This book is written as two love stories running parallel, the actors and the movie characters, which I found a little confusing at times. I preferred the actor storyline to the movie. The characters struggles were painful and drew you in. I would have liked more of Carrie & Brax’s back story and less of the movie characters. Carrie & Brax both survive horrible pasts and it was lovely to see them come out stronger. I found the “George” references offputting and it was a little cheesy in places, but overall an enjoyable read.

A CHRISTMAS AT GINGERBREAD FALLS is your typical romance story, and then it isn't which is why it is such a fun and an intriguing read.
You have a story going on with the characters in the movie and you have the story of the actors themselves. You quickly get caught up in both plots anxious to find out what happens next to all parties.
The author created the characters in such a way you almost feel they are separate individuals from the parts they are playing in the movie. Readers get two tantalizing stories in one.
The characters are well developed and easy for readers to relate to. The story moves along at a good pace holding your interest from beginning to end. There is secrets and tragedy, but there is also hope and happiness. There's bits of steamy romance, strong friendships, and a good dose of humor. It's a well-balanced story.
This is an enjoyable book with delightful characters that's a perfect read to get you in the mood for the holidays no matter the time of the year.

This was a fun and heartful quick read. This definitely felt like a true Hallmark Christmas movie being made and I would definitely watch it if it was an actual movie.

Our main characters are Carrie and Braxton are both actors in the midst of filming A Christmas at Gingerbread Falls. They are playing Noelle and Carson. Noelle is the owner of the Gingerbread Cafe and Carson is the new doctor in town. Doesn’t this scream a Hallmark movie?

The book is told in alternating points of view that of the actors and that of the roles of the characters in the movie. I have to admit after a rough night of sleeping when I picked this back up to read the next day I was confused so needless to say I had to reread what I read for it to make sense in my MS brain.

On-screen Noelle and Carson are told to not kiss and to keep this a sweet as possible but off-screen things are heating up between the two. You definitely see the chemistry both on and off-screen with these two and I have to say it’s a sweet tender romance. Nothing over the top with details.

In the beginning, you can see that Carrie and Braxton are complete opposites but as the story progresses you see that they both have been hurt and are looking for the special someone but as they both begin to open up to each other you see their love growing and you can’t help but root for them both to get together in the end. Will they both decide to take this leap or will they both walk away?

A Christmas at Gingerbread Falls was an adorable and emotion filled Christmas story. With snow falling, a Christmas town setting, and filming a Hallmarkish movie there was a lot of heart in the pages. If you enjoy Christmas stories, then you may want to put this one on your tbr list!
“I do enough of these movies, I should be overflowing with the stuff,” she huffed, her breath puffing frosty white rings into the air.
“Overflowing with what stuff?” a voice asked.
Carrie whirled around and slipped on a patch of snow, falling right into the waiting arms of Braxton.
He grinned down at her cheekily. “This is getting to be a habit.”

This was unlike any other Christmas story I have read, it was truly unique! Carrie Murray and Braxton Timothy were filming a movie that screamed Hallmark Christmas movie. And we not only alternated between Carrie and Braxton, but also between their real lives and the scenes they filmed in the movie too. The scenes they were filming were heartwarming, delightful and the perfect amount of cheesiness! But while they were filming, it was hard to keep their real lives from bleeding into their characters’ lives and vice versa. There was heat between them and quite possibly more!
While the crew worked around them, neither Brax nor Carrie moved away from the front of the tree. Carrie felt him lean into her ear and held her breath, wondering what he was about to say. “That was one of the best Christmas memories I’ve ever made.”
“That wasn’t real, Brax,” Carrie answered with her gaze fixed on the tree lights.
“It felt real to me,” he promised, his breath warm on her cheek.

But Carrie and Braxton in real life? They were sexier and way more heart broken and jaded then their Hallmark counterparts. While they were attracted to one another, Braxton had a playboy past and Carrie was the queen at keeping those around her at arms lengths away. As the story unfolded, we get to see that they were both haunted by their tragic pasts. And both of their pasts were extremely heavy, very dark and intense on the heart. So I kept hoping they could help one another heal, they both needed that. With some light hearted humor, some sexier moments, and heart wrenching back stories, this book thankfully sailed us into a happily ever after!
“CUT!” Simpson yelled, whipping the earphones off his head . “What the hell, Brax? This movie is for The Christmas Channel! You can’t kiss her until the very end!”
Brax finally tore his gaze from Carrie’s to address the director. “What happens if I don’t wait?”

A Christmas at Gingerbread Falls was a fun Christmas tale! But unfortunately for me, I was never able to connect to either of the characters. For me to love and enjoy a story with my whole heart, I desperately need that connection. And I wasn’t able to find that click with either Carrie or Braxton. So if you pick this one up, fingers crossed you click and I can’t wait to hear all of your thoughts and your emotions while reading this story!

A Christmas at gingerbread falls by Katie Mettner.
Actress Carrie Murray’s films are a Christmas lover’s delight. Filled with twinkling lights, festive carols, and happy endings, they’re the perfect escape from reality—for her and the audience. Then Tinseltown calls.
Braxton Timothy is Hollywood’s biggest action star. Handsome and talented but decidedly on the naughty list, no one can fathom his sudden desire to produce a feel-good Christmas movie—least of all, his no-name co-star.
Alternating between scenes reminiscent of everyone’s favorite made-for-TV movies and unexpected, off-screen chemistry, Gingerbread Falls has surprises in store this holiday season. The question is, will there be enough Christmas magic to convince two imperfect people that they’re perfect for each other?
I really enjoyed this feel good read. I loved the cover too. Carrie and Braxton and Ari were my favourite characters. I loved the cover too. Brilliant. 5*.

When I read the synopsis of this book, I was immediately intrigued and excited. One of my goals as an actor has always been to be in a Christmas movie because it just seems so special to be part of something that becomes a tradition for families.

Unfortunately, this one didn’t live up to my expectations. It’s a little melodramatic for my taste and there’s just so much going on in the dual plots that I didn’t find myself connecting to either storyline. However, it might someone else’s cup of tea!

I also felt a little icky about the language used to describe Braxton’s parents’ disabilities. I am not an Own Voices reviewer and therefore cannot speak on it with authority, it was just a gut reaction that I can’t shake.

Synopsis:

“Actress Carrie Murray’s films are a Christmas lover’s delight. Filled with twinkling lights, festive carols, and happy endings, they’re the perfect escape from reality—for her and the audience. Then Tinseltown calls.

Braxton Timothy is Hollywood’s biggest action star. Handsome and talented but decidedly on the naughty list, no one can fathom his sudden desire to produce a feel-good Christmas movie—least of all, his no-name co-star.

Alternating between scenes reminiscent of everyone’s favorite made-for-TV movies and unexpected, off-screen chemistry, Gingerbread Falls has surprises in store this holiday season. The question is, will there be enough Christmas magic to convince two imperfect people that they’re perfect for each other?”

What I Liked:

The Concept—I loved the idea of a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a wholesome Christmas movie. It was a fun way to get the sweet, cheesy side of Christmas novels so many people enjoy while still having a more realistic storyline with an open door romance.

The Romance—I liked Braxton and Carrie’s romance. I definitely didn’t fall head over heels for them but I liked their story enough.

What Didn’t Work:

The Romance—But at the same time…I didn’t vibe with it. There was a little too much melodrama for me.

A little too much—There was A LOT going on in the book. From the kidnapping storyline to an explosion in Braxton’s past to the loss of family members, it just felt like there was * so much * that didn’t really add to the plot or character development.

Content Warnings:

Kidnapping, child abuse, war PTSD, potentially derogatory language surrounding disabilities, explosion, loss of parents

Character Authenticity: 2/5 Steam Rating: 0.5/5 Overall Rating: 2.75

This was a fine Christmas romance. There were some things I liked and other things that bothered me. The premise is two actors working on a Christmas romance movie who both have a secret pass (check TW for death, abuse, kidnapping, PTSD, trauma etc). The hero wrote the movie and is producing it and the movie reflects some of his own life. The heroine has stared in tons of Christmas movies and its an amazing actress. The story is structured with bits of the movie scenes being acted out and then the story of the two actors.

Things I liked - very quick and easy to read. I found myself reaching for the story and wanting to continue reading. While it is set up to be very much like a hallmark movie once you learn about the characters pasts it is nothing like that, it adds a lot of depth to each character in understanding why they are the way are.

Things I didn't like - the conversations about feelings at times became a bit much because no one really talks like that. Its great that the characters communicated but the "you are everything I can't be myself with out you" speeches became a bit much. Then during the first steam scene one term used is "her triangle" that pulled me right out of the scene . Of all the words to use "triangle" is not a good one, I stopped, laughed, checked that I read it correctly, then laughed again and this was not meant to be a funny scene. Finally I found the hero to a bit aggressive/possessive at times, that he believed they should be together and because that's what he thought that is what should happen. When the heroine would run off because she needed space he never gave it to her. I have mixed feelings if this is a good thing or not because everyone needs their space but with her trauma he wanted her to know she didn't have to run. So I keep going back and forth if that was good or not.

I found this to be a quick easy read that did have some pretty good Christmas vibes and would recommend it if the audience can handle the trigger warnings.

A Christmas at Gingerbread Falls by Katie Mettner is filled with sugar and spice, and it gives the reader a bit of naughty along with the nice. If you are looking for the Christmas movie that you see on the Hallmark Channel, you’ll want to look elsewhere because this wonderfully written book has some childhood trauma along with steamy bedroom scenes.

Mettner is a master at including real dialogue and great communication between the main characters… well, eventually with the communication because you have to have some miscommunication and drama first. While I read her books for the excellent bedroom scenes, what I really enjoy about her writing style is the in depth dialogue and deep thoughts (and past events) that have happened to her characters. When you read Mettner’s books you don’t get sickly sweet characters, but real life people with flaws and baggage that they are able to work through with the help of the love interest, as well as themselves.

If you are looking for a Christmas romance that would make Santa blush, then A Christmas at Gingerbread Falls should be added to your list.

I love christmas, and yes I know it's only October but I want to feel the happiness and generosity that is in the air at christmas. So why not start now.
This book felt like I stepped into a hallmark movie. Hallmark for me represent a big warm blanket and hot chocolate on a cold winter day. So this was right up my alley.

One issue I had was the book is written in two timelines. One from the movie and the other from the two main characters. I'll admit I found the movie timeline preferable.

It's a really sweet story and perfect to get you into the christmas spirit.

Enjoy!

Thank you NetGalley, Katie Mettner and Breaking Night Press for the copy of A Christmas at Gingerbread Falls. This is my personal review.
I love the cover! I knew I wanted to read this book.
From the first page to the very end, I enjoyed this story so much.
Everything about the book was so perfect and put together to make me really care about the characters in this book.
Carrie and Braxton were meant to be together. The chemistry just sparked between them. They are starring together in a Christmas movie. Braxton knew Carrie was perfect for the role in the Christmas movie he was shooting. And he knew he wanted to be in the movie with her.
I hope Katie Mettner gives us more stories about Braxton and Carrie.

***1/2 stars- Carrie Murray is known for all the Christmas movies she has done. Braxton Timothy is a popular actor who normally does action movies. He has decided he wants to do a Christmas movie with Carrie. Carrie plays Noelle who owns a coffee shop in Gingerbread Falls. Braxton plays Carson who is a doctor that has just moved into town. As Noelle and Carson fall in love during the movie, Carrie and Braxton also fall in love. Unlike the characters she has portrayed, Carrie has always held her heart back in relationships. Carrie has always had a hard time in her relationships. Will this one with Braxton be different? This is the first time she has done a movie with someone and wishes it was real. Reading this book was like reading two stories in one. This was an interesting twist in following the pair go through two love stories together. Carrie and Braxton had chemistry and they sizzled together. Gingerbread Falls is a cute and cozy Christmas town. There is snow, Christmas lights, Christmas trees, and lots of holiday spirit. For me the story did drag a little in some parts and I had a difficult time staying interested. Eventually the story picks up and I was touched by their story. Overall the story was good. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

Need some Christmas magic?
I absolutely love Christmas books and movies,and I'm really happy I got the chance to review this book thanks to Netgalley and the author.
this book has it all
A sweet romance,packed with handsome characters,sparks,a bit of heavy/dark background and personal issues.
This book with 2 parallel storylines, it's worth of a movie itself.
Loved it,on one side there are Carrie and Brax the actors,the professionas going to shoot a Christmas movie in a picturesque location Gingerbread Falls,and there are Carson and Noelle,the characters they play that fall in love.
The stories entangled as each start to have feelings for each other,and it's beautiful to see how they go through this.
Also as the story unfolds and each of characters begins to trust the other they get to tell their biggest secrets, secrets that impacted their whole life.

A fun story-within-a story with stark contrasts and surprising likenesses! I loved the setup of this story and how we got to see Carrie and Brax's relationship evolve through their filming of the Christmas Channel movie. While the scenes relating to the movie, definitely have that sweet Hallmark vibe, the book has some steamy moments too.

I really enjoyed the contrast of Noelle and Carson's sweet romance and Carrie and Brax's steamy one. Both Carrie and Brax were hurt in the past by traumatic childhood events. Although sad for the characters, it was refreshing to me that these emotional wounds didn't stem from past romantic relationships as is often the case.

The two main characters who make a film together fall for each other but both have their so called backpacks. They're actually both decent backpacks, despite the fact that they're both not that old yet, towards their thirties and early thirties. In my opinion, it was just a little bit too much drama in both of their lives.

Alternately you follow the story of the film making and the story of the two actors, very nicely done as they are indicated with a little drawing. The film story occasionally continued into the real story, well according to the director who occasionally indicated that it could be a little less at this stage of the film.

The village of Gingerbread Falls from the movie sounds like a lovely Christmas village as you see them in the average Christmas movie. You smell, so to speak, the delicacies that the film protagonist sells in her bakery-café.
The story is sweet as Christmas sweets but that just fits into that time of the year.

Characters = 7 | Atmosphere = 8 | Writing Style = 8 | Plot = 7 | Intrigue = 7 | Logic = 7 | Enjoyment = 7 | Score 7.29 = 4 stars

Carrie Murray is a pro at making Christmas look magical. After all, isn't that what an actress does? When famous actor and rumored playboy, Braxton Timothy, casts her to play his love interest on the big screen, she must evaluate her true feelings about both Christmas and her gorgeous costar. Told in alternating scenes between the movie and reality, A Christmas at Gingerbread Falls will have readers holding their breath with each scene.

The structure of this book was unique and surprising. I thought I was expecting to read a sweet, Hallmark-eske book. I enjoy sweet books, as well as a variety of other heat levels in my romance reads, but I’m not a Hallmark Channel watcher by any stretch of the imagination. But the plot within a plot of filming a Christmas romance movie was intriguing.
I liked getting to know the movie leads…Brax and Carrie…during the chapters about the actors, but the heat level gets turned up quite a bit, which might throw off some readers. That part was fine with me. What I had trouble with…besides the immature George references, was how dark the author wrote their own pasts. They each had very traumatic childhoods that still affect them, more so Carrie, today. I just thought that juxtaposition between the sticky sweet Christmas movie and the dreary backstory was a bit off-putting as the story went on.
While well written and a page turner, I wasn’t as invested in Carrie and Brax’s relationship as I was in their movie characters Noelle and Carson. For a woman who is has isolated herself so much, her rather quick connection to Brax didn’t quite ring true.
I have enjoyed many other Katie Mettner books, but unfortunately this a favorite.

I loved how this book was written. When I first started reading it, I thought it was going to be something entirely different but what I got was two stories in one, where the protagonists are in both stories. The first story is of a make-believe town, where Noelle Butler, a coffee shop owner, knows everyone in the small town she lives in. Noelle is wondering if she'll ever find a special someone, when Carson Stark, MD literally catches Noelle in his arms after walking into her coffee shop. Then...cut!

Carrie Murray, who is playing Noelle Butler, is known for her Christmas movies. She hemmed and hawed about accepting this part because of who she would be acting alongside. Carrie is very secretive about her life. There are only a few people who truly know her.

Braxton Timothy is a very well-known Hollywood action actor, he purposefully requested Carrie Murray to play Noelle Butler. Braxton is well aware of the rumors circulating about him but he's hoping to convince Carrie to get to know the real person behind the facade he puts on for the public.

Both carry scars from their past and both have secrets. Braxton knows Carrie is the one for him, but can he convince Carrie that he's her future?

This was a very heart-warming story! I thought it interesting how what Braxton went through was incorporated into the movie script. Both the movie script and consecutive story were Christmas Channel-worthy!

I received an ARC from NetGalley via Breaking Night Press and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.

A Christmas at Gingerbread Falls - Katie Mettner

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Breaking Night Press and I am leaving this review voluntarily

Actress Carrie Murray’s films are a Christmas lover’s delight. Filled with twinkling lights, festive carols, and happy endings, they’re the perfect escape from reality—for her and the audience. Then Tinseltown calls.

Braxton Timothy is Hollywood’s biggest action star. Handsome and talented but decidedly on the naughty list, no one can fathom his sudden desire to produce a feel-good Christmas movie—least of all, his no-name co-star.

I read this book in one sitting, I found it a very fast and addictive read - from start to finish it took me less than 90 minutes because I was so hooked. The book alternates between film scenes and off-camera life and could very easily be adapted for a TV movie.

I have read a lot of festive books recently, but this book managed to add to my festive spirit. It is a very clever concept with a wonderful twist on the usual Christmas book. A very enjoyable read - it will easily put a smile on your face. I am HIGHLY recommending that everyone puts a few hours aside this festive season to read this delight!

Rating 5/5

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

The book reminds me of a Hallmark movie. The story crosses between the 'movie' world and the 'real' world, follows the story of the two main characters, who each have their own traumatic past. One who has over come their past, and the other who hasn't.

A book about, romance and of course, facing your past to and to make peace with it.

Hallmark movie or what ? Gingerbread Falls is the place to be,, stars within stars, real life or not. This is a real pleasure to read this Christmas novel. This calls for hot chocolate and a cosy corner, enjoy this as I have done. 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this e ARC