The Christmas Bouquet / Bayside Retreat

Chesapeake Shores #11 & 12.5

by Sherryl Woods

When it comes to family and Christmas, #1 New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods always looks to the O'Briens for a little holiday magic. 

For the very driven medical student Caitlyn Winters, catching the bridal bouquet at a Christmas wedding has set off a chain reaction that she's sure is more curse than blessing. Not only has she fallen in love with family medicine resident Noah McIlroy, but an unexpected pregnancy threatens her well-laid plans for the future. It doesn't help that Noah—with a whole lot of help from Caitlyn's O'Brien relatives—is completely on board with the prospect of marriage and happily-ever-after. 

It takes a whole lot of patience, love and family persuasion to help Caitlyn realize that she can still have everything she ever wanted, including a home in her beloved Chesapeake Shores and a man who understands all her dreams.

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

361 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 27, 2015

About the author

With two other careers to her credit before becoming a novelist and four states in which she's lived for extended periods of time, Sherryl Woods has collected friends and memories, along with way too much unnecessary junk.

"The friends are the only things I've brought with me through the years that really matter," she says. "I could probably live without one more chintz teacup, another tin-litho sandpail or another snowglobe, but I need those friends."

The theme of enduring friendships and families is always central to Sherryl's books, including her latest Chesapeake Shores series — THE INN AT EAGLE POINT, FLOWERS ON MAIN and HARBOR LIGHTS.

Author of more than 100 romance and mystery novels, Sherryl Woods grew up in Virginia. Over the years she had lived in Ohio and Florida, as well as California. Currently she divides her time between Key Biscayne, Florida and Colonial Beach, Virginia, the small, river-front town where she spent her childhood summers.

A graduate of Ohio State University School of Journalism, Sherryl spent more than ten years as a journalist, most of them as a television critic for newspapers in Ohio and Florida. For several years she also coordinated a motivational program for the more than 8,000 employees at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center.

Her first book, RESTORING LOVE, was published in 1982 by Dell Candlelight Ecstasy under the pseudonym of Suzanne Sherrill. Her second book, SAND CASTLES, under the pseudonym of Alexandra Kirk, was published later that same year by Bantam. She began using her own name when she moved to the Second Chance at Love line at Berkley Publishing. In 1986, she began writing full-time and also began her long career at Silhouette Books with the Desire title NOT AT EIGHT, DARLING, set in the world of television which she covered for so many years.

In addition to her more than 75 romances for Silhouette Desire and Special Edition, she has written thirteen mysteries — nine in the Amanda Roberts series and four in the Molly DeWitt series.

When she's not writing or reading, Sherryl loves to garden, though she's not at her best on a riding lawn mower. She also loves tennis, theater, and ballet, even though her top spin has long since vanished, she's never set foot on a stage, and she's way too uncoordinated to dance. She also loves baseball and claims anyone who's ever seen Kevin Costner in "Bull Durham" can understand why.

Reviews

[Tracy]

I was disappointed with this novel. The main character came across very selfish and seemed to whine throughout. I almost DNF.

[Jenny Clark]

Bayside Retreat was the better of the two. Cait was just too wishy washy for me. Good writng and humorous.

[e_anne_b]

Review for Bayside Retreat (#12.5 in the Chesapeake Shores series) •••

Excellent!! I enjoy her short stories more than her actual novels tbh!

[Jill]

I had already rated the The Christmas Bouquet book ( I gave it a 2 * I found it to be very slow reading...

But I didn't realize that the second book was also included in my "The Christmas Bouquet" book.
"Bayside Retreat" ( A Novella) was a much more enjoyable read for me...I would give it a 3.5*

[jesse perkins]

It was ok. Pretty cheesy but an easy read

[Sherry]

#s 11 & 12.5 Chesapeake Shores
Med student Caitlyn Winters, Abby O’Brien’s twin daughter, blaims catching the bouquet at Jennie Collins Christmas wedding to Caleb Green the year before for her predicament now. The pregnancy test is positive, Noah McIlroy completing the last months of his family practice residency is thrilled, but Cait, with internship and residency still ahead of her, sees a baby as the end of her own dreams of returning to Africa to practice medicine. When Noah finally sees Chesapeake Shores and meets all of Caitlyn’s wonderful, meddling family he alters his own dreams, realizing that it is the place he wants to live, practice and raise a family. The problem is getting Cait to agree and to see that marrying him is not the end of her dreams.

The novella, Bayside Retreat, finds Mick O’Brien’s right hand man, Jaime Alvarez, recovering from a badly broken leg in Chesapeake Shores where the O’Brien clan can look after his convalescence. The boredom of his enforced vacation is broken by divorced, man-shy, author, Emma Hastings. Their attraction is noticed and the meddling O’Brien clan gets to work aiding and abetting romance.

[Jennifer Robb]

A friend (MH) sent me this book in a box of books. I accidentally read book #13 in the series first (because both books had a publication date of 2015) and didn't realize this one came before until I was already partway through book #13. I'm not sure if reading the later book first contributed to my DNF or rating of this book. Much as I liked book #13 of the series, it did spoil "The Christmas Bouquet" because I already knew what happened between Noah and Caitlyn. And for some reason, I did not want to read "Bayside Retreat"--perhaps I am tired of Mick O'Brien's protectiveness or methods by this point.

[Brittney]

I generally love Sherryl Woods but this was not a great story. Caitlyn came across as so selfish and self-absorbed. All she cared about were her goals and dreams. I understand her desire to go save the sick in Africa, but what about her baby and Noah. Noah's character was too good to be true by the end of the book I was hoping he just would cut his losses with Caitlyn and move on because he deserved better than
Caitlyn. If I could find a man like Noah I would marry him tomorrow. I really almost did not finish the book because I could not stomach Caitlyn anymore.

[UberApril]

The Christmas Bouquet
another story where i grabbed both the audio narrated by Erin Bennett and kindle which had a sneak peek into Lilac Lane. Again didn't read the special. I think this was the first book with five living generations (nell, mick, abby, caitlyn, jackson)?!? crazy world. I didn't like the couple, Cait couldn't revise her dreams, Noah was forever waiting for her. The baby's birthday, parents anniversary all on one day, a pity. 2 stars

Bayside Retreat
I like this short that was in the paperback version. He's been busy with work so no serious relationship she's been divorced for several years. They both resolved their issues. 3 stars

Total 2.5 stars

[Kathy]

Bouquet is easy reading with a predictable plot, but lacks interest for me. It is a kissin' cousin to day-time soap operas with its over-the-top drama and unrealistic characters. Bayside is an echo with a quicker tempo.

[Sarah]

The Christmas Bouquet was not as good as Bayside Retreat. I got lost and really couldn’t stay with Caitlyn and Noah’s story. A pregnancy and with their medical careers, how can they manage? Jaimie and Emma’s story had me. Romance and the talk of books.

[Debbie]

Silly but entertaining

[Sandy Forman-Johnson]

the book entered was not correct, my book was only the Christmas bouquet which was an awesome O'Brien story

[Cynthia]

Loved this book! It was a great feel good Christmas Book... Old fashioned ideas in a modern day.

[Donna]

This read was the novella, Bayside Retreat.

[Diane C]

I read lots of Sherryl Woods books. Also good reads.

[Sheryl Basco]

this book is a great story from beginning to end. love thie big O'Brien family and how they all have a hand in each others businees, all because of family love.

[Ruth]

I've had this book on my shelf for a few years. I'm so glad I finally read. Great book and story.

[Kelly]

I enjoyed this bonus book, Bayside Retreat, #12.5 in the Chesapeake Shores series.

[Skye]

Caitlyn and Carrie are little show stealers from their appearance in The Inn at Eagle Point. I mean, how could they not be? They're identical twins who just run havoc across everyone's emotions and practicalities. And, after reading about Jenny in A Seaside Christmas, I was looking forward to reading another tale about this latest generation of O'Briens.

Caitlyn was everything I had wanted her to be. She is driven and direct. Slightly scarred, and definitely terrified of commitment. Many things that I've felt myself. It doesn't matter how much you love someone... if you're a woman who wants a career, there are certain aspects of settling down to a family life that are truly terrifying. Caitlyn is scared of all of the same things.

Noah was a fantastic balance to Caitlyn in this tale. He is patient and kind, willing to understand her fears. And also willing to slowly work on them without putting untoward pressure on her. In fact, his patience and kindness in moments reminded me of my own partner... mines not quite as patient as Noah, but who would be? The whole point of a book hero is to be the ideal... not the reality.

This story may be set against Christmas, but mostly when I think about it, I recall the love. Christmas is sweet, well and good. But it is the family that, as always, drives this Chesapeake Shores romance.

[Sharon Forbes]

This is a good,easy, Christmas-time romance novel. I enjoy reading several of this type of book during the holidays. Sherryl Woods is one of my favorite romance authors, she writes interesting books that have a decent storyline to them, so I am not bored. This book actually has a full length novel and a novella in it, so I was pleased with that. The novel, which is titled A Christmas Bouquet, revolves around two medical students, who find a struggle, when Caitlyn, winds up pregnant. Her boyfriend,Noah, is one of the most patient men, as she had plans to go to Africa after med school, and is now disappointed, as she realizes it is much more complicated. A fun read to enjoy over the holidays. The novella included in this book, Bayside Retreat, takes place in the same town as The Christmas Bouquet, Chesapeake Shores, and although it's short, of course, is still an enjoyable read. It's main characters, Emma Hastings and Jaime Alvarez, are not an instant match, but it's fun to see how they end up together, just in time for the holidays. These are great stories to read if you are looking for something very easy and uncomplicated to enjoy.

[Jeanne (love2cook)]

This book had 2 stories. No. 1, Christmas Bouquet was a about two medical students, Caitlyn Winters and Noah McIlroy. Caitlyn has recently caught a bridal bouquet and she believes it's a curse and not a blessing. As now she's fallen in love with Noah, and she's pregnant and feels her dreams for the future have been altered in ways that she cannot accept. Noah, on the other hand, is thrilled with the news of a baby and would love to get married and settle down, but knows if he presses the issue he may loose the woman he wants to marry and live happy-ever-after with. A good little story. No. 2, Bayshore retreat is about Jaime Alvarez and Emma . Jaime has been injured on the job and is in Chesapeake Bay to heal. Emma has written a best selling novel but now has writers block. She has been divorced from her husband and has lost her self-esteem. She meets Jamie and their is instant attraction. She is afraid of letting her feeling take charge as she's scared to get hurt. Jaime is a flirt but this time his feelings for Emma are different than anything he's felt before. Could this be the one? He sure hopes he can convince Emma. These were both good reads. 

[Moira]

Finished the Christmas Bouquet and it didn't disappoint. This family story reveals how truly supportive the O'Brian clan is. Love the setting of Chesapeake SHores and the way Sherryl brings it to life with her descriptions. You can imagine the town green, row of shops in town; the bookstore, flower shop, cafes, candy store, Noah's office, etc. It helps set the scene and give life to the story. I did feel that Mick's final action to try to spur Cait into agreeing to marry Noah was a bit underhanded (even for him). For Carrie, her twin, to go along bothered me too. I thought he had his limits and felt the actions far outweighed his love of family.

[Gail]

An Intern with a Dream to work in impoverished Africa Finds herself pregnant though she doesn't want to admit it. The Baby's father and her large Irish O'Brien family disagree with her Caitlyn feels as if her Life dreams are ending until Her family and Noah convinces her she can eventually fulfill her dream and be a wife and Mother too. This is a good Christmastime read. The second book Bayside Retreat is the first Book of the series that I found only mildly interesting

[Cindy Feigert]

First off, I must have missed some books in this series. When did these twins grow up? Ha! Although I liked the other books in this series I thought the plot in this book was a little flimsy. We knew from the beginning Caitlyn would marry Noah. I took too long to get there. That said I would still read more books about this family.

[Josie]

Loved this book full of all the fun and romance we have come to expect from Sherryl Woods. Was so nice to see the twins all grown up and Caitylyn's dilema. The addition of Bayside Retreat was a nice addition and it is gratifying to see all the O'Briends meddling outside of their immediate family. Loved it so much I just tore through it.

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: A Chesapeake Shores Novel

Received 4 1/2 stars @ RT Book Reviews Oct. 2014

[Susan]

Sweet, relatable characters and an enviably close knit family to delve into. Looking forward to reading more of her Chesapeake Shores books.

[Heather Bireley]

I really enjoyed this book as I do all of Sherryl Woods books. I love series because you know all the people and can see them grow older together and enjoy them and their growing families.

[Lorraine]

Another winner in this series

Just novella but a nice easy read . But, If you are looking for something substantial, this is not it.