Even though this was not my favorite Fern Michaels Book. It was still good. Fern Michaels is a great writer

What a great holiday story about three childhood friends who need and want a change in their lives. The characters in this book were loveable and you found yourself wanting to spend time with them as they were so much fun. Looking forward to reading the second book in this series.

Santa Cruise is a story about four high school friends who after their 15th Class Reunion event decide that if they’re still single and unattached by the holidays then they’re setting off on a Holiday Singles Cruise together… and what a trip it turns out to be.

I wish I could have loved this book, but unfortunately, I simply could not. I’m also not going to do a bashing of either the author or the book itself. Perhaps the thing to do is to just say that this one was not for me. There were moments that I enjoyed, but overall I found this one to be far too high on unnecessary details, and too low on the depth of the characters. I couldn’t care about any of these friends or if they found the love of their lives on this cruise. And if I don’t care, I’m not going to enjoy myself.

I’ve read this author before, and I know what style of story I’m in for, but Santa Cruise just wasn’t for me. However, there is an audience that will love this one so take my comments with a grain of salt. This is my opinion; you should make up your own mind about any novel.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Friends taking off on a singles cruise. This book has all the christmas vibes, it sounded amazing, a christmas cruise, i am definately a big fan.
Everything was spot on about the cruise, and it gives you that cruise atmosphere, which was to die for. And the relationship with the four friends was just beautiful and really pulled me along for the ride. Such a fun holiday read and truely addictive and realistic i felt like i was there on the cruise right beside them, and along for the ride with all the mischievious antics.
Since i read this one during the pandemic, it made the time so much easier with all the breathtaking imagery, and brilliant captivating storyline.

Great story!

Description
Fans of Debbie Macomber and Danielle Steel won’t want to miss this enchanting, humorous, and heartwarming novel that takes you on a singles cruise with four lifelong friends who might just find the gift of love this Christmas…

At Ridgewood High, Amy, Frankie, Rachael, and Nina formed a deep bond. Now, fifteen years after leaving school behind, they’re back for a reunion, laughing, reminiscing, and chatting how much has changed—and how much hasn’t. Nina, once the star of every school play, moved to Hollywood and landed a recurring role on a sitcom. Amy, fondly known as “the brains of the operation,” is now a Silicon Valley bioengineer. Outgoing and compassionate, Frankie works for a New York publishing house. Rachael, always the most boy-crazy of the crew, married—mostly to please her parents—but is now divorced. All four are strong, successful, and somehow, still looking for the right partner. But Frankie has an idea to help solve that: a singles cruise for the holidays.

In late December, Amy, Rachael, Frankie, and Nina gather in Miami, ready to board their state-of-the-art cruise ship. The entertainment options are endless, the food is to die for, and the passenger list includes hundreds of eligible men. The highlight of the week will be a magnificent New Year’s Eve celebration with multiple theme parties, dancing, and fireworks. The ladies are happy to give Cupid a helping hand here and there—hanging mistletoe in elevators and cheering each other on through speed-dating events and shore excursions. Holidays—like the path of love itself—don’t always go exactly as planned, but over the course of one festive, unforgettable week, all four will set sail on surprising new adventures.

I thought this was a new book, but it's written in a very almost childish style... probably not the correct term..... but a style that goes into details that kind of attack your intelligence. Extremely hard to get in to... and very slow moving. If you are waiting for it to get good it doesn't then you are at the end wondering, "what the heck kind of nonsense did I just read?"
I have read probably all of Fern Michaels books and this just seems like an imposter.

Fern Michaels continues to be a great author. I think the main issue for me is that her style writing doesn't alter much, and that I am starting to really know what is about to happen next. This kind of loses the sparkle a bit for me. I stopped reading the sisterhood stories for this reason, and had looked forward to a story outside of this very long series. I think it's simply time for me to seek more authors. I continue to be very grateful for this opportunity to enjoy these books thru netgalley.

Santa Cruise by Fern Michaels is a contemporary romance which of course mainly takes place during the Christmas season. The book does say it’s for fans of Debbie Macomber and Danielle Steel but I’d say the style is more on the Danielle Steel side of that comparison.

Amy, Frankie, Rachael, and Nina attended high school together where they became the best of friends but once high school let out the ladies didn’t keep as close of touch as they wanted to. Now attending their reunion the four fall right back into that bond that they once shared.

The four ladies make a plan between them that if all of them are still single come the holiday season they are going to get together again and take a trip. Of course when the time comes they book a cruise to the Caribbean for the four of them and head to Miami to board the cruise ship.

Santa Cruise by Fern Michaels immediately grabbed my attention when I saw it because I am a huge fan of cruising myself so a little virtual vacay cruise sounded lovely. I will say that as far as the cruising element in the story it was pretty spot on too and having been to the areas the ladies visited I was completely there with them in my mind. The story of the friendship between Amy, Frankie, Rachael, and Nina and their lives along with their adventure was on that pulled me right in and I enjoyed overall.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

What fun a cruise at Christmas time. Four childhood friend decide to get together to celebrate the new year with a singles cruise. Each woman is seeking something in their life, whether it’s a job change or a new relationship. Will each one get what their heart desires? Fall in love with the adventures and fun antics as the women set sail. A light but fun read. Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC. #SantaCruise

I always enjoy Fern Michaels. She tells great stories of strong women . The four women in the story were high school friends and meet for a reunion at Christmas time for a cruise. Over the course of the cruise, each looks for love in her own way. Definitely a happy-ever-after, but how Michaels gets there is a joy.

I love the magic of a Christmas romance, and Fern Michaels really knows how to pull at the heartstrings and play to the season without being cloying. I will continue to read her books. This isn't my absolute favorite, but it was very enjoyable.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an electronic review copy. All opinions are my own.

Rating: 4 stars

LOve all books written by Fern Michaels, this was a bonus since there was a new to me author. Highly recommend this book :)

Santa Cruise starts out with a reunion of four high school friends Frankie, Amy, Rachael, and Nina. All four women are single and make a pact that if they are all still single around Thanksgiving, they will go on a singles cruise together. The first half of the book is all about the four women preparing for the cruise. Each of them have various things going on in their personal lives but, are looking forward to a week together away from it all.

These four women have went on different paths since graduation. Frankie lives in NYC and works in the publishing industry. Rachael also lives near the city and owns a dance studio. Nina lives in Los Angeles as an actress and the television show which she had a recurring role on has recently been canceled. Finally, Amy is a bioengineer and has recently applied for a position at MIT. When their paths cross at the reunion, they are quick to connect, reminisce, and plan their trip together.

My grandparents have been on several cruises together and I have tried to live vicariously through them. This story also gave me the opportunity to imagine I was traveling on a cruise ship. This ship starts from Florida and right from the moment that the four women board, you can feel the sense of possibilities for all of them. Each of them participates in various activities of interest and meet up each night for drinks and dinner at one of the various onboard restaurants. I enjoyed viewing everything that was going on and watching these characters grow and find themselves.

The cruise is a singles cruise so there is the possibility for romance but that really wasn't the full focus of the story. This was an opportunity for these women to do something for themselves for a change. It came with no real expectations for them which was a nice change of pace. It was just a group of good friends having funding, causing a little bit of mischief, and making memories together. There were connections made for each of them and possibilities for the future. It ended with a feeling of optimism that even had me feeling a little bit more optimistic than when I started.

Santa Cruise had me imagining what it would be like to reunite with friends from high school and plan a fun adventure like this. There was a little bit of a holiday theme throughout but it was not the main focus. It was a little slow at times due to overdetail from the author but, it was still an easy and enjoyable read. These women set out to find love and along the way figure out that loving one self and doing what one wants is often most important.

**Rating: 3.5 Stars

I was sold on this book the minute I saw it. I'm a huge lover of cruising, so this cover caught my attention immediately. The synopsis sealed the deal and I knew I had to read it. However, I felt the execution of this was done poorly. I was excited to read about the friends on a cruise, however, the cruise didn't happen until halfway through the book. By the time I got to the cruise, I was already losing interest. Once the characters were on the cruise, I wasn't as connected to the story as I would have liked. I've heard good things about Fern Michaels' books but this was the first one I had read. I may read another of her stories to see if it can redeem her writing in my eyes.

This is a quick, clean chick lit book. I enjoyed the story immensely. I like the characters and the setting and in all honesty I loved not really having to think while I read. When 4 high school friends take a New Year's cruise for singles they're looking for.romance. What they find is a strong bond between them and their fierce desire to move forward in their lives, and of course romance.

Enjoy the holidays with a new book by Fern Michaels. Santa Cruise will get you in the holiday spirits. Happy Reading!
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher ~ Thank you ~ !! This is my honest and personal review.

Four high school friends meet up at their 15 year reunion, Amy, Nina, Frankie and Rachel. They pledge to go on a singles cruise if none of them has a date for New Year's Eve. So starts the adventure The boat is filled with single men, great food, wonderful shore outings , and entertainment galore. Over the course of a week, friendships will tighten, new directions in life and work will become clear and surprises will surface along the way. A really quick, enjoyable read.. Don't ew all wish to have such supportive friends in our lives.

Yes - read it.

Not your usual Christmas romance. And for those of us wishing that the holidays will bring us a better year to satisfy our travel bug - it's particularly satisfying. Christmas story and cruise all in one!

The story started at a summer class reunion so I couldn't quite figure out how this was going to be read to get into the season with. But the four romances were fun & a great way to get into the holiday spirit.

I received an ARC from Netgalley to help me prepare my honest review.

An immensely enjoyable frothy holiday read about four high school friends who reunite at their class reunion in June and decide to vacation together for New Year's Eve if they are not in romantic relationships. Most readers will identify with Frankie, Amy, Nina, and Rachael who, in their mid-thirties, are seeking some type of change in their love life and careers. Deciding to travel together on a single's cruise, they enjoy the interests they share together, as well as taking part in individual pursuits that enrich their lives. Well worth a winter afternoon curled up on the couch reading. Thank you #NetGalley for the opportunity to read this.

Unfortunately, I did not enjoy Santa CruiseI love Christmas romances and I was really looking forward to reading this one. The book is overly description, a little unbelievable in some places , and takes too long for the cruise to happen. I’m sure there are lots of readers who will love this one but it was not for me. Thank you #netgalley for the opportunity to read #santacruise

This was a cute clean book about four friends who make a pact that if they are still single by Thanksgiving they will all go on a singles cruise for New Years. They are all on a journey of discovering themselves and a little bit mischief.
I really enjoyed this book.