I was so excited about a return trip to California’s Miramar Bay! This is book 9 in the Miramar Bay series.

Dillon Farrow returns to his small coastal hometown after financial failure and just when he didn’t think his life could get any worse, he’s spending Christmas in jail. Let me explain! Flooding has wreaked havoc on Miramar and Dillon and fellow travellers are stranded. The only place available for them to stay is the local jail. It’s after hitting rock bottom that Dillon sees a glimmer of hope…and he sure wishes the circumstances were better. Dillon learns to wait out the storm.

Olivia Greer is also returning on less than stellar circumstances and a night at the jail, although it has the potential to push her over the edge, is just what she needed. She receives a Christmas present she wasn’t expecting…her old boyfriend.

I’ve always discovered that it’s in the rebuilding that I find joy. Perhaps it’s the process of digging deep to carry on that fuels hope and faith. Regardless, Dillon and Olivia experience it, too. With everyone pulling together to make restoration possible, how could they not feel it? I appreciated that Bunn didn’t craft them as cynics who were disappointed and disillusioned, but as two people who were not simply looking for lost love but rather looking for a part of themselves that had been lost. In being willing to risk loss for joy and true reconnection, they found more. I loved seeing the growth and dedication to the community cause. The author’s financial background as well as his faith also added to the authenticity (backstory and context) and enjoyment of this story.

I will admit to being disappointed with the small role Christmas played in this story, the moments when politics overshadowed human beings and emotions, and the couple of instances when I felt age representation was skewed.

Although not my favourite of this author, I’m still looking forward to book 10!

I was gifted this copy by Kensington Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

I received a free copy of, The Christmas Cottage, by Davis Bunn, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book nine in The Miramar Bay Book series. Though they both have their own reason foe coming back home to Miramar Bay, Olivia and Dillon are not happy about it. Starting over is never easy, especially when their is a flood going on, but Olivia and Dillon are strong people. This is not your typical feel good Christmas story at all, bit an enjoyable read none the less.

I enjoyed this book. It held my interest. Interesting story line and characters. It was a fast read and lately that is what I am looking for.

I have enjoyed many of the author’s novels featuring the residents of Miramar Bay – my favorite being “The Christmas Hummingbird” (5 Stars). However, this latest novella was disappointing. It had many of the elements of previous books in this setting – loss, grief, love, redemption, community spirit – but it got off to a slow start and the two main characters never clicked for me.

Dillon Farrow and Olivia Greer, two former lovers, return to Miramar Bay after catastrophic failures in their relationships and careers. Their teen relationship was tumultuous, filled with rancor, and ultimately heartbreak as they each went their separate ways. Years later this unexpected reunion offers them a chance to heal old wounds, reestablish their relationship as friends, and reinvent themselves professionally. All this takes place against the backdrop of a charming coastal town suffering from the ravages of torrential rainstorms that have destroyed much of its infrastructure. Oh, and tangentially, it is the Christmas season.

The story is redeemed by several interesting characters, including Elena, the mayor’s 10-year-old daughter. Her talent as a math whiz, coupled with her precocious personality added dimension and light humor. While she certainly was mature beyond her years, I found it unsettling that the author repeatedly referred to her as a woman. Additionally, the relationship between Dillon and Bailey, the mayor, seemed rushed and unrealistic. Overall, the book was satisfactory but not satisfying.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

<b>2.5 stars, rounded up</b>

I loved the idea of everyone in the small town coming together to help rebuild after a devastating storm. That really conveyed the message of being kind and helping others. However, aside from being set at Christmas, there weren’t many Christmas elements. There was a lot of talk about getting relief funds from FEMA and the work that needed to be done, but I would have liked more Christmassy stuff for sure! I also found the romance to be strange and a lot of the dialogue was stiff and unnatural. Also, I did NOT like the comment Dillon (who I think was supposed to be in his 30s) made when asked what he was up to and why he was smiling: “oh, just flirting with a 10 year old.” Ew! Comments like that should not be made, even in jest (which I think was what Dillon had meant).

Seeking a charming story, I checked into the #TheChristmasCottage. Miramar is going through a devastating disaster but the residents band together to support each other.

Returning home, Dillion and Olivia haven't seen each other since ending their relationship. While struggling to rebuild their lives, Olivia photographs the city's efforts and Dillion invests in securing funding from the state. Focusing on helping others instead of their own hardships, they begin to heal and bridge the past with the present.

Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early edition of The Christmas Cottage in exchange for an honest review. The characters are the best part of the novel. A precocious ten-year old, curmudgeonly Mr. Gleason and a community filled with quirky yet lovable citizens make it an endearing read.

While the characters were memorable, the writing didn't hold my attention. I excepted a story that I could lose myself in and I had trouble connecting with the prose. Since its an early edition, my suggestion would be streamlining the writing and tightening the storyline. It felt flat in parts and would benefit from further editing.

Woo Hoo! Another new Miramar Bay book by Davis Bunn! This one showed up just when I needed a hopeful, feel good story. I read it all in one day. Once again, Bunn introduces great new characters that the reader quickly wants to know more about. This time we’ve got a photographer and a math whiz/accountant guru who have both just lost everything and come back to Miramar Bay to lick their wounds. The interaction between the two, and with the rest of the town, is great. The plot twists may leave you gasping, but the results are satisfying. The overall theme of the book is hope, which fits in well with the Christmas setting.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #TheChristmasCottage #NetGalley