Together This Christmas

by Beth K. Vogt

What if true love is only a text away?

Mila Maxwell is happy with her life in New York City. Her boyfriend Zane is perfect for her – and yes perfect means he offers her the stability she’s always wanted. Zane’s also not threatened by the endless text thread she keeps with her best friend, Ben Kendrick. Why should he be? They’re friends, nothing more.

Christmas is coming – a holiday she’d much rather skip – and Mila’s the maid-of-honor for her college roommate’s December wedding. When disaster strikes the wedding coordinator, Mila rushes to Colorado to save Angie’s big day and plunges headfirst into all the marital falalala.

As Mila works the details for Angie and Charles’ wedding, Ben steps up to help. After all, he’s the best man and someone in his life should have a happily ever after. This may be Ben’s last chance to convince Mila that they were meant for more than long texts and short video chats.

Mila must confront her fears about love and Zane, who offers her the security she’s always longed for, or Ben, who has never given up on her. What if her true love has always been one text away?

Genres: Christmas, Novella, Christian, Christian Romance

184 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2025

About the author

Beth K. Vogt is a non-fiction author and editor who said she’d never write fiction. She’s the wife of an Air Force family physician (now in solo practice) who said she’d never marry a doctor—or anyone in the military. She’s a mom of four who said she’d never have kids. Now Beth believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” The Best We’ve Been, the final book in Beth’s Thatcher Sisters Series with Tyndale House Publishers, releases May 2020. Other books in the series include Things I Never Told You, which one the 2019 AWSA Award for Contemporary Novel of the Year, and Moments We Forget.
Beth is a 2016 Christy Award winner, a 2016 ACFW Carol Award winner, and a 2015 RITA® finalist. Her 2014 novel, Somebody Like You, was one of Publisher’s Weekly’s Best Books of 2014. A November Bride was part of the Year of Wedding Series by Zondervan. Having authored nine contemporary romance novels or novellas, Beth believes there’s more to happily-ever-after than the fairy tales tell us.
An established magazine writer and former editor of the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth blogs for Learn How to Write a Novel and The Write Conversation and also enjoys speaking to writers group and mentoring other writers. She lives in Colorado with her husband Rob, who has adjusted to discussing the lives of imaginary people. Connect with Beth at bethvogt.com.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found myself laughing out loud over and over again as I was reading TOGETHER THIS CHRISTMAS by Beth K. Vogt. I couldn’t help it. Some of the conversations were just so funny and they made me feel like I was right there in the condo with all of these wonderful characters. If you are looking for a funny holiday tale, you must read TOGETHER THIS CHRISTMAS. As each secret comes out, there are tears and then laughter.

Open up a copy of TOGETHER THIS CHRISTMAS and you will find yourself surrounded by a mix of people. TOGETHER THIS CHRISTMAS is filled with crazy drama, love, happiness, tears and second chances. Mila is very guarded with her heart as she still harbors fear of being hurt. That is because her father abandoned the family when she was a child. Ben understands why she feels the way she does as they have been childhood friends and he has always been there for her whenever she has needed him. He is her best friend, but Ben loves her and knows he is running out if time to let her know his true feelings.

In TOGETHER THIS CHRISTMAS all of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I’ve known them for a long time. I would love to hang out with Mila and Angie . I’m sure they could teach me a thing or two and I know they would keep my laughing all day long! I love how Beth K. Vogt does that to me each and every time. She has me longing to find friends just like her characters. There is so much heart in Beth’s writing that I was left with a huge smile on my face and my heart very happy. Beth is the queen of writing heartfelt stories about women and family drama. If you are looking for a quick, funny, feel good story, you can’t go wrong with TOGETHER THIS CHRISTMAS!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

[Cara Putman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was charming novella that got me in the Christmas mood with all the feels of a Hallmark movie. Mika and Ben are the perfect lovers to more romance. Add in a wedding, everything going wrong, and an almost fiancé and the book is such fun while also tugging at your heart strings. I loved it!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Together This Christmas was a combination of a friends to more story and a second chance at love together novel. I really felt for both of these main characters. Mila was emotionally damaged by her father’s desertion of their family when she was a child. This led to her to develop certain views on relationships and to resent the Christmas season, as well. She even had trouble trusting in God because of what she and her mom went through. Yet, she managed to maintain a strong friendship with Ben for many years, even over long distance.

Ben, however, is in love with his best friend and I respected the way he tried to be the friend that Mila needed, even though he wanted more. It was interesting to learn about their backstory and their short dating history in college. It made me hope that he could convince Mila that they were meant to be more than best friends now.

This story had some deep issues and a light faith thread running through it, but it also had plenty of sweet, swoony, and fun moments, too.

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Deena · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Most Wonderful Read of the Year!

Okay, that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but this book made my heart so happy.

I wasn’t blessed to fall in love with my best friend like Ben and Mila do. But I fell in love and married the man who became my best friend.

After 41 months, he still is.

Reading their story stirred up wonderful memories and just made me so happy. I had my own version of Zane, so I got where Mila was coming from.

It’s a very sweet holiday story and one I’m thinking will be an annual read for me. Yes, it’s that good! And the cover is just as charming and magical as the pages inside.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mila has two men in her life: Ben, her best friend from college, and Zane, her soon-to-be fiancé. Angie, a best friend, is getting married, but her wedding coordinator is put on bed rest. Mila leaves Zane behind to help Angie with the last-minute details. They will reunite in a couple of weeks for the wedding. Ben is also summoned to help with last-minute details. The more Mila is around Ben, the more she and Ben are developing feelings for each other. Who will Mila choose in the end?

I enjoyed this novella because it hooked you from the start, it’s a book you can enjoy in 1 sitting, and it brings out all the feels of a romantic Christmas read! A perfect book to curl up with a blanket and read with a cup of tea!

[Tressa (Wishful Endings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

TOGETHER THIS CHRISTMAS is a sweet small-town holiday romance about two best friends and second chances. The characters are likable with some great side characters and family. There's some comedic situations, sweet moments, and plenty of sparks. Definitely a quick read to pick up for a delightful romance that will hit you just right for the holidays!

I honestly read this one all in one sitting. I needed something cute, festive and fun to escape into, and this was perfect for that, and had added sparks as well! The characters were relatable and lovable. Ben is this guy-next-door who has been Mila's best friend for forever. He's rugged, charming, warm, and likes to have fun. Mila is this driven, goal-focused gal who has her life all planned out with an emphasis on being safe. She's worked hard to get where she is. Through happenstance Mila is back with Ben and her other friends in their small town for a wedding and Ben has his last chance to see if he can win Mila. What ensues is a delightful story with all the feels.

My only concern was the aspect of the heroine already being in a committed relationship with someone else. I was worried there might be cheating, but thankfully the author handled it in just the right way to make it work for me.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This is a delightful story! Definitely one to grab if you're in need of a little holiday romance that is sweet with some sparks, has great characters, and some small-town charm!

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy through JustRead Publicity Tours, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Terri Steffes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This heartwarming tale of friends leading to romance is a wonderful holiday read. The small town vibes remind me of my own small town beginnings. The author uses great storytelling techniques to draw you into the story and characters.

The main characters, Mila and Ben, are best friends who work together. I loved that Mila had a past with Zane that did not include her faith, so that she could see that she could have love and faith together. Poignant moment!

It is important to note that the author definitely has crafted this tale with love and details that support the outcome. This isn't a loosely designed novel, this one took some time and it shows by word choice, sequence and the narrative between the characters. Bravo, Ms. Beth.

I highly recommend this book, Together This Christmas for the sweet story, the author's craftsmanship and the beautiful holiday vibe that it gives! 4☆

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Together This Christmas is the first book I have read written by Beth K. Vogt and it was the prefect small town Christmas story.

Mila has been called in on maid of honor duties when the wedding coordinator is hospitalized with her pregnancy. Mila’s best friend, Ben, is helping her out. Ben is in love with Mila, but she has some issues in relationships due to her parents’ divorce and the abandonment issues with her father. Mila is in a relationship, but things don’t end up working out, all while in the middle of getting her friends to the altar. This book was the perfect Christmas read, with love, second chances, close friendships, laughter, and a tubing Santa and Mrs. Clause.

The best friends-to-more, second-chance romance was the perfect sweet, kisses-only romance.

The faith element was interwoven throughout. Mila has a hard time trusting in God because of her father.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! Together This Christmas by Beth K. Vogt is a heartwarming friends-to-more romance, and I flew through it! I loved everything about it. It gives off all of the small town Christmas vibes I need at this time of the year. Really, I could use those vibes all year long…

I loved Mila and Ben! It was perfect having them step in as the wedding planners 3 weeks before the wedding. It gave these best friends more time to be together and for Mila to remember everything that she loved about Ben. It helped her to decide if she wanted safe and what she thinks is love, or what she knows is really love and a deeper connection. This time also brought her back to her faith in God which she’d put on the back burner in her relationship with Zane.

I highly recommend Together This Christmas! It has sweet, swoony feelings, yet it puts the importance of marrying someone who shares your relationship with God. I loved the small town setting, the string of disasters that cause Mila and Ben to become the wedding planners, and the fun characters!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unpopular opinion ahead.

Mila is living the life in New York and is practically engaged to Zane. However, when her best friend Angie's wedding coordinator backs out, Mila drops everything to go to Colorado to help. She ropes in her other best friend, Ben, to help her.

Read for:

❄ Christmas wedding

❄ best friends to more

❄ love triangle

❄ Mr. and Mrs. Claus

❄ second chance romance

I ended up being disappointed in this book. Overall, it fell flat for me. The love triangle is not well done. Mila is practically engaged to Zane, and her best friend is Ben. She and Ben almost kiss, but Zane showing up unexpectedly is what prevents it from happening. Then they do end up kissing before her breakup with Zane (cheating), and it is never recognized as such. She doesn't admit it to Zane, or ask forgiveness or anything. Her dad cheated on her mom, and that resulted in their divorce, and Mila hasn't spoken to him in years because of it, but finally goes and sees him and tells him she forgives him. I found it hard to believe she would cheat with that, having been something that affected her so profoundly, and then it's just glossed over.
Thank you to JustReads and the author for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was immensely charmed by this story. The flow is exceptional, the holiday cheer is near bursting, and the relationship between Ben and Mila is something special. This novel had me as soon as I read the words ‘Tiffany’ and ‘Thanksgiving’. I am so ready for all of the upcoming holiday festivities!

Mila is blind, and her stubbornness is almost her downfall in the ways of love. She’s let past misconceptions cloud her judgement and has a skewed view of reality. I see a lot of a younger me in her character, which isn’t a good thing. The more I read, the more I appreciated Ben’s integrity. While he can’t help his feelings for his best friend, he also doesn’t want to be the reason she breaks up her current relationship and wants her to choose him with no malicious intent. This is the kind of protagonist I can get behind! I did not, however, like how Mila’s boyfriend was written, and by the end, Mila herself was a bit annoying, but other than those small qualms, I was pretty smitten.

Friends-to-more isn’t one of my favorite tropes, but I was won over by the whole cast in this book. The good-natured characters paired with the dreamy holiday setting had my Hallmark-loving soul reveling in it all. The Christmas traditions and moments were some of my favorite scenes in the book, where the holiday cheer is maxed out!

One thing that mirrored real life were the wedding pitfalls that happened. When I was reading, I was in the middle of helping my sister plan her wedding, and let me tell you, it is not for the faint of heart. It was fun to read about wedding planning that I did not have to actively be part of. Such a charming Christmas story!

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.

[Wren · Rating 4 out of 5]

You'll love reading Together This Christmas! Mila lives in NYC, far away from her college friends, who've all stayed in Colorado. But she's heading out soon to celebrate Angie's and Charles's wedding as maid of honor...where she'll see Ben, her BFF...and ONLY best FRIEND forever. Though they text numerous times each day, and though Ben has loved Mila since college, he has stayed firmly in that zone. And now? It seems that an engagement ring might be in Mila's future. And not from Ben.

Yet when Angie's wedding planner has an emergency and has to step aside, Mila steps in. After all, her color-coded life planner is full; but of course, she'll slot in more responsibilities to make her friend's wedding perfect. Which means she has to return to Colorado. Where maybe Ben might have one last chance to show Mila how perfectly they fit together. Just maybe...

This is a lovely read. You will definitely be rooting for your favorite characters before the book ends!

I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions shared here are my own honest ones.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this time of the year with all the Christian Romance Christmas themed Fiction books out. Together this Christmas by Beth K. Vogt is the most recent book that I have read. I have enjoyed Beth K. Vogt books in the past, so I was really looking forward to this book.

I was immediately enthralled with the storyline of this book. The main characters in this story are Mila Maxwell, her boyfriend Zane, and her BEST friend Ben Kendrick. Mila lives in New York and Ben lives in Colorado, so they text each other often. Her boyfriend, Zane is not intimated by the texting Ben and Mila maintain, even though they have had a previous relationship. Mila is preparing for her friend Angie's December wedding and then at the last minute has to fly to Colorado to help Angie with last minute wedding details. Mila runs into Ben, as he is stepping up to help with the last minute details as he is the Best Man for the wedding. I really LOVE that Mila and Ben are spending time with one another and they both realize that their friendship could be something more. Mila has a rough decision to make, but it becomes a clear decision when she leans on God rather then her own understanding. The Sweet Small Town Second Chance Romance story really is a MUIST READ. FANTASTIC BOOK!

[Marylin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas really is a wonderful time. A time full of wonder and beauty, woven with bits of holiday magic. This is just the book to get you into the holiday spirit.
It’s a sweet story about two long-time best friends who have known each other for a long time. They text all the time and encourage each other even though they live far apart.
The story gets interesting when their other friends, who are planning to get married at Christmas, suddenly need them to step up and be the wedding coordinators. Boy, is it a crazy time as they try to get everything ready for the wedding.
In the middle of it all, Mila and Ben are thrown together, and genuine feelings start to grow stronger. Can they survive the wedding, their feelings, and Christmas?
Beth Vogt is one author I will read again. She blends her stories so smoothly. This book flows so well that you really feel you know these characters and understand what they are struggling with. There were a couple of times I wanted to knock some sense into both of them. Yet, they touched my life with their story.
I’ve always loved reading books that draw out emotions and feelings and give me a life lesson to walk away with. This book does that, and I highly recommend you pick it up.

[Lisa Ehrman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't you love finding a sweet Christmas romance? You'll love this novella with wholesome romance and faith included. The character's are adorable!

The big city girl has a big city boyfriend. Her good friend, Angie, is in great need back home. Because Mila is the maid of honor, she has to rescue her friend. Angie suddenly lost her wedding coordinator and the wedding planning is behind schedule.

Her high school boy-friend still lives in the hometown and Mila hopes that she won't run into Ben. But, of course she will. These two were almost a couple, but it didn't happen. They were always inseparable. Mila always told everyone that they were just friends.

The couple are thrown together because Ben is Charles best man. They both spend a ton of time together and feel closer than before. Ben wants to tell her how he feels, but is afraid of rejection. When Zane comes to town, will Mila finally get engaged? Or will Ben convince her not to?

This is a fun read with lots of giggles and lovely warm Christmas feelings.

[Tama Fortner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Busy New Yorker Mila hates Christmas (gasp!, right?), but when she journeys back to Colorado to help with her friend’s holiday wedding, she’s thrown right smack into the middle of small-town Christmas chaos. As best man and Mila’s best (and long-distance) friend, Ben steps in to help—because this just might be his last chance to convince Mila that they could be so much more than “just friends.”

At its heart, this is a story about daring to look beyond the “safe” choice and to reach for the love that lasts, not just for a season, but forever. Simply put, this book made me laugh, cheer, and smile!

[Dawn Wallis · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a sweet, cozy Christmas read, then Together This Christmas is the perfect book for you! This is a story about second-chance romance, but it's also so much more. The characters move beyond one-dimensionality, and the reader walks alongside them, specifically Mila, as she works through past choices and wrestles with pain from her childhood. There are many cute, chuckle out loud moments, but also tender whispers of faith and redemption. I highly recommend this book for yourself and as a gift for a friend. A sweet way to kick-off the holidays!

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful Christmas read about friends to more and second chances. Mila is guarded because her dad abandoned her and her mom years ago, which impacted her dating life and trust in God. It's obvious that Ben is still in love with Mila but respects her wish when they dated before but she wants them to still be best friends. I enjoyed their texts, their banter, and the light faith thread in this Christmas novella. Together This Christmas is a light hearted, sweet read.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a wonderfully sweet second chance story. Mila and Ben had been sweethearts when they were younger. When Mila experiened her parents divorce, she told Ben they could only be friends. Ten years later their best friends are getting married and they are best man and maid of honor. Mila is also expecting her longtime boyfriend in New York to propose. I recommend you read their story.

[Mary Mccauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read

Divorce causes so much pain. This weaves it's way through this fun romantic story.
Winter weather, cold, snow, in beautiful Colorado make for the perfect setting.
I am thrilled to recommend this enjoyable read.
May you find joy in this Christmas book.

[Mike Torreano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming story of two long-time best friends, Ben and Mila. Will they discover, after many years, that there may be more to their friendship than they thought? A great snuggle-under-a-blanket story as the weather turns cooler. A perfect Christmas stocking-stuffer. Get it!

[Delores Topliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth K. Vogt is a skilled author who develops great characters we care about who often face significant relationship problems. Working through them produces a depth and reality far beyond that provided in most romance stories for truly satisfying takeaways. Well-done and well worth reading.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written and enjoyable

This novella is perfect for Christmastime.
I enjoyed all the characters and the storyline kept me engaged the whole time.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.

[Eliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story that is wholesome and deep at the same time. I related to the troubles and questions the heroine had about life.

[Andrea]

Maybe one for book club. Easy read

[Jennifer Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed something light, and this was de-light-ful! Yet, it also included the right amount of depth. Just finished it 5 minutes ago. Well done, Beth K. Vogt. Thanks for the perfect Christmas read:)

[Sherry Deatrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've always loved Beth's books. But this one did not hit the mark for me. I found it mostly unbelievable and had a hard time connecting with the characters.

[Stacey Cochran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really loved this story! Great characters, great setting, wonderful Christmas story!

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like clean, contemporary friends-to-more Christmas stories, I recommend this book.