Faking Christmas by Kerry Winfrey: A Cozy Rom-Com – Book Review @KerryAnn @BerkleyPub

Faking Christmas is a heartwarming holiday rom-com featuring a festive charade with unexpected turns making for a delightful read for fans of cozy Christmas stories.

From The Publisher:

Laurel Grant is playing house for the holidays–complete with a fake husband and kids–in this delightful, cozy rom-com by Kerry Winfrey.

Laurel Grant works as the social media manager for Buckeye State of Mind, an Ohio tourism magazine and website. She is most definitely not an owner of a farm…but one tiny misunderstanding leads her boss, Gilbert, to think she owns her twin sister Holly’s farm just outside of Columbus. Laurel only handles the social media for the farm, but she’s happy to keep her little white lie going if it means not getting fired.

And keep it going she must when Gilbert, recently dumped by his wife, invites himself over for the farm’s big holiday dinner (as advertised on Meadow Rise Farm’s Instagram, thanks to Laurel herself). Laurel immediately goes into panic mode to figure out how she can trick Gilbert into thinking she’s basically the Martha Stewart of rural Ohio and keep her job in the process.

Laurel and Holly come up with a plan–all Laurel has to do is pretend to own the farm for one dinner. But when Laurel shows up at the farm, an unwelcome guest is there: Max Beckett, her nemesis since Holly’s wedding. The annoyingly attractive man she hates will be posing as Laurel’s husband just for the evening, but when a snowstorm traps them all for the entire weekend, Laurel is going to have to figure out how to survive with her job and dignity intact. Whatever the case, this promises to be the most eventful Christmas in ages…

My Thoughts:

In “Faking Christmas” by Kerry Winfrey, Laurel Grant finds herself in a festive fiasco when a simple misunderstanding leads her to play house with a fake husband and kids. As the social media manager for a tourism magazine, Laurel’s web of lies unravels when her boss, Gilbert, unexpectedly joins her for a holiday dinner at her twin sister Holly’s farm.

The book combines elements of fake marriage and enemies-to-lovers tropes, delivering humorous moments as Laurel navigates her sudden role as a farm owner. The arrival of Max Beckett, her nemesis, posing as her husband adds an extra layer of complexity, especially when a snowstorm traps them all for the entire weekend.

The book’s appeal is heightened by the delightful quirkiness of Laurel’s boss, Gilbert, whose presence adds humor and warmth to the storyline. The characters’ interactions, especially in the midst of the holiday chaos and a snowstorm that prolongs Gilbert’s stay, create a rich tapestry of entertaining moments.

Winfrey weaves a charming narrative with cozy Christmas scenes, making it a delightful read for fans of holiday romance. Laurel’s attempt to embody the Martha Stewart of rural Ohio creates a heartwarming story, filled with family winter activities. Overall, “Faking Christmas” promises a festive and entertaining experience, perfect for those who enjoy the magic of Hallmark Christmas movies.

A Similar Book I’ve Reviewed:

Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin and Marisa Stapley