Super sweet (although there are some difficult moments) holiday story. My first story by this author and if I were looking for sweet holiday stories, I'd have no problem reading this author again. There were quite a few things in the story that had me either shaking my head or furrowing my brow because they didn't make sense to me-mostly continuity issues and those could very well just be me issues. I enjoyed how it ended although most might think it was all too pat, but let's face it, this is a Hallmark Christmas movie in the making for sure. I'd watch it.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Publication date: September 26, 2023

Christmas at the Lake is a second chance romance story by Anita Hughes. This was like reading the script for a Hallmark Christmas movie! When I finished the book I discovered that some of this authors books have actually been made into Christmas Movies!

Rebecca Huntley had her whole life figured out. It’s a few hours before her wedding to her college sweetheart Ben. After meeting and falling in love, Ben and Rebecca created a successful dating app that was about to go public. She had spent months planning the perfect wedding and couldn’t wait to spend the rest of her life with Ben.

Ben shows up at her hotel room and drops a bomb on her. For the last six months he has been having an affair with the head attorney for their business and is calling off the wedding. He and Natalie are heading to St Barts for Christmas and he has sent all the guests an email letting them know the wedding is off.

Rebecca decides to take her broken heart to Christmas Cove, the beautiful resort she had booked for their honeymoon. As she nurses her broken heart, she runs into an old college classmate Zach. After Rebecca and Zach meet up, neither are overly honest about how their years after college turned out, but there is a connection there they cannot deny.

This was a cute closed door romance (nothing more than a couple of kisses) but the storyline was cute if not a little predictable (much like a Hallmark movie). I would have liked to see more of Zach and Rebecca’s relationship grow so this is a 3.5 star for me!

#NetGalley #anitahughes #christmasatthelake

CHRISTMAS AT THE LAKE – Anita Hughes
St. Martin’s Griffin
ISBN: 978-1250871923
September 26, 2023
Contemporary Romance

Lake Tahoe – Present Day

On Christmas Eve, just hours before Rebecca Huntley is to marry Ben, he comes to her and tells her that he cannot marry her because he has fallen in love with a coworker. Devastated and not wanting to stick around San Francisco, she decides to keep their honeymoon reservations at an inn in a charming small town called Christmas Cove and spend the rest of the holidays there. She has barely arrived when she runs into an old college classmate, Zach Mason. He had heard about her marriage plans with Ben and assumed they were both there on their honeymoon. She doesn’t correct him, especially since Zach appears to be there with an older woman.

When Zach spotted Rebecca in the restaurant, he didn’t want her to know he was a waiter rather than the filmmaker he always aspired to be. He sat down at an empty table when he spied Rebecca, he pretended to study the menu and greeted her when she spotted him. A few minutes later, a woman comes to the table and sits down next to him, pretending that they are together. Later, after Rebecca leaves the restaurant, Zach talks to the woman, and he tells her that he just got fired by his employer. She invites him to stay in her two-bedroom suite. Zach is working on a filmmaking contest, and she offers to help him as his film subject. He figures that he won’t be seeing Rebecca anymore since she is with Ben, even though she was evasive where he was.

CHRISTMAS AT THE LAKE starts off with a lot of little white lies. Rebecca liked Zach in college, but she ended up dating Ben. She is embarrassed over what happened with their failed marriage plans and continues throughout most of this tale to tell Zach that Ben is either busy or he had to return to San Francisco for work. Zach had big plans in college and has traveled the world but now he is at the end of his rope. Either win the contest or face giving up his dream career. Because Rebecca assumed that he was a successful filmmaker, he couldn’t tell her the truth. Just when he is about to confess, something or someone interrupts them, such as Ben showing up in town.

There are a couple of side plots going on that are similar. The woman who befriended Zach talks on camera about her first love. It helps him provide insight into the matters of love. Rebecca runs into a man who is looking for someone to plan an event for New Year’s night. She is great at planning events and takes the job. She figures it will help her forget about her failed marriage plans and get her mind off Ben. She starts reading postcards written by the man journaling his failed romance while he was in Europe. Along the way, Rebecca and Zach continue to run into each other and spend some time together talking. He never forgot that he loved her, but it was Ben that she fell in love with. Of course, the groom-to-be shows up, wanting forgiveness. Will she forgive the man who ultimately broke her heart? Will she tell Zach the truth—and that she is beginning to fall for him?

There is little true romance between Rebecca and Zach at first in CHRISTMAS AT THE LAKE. It’s more about the lies hanging between them and learning about how the path to love isn’t always smooth, but when there is a way, love wins. Will they end up with their happily-ever-after? Are things over between Ben and Rebecca? Find out the answer by picking up a copy of CHRISTMAS AT THE LAKE.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

I loved the setting for this story, but sadly that was about all I loved. The constant lying and miscommunication between Rebecca and Zach was silly and went on way too long. It really took away from my enjoyment of the story. I couldn’t feel any chemistry between the characters and because of that I couldn’t really root for them and their HEA. The Christmas magic just wasn’t there for me in this one.

✨Thank you @smpromance for the gifted eARC to read and review via @netgalley.

This was the cutest Christmas story ever and I can definitely see it becoming a hallmark movie. The setting was perfect and cozy. The author made you feel right at home in Christmas Cove. The only reason I didn’t give it a 5 star rating is things seemed to happen a little too conveniently. Spoilers ahead: like Zach meeting Meredith and being okay staying with a total stranger was too good to be true. The same with Rebecca and Howard and even Kat showing up and buying her own dress. If it’s mean to be a hallmark movie type then yes these coincidences are perfect, but as a book they’re a little too easy. Other than that I loved this book and it will definitely put you in the Christmas mood!!

Thank you NetGalley and to the publishers for this advanced copy.

What I liked:
- Cozy Christmas town.
- lovable side characters.
- Rebecca & Zach's easy, comfortable relationship.
- Howard & Kat's story. (The Subplot) I was literally reading this book for their "Will they or won't they" story.

What I didn't like:
- The lies between Rebecca & Zach went for too long & felt a game.
- Didn't feel much chemistry between them.


Thank you Netgalley & Publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Not one, but several great relationship stories all intertwined around the special feelings of first love. Set in a beautiful Christmas atmosphere, this was a perfect Christmas novel. Thanks #NetGalley

This is a heartwarming, cozy Christmas novel in Anita Hughes' typical style. Take a young woman at a crossroads in life, a young man who has had a crush on her for two decades, and an extremely beautiful winter setting, and you have a recipe for a sweet romance. With a few supporting characters who have insteresting stories to share, this is a second chance romance that centers on how we learn and grow at all stages in life, bringing those experiences into the future. Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance digital copy!

A sweet holiday romance that takes place in a charming village called Christmas Cove on the shores of Lake Tahoe.

Rebecca and her boyfriend Ben met in their final year at Berkeley and are co-founders of a hugely successful dating app that is soon to go public. On the morning of their Christmas Eve wedding in San Francisco, Ben breaks up with Rebecca and leaves on vacation with the beautiful attorney that works for their company. Rebecca is heartbroken but decides to go by herself on their honeymoon to Lake Tahoe where she bumps into Zach, a film student she knew at Berkeley and finds herself organizing a New Year's Night party for a business man she meets. Due to a misunderstanding, Zach believes that Rebecca is married to Ben and Rebecca believes that Zach is dating a sophisticated older woman named Meredith.

There are three separate romance stories taking place in Christmas at the Lake - Zach and Rebecca in present day Christmas Cove; a romance in Europe in 1990 that Rebecca reads about in a travel journal while planning the party and a story about a couple in New York City that Zach is being told by Meredith for a film he is making about first love.

An enjoyable romance about second chances at love and a great setting for a Christmas story. A charming Christmas village, falling snow, hot drinks by the fireplace, sleigh rides around the lake - it's easy to imagine Christmas Cove in a Hallmark Christmas movie!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for sending a digital ARC of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Such a cute second chance romance!
Anita did a phenomenal job at setting the scene in this book. I loved the magical feeling for this Christmas getaway. Rebecca decides to go on her honeymoon alone after her fiance leaves her at the altar. She runs into an old friend from college and they really hit it off.
The characters really grow from start to finish and discover what they want and need in a relationship. This book does have discussions regarding having babies and may not be for everyone. I really enjoyed this book and it is such a cute Christmas read.

Christmas at the Lake by Anita Hughes offers a heartwarming escape into the enchanting world of holiday romance. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque lake, this novel is the perfect companion for cozy winter evenings. With its delightful Christmas-themed atmosphere, it effortlessly transports readers into a realm of festive magic.

The endearing main characters of the story will surely capture your heart. Their journey unfolds like a charm-filled Hallmark movie, complete with all the warm fuzzies and joyful moments that define the holiday season. From their endearing quirks to their blossoming love, you’ll find yourself rooting for their happiness.

Adding to the charm are the lovable side characters who bring an extra layer of warmth and camaraderie to the tale. Their presence enhances the overall sense of community and togetherness, reminding us of the true essence of Christmas.

What makes this story truly special is its fairytale-like quality. Through whimsical twists of fate and unexpected encounters, the author weaves a narrative that is both magical and realistic. As readers, we are captivated by the dreamlike scenarios and the infinite possibilities that Christmas brings.

Whether you’re looking for a heartwarming romance or simply want to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit, “Christmas at the Lake” is the perfect book to snuggle up with on a cold winter’s night. Prepare to be swept away by its delightful charm and the enchantment of Christmas magic.

Rebecca has been left on her wedding day by her fiancé and college sweetheart, Ben. He decided to leave with one of their co-workers for a vacation on an island, so Rebecca decides to go her own on their honeymoon in a cozy Christmas Inn. There she stumbles on Zach, who was one of her college friends...
This is a Crismtas sexond chance romance. If you don't want anything spoiled, don't read the book blurb. Because it pretty much lays down everything that happens in the book. As per usual, I'm not a big fan of any trope based on a misunderstanding and lies. I am also really not a fan of women being talked into having kids by anyone. And I have a very strong opinion about it, and it really annoyed me in this book. I would like for once at least one character that didn't want to have kids and didn't have kids. No matter how much anyone tried to talk her into it. Which, you know, mind your own business. That is totally a me issue though. Plus Rebecca's friend Kimmy talks about nothing else than her kid, it's really annoying. The setting in the descriptions, however, were magical.
I  received an advance review copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

As an avid reader, I am often captivated by a book simply by looking at the cover. This book cover is splendid, and it is a Christmas book to boot. So, this made it doubly pleasurable to read. I was even more excited as I started reading it, and realized just how charming this book would be. Rebecca Huntley has been discarded at the altar by her long time boyfriend and business partner, Ben Cole. Ben visits her on the morning of their wedding to tell her he cannot marry her because he is in love with someone else. Ouch. Needless to say she is devastated. Ben and Rebecca worked hard for many years to built what is now a wildly successful company. They started a dating app known as Dealbreakers. She is at a complete loss as to how to move forward. They were to be married on Christmas Eve and spend their honeymoon in Christmas Cove a the fabulous Christmas Cove Inn. Her friend and co-worker encourages her to go ahead and go to Christmas Cove and enjoy her time there. While there she meets a former classmate, Zach Mason. Zach thinks Rebecca is married to Ben, and Rebecca thinks Zach is with a beautiful woman named Meredith. However, they find themselves together more and more. There were many other supporting characters that made this story even more compelling to read and enjoy.

This was a charming romance set at Christmas, but it was not all about Christmas. This was a heart happy book with a wonderful cast of characters, each with a story to tell. This made the characters and the plotline even more rich and interesting as you learn about each one and their past and present. This book painted a vivid portrait of true romance and love. The description of Christmas Cove on Lake Tahoe sounded like a piece of heaven on earth. I wanted to jump into the book to see this beautiful place with my own eyes. Read this book and you will be charmed.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Christmas Eve just hours before Rebecca's wedding she gets left at the altar by Ben Cole. This is the season for love, new dreams and second chances. Even though she didn't get married Rebecca still decides to go on the honeymoon in Christmas Cove which is on the shores of Lake Tahoe. Once there she runs into a old college friend Zach Mason who has always had a crush on her. Rebecca and Zach have a misunderstanding about if she still is married and if he is in a relationship. Will they ever learn the truth about each other? Does love give a second chance? This book had the Christmas cozy romance vibes and was such an amazing book. You could picture yourself in this cozy Christmas town while reading it. The author did a great job with the characters and with the town as well. Highly recommend this book to anyone! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC read in exchange of my honest review.

ARC Review of Christmas at the Lake by Anita Hughes
Publishing on September 26, 2023.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Christmas time... love is in the air at Christmas Cove in Lake Tahoe! Or so Rebecca thinks... only to find out that her fiancé/company cofounder is running away with one of their employees. Rebecca goes on the honeymoon solo and ends up making new and old friends, while going on a whirlwind of adventures filled with love, friendship, and potentially rekindling old flames.

This story was very cute and cozy. It is the perfect comfort read for Christmas time. There was a twist in this book that I didn't expect at all, which I loved. There are also multiple happy endings, and who doesn't love that! I would recommend this book.

Rebecca was excited about her Christmas Eve wedding. She had made the wedding plans to be perfect. Just hours before the ceremony her fiancé walks in and tells her he does not want to marry her.
This sets the wheels in motion for her, and she decides to go to Christmas Cove to stay there where they had reservations for their honeymoon. She asked her best friend to go with her but when she gets sick Rebecca goes anyway.
The book was just an OK one for me. I felt there was a lot that the characters needed to be more open with about what was happening in their lives. This for me would have given me more of a connection with what was going on with them.
This would make a great Hallmark movie.
Thank you NetGalley, Anita Hughes and St. Martin's Press for the arc of
Christmas at the Lake. This is my personal review.

A lonely honeymoon with a different destiny

Rebecca is on a lonely honeymoon after being jilted six hours before her wedding. Her ex-fiancé found someone he loved more, but the more she has time to think, she wonder if he ever really loved her?

Zach Mason is at the Lake Tahoe resort on a mission to complete a filmmaker competition. Little does he know, the woman of his dreams and an old crush from college is at the same resort on a lonely getaway.

Both Rebecca & Zach can’t seem to come to grips with letting the other know their true reality. Rebecca keeps up with the ruse that she is on her honeymoon, only her husband isn’t present. Zach is keeping up with the pretense that he is a successful film maker, not a man who is more likely to be sleeping in his childhood bedroom.

These two are constantly thrown together & their old friendship quickly reignites. As do the unrequited feelings Zach harbored for Rebecca all those years ago. But right as Zach & Rebecca started to get closer, her runaway groom makes a surprise appearance saying that he made a mistake.

Does Rebecca put her foot down & take a stand? Does Zach have a chance of ever being with the woman of his dreams?

I loved how this book spanned the tales of love from so many perspectives. I loved Meredith’s video journaling that Zach recorded of her love of a lifetime even though it was lost. And I loved Howard’s journal entries read by Rebecca of his travel adventures with the woman that got away. And I loved that everyone got their happy ending.

I was provided a free advanced copy of this from @netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
When her fiance breaks up with her only a few hours before the ceremony on Christmas Eve, Rebecca decides to head to their honeymoon on her own. At Christmas Cove, on Lake Tahoe, she meets some new characters and an old friend who help her realize she deserves so much more, and learn to believe in love again!
Although this was a cute, cozy, Christmas story, it lost some stars for me because of some unbelievable coincidences. And some of the drama seemed a bit contrived.
I think one of my favorite parts was a substory about a young couple traveling around Europe!
This one comes out at the end of the month, 26 Sep, so if you're looking for a cozy Christmas story in the next few months, keep this one in mind!
#NetGalley #ChristmasAtTheLake

A hallmark/Christmas romance book, that I couldn't wait to read!

Sadly, I just couldn't get into this book.

Hallmark Christmas movies are one of my favorite things during the season, so I had high hopes for this read. The miscommunication trope, the constant lying between the characters ended up being a complete turn off for me.

The setting was lovely, however, and I can imagine myself spending Christmas there!

I received this book as an ARC, so all opinions are my own. Thank you NetGalley.

Let me start with: Thank you to St. Martin's via Netgalley for the approval to read an early copy of Christmas at the Lake! I wasn't sure I'd get approved so whoever did approve me-- you made my day! I was so excited to read a Christmas romance!

Would recommend if you love:
-Max Christmas vibes; I mean the town is called Christmas Cove!
-miscommunication trope
-Lots of SUPER loveable characters
-FMC & MMC that undergoes some great character growth

What I personally loved: the descriptions of the town were so beautiful! I felt like I was right there in that lakeside cozy town at Christmastime and it was wonderful. I adored the stories from Meredith and Howard (honestly, I liked their romance stories more than the main characters). Overall, I liked this lighthearted, cozy romance.

Now on to why it is only a 3 star for me: [full disclosure some of these things seem nitpicky but they were glaring issues FOR ME PERSONALLY-- take that as you will]
-the miscommunication (read: blatant lies) got old after a while
-then when the truth comes out about Zach, this B Rebecca acts all pissy as if she isn't lying to him as well???
-how many times did we need to be told what the same room smelled like?
-I know this is an ARC but there were a lot of issues with grammar; even to the point the town was referred to as a completely different name!? and the timeline seemed clunky (the whole story takes place over the week between Christmas & New Year)

FYI, you're being warned;
*we're getting to the nitpicky stuff that bothered me but 98% of readers won't care or even notice these things*
[mini rants incoming]
-in the entire first 10% of the book ALL Kimi (Rebecca's best friend) talked about was her kid. LITERALLY entire pages of this B rambling about her kid. I don't GAF about this as it has the most minimal impact on the main character and/or story line; if the kid were crucial to the FMC relationships/ character development fine; but she wasn't. I rolled my eyes so much I was sure they were going to get stuck up there. By the time she (Kimi) had to leave I just wanted her to STFU already and GO. Boo, BYE.
-in the beginning Kimi mentions (sort of in passing) "you know how I felt about having kids" but SHE HAS A KID. The general idea was that she wanted to wait to have kids for a few years but her husband "talked her into it"?????? WHY is this a thing that is okay in society. Women are not placed on Earth to serve men and be mothers.
^ I could have ignored this one mention/ situation BUT THE SAME HAPPENED WITH MEREDITH'S CHARACTER. She didn't want to have kids, she specifically states this, but her husband talked her into starting to try to have kids???? MAAAAN this bothered me so much (enough to have a full rant in my review LOLOL)