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Catalina Cove #3.5
A Catalina Cove Christmas
A year ago Isaac Elloren returned to his hometown of Catalina Cove seeking peace, quiet and happiness. However, his high school's holiday homecoming is about to cause turmoil in his life when his childhood sweetheart/ex-wife returns for the reunion. He wants to hate her for choosing a career over their marriage but discovers there's a thin line between love and hate.
Donna Elloren returns to the cove not knowing what to expect. When she sees her ex-husband again she realizes she still loves him and regrets the pain she caused. She is determined to win his heart again. Doing so isn't easy when someone from their past is intent on keeping them apart.
Will Isaac and Donna find true love again for the holidays?
Donna Elloren returns to the cove not knowing what to expect. When she sees her ex-husband again she realizes she still loves him and regrets the pain she caused. She is determined to win his heart again. Doing so isn't easy when someone from their past is intent on keeping them apart.
Will Isaac and Donna find true love again for the holidays?
132 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 25, 2019
196 people are currently reading
474 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Jackson
900 books3,615 followersIn 1994, Brenda Jackson’s first novel, Tonight and Forever, was released. Since then she has had more than 100 novels and novellas published (the first African-American author to accomplish such a feat) and has over 3 million books in print.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.
In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.
In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.
Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.
In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.
In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.
Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
February 27, 2021
Gosh I just love this series soooooo much!! Can’t wait for book 4!!!
Waywardathon Prompt: Route 666 (First Love)
Black Author Readathon Prompt: Second Chance Romance
Waywardathon Prompt: Route 666 (First Love)
Black Author Readathon Prompt: Second Chance Romance
November 24, 2025
2.5 stars
December 16, 2023
⋆꙳·̩̩͙❅*̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙*̩̩͙❆ ͙͛
Holiday Reads 2023 #1
⋆꙳•̩̩͙❅*̩̩͙‧͙ ‧͙*̩̩͙❆ ͙͛ ˚₊⋆
This was low-key everything! Donna and Isaac's chemistry was *chef's kiss* We love a second-chance Christmas romance. 🥰🎄
This was low-key everything! Donna and Isaac's chemistry was *chef's kiss* We love a second-chance Christmas romance. 🥰🎄
November 25, 2021
A Catalina Cove Christmas is a novella in the Catalina Cove series. I enjoyed visiting again and meeting up with some of the familiar characters. You do not need to read the series to enjoy this story, but I recommend it as it is enjoyable. Isaac and Donna were highschool sweethearts, who married and divorced when their work came between them. Isaac moved back to their hometown of Catalina Cove a year ago looking for peace and happiness. It has been announced that the highschool is holding a reunion for holiday homecoming and Donna is planning to attend. He wants to hate her for choosing a career over their marriage but discovers that his feelings for her are still there. Donna is worried about meeting up with Isaac. She knows she hurt him, but also knows she still loves him, which is why no other relationship has worked out. Will they be able to rekindle their romance and love for one another? Will a relationship work now? What is success in business worth if there is no love or personal happiness?
There is a lot going on in this novella. Because Isaac and Donna already had a relationship in the not so distant past, the relatively quick rekindling of those feelings was not an issue. What I enjoyed was working through what happened to their relationship and what is important in their lives. They are great characters that went astray in their lives chasing success and losing sight of what was important. I also liked the supporting characters in the book who give advice, but allow them to make their own decisions. A sweet Christmas story, with a bit of steam, where love finds a way. The audiobook was narrated by Ron Butler as the story is mainly from Isaac's POV. Ron Butler's voice is soft and smooth, perfect for this book. His pacing, tone and expression added to my enjoyment of this audiobook. If you are looking for a Christmas romance with a few realistic issues to work through, then pick this one up. The publisher generously provided a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
There is a lot going on in this novella. Because Isaac and Donna already had a relationship in the not so distant past, the relatively quick rekindling of those feelings was not an issue. What I enjoyed was working through what happened to their relationship and what is important in their lives. They are great characters that went astray in their lives chasing success and losing sight of what was important. I also liked the supporting characters in the book who give advice, but allow them to make their own decisions. A sweet Christmas story, with a bit of steam, where love finds a way. The audiobook was narrated by Ron Butler as the story is mainly from Isaac's POV. Ron Butler's voice is soft and smooth, perfect for this book. His pacing, tone and expression added to my enjoyment of this audiobook. If you are looking for a Christmas romance with a few realistic issues to work through, then pick this one up. The publisher generously provided a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
May 28, 2023
Beautiful and heartwarming! More to come from Catalina Cove. I was missing this only book from the series so yes I had to read a Holiday book in May! Lol.
August 28, 2024
Quick read. Cute story
December 12, 2023
Like with the other book I’ve read in this series, I was a little bored. I wish there was a little more going on with the plot of her books. But I did love the second chance romance aspect of this book.
December 27, 2019
Great read..
Another great love story by Brenda Jackson. I love a great Christmas love. I wasn't ready for it to end.
Another great love story by Brenda Jackson. I love a great Christmas love. I wasn't ready for it to end.
January 7, 2020
Another visit to Catalina Cove
Another great love story in Catalina Cove. Second chance love during the holidays. Brenda Jackson spins another hit with Issac and Donna"a story.
Another great love story in Catalina Cove. Second chance love during the holidays. Brenda Jackson spins another hit with Issac and Donna"a story.
December 26, 2019
Catalina Cove has a certain good way with people!
Isaac one of the high school friends of Kaegan, Bryce, Vashti, Bryce's brother Ry and also another resident who left the Cove for college and after making his fortune returned to live in the community. He like the others who loved Catalina Cove was missing who he lost before moving back to the Cove. Isaac like Keegan and Bryce was himself pining for his now ex-wife and wondering what to do and expect were she to return for the high school reunion. It was a committee worked on by members of the Cove that included Bryce and Kaegan to take place just before Christmas. Suspenseful? Yes! Someone hell bent on throwing mud in the mix of Isaac and his ex? Again, yes! This story had many twists not just for Isaac and his ex Donna but others from their high school days who got a second chance at love too. And the residents of Catalina Cove just keeps on growing! Can't wait to see who pops up next or the dynamics they bring to the Cove. I would love to see something come of the re-connect for Nina and Arnett and if they too will return to the Cove for good. Further since Victoria Madaris has become a resident of the Cove, I would be interested to know which single young man of one of Mama Laverne's friends will snag her interest. Per usual this story was more than worth the wait and will take it's place as one of the classic Brenda Jackson romance novels. Excellent book, story, characters and just an all around great read!!!!!!
Isaac one of the high school friends of Kaegan, Bryce, Vashti, Bryce's brother Ry and also another resident who left the Cove for college and after making his fortune returned to live in the community. He like the others who loved Catalina Cove was missing who he lost before moving back to the Cove. Isaac like Keegan and Bryce was himself pining for his now ex-wife and wondering what to do and expect were she to return for the high school reunion. It was a committee worked on by members of the Cove that included Bryce and Kaegan to take place just before Christmas. Suspenseful? Yes! Someone hell bent on throwing mud in the mix of Isaac and his ex? Again, yes! This story had many twists not just for Isaac and his ex Donna but others from their high school days who got a second chance at love too. And the residents of Catalina Cove just keeps on growing! Can't wait to see who pops up next or the dynamics they bring to the Cove. I would love to see something come of the re-connect for Nina and Arnett and if they too will return to the Cove for good. Further since Victoria Madaris has become a resident of the Cove, I would be interested to know which single young man of one of Mama Laverne's friends will snag her interest. Per usual this story was more than worth the wait and will take it's place as one of the classic Brenda Jackson romance novels. Excellent book, story, characters and just an all around great read!!!!!!
November 16, 2021
A Catalina Cove Christmas by Brenda Jackson 132 pages
Catalina Cove #3.5
Genre: Christmas Contemporary Romance
Featuring: Sex - detailed, Divorce, High School Reunion, Workplace
Rating as a movie: NC-17 for sexual content
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐¾
My thoughts: This one started slow but I got into it soon enough. I waited several weeks for this one and 7 people were waiting for my copy so I read it quickly and out of order. It was worth the wait. It wasn't quite a 4 but it was close enough for Goodreads. Usually #3.5 means the book occurs between books 3 and 4 but this book actually occurs in the middle of book 3, Finding Home Again, so that was different. Overall I enjoyed the characters and the story. It took me awhile to warm up to Donna otherwise it would have been a solid 4.
Recommend to others?: Yes. This book is a small town romance but steamier than a Robyn Carr book.
Catalina Cove #3.5
Genre: Christmas Contemporary Romance
Featuring: Sex - detailed, Divorce, High School Reunion, Workplace
Rating as a movie: NC-17 for sexual content
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐¾
My thoughts: This one started slow but I got into it soon enough. I waited several weeks for this one and 7 people were waiting for my copy so I read it quickly and out of order. It was worth the wait. It wasn't quite a 4 but it was close enough for Goodreads. Usually #3.5 means the book occurs between books 3 and 4 but this book actually occurs in the middle of book 3, Finding Home Again, so that was different. Overall I enjoyed the characters and the story. It took me awhile to warm up to Donna otherwise it would have been a solid 4.
Recommend to others?: Yes. This book is a small town romance but steamier than a Robyn Carr book.
October 9, 2021
A Catalina Cove Christmas. Here's another second chance romance story that warms the heart. I enjoyed this book! It was filled with the holiday season and love came back to Isaac and Donna. They were married, but got a divorce because of Donna's quest for more than just love. She thought she needed to be recognized and successful at her job to be completely happy. She found out the hard way that its lonely at the top. Isaac became successful and cashed it in and decided to go back home to Catalina Cove. The upcoming Class Reunion is where Isaac and Donna meet again after three years divorced. Isaac became determined to win back the love of his life or die trying.
March 19, 2025
This is a short and sweet read. I love how the series updates us on characters from previous books and how each new character connects to Catalina Cove. I love that in this book, the storyline actually had the woman in the wrong and love that eventually she acknowledged it and addressed it with Isaac. Now the end.... The conversation Donna had with her boss gave me unexpected anxiety. It makes me want to find more books that has work place drama in it. Now, why do I want to put myself through that if that small section perturbed me?? Anyway, it was good short and sweet.
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December 29, 2019Reunited, and it feels so good
I was already enraptured by the Catalina Cove series, and looking forward to this book. It didn't disappoint! Isaac and Donna's story was a fairy tale gone wrong, and I loved the way they reunited!! In addition, Donna's best friend Nina got her happily ever after, and we got to catch up with our favorites from previous Catalina Cove books. A delightful read from start to finish! Can't wait for the next book in this series!!
I was already enraptured by the Catalina Cove series, and looking forward to this book. It didn't disappoint! Isaac and Donna's story was a fairy tale gone wrong, and I loved the way they reunited!! In addition, Donna's best friend Nina got her happily ever after, and we got to catch up with our favorites from previous Catalina Cove books. A delightful read from start to finish! Can't wait for the next book in this series!!
February 4, 2020
Thought provoking.
I've often her that fiction can some times imitate life, I find this to be a true statement. Donna and Isaac had to find their way back to each other because of the decision that one made. Mrs. Jackson in her most romantic way made that happen. Their story will definitely give her readers who may be caught in her characters situation something to think about. A Christmas in Catalina Cove made me wish that I lived in a community like the Cove.
I've often her that fiction can some times imitate life, I find this to be a true statement. Donna and Isaac had to find their way back to each other because of the decision that one made. Mrs. Jackson in her most romantic way made that happen. Their story will definitely give her readers who may be caught in her characters situation something to think about. A Christmas in Catalina Cove made me wish that I lived in a community like the Cove.
June 23, 2022
A sweet second chance romance. Isaac and Donna had unresolved issues. If not for the reunion, I wondered if they would have continued burying the issues and just moving forward.
I also wonder if anything would have been resolved had Isaac not pushed the issue. Donna seemed to be steeped in a level of guilt that she had some difficulty acknowledging.
I thought it was great that they could work out everything so they got their second chance.
I also wonder if anything would have been resolved had Isaac not pushed the issue. Donna seemed to be steeped in a level of guilt that she had some difficulty acknowledging.
I thought it was great that they could work out everything so they got their second chance.
December 27, 2019
The Second Time Around
Donna and Isaac attraction and love for one another was there from the time they laid eyes on one another after three years. A really good second chance love story. Being in Catalina Cove alone with friends help set the stage for their reunion. Kudos to Mrs. Jackson on another awesome book.
Donna and Isaac attraction and love for one another was there from the time they laid eyes on one another after three years. A really good second chance love story. Being in Catalina Cove alone with friends help set the stage for their reunion. Kudos to Mrs. Jackson on another awesome book.
January 22, 2020
Isaac and Donns
As always I love all this author 's books. There's romance, sexy, and a little suspense. I'm glad that Isaac and Donna made their way back to each other. I'm also glad that Donna needed her husband just as much as she needed her job or more. Communication is always needed in any relationship. Excellent read.
As always I love all this author 's books. There's romance, sexy, and a little suspense. I'm glad that Isaac and Donna made their way back to each other. I'm also glad that Donna needed her husband just as much as she needed her job or more. Communication is always needed in any relationship. Excellent read.
January 26, 2020
Excellent read
Excellent read, I loved the storyline and characters. Isaac and Donna are high school sweethearts. They went to college together and got married. They decided to divorce and after 3 years, they reconnected. Isaac and Donna discovered they still loved each other. I recommend this book.
Excellent read, I loved the storyline and characters. Isaac and Donna are high school sweethearts. They went to college together and got married. They decided to divorce and after 3 years, they reconnected. Isaac and Donna discovered they still loved each other. I recommend this book.
May 5, 2020
Cove Love
This was another great read. I am loving this series.Looking forward to the next book . There have got to be more to this small town. All the characters issues are real life issues that happen with everyday people. Thank you Mrs. Jackson, keep writing and I will keep reading.
This was another great read. I am loving this series.Looking forward to the next book . There have got to be more to this small town. All the characters issues are real life issues that happen with everyday people. Thank you Mrs. Jackson, keep writing and I will keep reading.
May 9, 2020
Good Read
Once again Brenda Jackson writes a good book on the ups and downs of romance. I have enjoyed meeting the people of Catalina Cove, LA. I continue to love the extraordinary yet to be expected talent, experience boldness, compassion and complexity of her characters while keeping them real and in most cases believable and likeable.
Once again Brenda Jackson writes a good book on the ups and downs of romance. I have enjoyed meeting the people of Catalina Cove, LA. I continue to love the extraordinary yet to be expected talent, experience boldness, compassion and complexity of her characters while keeping them real and in most cases believable and likeable.
January 4, 2020
Catalina Cove Christmas
I always enjoy books by Ms. Jackson. This was a real good Christmas love story. Donna and Isaac Elloren have a chance to correct past decisions made in their marriage. It seems like Class Reunions always do the trick.
I always enjoy books by Ms. Jackson. This was a real good Christmas love story. Donna and Isaac Elloren have a chance to correct past decisions made in their marriage. It seems like Class Reunions always do the trick.
January 15, 2020
Love the series
I have got all the series of Catalina cove can't wait for the next one . I love how the book bring back people from every Catalina series . I love how Isaac never gave up on Donna and still love her
I have got all the series of Catalina cove can't wait for the next one . I love how the book bring back people from every Catalina series . I love how Isaac never gave up on Donna and still love her
September 2, 2022
I enjoyed the whole series. I would reccomend this series to anyone who loves a happy ending. In each book the main couples go through trials and tribulation through out their life and fight the love they deserve.
March 16, 2023
A Catalina Cove Christmas
I loved reading Isaac and Donna's story. Love always prevails. Brenda Jackson has done it again. This is a wonderful story of how you can drift apart and love will bind you together again!
I loved reading Isaac and Donna's story. Love always prevails. Brenda Jackson has done it again. This is a wonderful story of how you can drift apart and love will bind you together again!
December 8, 2023
DNF. I couldn’t stand the writing that seemed to glorify the man and demean the woman. It was stereotypical in presentation regarding work and so much else. I am saddened as it’s the type of book I would love to read. Zero stars if I could.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2023
It is a story of lasting love and forgiveness. I enjoy it. Donna and Issac are likable. Their separation give them both a chance to change, grow apart, and then find their path back to each other and their unconditional ❤️.
January 17, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. The Romance was a 10 out 10. The story line was a 10 out 10. I love everything about this book. The Catalina cove series just makes me want to hop on a plane and make my way there. .. can't wait to read the 2024 book. I have read all of the rest of them..
January 27, 2024
Isaac and Donna had been divorced for three years. Neither had moved on. They bumped into each other at a reunion. Sparks flew immediately.
This was a wonderful second chance romance. It was very nice getting back to Catalina Cove.
This was a wonderful second chance romance. It was very nice getting back to Catalina Cove.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews