Make-Believing Under the Mistletoe

by Caroline Crayton

They’ve been pretending they don’t like each other since second grade. This Christmas, they’ll have to pretend they do.

Claire Whitaker had been perfecting the art of ignoring Caleb Graham since second grade. While every other girl across the Blue Ridge region rushed to that rascally grin like Christmas shoppers at a Black Friday doorbuster, Claire refused to join the stampede. Was he handsome? Unfortunately. Charming? Obviously. But he already attracted more female attention than a mountain peak in a snowstorm. And she wasn’t about to add to the flurry, thank you very much.

But when Claire’s beloved grandmother, Mimi Margaret, mistakes their bickering for chemistry, she assumes Caleb must be the “special someone” Claire hinted at during Thanksgiving dinner. Caleb grins and plays along. Claire is horrified—but since it’s Mimi Margaret’s first holiday without Pee-Paw, seeing her so happy feels like a gift Claire doesn’t want to take back.

Mimi Margaret was only planning to visit for Thanksgiving weekend, so Claire tells herself a little pretending won’t hurt. But when her grandmother decides to stay in Sweet Creek through the holidays, Claire and Caleb have no choice but to keep up the act—until make-believe starts feeling an awful lot like the real thing.

They’ve spent decades getting on each other’s nerves. Could one fake relationship be all it takes to prove they’ve been wrong about each other from the start?

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2025

About the author

Caroline Crayton writes small-town romances packed with gossip, giggles, and grand gestures. In her Sweet Creek series, small towns, seasonal festivals and cozy kitchens set the stage for wholesome happily-ever-afters with a Southern twist. When she’s not plotting meet-cutes, she’s probably baking banana bread in her vintage Pyrex or mapping out her next backcountry road trip. She believes every season deserves a love story—and at least one slice of pie.

Stay connected with Caroline on Instagram at @coziesbycaroline and on Facebook at facebook.com/coziesbycaroline
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Reviews

[Desi Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in the Sweet Creek series, this book is somehow better than the first. If I could give it 6 stars I would. It can be read as a stand alone… only after finishing the book did I realize Caleb’s brother Gideon and his girlfriend Harper were from “Apple Cider Kisses.”

Set in Sweet Creek, a charming rural town with a variety of colorful characters, this book was a cozy/ sweet romance with no spice and laugh out loud moments.

Favorite Quotes:
“Siri, set a reminder to brainstorm a contingency plan in case fairground food overwhelms my scent profile‘ There was a beat, then Siri’s calm reply… I’ve set your reminder for 4 p.m. to panic about kettle corn.‘ Perfect,‘ Claire mumbled. ‘She gets me.”

“Claire rolled her eyes so hard she could’ve spotted constellations. Caleb clocked it, because of course he did. He leaned over and whispered, ‘C’mon, Claire Bear, Lighten up.‘
‘Don’t call me that.‘ Her lips stayed pressed together, her gaze fixed straight ahead, her tone all edges and no tease.
‘Clairasaurus?’ He said in a stage whisper. Claire’s head turned just enough for him to catch her glare. He grinned wider. ‘Clarinator.’ “

Caleb’s easy charming character and Claire’s death stare were fantastic. The banter between the two made this book fun to read, difficult to put down. Add that to Carolyn Crayton’s descriptive writing so you feel the town’s atmosphere then the family coming together around the holidays, and this book marched its way to one of my favorites of the year.

I would love to read more from this author, can’t wait to see where she goes next.

Thank you Hidden Gems books and Carolyn Crayton for this arc. This review is voluntary.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She did not follow all the other girls who flocked to him so she did not. Unfortunately her Nan thought they were a couple and she would pretend for the weekend. It will turn into a much longer time so will this pretense turn to really love. See if they do
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a beautiful tale

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet fake dating, small town Christmas romance. You are easily pulled into the story with great writing and character development. I liked how the author built on the relationship between Claire and Caleb from when they were growing up. I loved how the heartwarming story unfolded and it was a wonderful, entertaining, charming read.

[Cynthia L. Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caleb and Claire

What a wonderful novel! This story of Caleb and Claire will leave the reader with a warm happy feeling. The two, Caleb and Claire, are just amazing together, even if they don't know it yet. Read this delightful novel and be prepared to love Sweet Creek and the people in these joyful novels!

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT! Great Christmas read! The only thing I can think to complain about is I wouldn't have minded it longer.

[Angie Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet book I liked it a lot. I was given an arc and i choose to give a honest review.