A Christmas by the Sea by Melody Carlson

Back Cover:

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.

My Thoughts:

I am a big fan of Christmas stories and if they have Melody Carlson's name on the cover I am even more of a fan. I patiently wait every year for Ms. Carlson's Christmas offering and I am never disappointed. Her book for this year is A Christmas by the Sea and it is a sweet love story of a widow and her young son.

I love good characterization and Ms. Carlson has created characters that the reader can truly care for and root for them. Wendy Harper and her son Jackson will warm your hearts and pull you into their story. Now, Caleb Colton is swoon-worthy in my opinion and I found myself hoping things might work out with Wendy and Caleb.

A Christmas by the Sea is a delightful story of love, hope, and memories of days gone by. The scenes presented in the story made me want to pack up and take a trip to a seaside cottage so I could go hunting for shells and cuddle up by the fireplace at night.

I would highly recommend A Christmas by the Sea to anyone who enjoys a feel-good story set during the Christmas season. I guarantee your heart will be touched by the love between this young widow and her young son.

On a 5-Star Scale - 4 1/2 Stars!

I would like to thank the publisher, Revell Books for my copy of this book. I received my copy for free but I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255.

Smiles & Blessings,