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Chesapeake Shores #4
A Chesapeake Shores Christmas
After years apart, Mick and Megan O'Brien are finally ready to make it official…again. Most of their grown children couldn't be happier about their rekindled love and impending marriage this holiday season. Only Connor is a holdout. Driven to become a divorce attorney after what he views as his mother's abandonment of their family, Connor's not about to give his blessing to this reunion romance.
The last thing Megan wants to do is hurt her family again. After all, is she really sure she and Mick can make it this time around? And when an unexpected delivery causes chaos, it seems only a miracle can reunite this family.
Of course, it is Christmas - the season of miracles.
285 pages, Hardcover
First published September 28, 2010
509 people are currently reading
3956 people want to read
About the author
Sherryl Woods
558 books4,551 followersWith 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.
"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.
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February 9, 2020
În sfârșit povestea nu lipsită de piedici a lui Mick și Megan. Doi oameni orgolioși, care și-au ratat prima șansă la fericire. După 20 de ani de la divorț, au șansa să repare lucrurile.
Când totul pare a merge pe făgașul potrivit, destinul aduce în cale o surpriză de proporții: se descoperă că fiul cel mic, Connor, are un copil de câteva luni despre care familia nu știa absolut nimic....
O carte alertă, care stârnește emoții și ne arată dinamica unei familii unite în ciuda opiniilor diferite.
Când totul pare a merge pe făgașul potrivit, destinul aduce în cale o surpriză de proporții: se descoperă că fiul cel mic, Connor, are un copil de câteva luni despre care familia nu știa absolut nimic....
O carte alertă, care stârnește emoții și ne arată dinamica unei familii unite în ciuda opiniilor diferite.
December 22, 2017
This was a sweet, satisfying Christmas read, which took me back to one of my favorite fictional towns, Chesapeake Shores. Surprisingly, I've actually only read a few of these novels, but I'm an avid watcher of the Hallmark Channel series "Chesapeake Shores", so I know and love the characters.
I like Sherryl Woods' style of writing, even if it is simplistic. Romance novels like these don't have much conflict, but a good writer adds enough depth and dimension to her characters to keep the story interesting, and I appreciate that. The O'Brian family is a good example of those kinds of characters, and the big family-type story is one that always hooks me. I can picture the hustle and bustle of so many people and personalities, and I love that.
This story follows Megan and Mick, an older couple recently attempting to reconcile after years apart. They've been married before, have kids (now grown, some with kids of their own), and have found their way back to each other. The old ghosts that haunt their troubled romantic past still linger, and both of them wonder if they can truly put the past and all of its hurts behind them. Add to that the fact that only SOME of their children are on board with the idea of a reconciliation, and the situation isn't an easy one.
Megan, being the one who'd left all those years ago, has an especially difficult relationship with her son, Connor. He's always been "Team Dad", and doesn't trust Megan now that she's back in the picture - much to Mick's chagrin. The family drama that ensues over this idea that Mick and Megan should get married on New Year's Eve causes a holiday season filled with tension, arguments, and hurt. But it also brings out the loving, caring sides of family members who want to see Mick and Megan succeed as a couple. There's also a heartwarming twist, but I won't give that away.
Overall, I liked Megan and Mick individually. They don't work especially well as a couple, but then again I'm always skeptical of story lines (both fictional and in real life) that involve former flames attempting to reconcile. It just (in most cases) doesn't work - for reasons that were already known to both parties! So, I'm not a huge fan of that, and I definitely thought to myself while reading that Megan and Mick really aren't that well suited. But HEY, whatever floats their boat.
And the romance wasn't the main hook of the story, anyway. The family is what made it special, and that made me really enjoy the read. I also liked the holiday flavor in the air, and I loved the family dynamic. It really was a cute, lighthearted Christmas read that felt right for the season.
I like Sherryl Woods' style of writing, even if it is simplistic. Romance novels like these don't have much conflict, but a good writer adds enough depth and dimension to her characters to keep the story interesting, and I appreciate that. The O'Brian family is a good example of those kinds of characters, and the big family-type story is one that always hooks me. I can picture the hustle and bustle of so many people and personalities, and I love that.
This story follows Megan and Mick, an older couple recently attempting to reconcile after years apart. They've been married before, have kids (now grown, some with kids of their own), and have found their way back to each other. The old ghosts that haunt their troubled romantic past still linger, and both of them wonder if they can truly put the past and all of its hurts behind them. Add to that the fact that only SOME of their children are on board with the idea of a reconciliation, and the situation isn't an easy one.
Megan, being the one who'd left all those years ago, has an especially difficult relationship with her son, Connor. He's always been "Team Dad", and doesn't trust Megan now that she's back in the picture - much to Mick's chagrin. The family drama that ensues over this idea that Mick and Megan should get married on New Year's Eve causes a holiday season filled with tension, arguments, and hurt. But it also brings out the loving, caring sides of family members who want to see Mick and Megan succeed as a couple. There's also a heartwarming twist, but I won't give that away.
Overall, I liked Megan and Mick individually. They don't work especially well as a couple, but then again I'm always skeptical of story lines (both fictional and in real life) that involve former flames attempting to reconcile. It just (in most cases) doesn't work - for reasons that were already known to both parties! So, I'm not a huge fan of that, and I definitely thought to myself while reading that Megan and Mick really aren't that well suited. But HEY, whatever floats their boat.
And the romance wasn't the main hook of the story, anyway. The family is what made it special, and that made me really enjoy the read. I also liked the holiday flavor in the air, and I loved the family dynamic. It really was a cute, lighthearted Christmas read that felt right for the season.
December 18, 2010
Net Galley
Enjoyable Read!
This book was filled with family drama where there was never a dull moment. Megan, a mother of five, up and left her husband and children so she could find herself, feel needed, and be independent years ago but she never stopped loving her now ex-husband or her children and has always kept in touch and tabs on them. Now years have passed and her children are grown and her chance to reconcile with her ex-husband and remarry him has come along but Megan wants everything to be perfect and all of her children to accept the fact of them being remarried.
When Megan’s son Connor disagrees with the marriage and is against it, Megan blames herself for his attitude toward marriages especially since his own relationship is in ruins. Megan and her ex-husband’s happiness is put aside in order to accommodate their son and to get his blessing. This is where the story gets to me and is why the book is getting its 4 star instead of 3 stars for bringing out an emotion.
I know this is just a story but some stories are taken from real life experiences and can relate to something a person has been through or you have seen someone go through it. Parents give up a lot for their children when they are young and will do just about anything for them and as a parent myself, a child’s happiness and well being should always come first BUT, when your children are grown (over the age 21) your children’s life’s become separate as they make their way through the world and your happiness with your mate should come first and if your children don’t like it then that’s just too bad.
A parent shouldn’t let their children control or run their life for their own selfish reasons. This is what happens in this book and it made me angry as I read it, I wanted to just reach out there and slap that boy across the head to wake him up. Over all the book was a fast pace read and the characters and story were well developed. Very enjoyable.
Enjoyable Read!
This book was filled with family drama where there was never a dull moment. Megan, a mother of five, up and left her husband and children so she could find herself, feel needed, and be independent years ago but she never stopped loving her now ex-husband or her children and has always kept in touch and tabs on them. Now years have passed and her children are grown and her chance to reconcile with her ex-husband and remarry him has come along but Megan wants everything to be perfect and all of her children to accept the fact of them being remarried.
When Megan’s son Connor disagrees with the marriage and is against it, Megan blames herself for his attitude toward marriages especially since his own relationship is in ruins. Megan and her ex-husband’s happiness is put aside in order to accommodate their son and to get his blessing. This is where the story gets to me and is why the book is getting its 4 star instead of 3 stars for bringing out an emotion.
I know this is just a story but some stories are taken from real life experiences and can relate to something a person has been through or you have seen someone go through it. Parents give up a lot for their children when they are young and will do just about anything for them and as a parent myself, a child’s happiness and well being should always come first BUT, when your children are grown (over the age 21) your children’s life’s become separate as they make their way through the world and your happiness with your mate should come first and if your children don’t like it then that’s just too bad.
A parent shouldn’t let their children control or run their life for their own selfish reasons. This is what happens in this book and it made me angry as I read it, I wanted to just reach out there and slap that boy across the head to wake him up. Over all the book was a fast pace read and the characters and story were well developed. Very enjoyable.
May 4, 2017
I disliked Megan in the previous books in this series but this book made it even worse. It's difficult to pull for a woman who is so self centered that she has an (emotional) affair on her husband and then leaves him and her 5 children. In this story, she acts like even more of a selfish brat - every time she doesn't get her way, she threatens to dump Mick again. I have no idea why he puts up with her at all. I was really pulling for them to break up and all the children to realize they were better off without the selfish woman in their lives; even knowing that it wouldn't happen.
Then we ended up with a back story of another childish woman who abandons her boyfriend and baby. What is with these women who can't have a conversation with their significant others to work through issues instead of running off and leaving their children?!?!? I hate that this will be the next story in the series since I'll already hate the heroine. If I hadn't bought an audiobook bundle of this series, I'd dump it but if it gets much worse I'll stop regardless.
Then we ended up with a back story of another childish woman who abandons her boyfriend and baby. What is with these women who can't have a conversation with their significant others to work through issues instead of running off and leaving their children?!?!? I hate that this will be the next story in the series since I'll already hate the heroine. If I hadn't bought an audiobook bundle of this series, I'd dump it but if it gets much worse I'll stop regardless.
December 23, 2014
I read (listened to) the first Sherryl Woods book in this series, The Inn at Eagle Point, because it was set on the Chesapeake Bay. You can see my review of it here on Goodreads. I stopped reading her books after that one, but I had this one already downloaded and figured I would like to read (listen to) a book related to Christmas in the weeks preceding the holiday. To my repeated disappointment, this book had as much to do with Christmas as Santa Claus has to do with Easter.
This book is nothing but more drivel about the dysfunctional O'Brien family that happens to be set around the holidays. And yet another female character who abandons her children (child in this case) rather than act like a grown-up. I don't know if the author suffered from a broken home or some other trauma as a child, but after reading just two of her books I see a repeating theme of women, mothers, abandoning their children because their lives weren't all sunshine and roses. Well, waah waah waah, my life isn't perfect, I think I will run away and abandon all of my responsibilities. And then expect the men in their lives to welcome them back with open arms as if nothing ever happened. Those of you who have read this trash will understand when I say that Connor was the only one with good sense in this novella.
This book is nothing but more drivel about the dysfunctional O'Brien family that happens to be set around the holidays. And yet another female character who abandons her children (child in this case) rather than act like a grown-up. I don't know if the author suffered from a broken home or some other trauma as a child, but after reading just two of her books I see a repeating theme of women, mothers, abandoning their children because their lives weren't all sunshine and roses. Well, waah waah waah, my life isn't perfect, I think I will run away and abandon all of my responsibilities. And then expect the men in their lives to welcome them back with open arms as if nothing ever happened. Those of you who have read this trash will understand when I say that Connor was the only one with good sense in this novella.
January 29, 2016
This was my least favourite of the Chesapeake Shores books.
Megan O'Brien is a self-involved character who wants everything her way, all the time. The formula of a romance is to create almost insurmountable odds that the couple overcome but that didn't happen in this book. Everyone just gave into Megan every time she had a tantrum about her independence wanting things her own way.
A random woman thrusts a baby into her arms but she doesn't bother to ask the woman's name or who the father is? Then she betrays her own son to meet in secret with this mother woman who abandoned her baby in the arms of a complete stranger. I'd like to see a follow up where Megan O'Brien dies aged 90, alone and regretful because her family finally realised that the only person she was interested in was herself.
Megan O'Brien is a self-involved character who wants everything her way, all the time. The formula of a romance is to create almost insurmountable odds that the couple overcome but that didn't happen in this book. Everyone just gave into Megan every time she had a tantrum about her independence wanting things her own way.
A random woman thrusts a baby into her arms but she doesn't bother to ask the woman's name or who the father is? Then she betrays her own son to meet in secret with this mother woman who abandoned her baby in the arms of a complete stranger. I'd like to see a follow up where Megan O'Brien dies aged 90, alone and regretful because her family finally realised that the only person she was interested in was herself.
June 22, 2017
This is the story of the long awaited reunion of Mick and Megan O'Brien. The whole family was devastated when Megan walked out on the family. While a mother should never leave her children, there is always more to the story than others know. Megan is not immune to feelings of devastation either. Mick is very determined to win Megan back and as this becomes a reality, can they win their son, Connor, to their side?
This is a special Christmas in the O'Brien family.
This is a special Christmas in the O'Brien family.
December 22, 2020
Definitely dove into this series out of order but I did it for a challenge. So in a way, I have zero regrets about this decision. I think?
A Chesapeake Shores Christmas was a cute holiday book to dive into. Especially since Christmas is coming up this week. Not going to lie, I love Christmas - the music, the baking, and the movies just make me so happy. I mean seeing family is fun too and playing competitive games BUT the one thing I really want: Snow.
So before diving into this book, I should probably mention that I've seen the show before. That being said, the characters were still somewhat familiar in my mind. I'm pretty sure the character that annoyed me in this book is the same one that annoyed me in the show. For pretty much the same reasons too lol.
In the end, it was cute and pretty easy to fly through. Maybe I'll dive into book one next year. Maybe.
A Chesapeake Shores Christmas was a cute holiday book to dive into. Especially since Christmas is coming up this week. Not going to lie, I love Christmas - the music, the baking, and the movies just make me so happy. I mean seeing family is fun too and playing competitive games BUT the one thing I really want: Snow.
So before diving into this book, I should probably mention that I've seen the show before. That being said, the characters were still somewhat familiar in my mind. I'm pretty sure the character that annoyed me in this book is the same one that annoyed me in the show. For pretty much the same reasons too lol.
In the end, it was cute and pretty easy to fly through. Maybe I'll dive into book one next year. Maybe.
July 21, 2024
A Chesapeake Shores Christmas #4 Chesapeake Shores
3.5🌟
3.5🌟
February 20, 2012
The squabbling and the pushing and the wishy-washy-ness of Megan was very irritating. Could not wait to finish just to end the frustration. Her others in the series were much better and heartfelt than this one.
Read
December 24, 2014Miniseries: A Chesapeake Shores Novel
Reading Log Day 1
I started this last night and love the characters. Megan has finally said yes to remarriage with Mick which was fun reading. The family dinner definitely puts a damper on the celebration and Mick's further mistakes puts the wedding itself in jeopardy. I feel for Megan. As a mother I know that the whole situation has to be tearing her up and she doesn't even know the details of Mick's "helpful" attempt to make things perfect for her. I can tell this story is going to be an emotional rollercoaster but I really enjoy a great thrill ride.
Reading Log Day 2
Oh my, was I surprised but not as much as Megan was when she opened that door! Other than that little interruption to Thanksgiving dinner, I think Mick should have done more with Connor and be more open with Megan instead of avoiding phone calls. Trying to hide problems is no way to make Megan feel confident in her decision to marry him now is it. Maybe this mess with Connor will help both Mick and Megan see their relationship in a new light and bring them that much closer and it should help the entire family get past any lingering hurt feelings. Nothing like the surprise to bring a close-knit family even closer! In a side note, I'd like to say that Megan's granddaughters are adorable and I hope they get their wish!
Do you have a favorite moment/scene yet?
Reading Log Day 3
Christmas morning was a wonderful scene but I think I enjoyed the family gathering on the boat most of all. The men grumbling about tangled strands of lights brought back many wonderful memories for me. Christmas morning is over and done so quickly but all the preparations for the season are what most my fond memories are of and the boat scene matched many of them. I loved how all the characters involved connected with each other. I have to say that I wanted the ending to never end. LOL I wanted to stay at the party and celebrate with all of them and maybe try to help Connor fix everything in his life. Over all a very satisfying Christmas read for me. I hope it was for you as well.
Reading Log Day 1
I started this last night and love the characters. Megan has finally said yes to remarriage with Mick which was fun reading. The family dinner definitely puts a damper on the celebration and Mick's further mistakes puts the wedding itself in jeopardy. I feel for Megan. As a mother I know that the whole situation has to be tearing her up and she doesn't even know the details of Mick's "helpful" attempt to make things perfect for her. I can tell this story is going to be an emotional rollercoaster but I really enjoy a great thrill ride.
Reading Log Day 2
Oh my, was I surprised but not as much as Megan was when she opened that door! Other than that little interruption to Thanksgiving dinner, I think Mick should have done more with Connor and be more open with Megan instead of avoiding phone calls. Trying to hide problems is no way to make Megan feel confident in her decision to marry him now is it. Maybe this mess with Connor will help both Mick and Megan see their relationship in a new light and bring them that much closer and it should help the entire family get past any lingering hurt feelings. Nothing like the surprise to bring a close-knit family even closer! In a side note, I'd like to say that Megan's granddaughters are adorable and I hope they get their wish!
Do you have a favorite moment/scene yet?
Reading Log Day 3
Christmas morning was a wonderful scene but I think I enjoyed the family gathering on the boat most of all. The men grumbling about tangled strands of lights brought back many wonderful memories for me. Christmas morning is over and done so quickly but all the preparations for the season are what most my fond memories are of and the boat scene matched many of them. I loved how all the characters involved connected with each other. I have to say that I wanted the ending to never end. LOL I wanted to stay at the party and celebrate with all of them and maybe try to help Connor fix everything in his life. Over all a very satisfying Christmas read for me. I hope it was for you as well.
July 31, 2016
Two-haiku review:
They've been divorced years
Grown son angry cuz mom left
Can he forgive her?
Very very sweet
Stubbornness family trait
True love overcomes
They've been divorced years
Grown son angry cuz mom left
Can he forgive her?
Very very sweet
Stubbornness family trait
True love overcomes
December 1, 2016
I'm really enjoying this series. I like that the reconciliations seem real and not overly idealistic. The family feels real.
June 25, 2019
Loved, loved, loved!
December 18, 2017
The subtitle of this book should have been "all of these people are a**holes."
What an incredibly horrible family. I'm not sure what was worse, the fact that the entire book was about getting this woman to remarry her manipulative, controlling a**hole ex-husband or if it was the way every character wants Megan (this Stockholm syndrome suffering ex-wife) to give up everything important to her because apparently in this reality marriage is not about equal partners with individual hopes, dreams, and personalities but instead reminiscent of the Borg. Everyone is to be assimilated! What a disgusting, disappointing book.
That's what I get for my annual foray into happy, fluffy Christmas reads. Back to serial murders I guess. I can at least try to understand their motivations.
What an incredibly horrible family. I'm not sure what was worse, the fact that the entire book was about getting this woman to remarry her manipulative, controlling a**hole ex-husband or if it was the way every character wants Megan (this Stockholm syndrome suffering ex-wife) to give up everything important to her because apparently in this reality marriage is not about equal partners with individual hopes, dreams, and personalities but instead reminiscent of the Borg. Everyone is to be assimilated! What a disgusting, disappointing book.
That's what I get for my annual foray into happy, fluffy Christmas reads. Back to serial murders I guess. I can at least try to understand their motivations.
January 17, 2024
Sometimes you just need a fluffy little book, am I right? This was a perfect winter read. (I had aimed to read it over the holidays but didn't get to it until mid January. That did not prevent me from enjoying it.) I am a big fan of when a series adds in a holiday "special" and this one fit in seamlessly with the series as a whole. Does it feel realistic? Not at all. Does that matter? Only if you open one of these books expecting it to be something it isn't.
What I liked about A Chesapeake Shores Christmas:
The progression of character development - One thing I like about this series is that each of the installments allows the reader to get to know a particular character or two a little better. We see relationships grow layers. Don't raise your expectations too high. You won't find a lot of nuance. But nonetheless, character relationships do gain some depth the more time you spend with them.
Chesapeake Shores is a charming backdrop - This small town is one that I am particularly drawn to as a book setting. Even moreso, I loved the overlay for the holidays. It came right to life in my mind's eye.
Several different storylines overlapped well - Though there were multiple plot lines playing out in this book, it was never complicated to follow. While none of them were necessarily directly holiday-centric, they played into the holiday setting comfortably.
What I didn't care for:
I didn't really have anything I strongly didn't like or that left me conflicted. This book is exactly what it promises to be. It wasn't ever supposed to be a great piece of literature. It's a "comfort read" and it delivered as that.
Worth noting:
Hallmark-esque - I mean, this shouldn't be surprising. The Hallmark Channel actually did a televised version of this series. This is to say it's family-centered romance. Even when there are challenges, they are tidy. The storytelling is clean. There are some occasional allusions to bedroom activities, but they stop there.
You'll want to read this as part of the series - This is a book you could pick up and read on its own, but if you plan to read the series, reading out of order will assuredly result in spoilers.
This book is easy, gentle reading. It requires just the right amount of brain involvement for spending some time unwinding during the holiday season or as you decompress afterward. Not an overly long book, it manages to cover a lot of territory over a relatively short timeline, but the pacing fit the stories being told. As it is part of a series, not all the strings need to be tied up by the conclusion (and they weren't), and it was still satisfying to read.
What I liked about A Chesapeake Shores Christmas:
The progression of character development - One thing I like about this series is that each of the installments allows the reader to get to know a particular character or two a little better. We see relationships grow layers. Don't raise your expectations too high. You won't find a lot of nuance. But nonetheless, character relationships do gain some depth the more time you spend with them.
Chesapeake Shores is a charming backdrop - This small town is one that I am particularly drawn to as a book setting. Even moreso, I loved the overlay for the holidays. It came right to life in my mind's eye.
Several different storylines overlapped well - Though there were multiple plot lines playing out in this book, it was never complicated to follow. While none of them were necessarily directly holiday-centric, they played into the holiday setting comfortably.
What I didn't care for:
I didn't really have anything I strongly didn't like or that left me conflicted. This book is exactly what it promises to be. It wasn't ever supposed to be a great piece of literature. It's a "comfort read" and it delivered as that.
Worth noting:
Hallmark-esque - I mean, this shouldn't be surprising. The Hallmark Channel actually did a televised version of this series. This is to say it's family-centered romance. Even when there are challenges, they are tidy. The storytelling is clean. There are some occasional allusions to bedroom activities, but they stop there.
You'll want to read this as part of the series - This is a book you could pick up and read on its own, but if you plan to read the series, reading out of order will assuredly result in spoilers.
This book is easy, gentle reading. It requires just the right amount of brain involvement for spending some time unwinding during the holiday season or as you decompress afterward. Not an overly long book, it manages to cover a lot of territory over a relatively short timeline, but the pacing fit the stories being told. As it is part of a series, not all the strings need to be tied up by the conclusion (and they weren't), and it was still satisfying to read.
September 11, 2023
This is by no means high literature, but pleasing in a very different way. Having watched Chesapeake Shores on Netflix in its entirety, I was curious to see how the books would relate to the series. The most significant thing for me so far has been the marked differences between the characters and their attachments, as most of them have a very specific trajectory which tends to veer abruptly from what is shown in the Netflix series. Reading these books is accepting that what Sherryl Woods had in mind for this crazy Irish/American family was actually quite different from what we saw in the extended series. The five children have relationships which often don't feature in the filmed version of their story. It is therefore important to see this as a fun ride, accepting the existence of characters such as Shanna and Heather, which never appear alongside Kevin or Connor. It would be interesting to watch an interview with the author in order to find out how she felt about the wild changes made to her beloved characters and their development.
April 16, 2019
It's always a pleasure to visit with the O'Brien family, especially during the holiday season in Chesapeake Shores. While this fourth book in the series was shorter than the others, it still shared a compelling story line, including less romance and more about the institution of marriage and how it molds the relationships with more than just our spouse.
The connection and relationship struggles between Connor and his mom were believable and well done. However, his relationship with the other characters in the story (no spoilers) felt like it could have been explored a little more completely and left me wanting more. With that being said, it's entirely possible (and perhaps probable) that will be the primary focus of a future story in this 14-book series.
This wasn't my favorite book in the series thus far, but it was a nice segue from the first three books into what I hope will be a deeper look into the complexities of family life and love, something Sherryl Woods does so well through her engaging prose and dialogue.
The connection and relationship struggles between Connor and his mom were believable and well done. However, his relationship with the other characters in the story (no spoilers) felt like it could have been explored a little more completely and left me wanting more. With that being said, it's entirely possible (and perhaps probable) that will be the primary focus of a future story in this 14-book series.
This wasn't my favorite book in the series thus far, but it was a nice segue from the first three books into what I hope will be a deeper look into the complexities of family life and love, something Sherryl Woods does so well through her engaging prose and dialogue.
April 13, 2019
I think that other Chessies - that's what we Chesapeake Shores fans call ourselves - will agree that Mick O'Brien is the worst and that there is no mistaking that his son Connor is a self righteous prick but... but. But at least Mick and Meg retied the knot and Connor finally learned that in love, like life, what really matters is what... your heart tells you? Sure. Sure. Four stars, because things wrap up a little too quickly, tidily. But a star to place upon the review tree because at least unlike the hit Hallmark Channel adaptation there are none of the awful country ballads, Nashville music industry subplots. Most Trace does is offer to watch the kids while Abby goes out or compliment Nell on a lovely meal.
July 7, 2023
5 stars to A Chesapeake Shores Christmas! This little book is a very fast read. It's quiet and soothing: a brain rest from turgid, hyperbolic Dickensiana (Little Dorrit). It blends all the right little notes: simple and beautiful. Elegant and plain. It's sugariness done right. It's probably the best book in Woods's Chesapeake Shores series. Good writing that only took me a day to read.
5 stars again
5 stars again
February 23, 2017
Second Chances
We may have missteps in our life but we also have a chance to correct it and forge a new path forward with the one that we love; the one we never stopped loving.
We may have missteps in our life but we also have a chance to correct it and forge a new path forward with the one that we love; the one we never stopped loving.
June 7, 2018
Reading this book in the summer makes me long for the holidays again. This is so lovely. I love that the two main characters are grandparents, and they are rekindling their relationship despite some of their grown children's protests. This is a great feel-good book to read anytime.
January 17, 2025
book from bookshelb Christmas gift box of books
December 8, 2017
A Lovely Light-Hearted Yet Drama Filled Story. Very Enjoyable Read
October 16, 2010
A graduate of Ohio State University School of Journalism, NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY bestselling author Sherryl Woods 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 at the University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Medical Center. Sherryl Woods grew up in Virginia, and over the years she has 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. In addition to her more than seventy-five 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. Other titles include: HOME AT ROSE COTTAGE, SWEET TEA AT SUNRISE, MENDING FENCES, STEALING HOME, ASK ANYONE, and ANGEL MINE.
After divorcing many years ago and being apart, Megan and Mick O'Brien are ready to take the plunge together again and make their rekindled love official. Their grown children seem supportive and happy for them, well, all but one. Connor is still harboring bitter resentment for Megan and what she did to the family by leaving them. The last thing Megan wants to do is hurt her family again, but doesn't she deserve the chance for happiness with her one true love? With an impending marriage and holiday season, can miracles truly happen? It seems as if only an unexpected delivery and a miracle can reunite this family. And Christmas is the only time of year for just such a miracle.
I'm normally a huge fan of Sherryl Woods books. She writes with a bittersweet reverie that is so timeless and unique to her, and rarely heard anymore. But this book was not for me. Her readers will disagree with me, as this is a personal preference to me and not a knock on the book. I could not relate to the main character, Megan, at all. Here is a woman who selfishly left her family years before. I realize why, and on some level I understand it, but I cannot relate to a heroine who did that. I'm all for second chances, but not in this scenario for a heroine. I was actually rooting against her.
In saying that, Sherryl's readers will delight in her charismatic writing style and tearful moments in this story, just as her previous ones. It's a heartfelt book filled with miracles and family--what better for Christmas? I am very much looking forward to the rest of the series: DRIFTWOOD COTTAGE- Connor's story (April 2011), MOONLIGHT COVE- Jess's story (May 2011), and BEACH LANE- Susie and Mack's story (June 2011).
Kelly Moran
Author and Reviewer
Bookpleasures
After divorcing many years ago and being apart, Megan and Mick O'Brien are ready to take the plunge together again and make their rekindled love official. Their grown children seem supportive and happy for them, well, all but one. Connor is still harboring bitter resentment for Megan and what she did to the family by leaving them. The last thing Megan wants to do is hurt her family again, but doesn't she deserve the chance for happiness with her one true love? With an impending marriage and holiday season, can miracles truly happen? It seems as if only an unexpected delivery and a miracle can reunite this family. And Christmas is the only time of year for just such a miracle.
I'm normally a huge fan of Sherryl Woods books. She writes with a bittersweet reverie that is so timeless and unique to her, and rarely heard anymore. But this book was not for me. Her readers will disagree with me, as this is a personal preference to me and not a knock on the book. I could not relate to the main character, Megan, at all. Here is a woman who selfishly left her family years before. I realize why, and on some level I understand it, but I cannot relate to a heroine who did that. I'm all for second chances, but not in this scenario for a heroine. I was actually rooting against her.
In saying that, Sherryl's readers will delight in her charismatic writing style and tearful moments in this story, just as her previous ones. It's a heartfelt book filled with miracles and family--what better for Christmas? I am very much looking forward to the rest of the series: DRIFTWOOD COTTAGE- Connor's story (April 2011), MOONLIGHT COVE- Jess's story (May 2011), and BEACH LANE- Susie and Mack's story (June 2011).
Kelly Moran
Author and Reviewer
Bookpleasures
December 17, 2016
I was looking for a light fluff Christmas read. Had not read this author before, but there were lots at the library so I thought I would give it a try, and go on with the series if I liked it. UH! Right away I felt like this book was so preachy. The characters were portraying themselves as a stubborn family, who of course loves each other, but I just felt like they were all telling each other how they should feel and why. One would express anger, and another would say "give them a chance, you should feel this way instead". I got tired of that equation. Also, central to the story is Megan and Mick reuniting, and anyone with that many doubts has no business getting married. Her anger flared at the littlest thing, she threw out ultimatums and threats to the slightest comment. If the comment made her worry things were going to be as they always were, then yes, you need counseling and lots of thought before getting married. But not threats. So I got very tired of the characters, their anger that seemed on the surface constantly, and the rationalizing of them by everyone else. Sigh. I had to much invested to quit, but I did not enjoy the book very much. I don't believe this is a new author for me.
December 5, 2016
Sherryl Woods has created a community I would love to live in with her Chesapeake Shores series. Mick and Megan are the stars of this novel as they work to put their differences and divorce behind them and renew their love and their marriage. The problem is that adult son, Connor, is not on board with their remarriage. But, on Thanksgiving at the O'Brien home things are about to become a whole lot more interesting as a woman none of the family has ever met before arrives with a baby in her arms -- a baby who is clearly an O'Brien!
Connor must repair his relationship with his mother, work through difficulties with the mother of his baby son, and accept that all marriages do not end in the bitter divorces he sees in court every day in order to pave the way not only for his parents' happiness but his own, as well.
The O'Brien family is big, boisterous, and welcoming. If you haven't explored the community of Chesapeake Shores and all the marvelous characters who live there, you're really missing out! Another really great read by an author who has quickly become one of my favorites. Looking forward to my next visit to Chesapeake Shores!
Connor must repair his relationship with his mother, work through difficulties with the mother of his baby son, and accept that all marriages do not end in the bitter divorces he sees in court every day in order to pave the way not only for his parents' happiness but his own, as well.
The O'Brien family is big, boisterous, and welcoming. If you haven't explored the community of Chesapeake Shores and all the marvelous characters who live there, you're really missing out! Another really great read by an author who has quickly become one of my favorites. Looking forward to my next visit to Chesapeake Shores!
May 13, 2014
After reading the love story of their daughter Abby and Trace, filled with a good amount of steam and some sizzle, I really looked forward to the rekindling of Megan and Mick's story. They had divorced amid cutoff, hurt feelings and unresolved issues. Having come together around their children, they became civil and it seemed there was a spark.
As they set out to remarry, however, the story Woods told had too much to do with the son Connor's not giving his blessing. I felt he should have been the minor character/backstory but that his difficulty rose to the main action. Unfortunately then, Mick and Megan were just "there" in this story.
Honestly, so much more could have been done with their rekindled attraction and love for one another. It was as if they never kissed. If they did, it wasn't passionate, and the book lacked steam. It alluded to the fact that they slept together, but I felt perhaps the author didn't wish to go down that path. Why not? Middle-aged or older people experience passion and desire.
Disappointing compared to The Inn at Eagle Point.
As they set out to remarry, however, the story Woods told had too much to do with the son Connor's not giving his blessing. I felt he should have been the minor character/backstory but that his difficulty rose to the main action. Unfortunately then, Mick and Megan were just "there" in this story.
Honestly, so much more could have been done with their rekindled attraction and love for one another. It was as if they never kissed. If they did, it wasn't passionate, and the book lacked steam. It alluded to the fact that they slept together, but I felt perhaps the author didn't wish to go down that path. Why not? Middle-aged or older people experience passion and desire.
Disappointing compared to The Inn at Eagle Point.
May 20, 2017
Meh. I don't enjoy Megan and Mick's romance. Megan in particular grates with her obstinacy towards any idea not her own. Conner's story was particularly far-fetched and I'll likely struggle with the next book too since I find him unappealing and Heather's a bit of a doormat.
The first two books in this series were great but the next two have been tough going.
The first two books in this series were great but the next two have been tough going.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2012
I really liked this book, just like the authors.I love the way this author writes. Plan on reading
more of her books.
more of her books.
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