First, let me thank St. Martin’s Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. Pamela Kelley has an uncanny ability to draw a reader in to her novels. She makes them relatable to everyone. The Christmas Inn is like walking into a Hallmark movie on Cape. Cod.

Riley, unexpectedly loses her job in content marketing right before Christmas. She finds out from her sister, Amy, that their mother who owns an inn, has broken her leg. Perfect time for Riley to go home and help out while looking for a new job. Riley does a little sprucing up of her mom’s social media and website to help increase business before Christmas Stroll. Currently, the inn is home to Riley’s widowed former boyfriend, Aiden and his son, Luke as well as Franny, who is grieving the loss of her sister. Riley’s workaholic, atty BF, Jack is anxious about her finding a new job. He has never met her family and decides to come for stroll weekend. As luck would have it, a disaster happens at the law office which throws Jack into work mode. With the threat of a snowstorm, he darts back to NY. As Riley settles in, she finds what she’s been missing - family, friends and most of all, love. If you like a lighthearted love story, this book is for you.

If you follow Ms. Kelley on social media, you’ll find a lot of her in her novels i.e. wine preferences, restaurants that she likes, authors, even cats (ironically, this cat has the same name as mine).

Just the right touch of predictable holiday romance and reality. While thoroughly Hallmark Christmas worthy, "The Christmas Inn" manages to stay homey and realistic. Now, true, the characters all seem to be reasonably well off financially, which isn't necessarily the norm, but they are relatable and quite likable. Riley, our main character, has just lost her marketing job in Manhattan -- and AI plays a role -- but doesn't hesitate a moment when her sister calls and tells her their mother has broken a leg and needs help at their B & B. Never mind that Jack, her driven, workaholic lawyer boyfriend can't go along. She's fine with that. Or, so she thinks. I mean, her former boyfriend, Aiden Shaw, now a widower, and his son are staying at the B & B while their home is having some necessary work done. Also at the B & B is Franny, who is spending some time in town after his sister's death. Her sister left a series of letters for her with instructions to read them one at a time, one per week. These are shared throughout the book and one almost feels pangs of sorrow at what a wonderful person that sister was that we're only getting to know through her letters to Franny.

And, let's see, let's not forget Sean, the worker/handyman who comes to do some much needed repairs to a couple rooms at the B & B. Although Riley's mom, Beth, lost her husband some time ago, she's suddenly aware that, well, she's attracted to Sean, who is divorced. His mom hits it off with Franny, who enjoys not just her company but that of the book club members she meets as a result. And, oh, I can't forget Riley's cat, Lily, who Riley does take home with her, sans the boyfriend. That's the main cast but the others who pop in and out are also relatable and likable, making this a delightful bunch to virtually hang around with.

I won't detail the plot, that's what blurbs are for, but will say that the themes of second chances, family, personal growth, moving on, the optimal work-life balance, and discovering that maybe what you once thought you needed isn't that at all weave through the narrative. This being a "Hallmark" type romance, you know there will be speed bumps and detours along the way but, well, I know I'm not spoiling anything by saying you also know it'll all work out in the long one. Family is who you choose to make family. And, oh, second chances, plural, abound. Will Riley leave Madison Avenue for life at the B & B (and Aiden)? Will Franny stay or go and, hey, maybe that mystery man she spied might play a role? How about Jack? He seems work and advancement driven but is he a good or bad guy? And....and, well, you get my drift. Lots for these characters, who I genuinely liked, to work their way through to find true happiness. Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress - #StMartin'sGriffin for introducing me to Riley and the rest early so I could enjoy the season with them. This is my first book by this author but it definitely won't be my last.

This is a sweet holiday read. The Christmastime setting on the Cape was charming. The characters even referenced that the town was similar to a Hallmark movie, and this book gives off a Hallmark movie vibe. There are also nods to bookstores, reading, and book clubs. There was also a great cast of characters and a sense of friendship, family, and community.

The pacing was a bit uneven for me, with the ending wrapping up much quicker than the slower pace of most of the book. Foodies will likely appreciate the numerous descriptions of daily cheeses, wines, and other foods that the characters shop for, prepare, and consume.

This was a pleasant and easy read, and it is definitely one to pick up if you enjoy Christmas women’s romantic fiction.

I thoroughly enjoyed this holiday offering. The characters were engaging, the storyline was driven by just enough drama, and the town of Chatham on Cape Cod was a beautiful setting.

Riley suddenly finds herself laid off when the NYC marketing company she works for decides to eliminate her entire department and rely on AI. Still in a bit of shock from the turn of events, she discovers her mother has broken her leg and is having significant challenges running the Bed and Breakfast inn that she owns. Riley decides to leave her Manhattan apartment and return home to Chatham to assist her mother. It also provides her with much-needed time to sort out her relationship with her workaholic boyfriend and explore new career possibilities. As the story unfolds Christmas is approaching and Riley begins to reevaluate her life as she makes new friends, reconnects with family, and spends time with her ex-boyfriend and his son.

Hallmark movies are a favorite holidays tradition for Riley and her family, and this novel could easily be adapted for a wonderful seasonal film. There is an abundance of wholesome romance that leads to a feel-good ending.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

The Christmas Inn is a feel good holiday story that will tug at your heartstrings and make you believe how magical the season can be.
Riley loses her job when her department is eliminated, and she becomes restless and ready for a change.
When her sister mentions their mom broker her leg, Riley drives to Cape Cod immediately, to help her mother run their inn.
There's plenty of love, holiday spirit, romance, and more in this book and I enjoyed every minute of it.
The story is well done without being over done, it has the perfect balance of reality and romance, and makes this the perfect weekend story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.

Returning home to help her mother is exactly what needs after she is let go so that an AI can have her job. Sadly, it’s obvious her workaholic boyfriend is more interested in his coworker than her troubles. But her ex boyfriend is now a widower and is glad she’s home. Her mom Beth is happy to see her too…broken leg and all. The two work together to increase traffic at their b and b with Beth meeting handsome handyman Sean along the way. Fun and light—reminiscent of a Hallmark movie.

The Christmas Inn by Pamela Kelley. I loved this Christmas story of love and hope. We need to be able to read stories such as this one. Reading a Christmas story when it’s 100 degrees out helps you cool off.

Pamela Kelley is my favorite author for many reasons. Her books always include relatable, interesting characters. The description of the local scenery and locations always make the reader want to visit or perhaps even move there. Finally, Pamela's story lines always leave the reader asking for a sequel. The Christmas Inn contains all of these attributes. Once I started reading about Beth and her daughter Riley, I could not put the book down. Riley had recently lost her job in Manhattan and comes home around the holidays to help her mother at the Inn. Beth had broken her leg and is on crutches. She needs help running the Inn during the busy holiday season. and Riley is more than happy to help. Riley is surprised that her high school sweetheart and his son are staying at the Inn. She is happy to see him again, but she is in a relationship with a very busy Manhattan lawyer. Meanwhile Beth and Frannie (a guest at the Inn and former Chatham resident) are beginning to date interesting men. To see how all of these relationships develop, you will have to read The Christmas Inn. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a sweet Christmas story. Fans of Pamela Kelley will not be disappointed.

Riley Sanders got laid off from her job as a content marketing manager just before Christmas, so she decided to go home and help her mother at the inn, because she broke her leg. I loved reading what her life was like before she lost her job, and what is happening in her life now, and as the book was coming to an end who she is and what she is doing in life. It was nice meeting the people who were visiting the inn at this time, and the community members, who were so welcoming.
I received an ARC from St. Martin's Griffin through NetGalley,

I requested to read and review this book for free from St. Martin Publishing Company. I know this story is set during Christmas but it truly could be read at anytime. It has some drama, romance, mystery. Riley life is going just the way she thought she wanted it to but then she loses her job. Deciding she needs to regroup she heads home. Will heading home help Riley find a new job and anything she is missing out on? Or will going home to regroup realize she has everything she wants. Beth loves what she does ans is happy or is she? Adian and his son Luke had a big loss a couple of years ago. Can they truly be happy or is the loss to big for them to open their hearts to anything new or old? This story is f0r a mature reader and can be read anywhere!

Heartwarming read. Riley is blindsided when the job of her dream lays her entire department off. Her return to her childhood home to help her injured Mom brings new eyes to see her life is not as great as she thought she’d been living. Enter an ex boyfriend and his son and multiple other new friends and she questions her goals in life. Very good read. I was given an advanced reader copy of this book by NetGalley and I am freely sharing my review.

It’s been awhile since I read a book in a day, stuff always gets in the way. I was under the weather yesterday so decided I needed a feel good story to lift my spirits today. Besides it’s the usual scorching summer season in Texas and it’s my favorite time to read a story set at Christmastime with snow. What could be better than beach, ocean waves on Cape Cod, a charming B&B and going home to family. All of the characters had personal journeys, grief, betrayal, getting laid off, breaking a leg, losing loved ones, new beginnings, careers and lost love rediscovered. There are young, midlife, senior, new and old family and friends. I loved them all and I needed their inspiration. Yes, the story is like a Hallmark movie and I knew what to expect, and I unabashedly loved it. In this crazy world of politics, war, divide and economic unrest, I needed hope. I needed a story to lift my spirits and make me laugh and cry. Thank to St. Martin’s Publishing via NetGalley for providing an Advance Reader Copy of The Christmas Inn by Pamela Kelley. Publication expected 09/24/2024. If you love a good family drama with romance this is for you!

The Christmas Inn is as comfy and entertaining as a Hallmark Christmas movie. If you are a fan of a heartwarming story with no unpleasant surprises, you’ll love this book.

Although the story of Riley, who goes back to Cape Cod to help her mother at her mother’s bed and breakfast is the main one, this book also features the stories of several women who are at a crossroads in their lives. The descriptions of life in the town and the villagers makes for a lovely escape into their world. The women are all capable and supportive of each other. I loved reading how Riley’s tech marketing skills helped her mother’s inn. I also relished love reading about how they upgraded the inn’s services and what they cooked for breakfasts. And finally, the musings on an optimal life work balance made for an interesting read.

Women helping other women, romances for people of a variety of ages, and the small town charm made for delightful escapism.

The Christmas Inn brings that warm, holiday spirit no matter what time of year you read it. Riley has been laid off, replaced by AI. Her boyfriend, Jack, is a lawyer working his way up to partner, but putting in exceedingly long hours, so they hardly ever see each other. Riley’s mom owns a B&B on Cape Code and recently broke her leg and could use some help, so Riley heads home. The guests at the inn include an old boyfriend of Riley’s and his young son, an older woman whose sister recently died, and there is a carpenter that Riley’s mom is drawn to. There is snow, Christmas activities, lots of yummy food and congenial company, and happy endings all around. Riley eventually returns to New York, but will she find her happy ending there?
I loved this book and it is the perfect Christmas novel.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

A beautifully written novel about second chances, recognizing what you truly value at any age and being content. Great supporting characters that become family of the heart. Realistic situations. No bad guys. Clean read.

Riley Sanders, marketing manager, living in Manhattan, and spending rare moments with her boyfriend Jack who's on the fast tract to becoming a partner in a Law firm is content until she loses her job because of the introduction of AI. Before Riley can think about what's next in her career, her sister Amy calls and tells her their mother has broke her leg and needs help running the Chatham Coastal Inn along the shores of Cape Code. Riley heads home to help out and enjoy her family during the Christmas holiday.

After Riley arrives she finds her 1st love Aiden Shaw who's now a widow and his 9 yr. old son Luke staying at the Inn while their home is being repaired. As Riley and Aiden reconnect they realize that they still have strong feelings for each other, but the reason why they broke up was because Riley wanted to leave her small town for the big city lifestyle while Aiden always knew he would return home and take over his father's business. Riley will have to decide if what she thought she needed and wanted has changed. Maybe working and living in the city isn't the answer to happiness after all.

The Christmas Inn by Pamela Kelley is a lovely story of love old and new in Chatham Massachusetts, a small town near Cape Cod. Riley has moved home from Manhattan temporarily after being laid off from her marketing job in December to help her Mom Beth run the bed and breakfast she owns.

Beth broke her leg and can’t perform her usual duties on crutches and December isn’t a great time to look for a new job anyway.

Meanwhile Beth’s old boyfriend Aidan who was widowed three years ago and his nine-year old son are staying at the bed and breakfast because their house flooded and had to be repaired and will be there through Christmas and New Year’s. Riley and Beth decide to make Christmas special for them.

There’s also an older widow Franny who used to live in Chatham who came back to see her sister Ella but she was sick and just died. Ella left Franny four letters to read one a week. Franny will also be staying through Christmas and New Year’s.

She spends time with her Mom and her sister and 4-year old nieces and makes snowmen with Aidan and Luke.

Franny meets her first love again who is also widowed and back from the West Coast. He’s now the owner of her favorite cheese shop in town.

Even Beth mets a new person. She starts going out with a builder named Sean who comes to fix problems with two rooms in the bed and breakfast and they hit it off. Things take off from there.

Every one eats lots of dinners in and in restaurants together and there are lots of Christmas movies and hot chocolates on couches.

As the weeks go on, Riley starts to really love Chatham again but then gets a job offer in Manhattan with her boyfriend’s firm. She takes it and moves back to her apartment but misses Chatham.

Will she stay in New York or move back to Chatham? Will love win? You’ll have to read this wonderful story to see.

A book by Pamela Kelley always touches my heart from the beginning. Her loveable characters come to life on the page, and often a few from previous books either make an appearance again, or they are mentioned. In this book comments of previously beloved characters which is very much like catching up with a friend.
The entire marketing department where Riley had a successful career was laid off, being replaced by AI. When the shock wears off, Riley realizes the timing is actually good since her mother could use some help managing her B&B after she suffered a broken leg when falling off a ladder. Riley rents a car, leaving Manhattan and her very driven lawyer boyfriend, Jack, behind, and heads for her hometown in Cape Cod to spend a few weeks helping her mother.
Upon arrival, Riley jumps right in doing whatever her mom needs help with, including using her marketing and writing skills to promote the B&B online to increase business. She also discovers her high school sweetheart who lost his wife three years earlier is living at the B&B with his 8-year-old son, while his house is being restored. Aiden and Riley renew their friendship and enjoy some activities together with 8-year-old Luke, all the while, making it clear she has a boyfriend back in Manhatton.
As Christmas approaches, a few intriguing stories emerge about the guests at a B&B in Cape Cod during the holiday season in the winter. This touching story truly is a testament to the truth that family isn’t necessarily those we are related to but those we care about and hold close in our hearts.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and comments are my own.

For many reasons other than just that we share a name, Pamela Kelley is one of my favorite authors. I very much enjoyed her new book. I’ve loved all the beach reads and now we can add a Christmas story to the mix. Pick this one up for sure!

The perfect Christmas cozy happily ever after (by the end) novel centered around a bed and breakfast inn during the holiday. The cast of characters is so likeable I wanted to move to their town. Long lost loves, soul searching, family ties- all the things that make the holidays and Hallmark movies sworn worthy.

This is the story of a woman, Riley, who loses her job shortly before Christmas. She worked at a job she loved in New York City. She worked for a tech company that is now replacing the entire department with AI . Her boyfriend is an attorney on track to become a partner in a very important firm. She believes her life is very good.

She returns home, when she finds that her mother, Beth, has broken her leg and will need help with her Inn in Chatham Mass. It is nearly Christmas and we are reminded more than once that Chatham looks like a picture on a Christmas card.

The story is about both Riley and Beth finding new paths in life. It is also about the supportive friends and family who surround them.

The story is an easy read and there are no real surprises. These lives are lives of ease. And any drama is addressed and fixed relatively quickly.

There are slow spots where things seem to be repetitive. And I really got over the discussions of wines and cheese and foods. It felt as times as though the meals were more important than the character’s actions.

Ms Kelly is a very talented writer. I would have enjoyed this more if there were more depth to the relationships.

I received the book from the publisher. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are completely my own.