A Christmas by the Sea

Author: Melody Carlson
Genre: Contemporary Romance

When Wendy Harper inherits her family's beachside cottage in Seaside, Maine, she sees it as a way to finally pay off the debts that have mounted since her husband died. But before it can be sold, the neglected property must be renovated. She and her 12-year-old son Jackson move in--temporarily, she reminds him--in order to do the work themselves, even though Christmas is coming. The charming town, along with local craftsman Caleb Colton, pulls on both Wendy and Jackson, who even registers himself for school in a bid to get his mom to move them there permanently. Wendy knows that the most responsible thing to do is to sell the cottage and return to Ohio, but the lure of the sea is hard to resist.

Join award-winning author Melody Carlson for a Christmas story that will warm your heart and have you dreaming of your own enchanted seaside holiday.

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Reviewer: Nora St. Laurent

It’s been two years since Wendy Harper’s husband died of cancer. She and her 12-year-old son Jackson are on their way to the family beachside cottage she inherited in Seaside, Maine. Jackson is convinced it’s the home they will live in forever, but Wendy feels bad about reminding him of her mission (to sell the house) because she hasn’t seen him so happy since his father passed. Jackson’s thrilled to be part of the decorating, painting and repairs. Wendy can’t stop thinking about all the medical bills she has to pay.

Fond memories flood back to Wendy of the summers she spent in this house with her grandparents. They had so much fun, and she was grateful they left the cottage to her. The town had grown and wasn’t what she remembered. It was more charming and had new shops and more people. She meets Caleb Colton in the paint store. He helps her pick out colors for the cottage and the bathroom that was being repaired.

She also was in need of a portable camping potty because the bathroom would be out of commission for several days. Caleb helps her with that too. He’s a nice young, handsome man but she would be leaving soon and didn’t want any ties. She’d love to stay because her son Jackson loves this place so much, but she doesn’t see how she could afford it.

Will she figure out a way to make a living in this sweet town? Will God provide a way when there seems to be none? Or will the house sell quickly, and she could be back to her small apartment and a steady job? Was Caleb Colton interested in her and her son or did he have eyes for Crystal? She had her eyes on him.

Here is a peek into Caleb’s family Thanksgiving gathering as they share what they are thankful for. Jackson states, “I’m thankful that I get to live in Seaside – the most beautiful place in the world!”

“Everyone cheered, but Wendy felt like crawling under the table. How long could she let him go on living in a delusion?” She smiled and passed the food around the table. She felt at home with these people and the cottage. But she had to keep the main thing the main thing. She had to keep her focus on paying bills and providing for Jackson.

I quickly cared about Wendy, Jackson and their predicament. I also enjoyed the house decorating process and the creativity of Wendy and Caleb. I wanted to go to this small-town and be part of their Christmas celebration too. 

Melody Carlson has the gift of writing charming, delightful stories that whisk readers away to a quaint, cozy town I wanted to visit. This is another sweet, enjoyable Christmas tale that will warm your heart and put a smile on your face.

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.

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Reviewer: Gee Dixon

A Christmas by the Sea is a heartwarming Christmas story. A single mom inherits her family's beachfront cottage in a small town in Maine. She needs to sell the cottage and get back to her job in Ohio but God has other plans in her life and for her son too. This is a quick read and will warm your heart.

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.

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Reviewer: Mindy Houng

Melody Carlson knows how to write sweet romances. This is a relatively short book about a single mom Wendy with her preteen son Jackson who inherits a seaside cottage in Maine. Wendy drives up to Maine with the sole intention of fixing up the cottage and selling it to help their financial woes but gets sidetracked by a handsome, kind, generous local furniture maker who befriends her and her son. As the days unfold, Wendy and Jackson are mesmerized by the charm of the small seaside town (and you, as a reader, will be, too!).

​The relationship between Wendy and Caleb is sweet and tender. If you’re looking for a well-written heart-warming story with Christmas themes, you will love this story. 

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.

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Reviewer: Olivia R.

I was immediately drawn to this cover and title. Christmas and the sea...double "yes!"

I loved the sweetness of this story, weaving in family and friend relationships (and of course, romance) in a perfect way. I enjoyed Wendy and Jackson's interaction, and Caleb was especially endearing. It was nice to read a clean romance, where the couple actually have a friendship. There are two kisses, not detailed at all, and some attraction, but I found it sweet. 

The setting was amazing! I especially loved the scene when Wendy and Jackson were finding sand dollars along the beach :) Although light, spiritual content was woven through the story and fit with the events in the characters lives.

One character got a little irritating, and there is an issue with communication with some characters, but all in all, I highly recommend this story. The perfect book to get you ready for the Christmas season!

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.

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Reviewer: Sandra Burson

I enjoy reading Melody Carlson's novels. I found “A Christmas by the Sea” to be a sweet, quick read. I finished it in one afternoon. It's a great story about small town USA. It takes place in Seaside, Maine. Melody does a great job of taking you down main street, describing the different stores, the town square, as well as walking along the coastal beach. You can almost feel the breeze and smell the salt water as the mist splashes your face.

Wendy Harper has inherited her grandparents cottage. After a long three days drive across country with her 12 year old son Jackson, they arrive. Wendy plans to renovate the cottage and sell it as quickly as possible. She only has three weeks vacation, then she is expected back to Cincinnati for Christmas. She never expected to have such strong feelings about this summer home. She has not been back here for almost 20 years. 

The first scene between Wendy and Caleb Colton, I found to be hilarious. There is such a natural chemistry between Caleb, Jackson and his mom Wendy. It's as if they are meant to be together. You will fall in love with Jackson. He is such a smart, caring and likeable guy. He is much older than his age, due to the fact of losing his dad so early. He has to be the man of the family now. 

The  story wasn't totally about Christmas, it takes place during the three weeks prior, starting with Thanksgiving and leading up to Christmas. I would recommend this  book by Melody Carlson. I enjoyed it very much.

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing.

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