Unfortunately I could not get into this book. I’m a woman in my early 30s, like the characters in this book, and the way they spoke was just… inaccurate. Honestly I was thrown off within the first few pages just by the description of Frankie. I know that everyone is different but her accomplishments just seemed so out of reach for her age.

Frankie wanted to become a singer, so she attempted to do so after high school and it unfortunately didn’t go anywhere. So she started doing temp jobs to afford her rent, and has worked her way up (with no mention of school) to be the Vice President of a major publishing company in New York by the age of 33? I just don’t believe it. And I don’t necessarily need romance books to be totally realistic, but with the combination of that and how the characters spoke, I couldn’t get a clear picture of them in my mind because it seemed like they should be closer to 50.

Lastly, I was disappointed how late into the book the cruise actually begins. They board around 45%, which still leaves a good portion of the book left, but based on the description, I didn’t expect it to take until halfway through the book for the characters to go on the cruise.

So this wasn’t for me, but if you choose to pick it up, hopefully it will be for you!

Thank you to Kensington Books & NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book!

The premise of a 'twofer' tempted me – an escape from pandemic life and an armchair travel to a tropical destination.

I did get a quick, easy, clean, fluffy read and it accomplished both of the above.

However, a few details made this a 3 star read instead of the 5 star potential. Firstly, it took until almost halfway through the book until they boarded the ship. The lead up was agonizing and I skipped many details that I deemed as ‘filler’ details – they didn’t add to the plot. Secondly, there were a few things that an avid cruiser would know weren’t possible – 1/2h tenders, using tape to affix decorations, and the use of money on board. Thirdly, I felt that the author didn’t capture the 33-year-olds accurately nor didn’t have her finger on the pulse with popular songs and dance moves as well as clothing choices. The girls seemed much older. Finally, although I loved the focus on the food and shore excursions. it came at the loss of character development and emotional connection.

Despite the four points mentioned, this was a good read. Usually, I’m disappointed because the narrative gives way to an unpredictable open door romance. However, this one was billed as a romp on the high seas and it never happened….thankfully. I giggled seeing them transform into their former teenage selves complete with snarky comments and funny one liners. I loved reading about my favourite way to travel and found myself jealous of the girls getting to experience something I’ve not been able to enjoy due to the pandemic. Most of all, I appreciated the message that the author was trying to get across –

“We went on this cruise because we didn’t have dates, yet we came back with new opportunities in front of us.”

It was a good reminder to see the big picture, appreciate great friends, seize the moment, and indulge in self-care. Sometimes what we think we want isn’t what we need.

Publishes September 28, 2021.

I was gifted this advance copy by Fern Michaels, Kensington Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Two Thumbs Up for Fern Michael’s ‘Santa Cruise’. It has been awhile since I have read one of Ms Michael’s books, and I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Being a native New Yorker, and frequent cruiser, Ms. Michael’s expertly depicts the Caribbean cruising experience, and her characters are relatable and authentic. I highly recommend ‘Santa Cruise’.

It is the 15 year reunion at Ridgewood High School and 4 very close friends find themselves reconnecting. Nina is an actress in Hollywood, Amy is a bioengineer, Frankie works at a publishing house, and Rachel is now divorced and running a dance studio. They all realize that although they have all had success in their careers, they are all still single and none of them are happy about it. The 4 friends agree that they want to change this and agree to on a special holiday cruise together during Christmas time. Will they all find love?

Fern Michaels creates a fun vacation setting that pulls you in! I really enjoyed this sweet story of these old friends. There was plenty of humor and vivid setting descriptions that made you feel like you were on vacation too! For a light and easy read, check out SANTA CRUISE!

Many thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Fern Michaels is one of those authors that you know you are going to enjoy her books. Even if she's writing the Godmother series or just off on a tangent with a different story about brand new characters, it's guaranteed to be enjoyable. So when I read Santa, Cruise I felt a little disappointed. The story seemed really predictable and the characters weren't very memorable. Everybody dressed in great outfits, the food was fantastic and nothing bad ever happened. Everyone had a happy ending. But then about halfway through the book I realized something. Reading Santa, Cruise is like therapy. Every now and then the story doesn't have to be dramatic or scary or sad. Every now and then it's nice to think that good things do happen. It's nice to think that we can have lifelong friendships and great adventures together. And it's really nice to think that everyone can have a happy ending. So, if you need a little bit of therapy because of the madness of our world these days, I highly recommend Santa, Cruise. It is a Christmas book but you are on a tropical cruise so you get the most of both worlds. I voluntarily received a copy of this book from net galley.

I was excited to read this book, however it was a disappointment for me. The major players were portrayed as being older than they were. It also seemed as if the author was never on a cruise as she had money exchanging hands and they were able to get in the specialty restaurants very easily. Anyone that cruises knows you have to make reservations very early in the day or even days out and there is no money exchanged on the cruise everything is charged to the room.


** I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchnage for a honest review**

4 lifelong friends meet at their 15th class reunion and plan to go on a “singles” cruise after the holidays. They all meet someone and had a great time on the ship. I enjoyed this quick read and at times, I felt like I was on the cruise ship with them. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.

I was hoping for more from the Santa Cruise by Fern Michaels as I love Christmas stories and I've always enjoyed her novels. I was very disappointed in this one.

The 4 protagonists, in spite of being in their mid 30s sounded like a bunch of 50 year olds on their first singles cruise. So much time was spent describing their outfits (how many young, single women will go on a cruise ship and dress for dinner in capris and a top?) for each event, their apartments, the food and daily routine on the ship once they finally got on it that there was little space left for character development. I couldn't wait to finish the book, just so it was over. There were also several side stories that could have been left out because they had no bearing on the girls' cruise story. All in all I was disappointed in the novel. It could have been so much better.

Thank you to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review. #SantaCruise #NetGalley #Fern Michaels

4 ladies who have been estranged reunite at a high school reunion and plan a cruise for the holidays. When they’re together again, the sky’s the limit on fun and frolic. Delightful read.

I received an electronic ARC from Kensington Books through NetGalley.
Michaels shares the story of four high school friends who gather for their high school reunion. Each is yearning for something different and they decide to take a Singles Cruise over New Year's. Close to the first half of the book is spent on introducing the characters to the readers, and then the cruise begins. As it's a romance, yes, there are relationships that develop for each of the women, but the overall story is about each of them - Frankie, Amy, Nina, Rachael - finding confidence to take the next steps on their life journeys. There are moments when the story drags. However, readers will connect with these women and see themselves somewhere in this story.

SANTA CRUISE By Fern Michaels
Romance fiction
368 pages

In Fern Michaels adorable new holiday book we meet four women who bonded in high school but have since went their separate ways. They meet again at a high school reunion and all decide to go on a single cruise over Christmas holidays to unwind from life and just have some girls fun. Sounds like a good time but all 4 of these personalities together can cause some hilariously funny scenarios.

I love Fern Michaels books!!!!!! In my opinion her books are comfortable books when you want a good laugh or a delightful read either way. Her newest book is adorable with loving characters that make you fall in love with them and wish you were part of their possie. I highly recommend this book.

Santa Cruise takes us the trip of the season with 4 high school friends who lost touch over the years. They may not be where they thought they would be by now in life but a trip with old friends may be just what they need! They thought they were looking for love but they learn to love themselves first!

The characters were fun and the plot moved along nicely! It wasn't my typical "holiday" read but it was fun all the same!

It's been 15 years since they graduated from high school but Frankie, Rachel, Amy and Nina are still friends. And they all feel like they're missing something - romance. They decide to take a cruise together at Christmas and, well you can guess what happens. These four are all fairly successful but they're also a little immature, which could be a reversion to high school attitudes etc. when they're together. There aren't any surprises here but it makes for a good read to relax after a long day. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Oh to be able to cruise again.

For the experience of a cruise, this book goes into the details of one with four women. Sure, we meet other Cruise-goers but it’s how the lives of Frankie, Amy, Nina, and Rachael interact with others that will entertain you. Good friends that support you is encouraging and helps towards life’s uncertainties. The characters’ lives change for the better. The ending left me hanging (I needed more details about boyfriends) but maybe that was the author’s intention as this is the first book I’ve read by this popular author.

A group of friends decides to go on a cruise together if they don’t have dates for New Year’s Eve. They have adventure after adventure aboard the ship, and find new friendships and romances. This was an enjoyable, lighthearted story!

High school best friends decide to go on a singles cruise. This is a light, cute romance with some humor. There were a lot of characters to keep track of. I liked the characters, but there was a lot of focus on what the women were wearing that could have been left out. If you are looking for a predictable light romance this is it. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

This is a fun holiday read about strong women, friendship, family, evaluating life choices, recognizing what’s important, and finding love. I enjoyed the characters, the setting, and the positive, easy-going tone of the story.

High school best friends Amy, Frankie, Nina and Rachael all meet up at their 15 year high school reunion. They live in different parts of the country with success in their lives. All are currently single. They agree to all meet up again for a Christmas singles cruise. Having four different main characters all looking for love it takes a lot of to get their back stories, family and work connections and potential love interests all sorted out. In fact it isn't until 45 percent of the way through the book before they meet up for the cruise. The women are all lighthearted and fun and even though some have potential serious things going on nothing is treated overly seriously. There didn't seem time to have quiet conversations or reflective moments.

This is a clean, light and fluffy romance. Because there are several people to keep track of I wasn't really attached to any of them. One thing that stood out to me as odd is that none of these women sounded like they were 32-33 years old. It's the first book that while reading it I clearly knew it was written by someone much older. If I had to guess their ages by their talking I would have said mid 50s. I know Ferm Michaels has been writing for decades but if she is going to write contemporary romances someone needs to edit them for contemporary culture references. Flash mob dances and favorite movies from the 1990s date the characters. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Fern Michael’s books always seem to deliver just what I need at the time I read her latest. The Santa Cruise is about a fun single’s cruise with four friends who are living large. Will they meet someone special? Will they make career changes? The writing keeps the story moving along at a good clip. Each woman brought her own special magic to the plot. I did like Giovanni the best for the possible love interests. It’s a fun frothy read without the emphasis on the holiday, instead cruising to warm climates. Exchange your sleigh for a cruise ship.

What's not to love ? One of my go to authors and the holidays it was easy to read and enjoy this! Great story and characters I read it in A sitting! I highly recommend this book to all lovers of this author and ones that have been waiting to read her work!