Christmas Beach Wedding
by Lori Wilde and Susan Sands
Publisher: Epiphany Orchards Press
Release Date: October 30, 2023
Reviewed by PJ
The Christmas magic of the season sparks hope for lost love in this heartwarming holiday tale.
It's been twenty-five long years since Jane Lafitte's heart was broken by her college sweetheart Trevor Gardner. She never imagined she'd see him again—until their adult children announce their own Christmas engagement!
Thrown together amidst cozy holiday celebrations in Christmas Beach, Louisiana, the old flames can't deny the warm embers that still smolder between them. But with painful memories and practical concerns conspiring against them, can Jane and Trevor set aside the past and rekindle their romance in time for the holidays?
PJ's Thoughts:
This may be a novella (133 pages) but it packs the emotional satisfaction of a much longer story. It's humorous, charming, and heart-tugging with the depth that accompanies an unexpected second chance romance twenty-five years after a heartbreaking split. Even though the story length is short, the authors take the time to properly address what happened in the past and give this couple the necessary time to make their reunion journey realistic and relatable. I loved watching them navigate forgiveness, healing, and falling in love a second time, all while also navigating a potentially awkward family situation that affects them both.
Characters, primary and secondary, are well developed and integral to the story. Settings (both New Orleans and the beach) are vividly depicted, creating an atmosphere that's as important to the overall story as the individual characters. And Henry, the hero's dog, manages to steal not only every scene in which he appears but everyone's hearts as well, including mine.
This quick read is a great choice for a heartwarming romance fix during the busy holidays ahead. I may even read it again. (I'm kidding. I pre-ordered a copy of my own because I will definitely read it again).
