A Ferry Merry Christmas by Debbie Macomber (Book Review)

 

Book Review

A Ferry Merry Christmas by Debbie Macomber

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Publication Date: October 21, 2025

Format: Hardcover - 272 pages

               Paperback - 240 pages

               Kindle - 247 pages / 7.2 MB

               Audiobook: 5 Hours 22 Minutes

               Nook - 272 pages / 6 MB

ISBN (Hardcover): 978-0593974674

ISBN (Paperback): 979-8217169832

ASIN (Kindle): B0DTN3LMX7

ASIN (Audiobook): B0DZLBZMLB

ISBN (Nook): 978-0593974681

Genre: Holiday Fiction / Holiday Romance 

Buy The Book:

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Amazon - Hardcover

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

Book Description:

A delayed ferryboat brings people together in the best of ways during the holiday season in this enchanting Christmas novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.

Avery and Reed Bond have always shared a close-knit relationship, having weathered life's storms side by side. Even so, Avery often finds herself exasperated by her brother's relentless matchmaking, while Reed can't resist teasing his sister—after all, isn't that what siblings do? Following the recent passing of their beloved Gram, the woman who lovingly raised them, Reed and Avery decide to honor her memory by spending Christmas together.

However, their holiday plans take an unexpected turn when a mechanical failure strands Avery on the ferry in the middle of the Puget Sound and Reed waiting for her arrival. At first, the inconvenience seems to halt the festivities, but soon, Avery and Reed discover that this unforeseen detour might just be a blessing in disguise.

While stuck on the ferry, Avery meets a handsome sailor and witnesses a Christmas miracle that reignites her belief in the holiday spirit. Meanwhile, Reed runs into a coworker who’s also waiting for a family member to arrive, sparking an unexpected and delightful connection.

In this tale of holiday magic, the Bond siblings find themselves swept up in taking a chance on love, proving that sometimes the best moments in life come when we least expect them.

My Book Review:

In A Ferry Merry Christmas, author Debbie Macomber transports the reader to Seattle for a heartwarming holiday tale of family, friendship, hearts healed, new beginnings, and finding a chance at love.

Avery Bond is on the on the ferry from Bremerton bound for Seattle to spend the Christmas holiday with her older brother Reed.

Harry Stetler, a Navy submariner is on the ferry bound for Seattle to spend the Christmas holiday with his older sister Kellie.

The ferry stalls in the middle of the Puget Sound with a mechanical engine issue. When the ferry is delayed, the passengers' Christmas plans are in peril and tensions build. But with a little Christmas spirit and goodwill, the passengers' attitudes change from discontent to camaraderie when they experience a Christmas miracle. 

A Ferry Merry Christmas is a wonderful holiday story that will tug at your heartstrings. The reader can't help but follow along as the ferry passengers deal with their delayed holiday plans and discover the true meaning of Christmas spirit. 

As this holiday themed rom-com story unfolds, the ferry passengers are given a gentle reminder about the true meaning of the Christmas spirit: believe in the power of love, family, friendship, grace, forgiveness, new beginnings, and the joy and beauty of the holiday season. 

A Ferry Merry Christmas is an enchanting holiday story full of warmth and comfort that will remind the reader of the magic, joy, cheer, and spirit of Christmas.



RATING: 5 STARS 

About The Author

Debbie Macomber is a renowned #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most cherished writers, with over 200 million copies of her books sold globally. Her novels beautifully depict meaningful relationships, celebrating family bonds and enduring friendships, and inspire readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s works have collectively remained on the New York Times bestseller list for more than 1,000 weeks, with fifteen titles reaching the top spot.

In addition to her captivating fiction, Macomber has authored bestselling cookbooks, adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction titles, and beloved children’s books. Known as “the official storyteller of Christmas,” her annual holiday tales are adored by fans, many of which have been adapted into original Hallmark Channel movies. She is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove series which was adapted into the Hallmark Channel’s first dramatic scripted television series, enjoying a popular three-season run.

Debbie and her husband Wayne are dedicated parents, grandparents, and recently great-grandparents. They reside in the Pacific Northwest—the charming area that inspired many of her books.

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Grace & Henry's Holiday Movie Marathon by Matthew Norman (Book Review)

 

Book Review

Grace & Henry's Holiday Movie Marathon by Matthew Norman

Publisher: Random House

Publication Date: October 14, 2025

Format: Paperback - 337 pages

               Kindle - 298 pages / 12.8 MB

               Audiobook: 8 Hours 43 Minutes

ISBN (PB): 978-0593975053

ASIN (Kindle): B0DT1ZYHN2

ASIN (Audiobook): B0DWCFN1M2

Genre: Holiday Fiction / Holiday Romance

Buy The Book:

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

Book Description:

A sentimental advertising creative and a blunt, no-nonsense bar owner find a second chance at love while binge-watching iconic holiday movies in this poignant and heartwarming romance, from the author of Charm City Rocks and All Together Now.

“Norman weaves nostalgic references to modern holiday classics . . . throughout this comforting romance.”—The Washington Post (Noteworthy Books of the Month)

The new year had barely begun when Grace White and Henry Adler both lost their spouses. Now, nearly a year later, the first holiday season since their "Great and Terrible Sadnesses" approaches. Although their mothers' scheme to matchmake the two surviving spouses, it’s clear that neither is ready to date again. Yet no one understands what they are going through better than each other, and a delicate friendship is born.

When Henry sees an ad for a Christmas movie marathon—once an annual tradition for him and his wife—Grace offers to watch some films with him, despite her aversion to a few of his picks. Her two young kids, Ian and Bella, also join in whenever possible bedtimes permitting, of course.

With each movie, Grace and Henry’s shared grief eases as they start to see a life beyond the sadness. But as they draw closer, other romantic possibilities leave them uncertain about their future together. Is their bond merely the result of loneliness and shared circumstances, or have they found something that’s worth taking a shot at . . . again?

My Book Review:

In Grace & Henry's Holiday Movie Marathon, author Matthew Norman transports the reader to Baltimore for a heartwarming holiday tale of family, friendship, loss and grief, new beginnings, and finding a second chance at love.

Grace White's husband Tim passed away from cancer in January, leaving her and their children Ian and Bella grieving his loss.

Henry Adler's wife Brynn passed away in a plane crash in January, leaving him grieving her loss.

As the first Christmas holiday approaches without their spouses, Grace and Henry's moms try to matchmake them, but neither are ready to date. But when they meet, they agree to become grief friends and help each other get through the grief and sadness during the holiday season. Henry suggests that they watch holiday movies together, and as the holiday season progresses, a friendship blossoms, and soon they realize that they begin to rely on each other. Can Grace and Henry learn to move forward with their lives and possibly find a second chance at love?

Grace & Henry's Holiday Movie Marathon is a wonderful holiday story that will tug at your heartstrings. The reader can't help but follow along as Grace and Henry find a way to help each other with their grief and sadness, and hope that their friendship may bring them something more.

Their story unfolds in a heartfelt and magical way, as each chapter follows a classic holiday movie theme (there are sixteen movies)! I found myself writing down the sixteen movies so that I can watch them during the holiday season, what a fun idea! 

This holiday themed rom-com story will take the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride where they will experience the full gamut of emotions as Grace and Henry's story unfolds. This Christmas story will have the reader believe in the power of love, family, friendship, new beginnings, and the joy of the holiday season. This was such a heartwarming story to read, I loved the chemistry between Grace and Henry, their opposites attract friendship had me cheering for them to find joy in life, an unexpected chance at love, and once again find the beauty of the Christmas spirit. 

Grace & Henry's Holiday Movie Marathon is an enchanting holiday story full of warmth and comfort that will remind the reader of the magic, joy, cheer, and spirit of Christmas.



RATING: 5 STARS 

About The Author

Matthew Norman was born in Omaha, Nebraska. His debut novel, Domestic Violets, was nominated in the Best Humor category at the 2011 Goodreads Choice Awards. Since then, he’s written five other novels. We’re All Damaged was an Amazon bestseller, Last Couple Standing was named one of the best books of 2020 so far by Esquire, All Together Now was one of the New York Post’s best books of the summer in 2021, Charm City Rocks was called “a joy to read” by People Magazine, and his new novel, Grace & Henry’s Holiday Movie Marathon, is out now. His essays about writing have appeared on the sites Literary Hub and Writer Unboxed. He lives with his wife, two kids, and two dogs in Baltimore, Maryland.

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A Little Paris Christmas by Jennifer Shirk (Book Review)

 

Book Review

A Little Paris Christmas by Jennifer Shirk

Publisher: Harpeth Road Press

Publication Date: October 28, 2025

Format: Paperback - 292 pages

               Kindle - 291 pages 

               Audiobook - 8 Hours 30 Minutes

ISBN (PB): 978-1963483406
ASIN (Kindle): B0FSLWDTS

ASIN (Audiobook): B0G21D8M8FV

Genre: Holiday Fiction / Romantic Comedy

Buy The Book:

Amazon - Kindle - Also On Kindle Unlimited

Amazon - Audiobook

Amazon - Paperback

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

Book Description:

From USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Shirk comes a delightful romance, perfect for fans of RaeAnne Thayne, Viola Shipman, and Rachel Hanna.

Christmas is coming in Paris, Pennsylvania, and Sophie Dubois, Chamber of Commerce Promotions Director, is trying to work up enthusiasm for what is normally her season. Paris's business isn't exactly booming as much as it should be. Sophie loves her job, but she must come up with a plan to save it.

Her new neighbor, handsome but unfriendly bestselling writer of Horror novels, Mason Haywood, isn't making the season any more festive. When accidentally befriending his adorable Dachshund, Gingersnap, projects Sophie into the perfect plan to save Paris from decline, will Mason get in the way?

A charming, festive holiday tale that will have you running for the croissants and hot cocoa.

My Book Review:

In A Little Paris Christmas, author Jennifer Shirk transports the reader to the small town of Paris, Pennsylvania, for a heartwarming holiday tale of family, friendship, new beginnings, and finding a chance at unexpected love.

Sophie Dubois is the Chamber of Commerce director in Paris, and the mayor tells her that the town is in trouble because of declining tourism, and she needs to fix the problem, or her job will be in jeopardy.

Mason Haywood is a horror novelist, who rents his agent's condo in Paris to get out of NYC for the holiday and work on his next novel without any distractions. He brings along his Dachshund, Gingersnap to keep him company.

Sophie meets her very unfriendly and grumpy neighbor Mason, and he can't believe how Christmas crazy she is with all the decorations that she has set up in her yard. When Gingersnap keeps coming over to her doorstep, Sophie offers to watch Gingersnap so he could write, which leads her staff to come up with a Christmas marketing plan that features the adorable Dachshund, which they hope will be a success and save the town's tourism, if the unsociable Mason doesn't get in the way. Can Sophie and her staff with the help of Gingersnap save the town, and maybe even bring a little Paris Christmas spirit to Mason's life? 

A Little Paris Christmas is a wonderful holiday story that is full of festive Christmas spirit. The reader can't help but follow along as Sophie and Mason find a way to work together as their story unfolds in a magical way, all thanks to Gingersnap's mischievous antics. From the richly vivid description of the town of Paris to the entertaining characters that will make you laugh, this holiday themed rom-com story will have the reader believe in the power of love, family, friendship, new beginnings, and the joy of the holiday season. This was such a fun story to read, I loved the chemistry between Sophie and Mason, their opposites attract friendship had me cheering for them to find an unexpected chance at love, and the town's Christmas festivities definitely put me in the Christmas spirit. 

A Little Paris Christmas is an enchanting holiday story full of warmth and comfort that will remind the reader of the magic, joy, cheer, and spirit of Christmas.



RATING: 5 STARS 

About The Author

Jennifer Shirk is a USA Today bestselling author of sweet, funny, closed-door rom-coms. If you love witty banter, swoony heroes, and happily-ever-afters that feel like Hallmark movies with a playful twist, her books are for you.

Her award-winning romances have topped Amazon charts in both holiday and series romance, making her stories a go-to escape for readers who want all the laughs and feels—without the steam.

Jennifer lives at the Jersey Shore with her husband, daughter, and two grateful rescue dogs. She’s also president of her local library board—proof that she’s happiest surrounded by stories.

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Merry Everything by Joanne DeMaio (Book Review)

 

Book Review

Merry Everything by Joanne DeMaio

The Winter Novels Series

Publisher: Independent Self-Publishing

Publication Date: October 1, 2025

Format: Paperback - 248 pages

               Kindle - 2.3 MB

               Audible Audiobook - 5 Hours 44 Minutes

               Nook: 915 KB

ISBN: 979-8288332555

ASIN (Audiobook): B0FDX9S5KH
ASIN (Kindle): B0DRHF8VLL

BNID: 2940184417004

Genre: Holiday Romance / Winter Novel / Women's Fiction

Buy The Book:

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Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Book Description:

From New York Times bestselling author Joanne DeMaio comes a much-anticipated holiday novel and love story to warm your heart.

“Enchanting.” “Delightful.” “Enthralls.” “Feel-good.” “Rich with nostalgia, like a black-and-white Christmas movie you look forward to viewing again and again.” USA Today, as well as one of the nation’s bestselling magazines—along with readers everywhere—know you can count on Joanne DeMaio for a New England Christmastime classic.

“Merry Christmas, Eddie.”

“Should we never meet again, Nora, merry everything.”

For Nora Chadwick and Eddie Alden, those parting words close out each holiday season. Seasons that run the gamut from comfort and joy to hurt and heartbreak. But their fond farewell prevails through it all. Set against the backdrop of a beautiful New England landmark, Merry Everything is inspired by an iconic Connecticut treasure. Nora and Eddie’s endearing love story not only brings this special place back to life—but also brings back the way life could (and used to) be.

My Book Review:

In Merry Everything, author Joanne DeMaio transports the reader to the quaint small New England lakeside town of Addison, Connecticut for another heartwarming holiday tale of family, friendship, new beginnings, and finding a chance at unexpected love.

Merry Everything is a wonderful holiday story that will tug at the heartstrings and fill the reader with seasonal joy. Author Joanne DeMaio weaves a spellbinding tale set in the quaint New England town of Addison, Connecticut, that captivates the reader's attention with the latest heartwarming holiday romance from her Winter Novels series.

Nora Chadwick meets Eddie Alden at Reed's Department Store when she is looking for a briefcase for job interviews after losing her job at Country Roads magazine. Eddie is a high school history teacher at a boy's private prep school and works a two-week seasonal job leading up to Christmas Eve as the operator of an old-fashioned elevator that only runs during the holiday. While shopping for the briefcase, a sales lady tells Nora that the store has an opening, and she gets an immediate job interview and a Full-Time job. What ensues is a friendship between Nora and Eddie that spans seven years, both are interested in each other, but with missed chances and opportunities to act upon their feelings for each other, they are left to just send fond exchanges of Merry Christmas and Merry Everything every Christmas Eve. Can the seventh season working together get Nora and Eddie to finally take a chance and get their Merry Everything?

Merry Everything is a wonderful story that has a rich description of a breathtaking department store that is decorated for the holiday as the story's setting filled with holiday traditions. Nora and Eddie find an unexpected chance at love as their story unfolds in a magical way over the seven seasons working together that will make the reader believe in the power of love, family, friendship, new beginnings, and the joy of the holiday season.

There are not enough words that I can express about the simplicity and beauty in which author Joanne DeMaio weaves her heartwarming and multi-layered stories filled with a mixture of love, friendship, family, life's changes, and unexpected special moments, it is simply breathtaking. As the reader follows Nora and Eddie's story, it will pull at your heartstrings as they miss chances every holiday season to find love in the historical and beautifully decorated Reed's Department Store. But the seventh year finally brings them a chance to share their feelings for each other and find love during the holiday season.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention how the richly vivid description of the holiday decorated historical eight story Reed's Department Story is phenomenal; you'll yearn to visit the store that not only sells merchandise but also holiday nostalgia. The department store is based on a real Connecticut landmark treasure, G. Fox Department Store, that held many special and nostalgic memories for the author. Ms. DeMaio has a special gift for transporting the readers into every story that she weaves while leaving them yearning for more!

Merry Everything is an enchanting holiday story full of warmth and comfort that will remind the reader of the magic, joy, cheer, and spirit of Christmas. It is a lovely story that will resonate with the reader for a very long time.

Merry Everything is the latest installment in The Winter Novels series, each book is a stand-alone read, but you'll want to read the whole collection!


RATING: 5 STARS 

About The Author

Joanne DeMaio is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary fiction. She enjoys writing about friendship, family, love and choices, while setting her stories in New England towns or by the sea. Merry Everything is her newest novel. She is currently at work on her next novel. Joanne lives with her family in Connecticut.

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Winter Road by Joanne DeMaio (Book Review)

In association with Author Joanne DeMaio, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book tour event for Winter Road!

Book Review

Winter Road by Joanne DeMaio

The Winter Novels Series

Publisher: Independent Self Publishing

Publication Date: October 2, 2023

Format: Paperback - 258 pages

               Kindle - 1927 KB

               Audible Audiobook - 6 Hours 41 Minutes

               Nook: 746 KB

ISBN: 979-8399947617

ASIN (Audiobook): B0CC6FRMGN
ASIN (Kindle): B0C75BCLQH

BNID: 2940161039113

Genre: Holiday Romance / Winter Novel / Women's Fiction

Buy The Book:

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Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Book Description:

From New York Times bestselling author Joanne DeMaio comes a heartwarming novel as beautiful as a home aglow for the holidays.

Home, for Joel Briggs, is the old New England farmhouse on Winter Road. From the front porch, he listens to the barred owls or watches the towering Christmas tree lit up in the yard. It's a quiet road, kind of like his life. Quiet.

Until Faye Weston walks right into it. What begins as a chance encounter one bittersweet winter night turns into a cherished friendship. A friendship that neither wants to jeopardize. Yet they do. Unless, like the Christmas season asks, they choose to believe -- not only in their friendship, but in the winding road of their love story.

My Book Review:

In Winter Road, author Joanne DeMaio transports the reader to the quaint small New England lakeside town of Addison, Connecticut for another heartwarming holiday tale of family, friendship, new beginnings, and finding a chance at unexpected love.

Winter Road is a wonderful holiday story that will tug at the heartstrings and fill the reader with seasonal joy. Author Joanne DeMaio weaves a spellbinding tale set in the quaint New England town of Addison, Connecticut, that captivates the reader's attention with the latest heartwarming holiday romance from her Winter Novels series.

Faye Weston isn't feeling the holiday spirit, her apartment lease was unexpectedly terminated, and she finds herself temporarily staying at her dad's house. As the year comes to an end, Faye's dad tries to rally her spirit and enourages her to write out a list of 35 goals to complete in the new year. 

Joel Briggs is the owner of Joel's Bar and Grille, a popular historical tavern in Addison. Joel is a good guy, who everyone loves in this tight knit lakeside town. He owns a farmhouse on Winter Road, and loves his piece of New England paradise, but he realizes that his life is too quiet, and as the year ends, he realizes that he hasn't found that special someone.

Faye unexpectedly meets Joel when she goes with her dad to the tavern for the New Year's Eve celebration. Joel's tavern has a traditional New Year's Eve sweeping out the old year at midnight with decorative mini whisk corn brooms. Joel finds Faye outside the tavern in tears, and he encourages her to stop crying and join in the tradition. As the new year begins, Faye and Joel go about their lives, but another unexpected second chance meeting eight months later brings them together as neighbors, and a close friendship begins. Can Faye and Joel's friendship grow to something more as the holiday season comes to Winter Road? 

Winter Road is a wonderful story that has a rich description of the breathtaking holiday decorated small town setting filled with holiday traditions. Faye and Joel find an unexpected chance at love as their story unfolds in a magical way that will make the reader believe in the power of love, family, friendship, new beginnings, and the joy of the holiday season.

There are not enough words that I can express about the simplicity and beauty in which author Joanne DeMaio weaves her heartwarming and multi-layered stories filled with a mixture of love, friendship, family, life's changes, and unexpected special moments, it is simply breathtaking. As the reader follows Faye and Joel's story, the author cleverly interweaves characters and events from the previous books in the collection that provides a seamless continuation of their stories from winter to winter. And as a surprise bonus, the author includes our favorite couple, Jason and Maris Barlow, from the popular Seaside Saga series!

I would be remiss if I didn't mention how the richly vivid description of the town of Addison is phenomenal, you'll yearn to visit the area and experience the quaint lakeside town's holiday tradition and friendly townspeople. Ms. DeMaio has a special gift for transporting the readers into every story that she weaves while leaving them yearning for more!

Winter Road is an enchanting holiday story full of warmth and comfort that will remind the reader of the magic, joy, cheer, and spirit of Christmas. It is a lovely story that will resonate with the reader for a very long time.

Winter Road is the latest installment in The Winter Novels series, each book is a stand alone read, but each book does have intertwining snippets from the previous books, so you'll want to read the whole collection!


RATING: 5 STARS 

About The Author

Joanne DeMaio is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary fiction. She enjoys writing about friendship, family, love, and choices while setting her stories in New England towns or by the sea. Winter Road is her newest novel. Currently at work on her next book, Joanne lives with her family in Connecticut.


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Winter House by Joanne DeMaio (Book Review)

In association with Author Joanne DeMaio, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book tour event for Winter House!

Book Review

Winter House by Joanne DeMaio

Winter Novel Collection

Publisher: Independent Self Publishing

Publication Date: PB - September 7, 2021 / eBook - September 14, 2021

Format: Paperback - 256 pages

               Kindle - 2387 KB

               Audible Audiobook - 6 Hours 20 Minutes

               Nook: 1 MB

ISBN: 979-8744649753

ASIN (Audiobook): B098FGKRS3
ASIN (Kindle): B091J52CND
BNID: 2940162223207

Genre: Holiday Romance / Winter Novel / Women's Fiction

Buy The Book:

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Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Book Description:

From New York Times bestselling author Joanne DeMaio comes an enchanting novel about a beautiful old house and the love story it opens its doors to.

New England in December is a special world. Wreath-topped lampposts shine, balsam garland drapes across picket fences, and fresh snow dusts the land. Then there are the decorated houses: saltboxes, Victorians, farmhouses, Tudors. Tiny lights shimmer on front porches; candles glow in paned windows. But one imposing stone colonial towers dark in the night.

Since moving to town, Millie Ives has heard hushed whisperings of that house -- and of the mysterious man who lives and works there. A chance happening leads Millie to this Mr. Winter's spellbinding shop just past the bell tower. Surprisingly, he's not who she thought he'd be.

As the month unfolds, both find themselves on each other's minds and in each other's hearts. Yet when Millie tries to bridge a gap in his life, she risks losing him. Unless the spirit of the season can bring them back together at the Winter House. 

Book Excerpt:

Click on the link to read an excerpt from Winter House: 

https://a.co/287RyvD

My Book Review:

In Winter House, author Joanne DeMaio transports the reader to the quaint small New England lakeside town of Addison, Connecticut for another heartwarming holiday tale of family, friendship, new beginnings, and finding a chance at unexpected love.

Winter House is a wonderful holiday story that will tug at the heartstrings and fill the reader with seasonal joy. Author Joanne DeMaio weaves a spellbinding tale set in the quaint New England town of Addison, Connecticut, that captivates the reader's attention with the latest heartwarming holiday romance from her Winter Novels collection.

Dean Winter's life is upturned when his father Hank gives him a proposition / ultimatum ... leave his Southern California life of flipping houses and return home to Addison, Connecticut, and buy the family home and lighting shop, or he'll put it up for sale. One year later, Dean is very busy running the shop, Lighting Lodge, but he neglects the Christmas decorating tradition of the Winter House, and has a rocky relationship with his father. 

Millie Ives just broke up with her longtime boyfriend and lost her job working at their woodworking company. On a whim Millie is ready for a new beginning, and she takes a job as an image scout for Perfect Puzzles, and buys a beautiful small cabin named Finch Farmhouse in the Snowflake Lake cabin community of Addison, Connecticut. 

Millie meets Dean when she takes her favorite painted mason jar lamp to get repaired. Millie is unaware that Dean is the abrupt, cold as ice, distant Mr. Winter that the townsfolk warned her about. Millie is enjoying everything that the picturesque town of Addison offers, even the unexpected chance meetings with Dean that slowly develops into something more. But there is just one thing that hampers their happiness, Dean's rocky relationship with his dad, especially when Hank offers to help Dean with the shop and decorating the neglected family home. Can Millie thaw Dean's frosty heart, and help him re-establish his relationship with his dad, and bring the holiday tradition back to the Winter House? 

Winter House is a wonderful story that has a rich description of the breathtaking holiday decorated small town setting filled with holiday traditions. Dean and Millie find an unexpected chance at love as their story unfolds in a magical way that will make the reader believe in the power of love, family, friendship, new beginnings, and the joy of the holiday season.

There are not enough words that I can express about the simplicity and beauty in which author Joanne DeMaio weaves her heartwarming and multi-layered stories filled with a mixture of love, friendship, family, life's changes, and unexpected special moments, it is simply breathtaking. As the reader follows Dean and Millie's story, the author cleverly interweaves characters and events from the previous books in the collection that provides a seamless continuation of their stories from winter to winter. 

I would be remiss if I didn't mention how the richly vivid description of the town of Addison is phenomenal, you'll yearn to visit the area and experience the quaint lakeside town's holiday tradition and friendly townspeople. Ms. DeMaio has a special gift for transporting the readers into every story that she weaves while leaving them yearning for more!

Winter House is an enchanting holiday story full of warmth and comfort that will remind the reader of the magic, joy, cheer, and spirit of Christmas. It is a lovely story that will resonate with the reader for a very long time.

Winter House is the latest installment in The Winter Novels collection, each book is a stand alone read, but each book does have intertwining snippets from the previous books, so you'll want to read the whole collection!


RATING: 5 STARS 

About The Author

Joanne DeMaio is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary fiction. She enjoys writing about friendship, family, love, and choices while setting her stories in New England towns or by the sea. Winter House is her newest novel. Currently at work on her next book, Joanne lives with her family in Connecticut.


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