magic works on these two to find their HEA.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
I enjoyed this latest book in the Lake Mistletoe series. Iris comes home for a short visit with her family before she begins this new journey in her life. While she is there, she slips and falls, giving herself a concussion. Because of this, she isn't able to go to Philadelphia to be with her boyfriend, nor is she able to go to Hawaii for their Thanksgiving trip. Her boyfriend decides that this is a good time for them to take a break.
While Iris is home, she is swarmed by old feelings for Brody, who was her sister's boyfriend. Brody also happens to be the town doctor, who helped nurse her back to health after her slip and fall. Brody is drawn to Iris in a way he knows he shouldn't be. He had always seen her as a little sister. But now they are both all grown up and looking for forever.
I enjoyed the connection that Iris and Brody had with each other. I loved the small town, Hallmark type vibes of Lake Mistletoe. It was also great to see the characters from the past. My only issue with this story is the fact the Brody dated Iris's sister. If they had only been together for a very short time in their early teens, I wouldn't have minded so much. But Brody was with her sister for 6 years, and they lived together. Everyone thought they would be together forever. This is my hangup about Iris and Brody being together. It was very hard for me to put that aspect out of my mind while reading this one.
Arc Read 💫 10 ⭐️’s This book should be a Hallmark Movie! Iris thinks she moving to Philadelphia with her boyfriend only to end up home in Lake Mistletoe. When Iris thinks she’s ready to go she falls on ice and is told she can’t travel. So she stays in Lake Mistletoe, where she falls in love with Brody.
Brody mmmmm Brody! The hot Dr. Canaday. He has moved back to Lake Mistletoe to take over his dad practice. Where he takes care of Iris when she falls. Brody and Iris aka Pixie have a past.
I love the storyline and how they fall in love. I was hooked from the beginning.
I am a ho ho ho for Amber Kelly. And for her to give me this Christmas banger. Love. 🎅🏻🎅🏻
Give me the small absolute idyllic Christmas town. Lake Mistletoe, ID.
Um sister’s ex boyfriend. Yes to this trope. Brody dated Iris’s older sister. And there’s an age gap. He’s a hot small town doctor. She’s got her own situation going on and makes a pit stop home.
Sleigh rides and a Christmas festival. Mistletoe is obviously a given.
This is short in length and a quick read to give you all the holiday vibes. 🎄
Iris was supposed to have her dream job, dream life, now that she's graduated, but was informed the job was no longer there. So now she's home in Lake Mistletoe for awhile to figure out what she's going to do with her life. It's the holiday season, her hometown's favorite season, and things are looking pretty magical. But when she injures herself and the town's gorgeous doctor, Brody Canaday, who happens to be her older sister's ex and Iris' childhood crush, decides to take care of her, that former crush makes itself felt again. This time, though, it seems Brody might be feeling the same. The magic of Christmas and her little town are having their way with them.
Brody knows he's not supposed to notice that his ex's little sister has grown into a beautiful woman, but he can't help but be drawn to Iris. Is it just the fantastical magic of Christmas, though, or is it something more real, more grounded in pure emotion? What he does know is he's falling for Iris this Christmas. Now the question is, what should he do about it?
Brody and Iris were like a Hallmark movie with spice, and much more depth than the average Hallmark story. There's age gap, sister's ex, hot doc, and of course Christmas - how could I not fall in love with them? They're so sweet together, and there's not much angst, or drama, just two people whose connection gave them a few moments of anxiety, but not enough that they could stop themselves from falling so hard. I'm only in the beginning of my holiday romance reading, but I'm so excited to keep reading more after having fallen in love with Iris and Brody and their sweet, heartwarming Christmas love story.
ARC provided by Wordsmith Publicity for an honest review.
Around this time of the year I need my Christmas fix in the form of Christmas novels . Don't judge me, I know it's early. But every time I read a book from the Lake Mistletoe series it's like a warm and tender Christmas hug for my soul. And every time Amber Kelly delivers the perfect blend of sweet Hallmark movie moments with the right dose of instant connection, crazy chemistry and enough steam to overheat your Kindles. After the hot and hectic summer and the autumn rushing around I need that holiday slowing down and just being in the moment. The moment being getting back to Mistletoe Lake and all that wonderful characters is just an added bonus. Needles to say that I read Falling in Lake Mistletoe in one sitting, a few hours to be exact and loved it so much. Brody and Iris were perfect for each other and so good together. Iris had a teenage crush on Brody and now years later she's back home for a visit. But that visit extends for a little longer. And while she's there she founds out a few things. First, that plan she has about her future is not as solid as she thinks thanks to a failed job opportunity and an unfaithful boyfriend. Second,her crush on Brody Canaday is still alive and strong. Because Brody now is more kind , attractive and attending to her even after her concussion is healed. And now Brody is looking at her differently than before and she's no longer his ex's little sister.Nope . Iris is smart, beautiful and mesmerizing . And she found her place in that group of close friends and family. Let's just say I didn't like her boyfriend Charles and his attitude. And he showed his true colors when things didn't go as planned. On the other side when Brody decided what he wanted he was all in . He just wanted to be fair with Iris . I loved their happy ending and how everything fell into place. And if you need your dose of Christmas novels don't miss this one and it's guaranteed that you'll fall in with the Lake Mistletoe series .
Thanks to the author and WordSmith Publicity for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.
Iris is back in town visiting family over the Christmas season but when a little mishap happens and her stay has to be extended she has to face the reality that the life she has been living may not be the life she needs.
Brody is back home from living in the city to take over his father’s general practice. While doing so, he falls back into his old life with friends and family.
I really liked Iris and Brody. I loved how caring and attentive he was and how she slowly came into herself. I really enjoyed their sleigh ride and how he battled with himself over that fact that she is no longer the little sister of her ex, she’s now a woman.
I totally would have loved to see Iris confront Charles the tosser and maybe see his reaction to Brody. I would have loved that little confrontation especially since he should take his own advice and ‘work on himself’.
Overall, I absolutely loved this one. It had all the Lake Mistletoe vibes while still being completely separate.
I loved revisiting the old Lake Mistletoe characters and seeing them all come together. Everyone truly is connected in this little magical town.
It’s sad that this is the end of the series though, I was hoping Amber Kelly would release a new book/novella each year in this town for Christmas. Maybe visit the other Bed and Breakfasts in Lake Mistletoe. 😅
Returning home is a bit like opening an old snow globe. You shake it up, and suddenly memories swirl everywhere, glittering and chaotic. That’s exactly the vibe in Falling in Lake Mistletoe, a holiday romance that pairs cozy small-town magic with a swoony, slightly complicated love story.
Iris comes skidding back into Idaho—literally—only to land in the arms of Dr. Brody Canaday. A childhood crush-turned-town heartthrob-doctor? Yes please. Toss in the tiny detail that he once dated her older sister, and we’ve got the perfect recipe for a deliciously forbidden spark under the mistletoe. What follows is a story packed with festive charm: hometown traditions, twinkling lights, family dinners that include just the right amount of awkward tension. This is a tender, hopeful tale about letting go of the version of the future you thought you needed to chase, and grabbing hold of the one standing right in front of you—preferably with strong arms, a doctor’s coat, and a smolder that could ignite a Christmas tree.
"Returning home is a bit like opening an old snow globe. You shake it up, and suddenly memories swirl everywhere, glittering and chaotic. That’s exactly the vibe in Falling in Lake Mistletoe, a holiday romance that pairs cozy small-town magic with a swoony, slightly complicated love story.
Iris comes skidding back into Idaho—literally—only to land in the arms of Dr. Brody Canaday. A childhood crush-turned-town heartthrob-doctor? Yes please. Toss in the tiny detail that he once dated her older sister, and we’ve got the perfect recipe for a deliciously forbidden spark under the mistletoe. What follows is a story packed with festive charm: hometown traditions, twinkling lights, family dinners that include just the right amount of awkward tension. This is a tender, hopeful tale about letting go of the version of the future you thought you needed to chase, and grabbing hold of the one standing right in front of you—preferably with strong arms, a doctor’s coat, and a smolder that could ignite a Christmas tree."
Falling in Lake Mistletoe by Amber Kelly is pure small-town Christmas magic with a side of second chances and stolen glances 💖 I fell head over heels for Iris and Brody’s story, the hometown doctor and the girl who never quite stopped dreaming about him (even if he once dated her sister). Their chemistry? Off the charts. The tension, the tenderness, the holiday sparkle, it’s everything I love in a festive romance.
Amber Kelly captures that cozy, snow-dusted feeling so well you can practically smell the pine trees and hear the crackle of the fire. Lake Mistletoe feels like the kind of place you’d want to escape to for the holidays, full of charm, laughter, and just the right amount of drama.
It’s heartwarming, sweet, and a little bit sinful in the best way. I smiled the whole way through and closed the book with a full, happy heart. If you love small-town Christmas stories with swoony heroes, relatable heroines, and the perfect dose of holiday spirit, this one’s for you!
Falling In Lake Mistletoe book 5 in the Lake Mistletoe series and my first read by Amber Kelly
This was such a cute, well-written short Christmas novella filled with holiday magic and cozy Hallmark vibes. The characters were wonderful and well-developed, and the worldbuilding was so vivid I found myself wishing I could visit Lake Mistletoe myself.
I really enjoyed Brody and Iris’s story. They’re drawn to each other but try to resist because Brody once dated Iris’s sister. Their chemistry was undeniable, the banter was adorable, and the festive setting added the perfect amount of warmth and sparkle. Brody was completely swoon-worthy—from the way he cared for Iris to their sweet dates and heartfelt moments.
A heartwarming, romantic holiday read that’s perfect if you’re looking for something quick, cozy, and full of Christmas charm.
Thank you to Amber Kelly and Wordsmith Publicity for gifting me this ARC in exchange for my honest review
I always love being back in Lake Mistletoe, we have Iris and Brody’s story and what a cute couple.
I adored Iris, who has returned home for Christmas before she starts a new chapter in Philly. Luckily things don’t go to plan and she is swept up in the sweetest love story with her childhood crush…
Brody, the resident Doctor, used to be in a relationship with Iris’ sister. He’s all too aware of what’s at risk if he follows his heart, but once he realises how deeply he feels for Iris, there’s no turning back.
It was also so lovely to catch with the other couples from the previous books in the series.
This story is everything we love in a festive read: heartwarming, romantic, and filled with so much small-town charm you wish you could visit Lake Mistletoe for real!
Thank you to the author & team for the opportunity to read this arc💕
One thing is for sure; I can almost always finish Amber’s books in one day because I can’t seem to put them down, and this one was no different! The setting, the holidays, the premise. It was a treat to read and definitely got me in the mood for Christmas. I always love a small-town romance, and this was one was extra sweet. With all the local activities I liked how everyone in the community worked together to make the festivities a success. I was glad that Iris was home so that she could take the time to figure out her future. Was moving in with her boyfriend (Charles) a good idea? And what was she going to do for work? It seemed overwhelming for her, but at least she had Brody to show her how real men treat women. Sister’s ex was not a trope I have read a lot of, but it was done well. I never thought less of Brody for falling for Iris or vice versa. Brody and Iris’s path to each other had been a sweet one. And now as adults he still remained very caring and kind towards Iris. Although the town was sweet and dreamy, the pace and the issues that came up between Brody and Iris’s felt very natural and realistic. If you are in the mood for a holiday romance that is set in a sweet small town with a hunky doctor, this one is perfection.
Another wonderful book in Lake Mistletoe. I always enjoy my visits to this small town. They do Christmas right and makes me wish I could stay at the Inn and B&B to experience it. Sometimes life puts us right where we are meant to be. Those road blocks or hurdles are placed in our path to show us what we need no necessarily what we want at the time. I feel that's what Iris experiences. He short visit with family turns to a longer stay. Her soul needed to be in Lake Mistletoe for the holidays. She's always had a crush on her sister's ex for the longest time. Now fate given her chance to see what could have been. This book gives you all the feels. I love the sense of community. It did my heart good to see the previous characters in the series living their best HEAs. A perfect read to get you into the holiday spirit.
I love every year coming back to this cute small town of Lake Mistletoe. Where Christmas magic lives and romance is always in store. A Hallmark movie in the making, this story was everything you will love in your Christmas romance.
This was a slow, slow burn but so worth the wait. Brody was Iris’s sister boyfriend once upon a time and she always had a crush on him. Now they are back in Lake Mistletoe all grown up and the chemistry is undeniable. The connection has always been there it’s just those pesky what ifs keeping them second guessing. Once they give in it was such a beautiful sight.
I’m sad this is the end of this series but can’t wait to see where Amber takes us next. Hopefully to another holiday town with Christmas joy and cheer.
Iris returns home when her life is at a crossroads. The job she had lined up is gone and the move with her current boyfriend doesn’t feel right. She has avoided going home but now she needs the comfort of home. It’s the holiday season and she realizes just how much she has missed her friends and family. She also learns that Brody has moved home to take over his dad’s medical practice. She and Brody are drawn to each other but they try to resist it. Brody used to date her sister so a relationship between the two would be taboo. Well the heart wants what it wants and the connection between these two just won’t be denied.
I thoroughly enjoyed this forbidden romance. **I received an advance copy of this book for free and I am voluntarily leaving this review.**
✨ARC Review✨ Book: Falling in Lake Mistletoe Author: Amber Kelly ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Iris Saunders returns home to Lake mistletoe to visit her family. What she does not expect is to see her childhood crush and her sister’s ex Brody Canaday, the town new doctor.
Due to an unforeseen accident, Iris has to stay longer than what she expected. As time goes by, Iris and Brody spend time together and they fall for each other. They try to deny it to their family and friends, however, they all kind of knew what’s was going on between them.
I love how Brody is protective of Iris and how in love beis with her. This was such a great read, so perfect for Christmas.
Why you will love this story: 🏡Small Town 🎄Holiday Romance ❤️🔥Sister’s Ex 💥He Falls First
FMC: Iris Saunders MMC: Brody Canaday Spice: 🌶️🌶️ Pages: 201 Tropes: Sister’s Ex, Small Town Romance, Holiday Romance, Age Gap Setting: Lake Mistletoe, Idaho
Thoughts: This was a good holiday romance. It was lighthearted and brought the Hallmark movie vibes. I will say that the sister’s ex trope isn’t really my favorite. Especially with the age gap between them. I understood Iris’ crush on her big sister’s boyfriend, but I don’t know if I believed Brody falling so quickly for his ex’s little sister. Despite that, I did find the book enjoyable. I would have liked a little more of Brody and Iris as a couple. Overall, it was a feel good book that was light and easy to read.
We are back in Lake Mistletoe and what a visit!! Brody brought all the swoon to this story, the moment he sees Iris again and she is now all grown up and not the little Pixi he remembers. I love these two together so much from the fighting the attraction to the F it moment. I love this series so much as much as the central couple feels like you are visiting old friends and seeing what new this year. I loved Iris's family so much and would so like to know more about Nathan (maybe a Christmas Novella as some point?!?) I didn't really want this story to end as loved it so much and it just warms your heart that it will definitely be a re-read for Christmas's to come.
Welcome back to Lake Mistletoe! I am convinced ol’ Nick fuels the magic and wonder of the holiday loving town and the matches that are made every time he pops up! 😉☺️ This series is one of my favorites.
While I love this series, this book in particular just fell a bit flat for me. I am not sure if it was the sister’s long term ex boyfriend mmc, maybe it felt a bit rushed, maybe I just needed more story- it is hard to say why exactly. I wanted to love the story like I have the others but I just didn’t connect with it this time. Which totally happens and won’t stop me from reading other Amber Kelly books. She is still one of my favorite authors.❤️
5 Star Review Falling In Lake Mistletoe (Lake Mistletoe #5) by Amber Kelly
This was a well written and entertaining read that quickly drew me in and kept me invested.
Although a quick read, Ms. Kelly certainly packed a lot into the story. We are back in Lake Mistletoe, Idaho for Dr. Brody Canaday and Iris’s story.
Complicating matters is that Brody used to date Iris’s older sister. I love stories set around Christmas and this one has it all. This book certainly will get you ready for the holiday season .
Falling In Lake Mistletoe is Dr Brody Canaday and Iris’s magical holiday story. It’s a bittersweet read because it’s the end of the Lake Mistletoe Series and I loved everything about this whimsical story. Iris is back home for the holidays before starting her life in Philly. The last thing she expects is to come face to face with her teenage crush, the man who used to date her sister……… What follows is a magical, whimsical story that I quickly became invested in. This is a well written story with characters I fell hard and fast for. Falling In Lake Mistletoe is a story Christmas Movies are made from.
✨Tropes✨ 🎄Small Town 🎄Sister's Ex 🎄He Falls First 🎄Age Gap 🎄Holiday 🌶️🌶️ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Did you ever have a crush on your older sister's boyfriend? What if you're both all grown up now? This was a fun holiday read with wonderful characters. It was perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. It quickly drew me in. Iris and Brody had perfect chemistry. Hot Doc Brody was a great MMC. Iris was wonderfully sassy. This read could have easily been a steamy version of a Hallmark Movie. This was a well-written and entertaining read.
🏡Small Town 🎄Holiday Romance ❤️🔥Sister’s Ex 💥He Falls First
This was a cute small town romance. Age-gap for sure but so amazing. Iris found her way back home when she didn't know she needed it. This reminded me of every Christmas Hallmark movie I have fell in love with over the years. Brody decided to come back to take over his father's practice not understanding what he might be missing. I enjoyed the story and thankful for a little bit of backstory about the characters. I loved watching Iris and Brody realize what was right in front of them.
4.5/5⭐️ Iris is finally home in Lake Mistletoe. Unfortunately, the reason for her return is not due to good news and one unforeseen accident soon changes the trajectory of her life (and Brody’s too).
I loved how capable Dr Brody was and oh boy..his daily check-ins definitely gave him lots of brownie points. That forehead kiss scene was so simple, yet so beautiful.
This was a breeze to read and I loved the sweet moments between Iris and Brody, and also those spicy moments where everyone and everything else just fades into the background.
This is the fifth book in this impressive series, and this is Iris and Brody’s story. Iris returns home to regroup, and finds out the Brody, who she has a massive crush on, and is her sister’s ex, is now the town doctor. This is a well written easy to read story, with family, friendships, emotions, engaging and realistic characters, revelation, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and sweet, small town holiday romance. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
This is my first book out of this series and Amber nailed it. This book will give you hallmark and Christmas vibes.
So we have Iris coming back home before the holidays but before she can leave for her trip with her boyfriend she falls on some ice and falls in the arms of the new town doc Brody who is also her sister ex.
With the concussion protocol it has delay her trips to Philadelphia and Hawaii. But her boyfriend decides it’s a good time for them to have a break. This opens doors for Broody and Iris to explore their connections.
Another amazing visit back to Lake Mistletoe to get me in the holiday spirit. I look forward the every year when Amber adds another book to the series. Lake Mistletoe is like living in a Hallmark movie. Where Christmas Magic is real, romance is always on the menu and sleigh rides with Nick can change your life.
Iris returns to Lake Mistletoe to visit her family for the holidays before starting her life in Philly. Brody was her childhood crush but also her sister ex boyfriend. They have both grown up and for Iris those feelings come back ten fold. Brody is a little slower to realize what he is feeling, but when he does it is soooo worth it. I loved how everyone seemed to have an insight to what was happening even if Iris and Brody couldn't see it.
I am sad that this series has come to an end but I am hoping Amber graces us with some new holiday magic soon.