What do you think?
Rate this book
Very Bavarian #1
A Very Bavarian Christmas
Holly Noel Brigham is trapped back in her hometown of Bavarian Falls personalizing ornaments at Neumann’s, the famous mile-long Christmas store—and she doesn’t even like Christmas.
Problems, not presents, are stacking up for Holly. She’s in her thirties, still single, and sleeping in her childhood bedroom due to a failed start-up in the city.
Holly needs a turn of heart in order to unlock what’s next. The only guy showing any interest in her is quirky Frank, who keeps her laughing but makes her feel boxed in. Then there’s handsome Nik, who has a shady past but takes her ambitions seriously. As Holly works through fractured relationships and embarrassing misunderstandings, she stumbles upon love in the Bavarian-themed town from which she tried to distance herself.
Problems, not presents, are stacking up for Holly. She’s in her thirties, still single, and sleeping in her childhood bedroom due to a failed start-up in the city.
Holly needs a turn of heart in order to unlock what’s next. The only guy showing any interest in her is quirky Frank, who keeps her laughing but makes her feel boxed in. Then there’s handsome Nik, who has a shady past but takes her ambitions seriously. As Holly works through fractured relationships and embarrassing misunderstandings, she stumbles upon love in the Bavarian-themed town from which she tried to distance herself.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2024
29 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Katie M. Reid
6 books72 followersKatie M. Reid is the author of Made Like Martha, God, What Do I Do?, A Very Bavarian Christmas (which is becoming a film), and A Very Bavarian Summer. She is the co-host of the Martha + Mary Show podcast and a dynamic speaker. Katie holds a Master's Degree in Secondary Education. She adores her handsome husband and five lively kids. She is a fan of cut-to-the-chase conversation over hot or iced tea.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
September 29, 2020
I loved Katie Reid’s A Very Bavarian Christmas, and once I picked it up one Friday afternoon, I couldn’t stop reading. Full of warmth and charm and an interesting romance, this book hooked me from the start and made it difficult to put down. It made me laugh—it made me cry, and in my world, this is the kind of experience good books are made of. I wholeheartedly recommend that you read A Very Bavarian Christmas!
October 11, 2020
A perfect blend of humor, healing, and romance. I loved the characters and hope there will be a series based on them. I really enjoyed how the main character lived her life, but also worked through her issues. It was very much like real life. Real-life doesn't stop while we clean up or handle our messes. Why should it for book characters? The humor is perfectly placed and funny! I think anyone looking for a nice Christmas story will enjoy A Very Bavarian Christmas.
October 12, 2020
A Very Enjoyable Rom Com for Any Time of Year!
This book has it all - the trappings of Christmas, a band of small town friends, intrigue, deep insights about the disappointments we face and the ways we move forward, and yes, romance. It’s a thoroughly delightful read!!!
This book has it all - the trappings of Christmas, a band of small town friends, intrigue, deep insights about the disappointments we face and the ways we move forward, and yes, romance. It’s a thoroughly delightful read!!!
September 28, 2020
In the Spirit of True Christmas
While learning from her past, Holly learns to let go and say yes to Christmas, yes to the present, yes to where she is at. While there are many twists and turns in her life, on her journey, one can feel some of those in their own life and apply some of the wisdom that is gained from walking her journey with her. A great read, page turner, and something to get wrapped in and lost in.
While learning from her past, Holly learns to let go and say yes to Christmas, yes to the present, yes to where she is at. While there are many twists and turns in her life, on her journey, one can feel some of those in their own life and apply some of the wisdom that is gained from walking her journey with her. A great read, page turner, and something to get wrapped in and lost in.
Read
August 21, 2024“If you’re looking for a holiday-themed read that will warm your heart but also make you think, A Very Bavarian Christmas is the perfect pick! The storyline and characters draw you in from the get-go and you’ll find yourself relating to their struggles, cheering for their victories, and being reminded that everyone needs grace and kindness, because we never know what it’s been like to walk in their shoes.”
—CRYSTAL PAINE, New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, and founder
of MoneySavingMom.com
“Just in time to remind us all of the hope still waiting at the end of a hard year, comes Katie Reid's A Very Bavarian Christmas. Let her reluctant ornament decorator, Holly, remind you why home is a beacon, healing a gift, and how love, like hot chocolate and the meaning of Christmas, can warm you from the inside.”
—LISA-JO BAKER, bestselling author of Never Unfriended and Podcast co-host of Out of the
Ordinary.
“Bavarian Falls is the capital city of Christmas, and Holly Noel is its most reluctant citizen. Sparkling with humor and radiating with warmth, A Very Bavarian Christmas is a heartwarming tale in which Christmas spirit is abundant, but not without strings attached. Fans of Hallmark’s ‘Countdown to Christmas’ will be swept away by this powerful journey of healing, reconciliation, and the second chances we must allow ourselves to take.”
—BETHANY TURNER, award-winning author of The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck
and Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish
—CRYSTAL PAINE, New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, and founder
of MoneySavingMom.com
“Just in time to remind us all of the hope still waiting at the end of a hard year, comes Katie Reid's A Very Bavarian Christmas. Let her reluctant ornament decorator, Holly, remind you why home is a beacon, healing a gift, and how love, like hot chocolate and the meaning of Christmas, can warm you from the inside.”
—LISA-JO BAKER, bestselling author of Never Unfriended and Podcast co-host of Out of the
Ordinary.
“Bavarian Falls is the capital city of Christmas, and Holly Noel is its most reluctant citizen. Sparkling with humor and radiating with warmth, A Very Bavarian Christmas is a heartwarming tale in which Christmas spirit is abundant, but not without strings attached. Fans of Hallmark’s ‘Countdown to Christmas’ will be swept away by this powerful journey of healing, reconciliation, and the second chances we must allow ourselves to take.”
—BETHANY TURNER, award-winning author of The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck
and Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish
October 21, 2020
A Very Bavarian Christmas is perfect! A heart-warming, feel-good book that offers depth and thought provoking inspiration all tied up in your classic romance storyline. Getting lost in the quaint town of Bavarian Falls, along side Holly as she struggles being 30 and not where she expects in life, was relatable and the perfect escape to kick off the Christmas season while saying good bye to the crummy year 2020 has been. We can all take Holly's lesson of learning from her past, to let go and say yes to Christmas, yes to the present, yes to where one is at, to heart and apply it to our own lives.
Katie M. Reid will have you captivated at the first word and cause you to fall head over heals in love with the characters by the end of the first few chapters. Katie's humor, cultural references and stunning visualization will keep you on your toes and devouring this book quickly! A Very Bavarian Christmas is a must read this Christmas - and it wouldn't surprise me if it becomes a future Hallmark Christmas movie or audiobook with musical accompaniment!!
Katie M. Reid will have you captivated at the first word and cause you to fall head over heals in love with the characters by the end of the first few chapters. Katie's humor, cultural references and stunning visualization will keep you on your toes and devouring this book quickly! A Very Bavarian Christmas is a must read this Christmas - and it wouldn't surprise me if it becomes a future Hallmark Christmas movie or audiobook with musical accompaniment!!
October 9, 2020
This was a very well written book. It has a lot of details that helps you play the movie version in your head. Katie is a very talented writer. After reading her bio I think she has to be Wonder Woman to be able to do everything! I liked the twists the book had. It wasn’t as predictable as some of the other rom com books. I would definitely recommend this book to a few friends. Can’t wait to read more from Katie
October 11, 2020
This is the book version of a Christmas movie! It’s warm & funny, has great characters and left me hoping for a second book. Definitely a great read!
October 12, 2020
All sorts of adorable
If you keep the Hallmark channel on all year long than this book Is for you. Katie gives us an adorable story of Holly Noel and her journey toward healing from the emotional challenges of her childhood. There is also a love story, but it is only one component. The supporting cast were lovable with a touch of the cooky. I wish there had been a bit more development in the relationship between Holly and her mom. That’s was one of the weaker plots I felt.
If you keep the Hallmark channel on all year long than this book Is for you. Katie gives us an adorable story of Holly Noel and her journey toward healing from the emotional challenges of her childhood. There is also a love story, but it is only one component. The supporting cast were lovable with a touch of the cooky. I wish there had been a bit more development in the relationship between Holly and her mom. That’s was one of the weaker plots I felt.
Read
September 15, 2020Bavarian Falls is the capital city of Christmas, and Holly Noel is its most reluctant citizen. Sparkling with humor and radiating with warmth, A Very Bavarian Christmas is a heartwarming tale in which Christmas spirit is abundant, but not without strings attached. Fans of Hallmark's 'Countdown to Christmas' will be swept away by this powerful journey of healing, reconciliation, and the second chances we must allow ourselves to take.
October 13, 2020
I loved A Very Bavarian Christmas by Katie Reid. It’s a festive, heartwarming read sprinkled with humor and thought-provoking inspiration. The characters are realistic and likable and the well-developed dialogue and storyline flow nicely. I loved being magically drawn into the whimsical town of Bavarian Falls to experience the lives of Holly Noel, Nik, Andy, Elaine, Betty Jo, Frank and others.
Katie Reid’s book offers hope, a sense of wonder, light romance, intrigue, comic relief, and the warmth and contradictions of hometown life. She draws the reader in with creative, visualization which keeps you turning the pages and leaves you wanting more when you sadly come to the end.
A Very Bavarian Christmas is woven with messages of rediscovery, stepping out of our comfort zones, healing and releasing the past, embracing the present that sets us free, and saying yes. I love the faith-filled layers that gently grace the storylines in subtle but powerful ways. I really enjoy the author’s unique and engaging writing style.
Katie Reid has written an enchanting, feel-good book that offers depth and meaning. Reading it is like wearing your favorite well-worn sweatshirt, sipping on a steamy cup of hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows on a cold wintery day wrapped in a fuzzy blanket. I think we could all benefit from a fun, cozy, heartwarming book that revolves around the hope-filled spirit of Christmas any day of the year. I loved it and I’m eagerly anticipating Katie Reid’s next book.
Katie Reid’s book offers hope, a sense of wonder, light romance, intrigue, comic relief, and the warmth and contradictions of hometown life. She draws the reader in with creative, visualization which keeps you turning the pages and leaves you wanting more when you sadly come to the end.
A Very Bavarian Christmas is woven with messages of rediscovery, stepping out of our comfort zones, healing and releasing the past, embracing the present that sets us free, and saying yes. I love the faith-filled layers that gently grace the storylines in subtle but powerful ways. I really enjoy the author’s unique and engaging writing style.
Katie Reid has written an enchanting, feel-good book that offers depth and meaning. Reading it is like wearing your favorite well-worn sweatshirt, sipping on a steamy cup of hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows on a cold wintery day wrapped in a fuzzy blanket. I think we could all benefit from a fun, cozy, heartwarming book that revolves around the hope-filled spirit of Christmas any day of the year. I loved it and I’m eagerly anticipating Katie Reid’s next book.
September 27, 2020
I admit I am not a big fan of the Hallmark Christmas movies in general (pause for collective gasp). As other reviewers noted, A Very Bavarian Christmas feels like a Hallmark movie. The country girl goes to the big city, only to have her dreams crushed, so she had to come back home and lick her wounds. But without the bad acting of Hallmark, and with Katie’s skill at storytelling, I found myself invested and interested and I really wanted to know what was going to happen to Holly. Will she end up with goofball Frank? Is Andy going to step out of the friend zone and be the dark horse contender for Holly’s heart? Could Nik with the dangerous past turn out to be the one? Will she get over her past to heal herself from a family tragedy?
There are some plot points you can see coming a mile away. And the ending....it was a not really a Hallmark ending and kind of surprising, and a tad disappointing. (I know! I’m anti-Hallmark so I should have loved the ending).
I recommend A Very Bavarian Christmas. It’s a lovely book that’s a fun, quick read and will warm your heart.
There are some plot points you can see coming a mile away. And the ending....it was a not really a Hallmark ending and kind of surprising, and a tad disappointing. (I know! I’m anti-Hallmark so I should have loved the ending).
I recommend A Very Bavarian Christmas. It’s a lovely book that’s a fun, quick read and will warm your heart.
October 15, 2020
Less than a day. That’s how long it took me to read A Very Bavarian Christmas. I found myself immediately invested in finding out what would happen to Holly. Would she get rid of her bah humbug spirit? Would she sort out her romantic issues and find real love? Could she do these things while remaining true to herself and her own passion for art?
Just like any great, holiday made-for-TV movie, the book draws you in with its life-like characters and vivid setting descriptions. In a place like Bavarian Falls, as any small-towner knows, everybody knows everybody… and also knows everybody’s business. This book gives you enough insight to even the smallest of supporting characters, that you feel you are one of the locals – a “townie” of Bavarian Falls.
Great read. Great story. Great author.
Just like any great, holiday made-for-TV movie, the book draws you in with its life-like characters and vivid setting descriptions. In a place like Bavarian Falls, as any small-towner knows, everybody knows everybody… and also knows everybody’s business. This book gives you enough insight to even the smallest of supporting characters, that you feel you are one of the locals – a “townie” of Bavarian Falls.
Great read. Great story. Great author.
Read
October 18, 2020If you're thinking of reading this book, don't hesitate! All the warm fuzzies of a Hallmark movie coupled with scenes and passages that stop and make you think about grace, second chances/starts, and the wonder of the holiday season, this book is the perfect mix. As the plot unfolds, you meet characters who parallel folks you know in real life, and you might even meet yourself in these pages. You'll laugh, you might even cry, but when you finish the last page, you'll be glad you spent a fictional Christmas in Bavarian Falls with Holly.
Read
October 15, 2020 I am a Christmas book connoisseur and I’m telling you, this is a MUST read! When you purchase a Christmas book you’re looking for hope, whimsy, and to be captivated by a story line that reminds you of the magic of Christmas all over again. A Very Bavarian Christmas does exactly that. One of the best parts of the book was I truly didn’t know how it was going to end. I could not put it down and could not stop reading! The characters are delightful, relatable, and you will have a favorite I promise. Grab some hot cocoa, get cozy, and treat yourself to this heartwarming novel
January 11, 2025
2.5 stars. Easy to read, sooooo cheesy. The MC makes so many very dumb assumptions, but the plot simply would not move forward without them. 😂
Also it bothered me that this "Midwestern Christmas town" was so obviously Frankenmuth. (I double checked the exact mileage she said it was to another city.) But the zip code for this fictional town was somewhere on the East Coast. If you're going to include absolutely irrelevant and unnecessary details like that, make them accurate. 😅
Also it bothered me that this "Midwestern Christmas town" was so obviously Frankenmuth. (I double checked the exact mileage she said it was to another city.) But the zip code for this fictional town was somewhere on the East Coast. If you're going to include absolutely irrelevant and unnecessary details like that, make them accurate. 😅
October 14, 2020
If you’ve ever found yourself captivated by one of Hallmark’s finest, A Very Bavarian Christmas is for you! The kind of characters you love to love appear throughout Katie’s writing, and you’ll be delighted as you jingle along for the ride. Her warm descriptions of Christmas sights and sounds will transport you to the small town where a gentle snow might fall and hearts might finally face their pasts. Like your favorite Christmas recipe, Katie has blended complexity of relationships, much needed laughter, twinkle light moments, and stable Truths into a dish even the Grinchiest among us won’t be able to resist!
January 12, 2025
I struggled with this from the get-go. Christmas books aren’t really a favorite of mine anyway, but the main character in this was tough to like lol. So many Christmas puns and cheesy things. Overall, just not for me.
December 11, 2024
Such a sweet Christmas read! I loved it.
October 22, 2020
Author Katie Reid tells the sweet story of Holly Noel, a holiday baby who despises the holidays and finds herself smack dab in the middle of hometown holiday cheer. It's easy to relate to Holly as she maneuvers, life, loss, and love. The main character and supporting cast in this Hallmark-like Christmas tale are charismatic, likeable, and humorous. You'll find yourself wanting to snuggle up with some hot cocoa and a blanket and read this tale from start to finish.
October 20, 2020
If you love Hallmark movies, you'll love this fun Christmas story to help you get in the holiday spirit!
October 6, 2020
What a fun and delightful read! I thoroughly enjoyed this story of a 30-something who moves back to her hometown after time away to process her life experiences, set against the backdrop of a German-American town that celebrates all things Christmas. I finished it for the first time in October but imagine I'll come back to it for a re-read during many holiday seasons to come. Highly recommend to fellow readers who enjoy Christian fiction.
October 31, 2020
Charming Christmas story
This delightful novel has more substance than you might expect from a feel-good story. I liked the real, messy relationships and the peek at Holly’s relatable thoughts. An enjoyable read for the holiday season, which I could easily picture in my mind.
This delightful novel has more substance than you might expect from a feel-good story. I liked the real, messy relationships and the peek at Holly’s relatable thoughts. An enjoyable read for the holiday season, which I could easily picture in my mind.
July 11, 2025
A Heartwarming Christmas Story Full of Purpose, Hope, and Unexpected Impact
Holly Noel’s life looks nothing like she imagined—single, back in her hometown, and making ends meet by using her art to personalize Christmas ornaments. It’s far from the big, bold future she once envisioned. But what makes this story so special is how beautifully it shows that when life takes a detour, God still has a plan—one filled with healing, purpose, and unexpected reach.
Through Holly’s quiet acts of creativity and kindness, her impact begins to stretch far beyond what she ever dreamed. One of my favorite lines from the book captures this perfectly:
“Even though you were afraid to go out into the world for love, you have been strategically entrusted with a position where the world comes to you.”
Author Katie Reid has written more than a feel-good holiday romance—she’s crafted a story that reminds us our lives still matter, even when they don’t go according to plan. It’s tender, faith-filled, and full of grace.
Knowing that Katie wrote this story when she needed the message makes it all the more powerful. So grab a copy—and then grab another to give as a gift. This is the kind of book that brings hope, comfort, and a little Christmas magic to your season.
Holly Noel’s life looks nothing like she imagined—single, back in her hometown, and making ends meet by using her art to personalize Christmas ornaments. It’s far from the big, bold future she once envisioned. But what makes this story so special is how beautifully it shows that when life takes a detour, God still has a plan—one filled with healing, purpose, and unexpected reach.
Through Holly’s quiet acts of creativity and kindness, her impact begins to stretch far beyond what she ever dreamed. One of my favorite lines from the book captures this perfectly:
“Even though you were afraid to go out into the world for love, you have been strategically entrusted with a position where the world comes to you.”
Author Katie Reid has written more than a feel-good holiday romance—she’s crafted a story that reminds us our lives still matter, even when they don’t go according to plan. It’s tender, faith-filled, and full of grace.
Knowing that Katie wrote this story when she needed the message makes it all the more powerful. So grab a copy—and then grab another to give as a gift. This is the kind of book that brings hope, comfort, and a little Christmas magic to your season.
October 23, 2020
I really enjoyed reading A Very Bavarian Christmas. I love many book genres, and tend to stay away from "formula fiction," although sometimes I'll read a fluffy romantic comedy. I just go in with my eyes open. I started "Very Bavarian" with this mindset, but I was surprised--in a good way.
You will find many familiar elements, such as a setback / hard situation that is the environment in which Holly has to bloom, and more than one eligible bachelor in her life (one ineligible bachelor as well!) However, Holly's character is quite relatable, and so is her situation of moving back to her hometown. Her dream didn't work out quite as planned--very "real life." In addition, her character goes through quite a journey with God to heal, and to find her identity in the right place. The romance bit? Well, it will keep you guessing until the end. The author also includes lots of pop culture references and humor for entertainment. I recommend this book for a satisfying read, and also as an excellent faith-based gift for friends and family. It would also be a great choice for a holiday gift exchange!
You will find many familiar elements, such as a setback / hard situation that is the environment in which Holly has to bloom, and more than one eligible bachelor in her life (one ineligible bachelor as well!) However, Holly's character is quite relatable, and so is her situation of moving back to her hometown. Her dream didn't work out quite as planned--very "real life." In addition, her character goes through quite a journey with God to heal, and to find her identity in the right place. The romance bit? Well, it will keep you guessing until the end. The author also includes lots of pop culture references and humor for entertainment. I recommend this book for a satisfying read, and also as an excellent faith-based gift for friends and family. It would also be a great choice for a holiday gift exchange!
December 20, 2020
Hallmark Christmas fans, turn off the television and grab your copy of this book. It’s like a Hallmark Christmas story, but better. Disillusioned with life, thirty-something aspiring artist Holly is back in her hometown of Bavarian Falls. This time of year reminds her of everything she’s lost. To rub salt in a wound, her temporary gig is painting Christmas ornaments at the most Christmas-loving shop in town. She’s also having to live with her parents again until she came save enough to move on and try again at her dreams of being an artist.
Common Hallmark-Christmas themes include a single girl searching for love and recovering from disappointment. However, I like how Reid takes Holly on a journey of healing. She finds courage to confront her grief and learn to accept that even though life hasn’t turned out how she wanted, she can still find peace and joy. I thoroughly enjoyed this story!
Common Hallmark-Christmas themes include a single girl searching for love and recovering from disappointment. However, I like how Reid takes Holly on a journey of healing. She finds courage to confront her grief and learn to accept that even though life hasn’t turned out how she wanted, she can still find peace and joy. I thoroughly enjoyed this story!
December 26, 2021
I first heard about this book when the author spoke at a writer's conference I was a part of this Fall and when I realized that she is a fellow-Michigander, I bought the book right away.
Holly Noel was a relatable character living in a town that is not unlike Frankenmuth here in Michigan-- her struggles were realistic and while there was a mild undertone of romance in this book, it was far from cheese-- it was mostly about healing and personal growth.
I typically read Christmas-themed stories and books the entire month of December-- purchasing one new one each year and re-reading old ones-- I'm glad I purchased this one because I'll be able to re-read it in year's to come.
Holly Noel was a relatable character living in a town that is not unlike Frankenmuth here in Michigan-- her struggles were realistic and while there was a mild undertone of romance in this book, it was far from cheese-- it was mostly about healing and personal growth.
I typically read Christmas-themed stories and books the entire month of December-- purchasing one new one each year and re-reading old ones-- I'm glad I purchased this one because I'll be able to re-read it in year's to come.
October 22, 2020
My heart needed this book.... It’s crazy how a fictional book can be so comforting to the heart and mind. So frequently we see (especially as Christians) young people getting married or grand romantic gestures, but that’s not always real life... In a life where it’s so easy to feel alone it is refreshing to have a book about a woman around 30, waiting on God’s timing and working through hard things and dealing with the discomforts in life. Finding her way through the change of heart from counting the pain of the past to focusing on the joy of the future!
March 11, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It is Christmas-y without being cliche' and the characters were real and relatable. Unlike many Christmas themed books and movies, I could not guess the ending, which in turn made me unable to put it down! The situations the characters find themselves in, were realistic and their feelings were palpable. I hope to see more of these characters in future books! If you're looking for a fun, authentic, holiday read this season, this is your book!!
October 20, 2020
This novel is a special gift for those of us who look forward to Hallmark style Christmas stories all year long! The setting transports you to a Christmas wonderland and you will find yourself laughing out loud, while wishing the characters could be your actual friends! Put your cozy socks on, grab a mug of Cocoa & settle in front of the fireplace for an authentic and lovely story that NEEDS to be told & re-told. I hope this is the first of many fiction novels by amazing author, Katie Reid!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews