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Christmas at Rainbow Falls
Christmas at Rainbow Falls is a sweet small town romance written in the style of your favorite holiday movies, so grab a cup of cocoa and snuggle in for some yuletide cheer!
When a disastrous mistake at work puts her career in jeopardy, Natalie Dunbar retreats to the small Vermont town of Rainbow Falls to settle the estate of an aunt she hardly knew. As the sole heir of half a building on Main Street, complete with an independent bookstore and second-floor apartment, Natalie hunkers down to figure out how to save her future.
The problem? Her new neighbor, who owns the other half of the building, hates her at first sight.
Celeste Wagner has wanted to leave small-town living in the rearview mirror since the day her mom dragged her to sleepy Rainbow Falls as a teenager to open a bakery and cafe. With her mother’s death the previous year, Celeste has been itching to sell and go back to New York City where she might finally feel like she belongs.
The problem? She needs the new bookshop owner to agree to sell her half of the building, too, but the woman refuses to see reason.
When an unexpected crisis forces the two women to team up to bring the town’s Christmas on Main Street festival back to life, Natalie and Celeste just might discover there’s more to the other woman than meets the eye. Could it be they’re both exactly where they need to be after all?
When a disastrous mistake at work puts her career in jeopardy, Natalie Dunbar retreats to the small Vermont town of Rainbow Falls to settle the estate of an aunt she hardly knew. As the sole heir of half a building on Main Street, complete with an independent bookstore and second-floor apartment, Natalie hunkers down to figure out how to save her future.
The problem? Her new neighbor, who owns the other half of the building, hates her at first sight.
Celeste Wagner has wanted to leave small-town living in the rearview mirror since the day her mom dragged her to sleepy Rainbow Falls as a teenager to open a bakery and cafe. With her mother’s death the previous year, Celeste has been itching to sell and go back to New York City where she might finally feel like she belongs.
The problem? She needs the new bookshop owner to agree to sell her half of the building, too, but the woman refuses to see reason.
When an unexpected crisis forces the two women to team up to bring the town’s Christmas on Main Street festival back to life, Natalie and Celeste just might discover there’s more to the other woman than meets the eye. Could it be they’re both exactly where they need to be after all?
264 pages, Paperback
Published November 22, 2022
194 people are currently reading
443 people want to read
About the author
T.B. Markinson
70 books1,154 followersT. B. Markinson is an American writer, living in England. When she isn't writing, she’s traveling the world, watching sports on the telly, visiting pubs in England, or taking the dog for a walk. Not necessarily in that order.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
November 23, 2022
'Arc provided by The Authors in exchange for a honest review'
**'The first few paragraphs should be you communicating to the readers the heart of what the storyline is really about..'
3.5stars!
If a book has an inkling of diversity in it's premise then i'm in but it has to be a bit flattering towards the character/s and also have meaning of why they are included --- even if they are in supportive roles -- then i am all in. And 'CHRISTMAS AT RAINBOW FALLS' is that kinda story -- add to this, it's entertaining at times and is also an enjoyable love story where even the town ends up being one of the main characters alongside the other two leads.
A Recommended book!
**'The first few paragraphs should be you communicating to the readers the heart of what the storyline is really about..'
3.5stars!
If a book has an inkling of diversity in it's premise then i'm in but it has to be a bit flattering towards the character/s and also have meaning of why they are included --- even if they are in supportive roles -- then i am all in. And 'CHRISTMAS AT RAINBOW FALLS' is that kinda story -- add to this, it's entertaining at times and is also an enjoyable love story where even the town ends up being one of the main characters alongside the other two leads.
A Recommended book!
December 9, 2022
4⭐️ A Happy Holiday Season Novella
TB Markinson and Miranda MacLeod are a well-rehearsed team. They have found the recipe to create entertaining, humorous romances with lovable, often quirky characters that we cannot help but love and identify with. They are not superwomen or heroes, but people like you and me.
For Natalie Dunbar, inheriting her Aunt Pam's house came at just the right time. After a PR disaster for her biggest client, which was her fault, she is practically forced to take her vacation. That's why she personally goes to Rainbow Falls, which she still has fond memories of from her childhood. Especially at Christmas time, the small town always looked like a fairy tale world, because the whole main street was beautifully decorated. But when she reaches the town, it is quite different from what she remembers, sleepy and a little run down. The house she inherited, actually she has inherited half of a house, is also an exceptional property.
Celeste Wagner is the owner of Rainbow Sprinkles Bakery. She still misses her mother, whom she lost less than a year ago. She took over the bakery from her, which they had previously run together. But in fact, she wants nothing more than to leave. She just has to convince her new neighbor to sell her part of the house, which shouldn't be too difficult, since she's from the big city herself and can hardly feel at home in such a small town.
But the Christmas elves and their helpers have other ideas.
Although Natalie's self-confidence has taken a right hit, she tries to get Pam's bookstore back on track. But it is not that easy. The grumpy neighbor Celeste isn't much help, and the special living arrangement and Celeste's rules don't help either. As the icing on the cake, bad luck also has a hand in the game. Not the best conditions for successful businesses and friendships - or more.
Celeste is unhappy, a bit harsh, and wants to move to New York as soon as possible. But after a costly problem with the house, she has to team up with Natalie to make the building attractive for a possible buyer again. On the outside, she wears her tough mask as a protective shield, but underneath beats a helpful and caring heart that she hides as well as possible, she doesn't want to show it to anyone. The only problem? Natalie has the ability to see through her.
A humorous Christmas romance in hallmark style takes its course. What I liked the most was Celeste's quirky nature, constant bickering, and teasing, they made me smile often. Also Natalie's romantic streak, and the dynamic the two develop are heartwarming and entertaining. A charming novella about small-town life and Christmas romance, without drama or angst.
Happy Holidays.
ARC was provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
TB Markinson and Miranda MacLeod are a well-rehearsed team. They have found the recipe to create entertaining, humorous romances with lovable, often quirky characters that we cannot help but love and identify with. They are not superwomen or heroes, but people like you and me.
For Natalie Dunbar, inheriting her Aunt Pam's house came at just the right time. After a PR disaster for her biggest client, which was her fault, she is practically forced to take her vacation. That's why she personally goes to Rainbow Falls, which she still has fond memories of from her childhood. Especially at Christmas time, the small town always looked like a fairy tale world, because the whole main street was beautifully decorated. But when she reaches the town, it is quite different from what she remembers, sleepy and a little run down. The house she inherited, actually she has inherited half of a house, is also an exceptional property.
Celeste Wagner is the owner of Rainbow Sprinkles Bakery. She still misses her mother, whom she lost less than a year ago. She took over the bakery from her, which they had previously run together. But in fact, she wants nothing more than to leave. She just has to convince her new neighbor to sell her part of the house, which shouldn't be too difficult, since she's from the big city herself and can hardly feel at home in such a small town.
But the Christmas elves and their helpers have other ideas.
Although Natalie's self-confidence has taken a right hit, she tries to get Pam's bookstore back on track. But it is not that easy. The grumpy neighbor Celeste isn't much help, and the special living arrangement and Celeste's rules don't help either. As the icing on the cake, bad luck also has a hand in the game. Not the best conditions for successful businesses and friendships - or more.
Celeste is unhappy, a bit harsh, and wants to move to New York as soon as possible. But after a costly problem with the house, she has to team up with Natalie to make the building attractive for a possible buyer again. On the outside, she wears her tough mask as a protective shield, but underneath beats a helpful and caring heart that she hides as well as possible, she doesn't want to show it to anyone. The only problem? Natalie has the ability to see through her.
A humorous Christmas romance in hallmark style takes its course. What I liked the most was Celeste's quirky nature, constant bickering, and teasing, they made me smile often. Also Natalie's romantic streak, and the dynamic the two develop are heartwarming and entertaining. A charming novella about small-town life and Christmas romance, without drama or angst.
Happy Holidays.
ARC was provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
December 14, 2023
this was cute. fine. i think in general i'm a little bit getting over the fluffy holiday books in december thing bc, like holiday movies and such, they're short and sweet and then sort of forgettable afterwords. not always, but more often than not. i think if i hadn't listened to lori prince perform this one, it would feel pretty forgettable. and that's coming off the back of probably my fav by these two authors! i don't want to make it seem bad, bc it absolutely wasn't, but i never felt super invested in the romance or either of the mcs. celeste was a little too abrasive for me and took a littttttle longer to soften up than i would have liked, but overall this was cute and fine and a fun time.
December 7, 2022
3.5 ⭐
February 26, 2023
Very much, as the blurb says, a Hallmark tale with the script played beautifully, but of course angst free so missed a bit of grit to carry me though. Fine.
December 12, 2022
Kindle Unlimited.
This was an interesting one. On one hand it has everything 'cliché' as a setup, as if from a Hallmark Holiday film, yet the personalities of the main characters are quite different, and so is the relationship that blossoms between them.
It's hard to pin down, it's very slow burn. With minimal "wooing" or even "dating" going on between our love interests. Both not making the greatest of impressions on either, and one being downright grumpy and almost grinchy in some ways.
And yet there is a connection there that comes about. It seems very organic, and natural, and not over the top, despite the christmassy feel of the town and the scenarios happening.
It seemed to hold a nice balance of magical moments, intermixed with real people and their issues.
Plus complicated emotions from the past and uncertainty of the future.
One MC, Celeste, the town Baker from next door, has a very rough prickly outside façade, and a history, yet she has a heart of gold. Meanwhile new to town, Natalie, who inherited her Aunt's bookshop, doesn't let her neighbor's personality phase her in any way. She takes it all in stride, and the two ultimately end up complimenting each other, and working towards goals and realizing what they both really want for their work, lives and futures. (There's even a cat involved!).
My one complaint would be a bit of a lack of attraction and romance throughout, I felt it did needed a bit more spark there to make us believe fully in their ultimate connection.
I would have also have liked to spend more time with the couple, AS a couple. But as is typical in holiday rom-coms, it's all about the journey! And this was a unique one, despite the common themes. So I'd recommend people giving it a go.
This was an interesting one. On one hand it has everything 'cliché' as a setup, as if from a Hallmark Holiday film, yet the personalities of the main characters are quite different, and so is the relationship that blossoms between them.
It's hard to pin down, it's very slow burn. With minimal "wooing" or even "dating" going on between our love interests. Both not making the greatest of impressions on either, and one being downright grumpy and almost grinchy in some ways.
And yet there is a connection there that comes about. It seems very organic, and natural, and not over the top, despite the christmassy feel of the town and the scenarios happening.
It seemed to hold a nice balance of magical moments, intermixed with real people and their issues.
Plus complicated emotions from the past and uncertainty of the future.
One MC, Celeste, the town Baker from next door, has a very rough prickly outside façade, and a history, yet she has a heart of gold. Meanwhile new to town, Natalie, who inherited her Aunt's bookshop, doesn't let her neighbor's personality phase her in any way. She takes it all in stride, and the two ultimately end up complimenting each other, and working towards goals and realizing what they both really want for their work, lives and futures. (There's even a cat involved!).
My one complaint would be a bit of a lack of attraction and romance throughout, I felt it did needed a bit more spark there to make us believe fully in their ultimate connection.
I would have also have liked to spend more time with the couple, AS a couple. But as is typical in holiday rom-coms, it's all about the journey! And this was a unique one, despite the common themes. So I'd recommend people giving it a go.
December 1, 2022
Snuggle under a blanket with a mug of hot cocoa and start reading.
The town of Smithfield was best known as Rainbow Falls from the colors produced by light through the mist of the falls. To a child it was magical and at Christmas that magic was magnified and wonderous. Imagine Natalie's dismay when she returns years later to find a dull, drab town totally opposite to what she remembers. She's there to check out Rainbow Books, the bookshop and upper apartment willed to her by Aunt Pam. Rainbow Sprinkles, the adjoining business is a bakery/cafe owned by Celeste suspicious beforehand as to what Pam's niece intends to do with her half of the building. Hopefully she'll sell and open a path for Celeste to move also.
The two meet when Natalie enters the bathroom in the apartment and finds a beautiful stranger (Celeste) soaking in the tub. Lordy, the bathroom was a shared space but Natalie wasn't to know that!! Fix, sell and go or just fix and stay - there's a tenuous employment debacle and decisions, decisions but sparks also as to possibilities.
In Markinson/MacLeod style, the romance is laced with humor, grumpiness and emotion and the side characters Carol, Shiloh and Sean add nicely to the melting pot of a storyline. Oh, I can't forget that smart cat Sammy/Buddy. A leaky faucet, collapsed ceiling and forced co-operation regarding renovations leads to a beautiful, shared business and much more. Then ideas about revitalizing the town and bringing back lost magic come to fruition and Rainbow Falls is filled once again with the spirit of Christmas. Of course, I hoped for a HEA.
The world would truly be a better place if we all followed the tradition of "Friend of Klaus" something I have promised to do from now on.
This is a Christmas romance that I heartily recommend.
I rec'd a copy from the author. This is an unbiased, voluntary review.
The town of Smithfield was best known as Rainbow Falls from the colors produced by light through the mist of the falls. To a child it was magical and at Christmas that magic was magnified and wonderous. Imagine Natalie's dismay when she returns years later to find a dull, drab town totally opposite to what she remembers. She's there to check out Rainbow Books, the bookshop and upper apartment willed to her by Aunt Pam. Rainbow Sprinkles, the adjoining business is a bakery/cafe owned by Celeste suspicious beforehand as to what Pam's niece intends to do with her half of the building. Hopefully she'll sell and open a path for Celeste to move also.
The two meet when Natalie enters the bathroom in the apartment and finds a beautiful stranger (Celeste) soaking in the tub. Lordy, the bathroom was a shared space but Natalie wasn't to know that!! Fix, sell and go or just fix and stay - there's a tenuous employment debacle and decisions, decisions but sparks also as to possibilities.
In Markinson/MacLeod style, the romance is laced with humor, grumpiness and emotion and the side characters Carol, Shiloh and Sean add nicely to the melting pot of a storyline. Oh, I can't forget that smart cat Sammy/Buddy. A leaky faucet, collapsed ceiling and forced co-operation regarding renovations leads to a beautiful, shared business and much more. Then ideas about revitalizing the town and bringing back lost magic come to fruition and Rainbow Falls is filled once again with the spirit of Christmas. Of course, I hoped for a HEA.
The world would truly be a better place if we all followed the tradition of "Friend of Klaus" something I have promised to do from now on.
This is a Christmas romance that I heartily recommend.
I rec'd a copy from the author. This is an unbiased, voluntary review.
November 22, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It was about a whole lot more than just Christmas. The storyline, the setting and the characters drew me in, hook, line and sinker and at the end, I was left hoping there'd be a sequel because I didn't feel quite ready to let go of the characters yet.
Markinson and MacLeod produce seemless co-writes. They are reliable for creating great stories that flow so well they become compelling reads.
This one is so good I've added it to my re-read list.
Markinson and MacLeod produce seemless co-writes. They are reliable for creating great stories that flow so well they become compelling reads.
This one is so good I've added it to my re-read list.
December 31, 2025
I’ve been putting off reviews so I’m just going to write this one while everything is fresh on my mind.
Christmas at Rainbow Falls is a lesbian Christmas romance that has the essence of a hallmark movie. There’s the city girl (Natalie) moving into a small town and bumping into the hot but grouchy baker (Celeste) who, coincidentally, happens to own the other half of the building Natalie’s aunt left her.
I did appreciate the aesthetics in the book. Each chapter had an adorable illustration of a cat. I also thought that there were some considerably sweet moments throughout the book, some funny lines, and memorable moments. I especially liked the line where Celeste made fun of Natalie’s corny Thanksgiving sweater.
However, I have to mention that this book did need some further polishing. There’s some minor errors with the quotation marks, though I’ve lost the pages in which those take place. There’s also a typo (I believe) on page 222 in the line, ”I can’t say as I’ve ever had to disguise myself from my adoring public back home.” These errors, while minor, do break my momentum while reading.
Additionally, some dialogue felt repetitive or clunky or unnatural. The conversation in which they confess their feelings felt very, very fast. Saying ‘I love you’ before the first (official) date is a bold choice.
The book is fast paced because it’s relatively short which is fine. Considering the page count, the pace is relatively decent and I enjoyed watching Celeste’s development (though I will say Natalie’s character fell flat in comparison). My biggest gripe with the length of the book is the amount of cute moments the reader misses out on. For example, they discuss volunteering at the food kitchen together and then they just… time skip past it. I was so ready for them to flirt on the job damn it!
Overall, the book is cute. Fluffy. It has good Christmas vibes. But it is a little cliche and a little clunky.
Also at the end when they kiss I thought ‘wow, I’m surprised when they stopped kissing they didn’t have half the town clapping or saying finally or something like that.’ AND THEN IT HAPPENED IN THEIR SECOND KISS AND I LITERALLY WAS SO SHOCKED.
Christmas at Rainbow Falls is a lesbian Christmas romance that has the essence of a hallmark movie. There’s the city girl (Natalie) moving into a small town and bumping into the hot but grouchy baker (Celeste) who, coincidentally, happens to own the other half of the building Natalie’s aunt left her.
I did appreciate the aesthetics in the book. Each chapter had an adorable illustration of a cat. I also thought that there were some considerably sweet moments throughout the book, some funny lines, and memorable moments. I especially liked the line where Celeste made fun of Natalie’s corny Thanksgiving sweater.
However, I have to mention that this book did need some further polishing. There’s some minor errors with the quotation marks, though I’ve lost the pages in which those take place. There’s also a typo (I believe) on page 222 in the line, ”I can’t say as I’ve ever had to disguise myself from my adoring public back home.” These errors, while minor, do break my momentum while reading.
Additionally, some dialogue felt repetitive or clunky or unnatural. The conversation in which they confess their feelings felt very, very fast. Saying ‘I love you’ before the first (official) date is a bold choice.
The book is fast paced because it’s relatively short which is fine. Considering the page count, the pace is relatively decent and I enjoyed watching Celeste’s development (though I will say Natalie’s character fell flat in comparison). My biggest gripe with the length of the book is the amount of cute moments the reader misses out on. For example, they discuss volunteering at the food kitchen together and then they just… time skip past it. I was so ready for them to flirt on the job damn it!
Overall, the book is cute. Fluffy. It has good Christmas vibes. But it is a little cliche and a little clunky.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2022
So Cute!
Natalie arrives in Rainbow Falls after inheriting an independent bookstore that happens to share a building with a bakery owned by Celeste. Natalie and Celeste instantly have tension, as Celeste desperately wants to sell up and move to New York but a disaster with their building jeopardises her plans. As they work together to restore Christmas traditions that both Celeste and Natalie remember from days go by, everything changes for them both.
I enjoyed every moment of this. It was filled with bits of everything needed for a fantastic romance. Some drama, a little tension, complete opposite personalities, and a fate induced situation that was out of both their control. Celeste instantly caused atmosphere when she met Natalie, in a most uncovential way, and I knew from then that the humor that would run throughout this story was going to add a spark to whatever might happen between them.
Natalie was quite infectious, and no matter how hard Celeste tried, Natalie was getting under her skin in a good way. Each and every moment between them developed their characters to help us get to know them intimately and when we did it was obvious they weren’t as different and they thought. Celeste was actually such a kind, caring person, and some of the moments the story gave us a glimpse into were just the loveliest and sweetest things.
It had a real sense of Christmas spirit, community and love. There was one particular moment that really had a lump in my throat, and for just a minute I wondered how Celeste could do it, but I did empathise. What was better was the moment where that bit came back to bite her. Pure genius.
So many amazing moments that just made a brilliant Christmas romance. Filled with heart-warming festive moments that really put me in the Christmas spirit. A great story that I highly recommend and hopefully Natalie and Celeste will appear in future stories because they are fantastic together.
Natalie arrives in Rainbow Falls after inheriting an independent bookstore that happens to share a building with a bakery owned by Celeste. Natalie and Celeste instantly have tension, as Celeste desperately wants to sell up and move to New York but a disaster with their building jeopardises her plans. As they work together to restore Christmas traditions that both Celeste and Natalie remember from days go by, everything changes for them both.
I enjoyed every moment of this. It was filled with bits of everything needed for a fantastic romance. Some drama, a little tension, complete opposite personalities, and a fate induced situation that was out of both their control. Celeste instantly caused atmosphere when she met Natalie, in a most uncovential way, and I knew from then that the humor that would run throughout this story was going to add a spark to whatever might happen between them.
Natalie was quite infectious, and no matter how hard Celeste tried, Natalie was getting under her skin in a good way. Each and every moment between them developed their characters to help us get to know them intimately and when we did it was obvious they weren’t as different and they thought. Celeste was actually such a kind, caring person, and some of the moments the story gave us a glimpse into were just the loveliest and sweetest things.
It had a real sense of Christmas spirit, community and love. There was one particular moment that really had a lump in my throat, and for just a minute I wondered how Celeste could do it, but I did empathise. What was better was the moment where that bit came back to bite her. Pure genius.
So many amazing moments that just made a brilliant Christmas romance. Filled with heart-warming festive moments that really put me in the Christmas spirit. A great story that I highly recommend and hopefully Natalie and Celeste will appear in future stories because they are fantastic together.
December 4, 2022
TB Markinson and Miranda MacLeod advertise themselves as a sapphic romance writing duo that writes heartwarmingly hilarious happily-ever-afters filled with quirky characters and smile-worthy snark, and I more than agree with this description. That’s their niche and they are stand-outs. The AM Show, last year’s release, dominated the charts and earned them a Golden Crown Literary Award. As I write this review, their most recent collaboration Christmas at Rainbow Falls: A Sweet Small Town Romance is currently seated at number one in its genre only two weeks after its release. Stay tuned: I’ve no doubt it will earn literary praise as well.
As I read Christmas at Rainbow Falls, I began to wonder why it was that everything these two tapped out on the computer turned to gold. Sure, they’ve got a writing chemistry that many would sell their soul to have, but what makes their books successful?
Answering the question is simple: They have talent and good instincts. Their stories have a large appeal because they know how to connect with readers on an emotional level. The readers relate to the characters and their journey matters to them. It’s as straightforward as that.
In Christmas at Rainbow Falls, Markinson and MacLeod hook readers right in those first few pages. The audience immediately connects with Natalie Dunbar and her situation, which is a forced “vacation” from work due to a PR bungling of her client’s account. Readers empathize with Natalie’s bouts of self-doubt and deteriorating self-confidence. Everyone has felt the crush of failure at one time or another. When Natalie throws herself into reviving the bookstore, and ultimately the town, the readers can not help but get behind her. They want her to succeed; she’s too adorable to resist.
The readers also connect with Celeste Wagner, even though she appears to be the grump to Natalie’s sunshine. Her Ebenezer Scrooge persona is an image she likes to project to the world at large, but it’s just a shield. She uses it to cover what truly lies within, a generous and caring heart of gold. Hiding behind the grumpy facade provides her with a layer of protection. It allows her to avoid confronting her feelings, and those are something she’d like to keep buried, no matter what. However, that all changes when Celeste and Natalie’s lives—and livelihoods—cross paths. The result is something that would inspire the likes of a lesbian Hallmark movie, one that would stir romance and holiday cheer in its wake. Celeste and Natalie have readers eating right out of their hands as soon as they enter the page and it doesn’t stop until the final scene. The pair have loads of chemistry, making this small-town tale a charming and enchanting read.
Final remarks…
Christmas at Rainbow Falls: A Sweet Small Town Romance has tons of personality. Holiday cheer and romance burst from its pages, leaving readers feeling good. This magical tale should not be missed; it’s a must-read for this holiday season.
Strengths…
Charming romance
Delightfully told
Witty dialogue
Well-scripted scenes
Lovely story arc
Great character development
Wonderful story world
As I read Christmas at Rainbow Falls, I began to wonder why it was that everything these two tapped out on the computer turned to gold. Sure, they’ve got a writing chemistry that many would sell their soul to have, but what makes their books successful?
Answering the question is simple: They have talent and good instincts. Their stories have a large appeal because they know how to connect with readers on an emotional level. The readers relate to the characters and their journey matters to them. It’s as straightforward as that.
In Christmas at Rainbow Falls, Markinson and MacLeod hook readers right in those first few pages. The audience immediately connects with Natalie Dunbar and her situation, which is a forced “vacation” from work due to a PR bungling of her client’s account. Readers empathize with Natalie’s bouts of self-doubt and deteriorating self-confidence. Everyone has felt the crush of failure at one time or another. When Natalie throws herself into reviving the bookstore, and ultimately the town, the readers can not help but get behind her. They want her to succeed; she’s too adorable to resist.
The readers also connect with Celeste Wagner, even though she appears to be the grump to Natalie’s sunshine. Her Ebenezer Scrooge persona is an image she likes to project to the world at large, but it’s just a shield. She uses it to cover what truly lies within, a generous and caring heart of gold. Hiding behind the grumpy facade provides her with a layer of protection. It allows her to avoid confronting her feelings, and those are something she’d like to keep buried, no matter what. However, that all changes when Celeste and Natalie’s lives—and livelihoods—cross paths. The result is something that would inspire the likes of a lesbian Hallmark movie, one that would stir romance and holiday cheer in its wake. Celeste and Natalie have readers eating right out of their hands as soon as they enter the page and it doesn’t stop until the final scene. The pair have loads of chemistry, making this small-town tale a charming and enchanting read.
Final remarks…
Christmas at Rainbow Falls: A Sweet Small Town Romance has tons of personality. Holiday cheer and romance burst from its pages, leaving readers feeling good. This magical tale should not be missed; it’s a must-read for this holiday season.
Strengths…
Charming romance
Delightfully told
Witty dialogue
Well-scripted scenes
Lovely story arc
Great character development
Wonderful story world
January 12, 2023
This was an excellent holiday story with lots of good feels. I loved that the good feels encompass more than the romance, and involve the whole town. I will be rereading this next year at the holidays.
December 5, 2022
This really could be a Hallmark movie. I loved the small town community and how with one woman's suggestion the whole town pitched in to bring back a Christmas tradition. The banter between Natalie and Celeste was fun and sweet. I fell in love with the whole town and especially Natalie, Celeste and Sammy the cat. This is a real feel good Christmas romance to be read every year like a favorite movie.
November 26, 2022
3.5 stars
This is a hallmark movie in the making. You have all the themed tropes, forced proximity, love & hate Christmas, small town revival, etc. This is a well baked sugar cookie for those looking for the festive themed love story. Unlike most of this author duo pairing/collaboration the sizzle factor in this is less than I would have hoped, but for most that is not problem. This is more the cute happy ever after tale that won't get you in trouble if you're reading it in public spaces. If you want an easy read while listening to holiday music, this is the book you should grab, also available on KU.
An arc was provided by the authors for an honest review.
This is a hallmark movie in the making. You have all the themed tropes, forced proximity, love & hate Christmas, small town revival, etc. This is a well baked sugar cookie for those looking for the festive themed love story. Unlike most of this author duo pairing/collaboration the sizzle factor in this is less than I would have hoped, but for most that is not problem. This is more the cute happy ever after tale that won't get you in trouble if you're reading it in public spaces. If you want an easy read while listening to holiday music, this is the book you should grab, also available on KU.
An arc was provided by the authors for an honest review.
December 27, 2025
3.5* A sweet small town romance perfect for the Christmas season.
December 8, 2025
I honestly am surprised at how well rated this book is. I found Celeste to be extremely unlikable through the majority of the book. Her secretly taking the cat and dropping it off at the shelter and then never actually coming clean about it in the end?! Gross. I also felt like there were some weird religious undertones throughout it, and I didn’t love that. I It didn’t feel offensive, it just felt weird. Also found the fact that they told each other that they were in love with each other before they even kissed to be really odd and a little too unrealistic (and perhaps an influence of the religious undertone?). I finished the book, so it wasn’t too horrible I guess but it has made me question if I want to read things from these authors in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2022
Christmas at Rainbow Falls is a sweet sapphic Christmas romance filled with all the delightful Hallmark Christmas romance tropes.
Natalie is the city girl sent on sabbatical at the same time she inherits her aunt’s bookshop. Celeste is the owner of the bakery attached tot he bookshop, and the upstairs apartment suite mate.
Natalie is sunshine with anxiety and Celeste is grumpy with marshmallow heart. I really enjoyed watching them bring Christmas back to the town, getting to know each other. Oh and Sammy, the cat.
There were times the dialogue really was extra cheesy, but once again, Hallmark Christmas romance so it’s expected and endearing.
The only other off thing was the fairly substantial time jumps. I wish this book was a bit longer to really develop more of the relationship with actual scenes between them instead of just referencing previous off page moments that brought them together.
If you like the sweet over the top expected Christmas romances, sapphic disasters, and adopted cat because lesbians, you will enjoy this book.
Natalie is the city girl sent on sabbatical at the same time she inherits her aunt’s bookshop. Celeste is the owner of the bakery attached tot he bookshop, and the upstairs apartment suite mate.
Natalie is sunshine with anxiety and Celeste is grumpy with marshmallow heart. I really enjoyed watching them bring Christmas back to the town, getting to know each other. Oh and Sammy, the cat.
There were times the dialogue really was extra cheesy, but once again, Hallmark Christmas romance so it’s expected and endearing.
The only other off thing was the fairly substantial time jumps. I wish this book was a bit longer to really develop more of the relationship with actual scenes between them instead of just referencing previous off page moments that brought them together.
If you like the sweet over the top expected Christmas romances, sapphic disasters, and adopted cat because lesbians, you will enjoy this book.
December 12, 2024
I really enjoyed this! It was super cute and sweet. It was also funny and emotional. All the feels! Grumpy x Sunshine, enemies to lovers pairing. Set in a small town. Forced proximity. 2 POVs (third person) audiobook was amazing too, narrated by Lori Prince. (No spice) Slow burn but it didn’t feel slow at all. Great book and highly recommend. Definitely want to read more from the authors.
November 27, 2022
The authors were going for the feeling of a sappy Christmas movie, and they really nailed it. I thoroughly enjoyed this follow-up to "Take Two." While reading that book, part of me wished that I could see the movie, and although this is a book instead of a film, it went a long way toward fulfilling that wish.
This story also stands up well on its own; you don't have to have read "Take Two" to enjoy it. It's lighthearted and sweet, with just a little touch of drama and sadness here and there. Reading it feels a lot like curling up in a fluffy blanket next to a fire while watching the snow fall outside. I just wish we could have had a little more time with the characters after they finally got together. It is a very slow burn with little heat, although I suppose that does fit with the Hallmark-movie theme.
This story also stands up well on its own; you don't have to have read "Take Two" to enjoy it. It's lighthearted and sweet, with just a little touch of drama and sadness here and there. Reading it feels a lot like curling up in a fluffy blanket next to a fire while watching the snow fall outside. I just wish we could have had a little more time with the characters after they finally got together. It is a very slow burn with little heat, although I suppose that does fit with the Hallmark-movie theme.
November 25, 2022
A Wonderful Sapphic Hallmark Small Town Story!
This writing duo of T.B. and Miranda makes my mind excited on how these stories come to fruition. This one was just that. Two lost women who might have been brought together by both suffering deaths in their life. One owns a bakery with her mother who recently passed away and the other inherits her Aunts bookstore and living quarters which is shared with the owner of the bakery. Both wanted to sell the place but both had different reasons. But remembering a town that held all the magic at Christmas brought both together to do it again and hopefully save their respective businesses. But in the mist of trying to do what they can to help them and the town, they found themselves more invested than they realized. It was sweet and what you want in a Christmas story. Great Job!
This writing duo of T.B. and Miranda makes my mind excited on how these stories come to fruition. This one was just that. Two lost women who might have been brought together by both suffering deaths in their life. One owns a bakery with her mother who recently passed away and the other inherits her Aunts bookstore and living quarters which is shared with the owner of the bakery. Both wanted to sell the place but both had different reasons. But remembering a town that held all the magic at Christmas brought both together to do it again and hopefully save their respective businesses. But in the mist of trying to do what they can to help them and the town, they found themselves more invested than they realized. It was sweet and what you want in a Christmas story. Great Job!
November 29, 2022
Fun, joy filled, quick read
This story brings together people who need to evaluate where they want to go in life and they are surprised to find that they don’t need to go far to find fulfillment, a great place to live, and a great person as a partner. This is a sweet, quick read to bring hope and joy in the holiday season as the two protagonists end up helping a whole town while finding themselves.
This story brings together people who need to evaluate where they want to go in life and they are surprised to find that they don’t need to go far to find fulfillment, a great place to live, and a great person as a partner. This is a sweet, quick read to bring hope and joy in the holiday season as the two protagonists end up helping a whole town while finding themselves.
January 24, 2025
3.5 ⭐
Cute holiday romance. It's a short read with no spice but it's sweet. A good read for those looking for a holiday fix and a stray cat.
Cute holiday romance. It's a short read with no spice but it's sweet. A good read for those looking for a holiday fix and a stray cat.
November 23, 2022
Sweet and perfect for the holidays!
Natalie has inherited a bookstore from her aunt while grumpy Celeste has the bakery next door. They're actually thrown together in a very unlikely situation as they "share" the upstairs apartment space. The authors' comedic chops certainly came out in this premise of their very first meeting. I loved it! The book cover of Christmas at Rainbow Falls is just magical and is what Natalie had remembered as a child, but that's not what she finds when she returns. Can they work together to bring the town back to life?
I loved the main characters, their banter, the good deeds for the town, the festive bowties for the cat and the slow, sweet way they finally realized they belonged together. It would be a perfect Hallmark movie. Well done, ladies. You are a perfect duo!!!
Natalie has inherited a bookstore from her aunt while grumpy Celeste has the bakery next door. They're actually thrown together in a very unlikely situation as they "share" the upstairs apartment space. The authors' comedic chops certainly came out in this premise of their very first meeting. I loved it! The book cover of Christmas at Rainbow Falls is just magical and is what Natalie had remembered as a child, but that's not what she finds when she returns. Can they work together to bring the town back to life?
I loved the main characters, their banter, the good deeds for the town, the festive bowties for the cat and the slow, sweet way they finally realized they belonged together. It would be a perfect Hallmark movie. Well done, ladies. You are a perfect duo!!!
November 27, 2022
Rainbow Christmas
Natalie leaves California for Rainbow Falls when she inherits her Aunt’s bookstore and apartment. She had messed up a big marketing campaign and was forced to take vacation time. Celeste owned the other half of the house and apartment and was read to sell and go back to NYC. Can two opposites find a way to save their businesses and bring Christmas back to Rainbow Falls? A heartwarming Christmas romance with a wonderful cat.
Natalie leaves California for Rainbow Falls when she inherits her Aunt’s bookstore and apartment. She had messed up a big marketing campaign and was forced to take vacation time. Celeste owned the other half of the house and apartment and was read to sell and go back to NYC. Can two opposites find a way to save their businesses and bring Christmas back to Rainbow Falls? A heartwarming Christmas romance with a wonderful cat.
November 27, 2022
I feel like I have just read a Hallmark film in book form. Perfect Christmas read, with a stray cat in need of a lovely home. Celeste behaves like the town grinch, but it's all just a defense mechanism, which Natalie sees through. Natalie is lacking in self belief, after a recent knock back. Can these two bring back the Christmas spirit to Rainbow Falls, read and find out, preferably drinking hot chocolate with marshmallows to get in the spirit.
November 30, 2022
I enjoyed the book from the start but I loved it from 22% in. We should all be a friend of Klaus! From that point and as Grumpy changed, or actually her whole personality was revealed, I was reading a MacLeod/Markinson special. This book is the whole package. It made me laugh, it me cry, but good crying, at kindness. Isn’t that what Christmas is all about?
November 24, 2022
What a fun book this was to read! I truly enjoyed the bantering between Natalie and Celeste. ( I suspect that this bantering is what goes on between Miranda and T.B.) At first it seemed like two opposite personalities clashing. It ends up being two people who have the same dreams but didn't know it. There's Christmas spirit and a cute cat involved in this story, so what's not to like? This was a great, easy read as it took me a couple of hours to finish it. Writing this review is taking me a bit more time than reading the book! I highly recommend reading this book to get you in the holiday mood!
November 23, 2022
Another fabulous joint effort by Ms Macleod and Ms Markinson. They never fail to deliver and this one is a cracker. Well written, with great descriptions and interesting characters. No aghast, just a lovely romance that moves along at a nice slow pace, so you can just absorb it all. Would recommend.
November 23, 2022
Wow what a brilliant Christmas story I loved the dynamics of the main characters their banter was epic, its a beautiful Christmas feel good book perfectly put together congratulations
December 30, 2022
Christmas at Rainbow Falls
Dynamic dual TB Markinson and Miranda Macleod made a beautiful Christmas story. These brilliant writes leave you wanting more. It was sweet, fun banter and amazing chemistry. I look forward to more from these authors. I also enjoyed the followup from Take Two.
Dynamic dual TB Markinson and Miranda Macleod made a beautiful Christmas story. These brilliant writes leave you wanting more. It was sweet, fun banter and amazing chemistry. I look forward to more from these authors. I also enjoyed the followup from Take Two.
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