“Faking Christmas” by Kerry Winfrey
As temperatures start to drop and the month of December arrives, focus on the holiday season often leaves us on the fence. While curling up next to a warm fireplace with an inviting book, the long to-do lists of Christmas can leave us frazzled and feel we cannot take time out to relax. Reading books improve cognitive function and offer mental and physical health benefits like stress relief and improved sleep. So there, you have your perfect rational excuse, I mean, reason, to take care of yourself and read a book.
With the less stress theme in mind, I am recommending the book, “Faking Christmas” by Kerry Winfrey.
Set in the author’s home state of Ohio, Laurel Grant works as the social media manager for Buckeye State of Mind, an Ohio tourism magazine and website. She also manages her twin sister, Holly’s Instagram account for her farm. While Holly is basically the Martha Stewart of Ohio, Laurel cannot manage to keep her life in order, let alone microwave mac and cheese. A huge misunderstanding leads to Laurel’s boss, who was recently dumped by his wife, inviting himself to the farm where he believes Laurel not only owns it, but runs the goat farm, cooks elaborate meals and makes her own furniture.
At the risk of losing her job, Laurel and Holly devise a plan to trade places, think Parent Trap, for Christmas Eve dinner. What Laurel did not consider though was her nemesis, Max Beckett to show up to fill in as her husband, and a blizzard to snow everyone in for the entire weekend. Emotional chaos ensues as Laurel tries to navigate her deception of her boss, save her job, and wrestle with the unexpected chemistry around Max, who she is sure she hates.
I am a professed non-romance or Hallmark movie fan, however, I chose this book because I know I am in the minority, and well, it’s Christmas time.
If you are seeking a lighthearted, funny, contemporary romance without sizzle, this book is for you. Filled with hot cocoa and cut out cookie moments with lots of Christmas music fun, Faking Christmas is an excellent choice to read or gift.
Kerry Winfrey borrowed the idea of this book from the 1945 film, Christmas in Connecticut. She is also the author of Waiting for Tom Hanks and Not Like the Movies and other works.
The author has also included a Reader’s Guide with questions for discussion in the back of the book. These are perfect for your book club meeting or personal reflection.
As always, pick up your copy of the book at the nearest branch of the Johnson County Public Library or at Wild Geese Bookshop in Franklin.
