This is part of a series and has to be read in conjunction with the rest of the book. Although Wendy Wax does her best to fill in the characters histories it would be helpful for the reader to actually have the entire stories. I did feel like too much of the book was catching up those readers. There was just a lot of pages that could have been used for more story.

Kyra, oh Kyra… you need to put on your big girl panties. Stand up to Daniel, do what is right for your son, and make a decision. It drove me crazy that she could not decide if Dustin could do the movie with his father Daniel. I understand that it is not an easy decision but Good Lord decide already.

I am hoping that Christmas at Bella Flora leads into the rest of the story. The rest of the characters are interesting, fun, and I want to know more about them. I’d just like to move past Kyra’s decision making skills.

Love Wendy Wax! Her books have a little bit of everything, romance, mystery,reality tv, etc. I love that it’s set in Florida. Like visiting old friends reading her books

This is a delightful addition to a favorite series! Wendy Wax hooked me with the first book I read in the Ladies of Ten Beach Road series. I'm continually impressed with her ability to focus on one character while continuing the story lines of all the other characters whom one would like to have as friends. This novella is an excellent example. Kyra's facing multiple challenges this time, but she continues to grow in meeting those challenges. At the same time, none of the other strong female characters has become a lady of leisure without her own challenges. I can hardly wait for the next full-length story!!

A Bella Flora Christmas is a novella in the Ten Beach Road series and although I haven't read all of this series, I am invested and love the characters. I was excited to see that there was a Christmas novella because I like seeing characters in a series get thrown into a holiday novella. But this one didn't work for me.

First, the book started with almost a full recap of the whole series. The first two chapters were a rehash and as novellas are extremely short, I didn't want a recap, I would have preferred her jump right into the story. I also don't feel like people usually read novellas unless they are already full invested into the series, and especially since this is book 5.5 in the series. Like me, readers must have read at least one or two books in the series to get to this point.

On the complete opposite hand, I did love reading about these characters during the holidays. Once you get past the recap of the first two chapters, the story begins and it is a great little addition to the series. I wouldn't have minded if this book had not been a novella but a full book in the series and see these characters go through the holiday season and start a new year.

If you have already read books in this series than maybe skip the first two chapters and enjoy this one, but if you haven't I would completely suggest going back to the beginning or close to the beginning and reading a book or two before diving into this one.

I wrote about this book here: http://www.bethfishreads.com/2017/12/11-christmas-themed-novels-to-read-this.html

I've read most of the books in this series, (Ten Beach Road) and this one seems too full of conflict to be a Christmas story. Everyone is gathering for possibly the final get together at Bella Flora and there's a few very unhappy people. Kyra is facing a decision that effects many people. Her son's father is pressuring her into letting Dustin star in his next film . He and his wife are threatening to put people out of business and ruin her friends. As Christmas day approaches the fate of Bella Flora is in everyone's thoughts. This is a short story/novella and it would be helpful for the reader to be familiar with the characters and the dynamics of this close group.

I have not read the other books in this series and this book, unfortunately, was not for me. This was also a short book which I do not think worked out well for this book or the story.

From my blog: Always With a Book:

My thoughts: This is a short, Ten Beach Road novella that is narrated entirely by Kyra, unlike the full-length novels that are narrated by all the women. It picks up right where the previous book, One Good Thing, leaves off and focuses entirely on getting ready for Christmas, but also on the big decision that Kyra has been wrestling with and needs to decide soon.

Christmas Eve is a big celebration at Bella Flora and everyone is there to celebrate. Dustin gets a surprise gift from Santa and if you are a long-time reader of this series, it will melt your heart when he decides on a name for this gift.

Of course, all is not merry and bright in this short novella. There is some nastiness in the form of Tonya...who has quite a few appearances via phone calls in this little book - I think it's the most we've seen of her in a while! She can be quite nasty trying to get what she wants...and that's Dustin acting in the movie. And she's willing to do just about anything to get her way.

So, is it worth it reading this? I think so. Yes, it was quite short, but it's a complete story. It brings in a new character and gives us a little more history about Kyra and her past with Dustin's father - not necessarily in a good light unfortunately. I always tend to read the novellas that are part of a series...I find that no matter how short they are, they always provide some little extra to the series, whether it be backstory, as in this case, or a way to add depth to a certain character...whatever it is, I enjoy them.

What's your take on them. Do you read them or skip them?

A Bella Flora Christmas gives a glimpse into what the upcoming Ten Beach Road novel Best Thing Ever holds. I love the ladies in Ten Beach Road and it has been so interesting to see their storylines develop over the last five books. If you haven't started the series, I would really recommend you give it a try. Each character is so unique and the books are fun reads.

A Bella Flora Christmas is a novella that sets up the next novel and brings a little holiday spirit as well. I always struggle a little with novellas, just because I'm usually ready to dive into the full novel and the novellas whet my appetite just enough to make me want to read more when I have to wait for the next book, but A Bella Flora Christmas is worth the read.

I received this book courtesy of Berkley Publishing Group through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A Christmas read that swept me right to a sunny, sandy beach setting. I could hear the voices and noise level raise as members of family arrived, and could get swept up in all of the holiday activities. Reading as a stand-along book, it was a little more difficult for me to connect to the customers and feel drawn to them, but still an easy beachy Christmas read.

This book basically reiterated the same story as the prior books in the series but evolved around Christmas. Would not recommend.

Stale, tired, pedestrian, boring, trite, unoriginal. In other words, simply awful.

A Bella Flora Christmas by Wendy Wax is a Ten Beach Road Novella (#5.5). It is almost Christmas at Bella Flora in Pass-a-Grille, Florida. Kyra Singer is worried about losing Bella Flora thanks to the loan she took out to finance the remodel of the Sunshine Hotel (and get control of their show Do Over). Kyra will be hosting Christmas for family and friends at Bella Flora before decamping. She has rented out Bella Flora to a mystery tenant who will be arriving at the beginning of January. Kyra also needs to decide whether to let her son (Dustin) act in Daniel Deranian’s (Dustin’s biological father) new movie. The money will be helpful, but it will mean six weeks in the company of Daniel’s wife, Tonja. Nicole, Avery, Madeline, Kyra, spouses, significant others, children and friends come together for Christmas. It is a joyful holiday only marred by an unexpected and unwelcome arrival. What decision will Kyra make about the movie? Can they save Bella Flora once again?

A Bella Flora Christmas is a very short novel. I recommend reading the Ten Beach Road books in order. While details from the previous books is rehashed in A Bella Flora Christmas (unfortunately), new readers to the series will be confused (all the characters, various relationships). I wish the author had not tried to make it a standalone. A Bella Flora Christmas was too short, and it left fans of the series disappointed. I wanted more Christmas and less reiteration. There is more drama between Kyra, Daniel and Tonja along with the Christmas celebration. Kyra makes her decision and then the book ends (rather abruptly). The story alludes to the mysterious renter, but readers are not told the persons identity. We will have to wait for Best Thing Ever. I was entertained by the names the ladies came with for Dustin’s new puppy. The book is nicely written, but the pace was a little slow. Kyra agonizing over decision dominated the book (with characters being introduced in between). I found myself yelling at my e-reader telling her to decide already (she really needs the money and it is only six weeks) and to quit lusting after Daniel. The series has well-developed characters that people will like and relate to with the exception of Tonja (every story needs a villain). I am giving A Bella Flora Christmas 3 out of 5 stars. While I found A Bella Flora Christmas lacking, it will not keep me from reading the next book in the Ten Beach Road series.

This Christmas is a tough one for Kyra. She’s not only in danger of losing her beloved home, Bella Flora, but she is being pressured to make a decision that could change the future for her and her son. She must decide before the end of the year, which is right around the corner.

I’ve been wanting to read the Ten Beach Road series for the longest time, but haven’t had a chance. When I saw this Christmas novella, I thought it would give me a nice taste of the series until I can read them all.

While it’s a great introduction to the characters and the history is explained throughout the short book, I think I would have enjoyed it more if I read this series in order. It almost felt as if I was reading an excerpt from the middle of a book, which I guess I was since this is a novella and #5.5.

Although the storylines and characters were a bit foreign to me, I could tell immediately that this is the sort of series I’d love. It’s written well, fast-paced with realistic characters. In this short space, I came to care about Kyra and her son. I definitely want to know where their storyline goes, as well as find out what has already occurred.

I’m going to make it a point to check out this series in the next few months, starting with the first book. I already know it’s a series I can get totally involved in.

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra

For a novella, I must say that I thought that A Bella Flora Christmas flowed WAY too slowly. I found that taking the whole book to come to an important parenting decision without much depth of analysis a bit disconcerting. I guess the decision making process was a wee bit muddled with the in-depth description of the cast of characters. The descriptions were something that I was thankful for, as I came into the series at this juncture as opposed to book one. A mistake I plan to rectify in the future.

Kyra Singer will have to move out of her beloved home, Bella Flora, right after the holidays. In order to keep the property, she must rent out her home, to an unknown tenant for six months, with an option for an additional six months. Additionally, Kyra must decide if her son, Dustin, can participate in Daniel’s (Dustin’s father) directorial film debut (with only a few days to decide). And of course, lets not forget the totally annoying and somewhat “wicked” stepmother Tonja. She definitely brought in a bit of colour to the story.

So far, so good…I am engaged and interested. But then for some reason, my interest is lost and I just feel like Kyra is going around in circles trying to make decisions. All I could think about was…get on with it Kyra. As a single parent, she needs to make decisions much quicker!

One bright spot was the introduction of “Max” – the puppy present for Dustin delivered by his dad Daniel. The puppy was SO cute. Though I could sympathize with Kyra…how irresponsible of Daniel to provide a pet as a gift without consulting Kyra first.

I found the following particularly well written – when the author was describing the paparazzi, who were following Kyra as she drove Sydney to the airport:

“They’re cunning in the way that wild animals are; in order to eat they must successfully stalk and fell their prey. They are the deer hunters in camouflage carrying powerful zoom lenses; we are Bambi.”

I still have faith in the writing of Wendy Wax, so I shall go back and start this series from book one, and hopefully it will all fall into place. I have faith that if you have been reading this series from the beginning, that you will appreciate and enjoy this novella.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

I have only read one of the Ten Beach Road novels, but I definitely enjoyed them. Bella Flora Christmas is a novella that takes place right before, on, and after Christmas. It is told from the perspective of Kyra, one of (if not the) youngest of the Bella Flora clan, as she decides whether or not to allow her son Dustin to act in his father’s movie.

I read Sunshine Beach in 2016, but didn’t have time to read the most recent one this summer. This book definitely resparked my interest in the Ten Beach Road novels. I liked getting to catch up with Kyra and be in her head as she made her final decision.

Like most novellas, this one isn’t necessary to read if you’re going to read the series, but it lets you see a little more into the lives and minds of the characters. If you like the Ten Beach Road stories and characters, it’s definitely fun to check in with them, especially during the holiday season.

Because it’s a novella, I’m not going to rate it. It’s not a book you can recommend, so I’d say if you like this series, check it out. It’s a quick read that will give you some insight into future stories.

I very much enjoy this series. Always seems to stop short but I think because I always want more. This was a sweet Christmas gathering in advance of having to leave Bella Flora to a tenant because of financial constraints.
On top of that drama, there is Daniel wanting his son to act in his new movie. The resolution is anything but clear which of course makes me anxious for the next book.

A Bella Flora Christmas by Wendy Wax is a SUPER quick Christmas novella that I read entirely out of context. This novella is part of a larger series called Ten Beach Road. I have read basically none of the other books in the series. I will say that did affect my perception of this novella a little bit. Readers who want a more glamorous sort of Christmas read as opposed to a cozy read will likely enjoy this quick read.

Wendy Wax’s A Bella Flora Christmas follows main character Kyra, a young single mom who has a tough decision to make. Kyra lives in a giant house called Bella Flora in Florida with her son Dustin. Dustin’s father is a movie star and a total dick. Kyra’s mother is dating an aged rocker and is pretty cool. So, the plot of this book is about when all her friends and family come to visit on Christmas eve and Christmas day. However, it’s also about her choice to allow Dustin to be in a movie with his father.

Overall, I read A Bella Flora Christmas very quickly. There’s a sufficient bit of information dump about all the characters and their scenarios. It kind of gets you up to speed on the other books in the series. However, this novella really doesn’t feel like a completed story. It feels like an extended chapter to a much longer story. I don’t know that I could 100% recommend you check it out without reading the other books first. Also, I sort of felt like Kyra’s choice was a bad one in light of all these Hollywood revelations that are coming out. Not sure I would ever subject my child to that kind of industry so that really colored my perspective.

ON A SCALE OF ONE TO BUDDY THE ELF, HOW MUCH CHRISTMAS SPIRIT DOES THIS BOOK HAVE?
Eh, so the title has Christmas in it. However, not much of the book has to do with Christmas, maybe a few pages. Like there’s a tiny bit on the lead up but it is more about people arriving. Then Christmas day is like one chapter where Dustin gets a present from his dad. Finally there’s a post Christmas chapter where Kyra makes her choice. Then it’s the end. So, overall, this did not live up to Buddy The Elf spirit hopes and expectations. That’s fine. If you want a more low key book give this one a shot.

Reviewed by Robin

Review: Family isn’t always blood. Sometimes it may be just a bunch of people that have been there for each other over the years. Who have been thrown together for whatever reason but have been there for each other. These people all live on Ten Beach Road. They remind me of where my son lived in Florida. Because not everyone has family or could spend the holidays with family they became family. Tables down the center of the street and everyone pitched in for the meal. It was heartwarming.

I loved the renovations that were taking place not only with Bella Flora but also the cottages. Everything was cute and I was ready to move in.

Daniel and his wife weren’t very likable but you have to have someone in the story that just makes you want to punch them. Kyra and her son Dustin were just cute. I love when the story has a small child they bring so much life to the story. Who cares if Daniel is famous he could have asked Kyra before getting his gift for Dustin and his wife who cares that she knows people that know people that could destroy careers if Dustin can’t work on the movie.

Since I have read others in this series I was able to get things. I would suggest however to read the others in the series along with this so that you understand the family dynamics of this wonderfully mismatched set of characters. There is also a bit of a mystery as to who is renting Bella Flora…Cliffhanger indeed. The end leaves/ alludes to what is happening or going to but it leaves you hanging waiting for the next book in the series.

All in all Ms. Wax gave us another heartwarming story of friends that have become family.

I want to warn you that if you are looking for HEA or a story that has an ending there isn’t one. This is a novella that leaves you hanging to await the next book. In the end it doesn’t matter that there are questions…Or that you are left hanging. I found this still to be a fun book…about the spirit of Christmas.