The Christmas Cottage

by Fiona Baker

A charming, feel-good, sweet holiday romance stuffed full of Christmas cheer. Grab a mug of hot cocoa, curl up by the fireplace, and be swept away by a book the celebrates the merriest season!

As an executive assistant at a high-powered company in San Francisco, Vanessa Stewart is used to working right through the holidays, barely pausing to celebrate as she juggles endless deadlines for her exacting boss.

But that all changes when she gets a call from her grandmother Mabel, who owns a toy store in the charming Christmas-themed town of Fir Tree Grove.

Mabel has broken her wrist and needs help manning the store during the December rush. Although Vanessa hasn’t visited Fir Tree Grove in years and has never truly embraced the festive spirit, she reluctantly agrees to spend her holidays in the small mountain town.

But reconnecting with her grandmother and meeting the other residents of the cozy town—especially local diner owner Jackson Hayes—changes her life in ways she never saw coming.

Jackson has always loved Christmas. From decking out his diner in elaborate decorations to creating seasonal menu specials, it’s his favorite time of year. So when he meets the pretty newcomer who seems to be allergic to holiday cheer, he assumes that her type-A personality will clash with his Christmas-loving attitude. But when he and Vanessa get roped into playing Mr. and Mrs. Claus for an event at the toy store, an undeniable chemistry sparks between them.

As Vanessa explores her connection with Jackson and starts to realize that there’s more to life than spreadsheets and meetings, she faces a go back to the life she thought she wanted, or embrace the most magical part of Christmas…

Love.

Genres: Christmas

318 pages, Paperback

Published October 7, 2025

About the author

Librarian Note: This profile contains multiple authors.

See also: Romance author Fiona Baker

Reviews

[Victoria Escobar · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had some inconsistencies that were hard for me to overlook (ex: the FMC describing her outfit and the details of her scarf just to see the MMC saying something along the lines of “I’m glad I brought you a scarf since you’re not wearing one” a couple pages later. Also, the MMC texting the FMC 90% thru the book about her “Aunt” hurting her wrist which I feel like is a big error because the book is about her grandmother hurting her wrist). I found it odd that a big theme of the book was the main character’s parents passing away in an accident and her coping mechanisms for her grief, but her grandmother who surely should be also dealing with grief in losing a family member never once mentions said family member who was lost in that accident (Did we even find out if Grandma was Vanessa’s maternal or paternal grandmother???). The whole storyline felt shallow and unfinished.

[Carol Lindner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why don’t authors continue what they start in the beginning of a book? In Chapter 3 Vanessa arrives in a puffy coat and Ugg boots but through out the book she is wearing other coat and impractical boots. Some proof reader should have caught this. It takes away from the book for me to have such a difference thru out. Good story just so many differences.

[Deborah Zeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vanessa Stewart had zero plans to spend December anywhere but her San Francisco office… until one call from her grandma in Fir Tree Grove sends her straight into a blizzard of tinsel, toy-store chaos, and one distractingly charming diner owner.

Now she’s juggling peppermint milkshakes, small-town magic, and the very unexpected role of Mrs. Claus next to Jackson Hayes—the guy who treats Christmas like a competitive sport.

And suddenly? Her perfectly scheduled life is looking a lot less shiny than a quiet mountain town, a toy store that smells like sugarplums, and a man who makes her rethink her “no holiday cheer” stance with just one smile.

This year, Vanessa might unwrap the biggest surprise of all…
Love.

I really enjoyed this first book in a holiday series. It's straight out of a Hallmark Movie. A slowburn romance between the hometown hottie and the work-driven city girl, with a grandma who likes to play cupid. This is the perfect book to get readers into the holiday spirit. Jumping right into book #2!

[Tim Blackburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Nice Christmas Feel-Good

A nicely crafted Holiday treat to read. A overworked and overstressed mid-20's lady visits her grandmother in Maine for the first time in many years. She discovers not only Christmas cheer but a strong sense of family and community which she has never experienced. Oh yeah, a sweet romance is also included. Excellent Christmas read.

[Molly Fields · Rating 3 out of 5]

cheesy. cute. perfect quick Christmas read.

[Judy Hardwick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

LOTS of details... and some not accurate - unless my memory is bonkers - lol - when traveling to visit GrMa she'd bought new clothes for the cold weather, including winter boots... but when she got if the plane she had on city boots that didn't keep her feet warm... when meeting up with someone she wore a coat with an open collar that worked well with her black cashmere scarf, however when she arrived the person gave her a scarf and was glad she hadn't worn one. Also some typos, misspellings... Maybe it's just me, but poor editing throws me off...
Still - sweet story that took way too long [all those details] than I needed to get to the end.🙂

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

a lovely book -somewhat formulaic, but interesting characters in a delightful town


As an executive assistant at a high-powered company in San Francisco, Vanessa Stewart is used to working right through the holidays, barely pausing to celebrate as she juggles endless deadlines for her exacting boss.

But that all changes when she gets a call from her grandmother Mabel, who owns a toy store in the charming Christmas-themed town of Fir Tree Grove.

Mabel has broken her wrist and needs help manning the store during the December rush. Although Vanessa hasn’t visited Fir Tree Grove in years and has never truly embraced the festive spirit, she reluctantly agrees to spend her holidays in the small mountain town.

But reconnecting with her grandmother and meeting the other residents of the cozy town—especially local diner owner Jackson Hayes—changes her life in ways she never saw coming.

Jackson has always loved Christmas. From decking out his diner in elaborate decorations to creating seasonal menu specials, it’s his favorite time of year. So when he meets the pretty newcomer who seems to be allergic to holiday cheer, he assumes that her type-A personality will clash with his Christmas-loving attitude. But when he and Vanessa get roped into playing Mr. and Mrs. Claus for an event at the toy store, an undeniable chemistry sparks between them.

As Vanessa explores her connection with Jackson and starts to realize that there’s more to life than spreadsheets and meetings, she faces a choice: go back to the life she thought she wanted, or embrace the most magical part of Christmas…

[Erin Milholland · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the story was very basic, overworked 20-something with no friends or life to speak of, flys to tiny close knit town in Maine because her only reletive needed help. Meets cute single man and you can probably figure out the rest of the story. The thing that bothered me the most about it is that it seemed like a lot of the filler inbetween the main plot lines were written by ChatGPT. A lot of it was repeative, brought up every 2-3 pages that she may not stay in the town, the overly descriptive text was skip worthly as it really didn't add anything to the story. I think this could have been a shorter story and been a sweet Christmas easy-peasy read for the holidays, but there was so much repeatitive filler it was more a chore to finish then enjoyable.

[Judith Levis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vanessa Stewart temporarily leaves her job in San Francisco to travel to Fir Tree Grove to help out her grandmother, Mabel, who has hurt herself and needs help with her toy store. Vanessa's life is basically all work and no play, and she hasn't celebrated Christmas for years. It's been years she's seen her grandma too. The love interest is sweet, hunky Jackson Hayes, the owner of the local diner. This was really a wonderful story and we see the metamorphosis of Vanessa into a person who might learn to have more joy and love in her life. I'm so looking forward to the rest of the books in this series.

[Sue Negrillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maine.
Vanessa grew up in Fir Tree Grove then moved with her parents to San Francisco, they were killed in a car accident Vanessa never went back to Fir Tree because of the memories. Mable Vanessa’s Grandmother asked her to come. She hurt her wrist and needed help with her toy store at Christmas. When she got there it was Christmas overload, she had worked through Christmas sense her parents passed. She began to work at the toy store and fell in love with it and the town and the diner owner Jackson. They fell for each other too he asked her out went to the tree farm got a tree went to her room and decorated it. She quit her job and told Jackson she was staying.

[Diane Levin · Rating 1 out of 5]

The glaring omission in this book for me is that if Vanessa lost both her parents in a devastating accident, her grandmother Mabel would have lost either her son or daughter as well! Yet Vanessa never thought about her grandmother’s loss, never reached out to her? Wouldn’t some of the ‘old timers’ in Fir Tree Grove have know Vanessa’s parents and Vanessa since she spent her early childhood there? Wouldn’t they have known of Mabel’s terrible loss? Poor Vanessa never even seemed to have any friends, even from her pre-accident life. One dimensional and shallow. Run for the hills Jackson!

[christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Christmas Cottage

You can always guarantee a wholesome cozy romance from Fiona Baker. This book is a delicious and delightful cozy Christmas romance that's sure to please all readers. Lots of Christmas goodies baking, delicious coffee and one-off kind toy store and a community that love the magic of Christmas. A must must read. Happy reading.

[Karen Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I had been looking for a lighthearted Christmas story and this was perfect. I loved reading about the flavored coffees and hot chocolate. I even craved a peppermint hot chocolate and made one for myself (with whipped cream.) I’m glad I don’t have a candy shop within walking distance of my house. Thank you for writing this great story. I’m looking forward to reading book 2.

[Jeanne Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Spirit

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Christmas Cottage! It was just what I needed to lift my spirits, with the coming of Christmas time! The characters were all very good, and believable. I hoped for a good ending, and I was not denied. I know you would enjoy reading this book, as much as I did!

[mike shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.

This was a very sweet read. Very cute story and the characters were lovely. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of them. This author really put this place forefront in your mind. I could actually visualize this town decorated for Christmas. I'm looking forward to the rest of the follow up books.

[Nanci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Fir Tree Grove

“The Christmas Cottage” was amazing from start to finish. I could go on and on with compliments, but you will just have to experience the happiness for yourself. Enjoy!

[Beverly Kee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a good story!

I loved this story, she goes from a workaholic to enjoying life. The diner sounds incredible though I don't think I would enjoy half of the food, not find of pumpkin or egg nog. Can't wait to read the next one!

[Beth Hardy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Harmless little holiday read. Not rushing to read next one. Liked the characters. Hard to get past some plot holes…wouldn’t Mabel be upset that one of her kids died along with their spouse? Also, the Uggs to the high heeled boots all of a sudden…. 3.5 ⭐️

[Liz Trout · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was a fun cute story. Loved the holiday scenes. They had a lot of detail. Fairly predictable plot and I enjoyed it. Now I'm ready to decorate for Christmas.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️Great Christmas story! At times predictable but a wonderful feel good book.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great holiday read. Workaholic Vanessa works long day, often 7 days a week for her micromanager boss.
When her Grandmother invites her home to Fir Tree Grove she goes with a promise to her boss to work while on vacation.
As Vanessa goes back to where she was born, visiting her Grandmother she realizes what being a workaholic does to your life - or lack of life....read and find out what happens!

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would make a great Hallmark movie. I didn’t get invested in any of the characters and found dialogue weak.

[Linda Johnson]

Christmas warmth!

This book was so fun and captivating to read. It really gets you into the Christmas spirit! I highly recommend it!

[Cynara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hallmark movie material and very predictable. Cute idea but not the greatest.

[Dorothy Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

straight to my heart

Such a great story that emphasizes the importance of family, and not just around Christmas time, but all year long!

[KELLI R OBYRNE · Rating 3 out of 5]

a fun book to read easy and light. I wish it had contained some faith based characters.

[Mary Tomczak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable fast reading book.

[Bee · Rating 1 out of 5]

wow talk about overwritten. tough read. fmc is stupid and bad at feeding herself.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice Holiday read.

[beth zellers, ms. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the story!

I have read other books by Fiona, so I was excited to read this! Plus, it a bonus being a series centered around Christmas!