Member Reviews
Definitely the perfect book to cozy up for the holidays. I love reading Christmas themed books during the month of December, and this one hit the spot! I loved the cast of characters, and that it was not only a romance, but about the love of family & strangers who become friends.
Riley Sanders loves her job as a copywriter at a marketing firm. But when her entire section is replaced by AI shortly before Christmas she's left reeling - until she learns that her widowed mother has broken her leg and needs some temporary help to run her inn on Cape Cod. She agrees that the timing is perfect and is happy to go home for the holidays to help out - but she plans to get back to her life and the job hunt in the big city as soon as possible. But the universe may have different plans.
The Christmas Inn is just the type of book I like to read as the winter holidays approach. It has all the cozy feels, a charming setting, and interesting characters to care about. I live in Florida because I only like cold weather in small, infrequent doses, but I can enjoy it vicariously with a good holiday book. This is a second-chance romance, a later-in-life romance, and just an all-around feel-good story. I listened to the audiobook, which was nicely narrated by Stephanie Németh-Parker, and can highly recommend the audio for those who like to read with their ears. However you chose to read, it's a lovely book for the holiday season.
Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for providing copies for an unbiased review.
While this book contributed to my annual dose of Hallmark-y Christmas fluff, it did not land for me as a holiday favorite. The storyline is cute - city girl returns to Cape Cod to help her injured mother with holiday season at the family business. She runs into an old boyfriend, there's a hunky handyman, and there's a charming side story about an older woman grieving her sister's death. However, the story pokes along with a ton of extraneous detail and dated references. One dude is described as "of average build" as though this were a police report. The descriptions are so over-detailed that I got annoyed - reminds me of when I had writing assignments due with a word count requirement and I'd go back in and add a bunch of extra words everywhere I could. Sigh - wanted to love it.
Pamela M Kelley doesn’t disappoint. The Christmas Inn is a perfect Christmas book. It will definitely put you in the mood for Christmas. If you love a good Hallmark movie this book is for you. I loved the cast of characters. It’s set in Cape Cod n a very cute small town.
Sweet holiday read, similar to a Hallmark movie. Enjoyed the characters and how their lives intersected at the Inn. The story is predictable but still enjoyable and full of cozy things like books, cinnamon tea and found family. Audio narration was great. Thanks to #macaudio2024 for the copy!
Another heartwarming book written by Pamela M Kelly. The characters are extremely likeable. This book is like a cozy hallmark movie that you don’t want to end. Riley loses her job in Manhattan right before Christmas but the timing works out. Her mother broke her leg so it’s a perfect time to go to Chatham to help out with her bed and breakfast. Of course there’s a love story! I listened to the audio version. Such a good holiday read.
Thank you NetGalley and MacMillian Audio for providing me with the arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
A cozy Christmas book to kick off the upcoming holiday season.
Riley Sanders didn’t plan on being without at job just before Christmas, but an unplanned trip home to Cape Cod might be just what the doctor ordered. She’s happy to help at the inn and thinks up new ways to drum up business to ensure the rooms stay booked.
Her trip home helps her to see how truly important family is and that second chances sometimes come along at just the right time.
I really enjoyed the narrator and felt she added to the telling of the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to an ALC of this novel. #NetGalley #TheChristmasInn
This was a warm and joyous holiday story. I very much enjoyed both the story and the narration. I particularly appreciated the three storylines about the three women, each at different stages in their lives. As I approach 60, I really enjoy reading about women of my age experiencing life on their terms.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This was such a delightful read, and precisely what I required to commence the holiday season. It evokes memories of the holiday movies I usually watch, particularly those featuring the wonderful characters we encounter and witness grow throughout the film. I relish cozy holiday movies with satisfying endings.
"The Christmas Inn" by Pamela M. Kelley is a heartwarming holiday romance that captures the magic of the season while exploring themes of love, family, and second chances. Set in a charming, picturesque inn, the story follows a protagonist who returns to her hometown to help manage the family business during the busy holiday season. Kelley’s writing is inviting and cozy, making readers feel as though they’re nestled in the warmth of the inn itself.
The characters are relatable and well-developed, each bringing their own quirks and backstories that add depth to the narrative. The chemistry between the lead characters is palpable, filled with both tender moments and playful banter that keeps the reader engaged. As the story unfolds, themes of forgiveness and rediscovery shine through, making it a perfect read for the holiday season.
Kelley does an excellent job of weaving in the festive atmosphere, with descriptions of decorations, traditions, and the spirit of community that enhance the story’s charm. The pacing is steady, allowing for both character development and the unfolding of a delightful romance.
Overall, "The Christmas Inn" is a delightful read that will warm the hearts of anyone looking for a feel-good holiday story. It’s an enchanting reminder of the joys of love and the importance of family during the most wonderful time of the year. Perfect for fans of cozy romances, this book is sure to leave you feeling festive and uplifted!
Special thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this audiobook. This was a cute and heartwarmingly happy holiday book.
The Christmas Inn is exactly as described and expected…a heartwarming romance novel that takes place on Cape Cod at Christmas time. The best part to me was the fact that it wove three different romances together, while building strong bonds and friendships between the women at the same time. I felt like I was listening to a Hallmark movie in audiobook form. Nothing groundbreaking, definitely cheesy, and so free from drama that you know it’s not real-life…but sometimes that’s exactly what you want! Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for my honest review!
Pamela Kelley's The Christmas Inn will warm your heart. For a romance, you can't go wrong with...the Christmas season, a Bed and Breakfast, snowfall, hot chocolate, and not one, nor two, but three romantic connections...on Cape Cod! Make your own cup of hot chocolate, or glass of wine, grab a copy of the novel, and ENJOY!
After losing her job right before the holidays Riley Sanders heads back to her home town of Cape Cod to help her injured mom run the family inn. Riley is at loose ends and not sure where to go from here. With no job, a relationship that seems to be falling apart and no plan of what to do next Riley must figure out what she truly wants. Spending Christmas surrounded by her family and friends is the perfect way to do that. In this second chance romance, there are multiple couples getting a second chance at love that had passed them by once before. Filled with holiday spirit, this is the perfect feel good holiday read.
I am always on the mood for sweet holiday romances and this one hit the mark. While the romance is very slow burning in most of the storylines in this book, so much more is explored than just that happily ever after. I really enjoyed following along with Riley as she realized what she really wanted out of her life, with her career and her heart. The intertwined storylines kept this book interesting and fun as we got to experience three different love stories in one. This is the perfect holiday romance to cuddle up on the couch with and get ready for the holiday spirit. If you are looking for a sweet, slow burning second chance romance this holiday season this book is worth picking up.
The Christmas Inn: A Novel by Pamela Kelley has a Hallmark Christmas movie feeling to it. This was a perfect escape from the lingering summer heat. Riley Sanders unexpectedly loses her job at the same time her mother has broken her leg. She goes home to help run the inn where her high school sweetheart is staying with his son. The great location and characters make this a heartwarming read.
Update: After reading this book, I was given the opportunity to listen to the audiobook and I enjoyed it even more. The narrator, Stephanie Németh-Parker, did a great job with both the female and male voices. It was easy to identify which character was speaking.
Thank you to the author, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Thank you to the author, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the Advanced Listener Copy (ALC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The Christmas Inn is a heartwarming and cozy story about second chances that feels almost magical.
Riley has just lost her job to computers and is feeling a bit down on herself. She goes to call her sister just to vent about life when she realizes that her mother has been injured and could use some help at her Inn. Riley travels home to Cape Cod and as luck would have it. It is just before the holiday season. There are a few guests at the Inn that make the story the heartwarming tail it is. Franny, a wonderful woman who is just lost. Her sister left her a series of letters to be opened over a series of weeks to gain a new experience then there’s Aiden and Luke, Riley‘s high school sweetheart, and his son. Each dealing with something different during a holiday season, but in a way coming together as a family in a way that I don’t believe any others could. There is friendship, self searching, and learning about oneself and finding family and places that you may be, didn’t know you could have.
The Christmas Inn is my first novel from author Pamela Kelley. I am happy to say that this was such a feel good story that I definitely have to be looking into her backlist with my hope to find more feel good stories for the upcoming holiday season.
I listen to the audiobook of this and my goodness did the narrator make the story come alive.
The Christmas Inn by Pamela Kelley is the kind of cozy, feel-good story that feels like wrapping yourself in a blanket on a snowy day. Riley heads back to her family’s inn on Cape Cod after unexpectedly losing her job, only to find herself helping her mom recover from a fall—and running into her high school boyfriend, Aidan. As Christmas approaches, Riley starts to rethink her fast-paced New York City life and her relationship with Jack, her always-busy lawyer boyfriend.
What really makes this book special is how it weaves together three different love stories, each from a different generation. It has all the warmth and charm of a Hallmark movie, though some of the detailed descriptions—especially around meals and drinks—did feel a bit repetitive.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Stephanie Németh-Parker, and while she did a solid job, it was sometimes hard to tell the characters apart. Still, if you’re a fan of sweet, clean romances and stories that leave you with that cozy holiday glow, The Christmas Inn is a great choice—especially with its triple happily-ever-afters.
Big thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for letting me enjoy this charming holiday read! 🎧🎄
Anything new and mind blowing? No but sometimes nothing heavy or even informative is fantastic. The audio was great, the narrative was sweet and controlled and I honestly sensed when Riley stepped into the Inn and took in the festive sights and smells.
A great story to add to your chick-lit holiday tbr list.
This was everything you want in a good holiday book! It was cozy and warm, chock full of holiday cheer! The plot was thoughtful and was nicely paced. I did a combination of Kindle and audio of this one and highly recommend both! The audio was lovely and very engaging.
I recently discovered the author Pamela Kelley earlier this year because I have a penchant for books set on Cape Cod, especially my favorite town of Chatham. If you are looking for a feel-good holiday romance, I'd definitely recommend this one!
Riley was just let go from her job in NYC when she learns her mother, who owns an inn on the Cape, has broken her leg. So Riley returns to the inn to help her mother run it over the busy holiday season. Her workaholic boyfriend remains in the city, but he promises to come visit. When Riley arrives at the inn, she learns that her ex-high-school boyfriend, who is now a widower, is a guest there, along with his son. As Riley begins to reconnect with him and his son, she also has to grapple with her job search, beginning to question where she truly belongs.
The novel also focuses on the lives of Riley's mom, sister, and other residents of the inn and town. I appreciated the fact that the romance element was not limited to Riley, nor focused only on the younger generation, as is typical in these types of novels. Overall, I recommend this if you want to get a jump start on the holiday season with a lighthearted multi-generational story set in a charming small town.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the e-book and audiobook arcs to review in exchange for my opinion.