I enjoyed this quick read. The characters were fun. The story was a little far fetched and predictable, but heart warming.
The one thing that bothered me was one of the characters saying she was due in October, but it was only December, so that would mean 10 months. I'm sure this will be fixed before publication, since I had an arc copy.

In the Christmas holiday rush, traveling strangers find themselves adrift as their ferry's engine stops working in the middle of Puget Sound. The passengers have to contend with missing monumental life events and holiday gatherings. Anger and discontent grow as what was thought to be a quick fix becomes more involved. Happily, personal connections develop onboard as well as onshore between two loved ones waiting on the ferry's arrival.
Macomber is very adept at exploring the despair in relationships, the redemption of forgiveness, and the camaraderie that can be discovered with complete strangers.
I will be recommending this book.
Thanks to Ballantine Books, Debbie Macomber and NetGalley for this ARC.

A Ferry Merry Christmas by Debbie Macomber
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

Debbie Macomber brings warmth and heart to the holiday season in A Ferry Merry Christmas. When a group of passengers finds themselves stranded on a ferry for hours, they’re forced to slow down and truly see one another—each with their own struggles, stories, and hopes. The result is a touching reminder of the true spirit of Christmas: connection, compassion, and second chances.

I especially enjoyed Logan and Beth’s storyline—it felt realistic and raw, a gentle portrayal of a couple navigating a rough patch in their marriage. Their dynamic was moving and reminded me of the challenges many couples face, and how empathy and communication can help rebuild those bonds.

While the story involves many characters, I appreciated how each one had something meaningful to offer. Watching them make the most of an unexpected situation brought a sense of community and warmth that’s perfect for a holiday read. There was something about this book that just kept me turning the pages.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this lovely holiday story. I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was a great Christmas story! I enjoyed reading Debbie's note and how she got the idea for the book. There were so many people on the ferry and they each had a story to tell. They also finally figured out how to make the most of the time they were waiting to make it to shore! The true spirit of Christmas!

Thank you for the arc copy of this book. I really enjoyed it. It’s a sweet light hearted Christmas story about a few couples and people who are stuck on the ferry while they try to get to part to fix the ferry. Very sweet story

I just finished a great book. A Ferry Merry Christmas by Debbie Macomber is out this October . Pick it up! This is one you won’t want to miss and a perfect holiday read!

A Ferry Merry Christmas is a heartwarming holiday story by Debbie Macomber. I love reading Christmas books all year and look forward to the authors holiday book each year. The Pacific Northwest is one of my favorite places and loved the setting for this story.

A delayed ferry boat brings people together during the holiday season in this charming story. There are several characters stories with different situations that all come together to support one another during the Christmas season. This is a sweet story of romance, forgiveness and some Christmas magic. The perfect present and I loved it!

Thank you Netgalley and Ballantine Books for the arc . I am submitting a voluntary review of my honest opinion.
I will be posting an immediate review on Goodreads and Bookbub.

A Ferry Merry Christmas is another heart warming holiday story by Debbie Macomber.  With Christmas upon the ferry patrons, they are all eager for their quick trip to reunite with loved ones.  First there is Avery and Reed.  Siblings who decide to spend Christmas together in honor of their Gram.  Although tired of Reed's continuous efforts of matchmaking and unbeknownst to either one, holiday magic takes over matchmaking duties and surprises them both! There is also a holiday miracle that brings all the passengers together to support a dad-to-be who is separated from his wife who is in labor. Then there are twin sisters separated by a misunderstanding but being brought together through the magic of Christmas.
This book is an excellent addition to your holiday reading collection.  A must read that will definitely put you in the holiday spirit!

Another five star from whom I consider the Queen of romance! Family toes and friendship run deep in this swoonworthy read centered around the Christmas holidays. I adored it.

Not sure how Macomber comes up with one heart-rich story after another ... but she's done it again. The novel captures the meaning of community and family circles - and the ways we make those things happen.

As a former Washingtonian, I relate to the ferry, filled with passengers who expect a smooth ride, and commuters who cross the sea all week to work. The ambiance, the complaints, and the coming together were satisfying, as Macomber's stories usually are.

You'll cheer for good endings and loving relationships when you finish the last page. This one's good for any time you need the comfort and smiles brought by happily-ever-afters on multiples fronts.

Everyone stranded on the ferry for hours but they learned a lot each other. Something about this story that I kept reading and what certain people have many issues they had. I like Logan and Beth's situation because I reminded of married couples go through rough patch. I enjoy reading the book .I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I enjoyed this book. It was heartwarming and romantic. I love reading Christmas books all year because they can be uplifting. This one talked about more than one couple. It was emotional. I look forward to reading the next book by Debbie Macomber. I'm grateful that netgalley and the publishers let me read this in exchange for an honest review.

A Ferry Merry Christmas by Debbie Macomber. Always happy getting to read a new Debbie Macomber Christmas story. This one hits all the heartwarming feelings that make the Christmas season so joyful. Will be rereading during the holiday season.
Thank you to the author, Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

A Ferry Merry Christmas by Debbie Macomber was a light, holiday contemporary romance that hit the spot.

I always enjoy a good, heartfelt and uplifting Christmas novel. This book fit that bill with several short character stories built into one book. The characters come from different backgrounds, hardships, and situations, but everyone is looking for the same thing: love, hope, forgiveness, acceptance, and purpose.

Ms. Macomber does what she does best and brings those stories to life. It was a nice, quick, easy, and light read that helped cleanse my palate between serious novels.

4/5 stars

Thank you NG and Ballantine | Ballantine Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 10/21/25.

Avery gets stuck on a ferry in the middle of Puget sound, but it might be a blessing in disguise as she meets a handsome stranger.

Another Christmas hit by Debbie Macomber. I look forward to her Christmas story every year and this one did not disappoint. Until next year.

I enjoy Debbie's books but this was not one of my favorites. I did read the entire book as im.not a quitter. As a reader you could pretty much tell what the outcome of the book was going to be and that is always so disappointing. Would I recommend this book,sadly no, sorry to me its only a one star book and I hate saying this,,Thank you net galley for the opportunity to read this book early.

Another sweet and charming Debbie Macomber book for the Christmas holiday. As with all Debbie Macomber’s books this too is a clean romance . The book takes place primarily over one day while on a ferry. It focuses two characters finding new love, two finding love again, love between parent and child, love when afar, and humanity of love. While reading the book, I thought how A Ferry Merry Christmas is reminiscent of books written by O. Henry.

The holidays don’t always go as planned — and that’s where the magic happens. Ferry Merry Christmas is the perfect feel-good read!

If you're a fan of heartwarming holiday tales with a dash of romance and family charm, Ferry Merry Christmas by Debbie Macomber is a must-read. The story is as sweet as hot cocoa by the fire, with the added warmth of unexpected connections and Christmas miracles. Avery and Reed's sibling banter is both relatable and endearing, and the holiday detour on the ferry becomes a beautiful catalyst for new beginnings.

Macomber weaves her signature holiday magic through this book, giving readers the perfect escape into a world where love, hope, and a bit of serendipity reign. If you're looking for a cozy, feel-good story that celebrates the true spirit of Christmas, this one’s for you.

Heartwarming, romantic, and filled with Christmas cheer!
#AFerryMerryChristmas #NetGalley

I can always count on Debbie Macomber to provide a heart-warming, uplifting story, especially with a Christmas theme. This book is no exception as the storyline follows the experiences of both people stranded on a disabled ferry and their family members awaiting their arrival. As the tension mounts among the restless passengers with little or no information about the resolution of the problem, the author explores themes of estranged relationships, reunions, new romance and community support for a couple anticipating the birth of their first child. All in all, a satisfying read.

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.