Picture-Perfect Christmas

by Victorine E. Lieske

She knocked down his Christmas tree. He knocked down her defenses.Vivian Sterling needs five days in small-town Vermont to secure her VP promotion. Instead, she destroys the town Christmas tree and gets stuck working with frustrated single dad Gabriel Brooks to fix it.

Gabriel doesn't have time for polished executives who remind him of his ex-wife. But watching Vivian charm his twin daughters and discover the magic of Christmas, his guarded heart doesn't stand a chance—even though she's leaving in three days.

When Vivian's boss cuts her trip short, she must the promotion she's worked eight years for, or the man and town that showed her what she's been missing.

Genres: Christmas, Novella, Romance, Chick Lit

164 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 7, 2025

Reviews

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable!!! I loved this sweet novella! It was a fun surprise that the author published the beginning of December and a perfect read to be swept away into the joy and magic of the season. It's full of humor and heart.

Vivian and Gabriel's first meeting had me laughing out loud. Oh! My! Word!!! Talk about awkward and embarrassing and changing the trajectory of these two character's story. And I loved it! I couldn't wait to turn each page to see what else was in store for them.

I loved their building relationship. It was so sweet and didn't feel rushed even though they only have a short time frame of being together. Add in two adorable twin daughters-Gabriel's- and you're going to be smitten with them as well. It's all such a heartwarming story, with ups and downs, and a tender ending!!!

Content: Clean.

I received a copy from the author via BookSirens. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivian is in Evergreen Falls to scout the town for the company she works for. Right off the bat she meets Gabriel when she knocks the town Christmas tree down and breaks it. Loved the characters of Vivian and Gabriel. Them going to the pageant his girls were in. Also when the four of them walked down Candy Cane Lane to look at the lights. A heartwarming story where Vivian learns the meaning of Christmas and Gabriel is reminded why he loves the holiday. I really loved this book and would highly recommend it.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short and sweet Christmas story. Vivian is working toward becoming the youngest VP in her company. Finding the perfect spot to film Christmas movies is part of her job but she loathes Christmas. While scouting a small town in Vermont, she inadvertantly knocks down the town's Christmas tree and Gabriel in the process. Will he and his twin girls be able to change her attitude toward Christmas? I recommend you read the book to find out.

[Amanda Galarowic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very cute, hallmark-esque book! You follow Vivian, a movie executive from New York scouting a location for a Christmas movie. She finds herself in Vermont and meeting the handsome, single dad, chamber of commerce man Gabriel. They find themselves tangled in Christmas magic but also hard decisions. In the end, it all works out for both of them. It was cute, funny, romantic and felt like Christmas.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am happy to leave an honest review.

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a romance with Hallmark movie vibes, look no further!! From the meet-awkward when Vivian knocks down the town's Christmas tree, this small-town romance has all the makings of a Hallmark classic.

Despite the disastrous first impression, Vivian is a very put-together, career-focused big-city executive in town to gather information for a proposal to use the small Vermont town as a location for a holiday movie. There's one problem—the town’s Christmas festivities are at their peak, and Vivian doesn't like Christmas. Enter Gabriel, a tired single dad with twin girls and little patience for people who remind him of his ex… which Vivian definitely does at first.

One of the things I loved is how natural their relationship feels as it builds. Vivian’s only supposed to be there for a few days to lock down a VP promotion she’s worked forever for, but then she starts helping fix the Christmas tree, bonding with Gabriel’s daughters, and slowly discovering the magic of Christmas is the best. Watching Gabriel soften as he sees how good she is with his girls was super sweet! It’s not just romance for the sake of it; there’s a real push-and-pull between Vivian’s career dreams versus the unexpected life and love she never realized she was missing.

This is a cozy, heart-tugging holiday novella that delivers all the charm and warmth you want from a small-town Christmas story. I received a digital copy from BookSirens. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick easy to read Christmas story that will have you smiling and feeling all festive. Vivian wants this VP promotion so much, but why oh why does a Christmas location have to be part of her chance. Everyone knows she is not a Christmas person. She is work oriented and that's what matters. Gabriel loves his daughters. What he doesn't need is the all business woman barging into their lives. But will two gorgeous little girls change the workaholic woman. This would made a perfect hallmark film

[Tamera Westhoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Romance

Vivian may be an executive and from Manhattan, but she’s tired of her everyday same-old pristine life. Then she goes to Evergreen Falls and falls in love with the town, with Gabriel, and his two girls. A great story with some fabulous characters and situations that are very real, even if it’s very Hallmark formulaic.

[Anjali Jethva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book in less than 24 hours and felt like I was in a hallmark movie! City girl meets small town boy with some holiday vibes. It had the perfect amount of holiday spirit and made me feel like I was in the story and actually going through the emotions. At one point I was tearing up! A small town romance which reminds me a bit of the movie Sweet Home Alabama. A must read for the holidays.

[Marlaina Knowlton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picture-Perfect Christmas by Victorine E. Lieske felt like curling up with a cozy Hallmark movie in book form. It’s warm, comforting, and easy to sink into, especially if you love small-town holiday romances with heart.

What stood out to me most was how relatable the emotional core felt. The FMC’s struggle with chasing approval at the expense of herself really hit home, and I loved watching her begin to question what success and happiness actually look like. Her connection with the kids added so much warmth to the story and brought out some of the most genuine, tender moments. They completely stole the show for me.

The romance itself was sweet and steady, and I appreciated how both main characters felt a bit stuck in life in different ways. Their time together felt like a pause button and a chance to breathe, reflect, and tare down their walls. While the story stays light overall, it still offers small moments of emotional depth that made it more meaningful than a purely fluffy holiday read.

That said, I would’ve loved a little more time spent deepening the emotional stakes toward the end. Slowing things down just slightly or exploring a bit more internal reflection could have pushed this from a really enjoyable read to a five-star one for me.

Overall, this was a charming, cozy holiday romance that balances lightheartedness with reflection. Perfect if you’re in the mood for something comforting, festive, and quietly heartfelt.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

To get the position she's been working towards, Vivian has to convince the boss that her suggested location is the best. But her plans are derailed when her first act on entering the small town is to accidentally destroy the town's huge Christmas tree. Nothing daunted, she works with Gabriel to replace it and do her job. Spending time with him and his twin daughters makes her start to question things: what are her priorities in life - and are they what she wants them to be? But will her few days in town be enough to form the basis for change or only break their hearts?

A delightful short-ish read full of the magic of Christmas. I wasn't a fan of Vivian as she started off (too obsessed with the 'next big thing') but it was great to see her start to re-evaluate things as she discovers a completely different atmosphere from what she'd grown up in. The kids are good fun and I enjoyed getting to know Gabriel. The story is fairly predictable overall but was written in a way that kept me turning pages and ultimately rejoicing when Vivian and Gabriel ended up happily together. Perfect for Christmas - or any time of year you need a bit of an escape!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was soo cute and it shows the true meaning of Christmas and what it is about and not the commercialized holiday we have today. How the true meaning of being there for one another and spending time with friends and family. To helping those when they need it most and coming together out of love .
An exec from a company is sent to evergreen to scout and prove that this town is a good choice for them to use for future projects that have the small town feel.
On her first day there she meets the chamber of commerce rep who is suppose to show her around but on her way in she accidentally breaks the tree in the center of town but fixes it very quickly.
She goes around with Gabriel looking at different sites and areas. The town quickly grows on her and she feels like home as she has never been before . He has two twin daughters and is fun shy as his ex left for bigger and better things but to him evergreen is home.
She comes alive in the town and finds her true self even though she dislikes Christmas due to her past but he shows her how Christmas is suppose to be and not the commercialized one .

[Sydney Ely · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Picture-Perfect Christmas felt like stepping into a hallmark movie and I loved every minute of it! I went into the book with that in mind, and a few things (timeline, insta-love, behavior patterns) that would normally bother me did not. I was easy to see Vivian and Gabriel’s story play out in my mind just like any other holiday romance.

I enjoyed the cozy feeling of Evergreen Falls, with just enough detail about the people and the community to make it feel genuine without taking away from the true story.

This was also somewhat of a “reverse” grump/sunshine book. Instead of the MMC being the cool, calculated executive from the big city meeting the doe-eyed small town girl-next-door, it was the FMC meeting our big ole teddy bear who absolutely adores his hometown and his children.

It made me feel warm and Christmasy inside, a wonderful holiday read!

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet and swoony book! It reads just like a good Hallmark movie with the small town dynamics, the Christmas Magic, and two well crafted MCs (and his little ones).

Vivian is hoping to get a big promotion in her studio company, so she sets to scout locations for a new project, and ends up clashing into Gabriel and breaking the town's Christmas tree all at once. This starts their pull/tug relationship, She is the city girl, he is a grumpy single dad small town who wants peace and take care of his twins. But she has to work with him (he is in the Chamber of Commerce for the town), and they start to mesh together as a family, they both will have to reevaluate what they want for the future. She is smitten by the man, the family, the small town, and the feels of belonging and peace they bring her, she was not ready to find what she was not looking for in the trip, and will have to make a decision between the dreams she has been working for her entire life, or the new life she has discovered during the holidays.

A sweet great read!!

[Sigy George · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picture Perfect Christmas delivers exactly what a holiday romance should: warmth, charm, and emotional payoff. Victorine E. Lieske balances witty dialogue with genuine character growth, making this more than a standard small-town Christmas story. Vivian’s career-driven cynicism and Gabriel’s grounded devotion to his town and daughters create a compelling contrast, and their chemistry builds naturally through shared mishaps and quiet moments. The setting of Evergreen Falls feels vivid and inviting without becoming overly sentimental, while the pacing keeps the story engaging throughout. Themes of belonging, second chances, and redefining success are woven in smoothly, giving the romance added depth. This is a comforting, well-crafted read that captures the spirit of Christmas without relying on clichés. Ideal for readers who enjoy heartfelt romance with humor and emotional substance.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Book Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is exactly what its title promises: a cosy, uplifting holiday romance that blends a bit of humour, heart, and festive charm. The author's writing is clean, sweet, and emotionally resonant, making this a delightful pick for anyone craving a wholesome Christmas love story. She excels at creating a setting that feels both idyllic and lived‑in. The town feels full of Christmas spirit, traditions, and the kind of neighbourly warmth that makes you want to curl up with hot cocoa. Vivian and Gabriel's chemistry is gentle and believable. Their emotional walls and ability to develop rapport seem to be exceptionally speedy, and the presence of Gabriel’s twin daughters adds both a family nature and sweetness.

If you’re looking for a book to brighten a winter evening, this one is a lovely choice.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Danelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vivian is competing for a VP position at her company. Something she’s work 8 years to achieve. First she has to get past her rival by convincing her boss her choice of shooting location and presentation is the best. She needs a small town with a ton of charm which she finds in Evergreen Falls. After a few mishaps with the towns most eligible bachelor involving broken Christmas trees and lop sided houses and lots of soul searching Vivian realizes there’s more to life than a promotion and title. But is she brave enough to shift priorities and grab for that brass ring? This was a sweet Christmas love story that I definitely recommend adding to your holiday reading list. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book beautifully captures the true spirit of Christmas, going beyond the commercial aspects we often see today. It highlights how vital it is to support one another, treasure time with loved ones, and help those who need it—all motivated by love.

Vivian and Gabriel quickly build a sincere and engaging connection, deepening their relationship as they face emotional challenges together. The presence of Gabriel’s twin daughters brings a touching sense of family and warmth to the story.

The author's clear, heartfelt writing makes this an appealing choice for a wholesome Christmas romance. She skillfully crafts a town brimming with festive spirit and genuine warmth.

I received an advance review copy for free, courtesy of BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vivian was a well established Executive but with very little life outside work. Gabriel had a very full family life, caring for the twins, and a good job at the town Chamber of Commerce, in a small town where everyone knew each other and cared for each other. They'll find a connection they never had before but will it survive when Vivan goes back to her life in New York? How can they be in love after so little time? Picture Perfect Christmas is a romance that describes what feelings around the Christmas season should be and how relationships should be in real life. Lovely read!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Leann Arave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picture perfect Christmas, can you picture it in your mind? Small town, large decorative Christmas tree in the town Square, people milling about, greeting others, singing Christmas carols… sounds pretty perfect to me. But to Vivian Sterling it’s just part of her job. She is in Vermont scouting out potential movie locations. But when she is sucked in to all the festive charm. Can she go back to her New York life? I thought the characters in the story were charming. I especially enjoyed Gabriel Brooks and his twin daughters. The story is quaint, wholesome and entertaining. Perfect for anyone who enjoys delightful Hallmark holiday style stories.

[Adpa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of book that made me think of wrapping myself in a blanket on a comfy loveseat by a warm fireplace. I could just feel myself wrapping up in this book.
An over achiever executive striving for a new promotion ends up realizing she was missing the fun side of life as her parents always made her feel she wasn't good enough, didn't try hard enough, etc. On a work assignment, she created unexpected chaos and found what love, friendship and community was as a way of life she had never experienced before.
I found this to be an enchanting read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Denice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute story that had me laughing from the beginning, the humor and banter is so fun. Vivian goes to a small town in Vermont to see if it would be a good location for a movie. One of the first people she meets is Grabiel, and that meet-cute didn’t go so well after she ren into his ladder and knocked it over. Just to find out, he is the person she is looking for. I loved the flow of the story, his twins are so cute, and I loved the connection between the girls and Vivian. A sweet and swoony story that is perfect for the Christmas holiday and the cover it so cute as well.

[Kathy Strobos · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a Hallmark movie romance to read, this is it. Vivian Sterling hates Christmas but needs to location scout a town in Vermont known as “America’s Most Magical Christmas Town” for 5 days to secure her VP promotion. Unfortunately, things get off to a rocky start when she knocks down the town Christmas tree! But that may not be all that is knocked down, as two people, who have built walls after being dumped for not being enough, start to care for each other. The twins were especially adorable.

[Mss Sunrise · Rating 3 out of 5]

All I'm ganna say is that I listened to this one while I was driving to my work place and I finished it. I needed to squeeze in one more book before the end of the year and this one did the trick. It's fast paced and quite cute tbh. I generally don't care much about christmas reads, but seeing that this one held more to it than I expected, i'd give it a pass. It is a book about battling against oneself. It is a book about love and passion and hard work and dreams and parental love and celebrating special occasions.

[Megan | Reads Alotl Books]

This was a fun and adorable Christmas book with not quite a parent trap vibe, but a set of delightful twins. If you love Hallmark movies, then this is the perfect book for you! It really is a Hallmark Christmas Romance in book form.

You get your city girl to small Christmas town in Vermont and after she knocks down the towns Christmas tree, it's all sorts of fun, shenanigans and learning about herself to find out what she truly wants in life. A VP job in NYC or small town life with caring people and an instant family in Vermont.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Vivian Sterling needs to photograph Evergreen Falls and convince her boss to use the town as a location for their Christmas films in order to win the Vice President position she has been working for, but she isn’t ready for Gabriel Brooks and his twin daughters to win her heart and convince her that Christmas is magical. A magical Christmas story about second chances, trust and working together.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh the stress one inflicts on oneself to find or gain approval for something that doesn't make one happy. Vivian's attempt at perfection and striving to be the youngest VP at her job, when all she needs is recognition for who she really is and to feel worthy of her place.
Gabriel with his twins Jodie and Sadie show her what she is missing out on in just three days. This was indeed a picture perfect romance.
I received a copy from BookSirens and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this reverse fairytale, Vivian comes to Evergreen Falls to scout for a movie location and in three days she falls in love with Gabriel, the town, and twin six year old girls. But when her boss calls and tells her to leave Vermont and go scout out a Wisconsin town instead, she rushes away from Gabriel and everything in Evergreen Falls.
Wonderful characters, a gorgeous location, and a community that cares… is this enough?

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet. A perfect Hallmark type Christmas story. I do not celebrate Christmas. This did not keep me from requesting an ARC. I have thoroughly enjoyed all the books I have read by Victorine E. Lieske, so I knew that this would be no exception. Small town feel and human interactions cause the protagonist to reevaluate her life. Thanks to BookSirens for providing a copy. My review is voluntary.

[Rhonda Sledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book sounded like it came straight from a Hallmark movie. I loved the humor and wholesomeness of a small-town Christmas. The characters were great and so real. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This was not a long read and it was very enjoyable.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely a Hallmark movie in book form. A short, sweet and clean swoony read for Christmas season, Picture-Perfect Christmas finds us in small town Vermont with the big city gal falling in love with simple small-town life and the people involved, especially a certain someone. I enjoyed this read.