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For the Love of Christmas: A Sapphic Vineyard Christmas Romance
What’s two weeks pretending to be in love with your best friend?
Thea and Nat have lived together for a year, and have been best friends for many more. They do everything together, including Christmas with each other's families. This year, it's a trip to the vineyard to spend the festive season with Thea's family.
Thea’s mum has a bad habit of setting her daughter up on dud dates and doesn't miss the opportunity to meddle in her daughter’s love life. So, after being set up on a coffee date with a stranger, Thea takes Nat for backup, which turns out to be a big mistake.
One little white lie has a snowball effect, setting off a chain of whispers through small-town Hawke, and pretty soon Thea’s mum is swooning over the idea of Thea and Nat as a couple. Not wanting to break her mum’s heart, Thea talks Nat into going along with it, just for two weeks. What could go wrong?!
Thea and Nat have lived together for a year, and have been best friends for many more. They do everything together, including Christmas with each other's families. This year, it's a trip to the vineyard to spend the festive season with Thea's family.
Thea’s mum has a bad habit of setting her daughter up on dud dates and doesn't miss the opportunity to meddle in her daughter’s love life. So, after being set up on a coffee date with a stranger, Thea takes Nat for backup, which turns out to be a big mistake.
One little white lie has a snowball effect, setting off a chain of whispers through small-town Hawke, and pretty soon Thea’s mum is swooning over the idea of Thea and Nat as a couple. Not wanting to break her mum’s heart, Thea talks Nat into going along with it, just for two weeks. What could go wrong?!
227 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2022
64 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 5, 2022
Kindle Unlimited.
This was a really lovely best friends to lovers slow burn story set at Christmas time in Australia, at one of the MC's family winery.
This was a really solid story of two lesbian besties, who mean more to each other than expected, and live together but are both sabotaging casual relationships - and are afraid of more. When they go to Thea's family winery for the holidays, a slight fake dating trope ensues, but it becomes more real, as it goes on.
My one complaint was the push/pull went on a little long, and I would have liked to see our MC's together for longer, but it was a very good story that I would recommend to romantic comedy lovers of the Christmas kind.
I can totally imagine this being a film! How awesome would it be to get an Aussie Christmas Sapphic story? But for now the books will have to do!
This was a really lovely best friends to lovers slow burn story set at Christmas time in Australia, at one of the MC's family winery.
This was a really solid story of two lesbian besties, who mean more to each other than expected, and live together but are both sabotaging casual relationships - and are afraid of more. When they go to Thea's family winery for the holidays, a slight fake dating trope ensues, but it becomes more real, as it goes on.
My one complaint was the push/pull went on a little long, and I would have liked to see our MC's together for longer, but it was a very good story that I would recommend to romantic comedy lovers of the Christmas kind.
I can totally imagine this being a film! How awesome would it be to get an Aussie Christmas Sapphic story? But for now the books will have to do!
December 5, 2022
Sometimes it is right in front of you!
Thea is too much like her father about speaking out. But then her father has Kate his wife to help. Thea doesn't know it yet. Sometimes it is hard to see what has been in front of her since Nat moved in with her. Patiently Nat has waited and waited until it was almost to late. Nat has been there beside her and Thea still has not taken the hint. Does she? Delightful Christmas story, Enjoy!
Thea is too much like her father about speaking out. But then her father has Kate his wife to help. Thea doesn't know it yet. Sometimes it is hard to see what has been in front of her since Nat moved in with her. Patiently Nat has waited and waited until it was almost to late. Nat has been there beside her and Thea still has not taken the hint. Does she? Delightful Christmas story, Enjoy!
December 3, 2023
A light and wholesome festive read which had me chuckling and weepy with the feels!
January 4, 2024
This is a good friends to lovers story.
Thea is always worried about losing Nat’s friendship if she makes her feelings known, so she pushes Nat into the arms of Laura. We only really see things from Thea’s point of view, only getting occasional glimpses into Nat’s psyche, and so we don’t really know how Nat feels. All the signs however point to Nat feeling similar to Thea.
This goes on for a very long while, making this a slow burn, but also a pretend girlfriend story. But then we get Laura really entering the fray, and we find Thea is really the embodiment of self-sabotage. That really messes with the Thea/Nat dynamic, and some of the angst begins.
This is so much the best friends to lovers trope, with each of the women not being willing or able to say it. But we do eventually get the happily ever after, and all is right with the world…
Thea is always worried about losing Nat’s friendship if she makes her feelings known, so she pushes Nat into the arms of Laura. We only really see things from Thea’s point of view, only getting occasional glimpses into Nat’s psyche, and so we don’t really know how Nat feels. All the signs however point to Nat feeling similar to Thea.
This goes on for a very long while, making this a slow burn, but also a pretend girlfriend story. But then we get Laura really entering the fray, and we find Thea is really the embodiment of self-sabotage. That really messes with the Thea/Nat dynamic, and some of the angst begins.
This is so much the best friends to lovers trope, with each of the women not being willing or able to say it. But we do eventually get the happily ever after, and all is right with the world…
December 10, 2025
3,25/5
Simple.Cute.
Honestly it took me to start believing they were actually meant to be a couple at like 40% of the book,until then I couldn't place if anything between should be more than platonic but in the end it winned me over.
Simple.Cute.
Honestly it took me to start believing they were actually meant to be a couple at like 40% of the book,until then I couldn't place if anything between should be more than platonic but in the end it winned me over.
December 27, 2024
What a delightful story. There are a lot of things I liked about this. The main plot was great; I love fake dating so that’s usually an easy win for me (as long as they don’t mess it up, which they didn’t) and this one felt more organic and realistic than most. The characters were all well developed, and that includes the side characters who added a lot to the novel. There were a few plotlines going on at the same time as well, which I always like because it makes the story feel fuller and more like a real world. The siblings fighting and competing, and also being supportive and lovely, felt very real and genuine.
This was a nice Christmas read, with a bit more complexity than the standard Hallmark-adjacent cozy Christmas reads which I appreciated. It didn’t have a significant impact I would say, although I did enjoy it, so I’m giving this one 4-stars. It was fun, but it might be somewhat forgettable (which isn’t bad per se, how many books/movies do you perfectly recall years later anyways??)
My Rating: "B"
GoodReads: 4-stars
P.S., So that one unnamed girlfriend just disappeared eh? Never mentioned or officially broken up with? Ok cool, minor plot-drop
This was a nice Christmas read, with a bit more complexity than the standard Hallmark-adjacent cozy Christmas reads which I appreciated. It didn’t have a significant impact I would say, although I did enjoy it, so I’m giving this one 4-stars. It was fun, but it might be somewhat forgettable (which isn’t bad per se, how many books/movies do you perfectly recall years later anyways??)
My Rating: "B"
GoodReads: 4-stars
P.S., So that one unnamed girlfriend just disappeared eh? Never mentioned or officially broken up with? Ok cool, minor plot-drop
December 21, 2022
a good Christmas story
I made it a point this year to read as many Lesbian Christmas books as I could find. This is one of the best.
I made it a point this year to read as many Lesbian Christmas books as I could find. This is one of the best.
December 27, 2022
What an amazing, engaging story! I love Marchant's writing, and this story is another winner for her! Thea and Nat are best friends living together in the city. After debating Christmas plans, Nat says this year it is time to go to Thea's family for Christmas. Thea agrees only if Nat goes with her-- to which Nat doesn't hesitate. Thus begins the story.
Thea and Nat arrive at Thea's parent's house--a winery situated in rural Australia. Thea's family of brothers, sister, and their families, along with Thea's mum and dad, make for an eclectic mix of fun, family foibles, bittersweet, and humorous situations along the way.
To circumvent Thea's mum's attempts to find her a significant other--something Kate cannot help herself to do--Thea and Nat fake being a couple. Everyone is ecstatic, especially Kate. As the story continues to unfold, what was at first pretend, becomes blurred with conflicted feelings and realizations, which you will have to read to find out how things turn out.
I loved this story because it really had such well-developed characters--not just the MCs but also Thea's family. Marchant did such a great job with the details on so many levels, like descriptions of the siblings and their banter and rivalries; of the sibling's children and all their nuances; the parents and the world they have created; the setting with the winery, goats, chickens, etc.; and Nat and Thea and all their quirkiness together. The story evokes both giggles and tears and is the perfect holiday story! Give yourself the gift of reading this story as you will not be disappointed.
Thea and Nat arrive at Thea's parent's house--a winery situated in rural Australia. Thea's family of brothers, sister, and their families, along with Thea's mum and dad, make for an eclectic mix of fun, family foibles, bittersweet, and humorous situations along the way.
To circumvent Thea's mum's attempts to find her a significant other--something Kate cannot help herself to do--Thea and Nat fake being a couple. Everyone is ecstatic, especially Kate. As the story continues to unfold, what was at first pretend, becomes blurred with conflicted feelings and realizations, which you will have to read to find out how things turn out.
I loved this story because it really had such well-developed characters--not just the MCs but also Thea's family. Marchant did such a great job with the details on so many levels, like descriptions of the siblings and their banter and rivalries; of the sibling's children and all their nuances; the parents and the world they have created; the setting with the winery, goats, chickens, etc.; and Nat and Thea and all their quirkiness together. The story evokes both giggles and tears and is the perfect holiday story! Give yourself the gift of reading this story as you will not be disappointed.
November 4, 2023
A lgbtq+ friends to lovers Christmas book? Is there any more check marks? Add a dragon? A horse? Geesh.
So Kat and Thea live together platonically. They are best friends and they are both lesbians. It is Christmas time and apparently they go together to whichever family home they decide on that year. Odd but I've encountered stranger.
This year they go to Thea's family winery for the holidays. Thea (Teddy as her family calls her) has a big boisterous family. Complete with bickering siblings, a bunch of small kids, and parents who love each other like they are teens. Kat loves all of the nonsense.
Thea's mom sets her up on a date and Thea drags Kat along for moral support. The pair make the set up ( Laura) think they are together.
This obviously leads to Laura telling her folks who talked to Thea's. Now the family thinks they are an item, and Thea's mom is overjoyed. They decide to keep up the lie so they don't ruin her Christmas.
But as they keep up the act, Thea's brother Tommy suggests that maybe it isn't actually an act. That leaves Thea in a tizzy.
The story is so full or warmth. There are lots of other things going on, but to explain it all would ruin the story. There is such great family life building. I feel like I actually stepped into a time in a real person's life.
So Kat and Thea live together platonically. They are best friends and they are both lesbians. It is Christmas time and apparently they go together to whichever family home they decide on that year. Odd but I've encountered stranger.
This year they go to Thea's family winery for the holidays. Thea (Teddy as her family calls her) has a big boisterous family. Complete with bickering siblings, a bunch of small kids, and parents who love each other like they are teens. Kat loves all of the nonsense.
Thea's mom sets her up on a date and Thea drags Kat along for moral support. The pair make the set up ( Laura) think they are together.
This obviously leads to Laura telling her folks who talked to Thea's. Now the family thinks they are an item, and Thea's mom is overjoyed. They decide to keep up the lie so they don't ruin her Christmas.
But as they keep up the act, Thea's brother Tommy suggests that maybe it isn't actually an act. That leaves Thea in a tizzy.
The story is so full or warmth. There are lots of other things going on, but to explain it all would ruin the story. There is such great family life building. I feel like I actually stepped into a time in a real person's life.
August 5, 2023
So... I'll just write my review
Not a terrible book, per se... But, it kind of really sucked. At least for me. You can't claim a book is a happy Christmas story if it keeps you in a state of anxiety ridden depression for almost the whole time, and then the last 5% is happy. You should give a warning or something.
Not a terrible book, per se... But, it kind of really sucked. At least for me. You can't claim a book is a happy Christmas story if it keeps you in a state of anxiety ridden depression for almost the whole time, and then the last 5% is happy. You should give a warning or something.
November 21, 2023
The story happens in Australia, around Christmas time, and I kept forgetting it so I was constantly surprised by the mention of how hot it was 😂
It's was a sweet friends to lovers Christmas romance, but IMO they took way too much time becoming lovers. Don't except to seen them together until the VERY END.
That was way too much of a slow burn for me (especially since there's no burn at all since it's a clean romance 😂)
I liked Thea's family and the stories about them, but I was anxious ALL THE TIME and I hated that they would "date" other people to the extent they did. I would have loved for them to realize they loved each other sooner and to see their romantic relationship develop better. This part feels unfinished.
It's just not the fluffy, comfortable and warm Christmas romance I was waiting for. Maybe that's on me and my expectations though.
It's was a sweet friends to lovers Christmas romance, but IMO they took way too much time becoming lovers. Don't except to seen them together until the VERY END.
That was way too much of a slow burn for me (especially since there's no burn at all since it's a clean romance 😂)
I liked Thea's family and the stories about them, but I was anxious ALL THE TIME and I hated that they would "date" other people to the extent they did. I would have loved for them to realize they loved each other sooner and to see their romantic relationship develop better. This part feels unfinished.
It's just not the fluffy, comfortable and warm Christmas romance I was waiting for. Maybe that's on me and my expectations though.
February 14, 2023
A joyous romp with all the family fun and Christmas romance full of laughs.
Nat and Thea have been best friends and roommates for years. The experiences they have had bring so much love for them both. This Christmas a present they didn't expect his them right in the heart. This is a warm family story that will have you laughing, crying and well connected to the characters in the best way. I love the MC's and their banter is just one of many gifts the book offers. There are some tense family moments and your heart will gasp a couple of times. It is soul beautiful with enough love to make dreams come true. I am lov8ng this authors writing.
Nat and Thea have been best friends and roommates for years. The experiences they have had bring so much love for them both. This Christmas a present they didn't expect his them right in the heart. This is a warm family story that will have you laughing, crying and well connected to the characters in the best way. I love the MC's and their banter is just one of many gifts the book offers. There are some tense family moments and your heart will gasp a couple of times. It is soul beautiful with enough love to make dreams come true. I am lov8ng this authors writing.
April 26, 2023
Cute reading, there's not a lot of drama, a touch of angst with the whole will they won't they bit, but not enough to sour the experience, which were a great feel good one IMHO
MC and LI had so much chemistry that got me a bit dizzy with the fumes. Not but fr, I was a bit antsy, all for them to get together soon and the two idiots, a perfect match, just didn't do it before last minute overtime of the match
I'll confess something though, I almost took 1 star of the book because of the simple quotation marks marking the dialogue, lawd that did bother me, guess there isn't much going on in my life if that's what gets under my skin, eh? Lmao
MC and LI had so much chemistry that got me a bit dizzy with the fumes. Not but fr, I was a bit antsy, all for them to get together soon and the two idiots, a perfect match, just didn't do it before last minute overtime of the match
I'll confess something though, I almost took 1 star of the book because of the simple quotation marks marking the dialogue, lawd that did bother me, guess there isn't much going on in my life if that's what gets under my skin, eh? Lmao
September 28, 2024
At no point was I actually rooting for the two main characters to get together. It all felt forced.
And there were so many secondary characters, that I lost track of who is who.
Another review already mentioned the short chapters, and I agree. That felt somehow weird.
Despite the page-count being on the short end for a novel, it felt drawn-out. Very little was happening to advance the story or develop the characters.
And there were so many secondary characters, that I lost track of who is who.
Another review already mentioned the short chapters, and I agree. That felt somehow weird.
Despite the page-count being on the short end for a novel, it felt drawn-out. Very little was happening to advance the story or develop the characters.
December 25, 2023
Merry Christmas Romance
Thea and Nat’s fake relationship to please Thea’s mom turns into so much more. Roommates and best friends, Nat and Thea, spend Christmas together at Thea’s family’s home. The family believes the two are together. They fake it for the sake of bringing joy to Thea’s mom. This was a Hallmark movie come to life.
Thea and Nat’s fake relationship to please Thea’s mom turns into so much more. Roommates and best friends, Nat and Thea, spend Christmas together at Thea’s family’s home. The family believes the two are together. They fake it for the sake of bringing joy to Thea’s mom. This was a Hallmark movie come to life.
March 30, 2023
Funny lesbian romance
This was a heartwarming funny romance , I liked the characters thea and nat finding love when your not looking for it and if your best friend can be your soulmate
This was a heartwarming funny romance , I liked the characters thea and nat finding love when your not looking for it and if your best friend can be your soulmate
November 22, 2023
Cute holiday romance book. Best friends to lovers. Has emotional ties to cancer in it. Thea and Nat don’t know how to communicate about their love for each other which almost pushes Nat into another woman’s arms. Love the family dynamic throughout the book.
November 22, 2023
Best Friends Forever
Thea and Nat had been best friends forever and did everything together. When they go to Thea’s family vineyard for Christmas they end up in a fake romance. Will they have the courage to admit their feelings before it’s too late? Sweet romance.
Thea and Nat had been best friends forever and did everything together. When they go to Thea’s family vineyard for Christmas they end up in a fake romance. Will they have the courage to admit their feelings before it’s too late? Sweet romance.
December 1, 2025
This was a really sweet friendship lovers romance. I loved the family aspect of the book and the gentle realisation of feelings. The only thing stopping me giving it a 5 stars is because I’d really liked a little more of the as a couple in the book.
January 8, 2023
Loved it!
I really enjoyed this book - and not only because fake relationship is my favourite trope. It's a cozy feel-good story with really likeable characters.
I really enjoyed this book - and not only because fake relationship is my favourite trope. It's a cozy feel-good story with really likeable characters.
December 24, 2023
No lo terminé y no pienso hacerlo. Cada que abría este libro me daban unas ganas incontrolables de aventarlo (no lo hice porque lo estaba leyendo en mi tablet)
September 7, 2024
Why are the chapters so short 😭 I just wish it was longer and had more details
December 12, 2024
Low angst easy read. Extra interesting because of Australian setting...it's super hot at Christmas and fun to see the holiday traditions in the heat instead of cold.
December 24, 2024
It is an enjoyable read. Is rich in drama, and a hint of will they or won't " they won't they" aspect, but not enough to detract from the overall pleasant and uplifting experience.
December 28, 2024
Cute, a very hallmark, quick, Christmassy read. Cringe writing and dialogue but loveable characters and a sweet romance. All in all an enjoyable read
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews