Here I am reading my first Christmas story. I so love this time of the year. Holiday decor is up and there is a cool breeze in the air.

I really enjoyed this story. I haven't read this author before, and I figured a Christmas story was the best way for an introduction. The Christmas Inn is a feel-good holiday story with likeable characters. Think Hallmark Christmas Movie.

I really liked Rily. I felt for her. losing your job so close to the holidays had to hurt. A time when you want to be happy you are dragged down with thoughts of what happened and why. No one handles being let go from the job without wondering why. Instead of letting it all get her down she heads to Cape Cod and her mother's Inn. There she learnings all isn't doing as well as she hoped.

Along with Rily there is Aiden (high school boyfriend) and his son. I like their story, and it feels right that Riley shares Christmas with people she cares about. Along with Aiden and his son there is Franny who's staying at the Inn. You learn a lot about her and what she's going through.

If you enjoy sweet stories that make you feel good when you finish them then you'll really enjoy The Christmas Inn.

The Christmas Inn by Pamela M. Kelley is a heartwarming novel of family and love.

Riley Sanders could not wait to her small hometown when she finished school. But when she loses her job in Manhattan just before the holidays, she goes back to Cape Cod to help her mom run the family inn. Riley cherishes the time they have together, but she is just itching to return to the big city and her workaholic boyfriend, Jack. But when she finally goes back to Manhattan, does the city she loves and her new job still feel like home?

Riley has never wavered in her decision to live in Manhattan. She is upset when she loses her dream job, but the timing is fortuitous after she learns about her mom’s broken leg. Riley is glad to help out but she continues to look for jobs back in the city. As she hunts for a new job, she welcomes the opportunity to take on some side jobs for her mom and some of the local business owners. Will Riley be ready to return to Manhattan once she finds a new job?

The Christmas Inn is a charming holiday novel. The characters are wonderfully developed with realistic foibles and strengths. The Chantham Coastal Inn and the local town are a magical setting for the light-hearted storyline. Pamela M. Kelley brings this sweet novel to a heartfelt conclusion that will delight readers

The Christmas Inn by Pamela M. Kelley is the perfect quaint and cozy Hallmark movie in reading form. This charming Christmas book has it all, the fiancé back home, the old love back in her hometown and all the while saving the family Inn.

I had a sweet time The Christmas Inn and it hit the spot leading up to Christmas. This is the perfect book to pick up and read before all the Hallmark Christmas movies come out!

The only thing I with there was more of was the relationship rebuild between the two hometown lovers. I felt like there could have been much more for them before the end.

This book was written to be made into a Hallmark movie! It gives the reader a sense of warmth. Riley loses her job right before the holiday and calls her sister Amy to talk to her about it. She learns that her mother has fallen and broken her leg and could really use her help. So Riley leaves her home in NYC to go to Chatham to help out. What she didn’t expect was the find Aiden staying at the Inn; Aiden was her ex from high school. She also didn’t expect to find this longing for family, the desire to be surrounded by friends and family, and a spark that had been missing from her life in NYC.

I enjoyed this book greatly. The scenes were set perfectly that I could vividly imagine them. I don’t know if a real place like Chatham exists in Cape Cod, near it, or anywhere really, but if it does, I would really like to know because I would like to go. The Inn that is mentioned in this book is a Bed and Breakfast. I’ve never been to one but this is what I would imagine them to be like. Everyone was so friendly, everything felt so special, it really was a joy reading this book.

I do wish, however, that there was a little more build up between Aiden and Riley. I just didn’t feel it. You know their high school sweethearts but when they meet again, there’s no instant connection. There’s no spark. There’s no chemistry. And throughout the book, I never felt it. I really wanted to. It just was missing for me.

The sense of family was very strong in this book, not just with Riley and her family, but among the other characters as well; that part was very enjoyable. So it’s a good read, but not a fantastic one.

This is such a heartwarming book! Set on Cape Cod, the story centers on Riley, who returns home after being laid off from her NYC job to help her mom run the Bed and Breakfast. Throughout the book, you also get to enjoy subplots for Riley’s mom and a guest at the Inn, who returned to the Cape for family reasons. As predictable as they were, I did enjoy the love stories of all the women.

Overall, The Christmas Inn offers what you expect from a holiday romance. It made me want to sip on a cup of hot chocolate and plan all the small-town holiday fun. Author Pamela M. Kelley does a great job building the setting for the reader as well. I almost wish I could stop in the book store, sleep at the inn, and get myself some cheese at the infamous wine/cheese shop!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Christmas Inn was a nice way to kick off the start of my 2024 holiday reads.

Following the loss of her job, Riley has returned home to Cape Cod to assist her mother, Beth with their B&B. The timing couldn't have been better for Beth, who had recently broken her leg, another stress to add to her already overwhelmed state. The B&B was struggling to bring in clients, but as luck would have it, Riley just happens to have a successful career in Marketing...or, did, at least.

Riley returns home to find that her former HS sweetheart, Aiden returned to Cape Cod after college, married a local girl and had a son, Luke. Sadly, Aiden's wife passed away three years prior. Due to some necessary home repairs, Aiden and Luke find themselves staying at the B&B through Christmas.

This book is a sweet, clean romance story. The guests at the B&B add a nice touch to the background. All in all, it is everything you would expect from a holiday story, tied up in a big red bow.

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press, NetGalley, and the author for the ARC.

The Christmas Inn by Pamela Kelley is a feel-good Christmas book. The characters were well thought out. The storyline – while predictable – kept me interested. Each of the characters had some adversity in their lives. They have each overcome that adversity and are moving on but are missing something. They find that missing piece in this upbeat Christmas romance.

Who doesn't love a second chance romance? Add in the Christmas theme and this book really has me ready for the holidays! Definitely a feel-good kinda book and I appreciated that after reading several thrillers. This was my first time reading this author and am excited to see what else she has to offer.

A cozy little G-rated weekend read.

Synopsis: Riley lost her job before Christmas and heads home to Cape Cod to help her mother, who broke her leg, at the inn. Beth, Riley’s mother, gets a second chance at love. Aidan, Riley’s high school boyfriend, and his son are staying at the inn for the holidays. B&B lodger Franny lost her sister and was left four unopened letters. A book of second chances and found family — and lots of food and wine.

This is a very straightforward, clean, cute Hallmark-style book. There are no real plot twists nor crazy climaxes, which is totally fine. The characters don’t really have distinct voices or personalities; they all talk the same, almost robotic: “This is wonderful.” “That was a good choice.” “This is delicious.”

As other reviewers have mentioned, there is a heavy emphasis on wine and food throughout the book. Entire paragraphs and pages were dedicated to describing a recipe in great detail — but then would be described in flavor by a character as “good.” Very detailed recipes, very lackluster taste descriptors. “Good” and “nice,” but not “decadent,” “rich” or “savory.”

I don’t think Riley was written to be unlikable, but who brings a tuna sandwich for lunch in an open cubicle?! She was also with her boyfriend for two years, and they didn’t live together, didn’t say “I love you” and didn’t talk for days at a time. (Girl, run!)

Thank you to #NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced reader copy of #TheChristmasInn. To be published Sept. 24, 2024.

What a wonderful cozy Christmas read!

Riley is from Chatham in Cape Cod and moved to Manhattan working in web design. She is currently in a 2 year relationship with Jack, an attorney working towards becoming a partner so he has long hours which leaves Riley alone a lot.

Riley’s mother Beth who owns an Inn has accident which left her with a broken leg so she goes home to Chatham to help her mother. Riley’s high school sweetheart Aidan happens to be staying at the Inn.

What I liked best about this book is the characters brought to life by the author who has this ability as a literary artist. The author also described the town to make me fall in love with it.

This book has such sweet parts, and just a wonderful easy read. I recommend this book to anyone that loves a Christmas read.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

If you're looking for a feel-good story about love, family and second chances, I highly recommend reading The Christmas Inn by Pamela Kelley. This is the perfect book to kick off your holiday reading season.

Riley never expected to get laid off right before Christmas, but the timing works out perfectly because her mom has broken her leg and needs help at the bed and breakfast she owns, The Chatham Coastal Inn. Riley packs her bags and leaves New York, heading to Cape Cod for the holiday season. Upon arrival, Riley learns there is a guest staying in the inn that she knows...her ex Aidan and his young son, Luke. Seeing and spending time with Aidan again causes Riley to examine her relationship with Jack, her boyfriend for the past two years. Jack is so focused on his career that he doesn't have much time for Riley. Riley is now questioning if that's enough for her, especially since feelings for Aidan are starting to emerge.

The story that unfolds is a clean and wholesome feel-good story with an amazing cast of characters. Although Riley and Aidan are the main storyline, the supporting cast of characters each have something happening in their lives as well. Riley's mom, Beth, has a potential love interest after too many years of being alone. Then we have Franny, an older woman staying at the inn after the death of her sister. Her sister has left her four letters, one to open every week and she has to follow the instructions in each one. As with Franny, we don't know what the objective is behind the letters, so it's interesting to see what happens with that.

Overall, this is the perfect holiday story. It has a bit of everything in it...love, family, friendships, and second chances. The characters are wonderful and Luke will steal your heart! I absolutely loved The Christmas Inn, and I know you will, too!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press. My views are my own, and are in no way influenced by anyone else.

Such a sweet holiday romance. I enjoyed all the different romances, the friendships and the town of Chatam.
Don’t go into this book hungry. So much good food happening in this book. Food, wine, the holidays, a bookstore and book club include some of the good things about this book.

The Christmas Inn: A Novel by Pamela Kelley has a Hallmark Christmas movie feeling to it. This was a perfect escape from the lingering summer heat. Riley Sanders unexpectedly loses her job at the same time her mother has broken her leg. She goes home to help run the inn where her high school sweetheart is staying with his son. The great location and characters make this a heartwarming read.

Thank you to the author, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

The Christmas Inn by Pamela M Kelly
Contemporary holiday check lit, and romance. Multiple POV.
Riley Sanders losses her marketing job in New York right before Christmas. She travels home to Cape Cod to help when she finds out her mother has broken her leg and is struggling to keep up with the work at the B&B, the Chatham Coastal Inn. Riley can also use her marketing experience to boost demand which has been slowing.
Franny loses her sister at seventy-eight. She’s already arranged everything and paid for the gathering to be a celebration rather than a sad event. She’s also left Franny four letters that’s she is to open each week as she stays at the Inn.
Riley, her sister Amy and their mother Beth, reconnect more than they would have if Riley was in town just a couple of days for the holiday. Franny, Aiden, and Luke, guests at the Inn all benefit from the additional family and holiday celebrations.
Cape Cod is special to all of them and it’s going to be an enriching holiday season.

🎧 I alternated between an ebook and audiobook. The audiobook is narrated by Stephanie Nemeth-Parker who does a wonderful job with the multiple couples and various family members. There aren’t a lot of volatile emotions in this story but I was able to hear the concern for the mother, the sadness from the loss of a sister, the worry from the father and the joy of Christmas from the child. This narrator has done hundreds of books and the professionalism shows in the flawless production. I did listen at 1.5 since that more closely matches my reading and speech patterns.
I enjoyed the audiobook a lot but between the two formats would recommend the print version because of the multiple POV’s. The first couple of sentences of each chapter does include the name of the POV that chapter is for, but it’s easier to identify that by seeing the name than waiting for the name to be heard. Having the chapter number announced does help to know the POV has changed. The child’s joy of Christmas and trains did endear me to the audiobook format.

A heartwarming story of love, made family and knowing what you want in the next phase of life.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and the publisher MacmillanAudio.

A cozy romance that celebrates the holiday spirit

Author Pamela Kelly opens THE CHRISTMAS INN with drama that throws our heroine, Riley Sanders, for a loop. Good thing she has family to help her navigate the season.
Helping her mom at the family inn is not what Riley expected to do, but she discovers that time away has softened her heart. She was so eager to leave her small town for college and the big city. Now, however, she can recognize the charms of her hometown.
The cast of characters — both family and friends — that surround Riley are delightful. And there are three romantic storylines spread among them.
Overall, immersing myself in THE CHRISTMAS INN felt like huddling under a warm quilt with a hot drink on a cold day. It was the perfect way to start thinking about the holidays.

Enjoyable Hallmark-like movie in book form. And I’m here for it!!

The Christmas Inn, by Pamela Kelly, is a sweet, charming holiday romance. It is set in Cape Cod during the holidays which sounds magical! Riley Sanders is working at her dream job in NYC doing content marketing when her entire department is down sized and replaced with AI. Riley calls her sister to discuss and finds out that their mom had broken her leg and needs help running her B&B. Perfect timing! The story is charming. My favorite part is seeing Riley slowly realize how lonely her life was in NYC and how much more meaningful it is to do life day to day with friends and family. Throw in a holiday romance and delightful food descriptions and this book is a treat for holiday romance lovers!

GIVE ME ANYTHING FROM PAMELA. I will eat up anything she puts down.

This was a lovely read and i truly feel it will be a staple around the holiday for all the readers.

This is a hug in a book.

The Christmas Inn is a Hallmark movie of a book (and it actually contains lots of references to the genre)!

Ms. Kelley's newest cozy, feel good novel takes place in Chatham, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod, over a period of several months in the lives of Riley, her mother, Beth, and a cast of supporting characters. Shortly before Christmas, Riley learns that she and her entire department of content/marketing staff are being laid off. The holidays are usually her favorite time of year in NYC, but the layoff and her somewhat tepid relationship have put a serious damper on her usual festive mood. It was an easy decision for her to return to Cape Cod to help her mother with running of her Bed and Breakfast.
The book has somewhat slow pacing, but does include excellent book recommendations and great food descriptions (I'm still thinking about the honey goat cheese). I loved the appearance of a number of characters from Ms. Kelley's earlier novels. And there's a love story for almost every generation in the book!
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read The Christmas Inn in exchange for an honest review.

Pamela M. Kelley’s The Christmas Inn is a heartwarming holiday tale that wraps you in the warmth of love, family, and second chances. Set against the cozy backdrop of Cape Cod, the story follows Riley Sanders, who returns home to help her mother at the family inn after losing her job right before Christmas. What starts as a temporary stay quickly turns into something more meaningful as Riley reconnects with her high school sweetheart, Aidan, and his charming nine-year-old son, Luke. The inn, decked out for Christmas, provides a magical setting that amplifies the warmth and holiday spirit throughout the story.

Kelley masterfully balances the feel-good holiday vibes with themes of grief, healing, and self-discovery. Franny’s subplot, involving letters from her late sister that encourage her to embrace new experiences, adds an emotional depth to the otherwise lighthearted narrative. Riley’s journey toward rediscovering herself, her family, and her place in the world is both touching and relatable. The Christmas Inn is an uplifting and delightful read, perfect for anyone seeking a cozy escape with a cup of hot cocoa during the holidays. A solid 4-star read!

The Christmas Inn by Pamela M. Kelley is a heartwarming holiday novel that perfectly captures the spirit of the season. Set against a charming backdrop, the story unfolds with delightful characters that are both relatable and endearing. (I received an advance copy and all opinions are my own.) This feel-good tale is a perfect escape for anyone looking to embrace the magic of Christmas, making it an ideal read for the holiday season!