Christmas at Whisper Beach

Whisper Beach #1.5

by Shelley Noble

The holidays always seem brighter at Whisper Beach



Van Moran is ready for happily ever after, even if she’s not quite convinced she can get it. After finally opening a second branch of her company in Whisper Beach, she’s enjoying her new romance with Joe Enthorpe, the local vineyard owner. She may never have a traditional family, but she won’t let that stop her from having a joyful Christmas.



Joe is ready to spend a very merry Christmas with Van and his always rambunctious family. But when the mother of a local boy becomes tragically ill, Joe invites him and his sisters to stay at the vineyard. Everything soon begins to unravel as Joe fears the complications will drive Van away and he’s desperate to keep their relationship from crumbling.



But with every Christmas comes a miracle and soon, Van and Joe learn that it isn’t always about the family you make, but the one that lives in your heart.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Short Stories, Fiction, Holiday

165 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 17, 2017

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light and festive quick read. The story was just... Meh. Not great not terrible just... Kind of there 👀😅 Never read book 1 but this 1.5 had details about the other book to help you understand the past. Not bad.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute short read, but I should have waited until I read book 1.

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick, light and fairly predictable read but enjoyable all the same. This was a follow-up to the first in this series, Whisper Beach. It was fun to just catch up with these characters.

[Babs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Van and Joe are living with his family at the vineyard, growing closer and contemplating marriage. This continues from book 1 from what I understand. I haven’t read the other books.

Three kids need help as their mother is in the hospital. Joe brings them home and this is a huge test for Van as she likes things in their place and no issues.

It was good to see Van and Joe both grow their relationship.

[Kymm · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Christmas at Whisper Beach" by Shelley Noble was 3.5 stars for me and not because it wasn't a wonderful Christmas time story, but because the female protagonist, who granted is still dealing with childhood trauma allows those feelings to run her life. Don't get me wrong I completely understand why she felt and acted this way, her trauma was all inclusive, but I found it somewhat too depressing for a Christmas story. Setting aside this particular storyline, the Christmasy part of the book was full of festive fun and family togetherness. Shelley Noble is a wonderful author and I've read several of her books and this one will not stop me from reading more. She's very good at hitting all the feels and getting to my heartstrings every time! Happy Reading!

[Nadene (Totally Addicted to Reading) · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[GiGi Carothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shelley Noble was a new author for me. I really enjoyed her style of writing, her description of characters, and easy reading. Vanessa life has turned around since returning to Whisper Beach. She has reestablished her love with Joe, rekindled a relationship with her father, and also her friends, Dorie, and Suze. Read this novel to find out what Van needs in her life to stay in Whisper Beach and not run away from her past demons.

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is my first introduction of Van and Joe. Getting to know them a little bit before reading Whisper Beach is ideal for me in my opinion. I now look forward to reading Whisper Beach and getting to know how they met and the issues they face.

[Sheri Koch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great light read it didn't take me long to read. My only issue with this book is the ending. Like the first book the ending is left upended. I hope that there is going to be a 3rd book one to finish Joe's and Van's story. I also want to know what happened to Dori Susie and Dana.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it a lot. Sequel to Whisper Beach and much shorter but it ties everything and everyone together.
You need to read Whisper Beach first to get all the characters and their painful and loving histories.
It's an enjoyable read. But read Whisper Beach first.

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending!

Now that is a book sequel! Questions were answered in this book! Great quick read book! Definitely going to read more of Shelley Bible's books!

[Joann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I like stories about Christmas.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun cute read

[Sue Latham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute quick read from a series. A book/series that is about nice people, refreshing to read.

[Patsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not enough.

[Mum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not great, but enjoyable. Not one I will read again.

[Monica Gearhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. I hope more to this series comes out. We’ve been left hanging.

[Gaele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not having read the Whisper Beach series, this was a new story to me, with new characters all preparing for the Christmas Holiday. Vanessa Moran has returned to Whisper Beach after a long absence, and finally, sorta-kinda committed to her relationship with Joe Enthorpe. Or we are meant to see she’s committed: living in an small 2 room suite in his parent’s house, starting a branch of her “organizing” business in town, working with the Enthorpe’s new vineyard venture. But for me, NOTHING about Vanessa seemed settled or even remotely connected to any desire to ‘build’ a new life: she’s always running from emotions and difficult situations, she’s not sharing her concerns, her worries or her questions, and her need to have everything neat, organized and without surprises was frustrating. Joe was a man who obviously loved her (as do his family) and although he may have some moments that are bone-headed, this is one of the good guys. But – for me, the whole story (and enjoyment from it) came from his mother and his grandfather - these two have seen much, don’t get rattled, and are affectionate and observant: not tiptoeing around Van and her rather mercurial moods and reactions.

It’s obvious that Vanesa has some major issues that she refuses to deal with – issues that come up in her uncertainty about stating her mind, making a move and even making decisions about her own life. If the story had kept revisiting her own dithering – I would have stopped reading: she passed the point of empathy for me early on – in her refusal to meet and tackle her issues as they popped up, rather than just run away. Fortunately, the Enthorpes stepped in, from the mother’s openness and quiet support to their opening their home (and celebrations) to 3 young children while their mother was in hospital – providing Christmas traditions (baking cookies, trimming trees, shopping for gifts) to the solidity of a family and the gentle (and forthright) correction of young Owen’s misbehavior, while allowing him the company of men doing “man things”. In just over one hundred pages, I came to appreciate the Enthorpe family and the traditions they hold dear at Christmas – opening their home and hearts to those who needed a bit of gingerbread and holiday cheer.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice holiday short story set in Whisper Beach, New Jersey. Van and Joe are living with his family at the vineyard, growing closer and contemplating marriage. This is a continuation of their romance begun in book 1, Whisper Beach. You don't need to read it first but it gives a lot of background. A Christmas miracle is needed for three children whose mother is in the hospital. Joe brings them home to stay until she recovers. It's a test for Van who likes routine, no messes and quiet.

[Jodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leider wusste ich nicht, dass dieses Buch eine Fortsetzung ist und musste mich deshalb erst einmal zurechtfinden. Das dauert ein wenig, aber mit der Zeit funktioniert es ganz gut.

Für meinen persönlichen Geschmack war es aber dann doch etwas zu emotional. Über Weihnachten darf es ruhig mal etwas kitschig sein, aber hier wird schon ziemlich deftig auf die Tränendrüse gedrückt. Drei Sterne, weil das Ende dann doch mit einen passenden Aww-Effekt daherkommt.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Challenges: Holiday Bingo 2018 - Family (10), and novella (4), snow on cover (14); also, romantic relationship (1) and character as outcast (3) for Twelve Days of Cozmas. How some of us feel separated from others and find it hard to feel part of a family or community even when invited in. Read this as paperback, not ebook.

[Tena Bremmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book! At first I was confused by so many men named Joe, but I soon figured it out. It is a pull at your heart strings book. I look forward to reading about Van and Joe's future in the next book.

[Janet Friesner · Rating 3 out of 5]

A feel good Christmas Novela. Most everything I have read by Shelley Noble has been good. Including this novella. Wish it had been a full novel but happy to have one of her books.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first one I picked up of this series. I enjoyed it. Loved the family. I think I'll go back and start from the beginning.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Was a good follow up to Whisper Beach. Can not wait for more. So far I love her writing style.

[Patricia Pelc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!