Book Review: The Holiday Mix-Up by Ginny Baird

Rating: ★★★
Audience: Contemporary Holiday Romance
Length: 320 pages
Author: Ginny Baird
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date: October 10th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Lonely-hearted waitress Katie Smith has nowhere to go for Christmas, and a huge crush on her gorgeous diner patron Juan Martinez. So when Juan asks Katie to pose as his girlfriend for holiday festivities at his family’s winery, Katie leaps at the chance… that is, until an accident lands Juan in a coma right after giving his folks the “news.”

Katie knows she should tell the Martinezes the truth, but when they immediately embrace her, Katie is reluctant to let her fantasy of a family holiday go. And then there’s Juan’s brother, Mateo, whose smile tugs at her heartstrings just right—and who tells her perfect Juan might not be everything he seems.

Second son Mateo Martinez loves his brother, but Juan’s plan to “rebrand and expand” Los Cielos Cellars has cost their family too much and put its entire tradition in jeopardy. Katie seems to understand, but she’s still committed to Juan… even when Mateo starts to wish her gentle heart and beautiful smile were committed to him instead.

With the winery at stake, secrets on all sides, and Juan due to wake up any day, can Katie and Mateo follow their hearts to a Christmas miracle, or will this mix-up ruin their chances?

IT WAS FINE.

I think this book could work for a good amount of people, I just didn’t have intense feelings about much of this. I thought the initial premise was intriguing. I thought it would go one way and it went another and I rolled with it. I thought most scenes were sweet and I did like the couple.

There were also LOTS of holiday cheer. I liked all of the activities and traditions throughout. Really brought that winter atmosphere. I also adored the tight knit family and learning their story too.

The third act did make me quirk my head a bit and I thought things were slightly blown out of proportion. Otherwise, that’s kind of it. It’s a short read and maybe for you??

Overall audience notes: