A wonderful story packed with hope, faith and love! A single mom struggling to make ends meet inherits a seaside cottage that could be the answer to her prayers for help. A long road trip for the holidays brings her to a tough decision: to sell or stay.

“You and Dad used to tell me God will provide what we need....So maybe we just need to trust him more."

I thoroughly enjoyed this tender story, with characters struggling with real life problems like financial difficulties, single parenting, seeking security, and a renewing of faith after loss. I loved Jackson and his enthusiasm as he tried so hard to help and convince his mom to keep the house. His reminder to trust God was like a word from above to her heart. Wendy struggles to be present while dealing with the stress of everything, wanting to do what is best for her son; something most parents can relate to. The fixer upper details of working on the house were perfect, as anyone who owns a home can attest to! I enjoyed the descriptions of the lovely small town by the sea. I hope there may be more stories set there, so I can visit there again.

Recommend for readers who enjoy an inspirational tale with a little bit of romance tucked in.

This was a nice afternoon read. I love books where the characters are going through the remodeling process as that is something that I also enjoy. It was fun to read about Wendy fixing up her newly inherited cabin all while she is reinventing her life and the life of her son. A great book!

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.

Each year I eagerly look forward to Melody Carlson's annual Christmas book. I'm never disappointed, either.
This one was absolutely delightful. The reader goes along with Wendy and her son Jackson on a trip to a small coastal town in Maine, where her grandfather has left her his cabin which she visited with them every summer. Her plans are to sell the cottage to help pay off the medical bills when her husband died and to give herself and her 12 year old son some financial security. But circumstances transpire to change her mind. An absolutely delightful read.

What a fun story! Wendy inherits the family beachside cottage in Seaside, Maine. Being widowed and raising her son alone, she sees this as an opportunity to help her and her son financially. Her husband's illness left her with medical bills and she is struggling financially. So, she plans to fix-up the cottage and sell it. So, they pack their bags and drive to Maine, where Wendy has approximately four weeks to fix up the cottage, sell it, and return to their life in Ohio. Well! Her son Jackson has other plans. Without a doubt, Jackson wants to live in Seaside. He is so enthusiastic, full of energy and loving his life in this small town.
This is a wonderful story. It's the type of book where I want to curl up in a comfy chair, with my favorite beverage and savor every moment of the small community of Seaside. I love the cottage and the work Wendy and Jackson put into the house, making it a warm and welcoming home. I loved Wendy, Jackson, Caleb and Oliver along with the new friends they were making in Seaside. This would make a great Hallmark film! It's a short story, but full or warmth and coziness.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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 a likable 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.
I received a copy of Christmas by The Sea from Revell Publishing through NetGalleys. The opinions expressed in this review are totally my own.

A Christmas by the Sea is a sweet story of love and hope. The characters are endearing and the setting is fabulous. I love Melody Carlson's Christmas stories. .This one is delightful, a quick read filled with holiday spirit.

A. CHRISTMAS. BY THE SEA by Melody Carlson
Wendy with her twelve year old son., driving to a beach cottage she inherited in Maine. Still with the mountain of bills, and moving to an apartment, could this place be sold. Seaside, a little bigger than twenty years ago.,work to be done. Finding a helpful guy at the store, encouraging her on some of the projects, she could do. Her son loved the beach and making friends with Kara. Could there be anyway of making a living and staying in Seaside. Where her boy was once again a boy, playing, instead of being the man of the house, Readers will enjoy this heart felt story of lost, and bills, seeing a young boy, trying to grow up to fast.
Given ARC by NetGallet and Revell for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.