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Cliffside Point #5
Christmas at Cliffside
Warm your heart with this feel-good holiday story about family, friends and love from Amazon #1 Best-Seller Ellen Joy.
After a humiliating break-up with her fiancé, Lilah has lost her Christmas spirit, along with any hope of ever finding love. Her grandfather’s nurse, Bitty, has been supportive, even as she works on her own broken relationship with her son, Drake. As a single dad from a failed marriage, Drake has made caring for his son his number one priority. But when sparks ignite between Lilah and Drake, they both need to decide whether to give happiness another chance, or risk passing up a Christmas miracle.
After a humiliating break-up with her fiancé, Lilah has lost her Christmas spirit, along with any hope of ever finding love. Her grandfather’s nurse, Bitty, has been supportive, even as she works on her own broken relationship with her son, Drake. As a single dad from a failed marriage, Drake has made caring for his son his number one priority. But when sparks ignite between Lilah and Drake, they both need to decide whether to give happiness another chance, or risk passing up a Christmas miracle.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2022
927 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Joy
40 books119 followersEllen lives in a small town in New England, between the Atlantic Ocean and the White Mountains. She lives with her husband, two sons, and one very spoiled puppy princess.
Ellen writes in the early morning hours before her family wakes up. When she's not writing, you can find her spending time with her family, gardening with her puppy and chickens, or headed to the beach. She loves summer and flip-flops, running on a dirt country road, and a sweet love song.
All of her stories are clean romances where families are close, neighbors are nosy, and the couples are destined for each other.
Join Ellen Joy's newsletter to connect with Ellen and receive updates!
http://www.ellenjoyauthor.com
Ellen writes in the early morning hours before her family wakes up. When she's not writing, you can find her spending time with her family, gardening with her puppy and chickens, or headed to the beach. She loves summer and flip-flops, running on a dirt country road, and a sweet love song.
All of her stories are clean romances where families are close, neighbors are nosy, and the couples are destined for each other.
Join Ellen Joy's newsletter to connect with Ellen and receive updates!
http://www.ellenjoyauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 5, 2022
Happy Beginnings
I delayed writing a review of these 5 Cliffside Point books because I was curious about the story as a whole. I became engaged with the wide variety of characters and their unique personalities and personal issues. Ellen Joy does an admirable job of developing each character so that I became invested in the outcomes of their stories.
It is not easy to keep each person’s story real. The characters in Joy’s books are everyday people, for the most part, dealing with issues that impact all our lives to some extent. Watching them sort through these issues can be frustrating and satisfying, but always instructive.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this series and look forward to more about these folks.
I have two comments that are not as positive as I usually write. First, I continue to be confused as to why there are typos and misspelling in these books. No, they don’t make them hard to read, but I wonder why no one proof reads the final version. In some cases, it looks like “autocorrect” is turned off. When “thnaks” doesn’t get corrected, you have to ask “how come?” (Of course, I know that I will have typos in this review :-) .
Second, having spent many enjoyable years on Martha’s Vineyard, I was dismayed that the island was re-invented and, in some cases, renamed. Why? I know the island as a magical place of real people; a place of renewal and healing.
I can understand why the author redesigned the landscape in order to make the storyline work. I would have preferred a fantasy island to the changes made to the real one. “Gray Head” and “Sugar Beach”, really?
I continued to read the books because of the engaging characters whom I met and liked. I cared about their resulting decisions and outcomes. I will continue to read Ellen Joy’s works.
I delayed writing a review of these 5 Cliffside Point books because I was curious about the story as a whole. I became engaged with the wide variety of characters and their unique personalities and personal issues. Ellen Joy does an admirable job of developing each character so that I became invested in the outcomes of their stories.
It is not easy to keep each person’s story real. The characters in Joy’s books are everyday people, for the most part, dealing with issues that impact all our lives to some extent. Watching them sort through these issues can be frustrating and satisfying, but always instructive.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this series and look forward to more about these folks.
I have two comments that are not as positive as I usually write. First, I continue to be confused as to why there are typos and misspelling in these books. No, they don’t make them hard to read, but I wonder why no one proof reads the final version. In some cases, it looks like “autocorrect” is turned off. When “thnaks” doesn’t get corrected, you have to ask “how come?” (Of course, I know that I will have typos in this review :-) .
Second, having spent many enjoyable years on Martha’s Vineyard, I was dismayed that the island was re-invented and, in some cases, renamed. Why? I know the island as a magical place of real people; a place of renewal and healing.
I can understand why the author redesigned the landscape in order to make the storyline work. I would have preferred a fantasy island to the changes made to the real one. “Gray Head” and “Sugar Beach”, really?
I continued to read the books because of the engaging characters whom I met and liked. I cared about their resulting decisions and outcomes. I will continue to read Ellen Joy’s works.
December 1, 2025
What a wonderful heartwarming story how friends and family can make Christmas special. Lilah does not have any Christmas spirit as she has just broken up with her fiance. Now she also needs to find another place to live too. Her grandfather, has a nurse named Bitty. She wants to welcome her son and grandson to the island for Christmas. His name is Drake, and has a young son. He too has broken up with his wife. Drake is a great single Dad, with his main goal is taking care of the young boy.
Drake goes to the island where his mother lives. He and his son are from the midwest. He wants it to be a special Christmas for them, and he has not seen his mother in a very long time. The man who owns the place where she is living welcomes them with open arms. It would be nice to have a young lad in the house.
The meet and make many new friends while they are there. And he finds love while he is there too. Lilah is great with his son and knows how to make their visit memorable. They go to many places and nice walks to see nature. The young boy loves all he learns while there. But how do Lilah and Drake make a relationship work when the distant is so far from midwest to the island.
I love the setting of a beach environment in the story line. Growing up near beaches makes me miss it so much. Ellen Joy, I am looking forward to reading many of your other series of books.
Drake goes to the island where his mother lives. He and his son are from the midwest. He wants it to be a special Christmas for them, and he has not seen his mother in a very long time. The man who owns the place where she is living welcomes them with open arms. It would be nice to have a young lad in the house.
The meet and make many new friends while they are there. And he finds love while he is there too. Lilah is great with his son and knows how to make their visit memorable. They go to many places and nice walks to see nature. The young boy loves all he learns while there. But how do Lilah and Drake make a relationship work when the distant is so far from midwest to the island.
I love the setting of a beach environment in the story line. Growing up near beaches makes me miss it so much. Ellen Joy, I am looking forward to reading many of your other series of books.
September 19, 2022
Ellen wrote another winner!!
I started this book just before switching off my light, as it normally takes me some time to get into a new book, however that wasn’t the case here, I couldn’t put the book down – I absolutely loved this book.
What stands out to me are the friends that became part of the close knit ‘family’, who support, and are there for one another through ups and downs. Lilah and Andrew come from a wealthy, but dysfunctional family, and became part of Evelyn’s ‘family’, even their mother joined and was accepted by all, as was the case with many others. So happy that Lilah found somebody who made her heart beat faster, and it was a mutual attraction, more so because she went through some very tough times after breaking off her engagement with her cheating fiancé. She studied law and passed her bar exam, but never practiced law, but to help their friend Bitty, Lilah, Andrew and their granddad put heads together to help her. It is wonderful to see friendships formed across the age barrier. I would love to visit Martha’s Vineyard and be part of Evelyn’s extended ‘family’ 😊
Love that this is a clean romance.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review
I started this book just before switching off my light, as it normally takes me some time to get into a new book, however that wasn’t the case here, I couldn’t put the book down – I absolutely loved this book.
What stands out to me are the friends that became part of the close knit ‘family’, who support, and are there for one another through ups and downs. Lilah and Andrew come from a wealthy, but dysfunctional family, and became part of Evelyn’s ‘family’, even their mother joined and was accepted by all, as was the case with many others. So happy that Lilah found somebody who made her heart beat faster, and it was a mutual attraction, more so because she went through some very tough times after breaking off her engagement with her cheating fiancé. She studied law and passed her bar exam, but never practiced law, but to help their friend Bitty, Lilah, Andrew and their granddad put heads together to help her. It is wonderful to see friendships formed across the age barrier. I would love to visit Martha’s Vineyard and be part of Evelyn’s extended ‘family’ 😊
Love that this is a clean romance.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review
September 20, 2022
I enjoyed returning to Martha's Vineyard to find out about the women I have enjoyed from the previous books. I liked how this story focused on Bitty and her son and grandson coming for Christmas since they had not seen each other since Bitty moved to Martha's Vineyard. Her grandson was an interesting character.
I also liked how the story focused on Lilah. I came to like Lilah's character in this book. She really grew, stood on her own in a new take charge attitude, and she started to blossom and find herself.
This book also had heartache, romance, secrets, and new problems to be solved which made it so interesting to read. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review
I also liked how the story focused on Lilah. I came to like Lilah's character in this book. She really grew, stood on her own in a new take charge attitude, and she started to blossom and find herself.
This book also had heartache, romance, secrets, and new problems to be solved which made it so interesting to read. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review
September 28, 2022
Christmas at Cliffside is another smash hit by Ellen Joy. This is a series where I can see myself coming back to read it over and over - just a timeless classic. I've said this before in previous reviews of books from this author. When I read Ellen's books - it's like drinking my favorite warm beverage on a cold day. It warms my soul and I snuggle into my comfy reading spot and dive into the lives of these characters that feel so real and immerse myself into the storylines until I'm laughing, crying or sometimes both.
If you are looking for a clean romance that will warm your heart - this is the book/series/author that will do that. A great addition to a book lover's collection.
Happy Reading...enjoy!
If you are looking for a clean romance that will warm your heart - this is the book/series/author that will do that. A great addition to a book lover's collection.
Happy Reading...enjoy!
February 20, 2024
Lilah's Christmas at Home!
'Christmas at Cliffside' was enjoyable. Its captivating plot was filled with a break-up, interesting family dynamics, a precocious lad who was a little rough around the edges, a doting father, a budding relationship, reconciliation, an apology, and love. Lilah, the protagonist, could finally live her life without apologizing to anyone since she broke up with Joel. She had spunk. I liked the author's word choices, including imagery, figurative language, and vivid descriptions, creating a lively tone. Overall, I enjoyed reading the delightful narrative.
'Christmas at Cliffside' was enjoyable. Its captivating plot was filled with a break-up, interesting family dynamics, a precocious lad who was a little rough around the edges, a doting father, a budding relationship, reconciliation, an apology, and love. Lilah, the protagonist, could finally live her life without apologizing to anyone since she broke up with Joel. She had spunk. I liked the author's word choices, including imagery, figurative language, and vivid descriptions, creating a lively tone. Overall, I enjoyed reading the delightful narrative.
November 11, 2025
Florida
Bitty’s son Drake and grandson DJ come for Christmas.. they’ve had a strained relationship. It starts out with tension,DJ is very smart but can be very blunt and says rude things. Randy and Bitty correct him and he has tantrums. They learn how to reach him, he loves books and maps and anything to do with oceans. Drake catches the eye of Lilah, in the storm they have a picnic at the beach with PBJs.
Charlie has a heart attack, they all rally around him. Renee is pregnant with twins.
Drake decides to come and run the book store while Charlie is out. DJ is real happy and Randy and Bitty really missed him while they were gone but are happy they came back.
Bitty’s son Drake and grandson DJ come for Christmas.. they’ve had a strained relationship. It starts out with tension,DJ is very smart but can be very blunt and says rude things. Randy and Bitty correct him and he has tantrums. They learn how to reach him, he loves books and maps and anything to do with oceans. Drake catches the eye of Lilah, in the storm they have a picnic at the beach with PBJs.
Charlie has a heart attack, they all rally around him. Renee is pregnant with twins.
Drake decides to come and run the book store while Charlie is out. DJ is real happy and Randy and Bitty really missed him while they were gone but are happy they came back.
September 18, 2022
Lilah deserves to find someone that loves her, her parents haven't been very loving or supportive, they almost seem to care more for her cheating ex fiance. When Lilah meets Drake, Bitty's son, she finds someone she can talk to, someone to share her thoughts and feelings with and someone who makes her feel appreciated. I enjoyed reading about how everyone at Cliffside is doing. I am excited to hear that there is going to be another book about these amazing characters.
December 7, 2023
Christmas on the island
I loved the cast of characters in this story. They felt like friends. It felt like it was Christmas in New England. I had a bit of trouble in the first part of the book, so many characters to keep track of. But it didn't slow me down. This is a heartwarming story of friends, family, and new love. I recommend this book to readers of romance and women's fiction.
I loved the cast of characters in this story. They felt like friends. It felt like it was Christmas in New England. I had a bit of trouble in the first part of the book, so many characters to keep track of. But it didn't slow me down. This is a heartwarming story of friends, family, and new love. I recommend this book to readers of romance and women's fiction.
November 12, 2022
Such a wonderful story, a must read
Another great story by this author. Older women restarting their lives, refinding their selves. Love each character, their journey navigating life. I hope this series never ends!
Highly recommend all of Ellen Joy's books. They leave the reader feeling better.
Another great story by this author. Older women restarting their lives, refinding their selves. Love each character, their journey navigating life. I hope this series never ends!
Highly recommend all of Ellen Joy's books. They leave the reader feeling better.
February 10, 2023
Christmas at Cliffside Book 5
Another hit as the Author Ellen Joy introduces more characters to this seaside romantic series. Love how each of the characters are able to find their own place and voice on the island. So descriptive, you feel like you are right there living their lives and seeing the amazing views, even the seaside winters seem magical.
Another hit as the Author Ellen Joy introduces more characters to this seaside romantic series. Love how each of the characters are able to find their own place and voice on the island. So descriptive, you feel like you are right there living their lives and seeing the amazing views, even the seaside winters seem magical.
August 18, 2023
This was really good! I love DJ. I love how Lilah was able to know how to connect with DJ. Great characters! I love how Randy and Grammy Bitty also bonded with DJ. I love how Lilah stood up for herself and how her mom and Andrew also did! Great writing!
I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.
I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.
March 10, 2023
A brilliant story
This book is a magical place for the characters lives when they come to Cliffside their lives are a mess but the longer they stay the people and place brings healing to their soul. I highly recommend this contemporary romance.
This book is a magical place for the characters lives when they come to Cliffside their lives are a mess but the longer they stay the people and place brings healing to their soul. I highly recommend this contemporary romance.
July 24, 2023
Simply awesome! I love these books. Each one can be read as a standalone but they're all interconnected. This Lilah's story but also the story of Bitty, her son Drake and his son DJ as well as "Pops" who is Lilah's grandfather.
August 6, 2023
So happy for Bitty!
This series is wonderful. I enjoy all the characters and love to see their journeys on the wonderful island of Martha's vineyard. Being from New England I love a great story that brings me home to the ocean and all the healing power of the waves.Enjoy!
This series is wonderful. I enjoy all the characters and love to see their journeys on the wonderful island of Martha's vineyard. Being from New England I love a great story that brings me home to the ocean and all the healing power of the waves.Enjoy!
December 4, 2023
Happy endings
A very heart warming story about two families struggling to reconnect with one another. Beautiful setting on the coast of Martha's Vineyard. Likeable characters learning how to like themselves for who they are. Learning to forgive and move forward for happy endings.
A very heart warming story about two families struggling to reconnect with one another. Beautiful setting on the coast of Martha's Vineyard. Likeable characters learning how to like themselves for who they are. Learning to forgive and move forward for happy endings.
December 16, 2023
About a 3.5 for me. It was good. Entertaining.
December 25, 2023
This book was not good
January 10, 2024
Blessings
This book gives families a second chance to gather and love each other again! Great characters and some good ideas and some cute times are in the
Is book!
This book gives families a second chance to gather and love each other again! Great characters and some good ideas and some cute times are in the
Is book!
February 22, 2024
A sweet story of a stuck-up socialite realizing there is more to life.
June 27, 2025
Great
I do enjoy happily ever after. In these days a feel good story is just what I need. Excited to start the next story
I do enjoy happily ever after. In these days a feel good story is just what I need. Excited to start the next story
August 15, 2025
What a beautiful ending of this wonderful series! So glad Biddy finally got her son, grandson and a great guy too!
August 16, 2025
Christmas at Cliffside-5
Another great book in this series- such a happy ending once again- such a great read I can’t wait to start the next book.
Another great book in this series- such a happy ending once again- such a great read I can’t wait to start the next book.
November 29, 2025
Christmas at Cliffside was a beautiful story to listen to. Family can be many things, but always there for you.
October 21, 2022
The 5th book in this lovely series set on Martha's Vineyard around Cliffside Point. It's a series based around a group of friends, their relationships, family and romances.
The books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
If you enjoyed this book, try the Camden Cove series by the same author.
The books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
If you enjoyed this book, try the Camden Cove series by the same author.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews