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Falling Under the Mistletoe

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Fate doesn't care about your plans. Neither does love.

Bakery owner Callie Parker has one goal this Christmas: avoid all men.

Newly single after a disastrous getaway with her ex, Callie vows to focus all her energy into expanding her business. Or at least that's what she keeps telling herself until she meets him: Gabe Montgomery, the gorgeous stranger from the airport involved in one of the most embarrassing moments of her life (not to mention an incredible kiss).

She never thought she would see him again, but now he has reappeared in her hometown with the fate of her business in his hands. No matter how much she's drawn to him, she can't lose her focus. Too much is on the line. But the way he's looking at her with those piercing blue eyes is making him hard to resist and she feels herself falling. Hard. Gabe is the one man who should be completely off-limits. So why can't she just walk away?

Is all the mistletoe this holiday season conspiring against her? Can a chance encounter lead to love?


This is a small town, swoony holiday romance with a HEA, no cliffhangers, and all the feels! It is book one in the Hopemeadow Holiday series, but can be read as a stand-alone.

211 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 19, 2021

27 people are currently reading
228 people want to read

About the author

Evelyn Mae

2 books5 followers
Evelyn Mae is an introverted extrovert obsessed with swoon worthy romance novels. An ivy league graduate and former high school English teacher, she firmly believes in the power of a good cup of coffee, all things chocolate, and positive thinking.

Evelyn is living out her own happily ever after in Connecticut with her endlessly supportive husband, three spunky daughters, and wimpy, yet lovable, dog, Lucy. When she is not writing or binge reading, she enjoys collecting memes, pretending to have her life together, and trying not to hurt herself doing yoga.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Cait | GoodeyReads.
2,788 reviews662 followers
December 2, 2021
SECOND HALF MELTDOWN.

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I'm writing a review here and not on my blog because I just don't want to think about this book much longer.

This one started out really cute, I adored the meet-cute in the airport. I was even [mostly] okay with the insta-loveish nature of it. I knew it was a short holiday book so I leaned into that quick paced feel. I liked that the heroine owned her own bakery! Yay for baking books!

LITTLE DID I KNOW.

The second half turned into a dumpster fire.

Callie spent most of that time angry at Gabe for ridiculous reasons that still allude me. She refused to tell her friends anything that happened to her and her ex (that's what friends are for??? Listening to each other and helping???). And she also couldn't seem to have a conversation with her ex so he could understand why she ghosted him on vacation. SO MANY MISSED COMMUNICATIONS ACROSS THE BOARD. Oh my gosh. Just talk to someone.

Then come to find out she's been incorrectly assuming everything about everyone making me wish I hadn't even gotten this far in the book.

The insta-love also got out of hand by the end of 1 week together.

Sooooooo, please move on from this holiday read. It exhausted me.
Profile Image for Shannon.
785 reviews30 followers
December 6, 2021
Falling Under the Mistletoe is a cute and sometimes cheesy Christmas rom-com. I thought it was okay, but found myself getting annoyed by the main female character, Callie. I really loved her best friend Jules bc she sets her straight when she is being dumb.
Profile Image for Etta (Chonky Books Review).
1,271 reviews12 followers
November 29, 2021
[Actual Rating 4.25] Falling Under the Mistletoe follows Callie Parker after she returns to her home in small-town Hopemeadow, Connecticut from a brief trip to Jamaica. The story opens at the airport where Callie accosts Gabe Montgomery after she believes he stole her bag. The two characters part ways as Gabe goes to get his rental car and Callie waits for her ride to show up. After Callie’s ride does not show up, she goes inside to the airport bar where she ends up reconnecting with Gabe. The two once again part ways as Callie returns to her bakery, Honey’s, in Hopemeadow, and Gabe goes to explore the building his grandfather left him in his will. The building turns out to be near Callie’s business, meaning that the two of them will see a lot more of each other.

This story is not only a very sweet Hallmark-style romance with Gabe discovering the beauty of this small town but also a tale about the community and holiday spirit. The Annual Hopemeadow Holiday Festival is approaching complete with a penguin mascot. As Gabe gets to know Callie and the town, he needs to decide what to do with the building, whether that is keeping it or selling it. Callie also has her own issues to work through when her ex-boyfriend, Jake, who was on the trip to Jamaica with her comes back into the picture. The novel itself is a smooth easy read with delightful characters and a heart-warming story. There is a twist that ties Gabe into the community that was nicely done as it fit the story and did not feel forced.

As the story is told through both the perspectives of Gabe and Callie, the reader explores each of their stories and their inner monologues. The two of them have great chemistry and banter as they get to know each other, but know that each of them has a history that they are working through. The small-town Connecticut setting was perfect and I liked that the author is from the state as the reality and fiction of the atmosphere worked well. Overall, this story was simple yet very enjoyable! As this is the first in a series of standalones, I cannot wait to read the next story!
Profile Image for Lauren Fay.
25 reviews2 followers
December 29, 2020
Must read!

Callie and Gabe are loveable from the start. This book was an easy read that kept me wanting more! It was a holiday romance story and I can't wait to see what Evelyn Mae writes next.
Profile Image for Tati Alvarez.
Author 9 books203 followers
November 28, 2021
Actual rating 3.5!

This book is such a fun, clean romance. It’s cheesy but cute. Callie was rather annoying but I liked her in the end.
Profile Image for Heather Smith.
405 reviews4 followers
November 26, 2021
This book was adorable! The characters were very likable and the setting was perfect. Lovey, Dovey Christmas romances are my favorite!
Profile Image for Kacy L. Kennett.
112 reviews46 followers
January 1, 2021
Freshly single after a horrible Jamaican vacation with her (now) ex Jake, Callie returns home to pick up the pieces and prepare for the holiday season in her bakery, Honey's. Gabe doesn't want to be in Connecticut for longer than he needs to be to sell his late grandfather's building. When Callie and Gabe collide in a bit of an unconventional encounter at the airport and eventually share a passion-filled kiss, they don't expect to see each other again. But fate has a way of hitting us when we least expect it - the building Gabe is selling happens to be right next door to Callie's bakery and he intends to sell it to her biggest competition. Fueled by big plans, Callie attempts to convince Gabe to partner with her in her expansion of Honey's by showing him just what the community has to offer. Spending so much time together and linked in a way neither expected, love and romance just seem to follow the two, but only if they allow themselves to take the plunge.

I think this was a pretty cute, simple holiday romance. Sure, the characters come across as too perfect for the most part, and they hardly faced any conflict aside from repetitive miscommunications that were a bit annoying to read, but they worked it all out in the end. This was a fairly accurate portrayal of small-town life though - yes, I'm talking about Doris and the gossip chain - but it was easily overcome and wasn't really mentioned again. Callie came across as very cynical, which was taxing to read, and that dampened the mood of the holiday romance but that's primarily personal preference. The dialogue between characters was cute though. The unexpected common thread between Callie and Gabe was unexpected though and I was glad that the mystery of why Gabe's grandfather had a building in the town wasn't solved until the end when the two main characters are coming to terms with their emotions. P.S. Giant Gus is great and he deserves so much love because he was instrumental in Callie and Gabe working out in the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews361 followers
December 31, 2020
Not only will you fall in love with the characters, but you will fall in love with this cozy little town as well. After another disastrous break-up, this one with Jake, Callie is swearing off men. She has another close call at the airport, where she accosted a handsome guy she thought was stealing her suitcase, but that one’s okay since she will never see Gabe Montgomery again. Not only had she mistaken the suitcase he grabbed for hers, but she was at the wrong baggage claim! Now the entire crowd thinks … well, she doesn’t want to imagine what they think of her. And she almost got the man arrested when he hadn’t done a thing wrong!

When Callie’s ride didn’t show up, probably because of the heavy snow outside, Gabe spotted her and invited her to have a drink while she waited. When he went to the restroom and came back, some guy was trying to force himself on her. She was telling him she had a boyfriend, so Gabe walked up and called her “Callie, darling” and made it obvious he was the boyfriend. They continued the ploy by his whispering in her ear – then pointing up at the mistletoe overhead to claim a kiss!

Now Gabe has arrived in town to look over the Hopemeadow building he owns that his grandfather had left him in his Will and sign off on the sale of it. It had some sort of sentimental value to his grandfather who purchased it immediately before he left to live in California, but nobody knew what that might be. But Gabe really starts to like the charming small town the longer he is there. And he keeps being drawn to Callie, against his better judgment. He knows someone hurt her, causing her to be pretty negative about things. But he would love to make her happy. Were they somehow destined to meet? Why does he feel like he can’t walk away now?

This story is wonderful! The dialog and banter between Gabe and Callie is absolutely charming and hilarious. The story will pull the reader in, smiling the entire time! Where will this adventure lead them? Something keeps pulling them together – maybe they should see why?
Profile Image for Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews.
2,698 reviews138 followers
December 21, 2020
4.5 Stars

Falling Under the Mistletoe is a cute and sweet holiday romance. Evelyn Mae had me intrigued from the start, with the pleasant writing style.

From a bakery named Honey, to a mistaken suitcase incident, and a business conflict, this tale will keep you entertained throughout.

Everything about this story reminds me a happy Hallmark Christmas movie. You will love this when you're in the mood for a whirlwind, feel-good romance.

Callie and Gabe make for a great couple. From their humorous meet-cute, through their business conflict, to falling into bed, these two and their story is perfectly adorable.

Their tale includes a user of an ex, a town who stands by their girl, and a look into a long ago romance that is heart-breaking.

The writing is smooth, with a great pace, delightful characters, and plenty of humor. The internal monologue is well done, helping to shape the characters.

In addition, the atmosphere is charming, with the small town setting well established. The secondary characters are all wonderful and the town itself is someplace one would love to spend the holidays.

Falling Under the Mistletoe is a perfectly entertaining Hallmark-like tale. It's a fantastic debut novel for Evelyn Mae. I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
Profile Image for Maleena.
322 reviews11 followers
December 6, 2021
**4.5 stars** rounding up for goodreads!

After realizing her boyfriend Jake wasn't boyfriend material after their Jamaican vacation, Callie swears off all men this Christmas. She believes that the mistletoe has jinxed her. That is until she runs into Gabe Montgomery - a gorgeous stranger she meets at the airport after she has the most embarrassing moment with (not to mention an unforgettable kiss!). Callie thought she would never see him again until he shows up at her town's Christmas parade. Callie's bakery business is in jeopardy when she finds out that the fate of her business is in Gabe's hands. Gabe has his own motives as to why he's in her hometown. After realizing his late grandfather has ties to the town and inherits property, can he find out why his grandfather left in the first place? Trying to not mix business with pleasure, it is nearly impossible for Gabe and Callie to deny how they feel about each other. But has the mistletoe caused Callie her bad luck in love? Or can she fight the urge of the pull that Gabe gives her?

This was a super easy, enjoyable read. I loved the characters so much and it felt like I was reading a movie. I could easily see something like this being in a Hallmark movie. I was rooting for Gabe and Callie the whole way. It was a small town, HEA, cozy holiday read I would definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Imfullybooked2.
134 reviews2 followers
January 30, 2022
This is such an amazing book. From the start I knew it was going to be a fun, sweet, swoony and very entertaining read. The meet cute way Callie and gorgeous Gabe encountered each other triggered my interest. What a way to meet your destiny. It was hilarious and swoony. 

There are so many fun surprising discoveries all throughout the book that will keep you intrigued from beginning til the end.  I have so many favorite swoony moments and banters between Gabe and Callie. Gabe is the sweetest most romantic and unselfish guy. The Inn owner was such a sweet lady that you can't help but fall in love with her. The ending will melt your heart. This is definitely a must read. I can't wait to read Book #2!
3,352 reviews18 followers
December 23, 2020
This is a cute, fun and enjoyable holiday romance that you'll be glad you added to your holiday reading list. It makes you feel like you're reading a Hallmark movie as it's sweet, fun and enjoyable. The characters are endearing and easy to fall in love with and they give you a few laugh out loud moments that make it an even better story.

Grab your copy today, mix up your favorite winter drink, grab a cozy blanket and curl up next to the fire and enjoy!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1 review
December 24, 2020
If you like Hallmark, you will love this story! Falling Under the Mistletoe checked off every box for me. It is sweet, lighthearted, funny, romantic and definitely a page turner. I didn’t want to put it down! It’s one of those stories where you get lost in the characters and you feel like you know them. This is such a heartwarming book. I couldn’t help but smile while reading it! A great book, especially if you need a pick me up and definitely if you’re a sucker for a good love story like I am. I can’t wait to read more by Evelyn Mae!!
2,249 reviews15 followers
December 29, 2020
Callie is swearing off men she keeps picking the bad ones. There is an incident at the airport but she will never see him again, right? Gabe is in town for one thing and one thing only. He starts to like the small town and all of its charms. He cannot stay away from Callie even though he knows it is a bad idea to get close. This story is wonderful it is witty and warm and has that special something that keeps me engaged. The characters are wonderful and the dialogue that follows it exceptional. This is a wonderful holiday story with the right amount of humor and romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
7 reviews1 follower
December 25, 2020
Sparkling dialogue

Callie and Gabe practically jump off the page in this delightful holiday romance. The author made them so real with their witty banter that I was deeply invested in their love story from the start. My favorite romances center around two people who are strong on their own but better together, and this was a perfect fit. I can't wait to see what's next from this author.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
Author 2 books3 followers
November 29, 2021
Need a quick cheesy Christmas love story? Callie meets Gabe at the airport and coincidentally they go to the same New England small town during the Christmas season. Gabe wants to invest in a chain bakery that would ruin Callie's local homegrown bakery. Callie tries to prove her bakery is worth him investing in. They fall in love in less than a week and Gabe changes his entire life plans for her.

Fun, predictable, decent amount of Christmas vibes, a little romance, and an angry penguin.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
2,950 reviews48 followers
December 28, 2020
Holidays always add an unexpected twist to the story. Love a small town romance! Small town dynamics are so fun to read. Wonderful characters with interesting dialogue and good interaction. Some twists and turns with some drama thrown in. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
January 2, 2021
A Heartwarming Holiday Christmas Romance story, that is well written and held my interest until the end. I enjoyed reading Callie Parker and Gabe Montgomery's story. This is a new Author to me, and it looks like this is her first book. I want to read more by her. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Helena Mendes.
1,370 reviews16 followers
January 2, 2021
This a wonderful story and I loved reading it. The characters Callie and Gabe are very charming and the story is funny, romantic and with a touch of heat. The storyline is very well constructed and kept me interested since the beginning.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
818 reviews5 followers
January 3, 2021
Mistletoe.

The book was ok. I liked Gabe but Callie was all over the place assuming this and that. Her friend Jules had more sense than she did. If her grandmother had Alzheimer's why was she left alone so much? The author made it seem like the grandmother was social butterfly. Gabe had his had his hands full with Callie.
8 reviews
December 9, 2021
Spoilers ahead...

I guess I'm in the minority, but DNF at 17%. I hated that the MMC grabbed and kissed the FMC after she made it clear that she was not looking for a relationship. I understand this is a cute hallmark story, but she set her boundaries and he violated them. I don't think that behavior should be celebrated.
Profile Image for Roo.
504 reviews
September 14, 2023
A bumpy road still leads to true love

This was just what I needed, a bit of Christmas in September. I needed an escape on the first week if term just to get me through. This is a lovely book which starts with a big misunderstanding and then flows on to a wonderful ending via some lovely bumps in the road ending in true love.

Profile Image for Sara.
41 reviews1 follower
December 18, 2020
This was like all my favorite Hallmark Christmas movies wrapped up in a sweet book. It was a fast read and I loved the main characters. Yes the plot and problems were predictable but that’s what this genre is all about.
Profile Image for Geri Winney.
283 reviews6 followers
December 22, 2020
This is exactly what a Christmas romance should be. It was sweet and funny, with quickly resolved drama, and a satisfying ending. There were a few laugh out loud moments, that I reread a couple of times, because they amused me so much. I'd like to see what's next for the Honey's crew. More, please!
1,921 reviews8 followers
January 2, 2021
Great romance story, they both have to overcome past hurts and heartache to be happy. This was an insta-romance that had a lot of misunderstanding and over reactions.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Misty Goan.
2,809 reviews13 followers
January 5, 2021
A wonderful well written small town holiday romance.  This engaging heartwarming storyline is full of witty banter, romance, miscommunications,  and love. The characters are interesting, strong and have great chemistry.  I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC. 
Profile Image for Jessica Forget.
18 reviews
January 9, 2021
What an incredibly lovely read. The book was a lighthearted romcom with a lovable and relatable leading lady. I recommend this read to anyone who needs a book that is quick paced and sweet. I look forward to reading more books from this author!
Profile Image for Ashley.
416 reviews
December 20, 2021
Probably 3.5 stars but i rounded up. This was such a sweet Hallmark Christmas movie of a book. And it was a really quick delightful read. Lots of warm fuzzies and I loved the characters so much. Excited for the second book in the series!
6 reviews1 follower
December 2, 2021
The perfect Hallmark tale...

The story could easily match a Hallmark Christmas movie. I highly recommend if you are into those types of stories.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

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