Christmas on Main Street (Shelter Bay Book 7)

"Christmas in Shelter Bay"

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Bridey has a bad marriage behind her, one that sucked the joy out of her until she got out of it and came home. Her ex also did a number on her self confidence. Seth has had problems with women who are more interested in what he is rather than who he is. He is also rather insecure around people because he occasionally has problems with stuttering. Their romance is slow building as they take the time to get to know each other.

I loved seeing Seth's happiness at having the chance to build Bridey's shelves for her. Having the time alone with her as he builds those shelves before the store opens gives them both the chance to get really comfortable with each other. I loved seeing Seth's inner sexiness start to come out as his feelings for Bridey grew. I also enjoyed seeing the way that Bridey used her baking as a way to reach out to Seth. She starts out a little hesitant, but the more she gets to know him the stronger her feelings get. I loved seeing her get her confidence back as Seth's attentions get more intense.

I loved seeing Seth come to her defense against her ex-husband's nastiness, even though it blew his secret before he had a chance to explain. I was happy to see that there wasn't too much heartache before Seth and Bridey were able to resolve their differences. The ending was really sweet.

Four very enjoyable stories, sweet with a hint of sexy, all taking place in small town America making them a delightful holiday treat! Christmas in Shelter Bay by Joann Ross 4. I loved this story of unrequited love that was meant to be and helped along with what seemed like both their families and half the town. It was easy to see that Kelli held quite a bit of animosity towards Cole from something that happened the year before but even she was unable to deny her feelings and hopes from him.

I enjoyed the ploy to shove them together and the fact that once they realized they wanted to be together they went full speed ahead. Their story was far from perfect but it was entertaining and sweet, yet sexy as well. A Seaside Christmas by Susan Donovan 4. This story had many fun and funny moments as well as some super steamy ones as well featuring a few select passages from some romance books written by the heroine. I enjoyed this quirky town with their strange little beliefs but most of all I really enjoyed watching these two fall in love.

They are very different people now and honestly I was a little taken aback by how much hurt the heroine was still carrying after so many years. Despite that, it was hard not to like this story because of the magic of the holiday, the uniqueness of the town, and all of the characters involved.

When Clint left town in hopes of having a shot as a player in the major leagues he left behind Ava. Never in all the years has he contacted her even when he was in town to see his Dad, something that still bothers her until this day. So, when he returns to help his father through a health crisis and finds himself regretting the way he left and wanting her even more than he did back then he sets out to prove he can be the man she needs.

This was a cute story filled with some great holiday moments and centered around a town I think most people dream about being a part of. The Christmas Gift by Alexis Morgan 5 stars This is one of those Christmas love stories that just brings a smile to your face and makes your heart happy. Bridey owns a coffee shop bakery in the small town of Snowberry Creek , WA. I love the way these two kind of tip toed around each other until Seth found a way to spend more time with her and although I was a little disturbed he was keeping a big part of himself from her I could understand why he did it.

It made my heart happy to see this man who was having such a hard time with his art become so relaxed and feeling such a piece of the community that his creativity was unleashed. I loved this couple and the time they spent together both getting to know each other and having sexy fun. Aug 21, Michele rated it really liked it. I only read the Susan Donovan portion of the book Oct 15, Doris rated it really liked it.

Excerpt: "Christmas in Shelter Bay"

Four Christmas novellas, four authors, all with blissful endings. Aug 23, Kimberly rated it liked it Shelves: Of course, both of their families can tell the two of them are perfect for one a 3.

Of course, both of their families can tell the two of them are perfect for one another, so with a bit of joint scheming and a snowstorm to aid them, Kelli and Cole will find themselves in a cozy cabin for the holidays. If the story had been a bit longer, perhaps the progression of their relationship would have felt more natural. Close quarters and mutual desire leads to them burning up the sheets pretty fast. I enjoyed Nat and Annie, but I felt their story could have used a bit more development. Clint and Ava were high school sweethearts whose paths took them in different directions.

Bridey is a sweetheart of a pastry chef who has been burned by her ex and has since devoted herself to her bakery. The two of them have been circling one another for a while, but with a little nudge, their romance begins to blossom. There was something so sweet about Seth and Bridey that I found myself smiling time and again while reading their story.

Christmas on Main Street is a wonderful collection of small town romances. As with any anthology, readers are sure to like some stories better than others. Oct 12, Cocktails and Books rated it really liked it. Christmas on Main Street is an anthology that mixes small town living with and Christmas romance to start the holiday season off right. Four seasoned authors with four different romances all work together to bring a book that is sure to bring Christmas cheer. All four authors provide the reader with an enjoyable, if a bit fast paced, book about the holiday season, and the power of love within a small town.

Home on leave from the Marines, Cole is at a loss of what direction he wants his life and career to go, but he knows he wants to make up with his former friend Kelli because the previous Christmas ended in an argument. A conspiracy by the town matchmakers leaves the two stuck in the same cabin, and both friends are forced to work through their differences and try to figure out what their relationship will be. Kelli reminds me of one of those old souls who knows exactly what she wants, mainly Cole, and shows a maturity beyond her years to try to get it.

Although Cole has feelings for Kelli he fights them for several reasons, and has to determine whether he is better off with her or without her in his life. Although both are struck dumb by their instant attraction, their previous relationships and current career goals serve as stumbling blocks. Annie is well known for her short affairs that generally only last through a season, while Nathaniel struggles with his restlessness with both his life and career choices.

Both have to overcome their own insecurities to see if their relationship is worth having, but their story will grip you until the end. Add to this as colorful cast of characters, including a mermaid fan club, and you have a Christmas story sure to entertain. His plan to woo her is touching, and his reasons for staying away for so long will make your heart break for him.

The two try to muddle through past hurt and previous mistakes to see if their love is worth saving. Seth Kyser is in Snowberry Creek to take a much needed vacation after his artistic muse seems to be gone. All he wants is to reclaim his talent, but what he finds is Bridey, the local bakery owner.

He desperately needs a friend away from the artistic world, and you can really feel his yearning for some normalcy as he connects with someone else. Bridey understands that desire for something more, having stepped down from her fast paced prestigious restaurant career for the slower pace of Snowberry Creek, but she is unaware that the guy she believed to be unemployed is not so.

The only issue I had was the fact that he did not disclose his identity to Bridey until almost too late because of his own insecurities and his lack of trust in a woman who had proven herself to him several times already. Despite that, it was a book sure to brighten the holiday spirits. Reviewed by Lucy for Cocktails and Books Nov 23, Book Reading Gals rated it really liked it Shelves: But when the local matchmakers conspire to send them to a seclud Title: I'm a sucker for a good Christmas story.

Some of my favorite authors I've found because of reading them in a Holiday Anthology. So when I got this anthology I knew it was was going to be good.

I normally break up the individual stories when reviewing an anthology because sometimes there is one book that is just meh, but I have to say that I loved all the books in this collection. They flowed almost seamlessly into each other, even though they all tool place in different parts of the country. There was a recurring theme through out them all, that of second chances. Oh and they all took place in a small town.

What I loved about this book is that Cole realizes almost immediately the mistake he'd made the previous year when he was home on leave in regards to Kelly and sets out to correct it It's a cute, fun, quirky story with a cast of secondary characters that makes your head shake and double to check to make sure your grandma and her cronies are safe and sound in their homes and not out causing mischief.

Her story of high school sweethearts who reconnect years later, and realize that it's only ever been and only ever will be each other, was the perfect Christmas story. It had everything I love and look for in a contemporary romance.

Alexis Morgan's, The Christmas Gift while it was enjoyable didn't draw me in as much as the other books. I think it was more the fact I simply didn't connect with the characters. I had no point of reference for them. This doesn't mean the story wasn't worth reading, it was, as the story was really good.

Overall this is a great holiday collection to have. Nov 18, Elizabeth rated it really liked it. Kelli, being eight years younger, has had a crush on Cole since she was very young and been in love with him for years. Cole is ignorant to her feelings until all of the sudden this Christmas he decides that he wants to pursue here.

As she goes to investigate she finds a man unconscious on her doorstep. Is this a Christmas miracle or the work of the Great Mermaid herself?

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Susan Donovan is a new author to me and I absolutely loved this story. The dialog and the characters had me laughing out loud and I loved the light-hearted feel of it. The romance was fast and hot and the spirit of Christmas was not far behind. I am well and truly a Susan Donovan fan now and I look forward to reading more about the people and the mermaid legend of Bayberry Island. Boy meets girl, boy dates girl for two years. Boy gets baseball scholarship and breaks up with girl.

Girl pines for boy for 15 years.

Kindle Editions

When boy finally shows back up and wants to rekindle what they had, girl is hesitant. Slowly she lets her guard down and allows him into her heart. Will he break it again or has he truly changed and girl can finally claim the man of her dreams? Has cupid cast his arrows upon Bridey or will she get her heart broken again by this quiet, mysterious stranger? I loved this story! Seth is quiet for a reason; he sometimes speaks with a stutter so he often stays silent.

Oct 15, Ellie rated it really liked it. Every story is part of a larger series but I had no problem understanding what was going on in the series that I have not read yet. I liked some of the stories better than others but overall it is a great book to get you into the holiday season. I love this type of romance where both people have loved the other for a long time and come back together later in life. Kelli and COle are very sweet, funny and romantic and really got me eager for Christmas.

Sadly this book started off with Kelli and COle because they were my favorite couple and things just go south from here. B I was nervous about A Seaside Christmas, mostly because I was unfamiliar with the series and it has to do with mermaid lore. I was pleasantly surprised to find this the funniest of the four novellas and had some very steamy chemistry.

Annie and Nat are very cute and have some fun banter that keeps things moving very quickly and before I knew it everything was done. As I mentioned I have not read this series but I do plan to after reading A Seaside Christmas because I cannot wait to see what happens next on this crazy island. When things did pick up I really enjoyed watching these two reconnect and fall back in love. I did really enjoying seeing all of my favorite Cricket Creek characters and this got me very excited for the sixth installment of the series that is coming out soon.

This was by far the biggest disappointment and the novella I was looking forward to the most. I found Seth and Bridey to be boring. Dec 18, Tracy rated it did not like it Shelves: I should start this review with the disclaimer that I'm not a usual reader of romances—pretty much for the reason that romance novels drive me crazy. There's little to no substance in a way of plot, with medicore writing—the sentimental crap that seems to be reserved for people that aren't readers of serious literature or any kind of serious fiction or nonfiction, readers who only want to barely pay attention to what they're actually reading because all they really want to get to is the sex scen I should start this review with the disclaimer that I'm not a usual reader of romances—pretty much for the reason that romance novels drive me crazy.

There's little to no substance in a way of plot, with medicore writing—the sentimental crap that seems to be reserved for people that aren't readers of serious literature or any kind of serious fiction or nonfiction, readers who only want to barely pay attention to what they're actually reading because all they really want to get to is the sex scenes.

Christmas on Main Street - Book 7, Shelter Bay Series - Author JoAnn Ross

If I sound judgy, it's because I am. I am a serious reader of all kinds of serious readings, but every now and then, I think it might be okay to give another romance—usually a holiday romance again, due to the super sappy but still adorably sweet Hallmark Channel Christmas movies this time of year, I let myself think that a romance will be "okay" —but it's never okay and ususally, I'm extremely disappointed I wasted any time "giving another one a try".

Well, this one was no exception. I gave up after about 30 pages because I could not take another second of Kelli's relentless pining over Cole, even while she's on a date with a guy named Brad, her thoughts keep turning to Cole, of how she wants to lick his face and how much she wants him to see that she's "been here all along", like that annoyingly overplayed Taylor Swift song. Meanwhile, Cole was having thoughts that seemed like they were of course written by a female author.

After that first horrible trainwreck, I attempted to give the others a try—but I absolutely hated the characterization and dialogue and awful images of middle-aged, lifelong smokers wearing nothing but seashells and latex mermaid tails and cursing like sailors of the next story, so after that, I threw in the towel. It's my own fault, I should know better than to pick up this crap, even for the cheap 50 cents at the library book sales. Christmas in Shelter Bay- Cole is home from services and must make a decision about recommitting. With a little magic, and some interference by the local matchmakers these too might just find love for the holidays.

A Seaside Christmas- takes place on Bayberry Island where a mermaid legend says that the statue in the square can help you find true love. Close your eyes and believe in the power of the legend and love. Mistletoe on Main Street- is a second chance love in Cricket Creek. It is the type of small town everyone dreams of living in. The romance was sweet between Ava and Clint. This had moments of humor, growth and inspiration.

Ava made me giggle from page one. While the ending felt a little rushed, it left me with a happy feeling. The Christmas Gift- a cupcake shop is at the center of this tale and I can still smell the coffee and cinnamon. I adored Seth and his shy mannerism. The town was magical and side characters sparked my interesting. This is also a foodie tale prepare to drool over cupcakes and tortes. This was perhaps my favorite romance in the collection, and I would love to revisit this town again.

Nov 08, Pam rated it really liked it. A great way to start the season, Christmas on Main Street is about spending the holidays with family and friends in small town America. This is a collection of four stories that warm the heart during this wonderful time of year. JoAnn Ross takes us to Shelter Bay, Washington where Kelli is trying to deal with the fact that Cole, a man who she has loved forever has come home from Afghanistan with a decision to make. She has been in love with Cole for as long as she can remember, it will take both A great way to start the season, Christmas on Main Street is about spending the holidays with family and friends in small town America.

She has been in love with Cole for as long as she can remember, it will take both their families to make him realize what he really wants in life. Nathaniel is a producer from LA visiting the area before they film, unfortunately he ends up hurt and is rescued by Annabeth a local shop owner, she nurses him back to health and long time residents realize their situation is reminiscent of the original legend from a hundred years ago.

Clause to his Santa. Pete comes home to help his father and maybe get a second chance with Ava. And Alexis Morgan revisits Snowberry Creek where Bridey, a local baker and coffee shop owner helps bring artist Seth his gift back. The stories are heartwarming and fill you with the Christmas spirit.

All four stories have a bit of heartbreak and forgiveness along with the support of family and friends, just what you need during this time of year. Copy from publisher for an honest review Please see individual stories for review. Dec 28, Heather rated it liked it. Great Christmas stories, will definitely be checking out some of the series to see what I think. Dec 18, Janga rated it really liked it.

Three of these authors share Christmas in fictional small towns which will already be familiar to some readers. Her first Bayberry Island novel will be released December Three of these authors share Christmas in fictional small towns which will already be familiar to some readers.

Her first Bayberry Island novel will be released December 3. While familiarity will doubtless please fans of the series, a reader can enjoy all four novellas without having read the novels that precede them. All four stories have the charm and warmth readers anticipate in Christmas romance fiction. They are all low on conflict and high on Christmas festivities and sweetness. The anthology is designed to be a quick, easy, feel-good holiday reading experience for those who like celebrating the season with Christmas romances.

It satisfies on all those counts. I recommend it served with your beverage of choice and Christmas tree lights twinkling in the background. See full review at: Nov 05, Kelly at rated it really liked it Shelves: Review will be posted at www. Christmas in Shelter Bay: This was a sweet little christmas story of a love that has been growing since before they even understood what true love was.

While Kelli has always know that Cole was the one for her it has taken Cole just a tad bit longer to realize that his life will never be complete without Kelli. Adding a meddling family and you have a really fun story. A Review will be posted at www. It was an interesting twist on a christmas story, but was not for me. Mistletoe on Main Street: This was a good story. But while 15 years have past neither of them have forgot the love they shared. But it might take a christmas miracle to get Ava to open her heart up to him again.

Paperback Editions

This was my favorite story in this anthology. I loved that these two were so perfect to each other. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review. Oct 01, Stacy rated it liked it Shelves: I won this book as a FirstRead. Christmas on Main Street contains four romance novellas centering on Christmas and small town themes. In Christmas in Shelter Bay, Kelli grew up with a crush on her older brother's best friend, and he has finally noticed that she has grown into a woman.

Their families conspire to send them to a secluded cabin so they can confess their feelings to each other. After arriving, he slips and falls in front of the house of Annie, an author and baker of mermaid erotica, and ends up recuperating in her bed. This story contained few Christmas references, and I kept forgetting it was part of a Christmas collection. In Mistletoe on Main Street, Clint returns home after being away 15 years and wants to rekindle his romance with high school sweetheart Ava.

She is shocked to see him back in town and playing the Santa to her Mrs. Claus in the town parade. In The Christmas Gift, Bridey is excited when the handsome new man in town, Seth, offers to build new shelves for the kitchen of her pastry shop. Personally, I thought the last two stories were a lot better than the first two stories. It was beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Shelter Bay. Tinseled garlands and wreaths with huge red bows were strung across the streets, colorful holiday scenes had been painted by students on the windows of local businesses, and fairy lights sparkled in the branches of trees all over town.

We live for miserable conditions. This is a fishing boat. Unfortunately, the place had taken a hit by a vicious winter ice storm, only to be given a knockout blow two months after that when hurricane-force winds triggered by a Pacific typhoon came barreling through Shelter Bay. Which was when Maureen and Lucien Douchett had thrown in the towel, closed down Bon Temps, and retired.

They were currently running a bait shop on the harbor, but his father had kept the commercial fishing license, and whenever a recreational day on the water ended up with more crabs, rockfish, or salmon than the family could eat, the two men sold them to local vendors and restaurants. Although his grandfather might have moved the family to the Pacific Northwest from Louisiana after Hurricane Audrey had wiped their bayou town of Petit Chenier off the map, the Douchetts had remained Cajun to the bone. Which meant family celebrations were perched at the top of their priorities pyramid.

But that was then. And this was now, and what he mostly wanted was to just be left alone. The two older men nodded knowingly. Cole was the odd man out. Which was why his brother Sax ragged him about becoming a Marine desert rat instead of joining the Navy so he could go to sea. Of the three of them, Sax had always been the one to buck tradition.

Not to mention the rules. While Cole, as the eldest, had been the Eagle Scout in the family.

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