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A Christmas Cruise Caper: A Short Christmas Story
Christmas magic can happen…
Starr Snowden refuses to stay in her upstate New York hometown for Christmas where her ex-boyfriend and his new wife have recently announced she’s pregnant. Noah Jordan doesn’t want to spend another Boston Christmas with his mother coaxing him to marry Cynthia Withers, a woman he definitely doesn’t want for a wife. They both learn of a fantastic way to escape – by signing up for a FREE one-week Christmas Cruise for those who are willing to play the part of Santa Claus or one of his elves.
Aboard the ship, Starr and Noah meet and quickly become friends. When Noah‘s mother, brother and family, including his four-year-old nephews, surprise him by appearing on the cruise, Noah has no escape from his family’s plan for him but to ask Starr to fake being his girlfriend. As they enjoy all the pleasures and excursions of the cruise, Starr and Noah are drawn to each other. But with Starr living in New York and Noah in Boston, they know a relationship would never work. After saying goodbye, a near disaster happens, making them wonder if it could.
Starr Snowden refuses to stay in her upstate New York hometown for Christmas where her ex-boyfriend and his new wife have recently announced she’s pregnant. Noah Jordan doesn’t want to spend another Boston Christmas with his mother coaxing him to marry Cynthia Withers, a woman he definitely doesn’t want for a wife. They both learn of a fantastic way to escape – by signing up for a FREE one-week Christmas Cruise for those who are willing to play the part of Santa Claus or one of his elves.
Aboard the ship, Starr and Noah meet and quickly become friends. When Noah‘s mother, brother and family, including his four-year-old nephews, surprise him by appearing on the cruise, Noah has no escape from his family’s plan for him but to ask Starr to fake being his girlfriend. As they enjoy all the pleasures and excursions of the cruise, Starr and Noah are drawn to each other. But with Starr living in New York and Noah in Boston, they know a relationship would never work. After saying goodbye, a near disaster happens, making them wonder if it could.
155 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2023
42 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Judith Keim
129 books957 followers Judith Keim, A USA Today Best Selling Author, is a hybrid author who both has a publisher and self-publishes. Ms. Keim writes heart-warming novels about women who face unexpected challenges, meet them with strength, and find love and happiness along the way, stories with heart. Her best-selling books are based, in part, on many of the places she's lived or visited and on the interesting people that she's met, creating believable characters and realistic settings her many loyal readers love.
She enjoyed her childhood and young-adult years in Elmira, New York, and now makes her home in Boise, Idaho, with her husband and their two dachshunds, Kacy and Wally, and other members of her family.
While growing up, she was drawn to the idea of writing stories from a young age. Books were always present, being read, ready to go back to the library, or about to be discovered. All in her family shared information from the books in general conversation, giving them a wealth of knowledge and vivid imaginations.
Ms. Keim loves to hear from her readers and appreciates their enthusiasm for her stories.
To sign up for her newsletter, go here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/oeiwdp1vkc
Her website: https://judithkeim.com/
Follow her on Book Bub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/judit...
She enjoyed her childhood and young-adult years in Elmira, New York, and now makes her home in Boise, Idaho, with her husband and their two dachshunds, Kacy and Wally, and other members of her family.
While growing up, she was drawn to the idea of writing stories from a young age. Books were always present, being read, ready to go back to the library, or about to be discovered. All in her family shared information from the books in general conversation, giving them a wealth of knowledge and vivid imaginations.
Ms. Keim loves to hear from her readers and appreciates their enthusiasm for her stories.
To sign up for her newsletter, go here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/oeiwdp1vkc
Her website: https://judithkeim.com/
Follow her on Book Bub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/judit...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 6, 2023
Starr Snowden, a first grade teacher isn’t looking forward to spending Christmas with her family in her hometown in New York. After her break-up with her cheating boyfriend last year she decides she doesn’t want a pity party, especially now that she finds out he is going to be a father. She decides to apply for a job as an elf on the Christmas cruise which is free. What’s not to love about a free cruise, to see different places, do different things and warmer weather.
Noah Jordan, a handsome and wealthy young man from Boston, is also having trouble. His mother, who’s trying to pressure him into marrying Cynthia and he doesn’t want to marry her. She’s not someone he would want for a wife. He decides to play Santa on a Christmas cruise. Anything is better than having his mother pressure him.
When Noah meets Starr they become fast friends. When Noah’s mother and family surprises him on the cruise, Noah panics. He asks Starr to pretend to be his girlfriend. What can go wrong? Will his family believe that they are dating? Will everything turn out ok? Will they all get hurt by the fib? Will they realize they have chemistry? What will happen after the cruise is over? The characters are wonderful. They deserve happiness and to find true love. Worth the read. I received this book for my honest review. I gave it voluntarily.
Noah Jordan, a handsome and wealthy young man from Boston, is also having trouble. His mother, who’s trying to pressure him into marrying Cynthia and he doesn’t want to marry her. She’s not someone he would want for a wife. He decides to play Santa on a Christmas cruise. Anything is better than having his mother pressure him.
When Noah meets Starr they become fast friends. When Noah’s mother and family surprises him on the cruise, Noah panics. He asks Starr to pretend to be his girlfriend. What can go wrong? Will his family believe that they are dating? Will everything turn out ok? Will they all get hurt by the fib? Will they realize they have chemistry? What will happen after the cruise is over? The characters are wonderful. They deserve happiness and to find true love. Worth the read. I received this book for my honest review. I gave it voluntarily.
July 1, 2023
What a fun time I had reading this story, getting away on a cruise, where the weather was wonderful and a little of that Christmas magic. Starr, Noah, and Vianna, didn't know each other before the cruise, they were just three young people wanting to get away, and each one had seen the brochure a Christmas cruise was looking for someone to play Santa Claus and 2 elves. They were the three that were selected.
Starr and Noah connected, and when Noah discovered his family had got last minute tickets and was joining him on the cruise. They did know Noah would being playing Santa quite a bit on the cruise, but his mother wanted Noah to marry her friend's daughter. Neither one wanted to marry the other, so Noah convinced Starr to pretend they were boyfriend and girlfriend.
Judith always makes the connections deep and when they started pretending the feelings you could feel through the pages. Yes, the feelings were there and the deep connections, but when they both know it was only supposed to be pretend, will they have the courage to take this journey to see where it takes them or will they walk away after the seven-day cruise.
I received an ARC from Judith Keim.
Starr and Noah connected, and when Noah discovered his family had got last minute tickets and was joining him on the cruise. They did know Noah would being playing Santa quite a bit on the cruise, but his mother wanted Noah to marry her friend's daughter. Neither one wanted to marry the other, so Noah convinced Starr to pretend they were boyfriend and girlfriend.
Judith always makes the connections deep and when they started pretending the feelings you could feel through the pages. Yes, the feelings were there and the deep connections, but when they both know it was only supposed to be pretend, will they have the courage to take this journey to see where it takes them or will they walk away after the seven-day cruise.
I received an ARC from Judith Keim.
July 14, 2023
If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas in July read, I highly recommend this fun book. Noah agrees to be Santa on a cruise to get away from his matchmaking mother. Starr applies and gets one of the two elf positions to get out of town, after being dumped by her ex, Reggie, last Christmas and all the pitiful looks and comments she gets. When Noah’s mom surprises him on the cruise, he asks Starr to be his fake girlfriend. His sister-in-law, Tara, is skeptical about their relationship. When they kiss to try and convince her they’re a “real” couple, they realize they have great chemistry. They live in two different states, so they know they’ll just have a shipboard romance. No spoilers, but I loved the secondary romance, so grab your copy and see what I’m talking about.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
December 18, 2023
Cute and predictable, easy listening audiobook. A first grade teacher goes on a cruise working as an elf, and meets the Santa of her dreams. Will their feelings for each other continue on land or stay aboard? Read (or listen!) to find out.
July 11, 2023
This was a cute story of Noah and Starr who signed up for a free Christmas cruise aboard the Tropical Promise ship. Noah lived in Boston and Starr lived in New York. They had to agree to play Santa and one of his elves for half of the cruise. I liked how they pretended to be dating because of a surprise visit from Noah's family. They had both agreed that was all it would be since they lived in two different states. This was such a fun story of seeing the Caribbean, helping the cruise line and entertaining the children which was perfect for Starr who was a first grade teacher, I enjoyed how the book was also full of family, romance, and fun chemistry between Noah and Starr. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
July 14, 2023
Escape on a cruise is exactly what appeals to Starr and Noah who are independently trying to avoid their families over the holidays because of the pressure over each being single. One catch: in exchange for a free cruise, they must play the role of an elf and a Santa. Having never met before arriving on board, each feels they can carry out their duties. Except, unbeknownst to Noah, his family booked passage for the cruise. Reluctantly Starr agrees to act as his boyfriend during the cruise and then they will each go their own way after the cruise ends. Will that be possible? Follow what transpires on board and excursions at various ports. What a fun escape anytime of the year! Thanks to the author for an ARC; the review is my honest opinion.
July 5, 2023
A sweet early Christmas story
Judith Keim has written a sweet early Christmas story for her readers – I read it in a day and enjoyed every minute of my adventure on her cruise. Starr is looking for a way to avoid her home town and family over Christmas, since her ex-husband has remarried and is starting a new family. Noah is tired of his family trying to pressure him to marry one of his parents’ friend’s daughter. Both end up on a Christmas cruise playing an Elf and Santa. When Noah’s family decides to go on the cruise to surprise him he must make adjustments to his plan, but Starr is up for the challenge he presents her.
Fun Read.
Judith Keim has written a sweet early Christmas story for her readers – I read it in a day and enjoyed every minute of my adventure on her cruise. Starr is looking for a way to avoid her home town and family over Christmas, since her ex-husband has remarried and is starting a new family. Noah is tired of his family trying to pressure him to marry one of his parents’ friend’s daughter. Both end up on a Christmas cruise playing an Elf and Santa. When Noah’s family decides to go on the cruise to surprise him he must make adjustments to his plan, but Starr is up for the challenge he presents her.
Fun Read.
July 5, 2023
A cruise line is advertising for a Santa and an Elf to help entertain the children on their Christmas cruise. For reasons of her own, not wanting to spend Christmas at home, Starr, a first grade teacher applies for the Elf position.
Noah owns his own tech company and he too wants to spend Christmas away from family. Hearing about the cruise he applies for the Santa position. For
both, nothing sounds better than being on a cruise at Christmas. More than entertaining the children happens in this sweet, fun book. Because the magic of Christmas can happen anywhere, but when it happens on a cruise, nothing makes it better. I received an ARC from the author and this review is my honest opinion.
Noah owns his own tech company and he too wants to spend Christmas away from family. Hearing about the cruise he applies for the Santa position. For
both, nothing sounds better than being on a cruise at Christmas. More than entertaining the children happens in this sweet, fun book. Because the magic of Christmas can happen anywhere, but when it happens on a cruise, nothing makes it better. I received an ARC from the author and this review is my honest opinion.
July 9, 2023
Cute, sweet short story!
This is a sweet, quick Christmas read that could easily be made into a movie. Starr needs to get away, so she signs up to work a Christmas cruise. Noah is dreading Christmas with his family, they’re not aware he and his girlfriend are no longer together, so when an opportunity to play Santa on a Christmas cruise drops into his lap, he jumps at it.
The rest of the story is fun, family filled (Noah’s), and charming. Vianna, the other elf, is a minor character who could be removed without changing the story.
Thanks to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
This is a sweet, quick Christmas read that could easily be made into a movie. Starr needs to get away, so she signs up to work a Christmas cruise. Noah is dreading Christmas with his family, they’re not aware he and his girlfriend are no longer together, so when an opportunity to play Santa on a Christmas cruise drops into his lap, he jumps at it.
The rest of the story is fun, family filled (Noah’s), and charming. Vianna, the other elf, is a minor character who could be removed without changing the story.
Thanks to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
July 11, 2023
I loved this Christmas story. Christmas is my favorite time of year and I believe in the magic of the season. This is Noah and Starr’s story. We got to meet Noah’s family – surprise! They are awesome. What starts out as a way to get away from families turns out to be a wonderful decision for both Noah and Starr. I loved watching their feelings for each other grow, while both are trying to live up to their arrangement with each other. A very fun story that I think you will enjoy as much as I did. You will also get to go on some great excursions. Wonderful story line and awesome characters. I received an ARC of this book but my opinion is my own.
July 12, 2023
Santa is on her Christmas wish list!
Playing a Christmas Elf in return for a free tropical cruise is an easy decision for Starr. She really needs a break from family and friends rather than hearing about her ex and his new family one more time.
Noah just wants a break from his mothers match-making over the holidays. Playing Santa on a cruise ship should be fun. The cute elf is willing to help him escape his mother’s machinations but he may not be ready for this adventure to end.
This is a fun shipboard romance. Noah and Starr make a perfect couple. I received an advance copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
Playing a Christmas Elf in return for a free tropical cruise is an easy decision for Starr. She really needs a break from family and friends rather than hearing about her ex and his new family one more time.
Noah just wants a break from his mothers match-making over the holidays. Playing Santa on a cruise ship should be fun. The cute elf is willing to help him escape his mother’s machinations but he may not be ready for this adventure to end.
This is a fun shipboard romance. Noah and Starr make a perfect couple. I received an advance copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
July 14, 2023
We all “know” that cruise romances don’t work especially between Santa (Noah) and an elf (Starr). Both looking to escape family holiday get togethers. Starr is tired of being reminded of her ex and Noah’s mother has a girl picked out. Unfortunately this makes holidays less than fun for Starr and Noah. Temporary jobs on a Christmas cruise as Santa and an elf is the perfect reason to not show up at home for Christmas. Doesn’t go exactly as planned. Judith Keim kept this book romantic and also funny. Noah’s attempts to keep his family from knowing that he and Starr aren’t a couple are quite amusing. I really enjoyed this book with its twists and surprises.
July 17, 2023
Starr's ex-fiancé broke up with her two weeks before Christmas last year. She decided she wasn't staying in town (Ellenton, NY) for Christmas this year. She found a brochure for a Christmas cruise, which could be free if she was willing to be an elf for Santa.
Noah wanted to get out of town (Boston) for Christmas, because his mother was determined that he ask Cyntia to marry him, but he didn't love her. When he mentioned this to the bartender, he told Noah about a free Christmas cruise if he would play Santa.
Would Starr and Noah decide to go on the cruise? If so, what would their interaction be with each other?
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
Noah wanted to get out of town (Boston) for Christmas, because his mother was determined that he ask Cyntia to marry him, but he didn't love her. When he mentioned this to the bartender, he told Noah about a free Christmas cruise if he would play Santa.
Would Starr and Noah decide to go on the cruise? If so, what would their interaction be with each other?
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
July 15, 2023
A fun Christmas story. First grade teacher , Starr signs up to be an elf on a Christmas Cruise to escape news about her ex and his new family. Meanwhile, handsome Noah folks on for someone, and serves as Santa on the same cruise.
A “caper” happens as Noah convinces Starr to be his pretend girlfriend when he realizes his family is on the cruise. Can the pair pull of a charade in front of Noah’s family How will the caper end? Lots of fun descriptions about cruise life and special shore excursions.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion.
A “caper” happens as Noah convinces Starr to be his pretend girlfriend when he realizes his family is on the cruise. Can the pair pull of a charade in front of Noah’s family How will the caper end? Lots of fun descriptions about cruise life and special shore excursions.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion.
July 17, 2023
I read this book as an ARC reader. Thank you Judith Keim.
Starr needs to get away for Christmas her family can’t let go of her ex boyfriend. Noah does not want to propose to a girl his family thinks he’s dating. Starr sees an ad for a free Christmas cruise you just need to apply yo be an elf. Noah wants out of town so he doesn’t have to spend Christmas with his family. They both end up on the cruise him as Santa and her asan elf and his family also. He asks her to be his pretend girlfriend for the cruise. Then they have a fun time together.
Starr needs to get away for Christmas her family can’t let go of her ex boyfriend. Noah does not want to propose to a girl his family thinks he’s dating. Starr sees an ad for a free Christmas cruise you just need to apply yo be an elf. Noah wants out of town so he doesn’t have to spend Christmas with his family. They both end up on the cruise him as Santa and her asan elf and his family also. He asks her to be his pretend girlfriend for the cruise. Then they have a fun time together.
July 14, 2023
A Christmas Cruise Caper is a fun, sweet, fake couple romance. Starr and Noah, seeking to avoid their families for Christmas, end up on a cruise ship as an elf and Santa. Noah's family surprises him by booking themselves on this Christmas cruise. Noah and Starr are great at their cruise jobs. I enjoyed joining this cruise and watching the many Christmas activities, the budding romance and the family dynamics. This book was a great way to spend a few hours escaping July's heat!
July 14, 2023
A cute story to start the holiday mood as Christmas approaches.
Noah is coming off a breakup with his cheating girlfriend, Cynthia, whom everyone in his family expected Noah to marry. Starr’s fiancé broke off their relationship to marry someone else, and now has a baby on the way. An article appears in the local paper, offering a free 7-night cruise over Christmas to anyone willing to play Santa and two elves. To avoid the holiday drama with their families, Noah and Starr decide that this is the ticket. No attachments and no expectations for love.
However, as passengers are boarding for the cruise, a horrified Noah sees his mother, sister, her husband and kids coming up the hallway. Thinking fast, he begs Starr to portray his girlfriend during the cruise so as not to hurt his family’s feelings over not wanting to spend Christmas with them.
As expected, feelings grow during the cruise, and by the end, they cannot imagine being separated. So they agree to spend New Year’s Eve In Miami…..
and it is a Happily Ever After ending.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Noah is coming off a breakup with his cheating girlfriend, Cynthia, whom everyone in his family expected Noah to marry. Starr’s fiancé broke off their relationship to marry someone else, and now has a baby on the way. An article appears in the local paper, offering a free 7-night cruise over Christmas to anyone willing to play Santa and two elves. To avoid the holiday drama with their families, Noah and Starr decide that this is the ticket. No attachments and no expectations for love.
However, as passengers are boarding for the cruise, a horrified Noah sees his mother, sister, her husband and kids coming up the hallway. Thinking fast, he begs Starr to portray his girlfriend during the cruise so as not to hurt his family’s feelings over not wanting to spend Christmas with them.
As expected, feelings grow during the cruise, and by the end, they cannot imagine being separated. So they agree to spend New Year’s Eve In Miami…..
and it is a Happily Ever After ending.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2023
This is a cute story and perfect for Christmas in July!
Noah and Starr decided to do something different and found an opportunity to be Santa and an Elf during a Christmas Cruise.
They met and decided to be friends, but then Noah’s family came aboard and that’s when interesting things happened.
This story was cute and delightful!
Noah and Starr decided to do something different and found an opportunity to be Santa and an Elf during a Christmas Cruise.
They met and decided to be friends, but then Noah’s family came aboard and that’s when interesting things happened.
This story was cute and delightful!
October 22, 2023
Sweet Christmas story
A chance for a free cruise brings Noah, as Santa, and Starr, as an elf, together. Noah's family shows up unexpectedly on the cruise, and Noah talks Starr into pretending to be his girlfriend. Of course, you know it will work out, but it was a quick, fun read, and the cruise descriptions made me feel like I was on the cruise, too.
A chance for a free cruise brings Noah, as Santa, and Starr, as an elf, together. Noah's family shows up unexpectedly on the cruise, and Noah talks Starr into pretending to be his girlfriend. Of course, you know it will work out, but it was a quick, fun read, and the cruise descriptions made me feel like I was on the cruise, too.
December 31, 2024
Although this book was a little lighter than my usual choices, it was a perfect read to escape the busy responsibilities of the holiday season. The predictable outcome was outweighed by the well-written characters that were easy to identify with. All in all, it was a very enjoyable holiday read and definitely worth my time!
July 12, 2023
This book is a great read. It has wonderful characters, beautiful setting and is such a sweet romance. I loved it and highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a fun sweet read.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 28, 2023
An elf and Santa playing parts on a cruise
Who would believe Santa and an elf would pretend to be dating to appease his family that has surprised him on a cruise? Cute story but very abrupt ending that left me wanting more.
Who would believe Santa and an elf would pretend to be dating to appease his family that has surprised him on a cruise? Cute story but very abrupt ending that left me wanting more.
October 29, 2024
3.75/5 Less than a two hour read, this delightful story about two young urbanites, desperate for a stress free holiday season, with have you wishing you could cruise to Cozumel for Christmas in an all-expense paid working holiday; even if you have to pretend to work for the North Pole.
December 17, 2025
i mean…. cute short story perfect for christmas vacation i liked the plot and the setting but i just felt like the ending was super rushed and they met 1 week ago and they get engaged??? like come on also they skipped over all spicy scenes😃 wtf
July 25, 2023
Cute
Cute little Christmas story. Family was everything in this story. It's amazing what people do for love. Santa Claus and the elves made the story.
Cute little Christmas story. Family was everything in this story. It's amazing what people do for love. Santa Claus and the elves made the story.
August 14, 2023
A Christmas Cruise
This was a really cute heart warning short story. Sarah deserved to be happy and Noah was looking for something real.
This was a really cute heart warning short story. Sarah deserved to be happy and Noah was looking for something real.
November 9, 2023
It's a good story BUT, there is way TOO much family interaction and budding in. It's mentioned on the back of the book but it was a little tough to take.
November 18, 2024
Enjoyed this fun story!
December 20, 2024
Fun sweet book
As always Judith Keim has another book that makes you happy that you read it. Great characters. Felt like I was there with them.
As always Judith Keim has another book that makes you happy that you read it. Great characters. Felt like I was there with them.
January 1, 2025
This was a short Christmas book, but filled with cuteness and romance.
The fake dating trope was on full blast, but with a holiday spin.
7.5/10 I enjoyed it, but it could have definitely been longer.
The fake dating trope was on full blast, but with a holiday spin.
7.5/10 I enjoyed it, but it could have definitely been longer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews