I received an arc courtesy of the publisher. I was in the mood for a Christmas story, so when I was offered a copy by the publisher for review, I decided to try it. I did not realise it was part of a series, until I was ready to read the book. However, I had no trouble following the story.
Christmas at Whisper Beach is a continuation of Van and Joe’s romance. Van is settling in to her new life with Joe but she has issues, which were a product of her past she needed to overcome. Issues, which had the potential to derail the life she has built with Joe. Thank goodness, for Joe’s family who opened their hearts and home to her. This act of kindness and acceptance helped in her journey towards healing.
Joe’s love for Van shined through the pages of the story. His actions proved how much he cared for her. He had big plans for her for the Christmas However these plans would be tested when he took in three children, whose mom became ill, for the Christmas holidays.
I enjoyed the camaraderie Joe shared with his family. I loved how they included Van and made her feel liked she belonged. I loved that family and Christmas traditions were the highlight of the story. It brought back childhood memories of Christmas.
The ending was a huge disappointment. Not only was it abrupt, but it left me with many questions.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Overall, an ok read. I will be picking up a copy of the first book in the series so I can learn how Joe and Vans’ story began. Looking for a heart-warming Christmas story, Christmas at Whisper Beach will give you all the feels of Christmas.
About Shelley Noble
Shelley Noble is a multi published fiction author whose books have been translated into seven languages. She writes women’s fiction as Shelley Noble and is also the author of several amateur sleuth mystery series, written as Shelley Freydont. A former professional dancer and choreographer, she most recently worked on the films, Mona Lisa Smile and The Game Plan. She also consults on various dance and theatre projects, most recently the world premiere of a full length Tom Sawyer ballet commissioned by Kansas City Ballet. Shelley is a member of Sisters-in-Crime, Mystery Writers of America, Romance Writers of America, and Liberty States Fiction Writers. She lives near the New Jersey shore. In her spare time she loves to discover new beaches and indulge her passion for lighthouses and boardwalks with vintage carousels.
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Sounds like a fun story, but too bad about the ending!
Nina from http://jadorehappyendings.blogspot.nl
That’s disappointing about the end. I have this one coming up on my reading list though I haven’t read the first one either. I’m glad to hear that it’s no problem to follow the story but that’s too bad about the abrupt ending. Thanks for the heads up. Maybe it won’t bother me quite as much if I’m prepared.
Oh no, disappointing ends are no fun.
So true Kim.
Too bad the ending was a disappointment. That can ruin a book.
glad you were able to read this despite missing the first book, it does seem like it needed tho in order to connect to the relationship. Guessing the ending was abrupt due to next book? but i still don’t like that
Connecting to the characters was not a problem. I had enough information about their past to understand what made them click.
It sounds cute, but bummer the ending was disappointing. Maybe its supposed to tease the reader to get the next book (which is not cool, either).
Awesome review. Glad that you still enjoyed it despite your issues with the ending. I’m in the mood for Christmas/holiday books, too. ?❤️
I just adore it when there is a strong family focus in a story and mix that in with great Christmas elements….SIGN ME UP!! 🙂 Great review darling.
Thank you.
Sounded great until the end. I despise those kind of endings. Maybe if the next book concludes it… 🙂 Brilly review!
Aww man, that was starting to sound good. Sorry to hear about the ending.
Sounds like it would have been a good story but the ending sucks 🙁
That ending has me worried!
Sorry the ending wasn’t what you expected.
Thanks for the great review Nadene! I haven’t read her
You are welcome Debbie. She was new to me, but I would read her works again.
I really hate when I have endings like that so I totally get you for that…
Yeah. It is frustrating.