This story really took me by surprise. It was so heartfelt and moving. I cried in a lot of parts because it was so real. Living in Florida, I know about hurricanes and what they can do. Parker getting trapped could easily happen and having Alex rescuing him shows a very strong, caring woman. The characters are well written and believable. With the author putting in praying just made it even better. Losing your father at Christmas is difficult and then finding Parker finally makes Christmas a little better by the sea. ( )

A good holiday read. I love the quaint seaside town in Main and the characters are sweet. The ending was questionable, but nice regardless. ( )

This review was originally posted in 2018.

A Christmas by the Sea is this year’s Christmas novella from Melody Carlson. It’s the story of Wendy and her son, Jackson as they remodel an inherited cottage in touristy Seaside, Maine. Their stay is supposed to be temporary. The plan is to refurbish her grandparents’ cottage, sell it and head back to Ohio…and fast. Only, Wendy hasn’t shared this information with Jackson, who is over the moon excited about this move. Will she break his heart…or will her own heart be refreshed by this quaint little town?

Wendy and Jackson have a fantastic mother-son bond and you can see they are clearly each other’s best friend as they navigate life after the loss of their husband and father. When they arrive in Seaside, they meet a cast of year-round charming locals who waste no time making them feel welcome. Local businessman Caleb Colton takes a special interest in both Wendy and Jackson and soon has Wendy rethinking her plans.

This book was very easy to read and had a wonderful setting. It was easy to visualize the town of Seaside as Thanksgiving made way for Christmas. The whole story had a very “everyday life” sort of vibe and was very relatable. Jackson was an exceptionally wonderful character and he completely stole the show!

A Christmas by the Sea was very cute, entertaining and well written. The story’s message was a gentle reminder that God has the best plans for us if we place our trust in Him. It was enjoyable to read and I do recommend picking this book up to get you in the holiday spirit!

I was provided a copy of this book by Revell Reads for review purposes. A positive review was not required. Opinions expressed are my own. ( )

Wendy inherits a cottage from her grandfather, and she and her 12-year-old son Jackson travel to Maine from Ohio just before Thanksgiving. She and Jackson work on improving the cottage, painting, reflooring, updating the plumbing, and more. Jackson thinks it’s because they are moving there, but really, Wendy is getting the cottage ready to sell. A widow, she knows she has to earn a living salary to take care of her son, and that’s just not possible in a tourist town. At least, not for someone with her job skills. Complications arise in the form of a handsome woodworker, Caleb. Wendy has certainly caught his attention, and the feeling is mutual. What happens to these delightful characters is the basis for a touching Christmas tale. Well written, it has just the right mix of problems and solutions, romance, and Christian values. ( )

Yay for another new Christmas novella! It may only nearly be autumn, but I can’t help getting excited for the imminent holiday season. And reading Melody Carlson’s A Christmas by the Sea is a delightful way to spark that spirit early.

When she inherits a Maine cottage, Wendy Harper sees it as a blessing: After renovations and repairs, its selling price could cover her financial burdens and debts. So, she and her son move to the cottage temporarily to take care of the work themselves. Only, the cottage’s charming, seaside town holds more allure than Wendy expected.

A Christmas by the Sea is a quick, heartwarming read for Christmastime, perfect for a reader in need of romance, family, and new beginnings.

Thanks to Revell Reads, I received a complimentary copy of A Christmas by the Sea and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. ( )