A Christmas by the Sea ~ Review

A Christmas by the Sea
By Melody Carlson

It's that time of year again - time for another Melody Carlson Christmas book. You know without a doubt the ending won't leave you in the dumps and that there will be a touch of romance. Her Christmas books rank with Hallmark Christmas movies in my opinion. This year's offering is in the contemporary category and features Wendy Harper a struggling widowed mother to twelve-year-old Jackson.

Life since the death of her husband has been difficult struggling to make ends met while paying off all the bills (medical, student loans, etc..). But when she inherits her grandparent's summer cottage in Seaside, Maine, she sees a way out of her mounting debts. But Jackson has other plans he is determined to call Seaside home and get a fresh start away from everything.

Seaside isn't the same small seasonal destination Wendy remembers - it still has that small town feel and charm it's just a bit more grown-up than it used to be. But she still feels that selling the cottage after some much-needed work is her chance at getting a fresh start.

Seaside offers some unexpected surprises that tug at her heart making her wish to call it home but wishes cannot provide the financial support that she needs to provide for herself and Jackson. And then there is Caleb Colton a stranger to whom she feels a connection. Being a responsible adult is never easy and Wendy is determined to do what is best for the future and she has little time to decide where it will be.

If you are in the mood for an easy and quick read that leaves you ready for Christmas pick up A Christmas by the Sea - you just may want to find a seashell or two for this year's tree. At 166 pages you'll have time to get this one read without adding to the chaos that, for many, surrounds Christmas. This is a progressive story that moves along at a steady pace. Find a favorite corner and settle in with a cup of tea (or coffee or cocoa), and a cookie or two and some quiet instrumental Christmas music and immerse yourself in a seaside vacation.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Revell with no expectations except that I provide my honest opinion.


About the Book:
Wendy couldn't believe she was standing here discussing toilets with a perfect stranger. Not
that he was perfect--although he was rather attractive. But he was obviously enjoying her discomfort a bit too much.

He eased the bulky box from the shelf and onto the floor, leaning it against his leg. "So . . . you're new in town?"

"Not exactly." She watched as he easily picked up the container. Was he trying to be friendly or actually hitting on her?
When Wendy Harper inherits her family's beachside cottage in Seaside, Maine, she sees it as a way to finally pay off the debts that have mounted since her husband died. Her twelve-year-old son Jackson sees it as an exciting new start in a life that has grown rather gray without his father.

Before it can be sold, the neglected property must be renovated. Wendy and Jackson move in--temporarily, she reminds him--in order to fix the place up before Christmas. But the charming town, along with local craftsman Caleb Colton, pulls on Wendy. She knows that the most responsible thing to do is to sell the cottage and return to Ohio, but the lure of the sea--and a fresh start--is hard to resist.