Had no idea going into this that COVID was going to be such a big part of the book. I was going in thinking it was going to be a fun Christmas romcom. Unfortunately those aspects really kept me from truly enjoying the book. The narration was great!

This cute little novella dealt with a few heavy issues. While I don’t mind the “COVID” troupe, many may find it overbearing. I enjoyed the romance with older characters! It can be difficult to find mature characters. The love wasn’t easy to get and our FMC handled herself well. There was minor language and a few closed door scenes. Overall I enjoyed this short sweet novella.

I was excited to read this book as it takes place close to home. The story itself is decent. I understand the timing of the story but the repeated mentions of Covid vaccines was too much for me. We’re a pro choice family and we got the vaccine as well as boosters but I felt this was too much and took away from the actual plot.

The love with Deke and Katie was sweet even with the conflicts.

A good read for someone who wants a short love story of you can overlook the vaccine comments.

The narrator was very descriptive and not monotonous.

I had to look up if this was a re-release of a book that was originally published in 2020 because it was so heavily focused on the pandemic that it was not enjoyable. Although, even if it had been released then, I still think the content was so pandemic-forward that it just missed the mark. It was an experience we all lived, there is no need to reiterate social distancing, things being closed, being unable to travel, etc. in such an overt way.

★★★

A cozy romance novel set in a small harbor community along the Potomac. I loved the determination of the local women as they overcame personal challenges and embraced entrepreneurship to rebuild their community and boost tourism. It has festive vibes with plenty of holiday-inspired events and treats!

Santa Overboard was a cozy, enjoyable holiday listen. The story offered a warm and comforting escape. The author's writing style was easy to follow, and the pacing was well-balanced.

The narrator truly brought the story to life. Her voice was clear and expressive, and her performance added depth to the characters and emotions.
While the story itself didn't break any new ground, it was a pleasant way to spend a few hours. It's a solid choice for those seeking a light and heartwarming holiday tale.

Thank you for the ARC! This audiobook was adorable and cozy! However, I didn't really enjoy the COVID aspect of the book. I like to escape the real world at times and found that it kept bringing me back to that dreadful time. At times I felt like COVID was too overpowering in the story and I found myself not gravitating to want to click play and listen.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley
This was a cute, cozy read! I’m from the area the book was written about and loved so many familiar locations popping off the page.
The main thing that ranked this book lower for me was the overmention of COVID/pandemic-related things - it’s hard to avoid in the timeline of the book (2021) but felt like it was mentioned a little too much.
Would definitely be interested to read more by this author!

Unfortunately, this was almost a DNF for me. If I had known it would revolve around the aftermath of the pandemic (and focus SO heavily on it), I wouldn't have read it. At the first mention of the pandemic, even the second, I was like, "Ok this takes place after the pandemic, and she obviously went through the same things we all did." It was fine, but then I quickly realized the author took every opportunity she could to mention and encourage vaccination, travel being tricky, social distancing, and mentioning covid.

I felt that covid being such a heavy focus of the book took away from the author helping us because close to and know the characters. That being said I did enjoy the tight-knit female group and that it was an older middle age FMC. The narrator was also pretty good.

Although the whole thing fell flat for me, I thank NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Overall Rating: 3.25

This was a quick read for me. It took me no time at all to finish the read. Having not read the first book in this series, I did feel a little lost at some times but I got the overall concept of the story. I did enjoy it overall and really liked that it focused on main characters that were 40+. I liked that they focused on the real life issues of these individuals and how finding love late in life is possible but still comes with its own individual problems. Thought the characters were realistic and are relatable, I did not feel any connection with the MCs. Overall the story was a little lackluster and felt like I was missing some information (I'm not sure if its because I did not read the first installment) but the story can still be enjoyable if you need a quick Christmas read. I did not mind the reference to Covid but at times I felt like it was a little too much.

*Santa Overboard: A Potomac Shores Holiday* by Carolyn McBride is a delightful and heartwarming holiday romance that captures the spirit of the season while exploring themes of love, community, and second chances. Set in the charming backdrop of Potomac Shores, the story follows a cast of endearing characters as they navigate the ups and downs of holiday preparations, unexpected events, and rekindled relationships.

McBride's writing is warm and inviting, drawing readers into the festive atmosphere of the small town. The pacing is steady, allowing for both the lighthearted moments and the deeper emotional beats to resonate. The vivid descriptions of the holiday decorations, community events, and cozy settings help to immerse readers in the spirit of the season.

The characters are well-developed and relatable, each bringing their own unique quirks and challenges to the story. The central romance is sweet and engaging, built on a foundation of friendship and shared history. As the characters confront their pasts and the complexities of their lives, readers will find themselves rooting for them to find love and happiness amidst the holiday chaos.

Key themes of community, forgiveness, and the magic of the holiday season shine throughout the narrative. McBride beautifully illustrates how the bonds of friendship and family can be strengthened during times of joy and adversity, making the story resonate on a deeper level.

Overall, *Santa Overboard* is a charming read that will appeal to fans of holiday romances and cozy stories. Carolyn McBride delivers a heartwarming tale that combines humor, romance, and the spirit of giving, making it a wonderful addition to any winter reading list. Whether you're in search of a festive escape or a touching journey of love and connection, this novel will undoubtedly leave you feeling uplifted and merry.

I listened to this audiobook and didn't entirely know what to expect from it. I found the characters to be slightly irritating at times and I didn't particularly warm to them in the way I wanted to. The narrative was enjoyable, I liked listening to the events experienced by Katie but I just didn't feel a particular emotional attachment to her and this impacted the way I felt towards the book.

This novel brings us back to the Potomac Shores series in a wholesome, romantic Christmas story that brings back the Beach Bonfire Babes. This was a great jump into the holiday season and enjoyed learning about the unique holiday traditions especially the Ukrainian spider story. As women get older a lot of time it is more difficult to make female friends and often you may find ones you have no longer for into your life. I really appreciated the realness of the desire for connection and how when you are open those connections are still possible. As this novel also touches on loss due to COVID, I believe that loss of connection is even more prevalent. This feeling is so real and relatable. I enjoyed the growth of Katie and Deke's relationship and that Katie works to overcome her own insecurities. I loved the narrator and would highly recommend this novel for a jump into the holiday season 🎅🛥️🎄

Thank you Make Waves Press | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This one wasn't my favorite. I'm not sure if its the characters or the storyline I didn't relate to, but something kept me from being into it. I honestly struggled to finish this one which is super disappointing.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the audiobook.

I didn't realize this was a book about COVID. The pandemic was mentioned a million times and so were vaccines. It got old fast. It's clearly understood that the pandemic had an impact on her life. Overly stated. This was a pandemic book with romance.

The narrator did a great job!

Such a great story to start getting into the holiday spirit!
I listened to it while taking a road trip and it made my drive so enjoyable! I am excited to read more in this series!
I live in the DMV so I love that I can picture where everything is happening!

A joyful, satisfying read exploring relationships, friendships enriched with natural science and American history, all skillfully woven together by the author with dabs of humor, insight into the human condition, yummy food all while you do not even realize you are learning about nature and history.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!!

What a good book! I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I loved the main characters! They had great chemistry and worked so well together. I loved how the book just flowed. My first by this author but will not be my last!! I love a good Christmas book!!

Great short listen. I enjoyed the characters and the story. Instead of being the typical 30 somethings romance this was more of a mature woman romance.
There were a lot of side characters so I got a bit lost but overall I enjoyed the listen.

This book was well-written and engaging! Occoquan was captured perfectly, and I could vividly picture the town and its community. The narrator did a fantastic job. The characters were easy to differentiate and fun.

Unfortunately, the excessive reference to the pandemic was a turn off. Completely understand that COVID had such a huge impact on Katie’s life, family, friends, and community. However, as a reader, I lived it, too. And while COVID changed lives, it didn’t become an entire identity as seems to be the case with Katie and her friends.

Thank you to NetGalley and Make Waves Press for for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.