The Christmas Fib


Romance - Contemporary
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 05/30/2026
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Rejoice in the spirit of the upcoming holiday season with a dose of contemporary romance in Beth Carter's The Christmas Fib. Brooke Hamilton's workaholic lifestyle as a corporate headhunter has finally taken a toll on her after her father's unexpected passing. Seeking to recuperate, Brooke travels to the mountains of Colorado and finds herself a place in the cozy Snowflake Inn, located in the quaint little town of Breckenridge. With a delightful innkeeper as a host, as well as the other quirky guests at the inn, Brooke has enough on her plate without the arrival of the handsome Hudson Prescott. Meanwhile, in a surprise encounter, she learns that her mother, Julie, is already seeing someone named Evan. As Brooke and Hudson's bond grows, they discover that the very future of the Snowflake Inn is at stake. Can they help save the inn?

The Christmas Fib is one of those feel-good stories that brings warmth into your heart. This is the perfect book for the Christmas season. Laced with romance, humor, and charm, the captivating narrative puts you in a state of hopeful optimism that only increases as the story progresses. Author Beth Carter has created some truly likable characters who charm their way into your heart. Even their odd quirks and eccentricities are adorable. Brooke and Hudson are a likable pair who are easy to root for. You want to see them end up together. Carter also incorporates a decent amount of drama into the narrative, raising the stakes so our protagonists have some challenging circumstances to overcome. All in all, it's a fantastic book for the holidays -- a cozy read that everyone can enjoy!

Jamie Michele

The Christmas Fib by Beth Carter begins when Brooke dodges her mother’s Christmas invitation, claiming illness, and instead heads for a white Christmas at The Snowflake Inn in Colorado. She meets host Leo, fellow guests Mr. and Mrs. Hastings, and a family from Missouri—Brian, Savannah, and their son Tate. Brooke takes beginner ski lessons and starts bonding with Hudson Prescott from New York, who has experienced a huge loss. Unexpectedly, Brooke's mother arrives with her new partner, Evan, causing Brooke to flee to her room. When Leo falls ill, Brooke, Hudson, Tate, and others take on the management of the inn, where they see how much trouble it is in. Also troublesome is Hudson meeting and then disappearing with an ex-fiancée, with the potential to knock Brooke's celebrations down a notch.

Beth Carter’s The Christmas Fib ticks all the boxes necessary for the perfect cozy Christmas read. Brooke is extremely likable, and I appreciate that Carter makes her strong, capable, and able to make her own choices. That said, her choices are often trampled on by others, which the author intersperses organically with panache. Also surprisingly likable is Mom's “friend” Evan. Despite arriving a bit too close to her father's death for Brooke's comfort, he's not some random boy toy, nor is he dismissive of how weirdly complicated the situation is. Of course, the magic of Christmas is in full swing, and the author conveys the satisfying, joyful celebration of holiday cheer, from playful snowball fights to cozy fireside conversations, and the holiday festivities are lively and genuine. Overall, this is the perfect choice for those looking for a heartening read during the most wonderful time of the year.

Cloie Belle Daffon

The Christmas Fib by Beth Carter tells the story of a young woman named Brooke who decides to take a solo trip for the Christmas holiday. The past year has been difficult for her, as she lost her father earlier in the year, making this her first Christmas without him. Due to this, she tells a small lie to her mother, allowing her to spend the holiday alone in the snow-capped mountains of Colorado—a place her parents took her to when she was a child. Brooke wanted to relive the memories she had with her dad and found The Snowflake Inn to be the perfect place to stay during her visit. Everything was going well, and the people there were wonderful, especially a handsome young man who, like her, was traveling alone. However, her world was turned upside down when the last guests to arrive at the inn were her mom and an unfamiliar man. Was her mom seeing someone so soon after her dad's death? How will Brooke react to this shocking revelation? Join her on this unforgettable Christmas holiday!

Beth Carter’s The Christmas Fib is exactly the heartwarming story I've been craving. I've been searching for a book that would add excitement as Christmas approaches, and The Christmas Fib exceeded my expectations. Not only did it bring excitement, but it also inspired me to go skiing and start preparing the many delicious meals mentioned during Brooke's vacation. The story beautifully captures the excitement and warmth of Christmas, particularly during travel. I found myself giggling several times at the interactions between Brooke and Hudson. Reading this book has made me realize that I'm missing out on many experiences during the Christmas holidays. I loved every part of this story and wished that the activities they enjoyed at The Snowflake Inn would never end. I've now discovered a new favorite book to enjoy during Christmas. Great work!

Carol Thompson

In The Christmas Fib by Beth Carter, Brooke Hamilton, an executive recruiter who always prioritizes work, decides to break her routine. Mourning her father’s death, she plans a trip to a snowy Colorado village, hoping to find some holiday magic and maybe reconnect with parts of herself she thought were gone. Her plan to quietly enjoy the season quickly becomes more eventful than she expected. The Snowflake Inn plays a central role, with its cheerful innkeeper, cozy atmosphere, and festive charm creating the perfect winter setting. What starts as a private retreat gradually turns into a shared adventure filled with snowball fights, skiing mishaps, board games by the fire, and twinkling Christmas lights. Meanwhile, Brooke’s personal life takes an unexpected turn. Her mother’s surprising news introduces new emotional stakes, subtly illustrating how love can take different forms at different times in life.

The Christmas Fib by Beth Carter is about a single white lie that sets the stage for a cozy holiday tale mixing nostalgia, comedy, and unexpected connections. Carter balances humor and heart, especially in her portrayal of Brooke’s efforts to handle family surprises, personal loss, and a new spark of romance. Brooke’s own fib mirrors her mother’s, weaving a delicate thread of honesty, vulnerability, and forgiveness throughout the story. A twist involving a mysterious woman adds enough intrigue to keep the plot from feeling predictable, while the familiar holiday themes of love, second chances, and seasonal magic make it an engaging read. The charm of the novel lies in its ability to capture both the playful fun of a Christmas getaway and the quiet ache of loss during the holidays. By the time the snow settles, Brooke’s journey becomes one of rediscovery. It’s a gentle, enchanting read, perfect to enjoy with a cup of cocoa on a winter night.

Francis Mont

In The Christmas Fib by Beth Carter, Brooke Hamilton, a single professional, is very sad after her beloved father’s death. She decides to spend the holiday week at Breckenridge, Colorado, at The Snowflake Inn, which she remembers from a family vacation with her parents a long time ago. She feels bad about leaving her mother alone during the holiday and fibs about feeling sick as an excuse not to visit her. As it turns out, her fib wasn't the only one either, because Julie had a secret of her own that she was reluctant to tell Brooke over the phone: she has a boyfriend. Both end up at the same ski resort in Breckenridge, and Brooke is shocked to realize that her father may be replaced less than a year after he had passed. However, they soon clear things up, and the vacation turns into a delightful adventure for all. Not least because an unexpected guest, Hudson Prescott, a good-looking man around Brooke’s age, turns out to be a charming companion. A few unexpected setbacks for Brooke and Leo, the very popular host, will keep the reader rooting for a happy resolution for all.

The Christmas Fib by Beth Carter is a sweet and delightful Christmas romance. I really enjoyed this novel; it was very well written, with believable characters and detailed descriptions of everything that the guests encountered: skiing, snowball fights, scrumptious meals, and the surrounding snowcapped Christmas wonderland. The pacing is slow but never boring, and the relationships among the fairly eclectic guests keep you wondering to the end about how things will work out. The conclusion turns out to be an unexpected twist when all the unresolved and occasionally alarming issues find their own solutions. I very highly recommend The Christmas Fib to readers who may be looking for something heartfelt and maybe even a little nostalgic to read.